Best Friend in the Whole World

by Sandra Salsbury

A lonely rabbit, a quiet pine cone, and their perfect bond are tested in this charming picture book about friendship, compassion, and loss. From debut author-illustrator Sandra Salsbury.

“Who is the ‘Best Friend in the Whole World’? After reading this sweet, sensitive tale, children can decide for themselves.” ―The New York Times

Roland lives a quiet life filled with books, music, and tea parties for one, but sometimes he feels rather lonely. When Roland finds the perfect companion in Milton (Good listener! Enjoys music! Also alone!), he is overjoyed. It’s okay that Milton is just a pine cone; they have so much in common.

Then clues start popping up in the woods, suggesting someone else might be missing their best pine cone friend. Roland must decide if it’s worth leaving someone else in their loneliness to keep Milton in his life.

In this sweet and moving picture book, debut author-illustrator Sandra Salsbury explores friendship, compassion, loss, and the transformative power of connection. Soft watercolor illustrations bring a charming forest and endearing characters to life.

Bird Show

by Susan Stockdale

Welcome to the Bird Show! Award-winning author-illustrator Susan Stockdale offers a front-row seat to a vibrant fashion show starring the world’s most diverse and spectacular birds.

★ “Stunning… Wonderful for reading aloud and sharing.” —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

Stockdale’s background as a textile designer and award-winning nonfiction author-illustrator are immediately evident in this energetic, rhyming celebration of pattern, color, and nature.

Bird Show features a variety of fashionable feathered creatures—from the Mandarin Duck and the Grey-Crowned Crane to the Royal Flycatcher and Golden Pheasant. Their feathers may be simple and solid or speckled, striped, or spotted. They may “wear” a jacket, a scarf, an apron, a headdress. And just like people, each one contributes to our beautiful world, made more vibrant by their diversity.

Little ornithologists and fashionistas will marvel at the book’s color and style, and an afterword provides more information about each species as well as an entertaining pattern matching game.

Also by Susan Stockdale:
Bring on the Birds
Carry Me! Animal Babies on the Move
Fabulous Fishes
Fantastic Flowers
Spectacular Spots
Stripes of All Types

Curious About Insects

Part of Discovering Nature

by Cathryn Sill
illustrated by John Sill

Attention little bug buffs: Get a first glimpse into the natural world of insects! Part of the Discovering Nature series from Cathryn and John Sill.

Award-winning educator and author Cathryn Sill introduces little insect hounds to basic facts about bugs—from beetles and butterflies to silverfish and moths—while realistic, detailed watercolor art from noted wildlife illustrator John Sill brings this diverse group of animals to life.

Simple and clear descriptions of how insects look, where they live, what they eat, and how they move make this third title in the Discovering Nature series a dependable and informative beginning resource on insects and the wonders of the natural world.

Also by Cathryn and John Sill:
Curious About Birds
Curious About Mammals

About Insects
About Insects/Sobre los insectos (bilingual)
Sobre los insectos

Mars Is

Stark Slopes, Silvery Snow, and Startling Surprises

by Suzanne Slade

Award-winning author and NASA rocket engineer Suzanne Slade (Countdown, A Computer Called Katherine) explores the diverse magnificence of Mars in this photo-packed extravaganza.

For young readers eagerly following NASA’s Mars Exploration Program!

For centuries, people have been intrigued by Mars, and over time, scientists have made exciting discoveries, such as the planet’s Earth-like weather and seasons. But curious earthlings want to know more about the Red Planet. Does Mars have deserts? Volcanos? Or signs of life? Could people live there someday?

Scientists decided to take a closer look. They built a powerful camera called the HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) and loaded it onto a rocket. The rocket blasted off on August 12, 2005, and seven months later, the camera began orbiting Mars. It sent back surprising, revealing photos showing the world what Mars really is. Now, the world’s space community and NASA have renewed their exploration efforts, and interest in the Red Planet is in high gear.

With elegant, spare prose, award-winning nonfiction author and rocket engineer Suzanne Slade leads readers through some of the stunning photos taken by the most advanced camera ever sent to another planet. A visual feast for space enthusiasts and STEAM fans. Features remarkable full-color photography throughout.

Also by Suzanne Slade:
Countdown: 2979 Days to the Moon
Dangerous Jane

William Still and His Freedom Stories

The Father of the Underground Railroad

by Don Tate

From Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate comes a remarkable picture book biography of William Still, known as Father of the Underground Railroad. Essential for black history collections.

★ “Brings deserved attention to the life of a man who dedicated himself to recording the lives of others.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

★ “An illuminating picture book biography of a lesser-known hero.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

★ “Inspirational.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

William Still’s parents escaped slavery but had to leave two of their children behind, a tragedy that haunted the family. As a young man, William went to work for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, where he raised money, planned rescues, and helped freedom seekers who had traveled north. One day, a strangely familiar man came into William’s office, searching for information about his long-lost family. Could it be?

Motivated by his own family’s experience, William Still began collecting the stories of thousands of other freedom seekers. As a result, he was able to reunite other families and build a remarkable source of information, including encounters with Harriet Tubman, Henry “Box” Brown, and William and Ellen Craft.

Award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate brings to life the incredible, stranger-than-fiction true story of William Still, a man who dedicated his life to recording the stories of enslaved people fleeing to freedom. Tate’s powerful words and artwork are sure to inspire young readers in this first-ever picture book biography of the Father of the Underground Railroad. eBook available.

Awards:

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book —Chicago Public Library
Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Honor —California Reading Association
Best of Picture Books —Kirkus Reviews
Children’s Crown Award (Nominee) —National Christian School Association
Golden Kite (Finalist, Nonfiction Text for Younger Readers) —Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) —Kansas National Education Association

Also available from Don Tate:
Carter Reads the Newspaper
Poet

Thanks to Frances Perkins

Fighter for Workers’ Rights

by Deborah Hopkinson
illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

An engaging picture book biography of Frances Perkins, the first woman cabinet member and activist who created the Social Security program. From award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson.

At 31, Frances Perkins witnessed the Triangle Waist Factory fire in 1911, one of the worst industrial disasters in U.S. history. The event forever changed her, and while some activists pressed factory owners for change, Frances actually got to work and joined the fight for workers’ rights.

It was when Frances Perkins became Secretary of Labor in Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s administration—the first woman cabinet member—that she had the opportunity to make real her bold vision of a country where no one is left out and Americans are protected. Thanks to her efforts, we have the Social Security program, a move that changed Americans’ lives for generations to come.

Deborah Hopkinson’s energetic text and Kristy Caldwell’s appealing illustrations unite to tell Perkins’ fascinating story as well as introduce early concepts of financial literacy, the Social Security Act, and the New Deal. Back matter features more information about Frances Perkins, Social Security, and resources for economic education. eBook available.

Awards:

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People —NCSS/CBC

Also by Deborah Hopkinson:
Carter Reads the Newspaper
Keep On! The Story of Matthew Henson
Sweet Land of Liberty

Gnu and Shrew

by Danny Schnitzlein
illustrated by Anca Sandu

Gnu and Shrew match wits while trying to reach a cave filled with diamonds in this STEM-filled twist on “The Ant and the Grasshopper.”

“A refreshing demonstration of different approaches and a friendship that transcends those contrasts.” —Booklist

When Gnu says that there’s a cave filled with diamonds across the river, Shrew is intrigued. But Gnu seems to be all talk, fantasizing about riches yet dismissing all of Shrew’s suggestions. As Gnu dreams his days away, tossing out one big idea after another, Shrew spends his nights trying to make those dreams a reality. Will Gnu’s big ideas ever be able to mesh with Shrew’s hard work to make something remarkable happen?

Author Danny Schnitzlein uses deadpan storytelling to put an entertaining spin on “The Ant and the Grasshopper” that values the roles of both dreamers and doers. Anca Sandu’s illustrations, rendered in pencil and colored digitally, add to the humor and whimsy. eBook available.

Awards:

Best STEM Books —ASEE / ITEEA / NSTA / SEPA / CBC

Also by Danny Schnitzlein:
The Monster Who Ate My Peas
The Monster Who Did My Math
Trick or Treat on Monster Street

Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep

by Catherine Rayner

A beautiful, meditative bedtime book about a lion who can’t sleep—until a friend offers sage advice. From Kate Greenaway Medal-winning author-illustrator Catherine Rayner.

★ “Spellbinding…alluringly tranquil…. Gentle and gorgeous.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“[Arlo] is rendered by the writer-illustrator Catherine Rayner in a liquid, blobby, swirly style, barely held together by strong black outlines, which to my eye underscores just how desperate he is to slip the bonds of consciousness…. [A] pretty wash of a painting…shows the lion bleeding into a landscape that itself seems to be bleeding into air—an illustration that looks the way the drift and untethering of falling asleep feels.” —New York Times

Arlo is a very tired lion, and he’s tried everything to get to sleep. But the grass is too prickly, the trees are too noisy, and his family wriggles awfully too much. Goodness! How is an exhausted lion ever to get a wink of shuteye? Luckily, owl has a few tricks up her sleeve, and Arlo couldn’t be happier to give them a whirl.

Perfect for toddlers and reluctant sleepers, this gentle and humorous bedtime story has a calming message of mindfulness and centeredness that’s beautifully complemented by gorgeous watercolor, acrylic ink, and pencil art from award-winning author-illustrator Catherine Rayner.

Duck and Penguin Do NOT Like Sleepovers

by Julia Woolf

A rib-tickling romp about the thrills and anxieties of sleepovers, starring two cranky stuffed animals and their super eager best-friend owners. A perfect bedtime read-aloud!

“The real stars here are the exquisitely expressive lead characters, who elevate sleepover phobia to an art form.” —Publishers Weekly

Duck and Penguin do not like sleepovers, despite what their owners, Betty and Maud, might have you think. They do not like snuggly sleeping bags, they do not like super-soft pillows, and they ESPECIALLY do NOT like being extra cozy together in a teeny-weeny tiny tent!

But when Betty and Maud abandon Duck and Penguin outside, Duck and Penguin have no choice but to stick together. The dark outside is full of strange noises, after all, and they have the oddest feeling that…something…is watching them.

This companion to Duck & Penguin Are NOT Friends is a laugh-out-loud tale about the secret world of toys from author-illustrator Julia Woolf. With a relatable topic and hilarious illustrations, it’s sure to have children begging for multiple reads.

Also by Julia Woolf:
Duck & Penguin Are NOT Friends

Life in a Frozen World

Wildlife of Antarctica

by Mary Batten
illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

Award-winning nature writer Mary Batten uncovers the climate change mysteries of our planet’s coldest, most extreme environment—Antarctica. With magnificent illustrations from Thomas Gonzalez.

★ “Informative…fascinating…. A superb choice for students who are studying animal adaptation and how climate change impacts Antarctica. The well-researched text and captivating illustrations work well to convey the importance of conservation.” —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

Did you know that Antarctica could be the key to long-standing questions about the Earth and climate change? Though it seems very far away from us at the bottom of the world, this frozen continent affects weather, ocean currents, and sea levels all over the Earth. Its wildlife survives—and even thrives—on ice. And in the long run, so do we.

From award-winning, experienced nature writer Mary Batten comes a remarkable nonfiction picture book that plumbs the mysteries of one of the most hostile environments on the planet. With clear, engaging language, Batten explores fascinating questions that scientists the world over have been researching, such as:

• In the intensely cold, windy, and dry environment of Antarctica, how does a wide variety of wildlife survive?
• How do some species of Antarctic fishes make a natural antifreeze that prevents their blood from freezing solid?
• How does a forest of giant seaweed flourish under the sea when no other trees grow on the continent?
• Antarctica’s creatures are exquisitely adapted to their extreme habitat, but can they survive warmer waters and atmosphere?

New York Times bestselling illustrator Thomas Gonzalez (14 Cows for America) brings Batten’s text to life with detailed, realistic paintings that leap off the page.

An ideal resource for young science lovers and educators, this informative volume is perfect for classroom units on climate change, conservation, ecology, environment, nature, oceanography, and more.

Also by Mary Batten:
Aliens from Earth
Hey Daddy! Animal Fathers and Their Babies
Please Don’t Wake the Animals
Who Has a Belly Button?