A new neighborhood. A new school. An unhappy birthday. Things aren't looking great for Gregory. But when he discovers an abandoned chalk factory behind his house, something magical happens: a beautiful garden and a quiet friendship spring up within its walls.

Lighthearted humor defines the antics in this chicken caper. Tail the Squirrel, paralyzed with fear, can't clearly convey the sight he's seen, so the chickens, by fastidious notetaking and deductive reasoning (based on limited experience), try to discover the frightful source of Tail's worry. A hilarious kerfuffle results. A fun read with rich conversation, narration, and storytelling that illustr ...

Who sent an anonymous note to Amber Lee? The secret's in the spit! A new series from the pair that created "Scaredy Cats", this time combining some of the most popular elements of kids' books--mystery, a classroom setting, and simple forensic science with a bit of gross-out factor.

Todd hates spiders, but all of Mr. Merlin's third grade class must collect cobwebs for their science unit. When Mr. Merlin says a spider web may hold the clue to tracking down the burglar who stole Todd's beloved baseball cards, Todd decides spiders may not be so bad after all. Illustrations.

Sarah and her father leave their family to build a home in the wilderness of colonial America. When they finish, he goes away to bring the rest of the family, telling her that "to be afraid and to be brave is the best courage of all." "This story is one to be long remembered for its beautiful simplicity and dignity."--"New York Times Book Review."

Something in the woods is threatening the freedom Pembrook's dogs enjoy. Dog Watch is on the case. Illustrations.

Lawrence’s confidence boost when he finally realizes (with his friend’s help) the best defense against a bully is to accept himself just the way he was made and find joy in it.

"What if Walt Disney quit and never made "Steamboat Willie?"O That's the question Mr. Caruthers poses to his third grade class. Abigail, Jacob, Zack, and Bo are excited to travel back in time and meet Disney, and they're determined to convince him not give up making the first animated movie with sound. Illustrations.

Silliness abounds as DJ, who is NOT a hip-hop artist, plays butler to an adorable baby shrub, who really needs a nanny. A nanny might say no, but DJ, who is a butler, always says yes. Hijinks, tv appearances, and a dramatic chase will carry giggling readers from beginning to end.

Kito calls together Chester, Lucky, and the rest of the Dog Watch team to help him find out why their friends are missing and to rescue them from a mystery culprit before it's too late.

Donavan Allen collects words by writing what he likes on a slip of paper and putting it in his word jar. But one day Donavan discovers that his word jar is nearly full. How can he make room for new words? Illustrations.

In 1607, three English ships sail up the James River in Virginia and establish the first permanent English colony. Nine-year-old Elizabeth "Lizzie" Barker keeps a journal for her brother, Caleb, who stayed in England because of his weak lungs. In her entries, Lizzie describes the abundant forests, trading with and learning from the Indians, and adventures with her new friends.

Problems pile up but love proves its power to overcome in this humorous and realistic story.

This is a beautiful story of transformation of one character and the kindness and gentle persistence that it took by friends. Change begins in the heart, and sometimes when it is set in its unhappy way, it takes a while to rethink, hope, and be courageous enough to try something new and even full of hope. A wonderful story.

Macaulay's clever use of not only showing the eye and its parts, but also playing an active role in the story's unfolding soccer match, gives the reader a greater sense of its inner workings and the purpose of its many parts. By the story's end, readers can more fully appreciate this organ's importance and its multi-layered protective construction. An effective primer.

In her chapter book debut, Nancy Clancy must find the culprit when a prized possession goes missing at school. Illustrations.

Jack Russel terrier Fenway thinks life without a leash is way more fun. He doesn't need to wait on his humans, he can play chase with the other dogs, and he can brag about all of it to the canines next door. Being free also means he can ignore Hattie's calls for him to come. And in doing so, he can find himself alone and lost. Will such an experience change Fenway's thoughts about the dreaded leas ...

When Stanley Lambchop wakes up one morning, his brother, Arthur, is yelling. A bulletin board fell on Stanley during the night, and now he is only half an inch thick. Soon, amazing things begin happening to him.

A refreshing story that presents teamwork, friendship, kindness, and generosity in an extremely positive light. An engaging ""light"" mystery underlies the importance of looking beyond the surface and to choose empathy when everything seems to give cause for blame.

The journey of Fancine Poulet's emotions in this engaging tale runs an entire gamut -- from confidence, to fear, to doubt, to resignation, to cautious optimism, to trust, and eventually, restoration. And this journey's joyful end shows how kindness and encouragement from a friend are just the antidote to healing her wounded self-esteem. Realistic, lively illustrations skillfully capture every deci ...