“This latest novel is bound to engage and entertain young readers who double as basketball players and/or fans.” ―School Library Journal

“Bowen’s Sports Story series…regularly offers stories that are engaging, action-packed, and a great next step for struggling readers ready to move beyond the usual high-lo offerings available to them. This quick, satisfying installment is no different and should find easy appeal among reluctant readers looking for novels about athletes.” ―Booklist Online

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2018

Fred Bowen is the author of Peachtree’s popular Fred Bowen Sports Story series. A lifelong sports fanatic, he has coached youth league baseball, basketball, and soccer. His kids’ sports column “The Score” appears each week in the KidsPost section of the Washington Post. Bowen lives in Maryland. You can visit his website here.

“Frank history, attention to factual detail, and vivid adventures make this a standout.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“An engrossing and insightful story…. An ample appendix, with additional material, sources, and further reading, rounds out the tale.” ―Booklist Online

Paterson Prize for Books for Young People (Honor Book) ―The Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College, 2018

Alison Hart is the author of more than sixty books for young readers. Hart was a teacher at Blue Ridge Community College and lives in Virginia.

Michael G. Montgomery has illustrated numerous children’s books. He attended Georgia Southern University and the University of Georgia. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.

“A perfect option for newly independent readers ready to start transitioning from easy readers to beginning chapter books. Transitional readers are always in demand, and this series is a worthy contribution to any collection serving brand-new readers.” ―School Library Journal

“Repetition both within and between books helps boost confidence in beginning readers, as do the generous, plot-reinforcing illustrations… Each book allows plenty of room for predictions and provides a glimpse into the great payoff reading can deliver…” ―The Horn Book Magazine

“The books deal with simple everyday mysteries that will be familiar to early readers. Language is direct, uses repetition, and includes challenging words in context…. King and Kayla will be a hit with early readers.” ―School Library Connection

Cybils (Easy Readers) ―Cybils, 2017

CCBC Choices (Books for Beginning Readers) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2018

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2018

Delaware Diamonds Awards (Nominee, Grades K-2) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2018-2019

Dori Hillestad Butler is the author of over fifty works of fiction and nonfiction for young readers. She has also published stories for children in magazines such as Highlights for Children, Cricket, Spider, Children’s Digest, and Child Life. Butler is the children’s book review columnist for the Cedar Rapids Gazette. She lives in Washington. You can visit her website here.

Nancy Meyers is a graphic designer and illustrator and the proud owner of Sullivan, golden-doodle extraordinaire! She lives in Minnesota. You can visit her website here.

“Readers will connect with this charmingly misunderstood pup (along with his exasperated howls, excited tail wagging, and sheepish grins).” ―Kirkus Reviews

“A perfect option for newly independent readers ready to start transitioning from easy readers to beginning chapter books. Transitional readers are always in demand, and this series is a worthy contribution to any collection serving brand-new readers.” —School Library Journal

“A delightful series start that will have kids returning to read more about Kayla and King. It’s also a great introduction to mysteries, gathering facts, and analytical thinking for an unusually young set.” —Booklist

“The books deal with simple everyday mysteries that will be familiar to early readers. Language is direct, uses repetition, and includes challenging words in context…. King and Kayla will be a hit with early readers.” —School Library Connection

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award (Honor Book)—ALSC, 2018

Notable Children’s Books —ALSC, 2018

Washington State Book Awards (Nominee, Books for Young Readers) —Washington Center for the Book. 2018

Dori Hillestad Butler is the author of over fifty works of fiction and nonfiction for young readers. She has also published stories for children in magazines such as Highlights for Children, Cricket, Spider, Children’s Digest, and Child Life. Butler is the children’s book review columnist for the Cedar Rapids Gazette. She lives in Washington. You can visit her website here.

Nancy Meyers is a graphic designer and illustrator and the proud owner of Sullivan, golden-doodle extraordinaire! She lives in Minnesota. You can visit her website here.

“Beauty will always find a way to rise from violence, but this is a reminder all readers need.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Text and illustrations work together to remind readers of the power of beauty in the face of human suffering…. A highly recommended book that highlights the capacity for empathy and humanity, even in a society faced with violence and war.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

“[A] powerful story of a musical performance that defied the horror of combat.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Moving… A bittersweet account of the power of art in dark times.” ―Booklist

[show_more more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”]

“Thought-provoking…” ―The Horn Book Guide

“Folksinger John McCutcheon’s picture book Flowers for Sarajevo provides an insightful response, combining history, humanity and music in a memorable picture book that’s perfect for young elementary school students…. Kristy Caldwell’s illustrations add dimension to the story by imbuing the central action on each spread with color, leaving the rest of the scene in muted tones. She brings the busy marketplace to life, depicting the mortar explosion and its destruction without being gruesome.” ―BookPage

[/show_more]

Parents’ Choice Gold Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2017

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2018

Cybils (Finalist, Fiction Picture Books) ―Cybils, 2017

[show_more more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”]

CCBC Choices (Historical People, Places, and Events) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2018

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, 2018

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Starred, Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2018

Storytelling World Resource Awards (Stories for Pre-Adolescent Listeners) ―Storytelling World magazine, 2019

Delaware Diamonds Award (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2018-2019

Prairie Bloom Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―South Dakota Library Association, South Dakota Reading Council, South Dakota State Library, South Dakota Elementary School Principals, 2019-2020

[/show_more]

John McCutcheon is an accomplished instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. He has received multiple Grammy nominations and numerous other awards, and regularly appears on National Public Radio. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.

Kristy Caldwell received an MFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts. She lives in New York. You can visit her website here.

“A delightful story to pair with the original fairy tale and an excellent way to begin a discussion about factual books versus fiction.” ―School Library Connection

“Readers will take away a universally appealing lesson: it’s fun to be clever.” ―Publishers Weekly

“A good-natured tale, glamorous enough to satisfy hardcore princess fans and nuanced enough for those who like a little depth in their fairy tales.” —Booklist

Rich color and patterns reminiscent of tapestry or lace grace the digital cartoon art… [The ending] perfectly suits the story’s repeated admonition… [an] entertaining read-aloud.” —School Library Journal

[show_more more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”]

“A smart new take on the classic frog-prince fairy tale that playfully challenges the notions of fact and fiction, logic and lore.” ―Foreword Reviews

[/show_more]

Sunshine State Young Readers’ Award Jr. (Master List) ―FAME, 2018-2019

Magnolia Book Award (Short List, Grades Pre-K – 2) ―Mississippi Children’s Museum / MDE / MLA / MLC / USM, 2019

Kentucky Bluegrass Award (Grades K-2) ―Kentucky Association of School Librarians, 2018-2019

Storytelling World Resource Awards (Stories for Young Listeners) ―Storytelling World magazine, 2019

[show_more more=”Read More” less=”Read Less”]

Treasure State Award (Nominee) ―Montana State Reading Council, 2019

[/show_more]

Jonathan Emmett, in addition to writing picture books, also writes and paperengineers pop-up books. He is the author of several books, including The Princess and the Pig, also illustrated by Poly Bernatene. He lives in England. You can visit his website here.

Poly Bernatene is a visiting professor at Buenos Aires School of Fine Art. He has worked in advertising, animation, and comics, and has illustrated over sixty children’s books. He lives in Argentina. You can visit his website here.

“A thoroughly satisfying solution to the issue of saying goodbye.” —Kirkus Reviews

“An earnest, unflashy story that has all the earmarks of becoming a staple for schools and students facing similar transitions.”—Publishers Weekly

“A great read-aloud any day but certainly on Teacher Appreciation Day or the last day of school.” —School Library Journal

“Colorful, cartoonish illustrations depict the diverse kids in a familiar classroom setting with expressive and lighthearted touches…. This positive portrayal of a common experience offers a rosy picture of teachers and students, including Mrs. McBee’s gentle reassurances and inclusive approach of appreciating each student and his or her strengths.” —Booklist

Magnolia Book Award (Short List, Grades Pre-K – 2) ―Mississippi Children’s Museum / MDE / MLA / MLC / USM, 2019

Paterson Prize for Books for Young People (Honor Book) ―The Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College, 2018

Alabama Camellia Award (Nominee, Grades 2-3) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2018-2019

Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan is the former reading specialist at Dorothy Fox Elementary in Camas, Washington, and the author of several forthcoming picture books. She lives in Washington.

Grace Zong was born in Illinois and moved to Korea when she was seven. She returned to the United States to study art at the Rhode Island School of Design, where she majored in illustration. She now lives in both New York and Korea.

“Nogales’ story will unquestionably stand as a solid read-aloud that is equally entertaining for both adults and children…. Readers will surely revisit this book closely.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“This wildly creative and rhythmic tale captures all the fun and excitement of the big top…. This well-crafted story is a beautiful tapestry of art, humor, and friendship. Librarians will want to add this book to their collections of read-aloud hits.” ―School Library Journal

“A fun read aloud… Readers will enjoy listening to rhyming words and looking at the detailed, colorful illustrations.” ―School Library Connection

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2018

Alabama Camellia Award (Nominee, Grades K-1) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2018-2019

Jill Nogales, ever since she was a little girl, only ever wanted to play house and write stories. So now that she’s all grown-up, that’s what she does. Her stories have been published in a variety of children’s magazines including Highlights for Children. She lives in Idaho, with her husband, three children, and one silly dog.

Lorraine Rocha started out studying architecture but quickly realized she wanted to draw more than just floor plans and returned to school to study illustration and animation at San Jose State University. After graduation, she worked at Industrial Light + Magic in the art department, contributing to such films as National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Miracle at St. Anna, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and Iron Man. Following her time at ILM, Lorraine worked as a concept artist on the game Bioshock 2 and taught classes at The Art Institute of Las Vegas. She lives in California.

Susan Stockdale has written and illustrated a number of children’s picture books, including Stripes of All Types, Bring On the Birds, Fabulous Fishes, and Carry Me. Her books celebrate nature with exuberance and charm and have won awards from the American Library Association, Parents’ Choice, and the National Science Teachers Association. Stockdale lives in Maryland and speaks frequently at schools and conferences. You can visit her website here.

“Children will be able to easily point out squares, circles, and rectangles in the depictions of different grocery items, store fixtures, and character features. Describing each employee’s responsibility during a typical shopping day, this story shows how employees in an organization work as a team to enable it to function. A terrific toddler time choice with loads of appeal for Stanley fans and those new to the series. ” —School Library Journal

“A satisfying addition to the Stanley the Hamster series.” ―Booklist Online

William Bee is an artist and commercial designer who has worked for renowned fashion houses, including Issay Miyake and Paul Smith. As well as writing children’s picture books and board books, he races a vintage sports car, is an international skier, and when at home tends his lawns and meadow. He lives in England. You can visit his website here.