List

Everyone in the Hundred-Acre Wood has thought of a great Mother's Day present for Kanga -- everyone except for Roo. Roo needs to find the perfect present to show Kanga that she's the very best mom in the whole world. But Kanga tells Roo that having him for a son is the best present she could ever receive. This is the perfect first reader to share on Mother's Day.

Although it takes her some time, Charity thinks of the perfect Mother's Day gift for her busy mother.

The weirdness never stops!

Oh no! Kids are getting too unhealthy, so Ella Mentry School has hired a health teacher to help the kids eat right and exercise. Ms. Leakey is a real health nut. She makes a punching bag filled with junk food! She designs a robot that smokes and drinks! She opens up a fast food restaurant that sells broccoli burgers! She puts sunscreen on her car!

Miss Fox's class is back, and this time the students are lethargic and cranky until they learn to eat better, exercise, and get more sleep. "This class is going to get fit!" Miss Fox says. "So we can be ready for Field Day?" asks Frog. "Not just Field Day," says Miss Fox. "For every day!"

Llama Llama TOUCH!
Llama Llama TAP!
Llama Llama Red Pajama
CLAP, CLAP, CLAP!

Can you move like Llama Llama? Watch Llama hop, stretch, touch, and tap in this third board book by Anna Dewdney. Then you can do it, too!

We all come in different shapes and sizes, and it doesn't matter if you are tall, short, skinny, or round.Your body is your own, and you need to take care of it.

Whether it's a New Year's resolution or simply time for a change, this book is the perfect catalyst to get readers moving. Vibrant, fun-filled illustrations and an encouraging text explain the many great reasons to exercise, from making new friends to going new places, or just because it's good for your body. Nancy Carlson's gleeful, kid-friendly story is sure to make readers young and old get up and exercise!

Beginning with a concise discussion of each food group and the newly redesigned food pyramid, and including sections on exercise, drugs, and self-esteem, this informative and lively book will help kids pick up nourishing foods and get into wholesome habits. Gr. 2-4. Miller, who illustrated Barbara Seuling's" From Head to Toe "(2002), contributes both words and pictures in another book about kids and their bodies, which focuses on healthy lifestyle choices. Opening spreads introduce the basic food groups, followed by pages about the day's early meals (breakfast, lunch, and snack), with menu suggestions for each. Later sections touch on physical and mental health: exercise, sleep, moods, and things to avoid (drugs and alcohol). The text is sometimes confusingly brief, and children will need adults to expand on such subjects as eating disorders and steroids, as well as on some sophisticated vocabulary defined). The jumbled format, with brief text boxes and bright pictures cr

Let the Fitness Festival Begin!
The Pee Wee Scouts are getting into shape. It's exercise and sports galore! Mrs. Peters, their troop leader, explains each event and tells the Scouts how to earn the Fitness badge. Molly gets excited. About the bicycle race. Softball. Push-ups too.
But push-ups are hard when your underwear's too light. And Molly's not sure about aerobic dancing with Mrs Betz. What should she wear?
Step and skip. Step and skip. Soon the Scouts are all worn out. Knees high! Try, try, try. Can this pooped troop of Pee Wees get that badge?

Mrs.Teaberry has persuaded Mr.Putter to sign up for the seniors' marathon.First prize is golf clubs, but second prize is ...a train set! Mr.Putter really wants that train set.Never mind that he can't even touch his toes.Somehow, he has got to find a way to place second....

It's going to be an active month in I.Q.'s classroom, it's Health Month! And when the school announces that those who pass the fitness test will get a gold ribbon, I.Q. knows right away that he wants to win one.

In class, Mrs. Furber teaches the students all about a balanced diet and the food pyramid, drinking the right amount of water, exercising for fitness, and balancing that activity with good rest. But I.Q. can't run as long or jump as far as the other students, and he's worried that he won't win a ribbon. Will I.Q.'s hard work pay off as he goes for the gold?

Elmo (with his mommy as spotting for safety) demonstrates a somersault, cartwheel, and tripod-into-handstand to show toddlers how much fun it can be to move around, shake things up, and get some exercise! The tone is full of energy and emphasizes enjoyment of physical activity rather than imparting a weighty message. Sturdy board pages will hold up to repeated readings, which this engaging book is sure to get.

Wash Your Hands explores the importance of good hand-washing practices in a simple, engaging way that will help readers develop word recognition and reading skills.

Yuck, germs! Germs can make us sick. How do we stay healthy? With engaging text and colorful photos, readers find out how to keep the germs away. Stop the Germs! includes a glossary, read more section, kid-friendly internet sites, and an index.

Why keep clean? -- What are germs? -- How hand-washing helps -- Cleaning nails -- Super skin! -- Healthy hair -- Taking care of teeth -- Eyes and ears -- Know your nose! -- Clean clothes -- Keeping your room clean -- Get into a routine -- Make a bath bomb

Learn how to choose healthy foods that taste good and why home cooking is an important part of being healthy.

Eating the right foods is a big part of staying healthy. However, it's not always easy to figure out just what the right foods are. Readers (Grades 3-5) will learn about the history of nutrition science and discover what roles different nutrients play in the body.

Filled with photos, illustrations, lesson plans, and an extensive quick-reference bibliography, this detailed manual is an indispensable guide for introducing yoga in public school and therapeutic settings, as well as a great handbook for parents who would like to share yoga with their children. Easy to use and appropriate for children and teenagers, it includes information on integrating the Yoga Calm technique with regular classwork, modifications for specific classroom situations, alignment and safety principles, anecdotal examples from the authors' direct experience, and “emotional first aid tips” to help young people maintain a calm center when they most need it.

Learning healthy habits starts in childhood, and this book shows kids simple ways to stay healthy. Chapters encourage young readers to get active, cut down on junk food, and to take control of taking care of themselves. The book empowers kids to live a healthy life and to help others by sharing the healthy habits they learn.

Just in time for the Olympic Games, the Smurfs are having a contest of their own! Hefty Smurf wants to get the Smurfs excited about exercising, so he organizes the first-ever Smurf Championship Games. Weakling Smurf trains very hard but he is very weak. Can he find the confidence he needs to win?

"The ABCs of Yoga for Kids around the World" takes children, parents and educators on a fun-filled tour of over 30 countries. This beautifully illustrated hardcover book uses the alphabet, charming rhymes, and kid-friendly facts to introduce children to yoga while teaching them more about different areas of the world (including how to say "hello" in the language of each country). A follow-up to the international, bestselling "The ABCs of Yoga for Kids," this book also features simple yoga poses that are suitable for children (and adults) of all ages and athletic abilities. Written in honor of International Kids Yoga Day, "The ABCs of Yoga for Kids around the World" celebrates both our diversity and oneness at the same time. "The ABCs of Yoga for Kids" books and learning tools are used in schools, libraries, childcare facilities, yoga studios and homes all around the world. Additionally, select poses form the foundation for the 5-minute yoga routine performed on International Kids' Yoga Day each year. Written by Teresa Anne Power, kids' yoga expert, Kids Yoga Day founder, and head of the nonprofit organization World Yoga Power, "The ABCs of Yoga for Kids Around the World" has something for everyone, sharing new yoga poses and fun facts about this wonderful world in which we live.

Relevant images match informative text in this introduction to keeping fit. Intended for students in kindergarten through third grade

Kids love yoga—and it’s great for them, so much so that the President’s Council has added the practice to the fitness activities in the annual President’s Challenge. For parents and caregivers looking for a fun and effective new routine for bedtime, innovative educator Mariam Gates presents Good Night Yoga, a playful yet wholly practical book for preparing for sleep.

This beautifully illustrated, full-color book tells the story of the natural world as it closes down for the night, while teaching children a simple flow of yoga postures inspired by their favorite characters from nature. Moving from "Sun Breath" to "Cloud Gathering" to "Ladybug & Butterfly" and more, readers learn techniques for self-soothing, relaxing the body and mind, focusing attention, and other skills that will support restful sleep and improve overall confidence and well-being.

Calm and awake, "I can do this!"

is all I need to say.

A deep breath in, a long breath out—

I am ready for the day!

This "wake up" story is so much more than a story. It’s a practice for kids and parents to greet the morning with joy and embark on their daily adventures with intention and confidence. Turn the page and reach up to the sky, press your feet into the earth, and get ready for a great day!

This thoughtful advice book will guide girls through the next steps of growing up. Written by Dr. Cara Natterson for girls 10 and up, The Care & Keeping of You 2 follows up the original bestseller with even more-in-depth details about the physical and emotional changes girls are going through. With illustrations and expert contributors, this book covers new questions about periods, her growing body, peer pressure, personal care and more.

Team sport or solo activity? To compete, to have fun with your friends, to express your creativity, or to feel good in your own skin? Whatever you play, whatever your reason, whatever your level, this book is for you. You'll find: exercises to make you stronger and last longer - confidence-building tips and brainpower drills - how to keep your body healthy, and why - team- and spirit-building activities - advice for talking with coaches and parents - tips for playing with heart - tons of ideas from girls like you.

Tweens learn effective, easy-to-use self-care skills to take control of their fitness and diet while developing healthy self-esteem. Whether they are underweight, overweight, or just the right weight, this book shows kids how to take a positive, holistic approach to their health and wellness.
Be Fit, Be Strong, Be You provides kid-friendly tools healthy kids need: knowledge about exercise and nutrition for kids and self-care skills they can use to stay positive and focused.

Specific tips on eating, exercise, and self-esteem include planning meals and healthy on-the-go snacks, food journaling, building exercise into the day, and using affirmations. These are accompanied by self-care skills such as belly breathing, positive imagery, aromatherapy, acupressure, and yoga. Kids learn how their body, mind, and spirit are connected and work together to make a whole, healthy self. You can count on finding sound, accessible kids? health ideas, activities, and self-care skills.

Kids:

• learn how the right food can help them be healthy
• find the right weight for their bodies
• increase their self-confidence
• feel better for school, sports, hobbies, and other activities
• look their best
• discover fun ways to be active

Text and photographs show simple exercises to stay fit.

Let's get fit! -- What is speed? -- Start slow -- Running on a full tank -- Running right -- Frankenstein walk -- Backside kick -- Find a hill -- Basketball slides -- Slow...fact -- Knowing when to stop -- Eating well -- Big challenge.

So you want to be a fit girl? No need to hit the gym. With a flat surface and comfy clothes you can get fit and flexible just about anywhere. Try these poses to get in shape and stay fit and healthy.

Pairing simplified yoga poses with alphabetized animals and objects, ABC Yoga features colorful illustrations of children and animals practicing yoga along with playful rhymes to explain each movement.

Crawl like a crocodile, stretch like a fox, and hop like a grasshopper, discovering basic yoga poses as you learn the alphabet. A fun family read, this interactive title is perfect for teaching toddlers their ABCs, as well as introducing them to familiar animals and basic, simplified yoga poses that promote health and well-being. Each letter of the alphabet is paired with an engaging illustration mimicking the various animals' natural movements. Clever rhymes explain how toddlers (and their parents!) can copy the poses, each of which encourage movement, physical fitness, and mental health.

The 26 yoga poses, one for each letter of the alphabet, are renamed for easy recognition, while an index at the end of the book identifies the correct name for each asana (yoga pose) for the adults. Among them:

• Armadillo (extended child's pose)
• Butterfly (cobbler)
• Dog (downward facing dog)
• Whale (bridge)
• Yak (cow)

The charming pictures and playful rhymes encourage children and their parents to get up and move, promoting physical activity, learning, and togetherness.

With endearing illustrations and mindful concepts, the ABC for Me series pairs each letter of the alphabet with words that promote big dreams and healthy living.

With simple text and fun, engaging illustrations, Yoga Storytimeis the perfect book to introduce kids to the benefits of yoga.

Discover the basics of practicing yoga by tracing the story of its beginnings in India, showing how its earliest practitioners observed things in nature, such as trees, cats, snakes, and lions, and then imitated their poses. They realized that the most simple and natural thing to do is breathe; the practice of yoga starts with becoming mindful of one's own breath and then learning how to breathe and do nothing more.

Míriam Raventós was born and still lives in Barcelona, Spain. It wasn't until her thirties that she began training to be a yoga instructor. She now teaches at Proyoga, a yoga studio that her mother founded in 1985.

Maria Girón was also born in Barcelona and grew up in Garrotxa, Spain. She studied fine arts at the University of Barcelona and illustration at the Llotja School of Art and Design in Barcelona.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER

In this urgent, authoritative book, Bill Gates sets out a wide-ranging, practical--and accessible--plan for how the world can get to zero greenhouse gas emissions in time to avoid a climate catastrophe.

Bill Gates has spent a decade investigating the causes and effects of climate change. With the help of experts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, political science, and finance, he has focused on what must be done in order to stop the planet's slide to certain environmental disaster. In this book, he not only explains why we need to work toward net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases, but also details what we need to do to achieve this profoundly important goal.

He gives us a clear-eyed description of the challenges we face. Drawing on his understanding of innovation and what it takes to get new ideas into the market, he describes the areas in which technology is already helping to reduce emissions, where and how the current technology can be made to function more effectively, where breakthrough technologies are needed, and who is working on these essential innovations. Finally, he lays out a concrete, practical plan for achieving the goal of zero emissions--suggesting not only policies that governments should adopt, but what we as individuals can do to keep our government, our employers, and ourselves accountable in this crucial enterprise.

As Bill Gates makes clear, achieving zero emissions will not be simple or easy to do, but if we follow the plan he sets out here, it is a goal firmly within our reach.

Stretching from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail offers some of America's most breathtaking scenery. After living for many years in England, Bill Bryson moved back to the United States and decided to reacquaint himself with his country by taking to this uninterrupted "hiker's highway." Before long, Bryson and his infamous walking companion, Stephen Katz, are stocking up on insulated long johns, noodles and manuals for avoiding bear attacks as they prepare to set off on a walk that is both amusingly ill-conceived and surprisingly adventurous. John Muir, Henry David Thoreau, and Peter Jenkins never took a hike like this.
"A Walk in the Woods showcases Bryson at the height of his comic powers. Meeting up with characters such as Beulah and her fearsome husband, "Bubba T. Flubba," readers risk snakebite and hantavirus to trudge through swollen rivers, traipse up mountainsteps, and develop a new reverence for cream sodas and hot showers. But Bryson also uses his acute powers of observation to conjure a poignant backdrop of silent forests and sparkling lakes, thereby making a gentle but unforgettable plea for the ecological treasures we are in danger of losing. Fresh, illuminating, and uproariously funny, "A Walk in the Woods is travel writing at its very best.

When her notorious, hilarious, volatile, talented, troubled, and agoraphobic mother goes missing, teenage Bee begins a trip that takes her to the ends of the earth to find her.

A collection of never-before-seen humor pieces--essays, satire, short stories, poetry, cartoons, artwork, and more--from more than 150 of the biggest female comedians today, curated by Amy Solomon, a producer of the hit HBO shows Silicon Valley and Barry.

With contributions from:

Lolly Adefope * Maria Bamford * Aisling Bea * Lake Bell * Rachel Bloom * Rhea Butcher * Nicole Byer * D'Arcy Carden * Aya Cash * Karen Chee * Margaret Cho * Mary H.K. Choi * Amanda Crew * Rachel Dratch * Beanie Feldstein * Jo Firestone * Briga Heelan * Samantha Irby * Emily V. Gordon * Patti Harrison * Mary Holland * Jen Kirkman * Lauren Lapkus * Riki Lindhome * Kate Micucci * Natalie Morales * Aparna Nancherla * Yvonne Orji * Lennon Parham * Chelsea Peretti * Alexandra Petri * Natasha Rothwell * Amber Ruffin * Andrea Savage * Kristen Schaal * Megan Stalter * Beth Stelling * Cecily Strong * Sunita Mani * Geraldine Viswanathan * Michaela Watkins * Mo Welch * Sasheer Zamata * and many more.

More than four decades ago, the groundbreaking book Titters: The First Collection of Humor by Women showcased the work of some of the leading female comedians of the 1970s like Gilda Radner, Candice Bergen, and Phyllis Diller. The book became an essential time capsule of an era, the first of its kind, that opened doors for many more funny women to smash the comedy glass-ceiling.
 

Today, brilliant women continue to push the boundaries of just how funny--and edgy--they can be in a field that has long been dominated by men. In Notes from the Bathroom Line, Amy Solomon brings together all-new material from some of the funniest women in show business today--award-winning writers, stand-up comedians, actresses, cartoonists, and more.

Notes from the Bathroom Line proves there are no limits to how funny, bad-ass, and revolutionary women can--and continue--to be.

As Dave Barry turns seventy—not happily—he realizes that his dog, Lucy, is dealing with old age far better than he is. She has more friends, fewer worries, and way more fun. So Dave decides to figure out how Lucy manages to stay so happy, to see if he can make his own life happier by doing the things she does (except for drinking from the toilet). He reconnects with old friends and tries to make new ones—which turns out to be a struggle, because Lucy likes people a lot more than he does. And he gets back in touch with two ridiculous but fun groups from his past: the Lawn Rangers, a group of guys who march in parades pushing lawnmowers and twirling brooms (alcohol is involved), and the Rock Bottom Remainders, the world’s oldest and least-talented all-author band. With each new lesson, Dave riffs hilariously on dogs, people, and life in general, while also pondering Deep Questions, such as when it’s okay to lie. (Answer: when scallops are involved.)

Lessons from Lucy shows readers a new side to Dave Barry that’s “touching and sentimental, but there’s still a laugh on every page” (Sacramento Bee). The master humorist has written a witty and affable guide to joyous living at any age.

Loretha Curry's life is full. A little crowded sometimes, but full indeed. On the eve of her sixty-eighth birthday, she has a booming beauty-supply empire, a gaggle of lifelong friends, and a husband whose moves still surprise. True, she's carrying a few more pounds than she should be, but Loretha is not one of those women who think her best days are behind her--and she's determined to prove wrong her mother, her twin sister, and everyone else with that outdated view of aging wrong. It's not all downhill from here.

But when an unexpected loss turns her world upside down, Loretha will have to summon all her strength, resourcefulness, and determination to keep on thriving, pursue joy, heal old wounds, and chart new paths. With a little help from her friends, of course.

When Bernie is invited to give the keynote speech at a private investigator convention, his intrepid canine companion is secretly targeted by the high-profile person in charge, an agenda that is complicated by a missing boy and a familiar-looking puppy.

From the host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast comes a heartfelt debut about the unlikely relationship between a young woman who's lost her husband and a major league pitcher who's lost his game.

In a sleepy seaside town in Maine, recently widowed Eveleth "Evvie" Drake rarely leaves her large, painfully empty house nearly a year after her husband's death in a car crash. Everyone in town, even her best friend, Andy, thinks grief keeps her locked inside, and Evvie doesn't correct them.

Meanwhile, in New York City, Dean Tenney, former Major League pitcher and Andy's childhood best friend, is wrestling with what miserable athletes living out their worst nightmares call the "yips": he can't throw straight anymore, and, even worse, he can't figure out why. As the media storm heats up, an invitation from Andy to stay in Maine seems like the perfect chance to hit the reset button on Dean's future.

When he moves into an apartment at the back of Evvie's house, the two make a deal: Dean won't ask about Evvie's late husband, and Evvie won't ask about Dean's baseball career. Rules, though, have a funny way of being broken--and what starts as an unexpected friendship soon turns into something more. To move forward, Evvie and Dean will have to reckon with their pasts--the friendships they've damaged, the secrets they've kept--but in life, as in baseball, there's always a chance--up until the last out.

A joyful, hilarious, and hope-filled debut, Evvie Drake Starts Over will have you cheering for the two most unlikely comebacks of the year--and will leave you wanting more from Linda Holmes.

The dog who thinks of himself as 'Bailey' knows one thing for sure: all dogs go to heaven after they have fulfilled their purpose on earth. But Bailey's work on earth is far from finished, there are still so many more humans that need a dog's talent for unconditional love. There is one family in particular that needs Bailey's help, a family that is on the verge of breaking apart. But if Bailey helps this family he won't remember his previous lives, the connections he's made, and the humans he's met and loved. Bailey must decide whether to sacrifice everything to heal this one, desperate family.

Laurie Gelman’s clever debut novel about a year in the life of a kindergarten class mom—a brilliant send-up of the petty and surprisingly cutthroat terrain of parent politics.

Jen Dixon is not your typical Kansas City kindergarten class mom—or mom in general. Jen already has two college-age daughters by two different (probably) musicians, and it’s her second time around the class mom block with five-year-old Max—this time with a husband and father by her side. Though her best friend and PTA President sees her as the “wisest” candidate for the job (or oldest), not all of the other parents agree.

From recording parents’ response times to her emails about helping in the classroom, to requesting contributions of “special” brownies for curriculum night, not all of Jen’s methods win approval from the other moms. Throw in an old flame from Jen’s past, a hyper-sensitive “allergy mom,” a surprisingly sexy kindergarten teacher, and an impossible-to-please Real Housewife-wannabe, causing problems at every turn, and the job really becomes much more than she signed up for.

Relatable, irreverent, and hilarious in the spirit of Maria Semple, Class Mom is a fresh, welcome voice in fiction—the kind of novel that real moms clamor for, and a vicarious thrill-read for all mothers, who will be laughing as they are liberated by Gelman’s acerbic truths.

From the author of Surprise Me comes an irresistible story of love and empowerment about a young woman with a complicated family, a handsome man who might be "the one," and an IOU that changes everything.

Fixie Farr has always lived by her father's motto: "Family first." And since her dad passed away, leaving his charming housewares store in the hands of his wife and children, Fixie spends all her time picking up the slack from her siblings instead of striking out on her own. The way Fixie sees it, if she doesn't take care of her father's legacy, who will?

It's simply not in Fixie's nature to say no to people. So when a handsome stranger in a coffee shop asks her to watch his laptop for a moment, she not only agrees--she ends up saving it from certain disaster. To thank Fixie for her quick thinking, the computer's owner, Sebastian, an investment manager, scribbles an IOU on a coffee sleeve and attaches his business card. Fixie laughs it off--she'd never actually claim an IOU from a stranger. Would she?

But then Fixie's childhood crush, Ryan, comes back into her life, and his lack of a profession pushes all of Fixie's buttons. As always, she wants nothing for herself--but she'd love Seb to give Ryan a job. No sooner has Seb agreed than the tables are turned once more and a new series of IOUs between Seb and Fixie--from small favors to life-changing moments--ensues. Soon Fixie, Ms. Fixit for everyone else, is torn between her family and the life she really wants. Does she have the courage to take a stand? Will she finally grab the life, and love, she really wants?

Roy Courtright is good-looking, healthy, independent, well liked, and the owner of a successful classic car dealership. His best friend, Sam Grandy, is the near inverse: married, a spendthrift, overweight, needy, and near bankruptcy. Yet they've been inseparable best friends since childhood. As best friends, they share a close and loving bond, often stronger than the relationships other men share with their girlfriends, siblings, even wives.
But in the twenty years since their friendship began, those fundamental differences have become more apparent and their relationship has grown strained. When the two friends encounter serious problems, they're forced to reckon with each other. Do these differences threaten their friendship -- or are the dissimilarities what make it possible? Can they escape the ties of their past, or are they intrinsically bound until death?
When Sam's health begins to falter, he draws Roy into his life again -- and into a chain of deceit, sex, delusion, death, and love such as only a best friend could. With exquisite wit and insidious wisdom, Best Friends weaves a powerful tale about friendship -- and the complex loyalties involved.

From the New York Times best-selling author of The Middlesteins comes a wickedly funny novel about a thirty-nine-year-old single, childfree woman who defies convention as she seeks connection.​

Who is Andrea Bern? When her therapist asks the question, Andrea knows the right things to say: she's a designer, a friend, a daughter, a sister. But it's what she leaves unsaid--she's alone, a drinker, a former artist, a shrieker in bed, captain of the sinking ship that is her flesh--that feels the most true. Everyone around her seems to have an entirely different idea of what it means to be an adult: her best friend, Indigo, is getting married; her brother--who miraculously seems unscathed by their shared tumultuous childhood--and sister-in-law are having a hoped-for baby; and her friend Matthew continues to wholly devote himself to making dark paintings at the cost of being flat broke.

But when Andrea's niece finally arrives, born with a heartbreaking ailment, the Bern family is forced to reexamine what really matters. Will this drive them together or tear them apart? Told in gut-wrenchingly honest, mordantly comic vignettes, All Grown Up is a breathtaking display of Jami Attenberg's power as a storyteller, a whip-smart examination of one woman's life, lived entirely on her own terms.

In a simple, cheerful conversation with nature, a young boy observes how the season changes from winter to spring in Kenard Pak's Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring.

As days stretch longer, animals creep out from their warm dens, and green begins to grow again, everyone knows—spring is on its way!

Join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the melting brook to chirping birds, they say goodbye to winter and welcome the lushness of spring.

A beloved story, now available in English, from Japanese master of children’s book illustration Kazuo Iwamura

When spring comes, it melts the snow. Where will all the water go?

The first harbingers of spring can be seen in the forest—as the wet snow begins to melt. The little squirrels Mick, Mack, and Molly can’t believe that snow can turn into water. That is, until they discover a floating tree and use it as a raft.

This gentle adventure, told in rhyme, is a wonderful celebration of nature and friendship.
 

Offers step-by-step instructions on how to create spring crafts, including a fish wind sock, mini greenhouse, and rain painting.

On a warm, windy day Mouse discovers splashing frogs and fluttering birds in this beautiful Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read book about spring!

The Trolls experience the joys of spring in this leveled reader with stickers!

Based on DreamWorks Animation's Trolls movie and the Netflix series Trolls: The Beat Goes On, Branch keeps hearing a sound that's driving him crazy. Can his friends Poppy and Cloud Guy help him figure out what it is? Boys and girls ages 4 to 6 will love following Branch and his friends in a great new adventure that also features over 30 shiny stickers!

Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories for beginning readers who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

A vibrant celebration of the natural changes and human joys of springtime

A cacophonous celebration of nature's return to vibrancy after a long, quiet winter, Hello Spring! features bright, enticing photographs from award-winning National Geographic photographer Shelley Rotner.

The simple, lyrical text speckled with action-packed verbs--Crocuses tease . . . Dandelions dot . . . Cherry blossoms pop and parade . . . --is accessible for new readers as it introduces the glories and biological rhythms of springtime.

The bright nature photographs will have young readers bursting with enthusiasm for the season as they learn about the changes in the landscape, as snow melts and living things begin to grow.

Shelley Rotner's energetic portraits of diverse children add vitality and warmth to this celebration of the season, showcasing the joy of kids interacting with the natural world.

Follow the changing seasons with the rest of Shelley Rotner's acclaimed Hello Seasons! series!

In this early reader with five short chapters, emerging readers meet Pig and Goose. Pig is happy. She loves to dance. She loves to eat. But she cannot fly. And she cannot swim. Goose can fly like a bird. Goose can glide across the water beautifully. But he cannot tell stories or host a party like Pig can. Pig and Goose are very different. But what they do have in common is that they like each other. And they love springtime.

Simple text and charming illustrations guide beginning readers throughout the story and encourage independent reading.

A lovely story to share with preschoolers and young independent readers. An excellent selection -- School Library Journal starred review

Approachable while giving new readers a sense of accomplishment -- Kirkus Reviews

An ideal choice for older listeners transitioning to young readers, but the playful dialogue also lends itself to reading aloud -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

A quiet but effective reminder that an individual's appearance and skills are not the source of his or her worth -- Publisher's Weekly

The comfortable line-and-watercolor illustrations capture both the season and the spirit of the story -- Horn Book

An adorable baby hare springs into an adventure, following his human friend up, up, and away in this flight of fancy. He follows his friend ever higher, flying through fluffy white clouds, chasing a red airplane through a flock of geese, and soaring into space on a rocket ship, before catching a ride on a shooting star back down to earth—and into his friend’s waiting arms. With bright, kid-friendly collage, this is a beautiful and accessible celebration of Spring and the imagination!

Spring is in the air, and lots of things are growing--including the Room 26 family!

Signs of spring are very exciting to everyone at Longfellow School. Mrs. Brisbane's class has seen flowers poking out of snow and baby birds hatching, and Just-Joey even brought in tadpoles that are growing into frogs. It also means Family Fun Night is coming up, and all of the students' families are involved in making amazing activities.

Humphrey helps in many ways, of course, but he can't stop wondering about his own family. He doesn't know anything about his mom or dad. Luckily, all of his wonderful friends help him see that families come in many shapes and sizes, and Humphrey's might be the biggest (and best!) one of all.

Sun shines on a patch of snow.
Hocus pocus!
Where did it go?
Winter turns to spring in this lyrical book that celebrates the magic of nature and the changing seasons. Eleven gatefolds open to re-create the excitement and surprise of spring's arrival, revealing what happens when snow melts, trees bud, flowers bloom, birds arrive, and eggs and cocoons hatch. Finally, it's warm enough to pack away winter clothes and go out and play!

Baby chicks hatch. Frogs lay eggs. Ducklings waddle. Spring is here! Celebrate the season with lovely photos and a simple design that beautifully support early readers.

The award-winning, bestselling husband-and-wife team of Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek collaborate on this beautiful picture book celebrating the arrival of spring.

Before spring comes, the trees are dark sticks, the grass is brown, and the ground is covered in snow. But if you wait, leaves unfurl and flowers blossom, the grass turns green, and the mounds of snow shrink and shrink.

Spring brings baby birds, sprouting seeds, rain and mud, and puddles. You can feel it and smell it and hear it—and you can read it!

Kevin Henkes uses striking imagery, repetition, and alliteration to introduce basic concepts of language and the changing of the seasons. And Laura Dronzek’s gorgeous, lush paintings show the transformation from quiet, cold winter to the joyful newborn spring.

Watch the world transform when spring comes!

With over one million copies sold, this series of modern classics about the charming Penderwick family, from National Book Award winner and New York Times bestseller Jeanne Birdsall, is perfect for fans of Noel Streatfeild and Edward Eager.

Springtime is finally arriving on Gardam Street, and there are surprises in store for each member of the family.

Some surprises are just wonderful, like neighbor Nick Geiger coming home from war. And some are ridiculous, like Batty's new dog-walking business. Batty is saving up her dog-walking money for an extra-special surprise for her family, which she plans to present on her upcoming birthday. But when some unwelcome surprises make themselves known, the best-laid plans fall apart.

Filled with all the heart, hilarity, and charm that has come to define this beloved clan, The Penderwicks in Spring is about fun and family and friends (and dogs), and what happens when you bring what's hidden into the bright light of the spring sun.

When a bunny is born in spring, he sees the world as green and new and full of hope. But as the seasons change, the bunny worries that the earth may be dying. In bestselling author's Sally Lloyd-Jones' latest picture book celebrating the Easter season and rebirth, nature speaks to the bunny, assuring him of something more. Award-winning artist David McPhail's whimsical illustrations reflect the beauty of the world around us as Lloyd-Jones' inspirational text prompts readers to celebrate the changing seasons and the miracle of nature's rebirth.

Instead of hibernating as he should, a little bear cub goes out in search of spring—and he thinks he's found it! Gloriously illustrated with dioramas and cut-paper collages by the award-winning designer and illustrator Carin Berger, this stunning picture book celebrates the changing of the seasons.

A baby bear cub named Maurice is curious about spring—and he's upset when Mama tells him that before he can experience his first spring, he has to hibernate through his first winter! Mischievous Maurice decides to leave their warm den and go find spring for himself. He asks all his friends for help . . . and finally finds something beautiful and full of magic and light. Spring! He wraps it up and takes it home, determined to show Mama and everyone else. The only problem? When Maurice wakes up, his little piece of spring (a snowball) has melted. This gloriously illustrated book celebrates friendship, curiosity, discovery, and the meaning and beauty of two seasons—winter and spring. Ideal for the classroom, seasonal story times, and bedtime reading.

This Level 1 guided reader discusses human activities during seasonal change. Students will develop word recognition and reading skills while learning about what people do, see, and eat in spring.

Describes some of the signs of spring, including changes in light and temperature, plant growth, buds on trees, baby animals, and other differences, and suggests related activities.

Following a snow-filled winter, a young boy and his dog decide that they've had enough of all that brown and resolve to plant a garden. They dig, they plant, they play, they wait . . . and wait . . . until at last, the brown becomes a more hopeful shade of brown, a sign that spring may finally be on its way.

Julie Fogliano's tender story of anticipation is brought to life by the distinctive illustrations Erin E. Stead, recipient of the 2011 Caldecott Medal.

This title has Common Core connections.

And Then It's Spring is one of The Washington Post's Best Kids Books of 2012.
One of Kirkus Reviews' Best Children's Books of 2012

Excited that spring has finally arrived, Mole tries--unsuccessfully--to wake up Bear, but then he comes up with the perfect plan.

A boy and his pet dragon enjoy a spring day by playing outside and exploring all the season has to offer. This pre-primer book contains high-frequency and sight words. Teacher resources include reading activities to strengthen phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. Beginning Reader with word list. 

While other animals migrate, hibernate, or stay busy all winter, a little white rabbit watches.

It's time to say goodbye to winter and celebrate all the fun and exciting surprises springtime offers—like flying kites, making mud pies, watching new baby animals take their first steps, and dancing among the raindrops. This joyful ode to all things spring is filled with easy-to-decode rhymed text and bright, inviting art. Spring Surprises includes two sheets of stickers.

This evocative portrait of the artists that made Paris tick in the early 20th century is a perfect introduction to the world of contemporary art and literature . . . and to Paris!

On any day of the week, if you cross Paris's Luxembourg Gardens, you will come to a cobbled street called rue de Fleurus. Follow it to number 27, and you will arrive at Gertrude Stein's home. Inside, she and her friend Alice B. Toklas are getting ready for their soiree with Pablo Picasso, Max Jacob, and some other friends. While they are tidying, Pablo is at his easel, working on a painting. His brilliant black eyes never leave the canvas. And what is Max doing? Well, he is completely absorbed in a poem he is writing.

Emma and Owen visit Old Oak at the park. It is spring, and all the living things are busy. Chipper the robin builds a nest. Will Emma and Owen see the baby robins?

One wintry morning, Mama tells Rosy a wondrous story about her own mama, Grandma Beatrice, who could bring spring to cold, cold Minsk by making magic in the kitchen. Together, mother and daughter mix batter and sing a song. Then the batter goes into the pan'pour, swirl, swizzle, FLIP! Soon Papa comes in from the cold and the family shares a special treat. (Hint: A recipe for blintzes is included!)

In this delightfully cozy tale, Holly Berry's stunning illustrations evoke charming folk traditions and the warm magic made in Mama's kitchen.
 

When Skunk wakes from her long winter nap, she can't wait to see all her friends. But they're nowhere to be found! Do they think she stinks? Poor Skunk is fuming ... until she discovers the real reason her friends are missing. In this charming companion to Where Is Bear?, Leslea Newman and Valeri Gorbachev have once again created a funny and warm story about doing whatever it takes to show friends how important they are.

Author Bob Raczka thinks it's a neat coincidence that the word "spring," like so many of its happy activities, ends in "ing." Nature is busy budding and flowering; baby animals are being born; gardeners are planting; and everywhere children are running and playing. Spring Things is sure to encourage young readers to celebrate the coming of this welcome season. Raczka's simple rhymes using "ing" words will inspire children to come up with their own words to describe all the fun and wonder of spring. He lives in Illinois. Judy Stead's vibrant paintings perfectly complement the lively text. She lives in North Carolina.

Hurray for Spring! is a whimsical welcome to a child's favorite season. Delightful, rhyming tex with lots of fun words make this a wonderfully cadenced anthem to spring. Adorable illustrations with larger-than-life details spring off the page. See why Booklist says "Right on target for spring-themed story hours in libraries and preschool centers as well as one-on-one reading, this accessible picture book offers a child's eye view of the season."

One bright day, Mouse and Momma head outside to play.
The wind blows in something
feathery and plump --
a bird,
and something
wiggly and pink --
a worm,
and something
green, who hops and leaps --
a frog.
But before it's time to go back inside, Mouse finds something that's
soft and new with petals...
the prettiest flower he's ever seen!
Could it mean spring is finally here?

In her third and final diary, by Kathryn Lasky, Sofia continues to face the hardship of her new life in America with her cheerful and courageous spirit.

Sofia continues to chronicle life in her new home, the North End of Boston, as her best friend Maureen comes to live with her, and her parents open their own store. Sofia describes the daily hardships and joys that she meets as a new American.

A wonderland of spring & summer activities to motivate and engage students from March through August.

It's the first day of spring. But when Pip and Pop go to the otter pond to ice-skate, they find all the ice has melted! They're disappointed until Bear shows them all the wonderful things there are to do in spring. By the end of the day, everyone in the Big Blue House has caught spring fever!

Although Mother Bear urges Alfie to be patient and sleep, he cannot wait to see tiny butterflies on the wing and hear baby birds chirp in the trees.

Clee is none too happy over the birth of her brother but Uncle Hal surprises her with a turtle who's jumped tank one time too many. When the turtle disappears during a particularly harsh winter, Clee fears the worst. A sensitive tale about the long sleep of winter and the rebirth that comes with spring.

This pint-sized LITTLE BRUCE BOOK is perfect for fans of the Mother Bruce board books.

Ruth the bunny is excited to share the smelly springtime smells of spring with Bruce! But what will Bruce think of all that stink?

Higgins' sparse text is humorously juxtaposed with his signature, detail-packed, engaging illustrations. The mouse-sized treehouse and the despondent, dripping moose are especially delightful. Bruce's unibrow is practically a protagonist in and of itself. Ruth's exuberance plays off Bruce's disgruntledness like a sweet pear off gorgonzola. ---Kirkus Reviews

The Uni the Unicorn reader series has sold more than half a million copies sold, here's a new Uni the Unicorn for early readers! This Step 2 Step into Reading book is about Uni bringing back spring after a long, bleak winter. Everyone's favorite Unicorn is back for

Spring has sprung! Join Uni on this all-new adventure in the land of unicorns! Unicorns can fix things with their horns, and Uni needs to bring back the new growing things of spring.Will Uni be able to restore the signs of spring?

Uni the unicorn is a charming and relatable character! Fans of the picture books, as well as new Uni fans, will be excited to join this bighearted unicorn on an amazing journey. Look for all the Uni stories, including Uni the Unicorn Bakes a Cake, Uni the Unicorn Goes to School, Uni's First Sleepover and more!

Step 2 readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. They are perfect for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

This positive, straightforward book offers kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. Some children with ASDs are gifted; others struggle academically. Some are more introverted, while others try to be social. Some get "stuck" on things, have limited interests, or experience repeated motor movements like flapping or pacing ("stims"). The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders covers all of these areas, with an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance. Meant to be read with a parent, the book addresses questions ("What's an ASD?" "Why me?") and provides strategies for communicating, making and keeping friends, and succeeding in school. Body and brain basics highlight symptom management, exercise, diet, hygiene, relaxation, sleep, and toileting. Emphasis is placed on helping kids handle intense emotions and behaviors and get support from family and their team of helpers when needed. The book includes stories from real kids, fact boxes, helpful checklists, resources, and a glossary. Sections for parents offer more detailed information.

Silver Medal, Mom's Choice Awards for Young Adult Body, Mind and Spirit

Sure, everyone at school knows about Ezra. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure it out. But I don't talk about him to anyone but Zoe...I rarely talk about him even to her. She doesn't ask and I don't tell. If I were to bare my soul about Ez, I'd worry she might turn against him or think less of me or say something about him I couldn't forgive. So I stay silent.

Meet Jenny -- a teen who confides in her diary about what it is like to live with Ezra, her younger brother with autism, and her life with the most "wacky, exasperating, infuriating, amazing younger brother!"

If living with Ezra weren't hard enough, Jenny must deal with school bullies, rude classmates, and fragile friendships. But with the promise of a summer writing program and an Ezra-inspired project, Jenny finds the courage to be more than just "Ezra's sister, protector, defender, and his best and only friend," and loosens the invisible cord just enough to follow her own dreams.

Russell is a boy with autism. Russell is a boy with a great big smile and a family who loves him.

Step into Russell's World for an inside look at real-life family as they share their photos and stories. Kids can see just what Russell and his family experience as well as the surprises and challenges that can come with autism.

"Supportive without sugarcoating, this realistic account of a disorder that affects so many contains at its core a raw emotional heart."--Kirkus Reviews

An extensive Note to Parents offers concrete information about autism and gives parents tips about supporting children with autism and their siblings, getting services, and taking time for self-care.

In How to Talk to an Autistic Kid, a 14-year-old boy describes what it's like being autistic. With frankness and optimism, author Daniel Stefanski provides personal stories, clear explanations, and supportive advice about how to get along with kids with autism.
How to Talk to an Autistic Kid answers many questions readers might have about their autistic peers, like:
Why does my autistic friend sometimes talk too loud or stand too close?
Why does she talk so much about the same topic over and over?
He won't even look at me. Does he really want to be friends?
Why does she complain about the lights (or the noise, or the smell)?
Why does it seem like my friend doesn't understand what I'm saying?
Is he smart?
How should I act when we're together? What can we do together?
What can I do to help autistic kids?
Always straightforward and often humorous, How to Talk to an Autistic Kid will give readers (kids and adults alike) the confidence and tools needed to befriend kids with autism. They'll also feel like they've made a friend already.

Autism affects millions people around the world by limiting their ability to communicate and interact socially with other people.

Some face minor difficulties, while others are so severely affected that they require special assistance throughout their lives. Readers (Grades 3-5) will find out what it is like to live with autism, what causes this condition, how it is treated, and more.

Matt's autism doesn't stop him from having fun! Even when Matt struggles to navigate social situations, his friend is there to help him out. The two boys enjoy playing sports, watching movies, reading books, and talking about animals. Working together, a best friend's compassion and understanding turn Matt's frustration into excitement. Whether on the basketball court, the playground swings, or at the neighborhood pool, the two friends enjoy each other's company.

David Harrington's colorful illustrations complement Celeste Shally's touching story of friendship to create a book that is the perfect guide for children and parents to better understand those with autism spectrum disorders.

Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readers--picture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Callie is very proud of her brother Charlie. He's good at so many things -- swimming, playing the piano, running fast. And Charlie has a special way with animals, especially their dog, Harriett.

But sometimes Charlie gets very quiet.

His words get locked inside him, and he seems far away.

Then, when Callie and Charlie start to play, Charlie is back to laughing, holding hands, having fun.
Charlie is like any other boy – and he has autism.

In this story, told from a sister's point of view, we meet a family whose oldest son teaches them important lessons about togetherness, hope, tolerance, and love.

Holly Robinson Peete, bestselling author, actress, and national autism spokesperson, has paired with her daughter, Ryan, to co-author this uplifting book based on their own personal experiences with Holly's son and Ryan's brother, RJ, who has autism.

Winner of the silver medal in the Moonbeam Children's Books Award in the Picture Book 4-8-year-old category from Independent Publisher

Winner of the Gelett Burgess Children's Book Award

Noah knew he was different. He could see things that others couldn't, like the patterns in the dust that floated down on sunbeams.

Noah is different. He sees, hears, feels, and thinks in ways that other people don't always understand, and he asks a lot of questions along the way. Noah loves science, especially the weather. His books usually provide him with the answers he needs, until one day, there's one question they don't answer--and that is where Noah's windy adventure begins.

Filled with rich, sweeping illustrations, this picture book celebrates the inquisitive nature of all children, including those on the autism spectrum, who cannot stop asking a question until an answer has been unearthed.

The book contains a page of information for parents, caregivers, and educators about the importance of helping children feel good about their differences and know that being different is okay.

Michelle Worthington was born in Brisbane, Queensland, and has lived there all her life. She is much-published author in Australia.

Joseph Cowman lives and paints in the hills and valleys of suburban Idaho. He is a long-standing member of the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators. He is the illustrator of six other Redleaf Lane books, including most recently, The Amazing Erik and Rita and the Firefighters.

Louis has autism, but through imagination, kindness, and a special game of soccer, his classmates find a way to join him in his world. This powerful story highlights the advantages of inclusion for both children with autism and their classmates. Full color.

Gold Medal, Mom's Choice Awards

"It teaches us to embrace not only who we are, but also to embrace the people around us who are brilliantly different thanks to their own amazing, colorful stripes."--Stan Lee, Chairman emeritus of Marvel Comics

Nobody gets me, Mama!

Zane the zebra feels different from the rest of his classmates. He worries that all they notice about him is his "autism stripe." With the help of his Mama, Zane comes to appreciate all his stripes -- the unique strengths that make him who he is!

Includes a Reading Guide with additional background information about autism spectrum disorders and a Note to Parents and Caregivers with tips for finding support.

Foreword by Alison Singer, President, Autism Science Foundation.

Zak knows he's not quite like his siblings and classmates. Bright lights and big crowds send him into freak-out mode. Hugs make him uncomfortable, too. His atypical behaviors, from flapping his arms to spinning his body, seem so out of place. But for Zak, that's just how he copes. Despite some peculiar behaviors, Zak's desires and disappointments are as ordinary as any child's. He loves watches; he hates being excluded. As Zak embraces life the only way he knows how, he teaches those around him important lessons about fairness, patience, curiosity and independence.

Since the early '90s, Carol Gray's world-famous Social Stories have helped thousands of children with autism spectrum disorders. This 15th Anniversary Edition of her best-selling book offers ready-to-use stories that parents and educators have depended on for years--with new sections added! Additions include how to most effectively use and apply the stories, how to improve the lives of younger children, and Social Stories for teens and adults with autism. Developed through years of experience, these strategically written stories explain social situations in ways children and adults with autism understand while teaching social skills needed to be successful at home, school, work, and in the community.

Winner of an iParenting Media Award, this book uses photographs of students engaging in a variety of real-life social situations. The realistic format plays to the visual strengths of children with ASD to teach appropriate social behaviors. Color photographs illustrate the "right way" and "wrong way" to approach each situation and the positive/negative consequences of each. A facilitator (parent, teacher, etc.) is initially needed to explain each situation, and ask questions such as "What is happening in this picture?" Children role-play skills until confident enough to practice them in real-life interactions.

In this perfectly pitched novel-in-letters, autistic eleven-year-old Vivy Cohen won't let anything stop her from playing baseball--not when she has a major-league star as her pen pal.

Vivy Cohen is determined. She's had enough of playing catch in the park. She's ready to pitch for a real baseball team.

But Vivy's mom is worried about Vivy being the only girl on the team, and the only autistic kid. She wants Vivy to forget about pitching, but Vivy won't give up. When her social skills teacher makes her write a letter to someone, Vivy knows exactly who to choose: her hero, Major League pitcher VJ Capello. Then two amazing things happen: A coach sees Vivy's amazing knuckleball and invites her to join his team. And VJ starts writing back!

Now Vivy is a full-fledged pitcher, with a catcher as a new best friend and a steady stream of advice from VJ. But when a big accident puts her back on the bench, Vivy has to fight to stay on the team.

Critically acclaimed author Cammie McGovern presents a heartwarming and humorous middle grade novel about the remarkable bond that forms between an aspiring service dog and an autistic boy in need of a friend. “Joyful, inspiring, and completely winning, Chester and Gus is unforgettable,” proclaimed Katherine Applegate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Newbery Medal winner The One and Only Ivan.

Chester has always wanted to become a service dog. When he fails his certification test, though, it seems like that dream will never come true—until a family adopts him. They want him to be a companion for their ten-year-old son, Gus, who has autism. But Gus acts so differently than anyone Chester has ever met. He never wants to pet Chester, and sometimes he doesn’t even want Chester in the room. Chester’s not sure how to help Gus since this isn’t exactly the job he trained for—but he’s determined to figure it out. Because after all, Gus is now his person.

In the spirit of beloved classics like Because of Winn-Dixie, Shiloh, and Old Yeller, Cammie McGovern’s heartfelt novel—told from Chester’s point of view—explores the extraordinary friendship between a child and a dog with a poignant and modern twist.

From Newbery Honor author Ann M. Martin, who wrote the Baby-sitters Club series, comes a New York Times-bestselling middle grade novel about a girl, her dog, and the trials of growing up in a complicated and often scary world.

Rose Howard is obsessed with homonyms. She's thrilled that her own name is a homonym, and she purposely gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose's rules of homonyms, is very special. Not everyone understands Rose's obsessions, her rules, and the other things that make her different—not her teachers, not other kids, and not her single father.

When a storm hits their rural town, rivers overflow, the roads are flooded, and Rain goes missing. Rose's father shouldn't have let Rain out. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search.

A girl with Asperger's joins Cassie's softball team but not everyone on the team welcomes her, creating a rift between Cassie and her teammates.

Competitive eating vies with family expectations in a funny, heartfelt novel for middle-grade readers by National Book Award winner Pete Hautman.

David can eat an entire sixteen-inch pepperoni pizza in four minutes and thirty-six seconds. Not bad. But he knows he can do better. In fact, he'll have to do better: he's going to compete in the Super Pigorino Bowl, the world's greatest pizza-eating contest, and he has to win it, because he borrowed his mom's credit card and accidentally spent $2,000 on it. So he really needs that prize money. Like, yesterday. As if training to be a competitive eater weren't enough, he's also got to keep an eye on his little brother, Mal (who, if the family believed in labels, would be labeled autistic, but they don't, so they just label him Mal). And don't even get started on the new weirdness going on between his two best friends, Cyn and HeyMan. Master talent Pete Hautman has cooked up a rich narrative shot through with equal parts humor and tenderness, and the result is a middle-grade novel too delicious to put down.

Schneider Family Book Award-winning author Ginny Rorby has created an irresistible dolphin story about a girl's struggle to help her autistic brother and herself. Lily loves her half-brother, Adam, but she has always struggled with him, too. He's definitely on the autism spectrum -- though her step-father, Don, can barely bring himself to admit it -- and caring for him has forced Lily to become as much mother as sister. All Lily wants is for her step-father to acknowledge that Adam has a real issue, that they need to find some kind of program that can help him. Then maybe she can have a life of her own.

Adam's always loved dolphins, so when Don, an oncologist, hears about a young dolphin with cancer, he offers to help. He brings Lily and Adam along, and Adam and the dolphin -- Nori -- bond instantly.

But though Lily sees how much Adam loves Nori, she also sees that the dolphin shouldn't spend the rest of her life in captivity, away from her family. Can Adam find real help somewhere else? And can Lily help Nori regain her freedom without betraying her family?

"Tender and illuminating. A beautiful debut." --Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Reach Me

A heartrending and hopeful debut novel about a nonverbal girl and her passion for space exploration, for fans of See You in the Cosmos, Mockingbird, and The Thing About Jellyfish.

Twelve-year-old Nova is eagerly awaiting the launch of the space shuttle Challenger--it's the first time a teacher is going into space, and kids across America will watch the event on live TV in their classrooms. Nova and her big sister, Bridget, share a love of astronomy and the space program. They planned to watch the launch together. But Bridget has disappeared, and Nova is in a new foster home.

While foster families and teachers dismiss Nova as severely autistic and nonverbal, Bridget understands how intelligent and special Nova is, and all that she can't express. As the liftoff draws closer, Nova's new foster family and teachers begin to see her potential, and for the first time, she is making friends without Bridget. But every day, she's counting down to the launch, and to the moment when she'll see Bridget again. Because Bridget said, "No matter what, I'll be there. I promise."

"She's practically perfect," Megan said thoughtfully. She repeated the new girl's name, practicing the way Ms. Endee had written it on the whiteboard. "Alexis Powell."

Megan has spent forever planning her positively purple birthday sleepover. She's even made glittery purple invitations for every girl in her class. Then a new girl, Alexis, joins their class. Alexis seems perfect: She's smart, pretty, and rules the soccer games on the playground. But no matter how hard Megan tries to be a friend to Alexis, the new girl is aloof or rude. At first, Megan thinks Alexis is shy. Then Megan starts to fear that Alexis is treating her differently because she's deaf. When the girls are forced to collaborate on a science fair project, Megan learns the truth -- and realizes that nobody's perfect.

Once again Marlee Matlin draws on experiences from her own childhood to tell Megan's story. In this funny, poignant book, readers will root for Megan, a spirited young girl who doesn't let anything stand in her way.

This Newbery Honor Book is a heartfelt and witty story about feeling different and finding acceptance--beyond the rules.

Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach David the rules-from a peach is not a funny-looking apple to keep your pants on in public-in order to stop his embarrassing behaviors. But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a paraplegic boy, and Kristi, the next-door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?