Children’s / Teenage fiction: Nature and animal stories

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Book SynopsisJoin the charismatic gentleman bat on a night time stroll down cobblestone streets where the town is lively and energetic. Along the way he meets his lady friend. Dancing and merriment fill their evening until the weather takes a turn. But not to worry, when you're called the gentleman bat, you always come prepared. The Gentleman Bat is an original story with a timeless appeal. While it takes place in the Victorian-era, it has the universal appeal of two friends, or perhaps more than friends, enjoying a walk together. But what really sets The Gentleman Bat apart are the illustrations. Piotr Parda's watercolor and bamboo pen and ink paintings are meticulously crafted. The Gentleman Bat is sure to become a favorite book for children and the adults in their lives.Trade ReviewTheGentlemanBat is a spectacular debut for picture book publisher (http://www.ripplegrovepress.com). From the amazing front cover all the way to the satisfying conclusion, I was completelymesmerized and drawn into a bygone era filled not with people, but with gentleman and lady bats. The text is fluid, fun, and fantastic to read, and is complemented by beautiful watercolor and ink illustrations. Join the gentleman bat as he takes a stroll along cobblestone streets dressed in his finest attire and ready for a night on the town. The gentleman bat, with his gentleman's cane, went out for a walk one night in the rain. He meets his lady friend and the two head to the town square where a band is playing. She accepts his offer to dance. He spun her around and dipped her down low; she giggled and laughed and kicked up her toe. Could there be a romance brewing? Their hearts fluttered wistfully as he departed, and made his way back to his house where he started. The Gentleman Batis a lovely story that will entrance both children and adults. And if you are not a fan of bats, this picture book just may change the way you feel about the oft-misunderstood creature of the night.The Gentleman Batis available for pre-order now and is due out October 1. Congratulations Ripple Grove Press! -- Lauri Fortino -- http://frogonablog.wordpress.comSchroeder and Parda make their children's book debut with a fittingly genteel story that follows the nocturnal stroll of the gentleman bat of the title; the book is also the first from publisher Ripple Grove. Writing in rhymed couplets with a solid meter, Schroeder describes a world that comes alive by night, as bats dressed to the hilt in Victorian finery meander through cobblestone streets under gaslight: "With the nod of his head and a wink of his eye,/ The gentleman bat would greet passersby." Parda's watercolor-and-ink illustrations are painted in quiet grays, warmed by the glow of lanterns and storefronts. He lavishes attention on the bats' suits, gowns, and accessories, and tucks visual jokes into some of the scenes (a quintet performing in a bandstand plays their music upside down, naturally). The plot itself is quite subdued' the gentleman bat meets a lady friend on the street, they share a dance, fend off a sudden storm, and kiss. It isn't a story to set hearts racing (other than those of the two bat lovers), but it's an enchanting world to spend time in. Ages 3-7. (Oct.) http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-9913866-0-4 -- Publishers WeeklyA dapper bat, resplendent in top hat, monocle and cane, strolls down 19th-century cobblestone streets to see where the night takes him. Inspired by a real-life Japanese woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi showcasing bats and an umbrella (find the image tucked away in the illustrations), Parda and Schroeder create a debonair bat who hits the town of Batford. Upon meeting a lady bat friend in the town's square, he asks her to dance ("A gentleman's way to kindle romance"). They continue their walk, but rain threatens to ruin their evening. Luckily, he has an umbrella hidden in his cane. It's an odd plot to be sure, but it's absolutely charming in detail. Parda's moonlit watercolors bring the Victorian era to life. Compact, wrinkled bat faces and webbed wings are folded into beautiful bonnets and full hoop skirts. Hidden jokes add to the fun. Sign posts advertise delectable drinks of coffee, nectar and plasma, while a corner merchant sells ear plugs (sure to make a bat's evening more enjoyable). True to his eponym, the gentleman bat escorts the lady bat home, giving her a small kiss on the cheek at the gate. A jaunty rhyme that just may teach manners to boot. (Picture book. 3-6) -- Kirkus ReviewThe Gentleman Bat by Abrahm Schroeder/ illus. by Piotr Parda Stroll down the cobblestone streets with the Gentleman Bat as he courts a young lady (bat lady, of course!). The rhyming text moves the reader along as the two bat friends wander the cobblestone streets under night skies with lovely light emanating from shop windows and oil lit lamps. The wordless spread in the middle of their walk depicts all the bats dancing around the bandstand in all their fine Victorian garb. All is well until... "Without any warning came cause for concern: The sky took a sinister, foreboding turn." The Gentleman Bat, true to his name, protects his lady friends' feathered bonnet with his clever cane-turned-umbrella. By nights end, after the storm, they share a kiss and head their separate ways. Parda's illustrations are lovely and moody, expertly filling the dark sky with fog, mist, heavy rain and glowing light. The mat cover and moody blue end papers wrap up the package nicely. -- review by Gianna Marino August 2014 (http://www.giannamarino.com) (www.GiannaMarino.com)"The Gentleman Bat" is a fantastically illustrated foray into a nighttime stroll with an impeccable gentleman bat. Gently cadenced couplets of narrative verse describe the Victorian autumn evening setting of a London-like gentleman bat on a stroll to meet a lady bat who is a good friend. Touches of sly humor abound in both verse and picture, all in shades of gray with little glimmers of light. For example, a bespectacled vendor bat offers ear plugs for sale where the band will begin to play. The bat band play their instruments hanging upside down, while the gentleman bat and his lady friend dance in spats, suit, and hoopskirts, complete with batwings. When the evening drizzle progresses to a sinister, thundering downpour, the gentleman bat flourishes a clever, exotic, carved, teak cane that converts to an umbrella, protecting her fancy feathered hat and his silk top hat. Kissing the lady bat's cheek goodnight after their evening stroll in the rain, he returns to his cozy gentleman's home, closes the drapes to keep out the dawn, and goes to sleep upside down in bat pajamas. Children will be entranced with the lavish detail and vision of "The Gentleman Bat," a period fantasy children's book with a few funny twists cleverly integrated in both picture and verse. "The Gentleman Bat" is a treat to read for children ages 3-7. -- The Midwest Book Review

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewFIVE STARS It's Just a Bunnypalooza! is a childrens picture book written by Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco, and illustrated by Peter Trimarco. Lizzy agonized over the slowness of the clock in her classroom. She was so anxious to get started on her brainstorming for the Spring Jamboree Show, but the day seemed to go on forever. Finally! Finally, the clock hit the magic hour of 3:00 p.m., and Lizzy rushed outside to share her excitement with her animal friends. All the critters had assembled in her backyard, and they were ready and eager to help Lizzy find her talent and prepare her performance. What could she do? She began by imitating her bird friends and whistling a tune, but it just didnt seem to have enough oomph. Likewise, bugling like an elk was definitely ho hum at best. Lizzy and her animal pals kept trying and turning down each feat of acrobatics, sounds, even hummingbird flights, but then the bunnies helped Lizzy come up with the most fantastic ideas. It's Just a Bunnypalooza! explores the creative process from a childs perspective and its absolutely marvelous! I loved seeing Lizzie and her animal pals consider all her options and couldnt help but agree that the bunnies had the best option of all. Peter Trimarcos illustrations work so well with the story, especially when he translates the bunny dance moves into marvelous choreographed images of Lizzys dancing. Kids will find loads of fun things to look at on each page in this creative book that teaches confidence and self-worth. The authors also include a glossary that describes each of the dances the bunnies demonstrate, and there are a lot of them. Dont forget to check out the alphabet pictures when Lizzie gets back to class for a special treat. It's Just a Bunnypalooza! is humorous, gentle and filled with dancing by a cast of what seems to be thousands of bunnies. Its most highly recommended. â Jack Magnus - Readers Favorite -- Jack Magnus -- Readers FavoriteFIVE STARS "The flaming redhead Lizzy is back! One of the most adorable, authentic, dynamic but sometimes insecure, most impressionable main characters in contemporary childrens literature. Its just so amazing! This time, Its Just a Bunnypalooza! documented in rhyme and illustration by Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco - creators of the pantheon of Lizzy, Its Just So ... books. What is true of one is true of all, but this latest Lizzy adventure is just so ... perfect! Lizzy is a young girl, once an only child, but shes never been totally alone inside her vastly imaginative world of hyper-curiosity and manic wonderment for adventure. And she does have friends. Whom she would love to impress at this years school jamboree with the toe tappin, jump jivin ... bunnybombastic dance moves taught her by her bunny friends. Alas, she misunderstands the giggles from her school chums. Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco are marvelous at conveying Lizzys drop from dizzying excitement to depressive disappointment in Its Just a Bunnypalooza! An emotional, instantaneous fall that children will all too readily understand. With rhyming couplets pitched perfectly to a childs ear, and lively illustrations to warm the coldest soul, this heartfelt story of Lizzys abandonment and timely rescue by magical intervention is just so ... jigga-wiggalous! These made-up words are integral to the Lizzy books. They are the hooks to capture and enrapture young readers; they are the exclamation points to all the fun. And though these stories are filled with learning adventures to help a childs growth, make no mistake: they are all about having fun! Oh. And the big-eyed dog? He seems rather clueless, but hes always there, especially for the fun." - Joel R Dennstedt for Readers Favorite -- Joel R Dennstedt -- Readers FavoriteIt's Just a Bunnypalooza champions the power of imagination to bring people together. "Third in a series for three- to six-year-olds, It's Just a Bunnypalooza sees Lizzy returning for a lesson on staying true to her instincts. Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco use onomatopoeia and a sprightly lead to inspire kids with the joy that comes from standing out for the right reasons. The book calls to its audience to embrace their passions, no matter how others respond. Illustrations evoke comic strips and display expressive humor. Lizzy, who is dressed in overalls and sports untameable orange hair, is an appealing, bighearted character with plenty of spirit." -- Karen Rigby Foreword Clarion ReviewsIt's Just a Bunnypalooza is a toe-tapping picture book. In it, bubbly Lizzy discovers a new talent inspired by a bunch of adorable bunnies, but not before dealing with a little bit of self-doubt. If you have a reader that you want to encourage positive self-expression in, this is both a bold and tender story that will have readers free stylin' to their own imaginative hearts without a care in the world. The Children's Book ReviewFIVE STARS An amazing children's book packed with whimsical illustrations that make the story hop to life for both children and parents alike. Children adore animals and sweet bunnypalooza does this book deliver. With fanciful creatures to admire on every page and lessons designed to boost confidence and self-worth, It's Just a Bunnypalooza is the perfect addition to any young child's (ages 3-7) growing library. This is the third book in the award-winning "It's Just So" series. I absolutely love this book! ~ Michael Rowland, TopShelf Reviews"It's Just a Bunnypalooza is clearly a charming tale where friendship, learning and artistic practice intersect. But where the book really shines (at least from a movement vocabulary perspective) is in its commitment to diversity of genre and style. Yes, the bunnies delve into ballet and tap, but they also take a foray into break dancing, social dances, ballroom and world dance forms. And at the end of the book, there is a two-page glossary of dance terms to explore. This epilogue not only defines the different dances, but talks about where they originate. It's Just a Bunnypalooza is a great way for kids to discover more about dance as well as witness the enduring connection we have with animals." -- Heather Desaulniers -- Dance Commentary (heatherdance.com)FIVE STARS It's Just a Bunnypalooza! explores the creative process from a child's perspective and it's absolutely marvelous! I loved seeing Lizzie and her animal pals consider all her options and couldn't help but agree that the bunnies had the best option of all. Peter Trimarco's illustrations work so well with the story, especially when he translates the bunny dance moves into marvelous choreographed images of Lizzy's dancing. Kids will find loads of fun things to look at on each page in this creative book that teaches confidence and self-worth. It's Just a Bunnypalooza! is humorous, gentle and filled with dancing by a cast of what seems to be thousands of bunnies. It's most highly recommended. -- Jack Magnus - Readers Favorite"Infectiously enthusiastic about dance and imagination. The bouncy, vibrant verbs make this an excellent read-aloud talefull-color, whimsical illustrations nicely capture the story's kinetic joy." -- KIRKUS REVIEW"Third in a series for three- to six-year-olds, It's Just a Bunnypalooza sees Lizzy returning for a lesson on staying true to her instincts. Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco use onomatopoeia and a sprightly lead to inspire kids with the joy that comes from standing out for the right reasons. The book calls to its audience to embrace their passions, no matter how others respond. Illustrations evoke comic strips and display expressive humor. Lizzy, who is dressed in overalls and sports untameable orange hair, is an appealing, bighearted character with plenty of spirit." Karen Rigby , Foreword Clarion Reviews"The flaming redhead Lizzy is back! One of the most adorable, authentic, dynamic but sometimes insecure, most impressionable main characters in contemporary children's literature. It's just so amazing! This time, It's Just a Bunnypalooza! documented in rhyme and illustration by Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco -- creators of the pantheon of Lizzy, It's Just So books. What is true of one is true of all, but this latest Lizzy adventure is just so perfect! Lizzy is a young girl, once an only child, but she's never been totally alone inside her vastly imaginative world of hyper-curiosity and manic wonderment for adventure. And she does have friends. Whom she would love to impress at this year's school jamboree with the "toe tappin', jump jivin' bunnybombastic" dance moves taught her by her bunny friends. Alas, she misunderstands the giggles from her school chums. Brenda Faatz and Peter Trimarco are marvelous at conveying Lizzy's drop from dizzying excitement to depressive disappointment in It's Just a Bunnypalooza! An emotional, instantaneous fall that children will all too readily understand. With rhyming couplets pitched perfectly to a child's ear, and lively illustrations to warm the coldest soul, this heartfelt story of Lizzy's abandonment and timely rescue by magical intervention is just so " jigga-wiggalous!" These made-up words are integral to the Lizzy books. They are the hooks to capture and enrapture young readers; they are the exclamation points to all the fun. And though these stories are filled with learning adventures to help a child's growth, make no mistake: they are all about having fun!" Joel R Dennstedt , Readers Favorite"An amazing children's book packed with whimsical illustrations that make the story hop to life for both children and parents alike. Children adore animals and sweet bunnypalooza does this book deliver. With fanciful creatures to admire on every page and lessons designed to boost confidence and self-worth, It's Just a Bunnypalooza is the perfect addition to any young child's (ages 3-7) growing library. This is the third book in the award-winning "It's Just So" series. I absolutely love this book!" Michael Rowland , TopShelf Reviews" It's Just a Bunnypalooza! explores the creative process from a child's perspective and it's absolutely marvelous! I loved seeing Lizzie and her animal pals consider all her options and couldn't help but agree that the bunnies had the best option of all. Peter Trimarco's illustrations work so well with the story, especially when he translates the bunny dance moves into marvelous choreographed images of Lizzy's dancing. Kids will find loads of fun things to look at on each page in this creative book that teaches confidence and self-worth. It's Just a Bunnypalooza! is humorous, gentle and filled with dancing by a cast of what seems to be thousands of bunnies. It's most highly recommended." Jack Magnus , Readers Favorite

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Trade Review"Bear and I just read this book and we liked it so much. It’s a really good story."—Alicia SilverstoneRaise Vegan— "A title sure to delight bigs and littles alike, Sprig the Rescue Pig is all about helping readers connect with their compassionate side. Following in the path of such iconic pig tales as Babe and Charlotte’s Web, this children’s book was made to showcase the charm, intellect and personality of pigs, framing Sprig as an individual — not a breakfast food. Through the story of his rescue, and the people who come to love him, author Leslie Crawford and illustrator Sonja Stangl have crafted something as unique and valuable as it is beautiful to look at.""In telling these heartwarming tales of resilience, compassion and love, Crawford avoids the more brutal realities of factory farming, showing simply that these farms are extremely unhappy places for such intelligent and emotional beings. She focuses instead on how truly wonderful these overlooked and poorly treated animals are—that they're way more than just bacon and nuggets.”—Reynard Loki, Ecowatch"With Sprig, Leslie Crawford shows us how it's possible to expand our relationship with, and our connection to, the natural and non-human world. She uses language that is nonjudgmental, beautiful, and expressive. The illustrations, produced by Sonja Stangl, are delightful. If you are a parent of younger children I recommend you pick this up and start to share these stories with your children."–Scott Mann, The Permaculture Podcast“Sprig the Rescue Pig brings us into the mind of a pig, who like all pigs, is curious, intelligent, and affectionate - very much like a dog! In getting to know Sprig, we are asked to reconsider these animals for the remarkable beings they are. A joyful and inspiring story, Sprig makes a great gift for animal lovers.”–Brian Kateman, Editor of The Reducetarian Solution and The Reducetarian Cookbook"Sprig is utterly charming, beautifully written, and the illustrations are enchanting. This is a great book for any child. You don't pull punches but you don't do anything gruesome or graphic or scary. Sprig the Rescue Pig is delightful.”–Victoria Moran, Mainstreet Vegan"In some incredible feat, Leslie Crawford shares the truth about pigs in a way that's somehow light, informative and heartfelt in its telling. Like the best kid books, you can read it and see the darkness or light within it, or it can just be a fun story.”–Kristen Baskin, CEO, Let Us Compost "Inspired by a true story, the book is a fun, funny, and beautifully illustrated adventure tale with a happy ending.”–Children’s Books We Love, Mercy for Animals"May Sprig help people to see what wonderful individuals pigs truly are."–Sy Montgomery, author of The Good Good Pig, Tamed & Untamed, and The Soul of an Octopus"Your books, Sprig the Rescue Pig and Gwen the Rescue Hen, are wonderful. Bravo! I can’t wait to see them in every kid’s hands."—Kathy Freston, Best-Selling Author"I simply adored this book! Clever, descriptive, and well structured, this book was particularly enjoyable, the sort of story that I'd enjoy reading out loud with a class."—Matthew, school librarian on Goodreads"Both Sprig and Gwen are awesome and radical and filled with hope, and couldn’t have come into my life (and the world) at a better time."—Kelly Garbato, Goodreads

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Book SynopsisA stunning book shimmering with shiny silver foil throughout, from the astonishingly talented Sharon King-Chai, illustrator of Animalphabet written by Julia Donaldson.WINNER of the CILIP Kate Greenaway Shadowers'' Choice Award 2021.Starbird is a magical story about love, freedom, and the wisdom of children.Starbird''s songs weave the richest dreams and delight all who hear him, but when the Moon King traps him in a cage as gift for his daughter, the colour and life in his voice begin to drip away. While the Moon King is blinded by greed and selfishness, his young daughter can clearly see the injustice and cruelty of his actions.A heartfelt, lyrical story that shows the importance of standing up for what is right.

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Book SynopsisMr. Mole is new in town, and the critters of Juniper Hollow aren't sure what to make of his odd behavior. But one observant neighbor lends a helping hand, demonstrating that a little kindness can go a long way. This cozy story features adorable felted art and gentle situational humor.Mr. Mole is a very well-mannered fellow. He greets fence posts politely, he compliments watermelons and he generously gives children erasers to eat. The critters of Juniper Hollow are confused, but they befriend him anyway. After all, maybe this is just how things are done back in Moletown . . . and in Juniper Hollow, strangers are just friends waiting to happen! This hilarious story of compassion, friendship and wacky misunderstandings will tickle readers, and the fuzzy artwork will delight fans big and small.

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Book SynopsisIt's Open Mic Night at the Story Zoo and the dogs are up to tell their tales in this hilarious graphic novel for young readers

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Book Synopsis     Ooko has everything a fox could want: a stick, a leaf and a rock. Well, almost everything . . . Ooko wants someone to play with too! The foxes in town always seem to be playing with their two-legged friends, the Debbies. Maybe if he tries to look like the other foxes, one of the Debbies will play with him too. But when Ooko finally finds his very own Debbie, things don't turn out quite as he had expected!      A quirky, funny, charmingly illustrated story about finding friendship and being true to yourself.

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Book SynopsisBarbie learns all about being a farm vet in this deluxe Step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader featuring a sparkly cover and over 30 shimmery stickers! It’s perfect for animal-loving children ages 4 to 6. Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

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Book SynopsisThe pups from Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol are putting on a King Arthur play—if Marshall can save the day! Boys and girls ages 4 to 6 will love this Step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader.Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

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Book SynopsisHoop it up with Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol as they take to the court for Adventure Bay’s big basketball game. Boys ages 2 to 5 will cheer for this action-packed Little Golden Book.

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Book SynopsisFans of PAW Patrol and Rainbow Magic and those looking for Halloween chapter books will want to climb aboard this PUPPY PIRATES SUPER SPECIAL!   Ahoy, mateys! Set sail for fun and adventure on a pirate ship full of puppies!   Boo! When Wally is pranked by a couple of pugs, they accuse him of being more puppy than pirate. How can Wally prove he’s as fearless as the rest? Spending the night on an abandoned pirate ship should do the trick! But when Wally and his human friend, Henry, climb aboard, they soon discover the ship might not be so empty after all. . . .This super edition features exciting content like:- How to Draw a Puppy Pirate!- Puzzles!- Instructions for how to play the Puppy Pirates vs. Kitten Pirates game!And don't miss the other adventures of the Puppy Pirates!

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Book SynopsisFor all lovers of horses and history! This latest book in the Horse Diaries series features an Andalusian horse in romantic sixteenth-century Spain.   Southern Spain, 1570s Calvino is a dapple-gray Andalusian stallion. He grew up driving cattle in the mountains, but soon he catches the eye of King Philip II’s horse master. Now Calvino and his young rider, Rico, must learn the complicated moves of doma clásica riding. Calvino doesn’t understand the use of this prancing—until he and Rico are chosen to represent the king in a deadly bullfight that will put all his skills to the test. Here is Calvino’s story . . . in his own words.   Praise for Elska (Horse Diaries #1): “A must for horse lovers, the cozy and exciting adventure will draw a wide audience.” —Booklist

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Book SynopsisThe lovable little dog with a GIANT personality is back—battling something that may be worse than squirrels! Life is pretty much a bag of treats when you're an endlessly energetic Jack Russell Terrier. For Fenway, days are filled with important things like defending the Dog Park from wicked squirrels, snuggling with Hattie, and catching up on the neighborhood gossip with the next-door dogs Goldie and Patches. But that all changes the day a fiendish new intruder enters Fenway’s turf: he's fluffy, he twitches evilly, and he smells worse than squirrels... He's a bunny. An evil bunny. And Fenway can't fathom why, but Hattie ADORES him. Goldie and Patches warn him that short humans are fickle: sometimes they love a new pet more than an old one. Fenway can't believe his own Hattie would choose another pet over him. But taking matters into his own paws just makes everything worse. Is his heart big enough to accept that Hattie can love another pet

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