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Albie is on a mission! The king has commanded him to deliver an important message to the neighboring castle. Dutifully he dashes away. But once on his way, something comes up . . . and then another thing, and then another! What is one to do when a squirrel, a tired mother and her many children, and an old animal need Albie's help, just has much as his king?In her distinctive, classic style, Hans Christian Andersen Award winner Jutta Bauer, relays a charming tale about the importance of kindness and being true to oneself--even when you are on an important king's errand.

A young boy celebrates a refreshing storm in this joyous picture book about experiencing with all your senses a cloudburst of rain on a hot summer day A boy looks up at the sky and smells the air as the first raindrops hit the ground. He listens as it begins to pour, observing all the symphony of sound this welcome downpour makes. He feels the water droplets on his skin and sees little rivulets of water on the sidewalk. "Badadada" he hears as the rain hits his yellow umbrella, "Ker-sploosh" as he jumps in a puddle. This boy uses all his senses to experience a refreshing summer storm. Koshiro Hata's illustrations revel in the joy of nature in Yuko Ohnari's new book featuring expressive onomatopoeia to sound out and enjoy. You'll definitely want to play outside the next time it rains. Perfect for units on weather and senses--but also just a sweet and happy picture book to enjoy together.

A new holiday classic in the making with a message for all that highlights the spirit of gifts and giving One morning Little Hare wakes up to a thud on her roof. When she goes outside to investigate, she finds a gift-wrapped package has landed on her house. So starts a search to find the owner. She drags the package all over the forest on the back of her sled, but no-one knows whose it is, until she bumps into a large figure dressed in red and white with a long white beard and glasses. This charming story follows the unfolding adventure as Little Hare helps to avoid a disaster and save Christmas for all her forest friends. Little Hare is rewarded for her generosity and selflessness with her own special gift. With delightful pastel art, Shatokhin has penned a tale that wonderfully embodies the spirit of the gifting season.