gift guide – Peachtree Publishing Company Inc.

Holiday Gift Guide: Books for Leading Ladies

Peachtree Publishing Company — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 17:00:22 +0000

Do you have any leading ladies on your holiday shopping list? Celebrate the mighty girls in your life with these book picks featuring strong protagonists braving new experiences, fighting for the well-being of others, finding their voices, and not letting anything—not even a big bad wolf—stand in their way. Which inspiring title will you share with the intrepid explorers, young activists, and future performers in your life first?

Little Red
by Bethan Woolvin

“A smart, empowering retelling.” —Booklist

On her way to Grandma’s house, Little Red meets a wolf. Which might scare some little girls, but not this little girl. She knows just what the wolf is up to, and she’s not going to let him get away with it. In this updated fairy tale with a feminist twist, author-illustrator Bethan Woollvin (creator of Hansel & Gretel, Rapunzel, and Bo the Brave) uses sly humor, striking visuals, and a bit of bravery and ingenuity to turn a familiar tale on its head for modern readers. Fractured fairy tales meet girl power in this New York Times Best Illustrated book—a perfect choice for mighty girls as well as for elementary education units on fairy tales!

Buy Little Red today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Thanks to Frances Perkins
Fighter for Workers’ Rights
by Deborah Hopkinson
illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

“Informative…guardians seeking a woman activist’s framework, with actionable steps that resonate today, will find this picture book attractive.” —Publishers Weekly

Frances Perkins was forever changed after witnessing the Triangle Waist Factory fire in 1911, so she decided to work to bring about new laws that would force employers to treat people better and make workplaces safer. As the first woman cabinet member, Frances had the opportunity to make real her bold vision of a country where no one was left out. As a result of the Social Security program that she created, we have built a society where we help one another. Deborah Hopkinson’s energetic text and Kristy Caldwell’s appealing illustrations introduce readers to a fascinating woman who has changed many American lives. Back matter features more information about Frances Perkins and Social Security and resources for economic education.

Buy Thanks to Frances Perkins today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Pretty Funny for a Girl
by Rebecca Elliott

“Dreams, being true to oneself, body-image issues, single parenting, family dynamics, self-confidence, and a realistic depiction of friendship make this a refreshing coming-of-age read full of optimism, dreams, and plenty of stereotype-smashing laughs. A natural pick for Dumplin’ (2015) fans.” —Booklist

Haylah Swinton is navigating friends, family, boys, and her curvy body, and she’s pretty confident she’s mastered making light of every situation. But she has a big secret: one day, she’ll be a stand-up comedian star. So when impossibly cool and thirstalicious Leo reveals he’s also into comedy, Haylah jumps at the chance to ghost-write his sets. But is Leo as interested in returning the favor? Even though her friends warn her of Leo’s intentions, Haylah’s not ready to listen―and she might just be digging herself deeper toward heartbreak. If Haylah’s ever going to step into the spotlight, first she’ll need to find the confidence to put herself out there and strut like the leading lady she really is.

Buy Pretty Funny for a Girl today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Sing Like No One’s Listening
by Vanessa Jones

“Anglophiles, music and theater nerds, and those looking for some classic will-they-won’t-they romance will all find something to enjoy here.” —Kirkus Reviews

Nettie Delaney is a young singer who has just lost her mother and been accepted into the same prestigious performing arts school her superstar mother attended, but she hasn’t been able to sing a single note since her mother died. Whenever she tries, she just clams up. If Nettie’s going to survive a demanding first year and keep her place in a highly coveted program, she’ll have to work through her grief, find her voice, and deliver a showstopper. Or face expulsion. Vanessa Jones’ well-crafted journey of grief and healing is a moving tale that’s sure to inspire any young performers struggling to take their places in the spotlight.

Buy Sing Like No One’s Listening today through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, or IndieBound!

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Youngest Reader

Peachtree Publishing Company — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:00:41 +0000

With holidays and the time for gift-giving drawing nearer, it’s the perfect time to find some fun and engaging titles you’ll want to read aloud and share with brand-new readers. Reading together is a wonderful way to encourage a love of books in younger children, so we’ve gathered a list of titles that kids will be eager to add to their storytimes and bedtime reading lists. It’s never too early to get your little ones excited about reading, and we have the perfect group of books to entertain even the youngest of readers!

Babies in the Park series
Written by Kathryn O. Galbraith
Illustrated by Adela Pons

Spirited, rhyming text and colorful, graphic art take readers on a joyful romp through the park with an adorable and energetic cast of babies having action-packed days of play in a variety of seasonal activities.

Featuring diverse characters and highlighting early concepts like shapes and repetition, books in the Babies in the Park series will encourage your little readers to have an appreciation of nature and outdoor imaginative play. For this time of year, start with Autumn Babies or Winter Babies.

Buy Winter Babies through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

One Fox:
A Counting Book Thriller
Written and Illustrated by Kate Read

One hungry fox with two sly eyes is on the prowl…three plump hens had better watch out! Rich and colorful illustrations plunge the reader into a dramatic and exciting story set in a moonlit farmyard. With something different to count on each page, learning to count from one to ten has never been so thrilling!

This stunningly gorgeous and surprisingly simple counting book with a gripping tale, great for early education and read-alouds with younger readers, has a hugely satisfying and surprising ending that’s sure to delight generations.

Buy One Fox through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Stanley’s Train
Written and Illustrated by William Bee

It’s another busy day for Stanley and friends! Stanley’s passengers are boarding his train with a beach ball, a toy boat, and an inner tube. Where could Stanley’s train be headed? Off we go on another adventure! Choo, choo!

With bright illustrations, adorable characters, and a unique padded-cover format, William Bee’s Stanley series is perfect for young readers transitioning from board books to picture books.

Buy Stanley’s Train through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Am I Yours?
Written and Illustrated by Alex Latimer

A heartwarming story of community, family, and finding your way home

A group of friendly dinosaurs helps a lost egg search for its parents after it’s been blown out of its nest. But if the little egg is to be reunited with its family, first they must discover what kind of dinosaur lies inside. How can they tell what the egg looks like inside its shell?

This fun and unique tale featuring Alex Latimer’s signature bold art style will keep any little dinosaur lovers and fans of Are You My Mother? enthusiastically following along and guessing who is inside the shell.

Buy Am I Yours? through your local bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or on Amazon.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Future Engineer

Peachtree Publishing Company — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 19:15:36 +0000

Shopping for the holidays can be stressful when you’re trying to figure out the perfect gift for everyone on your list. But this year we’ve got you covered! Encourage a love of reading by giving a book this holiday. Find the perfect gift for every young reader in your life with our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide!

For: The Future Engineer

Izzy Gizmo
Written by Pip Jones
Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie

Izzy Gizmo’s inventions are marvelous, but often malfunction. When she finds a crow with a broken wing, she just has to help! Izzy tries again and again to build a new pair of wings, but nothing is working. Can Izzy overcome her failures?

This feisty tale of determination, ingenuity, and friendship is sure to capture the imaginations of aspiring young inventors and lovers of all things STEAM! Read an excerpt here.

Countdown
2979 Days to the Moon
Written by Suzanne Slade
Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy announced that the United States would try to land a man on the Moon. During the 2979 days that followed his speech, 18 astronauts climbed into spaceships; eight rockets soared into space and 400,000 people―engineers, technicians, scientists, mathematicians, and machinists―joined Project Apollo in hopes of making the dream a reality.

With powerful free verse and stunning illustrations, this story of the successes, failures, triumphs, tragedies, and lessons learned from the Apollo missions will captivate and inspire young readers while educating them about an amazing decade of U.S. space exploration. Read an excerpt here.

Seven and a Half Tons of Steel
Written by Janet Nolan
Illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

After September 11, 2001, a beam from the World Trade Center Towers was given to the U.S. Navy. The beam was driven from New York to a foundry in Louisiana, where the seven and a half tons of steel, which had once been a beam in the World Trade Center, became a navy ship’s bow.

Powerful text and striking illustrations make up this inspiring story of how shipbuilders, engineers, electricians, mechanics, welders, carpenters, painters and plumbers worked together to build something remarkable. Read an excerpt here.

Uncharted Waters
Written by Leslie Bulion

Instead of joining the swim team like he told his uncle, Jonah hangs around the local marina working on boat motors, hoping to buy his own motorboat one day. When budding marine biologist Sumi asks him to be her research assistant, he jumps at the chance to make some money. But soon he will have to face his greatest fears and give up his secrets forever.

Enhanced by a rich ensemble of supporting characters, interesting facts about marine life and boat motor mechanics, and a text that perfectly captures the special rhythms of small town seaside living, Bulion’s novel is sure to capture the imaginations of aspiring young scientists and future mechanical engineers. Read an excerpt here.

Find these titles and more at your local indie bookstore or Barnes & Noble. Still looking for more great ideas? Our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide has even more gift recommendations for your little readers this holiday season!

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Fairy Tale Fanatic

Peachtree Publishing Company — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 17:30:55 +0000

For: The Fairy Tale Fanatic

Hansel & Gretel
Written and illustrated by Bethan Woollvin

In this subversive and deliciously wicked retelling, Willow is a good witch, who only uses good magic―until she meets Hansel and Gretel.

Featuring Bethan Woollvin’s signature striking and humorous visuals, this fractured fairy tale has twist ending that is sure to surprise and delight all readers! For more fairy tale twists from Bethan Woollvin, check out Little Red and Rapunzel.

The Princess and the Packet of Frozen Peas
Written by Tony Wilson
Illustrated by Sue deGennaro

Prince Henrik wants to marry an outdoorsy kind of girl, so instead of a single pea tucked into a pile of bedding, Henrik tests prospective brides with an entire packet of frozen peas shoved under a flimsy camping mattress. As princess after princess complains, will Henrik ever find the right girl?

This modern rom-com remix of the beloved fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea” delivers a freshly humorous take on one prince’s search for the just-right girl of his dreams.

The Boy Who Cried Ninja
Written and illustrated by Alex Latimer

In this quirky twist on “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” Tim’s outrageous excuses turn out to have an unexpected element of truth.

Bubbling with wit and humor from start to finish, author-illustrator Alex Latimer’s debut picture book with wacky characters like ninjas, pirates, crocodiles, and time-traveling monkeys, will have readers of all ages laughing out loud. Read an excerpt here.

Prairie Chicken Little
Written by Jackie Mims Hopkins
Illustrated by Henry Cole

When Mary McBlicken the prairie chicken hears a rumblin’ and a grumblin’, she sets off to warn her friends in this prairie-style twist on “Chicken Little.”

Jackie Mims Hopkins brings readers a hilarious, prairie-style rendition of a well-loved tale. Henry Cole’s energetic illustrations perfectly complement the hilarity and will have readers laughing out loud. Also available in Spanish.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Youngest Reader

Peachtree Publishing Company — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 17:30:36 +0000

For: The Youngest Reader

Stanley’s Colors
Written and illustrated by William Bee

Stanley and Little Woo are learning about colors and vehicles. There’s a red car, a yellow motorbike, and even a pink balloon!

This fun board book is filled with bright, bold illustrations and features adorable characters. For Baby’s first book about colors, Stanley’s Colors offers the perfect introduction, while also proving a great opportunity to learn about shapes and modes of transportation. Read an excerpt here.

Winter Babies
Written by Kathryn O. Galbraith
Illustrated by Adela Pons

Spirited rhyming text and colorful graphic art reveal an energetic cast of babies having an action-packed day of play in the park on a cheerful winter day.

Featuring diverse characters and highlighting early concepts like shapes and repetition, this fun board book encourages an appreciation of nature and outdoor imaginative play.

Little Whale
Written and illustrated by Jo Weaver

Little Whale and Gray Whale swim under midnight skies and through coral reefs as they migrate to the cool, rich waters of the North to feed until, at last, they are home.

Introducing the annual migration of gray whales through gentle text and stunning monochromatic illustrations, this beautiful picture book reveals the wonder of nature, the excitement of discovery, and the strength of parental love. Read an excerpt here.

Where is Baby?
Written by Kathryn O. Galbraith
Illustrated by John Butler

Adorable illustrations and a soothing text depict the many ways animal babies hide.

From baby rabbits leopards to baby ostriches and even a human baby, little readers will love learning about new animals and seeing where they hide. The gentle text is a reassuring message about parent’s love with the adorable backdrop of John Butler’s illustrations.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Winter-Holiday Enthusiast

Peachtree Publishing Company — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 17:00:16 +0000

For: The Winter-Holiday Enthusiast

The Santa Trap
Written by Jonathan Emmett
Illustrated by Poly Bernatene

Bradley Bartleby is bad. Very bad. And when Santa Claus refuses to give him anything but socks for Christmas, Bradley vows to get revenge. If Santa won’t give him the gifts he wants, Bradley will just have to transform his house into a trap.

For those who prefer darker humor, be sure to check out this exciting and refreshingly funny Christmas tale from a new and devious perspective that is sure to keep readers laughing from beginning to end! Read an excerpt here.

Santa’s Last Present
Written by Marie-Aude Murail & Elvire Murail
Illustrated by Quentin Blake

Julian thinks he’s getting too big to believe in Santa, but when he finds an extra present under the tree, he discovers that he may not be too old after all.

Illustrated by the-one-and-only Quentin Blake, this charming and touching story of how a young boy is transformed by a seemingly ordinary gift will remind young readers that there is magic in the air during the holidays. Sometimes it’s truly the little things that matter most!

In the Snow
Written by Elizabeth Spurr
Illustrated by Manelle Oliphant

Simple and evocative language and charming illustrations describe a girl’s experience on a snowy day as she makes a snowman, sleds, and has other winter fun!

Cuddle up with your toddler for the perfect sit-in-your-lap reading experience. Whether you live in an area that gets wintry weather or not, this delightful board book will pull readers right into the magic of winter. Read an excerpt here.

Little Rabbit’s Christmas
Written & Illustrated by Harry Horse

Little Rabbit received the perfect Christmas present: a lovely red sled. But can he learn to share?

Young readers will relate to Little Rabbit’s latest predicament as he navigates a tricky situation and copes with complex feelings while learning an important lesson about sharing. This sweet, enchanting story will remind readers how much more fun gifts and toys are when you have extraordinary friends to share them with. Read an excerpt here.

Find these titles and more at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. Still looking for more great ideas? Our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide has even more gift recommendations for your little readers this holiday season!

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Budding Bibliophile

Peachtree Publishing Company — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 18:00:07 +0000

For: The Budding Bibliophile

The Bookshop Girl
Written by Sylvia Bishop
Illustrated by Poly Bernatene

The Joneses have just won the Great Montgomery Book Emporium in a contest, and it’s every book lover’s dream! But the previous owner is hiding something that could destroy absolutely everything for the Joneses. Property Jones has a whopper of a secret too—and it might just be the key to saving her family and their bookshop from the clutches of a nasty villain.

Readers will fall in love with Property Jones and her cantankerous kitten side-kick as well as the beautiful descriptions throughout the story, and they will be in awe of how magical bookstores can be. Read an excerpt here.

Ebenezer Has a Word for Everything
Written by Chelsea H. Rowe
Illustrated by Frank Dormer

No one seems to understand Ebenezer’s work collections, but his efforts are finally appreciated when he meets Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald doesn’t have a word collection—but he does have lots of ideas. Together, they can make stories.

Ebenezer and Fitzgerald demonstrate the creative ways in which words, and language as a whole, can expand and evolve through collaboration with others. For the future storyteller or wordsmith in your life, show your budding bibliophile how fun words (and stories) can be when with a friend. Read an excerpt here.

Miguel’s Brave Knight:
Young Cervantes and His Dream of Don Quixote
Written by Margarita Engle
Illustrated by Raúl Colón

This fictionalized first-person biography in verse follows the early years of the child who grows up to pen Don Quixote, the first modern novel.

Available in both English and Spanish, this moving picture book shows young readers the importance of “never quitting their daydreams.” Miguel’s story is a reminder that passion and personal belief in oneself can go a long way, especially on the side of creativity and hard work. Read an excerpt here.

The Cheshire Cheese Cat:
A Dickens of a Tale
Written by Carmen Agra Deedy & Randall Wright
Illustrated by Barry Moser

In this playful homage to Charles Dickens, unlikely allies learn the lessons of a great friendship. Take a trip back to Victorian England with an alley cat named Skilley and an erudite mouse, Pip as they are drawn into a crisis of monumental proportions that threatens the peace not only of the Cheshire Cheese Inn but also the British Monarchy!

With its playful puns, entertaining and well-rounded characters, and delightful illustrations, The Cheshire Cheese Cat will make any young reader a lover of language and stories. Young readers will be flipping through the pages to learn the how Skilley and Pip’s conclusion unveils in the end. Read an excerpt here.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Young Activist

Peachtree Publishing Company — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 17:00:56 +0000

For: The Young Activist

Dangerous Jane
Written by Suzanne Slade
Illustrated by Alice Ratterree

For twenty-five years, Jane Addams had helped people live in peace at Hull House. But when war broke out, she decided to take on the world and become a dangerous woman for the sake of peace.

Learn about Jane Addams’s inspiring actions in this heartening picture book biography. While Jane’s world efforts for peace won her the title “Most Dangerous Woman in America” by the FBI, she eventually became the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. This book will truly change the way the readers think about the impact of generosity and kindness! Read an excerpt here.

Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells:
The Daring Life of a Crusading Journalist
Written by Philip Dray
Illustrated by Stephen Alcorn

With a deep belief in America’s promise of “freedom and justice for all,” young Ida defied society’s conventions and used her position as a journalist to speak against injustice and be a tireless crusader for civil rights.

With eloquently written text and whimsical illustrations, this stunning picture book biography of one of the most important progenitors of the Civil Rights Movement will inspire any young reader looking to make a difference.

Marching with Aunt Susan:
Susan B. Anthony and the Fight for Women’s Suffrage
Written by Claire Rudolf Murphy
Illustrated by Stacey Schuett

Stirred to action when Susan B. Anthony comes to town to lead the campaign for women’s suffrage, Bessie joins the movement and discovers that small efforts can result in small changes—and maybe even big ones.

Inspired by the diary of the real Bessie Keith Pond, a ten-year-old girl who lived in California during the suffrage campaign, this thought-provoking introduction to the fight for women’s rights reminds readers that society cannot evolve unless people—even young people—dare to take a stand.

Fault Lines in the Constitution:
The Framers, Their Fights, and the Flaws the Affect Us Today
Written by Cynthia Levinson & Sanford Levinson

Many of the political issues we struggle with today have their roots in the US Constitution. The Levinsons take readers back to the creation of the US Constitution and discuss how contemporary problems were first introduced—then they offer possible solutions.

Perfect for young government and history buffs, this engaging and thought-provoking look at the Constitution’s creation and it’s ramifications in today’s society will encourage exploration and discussion from young and old readers alike. Read an excerpt here. For more from award-winning author Cynthia Levinson, also check out We’ve Got a Job: The 2963 Birmingham Children’s March.

2017 Holiday Gift Guide for the Youngest Reader

Peachtree Publishers — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 19:00:00 +0000

The holiday shopping season is almost over as we begin counting down the few days left. But no fear, last-minute shoppers! Books make great presents for young readers, and this year we’ve shared several round-ups highlighting ideas for every kind of reader on your gift list. Cross off the last people on your gift list and stock up on books that the children in your life will enjoy exploring again and again.

2017 Holiday Gift Guide

To: The Youngest Reader

Board books are wonderful gifts to surprise and excite the youngest reader in your life this holiday season. Reading to the very young helps introduce early concepts and vocabulary to set a foundation for early learning skills. Durable, easy to hold, beautifully illustrated, and exceptionally fun, these board books are ideal stocking stuffers and perfect for exploring with a little one!

In the Snow

Whether or not your little one is experiencing snow for the first time this season, share this story about the magic of a snowy day and the outdoor activities in brings!

In this gently rhyming board book by Elizabeth Spurr, a young girl and her pet dog make a snowman, sled down the hill, and have other wintery fun! With vibrant and joyful illustrations by Manelle Oliphant, this board book is a perfect sit-in-your-lap reading experience for toddlers. This celebration of winter is sure to delight the little reader on your gift list.

Read an excerpt here.

Stanley’s Numbers

“What a lot of friends! How many can you count?”

William Bee is at it again with another addition of Stanley’s fun adventures. What is Stanley up to this time? This busy little hamster has learned about shapes, colors, and opposites, and he is back to explore numbers! In order to plan a party with his friend Little Woo, Stanley must gather the right number of snacks and decorations for their picnic. Jell-O salad, picnic rugs, balloons, and much more are perfect for the party. So, help Stanley and Little Woo count out their supplies.

Avid fans of Stanley and friends will surely enjoy the continued journey of everyone’s favorite little hamster!

Hush, Little Ones

Looking for the best bedtime book to read to your little one? Well, look no further! John Butler’s board book introduces an array of baby animals being put to bed by their mothers and fathers. From tiny birds to young whales, from nests to the deep blue sea, the

noisy animal kingdom settles down for a good night’s sleep.

This gentle bedtime story features an easy, rhyming text and beautifully evocative, detailed art that will soothe your sleepy loved one as you share with them the nightly routine of all living creatures.

Little Rabbit Lost

Little Rabbit and his red balloon lead the way as the family heads to the amusement park for Little Rabbit’s birthday. So excited by the people, place, and sounds of the park, Little Rabbit claims he is a big rabbit now and wonders off from his parents. But when he suddenly finds himself all alone, he doesn’t feel quite so grown up anymore. What should Little Rabbit do?

Harry Horse’s colorful illustrations depict Little Rabbit’s growing excitement and bring to life the infectious atmosphere of the amusement park. Young readers will identify easily with the young character’s conflicting desire for independence and his need of loving supervision, and will cheer Little Rabbit’s triumphant reunion with his beloved family.

Find these titles and more at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble. Still looking for more great ideas? Our 2017 Holiday Gift Guide has even more gift recommendations for your little readers this holiday season!

2017 Holiday Gift Guide for the Winter/Holiday Enthusiast

Peachtree Publishers — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 18:00:00 +0000

The holiday season is moving quickly, and the time for gift giving is almost here! Books make great presents for young readers, and this year we’ll be sharing several round-ups highlighting ideas for every kind of reader on your gift list. To avoid the ever-dreaded holiday rush, stock up on books that the children in your life will enjoy exploring again and again.

2017 Holiday Gift Guide

To: The Winter/Holiday Enthusiast

The holiday season brings out a greatly anticipated enthusiasm for winter weather, family gatherings, the exchanging of gifts, holiday decorations, and even the most embarrassing, intricate outfits (ugly Christmas sweater for the win!). So, get in the mood this holiday season by not only enjoying old family traditions, but by also starting a new ones, like nestling close to the fire and sharing a good book. Snow days, songs, schemes, and skis are just a page-turn away!

The Santa Trap

Bradley Bartleby is bad. Very bad. Fed up with receiving socks for Christmas every year, the beastly Bradley decided enough was enough! If Santa won’t give him the gifts he wants, Bradley will just have to steal them. Bradley rigs his house as a trap for Santa Claus, sticking dynamite in the chimney, stealing tigers from the zoo, placing guillotines over the doors and windows, and even hiding trapdoors. Santa doesn’t stand a chance! Or does he?

Johnathan Emmett’s exceptionally witty and quirky humor is sure to delight those kids that have a hankering for an unexpected holiday treat! Coupled with fantastic bold illustrations by Poly Bernatene, readers will enjoy this twisted Christmas tale told from a new and devious perspective. Make this hilarious read aloud a new tradition for the family!

Read an excerpt here and check out the fun activity sheets!

Snow Day!

“Did the weatherman just say what I thought he did? Did he say…SNOW? Oh, please, let it snow. Lots and lots of snow.”

Have you ever experienced the anticipation and excitement of a snow day (or—for those who do not get snow—wished for one)? This narrator has and he is jumping for joy at the idea of no morning alarm and no rush to school; staying in PJs all day and watching the snow fall in white heaps; playing outside, reading a book, and watching TV. But in the morning when there is no snow to be found and everyone rushes to get to school, this family experiences an unexpected twist!

Young readers won’t be the only ones who delight in Lester Laminack’s fun spin on a familiar childhood scenario. Get lost in Adam Gustavson’s beautiful illustrations and charm the young reader in your life with a wonderfully imagined day of snow!

Read an excerpt here.

Claude on the Slopes

Meet Claude. He’s no ordinary dog—he leads an extraordinary life! What will he do next? This holiday season join Claude as he and his best friend, Sir Bobblysock go to the Snowy Mountains to swish down the powdery slopes. They throw snowballs, learn to ski, and enter a snow-sculpture contest. But when an avalanche threatens their winter wonderland, Claude must come to the rescue!

Written and Illustrated by Alex Latimer, Claude on the Slopes is a perfect addition to any young reader’s early chapter book collection. With a hilarious plot and well-crafted illustrations, Latimer brings Claude’s extraordinary world to life! Share this future favorite with your adventure-hungry reader and join them as they laugh out loud at the exciting story of this winter-happy pup!

Read an excerpt here.

Christmas in the Trenches

Based on true events from the Christmas Truce of World War I, Christmas in the Trenches commemorates the story of Francis Tolliver and his fellow British soldiers in the muddy trenches along the Western Front. Their German enemies lie in wait just across a field known as “No Man’s Land.” As both armies exchange carols back and forth, a figure emerges, carrying a small Christmas tree with lighted candles. Soon the British and the German armies leave the war behind and gather in the open field to ring in the holiday together.

Adapted by award-winning songwriter John McCutcheon from his song of the same name, and reinforced by Henri Sørensen’s traditional, full-color oil paintings, Christmas in the Trenches will be a new classic for the family to enjoy. With a CD featuring readings of the story and recordings of “Silent Night” and “Christmas in the Trenches,” this title is sure to satisfy the historian and the winter enthusiast in your family!