Children’s / Teenage fiction: Nature and animal stories

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisDuck and Hippo are thankful for good friends! It’s the day before Thanksgiving, and Hippo has his heart set on having a good old-fashioned feast with Duck and their friends. Together, Duck and Hippo go shopping for food and invite Turtle, Elephant, and Pig to share the special day with them. Then they get everything ready. But while Hippo goes to bed dreaming of his good old-fashioned Thanksgiving, Duck is busy making her own plans. There’s going to be a BIG surprise—one that will remind Hippo of all he has to be thankful for. Join Duck and Hippo for a memorable celebration!Trade Review“This message of appreciation fits in well with the Thanksgiving theme. Hippo and Duck both demonstrate patience and compromise in their friendship, even when the differences between the two seem destined to lead to clashes. The cartoon illustrations match well with the playful tone of the story…A fun choice…wherever friends and family gather.” —School Library Journal “The message of enjoying fellowship and valuing each individual’s contributions is a worthy one… Joyner’s anthropomorphic cartoon animals are cheery.” —Kirkus Reviews “Joyner’s comedic vignettes convey the odd couple’s tender relationship and the contrast between their personalities.” —Publishers Weekly “It always warms this teacher’s heart when children can identify themes on their own and can see that books can have multiple messages.” —Beagles and Books “A festive and quietly wise lesson in togetherness, and acceptance of others’ differences—sentiments perfect for reflection during a season of giving thanks. Baby Bookworm approved!” —The Baby Bookworm “With underlying messages of kindness, celebrating differences, and trying new things, you are not going to want to miss this new holiday book!” —Library Mom “I love Duck and Hippo! These two friends couldn’t be more different, but they both have huge hearts and are great to each other.” —Booking Mama “Duck and Hippo Give Thanks has such a wonderful message about embracing tradition, but it also carries the important message about being thankful.” —MomReadIt

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Book SynopsisDexter T. Rexter is going to school. But will anyone like him? Tomorrow is the biggest event ever in Dexter’s life: his best friend, Jack, is taking him to school for Show and Tell Day! Dexter has been getting ready for weeks. But now he’s a little nervous. What if the other kids don’t like him? So Dexter decides to come up with a plan. He’ll wear a costume. Dinosaurs in bunny ears look good, right? He’ll recite state capitals starting with…uh…ah…er. Then he realizes something. He can’t dance. He can’t recite things. He doesn’t have ANY skills. What’s a dino to do? This comical, interactive tale of belonging, friendship, anticipation, and first-day-at-school jitters lets readers experience the excitement and nervousness along with Dexter—and even offer him a little advice along the way.

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Book SynopsisEduardo Guadardo may look fluffy. He may look cute. But he’s no little lamb. He’s about to graduate from the FBI—that’s the Fairytale Bureau of Investigations—as an Elite Sheep. He knows five forms of kung fu, and he can outfox the foxiest of foxes. In fact, he’s so good they put him on his own case: to keep the farmer’s daughter, Mary, safe from Wolf, Troll, and Witch. It’s a job for somebody baaaaaaad—someone like a soon-to-be Elite Sheep. The thing is, protecting Mary isn’t quite as easy as Eduardo expected… This imaginary backstory for “Mary Had a Little Lamb” is hilarious, action-packed, and filled with subterfuge (that means pulling the wool over your eyes, for you civilians).Trade Review“This is a zany adventure with vivid cartoon characters and a multitude of jokes on every page. Perhaps there will be more adventures for the Elite Sheep. The premise is a promise of more to come.” —New York Journal of Books “I love a good fractured fairy tale, and Eduardo Guadardo fits the bill!” —Mom Read It “The story offers a life lesson even for the youngest of readers.” —Sincerely Stacie “Original, creative, and such fun!” —Mrs. Mommy Booknerd’s Book Reviews “Quirky, silly, and hilariously clever…Parents and teachers will get a kick out of this story.” —Kristi’s Book Nook “What a fun and quite smart idea! I didn’t know that I ever wondered how Mary got her lamb, but this backstory is one epic way for that nursery rhyme to come about!” —Unleashing Readers

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Book SynopsisFrom Caldecott-winning illustrator David Small and bestselling author Bonny Becker, an unforgettable Christmas story that will leave the whole family giggling. When Alice Jayne finds a crocodile under the tree on Christmas Eve, her family goes into an uproar! The Christmas Crocodile doesn’t mean to be bad, not really, but soon he is eating up Christmas—from the dinner roast to the left stove-top burner…even the Christmas tree! Everyone has an opinion about what to do with him. Uncle Theodore suggests they send him to Africa, Father recommends the zoo, and Aunt Figgy mentions an orphanage. But Alice Jayne thinks the Christmas Crocodile deserves a real family. Can she find him a new home? And will she and the family survive till Christmas morning, with that naughty crocodile gobbling up everything in sight?Trade Review"Becker's zany tale is wonderfully complemented by Small's witty drawings of a grand, old-fashioned house inhabited by Alice Jayne, her dotty relatives and one house-wrecking crocodile with a very expressive face. —The New York Times Book Review, Judith Viorst

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Book SynopsisGet ready for a rainy-day adventure with Duck and Hippo! Duck and Hippo may be completely different, but they are best friends. When playful Duck invites careful Hippo to go for a walk in the rain, they have trouble sharing Duck’s umbrella. But Duck and Hippo won’t let that stop them. Soon they are puddle-jumping and sailing down the river! Until…WHOOOSH! A terrible wind sends the umbrella flying up, up, up into the air, with one friend holding on. What will Duck and Hippo do now? Jonathan London’s charming text and Andrew Joyner’s delightful art bring to life two lovable friends in this fun new series.

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Book SynopsisLonely Platypus wants to play, but where should he go? Should he jump with the kangaroos? Leap with the possums? Fly with the bats? Every time he tries to find out—skipping, hopping, dipping, dropping—he winds up going splat instead. Can a SPLATypus find a place where he belongs? This rhyming, rollicking story is perfect for reading aloud.

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Book SynopsisBen is king of the jungle. He does exactly what he pleases, as a king should. And he has everything a king could want: noble steeds, castles, and servants. What Ben doesn’t have is a loyal subject. Then he meets Rhino…and finds out what being a good king is all about.Trade Review“The mixture of playful imagination and real-world setting (save for the anthropomorphic animal citizens) will help little readers draw out the parallels Ben and Rhino have to their own friendships. While not preachy, this is a useful text for examining what’s right and what’s wrong when it comes to play. A dynamic and affecting story about what it takes to maintain a friendship.” —Kirkus Reviews “Throughout, Sailer’s relatively formal text…contrasts amusingly with the energetic, vibrant cartoon illustrations, which, along with the lively animal cast, leavens the message of being considerate to others, including how giving and sharing—not demanding and taking—can be mutually enjoyable and rewarding.” —Booklist

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Book SynopsisLittle Iffy is a griffin who is afraid to fly. Flying means up. What if he goes up and never comes down? But his friends are always here to help, and Eggs Pegasus is hatching a plan… This sweet, funny story of friendship is a special treat for young children.Trade Review“Friendship and supportive verbal encouragement help overcome fearful resistance in this pleasant if not especially remarkable tale.” —Kirkus Reviews “The illustrations are endearing and colorful, while the limited text on each page is perfect for young children. Further, the words ‘up’ and ‘down’ are in different colors than the rest of the text (‘up’ is always orange while ‘down’ is purple), allowing children who are just beginning to read to recognize these repetitive words more easily…A charming read-aloud for young children that shows them how friends can help them overcome their fears.” —School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisGeorge is a good ol’ hound dog. He helps Farmer Fritz with the chores and—most important of all—he keeps those sneaky cows out of the cornfield. Then Farmer Fritz moves away, and a new family from the city moves in. The Gladstones have a lot to learn. George tries to help, but they don’t understand his job on the farm…until the day little Olive goes missing, and George shows everyone what it means to be a hero hound!

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Book SynopsisThere is so much work for a boy to do in the serious town of Puddling Center that eleven-year-old Willie can’t even go to school. So when Willie meets Professor Petit and his five “Highly Trained Dogs”—each with its own special talent—he’s delighted. Maybe their traveling show will shake things up! But then Petit’s rival, Hulk Hoskins, rolls into town with a circus tiger, and the professor and one of his dogs end up in big trouble. Now it’s up to Willie and his new canine friends to save the day and put on a show this town will never forget! Back in print for the first time in decades, this 1953 novel by Newbery winner Carol Ryrie Brink will have kids rooting for cheerful Willie, honest Professor Petit, and the amazing Highly Trained Dogs.

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Book SynopsisThere is so much work for a boy to do in the serious town of Puddling Center that eleven-year-old Willie can’t even go to school. So when Willie meets Professor Petit and his five “Highly Trained Dogs”—each with its own special talent—he’s delighted. Maybe their traveling show will shake things up! But then Petit’s rival, Hulk Hoskins, rolls into town with a circus tiger, and the professor and one of his dogs end up in big trouble. Now it’s up to Willie and his new canine friends to save the day and put on a show this town will never forget! Back in print for the first time in decades, this 1953 novel by Newbery winner Carol Ryrie Brink will have kids rooting for cheerful Willie, honest Professor Petit, and the amazing Highly Trained Dogs.

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Book SynopsisDr. Wonderful loves asking big questions—and using science to answer them. She and her dog, Newton, want to know why the moon changes shape in the sky every night. But how can they study the moon when it's so far away? By blasting off into space, of course! On their amazing journey, this detective duo gathers clues to solve their lunar mystery using the powers of science, curiosity, and teamwork.

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Book SynopsisMr. Fuzzbuster knew he was Lily's favorite. They did everything together. Naps. Story time. Walks. And more naps. But now four more animals lived in the house.… To prove he's still Lily's favorite, Mr. Fuzzbuster will have to ask her, but will her answer surprise him? This funny, heartwarming story is for every child who has ever wondered if there's a favorite in the house.Trade Review"This tale of who's the preferred pet will charm animal lovers of all stripes." —Kirkus Reviews "McAnulty (Beautiful) puts a high-spirited spin on kids' fascination with favorites in a story starring Mr. Fuzzbuster, a cat determined to stake his claim as his owner's most beloved pet." —Publishers Weekly "The boisterous illustrations, rendered in pencil, ink, and digital media, offer a dramatic accompaniment to the story, while the ending gives readers a nice expectation upset." —Booklist "With beautiful, colorful illustrations, Mr. Fuzzbuster and little Lily come to life in this sweet book…The story is fun and sweet, pointing out to little ones that people can love more than one pet. What an excellent way to broach the subject of having enough room in your heart as a parent for more than one child! The ending is a bit cheeky, and parents will laugh just like the children. A great addition to any child's library—especially if they have a beloved pet." —Children's Book Review

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Book SynopsisA nature hunt…and a missing lunch! Pipsie and her turtle friend, Alfred, are on the best school trip ever—a nature scavenger hunt! The team who finds “Seven Wonders of Nature” first wins. But that isn’t all Pipsie and Alfred have to find. Someone has stolen their PB&Js! The search is on for the lunch that left, and soon Pipsie and Alfred are following animal tracks and discovering deer, birds, and even some beavers. Can Pipsie make this mystery history and finish the scavenger hunt? And hopefully before lunchtime, because Alfred is one hungry turtle!

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Book SynopsisPuppy is small and loves to play. Bear is big and feels grumpy. But the two unlikely friends soon become inseparable. All summer long they play hide-and-seek under the oak trees, fly down the lane on Bear's bike, and pretend to be pirates. Everything is perfect, until the weather cools down and the leaves start to change. Bear is suddenly too busy to play with Puppy. Now that Bear has started school, is he going to leave Puppy behind…forever? Award-winning author Larry Dane Brimner's gentle text and John Bendall-Brunello's warm illustrations combine in this memorable story of friendship.Trade Review"Bendall-Brunello's Puppy and Bear have marvelously expressive faces, and their play certainly looks like fun in the watercolor-and-colored pencil illustrations.…Fits the bill for readers whose own best buds have been lost to school." —Kirkus Reviews "Bendall-Brunello's pencil-and-watercolor artwork brings a touch of anthropomorphism to the friends, and his tender scenes emphasize the closeness between the pals as they pretend to be pirates, share a bicycle, and splash around in a creek. It's more a friendship story than a school one, but younger siblings should easily empathize with Puppy's feelings of being left out." —Publishers Weekly "Bear and Puppy's relationship may help children adjust to the childhood plight of missing a dear friend, whether [during] the school day or [for] other reasons." —School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisNanny Paws looks after Ally and Mae the only way she knows how—as a dog would. There’s nothing she wouldn’t do for her girls. She feeds them a hearty breakfast (cookies are best), picks up their toys (teddy bears fit nicely in freshly dug holes), and even walks them to school (running them there is fun too). But one Tuesday, Ally and Mae come home sick, and it’s up to Nanny Paws to take care of them…in her own special way.Trade Review“Move over, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Good Dog, Carl: Nanny Paws knows exactly what to do for the kids in her care…Wahman's watercolor, pencil, and digitally created images effectively capture Nanny Paws’s perpetual motion and the twins’ adoration of her despite the chaos she leaves in her wake. Ally and Mae have brown skin and wear their black hair in two puffballs. A delightful tale for dog lovers with less-than-perfect pooches.” —Kirkus Reviews “The energetic poodle is constantly moving, and readers can follow her trail of gnawed socks as she concludes the day’s supervision with reading, bath time, and the final nighttime snuggle. Colorful illustrations done digitally and with active detailed pencil and watercolor demonstrate the lively personalities of the characters.” —Booklist “The juxtaposition of the story line with the silly, inviting illustrations makes for a romping tale that amusingly illustrates home life with a good-hearted, but less-than-perfectly behaved dog. An engaging picture book that will work well for storytime and one-on-one sharing. Children familiar with havoc-wreaking pooches will appreciate this playful tale most.” —School Library Journal “Even if you don’t have a dog, you will feel like you do and want to read it again and again. Wendy’s illustrations are charming and they are a great example of how to let the pictures filled in the text to create a rich layered book.”—Writing and Illustrating

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Book SynopsisMini is small, and Hardly is smaller – and neither of them are happy about it in this gorgeously illustrated, heart-warming picture book about unicorns from Kate Greenaway Medal-winning Catherine Rayner.Mini and Hardly are fed up of being small. Being grown-up would be so much better! They could eat what they want, stay up all night, and go on adventures. So . . . why wait? But it’s not long before the two little unicorns find themselves on an adventure a little bigger than they'd bargained for. Perhaps being small isn't so bad – after all, it makes you perfect for the BIGGEST cuddles.

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