Introduction to JavaScript Object Notation

Little readers will love second-guessing this funny, fractured fairy tale that replays the story of Little Red Riding Hood from the poor maligned wolf's point of view.No, please. Look at me.Would I LIE to you?It was the old woman who started it.Everyone knows there are at least two sides to every story, and if you believe in the big-eared, sharp-toothed villain of Little Red Riding Hood, there's a logical explanation for everything. As our antihero tells it, it all starts with the helpful wolf doing odd jobs for Grandma (are you sure you don't want to sit a little closer?). How was he to know that he spoiled Little Red would come along and ruin a good working relationship? Zooming in dramatically from strategic angles, the amusing illustrations offer visual clues that this is a story to be taken with a grain of salt ― and a lot of giggling.

The team behind Baby Goes to Market and B Is for Baby visit a Nigerian village for a humorous ode to childhood ingenuity.Lami is the best chicken catcher in the whole village. Her sister may be speedy at spelling, her friend fast at braiding hair, and her brother brave with bulls, but when it comes to chickens, nobody is faster or braver than Lami. That is, until the day when Lami chases a little too fast, up the baobab tree, and reaches a little too far . . . ow! How can she catch chickens with an ankle that’s puffed up like an angry lizard? Could it be, as Nana Nadia says, that quick thinking is more important than quick running? Award-winning author Atinuke celebrates Nigerian village life in a story vibrantly illustrated by Angela Brooksbank with a universal message at its heart.

From National Book Award winner Pete Hautman comes a mysterious modern-day fairy tale about developing a moral compass―and the slippery nature of conscience.For Annie’s tenth birthday, her papa gives her a pad of paper, some colored pencils, and the Klimas family secret. It’s called the nuodeema burna, or eater of sins. Every time Annie misbehaves, she has to write down her transgression and stick the paper into a hidey-hole in the floor of their house. But Annie’s inheritance has a dark side: with each paper fed to the burna, she feels less guilty about the mean things she says and does. As a plague of rats threatens her small suburban town and the mystery of her birthright grows, Annie―caught in a cycle of purging her misdeeds―begins to stop growing. It is only when she travels to her family’s home country of Litvania to learn more about the burna that Annie uncovers the magnitude of the truth. Gripping and emotionally complex, Pete Hautman’s inventive yarn for middle-grade readers d

Bold, hilarious artwork captures the innocent charm of affable George, a dog who is trying to be good ― with disastrous results.George is a dog with all the best intentions. And his owner, Harry, has all the best hopes that George will be a well-behaved dog when he leaves him alone for the day. But when George spies a delicious cake sitting on the kitchen table, his resolve starts to waver. You see, George loves cake. . . . Uh-oh. What to do now? It’s so hard to be a good dog when there are cats to chase and flowers to dig up! What ever will Harry say when he gets back? Chris Haughton’s fetchingly funny story and vibrant, retro illustrations are sure to lure dog lovers of all ages ― and anyone who has ever met a temptation too good to resist.

Twenty-nine playful poems from the maven of math poetry + ingenious high-concept art = countless hours of mind-blowing, mathematical fun.Award-winning author Betsy Franco is back with another pitch-perfect performance that explores a range of math topics―from fractions and time measurements to geometry and graphs―in a way that relates math to the daily lives of children. Even the most mathematically disinclined will warm to these innovative poems, illustrated with game-changing wit and whimsy by Priscilla Tey, whose clever mechanical “Numbots” guide readers through a surreal playground of calculated delights. From multiplying mice to missing socks, from stinky scales to bug races, this collection of imaginative verse subtracts the mystery, fear, and loathing from mathematics, making it engrossing and fun for all.

The classic nursery rhymes we know and love―upside-down, backward, in gibberish, and fresh out of bounds―as only Jon Scieszka could stage themMother knows best, but sometimes a little nonsense wins the day. Inspired by Dadaism’s rejection of reason and rational thinking, and in cahoots with Blanche Fisher Wright’s The Real Mother Goose, this anthology of absurdity unravels the fabric of classic nursery rhymes and stitches them back together (or not quite together) in every clever way possible. One by one, cherished nursery rhymes―from “Humpty Dumpty” to “Hickory Dickory Dock,” “Jack Be Nimble” to “Mother Hubbard”―fall prey to sly subversion as master of fracture Jon Scieszka and acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman refashion them into comics strips, errant book reports, anagrams, and manic mash-ups. Playfully reconstructed, the thirty-six old-new rhymes invite further baloney, bringing kids in on the joke and inviting them to revel in reimagining. Featuring robust back matter, this irre

Young people share valuable advice―words they wish they had heard growing up―to inspire, reassure, encourage, and say You’re enough, just as you are.You can . . . be brave, challenge yourself, overcome your fears, be kind, be YOU! Come on an amazing journey with fourteen young people as they grow from birth to eighteen, learning new skills, exploring new worlds, standing up for their own and others’ rights, and following their dreams. Created in consultation with real young adults, Alexandra Strick’s groundbreaking narrative will inspire and empower young people of all ages and abilities to believe in themselves and follow their own path, especially during tough times. Complemented by Steve Antony’s exuberant and inclusive artwork, which introduces fourteen comparable fictional characters and tracks their growth page by page, You Can! is a timely and meaningful gift for graduates or any reader marking significant milestones.

Rica’s very best friend is moving away. How can she convince her parents to let her get a pet so she won’t be lonely? Friendship and family shine in this engaging young chapter book.Rica Baptista wants―no, needs―a pet. A llama, a kinkajou, or maybe an iguana? She even has a name picked out: Frederica, her own name, after her Cape Verdean great-great-grandfather. But Rica’s parents say no almost faster than their mouths can open. The worst part is that Rica can’t tell anyone the real reason she wants a pet, because she’s not supposed to know―she overheard that her best friend, Laini, is moving away, and Rica worries about being left behind. Rica and Laini make lists of the benefits of having a pet to convince Rica’s parents, and they try all sorts of schemes to raise money to afford one, from party planning to holding a yard sale to entering a poetry contest. But in the end, it might be an act of unselfish kindness and courage that shows that Rica is ready to take on the pet of her drea

What happens when musical instruments can’t make the sounds we expect them to make? Is music still possible? An uplifting picture book based on a true story.The schools of Philadelphia were filling up with broken violins, drums, pianos, and more, making it difficult for students to learn to play. This sparked an idea for a symphony, played entirely with the broken instruments, that would raise funds to repair the instruments themselves. Musicians young and old volunteered, and their captivating performance showed that even something broken can sing―and that great music is always possible with a bit of inventiveness and improvisation. Based on real events, this inspiring story introduces young readers to a range of instruments as it celebrates a community coming together to make a joyful, meaningful noise. More information about the nonprofit organization Broken Orchestra can be found in the back matter, including a link to an audio recording of the symphony performance.

From the creator of Wild Honey from the Moon comes a fanciful lullaby as cozy and unique as a mushroom home.Here is your mushroom at the end of the day.The sun stretches out and sets far away.In gentle rhyme, this spare and whimsical picture book from the one-of-a-kind imagination of Kenneth Kraegel introduces little readers to all sorts of wonderful mushrooms: ones that grow up high and ones that never stay dry, ones that grow in a park and ones that glow in the dark, and even one made just for them! Who can resist climbing up the soft mushroom stair, curling up in a plush mushroom chair, and preparing to dream sweet mushroom dreams? The lulling narration and warm illustrations of this charmingly quirky book will have drowsy young ones settling into their own comfy beds, ready to drift off to sleep.

A renowned photographer and a Pura Belpr?Honor-winning illustrator join forces for a playful and stylish picture book that's destined to make the world a better place, one word at a time. Perfectly pitched to the youngest child, Alexi Lubomirski's whimsical text is a gentle reminder that words have power--the power to hurt or to heal, to make someone feel small or feel tall. Carlos Aponte's buoyant illustrations, in dazzling primary colors and bold black line, pair with a dynamic text design to create a visual symphony. An eye-catching appeal to our better natures, this inspired meditation on the purpose and power of words encourages children to choose them well--and use them wisely--to spread kindness, joy, and love.

Art and family transcend differences in language and culture in this sensitively told, exquisitely illustrated story of a child starting a new school. When Shu Lin starts at her new school, she wears yellow rain boots and a pink coat. At recess, she stands alone in the playground. At lunchtime, she eats by herself from little boxes of brightly colored food. Her classmates aren't sure what to make of her. But one day, when Shu Lin's grandpa comes to school to share his amazing artwork, everything changes. With a stunning double-gatefold spread revealing a beautiful Chinese painting, this uplifting story shows the transformative power of art and imagination in developing cultural understanding and empathy.

Little readers can love the Nutbrown Hares from spring to summer to fall to winter--and back--with this gorgeous, reissued collection of four sweet stories. When seeds, plants, and other creatures begin to change in the spring, Little Nutbrown Hare has lots of questions, including wondering what he will turn into one day. By summer, he notices colors everywhere--lovely greens, reds, and blues--but there's one color he likes best of all. In autumn, the wind sends leaves flying, inspiring some hiding and chasing--and a funny surprise for Big Nutbrown Hare. And when wintertime comes, Little Nutbrown Hare makes a discovery: that "I Spy" is especially fun to play in the snow. Returning to shelves with a charming new cover, this collection of simple, endearing tales, starring two of the world's most beloved characters, is perfect for sharing with little hares any time of year.

A Kirkus Reviews Most Anticipated Book of 2021In Meg Medina's follow-up to her Newbery Medal-winning novel, Merci takes on seventh grade, with all its travails of friendship, family, love--and finding your rhythm. Seventh grade is going to be a real trial for Merci Su嫫ez. For science she's got no-nonsense Mr. Ellis, who expects her to be a smart as her brother, Roli. She's been assigned to co-manage the tiny school store with Wilson Bellevue, a boy she barely knows, but whom she might actually like. And she's tangling again with classmate Edna Santos, who is bossier and more obnoxious than ever now that she is in charge of the annual Heart Ball. One thing is for sure, though: Merci Su嫫ez can't dance--not at the Heart Ball or anywhere else. Dancing makes her almost as queasy as love does, especially now that T燰 In廥, her merengue-teaching aunt, has a new man in her life. Unfortunately, Merci can't seem to avoid love or dance for very long. She used to talk about everything with her grand

In a satisfying finale to her trilogy, Newbery Medalist Meg Medina follows Merci Su嫫ez into an eighth-grade year full of changes--evolving friendships, new responsibilities, and heartbreaking loss. For Merci Su嫫ez, eighth grade means a new haircut, nighttime football games, and an out-of-town overnight field trip. At home, it means more chores and keeping an eye on Lolo as his health worsens. It's a year filled with more responsibility and independence, but also with opportunities to reinvent herself. Merci has always been fine with not being one of the popular kids like Avery Sanders, who will probably be the soccer captain and is always traveling to fun places and buying new clothes. But then Avery starts talking to Merci more, and not just as a teammate. Does this mean they're friends? Merci wants to play it cool, but with Edna always in her business, it's only a matter of time before Merci has to decide where her loyalty stands. Whether Merci is facing school drama or changing fami

What kind of work does Maisy want to do? Bold, enticing pictures and words inside a handy tabbed board book help babies and toddlers make language connections.Does Maisy want to work as a firefighter? Turn the tab marked with a fire hose and find all the exciting gear that comes with the job. Would the friendly mouse make a good train conductor? Find the train-engine tab and get ready to name all the things that go with the trade. From a hospital to a construction site to a sports arena, from a cement mixer to a fire helmet to a soccer ball, little ones will find many things to recognize and discover as they have fun learning first words with Maisy.

Maisy is heading to town. What do you see? Babies and toddlers will make easy language connections thanks to the bright, appealing pictures and words in this tabbed board book.Here comes the bus for Maisy to ride into town. What can be seen on the way? At the supermarket, there are many things on Maisy’s list. What can you find? From getting ready to leave the house to perusing a garden center to shopping for clothes, from a bicycle to an umbrella to an assortment of treats, little ones will find many things to recognize and discover as they have fun learning first words with Maisy.

Cozy and expansive at once, this warm bedtime book reminds us that our aspirations―no matter how big―deserve the universe.A gorgeous picture-book ode to wonder and safety, told in cumulative rhyme and with earthy illustrations evoking brick brownstones and crisp autumn skies. In a galaxy spiraling white, on a small blue planet with a moon so pretty, in a green park in a bustling city, a little girl sits on a blanket with her family, eating a sandwich, an apple, and chips. Equipped with telescope and space book, Violet gazes up into the great beyond, imagining a rocket ride to the stars…and a soft, sleepy return to her blanket. Lyrical and meditative, this is the perfect picture book to savor and share during a late-night picnic under the moon―or anytime.

Small children who like big machines that go―and things that grow―will love this ode to farm equipment from the team behind the Roadworks series.Down on the farm, let’s plant the seeds.Tip them! Flip them!Go, go, go!From the plow that cuts the earth and the harrow that churns the soil to the seed drill that plants the seeds, the sprayer that waters them, the combine harvester that reaps the corn, and the dump cart that brings the tasty load to the truck, there’s plenty of noisy excitement that happens on a farm. And don’t forget the hard-working tractor, which rests when the farm workers take a break and sample the crop! From the creative pair that brought us the Roadworks series (with more than a million copies sold), Tractor will be a go-to read-aloud for little ones mesmerized by its sound words and bold, graphic sights.

When her cherished Ma Millie falls ill, a timid housecat ventures into the wild to seek help in this adventure about love, loss, and finding the truest version of ourselves.A warm, cozy lap. The toasty smell of baking bread. Tasty food served in a bright-blue bowl. These make Haven’s life as an indoor pet heaven. All thanks to her beloved human and rescuer, Ma Millie. But when Ma Millie becomes too sick to care for her, the cat’s cozy life is turned upside down, and Haven decides she must seek out another human for help. Anything for Ma Millie! Her vow pulls her out of her safe nest into the shadowy forest and down unfamiliar and dangerous roads. When her first plan fails, Haven meets a wilderness-savvy fox who volunteers as an ally, and their perilous journey together brings some victories. But Haven finds herself pitted against creatures far wilder than she ever could be, testing her strength and spirit to their limits. Will her loyalty to Ma Millie―and her newfound confidence in her

In the final episode of the ZomBert Chronicles, can Bert and Mellie foil a plot to turn the entire town of Lambert into ravenous zombie consumers?A thrilling finale to an arch mystery-adventure series pits Bert the cat against the infamous YummCo Labs. Bert was a bedraggled stray before nine-year-old Mellie Gore adopted him―and has already escaped from YummCo once, vowing to find a way back to free the other captives. Now the Yumms have nabbed Bert again, and he wants revenge. Mellie’s plans to rescue her pet are interrupted when the entire town, including her own parents, begin turning into YummCo-product-consuming zombies. And why is Mellie herself suddenly starved for food to fuel her buzzing brain? What exactly is happening at the YummCo Labs? With trademark wit and a taste for the playfully macabre, award-winning creators Kara LaReau and Ryan Andrews close out the ZomBert Chronicles with a funny and suspenseful flourish.

A tender story follows a mother-and-daughter pair enjoying a ritual to remember: a bus ride to the countryside, baskets full of berries, and a fragrant pie.As the sun starts to rise, a young girl and her mother set out on the bus, riding knee to knee to visit their mulberry tree in the English countryside. With buckets and tubs in hand for collecting berries, the two spend a day picnicking, waiting out a summer shower under their tree, and climbing as high as they can to pick the best mulberries, the ones that are tucked away from the world. When the sun starts to set, they head home to bake a delicious pie, all the while knowing they’ll be back next year to do it all again. Author Tanya Rosie makes her picture book debut with a heartfelt story honoring family traditions and time spent together with someone you love.

The creators of Pick a Pine Tree are back with a joyful, energetic celebration of a Halloween tradition.Pick a pumpkin from the patch. Tall and lean or short and fat. Vivid orange, ghostly white, or speckled green, might be just right.Pairing a wonderfully rhythmic read-aloud text with expressive retro illustrations, author Patricia Toht and illustrator Jarvis capture all the excitement and familial feeling of a favorite holiday tradition. Readers will be happy to follow along with each step, from picking out the perfect specimen at the pumpkin patch (be sure to stop for cider and toffee apples) to carting it home, scooping out the insides, carving a scary face, and finally lighting a candle inside ― savoring the familiar ritual of transforming an ordinary pumpkin into a one-of-a-kind glowing jack-o’-lantern.

A boy wonders what honeybees do all day―and they offer to show him! Charlotte Voake delivers a delightful story filled with whimsy and wonder.On a warm spring day, a curious boy watches the bees go back and forth from their hive. To his surprise, he hears tiny voices―the honeybees have a magic bee suit just for him! The next minute, the boy is the same size as Bella, Beatrice, and the rest of the sociable bees, ready to spend the day learning all about them. And when the day is over, the boy has an idea of his own about how to make his new friends’ lives even sweeter. Playful illustrations bring to life this buzzy adventure from beloved author-illustrator Charlotte Voake.

When a sassy drummer starts kindergarten, the rules of school cramp her style. What’s a young rock star to do?When Lupe Lopez struts through the doors of Hector P. Garcia Elementary in sunglasses with two taped-up Number 2 pencils―drumsticks, of course―poking from her pocket, her confidence is off the charts. All day, Lupe drums on desks, tables, and chairs while Ms. Quintanilla reminds her of school rules. Lupe has her own rules: 1) Don’t listen to anyone. 2) Make lots of noise. ¡Rataplán! 3) Have fans, not friends. But with her new teacher less than starstruck, and fans hard to come by, Lupe wonders if having friends is such a bad idea after all. Can it be that true star power means knowing when to share the spotlight? With its spirited illustrations and a simple text threaded through with Spanish words, this picture book is proof positive that being a strong girl moving to her own beat doesn’t have to mean pushing others away.

Savvy rescue dog McTavish finds a surprising way to ease young Betty’s worries about moving to a new house―and a new school―in this fourth adventure told with warmth and wit.When Pa Peachey comes home in a happy-go-lucky mood―and singing!―the family is concerned. Pa has never not been grumpy after work! But when Ma and siblings Ava and Ollie learn that Pa has gotten a new job―which means moving to an appealing new house―they are all pretty quick to get on board. Even McTavish the dog is excited to make a canine pal in the new park nearby. Only the youngest sibling, Betty, remains out of sorts―nervous about changing schools, making friends, and leaving behind the house where she and McTavish grew up. But McTavish, with his special canine senses―and his vow, as a “rescue dog,” to save the family whenever need arises―knows how to help Betty regain her confidence and feel at home again. With tenderness and gentle humor, the Peachey family returns in McTavish on the Move, the fourth book in

A brave young girl rows out to meet her destiny in a lavishly illustrated original tale steeped in fairy lore, from a traditional Irish storyteller.A daughter embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her father in this beautiful, eerie, and timeless original folktale. Eily and her father live in Ireland, three fields from the sea, within sight of the enchanted isle of Lisnashee. The fairy folk who live there cause mischief and harm to any who trespass, but once a year at Midsummer, Eily’s father, the Fog Catcher, rows out to collect magic from the fog around the island. His sole protection is a charm tucked in his pocket, and when Eily finds the lost charm in a hedgerow after he departs, she knows at once what she must do. Haunting watercolor paintings evoke the beauty of the Irish coastline in an imaginative coming-of-age tale about honoring the past and taking courage with an open heart.

This rollicking, rhyming tale of animal poo will have children squealing with laughter―even as they learn about forest ecosystems and discover surprising facts about scat.Sniff, sniff! went Mouse. Whiff, whiff! went Mouse.“Who left this poo outside my house? I must undo this mystery. Poo-dunit?”Mouse is dismayed to step outside her house one morning only to discover a giant pile of poo! Who could have done such a dastardly deed? Mouse questions all the animals of the forest, but it’s too big to be Squirrel’s, too dark to be Coyote’s, and too messy to be Deer’s. Will Mouse ever track down the culprit―and will she find a way to make the best of this smelly situation? Between giggles at every mention of the word poo, children will learn to identify eight different animals’ scat and discover how droppings can help plants to grow, all while enjoying Katelyn Aronson’s rhyming text and Stephanie Laberis’s expressive animals. Back matter includes a mini “poo-dunit” mystery challenging children

In 1848, an educated slave girl faces an inconceivable choice ― between bondage and freedom, family and love.On one side of the Mason-Dixon Line lives fifteen-year-old Willow, her master’s favorite servant. She’s been taught to read and has learned to write. She believes her master is good to her and fears the rebel slave runaways. On the other side of the line is seventeen-year-old Cato, a black man, free born. It’s his personal mission to sneak as many fugitive slaves to freedom as he can. Willow’s and Cato’s lives are about to intersect, with life-changing consequences for both of them. Tonya Cherie Hegamin’s moving coming-of-age story is a poignant meditation on the many ways a person can be enslaved, and the force of will needed to be truly emancipated.

Ralphie is excited to sing and dance with his friends―until Chad makes fun of them for being “girly.” Can everyone learn to be true to themselves?When Louie and Ralphie Ratso see their friends singing and dancing in the run-down band shell in the Big City Park, Louie gets one of his big ideas. They’ll put on a concert to raise money to improve the park! But as Ralphie, Tiny, Velma, and Millicent plan a repertoire by the Critter Kidz, their favorite pop group, featuring costumes full of glitter and sequins, Chad Badgerton teases and says they look “girly”―making Ralphie self-conscious about being in the group. Why is being girly a bad thing? Then Tiny, their lead singer, loses his voice, and the gang worries that the concert won’t happen at all―until Ralphie and Louie discover that Chad has a secret fan stash of his own. Can Ralphie muster enough confidence to help Chad find his? Fans of the Ratsos as well as readers new to the series will be tickled and heartened by this latest adventu

Celebrate the beauty and diversity of life in the Arab diaspora throughout the year.Wrapping grape leaves, playing doumbek, drawing henna tattoos,we’re Arab, Arab, Arab, the whole year through!Yallah! From January to December, join some busy kids as they partake in traditions old and new. There’s so much to do, whether it’s learning to write Arabic or looking at hijab fashion sites while planning costumes for a local comic convention. With details as vivid as the scent of jasmine and honeysuckle perfume (made to remind Mom of Morocco), children bond with friends, honor tradition, and spend loving time with family. Accompanied by buoyant and charming illustrations, this portrait of Arab life and childhood zeal is sure to bring joy all year round. Back matter includes an extensive glossary and notes to enrich the experience for readers of any culture.

The creator of Gustavo, the Shy Ghost presents a stylish, delightfully ghoulish board book that little ones can count on―with the help of monsters of all shapes and sizes.Run like a monster!Run like Pete.Pete has SEVEN feetfor racing down the street.Count from one to ten with these funny, flamboyant monsters! As children peruse one tongue, two ears, three eyes, and more, they may be inspired to swing, build, flutter, drum, and learn the names for different body parts, too. With monstrously bright illustrations and a rhyming text, this sturdy board book makes the perfect gift for a new arrival or a must-have addition to a toddler’s first library.

The latest tale from Deckawoo Drive―and New York Times best-selling creators Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen―is a balm for young worrywarts facing the unknown.Welcome back to Deckawoo Drive for a sixth endearing installment in the companion series to Kate DiCamillo’s New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson books. Frank Endicott is a worrier. He worries about lions, submarines, black holes, leprosy, and armadillos. He lists his worries alphabetically in a notebook and suffers vivid nightmares that even a certain neighborhood pig can’t dispatch. When he accompanies Eugenia Lincoln on an errand to duplicate a key at her favorite dark and dusty thrift shop, Frank earns fresh cause for alarm. Odd Buddy Lamp, the shop’s proprietor, has sent them home with the original key and its copy. Can Frank come to terms with the mystery without buckling under his mounting dread? With a little help from friends (old and new), hot cocoa, and some classic short stories read aloud, the prognosis is goo

Kids will gobble up this hilarious second adventure starring Frank and Bean, who prove that, win or lose, true friends can make any competition go down easy.Frank likes peace and quiet. He likes his tea, his book, and his yoga mat. He is just settling in to enjoy them, when…honk! honk! honk! Here comes Bean with his new food truck! It is fun on wheels! It’s a rolling party! Bean is going to Food Truck Friday to sell his donuts. Bean’s donuts have zip. They have zing. They are sure to win the competition! Frank has something to sell, too. He has oatmeal. Oatmeal is boring. It needs zip. It needs zing. What if Bean’s donuts could help Frank’s oatmeal? What if donuts and oatmeal could work together, just like friends? Dry wit meets stylish, comical artwork as introspective Frank and gregarious Bean return in a tale for anyone who likes food, unlikely friendships, and laugh-out-loud funny adventures.

No racing in the haul-ways! From the late, beloved author Amy Krouse Rosenthal, a look at seven adorable train cars on their first day of school.All aboard the train-car pool! A new lineup of students is off and rolling to Choo-Choo School. After reciting their classroom rules ― Work hard, play fair, be kind ― it’s time for some math to get the wheels turning. Then everyone’s ready to climb a hill in gym (it’s good to blow off steam), sing songs in music (Flat Car is a bit off-key), and learn the whole alphabet, especially the letter R. In one of Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s last books, lighthearted verse portrays a world where train stations are classrooms, the conductor doubles as the teacher, and Boxcar is happy to hand out tissues to anyone who ah-choo-choos. Bright, energetic illustrations by animation artist Mike Yamada bring the whole clickety crew to rollicking life.

A dog with a plan adopts a chaotic family in a wry comedy extolling the virtues of common sense.When Ma Peachey takes up yoga, the rest of the family finds themselves abandoned to chaos: no one cooks dinner, no one picks up the dirty laundry, the children are always late for school, and there is a good deal of squabbling and squalor. Ma may be off finding inner peace, but irritable Pa Peachey, glum Ava, and wannabe girl-charmer Ollie are falling apart. Only Betty, the sensible youngest child, is wise enough to see that this family is in need of rescue. Enter McTavish, a rescue dog who, true to his mission, is ready to teach this family some new tricks. Getting the Peacheys to behave will take work, but if anyone can do it, McTavish can. After all, he’s a very good dog ― maybe even a psychological mastermind!

WWNDD? What Would Nancy Drew Do? Judy and her new friend, Mighty Fantaskey, take cues from their favorite sleuth as they search for a lost mood ring in a spooky attic.Judy Moody is freaky for Nancy Drew, the famous girl detective from the book series. Nancy Drew is an ace at solving mysteries with brains, bravery, and bobby pins, and Judy is determined to solve mysteries too. So when Judy bumps into Mighty Fantaskey, she is excited to meet another Nancy Drew fan and to make a new friend. Excited, that is, until she visits Mighty’s house: it’s big and old and creaky and definitely haunted. It even turns Judy’s mood ring the color of fear! On Judy’s first visit, she hightails it out of there, leaving Mighty in the dust. But where is Judy’s favorite ring? Jeepers! Can Judy pluck up enough courage to go back and find it―and solve the real-life mystery waiting in Mighty’s attic?

A poignant exploration of love, loss, and possibility, inspired by the last story idea from the legendary John Burningham.Miles was a difficult dog until he got his own motor car. But now he is growing older, and new challenges are arising. He doesn’t chase balls like he used to. His legs hurt whenever he takes walks. And sometimes he doesn’t hear when Norman calls him. So when Norman learns that Mr. Huddy’s small airplane is in need of a pilot, Miles takes to the skies. In a deeply moving, ultimately uplifting picture book, the star of Motor Miles returns in a story that will resonate with readers who know what it’s like to say goodbye to someone they love. Based on an idea by incomparable picture-book creator John Burningham, the text for Air Miles was completed by his longtime friend Bill Salaman and lovingly illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, John Burningham’s wife.

Yippee! Towel, hat, sunglasses, sand toys…everyone’s favorite baby is off and running for a day at the beach―with a new friend.Pack a beach bag and join Baby for that quintessential summer activity: a day at the seashore. With a new little pal in tow, it’s time to put on sunscreen (rubby, rubby), set up the umbrella (ouch, this sand is hot!), splash in the waves (run away from the big ones!), and build a sandcastle (extra hands help!). And don’t forget ice cream! Thankfully, there’s a shower for rinsing off that sandy, sticky stuff. There’s so much to do and see that it might be a challenge to get these babies back home! Little ones off on a summer vacation will soak up this fun adventure, and fans of the beloved Baby will be tickled to meet an adorable new character.

With a simple, witty story and free-spirited illustrations, Peter H. Reynolds entices even the stubbornly uncreative among us to make a mark -- and follow where it takes us.Her teacher smiled. "Just make a mark and see where it takes you."Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herself. But Vashti can't draw - she's no artist. To prove her point, Vashti jabs at a blank sheet of paper to make an unremarkable and angry mark. "There!" she says.That one little dot marks the beginning of Vashti's journey of surprise and self-discovery. That special moment is the core of Peter H. Reynolds's delicate fable about the creative spirit in all of us.