Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Friends and friendships

Book SynopsisBoard the train for a story of art, diversity, and community in a near-wordless tale told through masterful, sumptuously detailed black-and-white illustrations.Train riders are used to stressful delays on the Zero Local line. But when a new passenger shows gratitude to the driver on their daily commute, tensions begin to ease. Eventually the artistic traveler stops riding the Zero Local line, and discord begins to creep back into the train car. Will the regular passengers find a way to restore the sense of camaraderie they once felt? Inspired by a true story, Ethan and Vita Murrow share with us a tender ode to the power of art and its ability to foster friendship and community in the most unlikely of places.

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Book Synopsis“Babysitting isn’t as easy as it seems. . . . Fans of the earlier titles will delight in Monkey and Elephant’s last escapade.” — School Library JournalWhen Monkey’s cousin MeeMee tells Monkey and Elephant she needs someone to watch her three babies for an afternoon, the two friends volunteer. But Monkey and Elephant don’t quite know what to expect. Will babysitting be hard? Will they need some rules? Will they be any good at it? And when some old baddies show up, will the two babysitters know what to do? Beginning readers will recognize the conflicting feelings that come with trying new things even as they delight in the antics of this unlikely pair of friends.

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Book Synopsis“A fun and pleasing friendship story for young readers learning that three doesn’t have to be a crowd.” — School Library JournalRabbit is excited. He is going to surprise his good friend Robot at home! But Robot is already engrossed in a game of checkers with another friend, Ribbit. Now Rabbit is the one who is surprised, and a bit jealous. While Robot thinks everything Ribbit says is funny, all Rabbit hears is “ribbit.” And Ribbit eats flies with her popcorn. Gross! When Rabbit and Ribbit get mad because they both want to be Cowboy Jack Rabbit, Robot’s Emotion Decoder overheats, leaving him out of commission. Can Rabbit and Ribbit find a way to work together to revive their friend?

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Book SynopsisTwelve-year-old Bernice Baransky likes the grunge look she's come by honestly as the only girl at Porchtown Skate Park who can pop an ollie, ride the rails, and grind the slabs. She'd love to impress Wyatt Anderson, a skater who calls her Dude, but Bernice can't seem to do more than mumble when he's around. Should she accept help from a new neighbor, the proper and princessy Odelia, who is desperate to befriend her? Odelia keeps a fancy notebook called Odelia''s Guide to the Social Graces and spouts off hilarious lessons on poise, posture, manners, and what to do about embarrassing oopsies like unexpected burps and spilled soda. This exciting story takes readers on a thrill ride from the skate park's half-pipe to Smile Academy, a summer camp for Down syndrome children. A novel full of adventure and heart, it asks the question: can two very different people ever be friends?Trade ReviewBeauty and Bernice is a fun story about middle schoolers fitting in and finding their place and who they are. There's Bernice, who loves skateboarding, and there's Odelia, the pink "princess" who lives across the street. An unlikely pairing, however, they both learn and grow from each other once they let go of their obvious differences. (Ages 8-12) -- Midwest Book Review, Children's Bookwatch

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewFun and friendship have a lot in common. They both require a lot of give and take. Jack and his friends share in imaginary play, and his bedroom quickly becomes an amazing pirate's ship. All are having fun, until Jack takes his part as Captain a little too seriously, and barks out orders till there is mutiny on the high seas. So you see, in order for friendships and fun to really be, it can't become all about me. (Ages 5-6) -- Midwest Book Review, Children's BookwatchA smart easy reader story about sharing and playing well together, The Bossy Pirate is a good read-aloud and a good independent book for newly confident readers. The sentences are slightly longer than beginning easy readers, and include imaginative words like scuttlebutt, barnacle, and nautical. Back matter includes a list of nautical terms that come up in the book, and a list of “nonsense words” that the pirate friends use. The artwork combines realistic and imaginative, with action going from Jack’s room to the high seas, where whales and dolphins glide and leap around a pirate ship. The group of friends is multicultural. The Bossy Pirate is good fun with a smart message: it’s always better to play well together. Let the kids make their own newspaper pirate hats and have a pirate storytime. -- Rosemary Kiladitis, Mom Read ItThe moral of the story is, don’t be bossy! Nobody wants to play when they aren’t allowed to add their own ideas to the story. (Shreya - Age 8) -- Kids' BookBuzz

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Book SynopsisYou're Never Too Young to Fight Censorship!In Ban This Book by Alan Gratz, a fourth grader fights back when From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg is challenged by a well-meaning parent and taken off the shelves of her school library. Amy Anne is shy and soft-spoken, but don't mess with her when it comes to her favorite book in the whole world. Amy Anne and her lieutenants wage a battle for the books that will make you laugh and pump your fists as they start a secret banned books locker library, make up ridiculous reasons to ban every single book in the library to make a point, and take a stand against censorship. Ban This Book is a stirring defense against censorship that's perfect for middle grade readers. Let kids know that they can make a difference in their schools, communities, and lives! Readers, librarians, and all those books that have drawn a challenge have a brand new hero. Stand

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewYoon’s cute, boldly lined characters and graphic compositions tell the story in a series of spots, full-page images, and thought bubbles. This picture book, like many before it, proves that love comes in many forms. * Booklist *Crisp illustrations that capture a genuinely loving heart . . . a strong if whimsical choice for those separated from loved ones. * Kirkus Reviews *Yoon's story of an unlikely interspecies friendship is both funny and sweet . . . let's hope that, as the Antarctic Ambassador of Friendship, Penguin, too, shall return in more adventures. * Horn Book Magazine on PENGUIN ON VACATION *Readers will respond to this warm tale of finding love. * Kirkus Reviews on PENGUIN IN LOVE *

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Book SynopsisJust in time for Valentine’s Day, join Penguin on his search for his perfect match in this loveable board bookTrade ReviewReaders will respond to this warm tale of finding love. * Kirkus Reviews *Yoon’s cute, boldly lined characters and graphic compositions tell the story in a series of spots, full-page images, and thought bubbles. This picture book, like many before it, proves that love comes in many forms. * Booklist on PENGUIN AND PINECONE *Crisp illustrations that capture a genuinely loving heart . . . a strong if whimsical choice for those separated from loved ones. * Kirkus Reviews on PENGUIN AND PINECONE *With her signature thick lines, pure colors and scratchy textures, Yoon creates a beach backdrop to showcase Penguin’s tender personality. * Kirkus Reviews on PENGUIN ON VACATION *Yoon’s story of an unlikely interspecies friendship is both funny and sweet. * Horn Book Magazine on PENGUIN ON VACATION *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewYoon manages to create visual dynamism . . . The simple narrative offers an opportunity for prediction and allows for text-to-self connections. * School Library Journal *Readers will respond to this warm tale of finding love. * Kirkus Reviews on PENGUIN IN LOVE *Yoon's story of an unlikely interspecies friendship is both funny and sweet . . . let's hope that, as the Antarctic Ambassador of Friendship, Penguin, too, shall return in more adventures. * Horn Book on PENGUIN ON VACATION *Yoon’s cute, boldly lined characters and graphic compositions tell the story in a series of spots, full-page images, and thought bubbles. This picture book, like many before it, proves that love comes in many forms. * Booklist on PENGUIN AND PINECONE *Crisp illustrations that capture a genuinely loving heart . . . a strong if whimsical choice for those separated from loved ones. * Kirkus Reviews on PENGUIN AND PINECONE *This comforting story successfully addresses the common fear of storms for a young audience… This storm’s impact has no lasting power against a family’s love. * School Library Journal on STORMY NIGHT *A thoughtful, flawlessly executed exploration of theory of mind and emotional intelligence. -- starred review * Publishers Weekly on FOUND *

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Book SynopsisThere''s nothing Violet loves more than music, and she plays or sings every chance she gets.  But where are the other kids like her-kids who think and dream music all day long?  As a baby, in kindergarten, at the beach and the zoo, she never gives up looking for companions.  And then one summer day...Bright, lively, and lyrical, this is a book for kids who march to a different drummer.  Violet''s Music sings to us that the right friend is always out there-as long as we keep looking and hoping, and above all, staying true to ourselves.

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Book SynopsisIn the tradition of Calvin & Hobbes and Dr. Seuss comes a new story of unlikely friendship.Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a humongous and hairy giant named Wilfred. Whenever people saw him, they ran away, which made life very lonely for Wilfred. That is, until he found himself in a rather unusual town where one brave little boy saw something special in the timid giant. So begins a story of friendship and sacrifice that will remind readers just how important one voice - no matter how small - can be.In this moving debut, Ryan Higgins shows his knack for blending humor and heart, and gives Lorax fans an unforgettable new hero.

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Book SynopsisThis latest hardcover picture book from the New York Times bestselling Ladybug Girl series proves that true friendship is better than any toy Lulu is excited about her playdate with Finny—and especially excited about Finny’s Rolly-Roo. In fact, Lulu loves the toy so much that she . . . kind of forgets to play with Finny. So when the girls accidentally break the Rolly-Roo, will Lulu realize her mistake? In this compassionate and charming story about the value of a great friend, Lulu and Finny repair the broken toy, and soon forget all about it, blasting off on new imaginative adventures together as Ladybug Girl and Grasshopper Girl.Great for fans of Fancy Nancy, Olivia, and Knuffle Bunny, this beloved series is celebrated for its gentle and authentic look at kid-truths.

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Book SynopsisA sweet raccoon character stars in this endearing tale of unexpected friendship from the creator of the bestselling Skippyjon JonesDewey Bob Crockett is a durn cute raccoon who lives by himself in a house filled to the brim with the wonderful objects he collects. Buttons, wheels, furniture and bricabrac adorn his cozy quarters and keep him busy as he finds and fixes, turning trash into treasures. But there’s something missing from Dewey’s collections—a friend! He tries gathering up some critters and bringing them home in his shopping cart, but that doesn’t work out so well. In the end, a friend does come Dewey’s way, and, with a little DIY help from this clever raccoon, returns again and again.Combining art and heart with storytelling genius and a lilting twang, Judy Schachner''s tale of unexpected friendship will delight readers young and old. 

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Book SynopsisA Netflix Original Film SeriesA New York Times Bestselling Series Over 8 Million Copies Sold Ivy and Bean need some money. Ten dollars, to be exact. Never mind what for. Okay, it's for low-fat Belldeloon cheese in a special just-for you serving size. Don't ask why. How are Ivy and Bean going to make ten dollars? Hey, maybe they should write a newspaper about Pancake Court and sell it! Great idea! And easy, too. All they have to do is snoop around the neighborhood. Wow...It's very interesting what they can find out. It's even more interesting when the neighbors read about it in the newspaper.

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Book SynopsisTry, try again is the lesson Crow teaches beginning readers in this picture book reader. Crow was all alone. But like all crows, he was very clever. Using autumn leaves for wings, sticks for the body and a crab apple for the head, Crow made a friend! But winter winds blew in, destroying his creation. Undaunted, Crow fashioned another bird friend out of snow but could not prevent it from melting in the warm spring sun. Alone again, Crow heard the caw, caw, caw of a real, live bird. Together they built a nest and by summer, Crow had a family. This warm, satisfying story celebrates perseverance and ingenuity. An I Like to Read® book. Guided Reading Level D.

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Book SynopsisBig Chuck is a woodchuck with a taste for pie. He daydreams about warm, flaky pastries and their fruity filling. When he spots a freshly baked blueberry pie cooling on the windowsill, he must have it. Chuck can''t reach high enough, so he recruits his friends to help. Maybe Raccoon or Rabbit can get the pie? It takes some impressive -- and athletic -- teamwork for Chuck and his friends to reach the ledge, but their reward is so sweet! An I Like to Read® book for emerging readers. Guided Reading Level C.

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Book Synopsis Nate loves skateboarding, but Kate prefers making hats. I hate to skate, she tells Nate. Do you like my hat? Unimpressed, Nate retorts I hate that hat. Kate’s feelings are hurt—so she ignores Nate as he falls. Now that Nate is hurt and sad, too, his outlook has changed. Wait, Kate, he says. I was a brat. Kate waits, and admits she wasn’t nice either, and new possibilities open. Now Nate and Kate both like to skate—and wear hats!  Straightforward and heartfelt, Nate and Kate’s story is the perfect reminder that we may not always share each other’s interests, but we must be respectful and open-minded all the same! An I Like to Read® book for emerging readers. Guided Reading Level D.

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Book SynopsisWhen Bunny joins Miss Pooch’s class, Pete can’t stop staring at her. He thinks about Bunny all the time—even when he’s eating dinner and when he’s brushing his teeth. But when Pete sits next to Bunny on the school bus, the other kids all shout, Pete likes Bunny! Pete likes Bunny! At home, a dejected Pete confides in Mom, who thoughtfully suggests that Pete give Bunny flowers. As in the first two Pete books, Pete Won’t Eat and Pete Makes a Mistake, Emily Arnold McCully portrays profound emotions and important relationships—especially between parent and child—through simple text and eloquent body language and facial expressions.

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Book SynopsisAn easy-to-read book with fun characters, visual humor, and an important theme--the joy of helping othersTwo friends, Mike, an elephant, and Pat, a fish in a fishbowl, are in a rowboat. While Mike naps, Pat jumps into the ocean, where he meets other fish. When a shark appears, Pat and his new fish friends are in trouble . . . until two chubby gray legs appear near the surface. Mike lands on the shark and frightens the toothy fish away. Mike has a great time underwater until he realizes he is out of air. Now the fish help Mike.

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Book SynopsisAn easy-to-read book with fun characters, visual humor, and an important theme--the joy of helping othersTwo friends, Mike, an elephant, and Pat, a fish in a fishbowl, are in a rowboat. While Mike naps, Pat jumps into the ocean, where he meets other fish. When a shark appears, Pat and his new fish friends are in trouble . . . until two chubby gray legs appear near the surface. Mike lands on the shark and frightens the toothy fish away. Mike has a great time underwater until he realizes he is out of air. Now the fish help Mike.

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Book SynopsisFrench bulldogs Toby and Pinkie learn to live together and form a heartwarming friendship.Toby loves basking in the morning sun, snuggling in a lap in the afternoon, and toasting his tummy by the fireside at night, but somehow his warm spots never last. What Toby wants more than anything is to find something as warm as the sun that never fades or fizzles.Then one day, Pinkie comes along, and she starts hogging all of Toby's favorite places. Toby feels alone and forgotten, and slinks away. . . but Pinkie follows him, determined to prove that she is the something as warm as the sun Toby has been looking for all along. From the acclaimed duo of Kate and Jim McMullan, creators of I Stink! and I'm Dirty!, comes this story about two unforgettable French bulldogs--the perfect story for parents bringing home a new sibling.

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Book SynopsisHow will Eliza make it through the sixth grade? Her ADHD tends to complicate things. . . .Eliza Bing stuck with taekwondo and earned her yellow belt even though her family expected her to quit. She's tough enough to break boards with her bare hands! Next up: middle school, and hopefully a best friend. The school play turns out to be the perfect opportunity to befriend confident, stage-obsessed Annie. But can their friendship survive the spotlight?The joys and sorrows of middle school come to life in this funny and heartfelt sequel to Eliza Bing Is (NOT) a Big, Fat Quitter, recipient of the Christopher Award and four child-voted state award nominations.

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Book SynopsisUn gran corazón es un libro ilustrado rico en cultura que muestra con orgullo la belleza de la diversidad y al mismo tiempo celebra las cosas maravillosas que tenemos en común.

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Book SynopsisSometimes rivals just needs a helping paw...Trade Review‘A super original, tense YA story about two struggling outsiders, connected by a dog – it's timeless and clever.’ -- Sophie Dahl, author of Madame Badobedah‘Talking to Alaska's strong characters and intriguing plot are powerful hooks into this heartfelt story.’ * Florentyna Martin, Waterstones Children's Book Buyer *‘Parker and Sven can't stand each other but I loved them both from the very first page. Feisty and believable, both vulnerable in different ways, they are linked together by Alaska, Parker's beloved dog who, she discovers, now belongs to Sven. Themes of friendship, loneliness, damage and privacy are woven into a tense story with characters that jump off the page, this will be an unmissable debut in the UK.’ * Jill Coleman, Director of Children's Books, BookTrust *‘From the start Alaska caught me with its unclichéd voices. It has two strikingly engaging young protagonists: the boy determined to be known for something other than his epilepsy and the outsider girl in mourning for her lost dog. Original in both the prose and the characterisation, this friendship drama and mystery story is a cut above.’ * Nicolette Jones, BookTrust judge *‘From the very first pages you are invested in the main characters. Big issues are dealt with in a sensitive accessible way and the story moves at a terrific pace. Highly recommended.’ * Simon Key, BookTrust judge *‘This is a riveting story with an intricate plot, wonderfully told. Epilepsy… is very sensitively handled. Adolescent surges of feelings such as loyalty, anger and love are skilfully integrated into the plot. The translator, Laura Watkinson, deserves special thanks for bringing her considerable skill to making this story accessible to an English audience.’ -- School Librarian'For animal-loving readers, the fluffy white dog may be reason enough to add this to collections, but the deeper layers of story make it a must.' -- Booklist, starred review'As heart-warming as it is thought-provoking… Woltz plants the reader squarely in the characters' shoes, making themes of understanding, hurt, friendship and privacy feel deeply personal. Laura Watkinson's translation into English deserves a special mention too.' -- SchoolNotices‘[Woltz] does not shy away from the dark feelings Sven has towards his epilepsy and towards himself as its bearer. Woltz’s achievement is significant. Few writers depicting young characters with various impairments choose to depict the full range of emotions such characters feel. Woltz also highlights both sides of the phenomenon of social media, both its positive and its negative aspects… Watkinson’s translation feels excellent, smooth and unmannered.’ -- Books for Keeps‘Sometimes you pick up a book that instantly draws you in. Talking to Alaska is such a book…Talking to Alaska highlights anxieties that many teenagers live with but it also shows that being open and honest can, in many cases, help allay fears and trauma.’ -- Good Reading Magazine

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Book SynopsisKanzi, the immigrant girl of Aya Khalil and Anait Semirdzhyan’s bestselling picture book The Arabic Quilt, has come to feel welcome in her American school—that is, until an entire shelf of books about immigrant kids and kids of color suddenly disappears from the school library.

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Book SynopsisNamed one of the Top 10 Native American Books for Elementary Schools by American Indians in Children's Literature Little Zoo Sap and his family are moving from their summer home on the coast to their winter home in the deep woods. Unnoticed, the youngster tumbles off the end of the sled.Trade Review"This delightful story is wonderful example of both the subtle directness and the deep awareness of our relation to the natural world that characterizes the very best American Indian traditional storytelling. Allen’s voice is both gentle and strong. I can’t think of a book I could recommend more highly for anyone who wants to give a young reader a true picture of the Native way of seeing, teaching, and understanding." -- Joseph Bruchac, author of more than 100 books, many of which reflect his American Indian (Abenaki) ancestry, including the young adult novel Killer of Enemies." Sockabasin weaves a powerful story of paternal love while simultaneously expressing the mutual respect between his Passamaquoddy culture and the natural world." -- School Library Journal"…a perfect bedtime story." -- Multicultural Review"Sockabasin’s tale is richly delineated by Raye’s evocative images. A tale for the seasons!" -- Native Peoples

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Book SynopsisBenny Bensky is a big black dog with a nose for trouble. His owner, Rosie, and her best friend, Fran, are growing a giant pumpkin for the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off - and it looks like first prize (a ride on the first float in the parade at the country fair) is within their reach. But soon Benny and the girls are involved in solving a nefarious crime: someone is stealing the pumpkins, and what’s worse - the detective trio are getting the blame. On top of all this, Rosie must get glasses.Mary Borsky’s second book about Benny and his human friends will delight the many young mystery buffs who giggled through Benny Bensky and the Perogy Palace.

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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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Book SynopsisTrade Review"It is a deceptively powerful, timely message in the guise of a quiet, old-fashioned package." Kirkus Reviews"An original, deftly crafted, and entertaining picture book story by artist and author L. K. James, The Full House and the Empty House is certain to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to family, elementary school, and community library collections for children ages 5-7." James Cox, Midwest Book Review"Some of my favorite picture books feel like beautifully done animated films that beat to the sound of their own drummer. The Full House and the Empty House definitely falls into this much beloved category for me." Mr. Brian, MR. BRIAN'S PICTURE BOOK PICKS"A very good and very beautiful and very happy picture book for kids... Honestly, the real beauty of this title is that it does exactly what every picture book should strive to do." Elizabeth Bird, School Library Journal"It's beautiful and strange." Betsy Bird, School Library Journal

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Book Synopsis

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