Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Emotions, moods, feelings and behaviours

Book SynopsisShy Ben loves jelly beans and every week he goes to Jo-Jo's Jelly Bean Shop hoping to guess the riddle that will win him a whole jar full of beans, but he needs help from his sister to spit out his answer.

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Book SynopsisWhen four big chickens see a wolf sneaking near their coop, they run into the woods to hide. But for a bunch of big chickens, running away from danger isn''t as easy as it looks. As they continue on their way, they wonder: What if they get stuck in a ditch? What if they hit an iceberg in the lake? What if they step into a cow patty? Eewww! Brimming with silliness and the kind of slapstick humor small children love, here?s a rollicking read-aloud with an uplifting message and a very satisfying ending.

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Book SynopsisMake reading sparkle with the fourth title in the adorable Princess Posey chapter book series!Halloween is right around the corner and Princess Posey is super excited to have a party with her first grade classmates and go trick-or-treating. But sometimes Halloween tricks are scary. When Posey's teacher announces that they're going to have monster stew at their party, she's more than a little nervous. But in true Princess Posey fashion, she dons her sparkly tutu and realizes that being a little scared with friends can be much fun!A great choice for children making that tentative step from beginning readers to chapter books.—Booklist

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Book SynopsisA sweet addition to the family is coming! Written by National Book Award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson. Illustrated by Caldecott Award-winning illustrator Sophie Blackall. All anyone wants to talk about with Mama is the new “ding-dang baby” that’s on the way, and Gia is getting sick of it! If her new sibling is already such a big deal, what’s going to happen to Gia’s nice, cozy life with Mama once the baby is born?   “[An] honest story about jealousy, anger, displacement, and love [that] will touch kids dealing with sibling rivalry and spark their talk about change.”—Booklist   “Fresh and wise.”—Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisEveryone's favorite first grader, Princess Posey, has to fess up to her biggest mistake yet in this eleventh book in the series!Posey's class has been learning all about bees, and when they plan to put on a play to demonstrate everything they've learned, Posey is thrilled. Posey loves a stage, and she's already got her heart set on the perfect role: the Queen Bee. But when Caitlyn is picked for the Queen Bee, Posey is crushed. Taking matters into her own hands, Posey swipes Caitlyn's special bee eraser when nobody's looking. But after she takes it, she feels worse. Maybe stealing wasn't the right thing to do--but how can she ever make things right? It takes a talk with her mom and a whole lot of courage, but Posey makes an important discovery: owning up to your mistakes is always the right thing to do.Praise for Posey:Greene doesn't miss a step. Posey is the perfect fictional friend for any first-grade girl.—Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisWhen Koala Lou’s mother becomes so busy that she forgets to tell her firstborn how much she loves her, Koala Lou enters the Bush Olympics, intending to win an event and her mother’s love all at one time. “A first-rate choice for bedtime, story hour, or reading aloud.”--The Horn Book

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Book SynopsisThe fourth book  in the hilarious chapter book series that tackles anxiety in a fun, kid-friendly way. Perfect for both beginning and reluctant readers, and fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid!Alvin, an Asian American second grader who's afraid of everything, is facing something truly scary: the idea that someone he loves might die. When Alvin's GungGung loses his best friend, Alvin (gulp) volunteers to go with him to the funeral.A humorous and touching series about facing your fears and embracing new experiences—with a truly unforgettable character—from author Lenore Look and New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Honor winning illustrator LeUyen Pham.“Alvin’s a winner.” —New York Post

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Book SynopsisIn this adorable illustrated picture book for kids written by Dan McKernan (Saved by the Barn), the rescue farm animals at Barn Sanctuary decide to help a cow who is dealing with fear and anxiety in her new home. Children will learn the importance of friendship and compassion, as well as why it’s important to support others during hard times.Inside this book, kids ages 4-8 will discover: A positive message about friendship, kindness, and understanding others How to show compassion to others Ways of coping with difficult situations, including how to deal with fear and anxiety A page with information on Barn Sanctuary and their rescue efforts, with information on ways you can support the real-life animals featured in the book This Farm Is a Family follows a group of rescued farm animals who are living their best lives at Barn Sanctuary. Each one is eager to meet the newesTrade Review'In this gentle, compassionate fictional picture book, young children are introduced to some of Barn Sanctuary's animal characters. Mike the cow, Little Dude the pig, Ginger the lamb, and Twitch and Steve the goats are thrilled when Farmer Dan tells them the exciting news that a new cow named Buttercup is arriving that day. The animals think of ways to be welcoming: throw a party, have an egg hunt, snuggle with Buttercup, or tickle her. However, nothing goes as planned. Despite the animals' best efforts to be friendly, Buttercup is grumpy and angry. The animals are perplexed. Is Buttercup just mean? The animals decide to stay away from Buttercup and stop trying to be kind to her. However, one day, little Dude decides to sneak to Buttercup's stall and watch her. But to his surprise, Buttercup is gone. What happens next sets the animals' relationship on a healing and healthy course as the reason for Buttercup's actions is revealed. Peace and harmony are restored on the farm. The comforting reality is that, at Barn Sanctuary, the animals are a family, and families help each other through good times and difficult circumstances. Illustrator Denise Hughes's delightful depiction of the farm animals and their varied emotions as they unravel the mystery of Buttercup's behavior complement author Dan McKernan's kind-hearted narrative.' * The Banner, June 2022 *2022 Northern Lights Book Award Winner, Animals/Pets Category * Northern Lights Book Awards *

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Book SynopsisOne bright summer morning, Sister and Brother Bear decide to go on a bike ride and fishing trip in the countryside. But when things go very wrong, they start to wonder why good bears have bad days. Mama and Papa explain how the good is mixed with the bad, but how God is always looking out for us.

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Book SynopsisHow do you teach a child to dream big and shoot for the stars? In this inspiring story, a young bunny named Zippy dreams of traveling to space. When the opportunity to attend space camp arrives, she worries she might not be capable enough to compete with other kids. But Zippy’s desire to build her rocket is bigger than her fear of failing, and through hard work and creativity works to make her dreams come true.New York Times bestselling author Ruth Soukup empowers children everywhere to dream big and live a life they love. How Big Is Your Brave? encourages readers to face their fears and overcome obstacles in order to follow their dreams and reach their goals.How Big Is Your Brave? is: Great for boys and girls, ages 4–8 An excellent choice for STEM storytime and sparking discussions about STEM fields A great resource to teach young children about confidence, self-esteem, and the value ofTrade ReviewIn this didactic narrative, young bunny Zippy pursues her astronaut dreams with welcome familial support. When her brother Gus, a gardener who knows Zippy's heart is in the stars, encourages enrollment in space camp, Zippy fears the 'big, smart-looking critters signing up.' Remembering wisdom from her grandmother--'Your WHY must be bigger than your fear'--and subsequently guided by her parents and camp counselor, Zippy commits and makes strides at camp, learning that 'action is the antidote to fear.' But when a garden-related accident interferes, Zippy must navigate moving beyond her frustrations. Friend's illustrations are warmly colored, and a variety of critters abound. The lessons Zippy receives--'everyone needs accountability,' among others--are graphically imposed on their respective pages, but the dialogue is no less impactful ('Being brave doesn't mean you're never scared... courage means taking an action, even when you feel afraid'). Though the text-heavy pages make this a hefty read-aloud, it's an uplifting story for increasingly independent readers. * Publishers Weekly *In this inspiring story, a young bunny named Zippy dreams of traveling to outer space. When the opportunity to attend space camp arrives, she worries she might not be capable enough to compete with the other kids. But Zippy's desire to build her own rocket is bigger than her fear of failing, and through hard work and creativity she ends up making her big dreams come true! Through whimsical illustrations and encouraging text, children will discover how standing up to fears both big and small will make them stronger and unstoppable. With encouraging phrases that can turn into your personal slogan, such as 'You're why must be bigger than your fear,' this is such a wonderful illustrated book with a great message for adults and children alike. Generally suited for children who are mature readers as this book is a longer story and has advanced words. But don't let young ones miss out - it's a great read aloud story to encourage social emotional development in children. It's a book that touches on bravery, resilience, confidence, facing fears and overcoming obstacles. I also think it can be a sweet gift of encouragement for adults. * Paws and Pages by Annie *The message of this book is one that all kids will understand in some way, whether it's facing scary situations with courage or working through challenges. Zippy's friendly face and relatable story will win over readers. * Pennsylvania School Librarians Association *This is a cute and encouraging book for children to conquer and face their fears. It has some great inspirational quotes in it that are great for children to think about when they are unsure or afraid. This book encourages children to follow their dreams and has some adorable characters and illustrations. * All Books Great and Small *

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Book SynopsisIn this follow-up to the blockbuster hit Fiona the Hippo, based on the internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, join Fiona and her loveable animal friends for a heartwarming holiday romp through the zoo in this fun and whimsical new board book---the perfect Christmas read-aloud for fans of Fiona (and hippos!) everywhere.Trade ReviewIn the second of a series, internet sensation Fiona the Hippo, who was born six weeks prematurely at the Cincinnati Zoo in 2017, celebrates Christmas. With the zoo lights shining and a festive feeling in the air, Fiona goes searching for the true meaning of the holiday. She slides down a snowy bank with the penguins, admires the zoo's Christmas tree, and meets reindeer, but still seeks an answer: 'What's Christmas, Mama?' Cowdrey illustrates in a cozy, inviting art style that--while it doesn't offer much verisimilitude relating to Fiona's backstory--will appeal to younger readers invested in the characters. A predictable narrative arc (Fiona discovers that the true meaning of Christmas is giving to others) is nevertheless sweetly uplifting. * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisGod Loves You, Little Peanut is a heartwarming premium picture book about the deep bond between a parent, grandparent, or any loved one and their little one. From playtime to bedtime, silly time to cuddle time—the sweet rhymes and adorable illustrations show many different wonderful moments shared with a child, reminding boys and girls how special they are and how much they are loved.Little Peanut there’s so much to know.At night we’ll share stories or maybe tall tales of giants and lizards and huge talking whales.God Loves You, Little Peanut: Is perfect for fans of authors like Nancy Tillman (On the Night You Were Born) and Sam McBratney (Guess How Much I Love You) Makes a wonderful gift for Father’s Day, a new baby, baptism, birthday, or any occasion to show your child or grandchild they will always be your little pea

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Book SynopsisCute and cuddly animals wear their hearts on their sleeves in this charming board book with Valentine's Day rhymes, from bestselling author Roger Priddy.There are tactile, heart-shaped holes on every page, while glitter and foil add a sprinkle of Valentine's Day magic to this endearing book for the little one you love.Telling this simple but charming Valentine tale in rhyme provides an excellent introduction to the holiday. Graduated hearts are die-cut into every page, including the inside back cover, and each heart is edged with different colored foils.Perfect seasonal gift book for children aged one and over

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Book SynopsisAll You Need is Love is a heartwarming Little Friends book for Valentine's and Mother's Day, with flaps to lift and two large gatefold pages for little ones to open and explore.The sweet story from Roger Priddy follows Tiny Tiger as he spends time with his family: making pancakes with Daddy, playing with his little sister, and enjoying a bedtime story with Mommy. The flaps and fold-out pages are ideal for inquisitive young children and will encourage hand-eye coordination. And the engaging text and adorable illustrated tiger characters make this story perfect for sharing at snuggle-time!A great gift for the one you love on Valentine's Day or any day.

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Book SynopsisFrom Pura Belpré Award-winning author-illustrator Juana Medina, I WILL! helps young readers to affirm how they will act with bold, colorful illustrations and simple text. This paper-over-board picture book is the first in Medina''s I WILL! series.I will be kind to others.I will tell the truth, even if it’s hard.I will love myself.The words and pictures in this book are promises the reader can make to themselves and to their friends and family! Full of affirmations that entertain while building self-esteem and improving communication skills, I WILL! is the perfect read aloud for kids and adults of any age. What will you do to help make this a better world?

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Book SynopsisFrom Pura Belpré Award-winning author-illustrator Juana Medina, I AM! helps inspire young readers to have confidence in themselves. This paper-over-board picture book, the second in the I WILL! series, grabs the eye with bold, colorful illustrations and simple text. I am strong.I am confident.I am funny.The words and pictures in this book are here to remind the reader how wonderful they are! Focusing on helping to build emotional literacy, self-esteem, and self-worth as well as improving communication skills, I AM! is the perfect read aloud for kids and adults of any age.

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Book SynopsisAn exciting new adventure starring the New York Times-Bestselling Pout-Pout Fish! Mr. Fish has prepped and packed,And he's made big plans to roam.He's ready for adventureOn his trip away from home!But sometimes trips have detoursAnd not everything goes right.Without his favorite toy,Can he fall asleep at night?Swim along with Mr. Fish as he explores new places and meets new friends in THE POUT-POUT FISH, FAR, FAR FROM HOME. He might just learn that a few bumps along the way are all part of the journey. Deborah Diesen and Dan Hanna are back with everyone''s favorite grumpy fish, to show that love doesn't have to be packed, it travels with you always.

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Book SynopsisThe star of the New York Times-bestselling Pout-Pout Fish books is back in this board book edition of The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish.

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Book SynopsisOne of School Library Journal''s Best Picture Books of 2011These look-alike twins have always shared everythingtheir room, their toys, a crib, and, since the day they were born, a blanket. But as they grow into new beds, they need new blankets, too. Now they face a new dilemma: they don''t know how not to share.Told from the perspective of two five-year-olds, The Twins'' Blanket playfully illuminates squabbles and affection between young siblings. Yum''s minimalistic art astutely captures these twins'' emotions as they toss, turn, and tug their new and old blanketsand embrace their growing independence.

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Book SynopsisMr. Fish helps his friend Willa Whale overcome her social anxiety in the next installment of the New York Timesbestselling Pout-Pout Fish series from Deborah Diesen and Dan Hanna.Willa Whale is full of worries! Will the party be too loud?Will she find someone to talk to? Will she get lost in the crowd?Mr. Fish is Willa''s friend, and he''d like to help her out.Can some of his suggestions help Willa with her doubt?Swim along with the Pout-Pout Fish and Willa Whale as they explore the world of worry. Together, they might just learn that when worry swims inside us, there are things that we can do!

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Book SynopsisThere''s nothing scarier than a birthday party in the third book in a hilarious chapter book series that tackles anxiety in a fun, kid-friendly way. Perfect for both beginning and reluctant readers, and fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid!Alvin Ho, an Asian American second grader, is afraid of everything. For example, what could possibly be so scary about a birthday party? Let Alvin explain:• You might be dressed for bowling . . . but everyone else is dressed for swimming.• You could get mistaken for the piñata.• You could eat too much cake.• You could throw up.So when Alvin receives an invitation to a party—a girl’s party—how will he ever survive?A humorous and touching series about facing your fears and embracing new experiences—with a truly unforgettable character—from author Lenore Look and New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Honor winning illustrator LeUyen Pham.“Alvin’s a winner.” —New York Post

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Book SynopsisAlvin becomes a big brother in the fifth book in the hilarious chapter book series that tackles anxiety in a fun, kid-friendly way. Perfect for both beginning and reluctant readers, and fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid!Alvin, an Asian American second grader who's afraid of everything, has started to notice his mother getting bigger . . . and bigger. Alvin's sure it's all the mochi cakes she's been eating, but it turns out she's pregnant! There are lots of scary things about babies, as everybody knows. There's learning CPR for the newborn and changing diapers (no way). But the scariest thing of all is the fact that the baby could be a GIRL. As a result of the stress, Alvin puts on a few pounds and—in one hilarious misunderstanding—worries that he might actually be pregnant, too!A humorous and touching series about facing your fears and embracing new experiences—with a truly unforgettable character—from author Lenore Look and New York Times

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Book SynopsisBeloved author-illustrator Patricia Polacco’s holiday story is a wonderful ode to the magic of family, Christmas, and giving the right kind of gifts—gifts filled with love. Richie and Trisha want to buy Christmas gifts for their family, but they don''t have enough money. Enter Kay Lamity, a new housekeeper . . . but is that all she is? She comes into their lives like a whirlwind, brimming with positive energy and a can-do attitude. Kay not only straightens them out when it comes to whether or not Santa Claus is real, she teaches them something about gifts: the just-good-enough kind that come from the pocketbook and the unforgettable kind that come from the heart. Because of Kay, Trisha and Richie—and the family—have a Christmas morning they will never forget.Celebrating the joy of homemade gifts, Patricia Polacco introduces readers to a new character who is truly a force of nature in this story reminiscent of Christmas Tapes

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Polacco introduces readers to another inspirational teacher from her past in this inspiring tale. . . . This story from the author’s life, colorfully illustrated with pencils and markers in her signature style, is affecting, engaging, and informative.”—Booklist“Polacco’s colorful illustrations are engaging, with pencil lines used in the characters’ facial expressions to evoke a range of emotion. . . . Add Miss Keller to Polacco’s collection of inspirational teachers, including Mr. Falker, Mr. Lincoln, and Miss Chew.”—School Library Journal“Inspired by Polacco’s experience growing up and the teacher who encouraged her to write, students can relate to Tricia’s experience and struggle in trying to please a teacher who seems impossible to please.”—School Library Connection

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Book SynopsisThis accessible and fun guide to meditation and mindfulness is the perfect introduction for young children Meditation does a body good, and can even help kids as young as four or five. This practical guide is gentle, clear, and a pleasure to use. Kids will learn how to focus on their breath, on the sensations in their body, and on the sounds around them to help them relax, settle their busy minds, and understand their emotions. Illustrated with cheerful drawings of five animal friends, the book offers step-by-step directions and a repeating refrain:  Breathe in, and fill your whole body. Breathe out, and relax your whole body.  It's an invigorating first experience of mindfulness that can be shared by parents and children at home, or by teachers and students in the classroom.

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Book SynopsisThe story of one family's journey north during the Great Migration starts with a little girl in South Carolina who finds a rope under a tree one summer. She has no idea the rope will become part of her family's history. But for three generations, that rope is passed down, used for everything from jump rope games to tying suitcases onto a car for the big move north to New York City, and even for a family reunion where that first little girl is now a grandmother. Newbery Honorwinning author Jacqueline Woodson and Coretta Scott King Awardwinning illustrator James Ransome use the rope to frame a thoughtful and moving story as readers follow the little girl's journey. During the time of the Great Migration, millions of African American families relocated from the South, seeking better opportunities. With grace and poignancy, Woodson's lilting storytelling and Ransome's masterful oil paintings of country and city life tell a rich story of a family adapting to change as they hold on to the past and embrace the future.Trade Review“Woodson’s (Each Kindness) gentle, unpretentious writing and Ransome’s eloquent artwork breathe life into this story of a close-knit African-American family and their pursuit of a better life. . . . The chronicle of a homely object in an age of disposables and the sense of place Woodson and Ransome evoke make this an especially strong and vibrant fictive memoir.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Expressive oil paintings illustrate the clean, well-cadenced text in scenes that include well-researched period details. . . . There’s no doubt of the warmth and strength of the family ties that bind these individuals together.” — Booklist“The rope becomes a symbol of family tradition and continuity against a backdrop of historical and social change. Woodson’s understated but eloquent text gives specific details of one family’s experience, while Ransome’s rich oil paintings provide historical context.” — The Horn Book“A warm family saga of a household united by love, pride and an uncommon heirloom. The repetition of the title in a nursery-rhyme style will resonate with young listeners. Ransome’s vivid, full-bleed, double-page–spread oil paintings create an upbeat, welcoming vista of rural South Carolina and urban Brooklyn. . . . A quiet affirmation of a strong and close-knit family that, along with so many other African-Americans, found a better life as part of the Great Migration.” — Kirkus Reviews“Spare, eloquent. . . . A beautifully told family tale about a loving, close-knit African-American family over several decades. . . . The language is deliberate and lyrical. . . . Landscapes indicative both of the changing geography and the passing of time . . . remarkable, with light falling on faces at the perfect angle and facial features carrying abundant emotion. Young listeners . . . [will] be drawn to this warm and hope-filled tale.” — The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books“A poignant, realistic, generational story. Woodson masterfully weaves a tale of an African American family’s move from the rural south to New York City. . . . Ransome’s beautifully rich oil paintings add depth and interest. . . . The perfect picture book to include in a study of The Great Migration. . . . An excellent tale to include in a study of family histories. It is a picture book to savor as a read-aloud.” — Library Media Connection

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Lucky Broken Girl takes us into a world that is at once deeply familiar and astonishingly new—the world of young people negotiating English as a second language, of families being forced from their homelands, of bodies learning to move (and not move), and of friendships across cultural divides. But most of all, it is the world of Ruthie, an unforgettable character whom I grew to love and cheer for.”—Jacqueline Woodson, author of Brown Girl Dreaming“Reading Lucky Broken Girl feels like meeting a courageous new friend who will be with you forever. Ruth Behar succeeds at infusing her tale of heartbreak and suffering with a glorious celebration of forgiveness and hope.”—Margarita Engle, author of The Surrender Tree “A powerful story of fortitude and courage that will remain in the hearts of young readers.”—Marjorie Agosín, author of I Lived on Butterfly Hill “In the shadow of tragedy, little Ruthie finds the light of love and optimism. Although it indeed takes a village to raise a child, her story of resilience and triumph reminds us that sometimes it takes a child like Ruthie to raise a village. An engaging and magical read for children and adults alike.”—Richard Blanco, author of The Prince of Los Cocuyos: A Miami Childhood * “A cultural anthropologist and poet, the author based the book on her own childhood experiences, so it's unsurprising that Ruthie's story rings true. The language is lyrical and rich, the intersectionality—ethnicity, religion, class, gender—insightful, and the story remarkably engaging. . . . A poignant and relevant retelling of a child immigrant's struggle to recover from an accident and feel at home in America.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review“Behar’s first middle grade novel, a fictionalized telling of her own childhood experiences in the 1960s, is a sweet and thoughtful read, slowly but strongly paced, and filled with a wealth of detail that makes the characters live. Both poetic and straightforward, this title will appeal to young readers with its respect for their experiences and its warm portrayal of a diverse community. In addition to Ruthie’s realistic and personal voice, the novel’s strength is in its complex portrayal of the immigrant experience, with overlapping stories of who goes and who comes and the paths they travel. Recommended and relatable. Hand this to fans of Rita Williams-Garcia and those who loved The Secret Garden.”—School Library Journal“Strongly sketched novel. . . . Readers will get a powerful sense of the historical setting through Ruthie’s narration, but the novel is perhaps defined even more by her family’s status as immigrants and by its memorable multicultural cast. . . . Behar successfully juggles several engaging plot threads, and Ruthie’s complicated relationship with her mother, given the demands of her care, is especially compelling.”—Publishers Weekly“From facing feelings about the boys who caused her accident, to finding herself in painting and writing, to learning that she isn’t ‘slow’ just because English isn’t her first language, Ruthie faces everything with an impressive inner strength. Fans of character-driven middle-grade novels, particularly those looking for diverse books, should be easily charmed by Behar’s story, which is inspired by her own childhood as a Cuban immigrant in 1960s New York and her first-hand experience of surviving a car crash and spending a year in a full-body cast (an author’s note offers some illuminating details).”—Booklist “[Ruthie] smoothly integrates the layered immigration stories of her grandmother, Ramu’s family, her Mexican neighbor, and her own family, giving her story a pleasing accessibility that complements and expands impressions young readers may have of immigration, urban life, and coming back after tragedy.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books“A touching story about friendships and losses, forgiveness and fear, vulnerability and determination, prayer and patience. . . . An exceptionally diverse case of characters and perspectives. . . . Teens will likely find the many lessons Ruthie learns to be valuable and often insightful.”—Voice of Youth Advocates“An unflinchingly honest first-person narrative . . . (an appended note provides more context and encourages readers to ‘speak up. Tell your story’). Effectively scattered Spanish phrases lend authenticity, while period references evoke the 1960s setting.”—The Horn Book* “[Ruthie’s] world is so tangible that readers will feel they’re sitting on the stoop of the Mizrahis’ apartment building. But even these details pale beside the emotional clarity of Ruthie’s voice. In particular, her prayers at the end of most chapters recall the candid petitions of Judy Blume’s Margaret. Equal parts heartbroken and hopeful, Ruthie is a middle grade heroine for the ages. . . . Emotionally true and unexpectedly funny.”—Shelf Awareness, starred review

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Book SynopsisFrom the author-illustrator team who brought you The Invisible Boy comes the story of a boy who won't stop talking--until he gets laryngitis. You don't have to be a chatterbox to appreciate this tale of listening and learning.Owen McPhee doesn't just like to talk, he LOVES to talk. He spends every waking minute chattering away at his teachers, his classmates, his parents, his dog, and even himself. But all that talking can get in the way of listening. And when Owen wakes up with a bad case of laryngitis, it gives him a much-needed opportunity to hear what others have to say.From the author-illustrator team behind The Invisible Boy comes a bright and lively picture book that captures the social dynamics of a busy classroom while delivering a gentle message about the importance of listening.

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Book SynopsisSadie can't wait to get involved with the local circus youth group, especially when it turns out she's really good at acrobatics! Sadie wonders what to do when her best friend Jenny suddenly starts acting mean and jealous toward her. Luckily she finds a lonely kitten who can make everything better!

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Book SynopsisAlice Forester can't believe it--she has to take swimming lessons at school! Everyone else in her class is excited and thinks she's strange for not feeling the same way. Problem is, Alice is afraid of the water. But after Alice meets the cuddly grey and white kitten Flame, she's ready to face her fears.

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Book SynopsisFrances loves to dance. She dances while getting dressed, eating breakfast, and even when brushing her teeth. But she will not dance out the door. When her teacher announces that the class will be dancing on stage in a few days, Frances is terrified. She does not dance in front of people! It's up to her mom, her dad, and her brother to convince Frances that she can dance even on stage.

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Book SynopsisTHE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! From Jay Asher, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Thirteen Reasons Why, comes a holiday romance that will break your heart, but soon have you believing in love again. . . .  A beautiful story of love and forgiveness. —Stephen Chbosky, New York Times bestselling author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower Sierra's family runs a Christmas tree farm in Oregon—it's a bucolic setting for a girl to grow up in, except that every year, they pack up and move to California to set up their Christmas tree lot for the season. So Sierra lives two lives: her life in Oregon and her life at Christmas. And leaving one always means missing the other.  Until this particular Christmas, when Sierra meets Caleb, and one life eclipses the other. By reputation, Caleb is not your perfect guy: years ago, he made an enormous mistake and has been pay

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