Search results for ""astra publishing house""

This fifteenth anthology of short stories set in the beloved Valdemar universe features tales by debut and established authors and a brand-new story from Lackey herself.The Heralds of Valdemar are the kingdom's ancient order of protectors. They are drawn from all across the land, from all walks of life, and at all ages--and all are Gifted with abilities beyond those of normal men and women. They are Mindspeakers, FarSeers, Empaths, ForeSeers, Firestarters, FarSpeakers, and more. These inborn talents--combined with training as emissaries, spies, judges, diplomats, scouts, counselors, warriors, and more--make them indispensable to their monarch and realm. Sought and Chosen by mysterious horse-like Companions, they are bonded for life to these telepathic, enigmatic creatures. The Heralds of Valdemar and their Companions ride circuit throughout the kingdom, protecting the peace and, when necessary, defending their land and monarch.

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Sci-fi action meets steamy paranormal romance in the Alien novels, as Katherine “Kitty” Katt faces off against aliens, conspiracies, and deadly secrets. • “Futuristic high-jinks and gripping adventure.” —RT Reviews With the human population growing and alien refugees pouring in from around the galaxy, Earth is becoming too overcrowded to sustain itself—and the solar system is filling up with the alien overflow. Advanced technology from the Alpha Centauri and Vatusan systems offers one possible solution. It's time to explore new planets and see if any uninhabited ones can be claimed.The President and First Lady, aka Jeff and Kitty Katt-Martini, aren't supposed to be on this mission, but what looks like a snafu during a political photo op on the newly christened Distant Voyager spaceship turns out to be a call for help from a planet that might be Earth's salvation...or its destruction.The discovery of a world at the opposite end of the galaxy that seems like it could be a twin to Earth creates the usual issues for Kitty & Company. It also raises questions of Z'porrah and Ancient influence—not to mention cloning, the multiverse, and, scariest of all, whether or not the Black Hole Universe Police are starting to take too much of an interest in this particular universe.

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What do worms do all day? How do they see? And why are they so cold and squishy? Find out by going on an underground tour through the hidden world of earthworms. Kevin McCloskey’s book even shows readers what’s happening inside a worm’s body— brain, crop, gizzard, and more. The book takes young readers from “ew!” to “wow!” as they learn about the different ways worms work hard to help the earth. Kids may pick up many of the life science lessons contained here on their first read, but they’ll return to We Dig Worms! again and again to rediscover its story. Deceptively simple, humble yet charming, this little book reaches surprising depths...just like, well, a worm!

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Feeling antsy? Then let yourself be captivated by these tiny, fascinating creatures that you can find in any backyard near you! They hear with their legs and smell with their antennae—some even explode! In this spectacular addition to his best-selling Giggle and Learn series, Kevin McCloskey points his magnifying glass for a close-up look at an anthill, shrinking young readers down, down, down into the underground colonies that ants call home. With his trademark humour and curiosity, he is sure to keep every emerging reader spellbound.

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In this second book in the addictive graphic novel series for tweens, Grace and Lola uncover more truths about romance and friendship at home, at school, and on an island holiday. BFFs Grace and Lola are back in volume two of The Love Report. Grace tries to adjust to her parents' split, but dividing her time between two homes is no fun; Lola and Grace help Adele find a place to stay–an old factory–to escape her evil stepmother; and Lola wants to help Felicity after one of the boys begins harassing her, but it’s not easy. Summer comes just in time, and the change of season brings the girls and Adele to the island of Sardinia, where they continue to discover the ins and outs of love and romance far from home and school.

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Perfect for fans of Oliver Jeffers and Jon Klassen, this nearly wordless picture book tells a heartwarming and hopeful story of loss and new beginnings as a little girl and her dog, Antonia, journey with their family across a river to start a new life.Like so many people around the world facing difficult times, the little girl and her family in this eye-catching and emotionally satisfying picture book have had to leave their home. The girl has brought along her belongings and her friendly, curious dog, Antonia. While waiting for a boat to take them across a river, she plays with other children who've also brought pets --a duck and a bird. But on the other side of the river, Antonia goes missing in the brush. The girl is distraught, until a new friend releases his own pet bird from its cage in an extraordinary gesture of solidarity and freedom. With colorful, whimsical illustrations and an uplifting message of resilience, this US debut from a talented Colombian creator will leave readers with a full heart.

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Let’s stay connected to each other! A distracted parent comes to appreciate a child’s imagination and the importance of paying attention in this whimsical tale, inspired by Chinese folk culture. A child and his dad are off for a day in the countryside—but the dad is perpetually distracted by his computer screen, unable to see what his child sees: genies outside the bus windows, in the trees, behind rocks, everywhere! As the child tries again and again to get dad’s attention, the dad grows frustrated, until—oh no!—he turns into a roaring bear. But now, finally, he can see the parade of magical creatures, and parent and child join in a joyful, fantastical parade. Debut artist Qiaoqiao Li’s dreamy illustrations bring to life this magical story about the power of unplugging from our devices so we can plug into the scenes of wonder ready to burst out of our imaginations.

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Nature's repeating patterns, better known as fractals, are beautiful, universal, and explain much about how things grow. Fractals can also be quantified mathematically. Here is an elegant introduction to fractals through examples that can be seen in parks, rivers, and our very own backyards. Young readers will be fascinated to learn that broccoli florets are fractals�just like mountain ranges, river systems, and trees�and will share in the wonder of math as it is reflected in the world around us. Perfect for any elementary school classroom or library, Mysterious Patterns is an exciting interdisciplinary introduction to repeating patterns.

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Can you help Lemon find the party? Fans of Sabine Timm @virgin_honey are jumping for joy! The Instagram darling from Germany has teamed up with beloved American author Jamie Michalak to create a picture book perfect for all ages, but especially kids from 4 to 8. So...Come On In! 168K Instagram followers can't be wrong! Come on in to Lemon's world and meet a rainbow-tastical collection of friends: cats wearing boots, fruits dressed in suits, dogs made of bread, and pigeons named Fred. You can help Lemon find the party! With eye-popping art from beloved creator, Sabine Timm and bouncy rhyming text from Jamie Michalak, Come On In offers up a fresh take on the theme of inclusivity, and will have crafty kids and DIYers smiling, pointing, and thinking: I bet I can make those, too!

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Learn all about the Mars Opportunity Rover "Oppy" in this fictionalized account of the space exploration robot's time on the red planet.Mixing humor with solid space and rover facts, this picture book gives an inside look into Opportunity's time on Mars. An interplanetary detective, Oppy spent 15 years on the red planet taking thousands of pictures and making groundbreaking discoveries that she transmitted to scientists and engineers back on Earth. From joyriding on Olympus Mons, to racing away from a treacherous dust storm, Oppy's adventure in space--combined with her grit and perseverance--will inspire and educate young readers of all ages.

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This collection of poems, creatively presented in the format of an allegorical house, will engage anyone who has ever wondered “why?” as it shows young readers that wonder is everywhere—in yourself and in the world around you.Welcome to the Wonder House, a place to explore the cornerstone of every great thinker—a sense of wonder. This Wonder House has many rooms—one for nature, one for quiet, and one for mystery, among others. Each room is filled with poems and objects covering a wide variety of STEAM topics, including geology, paleontology, physics, astronomy, creative writing, and drawing, that will inspire curiosity in young readers.This enchanting book written by award-winning poets Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Georgia Heard both sparks wonder and shows readers how to kindle it in themselves.

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Laurence Pringle's fascinating and informative book, with stunning illustrations by Meryl Henderson, introduces young readers to the life and behavior of one of nature's most remarkable—and most popular—birds. The seventeen species of penguin come in all sizes and live in a surprising range of habitats. Readers familiar with the emperor penguin that stands almost four feet tall and lives in the Antarctic may be surprised to encounter the little blue penguin that's only about sixteen inches high and hops ashore into the green forests of southern Australia and southern New Zealand. This book is packed with such a wealth of information, even penguin enthusiasts are bound to learn something new.

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Includes a brand-new Binti story!Collected for the first time in a trade paperback omnibus edition, the Hugo- and Nebula-award-winning Binti trilogy, the story of one extraordinary girl's journey from her home to distant Oomza University.In her Hugo- and Nebula-winning novella, Nnedi Okorafor introduced us to Binti, a young Himba girl with the chance of a lifetime: to attend the prestigious Oomza University. Despite her family's concerns, Binti's talent for mathematics and her aptitude with astrolabes make her a prime candidate to undertake this interstellar journey. But everything changes when the jellyfish-like Medusae attack Binti's spaceship, leaving her the only survivor. Now, Binti must fend for herself, alone on a ship full of the beings who murdered her crew, with five days until she reaches her destination. There is more to the history of the Medusae—and their war with the Khoush—than first meets the eye. If Binti is to survive this voyage and save the inhabitants of the unsuspecting planet that houses Oomza Uni, it will take all of her knowledge and talents to broker the peace. But even if Binti achieves this remarkable feat, it's not the end of her story. For this lone Himba woman, now bonded with a Medusa and forever changed by this bond, still must find a way to survive and thrive at Oomza University amid swirling interspecies biases. And eventually, she must return home to test the strength of the fragile peace she worked so hard to win. Collected now for the first time in omnibus form—and introducing a new Binti story—follow Binti's journey in this groundbreaking sci-fi trilogy.

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This omnibus, The Throne of Amenkor Trilogy, brings Joshua Palmatier's The Skewed Throne, The Cracked Throne, and The Vacant Throne together for the first time.

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The Krakau came to invite Earth into an alliance of sentient species, only to find that plague had turned humanity into shambling, near-unstoppable animals. A century later a bioweapon wipes out the Krakau command crew and reverts the rest of the humans to their feral state - only Marion 'Mops' Adamopoulos and her Shipboard Hygiene and Sanitation team on board the Earth Mercenary Corps Ship Pufferfish are left with their minds intact. They stumble onto a conspiracy born from the truth of what happened on Earth all those years ago.

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Holiday fun for little ones! A perfect Christmas read-aloud story, this engaging board book is filled with bright photos of adorable animals and babies. The end of the book features a tree-shaped mirror where babies can see themselves and practice saying ho, ho, ho, too.Designed to spark a love of reading in babies and toddlers, Who Says Ho Ho Ho is a jolly story that little ones and caregivers can enjoy together. The mirror at the end of the book allows little ones to enjoy memorable peekaboo play with grown-ups, creating positive associations with reading from a young age. Simple, repetitive words encourage listening and speaking skills, boosting Baby's use of language.Ready for hands-on fun, the book’s sturdy wipe-off pages and rounded edges make it easy and safe for babies to touch and interact with the playful images. Who Says board books are small enough for little hands to hold on their own, and they fit easily in a diaper bag or purse to entertain little bookworms on the go. A great gift for a baby shower or for a new little one!

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Seek-and-find fun on the farm! This adorable puzzle board book, inspired by a popular feature in Hello magazine, encourages interactivity and invites babies, toddlers and their caregivers to read and explore together. Every page helps spark early learning by combining vibrant, baby-friendly illustrations and developmentally appropriate challenges.Touch and feel the embossed pages while searching for animals, vehicles and places on the farm. The last page is a bonus learning activity about counting from 1 to 6, with sheep, sunflowers, hay bales and more.Ready for hands-on fun, this book’s wipe-off surface protects against spills, and rounded edges provide a safe reading experience. Find It board books are easy to take on the go to entertain the littlest readers anywhere—a perfect gift for new parents! This interactive and tactile board book is designed by childhood experts to enhance learning and encourage bonding through play.

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Potty training becomes a funny, interactive game of discovery in this rhyming pull-the-tab book. Kids will laugh out loud as they make each animal’s poop appear by sliding the tab — and learn where they should go!

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In this singular and intimate memoir of identity and discovery, Vanessa A. Bee explores the way we define “home” and “belonging” — from her birth in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to her adoption by her aunt and her aunt’s white French husband, to experiencing housing insecurity in Europe and her eventual immigration to the US. After her parents’ divorce, Vanessa travelled with her mother to Lyon and later to London, eventually settling in Reno, Nevada, as a teenager, right around the financial crisis and the collapse of the housing market. At twenty, still a practicing evangelical Christian and newly married, Vanessa applied to and was accepted by Harvard Law School, where she was one of the youngest members of her class. There, she forged a new belief system, divorced her husband, left the church, and, inspired by her tumultuous childhood, pursued a career in economic justice upon graduation. Vanessa’s adoptive, multiracial, multilingual, multinational, and transcontinental upbringing has caused her to grapple for years with foundational questions such as: What is home? Is it the country we’re born in, the body we possess, or the name we were given and that identifies us? Is it the house we remember most fondly, the social status assigned to us, or the ideology we forge? What defines us and makes us uniquely who we are? Organised unconventionally around her own dictionary-style definitions of the word “home,” Vanessa tackles these timeless questions thematically and unpacks the many layers that contribute to and condition our understanding of ourselves and of our place in the world. Inspirational, powerful and though-provoking, this book is a perfect read for those looking for connection, belonging and understanding.

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Highlights Hidden Pictures puzzles --now with over 280 colorful stickers! Stickers bring an exciting new element to everyone's favorite puzzle--Hidden Pictures! This set of three books is filled with full-color and black-and-white Hidden Pictures scenes featuring kids' favorite pets, barnyard friends, and more, along with 8 pages of vibrant stickers to mark the hidden objects. For Hidden Pictures fans of all ages, here is an unbeatable combination that makes a terrific gift!

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An excellent example of picture-book biography. --Booklist, starred review. For fans of the best-selling titles I DISSENT and SHE PERSISTED, here is a non-fiction picture-book biography of Belva Lockwood, a lawyer, activist and presidential candidate who devoted her life to overcoming obstacles and demanding equality for women. Activist Belva Lockwood had big dreams and didn't let anyone stand in her way--not her father, her law school, or even the US Supreme Court. She fought for equality for women in the classroom, in the courtroom, and in politics. In her quest for fairness and parity, Belva ran for President of the United States, becoming the first woman on the ballot. This riveting non-fiction picture book illuminates the life of a woman who was never afraid to take the floor and speak her mind.

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Friendship is about far more than being alike in this simple yet satisfying story. Zack and Ike are best friends who like to think they're exactly alike. They have the same backpack, the same bike, and the same kind hearts. But what happens when these best friends disagree? And what happens when they meet a new friend who is exactly different--or is she? In this classic friendship story written by award-winning author Suzanne Bloom, readers will see that Zack and Ike are alike in some ways, but different in others--and that's okay! Because you don't have to be exactly alike to be friends.

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The stunning voice and hard life of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday is revealed through evocative, accessible poetry. In 1915, Sadie Fagan gave birth to a daughter she named Eleanora. The world, however, would know her as Billie Holiday, possibly the greatest jazz singer of all time. Eleanora's journey to become a legend took her through pain, poverty, and run-ins with the law. By the time she was fifteen, she knew she possessed something that could possibly change her life--a voice. Eleanora could sing. Her remarkable voice led her to a place in the spotlight with some of the era's hottest big bands. Through a sequence of raw and poignant poems, New York Times best-selling and award-winning poet Carole Boston Weatherford chronicles the singer's young life, her fight for survival, and the dream she pursued with passion.

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This playful picture book demonstrates key math concepts to children in a merry story featuring the Arithmechicks, ten maths-loving chicks. The Arithmechicks are headed to the beach! Their good friend Mouse is going to compete in a sandcastle contest. The chicks are excited to play all sorts of beach games—including volleyball and surfing—as they cheer on Mouse. Readers are invited to add and subtract as these maths-loving chicks also explore fact families—and to watch as Mouse, along with their new friend Crab, create a magnificent sandcastle! Will they win a prize? This book includes a helpful glossary that defines fact families, providing a playful introduction to essential maths for young children and their caregivers.

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Very short, creative stories pair with bold illustrations in this picture book that will inspire young readers to stretch their imaginations and write stories of their own. "One day. . . I went to school. I came home. The end," says our storyteller—a girl with a busy imagination and a thirst for adventure. The art tells a fuller tale of calamity on the way to school and an unpredictably happy ending. Each illustration in this inventive picture book captures multiple, unexpected, and funny storylines as the narrator shares her shorter-than-ever stories, ending with "One day. . . I wanted to write a book." This book demonstrates a unique approach to writing and telling stories and is a delightful gift for children as well as for teachers seeking a mentor text for their classrooms.

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This collection of 22 poems explores the fascinating lives of North American nocturnal animals. When the sun goes down, many animals come out. Crickets chirp their crickety song hoping to attract a mate. Cougars bury their leftovers for later, leaving few clues for others to follow. Armadillos emerge from their dens to dig for worms, leaving holes in the lawns they disturb. This collection of poetry from acclaimed children's author and poet David L. Harrison explores the lives of animals who are awake after dark. Stephanie Laberis's beautifully atmospheric illustrations will draw in readers, and extensive back matter offers more information about each animal.

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Certain to please even Alice herself, this celebrated version of her famous adventures in Wonderland is brimming with wonderfully whimsical pictures by internationally acclaimed artist Lisbeth Zwerger. Her imaginative illustrations of the strange denizens of Wonderland – from the Mad Hatter and March Hare to the Queen of Hearts and Cheshire Cat - capture the inspired nonsense of Carroll’s timeless tale.

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When Otto and his robot sidekick, Toot, follow the crook, they discover a topsy-turvy world where rats chase cats and people wear underpants over their clothes. To get his presents back, Otto needs to solve a slew of backwards puzzles — but his greatest challenge comes at the journey’s very end. On this special day, will Otto discover something even better than cake or gifts?

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What made the Great Antonio so great? He weighed as much as a horse! He once wrestled a bear. He could devour twenty-five roasted chickens at one sitting. In this whimsical book, beloved author and illustrator Elise Gravel tells the true story of Antonio Barichievich, the larger-than-life Montreal strongman who had muscles as big as his heart.

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Get ready for second grade and keep learning skills sharp all summer with this innovative activity-rich curriculum-based workbook. Organized week-by-week and aligned with state standards, kids will love the puzzles that make skills-practice fun plus the bonus pull-out Hidden Pictures progress poster, fun reward stickers, award certificate and the extra activities that they can take outdoors.Expertly crafted to combat "summer slide", The Big Fun Summer Learning Workbook (1&2) will give kids a head start on their upcoming school year. This book provides the right balance of review to keep skills sharp and a preview of what's to come, and features a wealth of Fun with a Purpose® puzzle-based activities. The book also includes ideas for simple ways to extend the learning through fun outdoor activities.Includes:Vowels and consonantsSyllablesParts of speechCursive writingReadingPunctuationShapesAddition and subtractionFractionsTimeMeasuringRegroupingMap skillsSciencePLUS -- a bonus pull-out progress poster, reward stickers, and a Certificate of Achievement!Winner, Family Choice AwardWinner, PAL (Play Advances Language) AwardNational Parenting Seal of ApprovalWinner, Teachers' Choice AwardPAL (Play Advances Language) Top Ten Pick

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World War II looms over the United States while fourteen-year-old Junior Bledsoe struggles with anger and identity after his father's death in this coming-of-age title in the award-winning middle-grade Bakers Mountain Stories series -- now in paperback! As World War II threatens the United States in 1941, Junior Bledsoe fights his own battles at home. He struggles with school and with anger--at his late father, his insufferable granddaddy, his neighbors, and himself--as he desperately tries to find his own aim in life. But he finds relief escaping to the quiet of the nearby woods and tinkering with cars, something he learned from his pop. And a fatherly neighbor provides much-needed guidance. This heartfelt and inspiring novel about a boy learning to accept the past and create his own future also includes an author's note and bibliography.

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Baby’s first seek-and-find fun! This adorable puzzle board book, inspired by a popular feature in Hello magazine, encourages interactivity and invites babies, toddlers and their caregivers to read and explore together. Every page helps spark early learning by combining vibrant, baby-friendly illustrations and developmentally appropriate challenges.Touch and feel the embossed pages while searching for animals in the backyard, on the farm, in the ocean and more. The last page offers a bonus learning activity about colors, with a red crab, yellow chicks and brown deer.Ready for hands-on fun, this book’s wipe-off surface protects against spills, and rounded edges provide a safe reading experience. Find It board books are easy to take on the go to entertain the littlest readers anywhere—a perfect gift for new parents! This interactive and tactile board book is designed by childhood experts to enhance learning and encourage bonding through play.

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Ideal for fans of Jack Prelutsky and Shel Silverstein, this collection of hilarious poems is perfect for any young reader who likes to read — and laugh!This funny poetry book is full of unusual characters: lots and lots of dragons, panda and pangolin musicians, mail-order eggs that hatch dinosaurs (surprise!), ten aliens with a garden-gnome pal, a robot uncle, and a professor who uses his Page Machine to travel to multiple pages within the book. Vikram Madan's ingenious poems take many forms, from limerick to rebus to a fill-in-the-blank poem that offers more than 13.8 billion funny combinations. All feature clever wordplay, impeccable rhythm and rhyme, and riotous punchlines. This is a quirky collection of poems that readers will laugh their way through again and again.

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Beloved Tiny Bear returns in this adorable board book that explores all the new things he can do with his body! All it takes is a friend to show him how. With fun flaps that reveal simple actions geared to toddler development, like jumping and standing on one leg, this sweet story is perfect for little ones widening their physical repertoire. The ever-adorable Tiny Bear (Hello, Tiny Bear!) returns, and now it’s time to jump, twist, and play with his friends. From kicking up his feet like a Monkey to wriggling on the floor like a Snake, Tiny Bear discovers all how he, too, can move his body. Tiny Bear Can, Too shows the fun in following physical cues and encourages toddlers to see what they can do, too!

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Little Lessons Popular sayings from around the world come to life in Seymour Chwast’s iconic and humorous design style, perfect for graduates and curious kids. “If you walk on thin ice, you might as well dance”—this and many other wise sayings from many countries take on a whole new dimension when Seymour Chwast’s pen delivers a memorable visual rendition. Life lessons have never been so amusing to think about and maybe even learn from. This colourful book is a perfect gift to spur laughter, learning, and cultural savoir faire for curious kids, graduates, or anyone starting a new chapter. Includes a brief and fascinating afterword explaining the history and staying power of these sayings around the world.

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In this fantastical picture book perfect for fans of Aaron Becker's Journey, a human child and a child from another planet discover that no matter where you live or what your books are like, reading�and sharing�are universal. A cosmic celebration of the joy of sharing books and having new experiences awaits readers in this captivating wordless picture book for ages 3 to 6. A child busy reading in a treehouse spots a family who seems to have just arrived on Earth for a picnic. The youngest member of the alien family holds a mind-bendingly strange object. Could it be a book from outer space? At the end of this gorgeously illustrated tale, each child returns home with a book from far away to remember a kind stranger. Sure to take its place among gently fantastical favorites like Sophie Blackall's If You Come to Earth and Carson Ellis's Du Iz Tak?, this picture book will enchant and delight curious kids and book lovers everywhere.

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Welcome to the show! Bienvenidos! This rags-to-riches tale of a doggy mother-daughter singing act in the Nuevo Wild West will enchant dog lovers, music lovers, and anyone looking for new Latinx voices. This spellbinding original story opens in a cantina crowded with desert animals, cowboys, and cowgirls all excited to see the glamorous Luna Ranchera mother-daughter singing duo. Long ago, Luna was down on her luck, starving and struggling to feed her pups, reduced to thieving from nearby ranchers. One day, escaping another heist, Luna has to hide in the worst possible place: on top of a beehive! She howls in pain so loudly, it carries all across the desert. It turns out Luna's musical wails are something special, captivating creatures far and wide. Her most rebellious pup, Ranchera, joins her, and soon the two become the famous howling singing act with the flea-bitten souls, Luna Ranchera! Immersive and unforgettable, with knockout, whimsical art, the tale ends with the lyrics to Luna Ranchera's most famous song. Perfect for fans of Coco and Soul.

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Making friends has never been so adventurous as in this hilarious tall tale from design legend Seymour Chwast! How far would you travel to find a friend? Whether you go to the South Pole to party with penguins, to the moon to have lunch with an astronaut, or high up a building to meet a window washer, bring a little gift, and all will go well. Award-winning graphic designer Seymour Chwast, co-founder of the legendary Push Pin Studios, takes us on a journey around the world (and off it!). And in the end, of course, it turns out you don't have to go far at all to find a friend.

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From the New York Times Book Review: "The unnamed narrator scrapes her knee. 'I cried like a baby,' she confesses. “It was like a scary movie with you-know-what dripping down my leg. I had never seen so much before. Blood. I said the word that really scares us kids.' How could you not immediately adore and trust this voice?"From three-time NYT Best Illustrated creator of On a Magical Do-Nothing Day comes a stunning picture book about a little girl, the scab on her knee, and the healing they do together.In this utterly enchanting and unexpected tale from international picture book star Beatrice Alemagna, a childhood mishap is the occasion for growth and self-reflection. When a little girl falls on the street, scraping her knee, her father tells her not to worry, that "a beautiful scab will form." But she does worry! The scab is not beautiful and it's keeping her from bending her knee! When will it ever go away? By the time the scab—who she has named Pepper—falls off, something astonishing has happened: the girl has come to feel affection for the scab and has a hard time letting go. With an unerring understanding of a child’s emotional life and a dash of absurdist wit, this picture book will stand with classics from creators like Tomi Ungerer and William Steig, who explore the weird, funny essence of childhood.

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In the third miniature picture book in the Hippo Park Pals series, perfect for little hands—Fiona needs help getting onto her swing, and brother Herbert helps out, like big brothers do.The fourth book in the adorable Hippo Park Pals series, real picture books--perfect for little hands!In the third Hippo Park Pals miniature book, Fiona is first to the swing set, but her swing is too high to reach! “Help me, please, Herbert,” she asks her brother. With his help, Fiona gets comfy in her swing, gets a big push–and up she goes! “Kick and tuck,” Herbert encourages! And she’s off! Herbert joins, too, and the siblings soar up to the sky (and over a beautiful rainbow) in their imaginations! Rilla Alexander’s hippo siblings, Fiona and Herbert, are adorable and kind! Her bold. bright colors and the social emotional messages in these precious books meet kids exactly where they are.

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What's cool, anyway? Skateboards, pizza, arcade games-and being kind! This buoyant young graphic chapter book introduces Duck and pals, kicking off a series that makes real-life friendship issues fun. Duck is feeling pretty good about himself. He can flip on a skateboard, and he's a great friend, too. Then Cat comes along and seems so cool, with his high scores on video games-but Cat also does some mean stuff nobody likes! Then Cat gets caught up a tree and needs help. In three short chapters, perfect for readers just gaining confidence, Duck and his pals show Cat that being cool includes helping others and not dissing your friends. Hippo Park graphic chapter books are ideal for beginning and newly independent readers, with approachable page counts, easy-to-follow paneling, and artwork that supports text comprehension.

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"You ate the story?" says one mouse to the other in this thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt read-aloud with pitch-perfect repartee and Barney Saltzberg's signature take on the perils and pleasures of creativity. Two mice-one big and one small-have a terrible problem in this satisfying comedic journey that parents and children will want to take together again and again. Little Mouse is looking for a story-they're in a book after all!-and Big Mouse has to admit the truth. The story is gone. And (gasp!) he ate it. That is not okay with Little Mouse, who expects his story and will settle for nothing less. What follows is an improvisational dialogue that showcases both the patience and discipline required of true creativity and the dazzling on-the-spot storytelling that can happen when you get in the flow. Parents, teachers, and kids alike will cheer for these heroic mice as they work out the kinks in their friendship and make the reader realize that they've been delivering a story all along.

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Will, an agender teen, struggles with the haunting aftermath of parental abuse as they forge a new life and love in this novel that is perfect for fans of If These Wings Could Fly and Last Night at the Telegraph Club. Will is a 17-year-old on the cusp of freedom: freedom from providing and caring for their abusive, addicted mother, freedom from their small town with an even smaller mindset, and the freedom from having to hide who they truly are. When their drug dealer mother dies months before their 18th birthday, Will is granted their freedom earlier than expected. But their mother's last words haunt Will: She cursed them with her dying breath, claiming her death was their fault. Soon their mother's drug-dealing past threatens Will's new shiny future, leaving Will scrambling to find their beloved former foster mother Raz before Child Protective Services or local drug dealers find them first. But how do you reconnect with family and embark on a new love when you're convinced you destroy everything you touch?

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In this powerful and deeply felt memoir of translation, storytelling and borders, Alejandra Oliva, a Mexican American translator and immigrant justice activist, offers a powerful chronical of her experience interpreting at the US-Mexico border.In Rivermouth, Oliva focuses on the physical spaces that make up different phases of immigration, looking at how language and opportunity move through each of them: from the river as the waterway that separates the US and Mexico, to the table as the place over which Oliva prepares asylum seekers for their Credible Fear Interviews and finally, to the wall as the behemoth imposition that runs along America's southernmost border.With lush prose and perceptive insight, Oliva encourages readers to approach the painful questions that this crisis poses with equal parts critique and compassion. By which metrics are we measuring who deserves American citizenship? What is the point of humanitarian systems that distribute aid condi

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