Synopses & Reviews
From the author of the 2013 Caldecott Honor Book, ONE COOL FRIEND!
As they wait for the arrival of a new baby, Maita tells her great-grandniece the story of her remarkable childhood. Living sheltered on a lighthouse island with only her parents for company, Maita always longed for a sibling-longed not to be the only child the ragged island knew. And then one icy night, howling winds blew wave after wave against the shore, and from that fearsome storm came a sea chest-a gift that would change Maita's life forever.
From a beguiling Maine legend, newcomer Toni Buzzeo has fashioned this exquisitely lyrical, intimate tale, illustrated in vibrant oil paintings by Mary GrandPre. Together they have created a book of classic beauty and resonance.
Review
* “There’s a charmingly nostalgic feel both to the story and to the illustrations, which convey a sense of time and place and are very appealing.”
Review
“Readers looking for a feel-good holiday story will find one here.”
Review
“Mixed-media spreads filled with homespun period accents spark the poignant story.”
Review
“A gentle but dramatic story of an earlier time.”
Review
“The telling is smooth and engaging, and Carpenter’s mixed media pictures set the appropriate mood.”
Review
There's so much for little ones to like here. (Booklist)
Review
“Humor and high spirits. A fine addition to the Adventure Annie series.”—Booklist
Synopsis
'Twas the night before kindergarten,and as they prepared,
kids were excited,
and a little bit scared.
It's the first day of school! Join the kids as they prepare for kindergarten, packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and the hardest part of allsaying goodbye to Mom and Dad. But maybe it won't be so hard once they discover just how much fun kindergarten really is! Colorful illustrations illuminate this uplifting takeoff on the classic Clement C. Moore Christmas poem.
Synopsis
It's the first day of kindergarten and Miss Bindergarten is hard at work getting the classroom ready for her twenty-six new students. Meanwhile, Adam Krupp wakes up, Brenda Heath brushes her teeth, and Christopher Beaker finds his sneaker. Miss Bindergarten puts the finishing touches on the room just in time, and the students arrive. Now the fun can begin! This rhyming, brightly illustrated book is the perfect way to practice the alphabet and to introduce young children to kindergarten.
"Multifaceted and appealing, this book can be enjoyed in many ways, at home and at school."
-The New York Times Book Review
Synopsis
Mama Duck is playing hide-and-seek with her ducklings. As fast as you can say one, two, three, they find hiding spots. Except for Dawdle Duckling, that is. He takes his time . . . and gets some help from his friends. Turtle, Frog, and Fish all suggest that he hide behind them. But they're much smaller than Dawdle Duckling. And Mama Duck is about to come looking. How can our hero win the game?
Ollie, ollie, in free! This is a happy, funny tale of friendship, cooperation, and the joy of play-a terrific companion to Dawdle Duckling, which Kirkus Reviews called "just right for the preschool set" and Publishers Weekly dubbed "immensely satisfying."
Synopsis
From the author of the 2013 Caldecott Honor Book, ONE COOL FRIEND!
Annie Grace wears her "Adventure Annie" cape to her first day of kindergarten, and proceeds to barrel through the day, searching for adventure in every moment. Her interpretation of the class's Gold Star Rules isn't exactly what her teacher, Mr. Todd, had in mind. But somehow Annie does manage to save the day when two of her classmates get lost on their way to retrieve the afternoon snack. Spirited and funny, this is an introduction to kindergarten that will please kids and teachers alike.
Synopsis
On a momentous visit to the aquarium, Elliot discovers his dream pet: a penguin. It's just proper enough for a straight-laced boy like him. And when he asks his father if he may have one (please and thank you), his father says yes. Elliot should have realized that Dad probably thought he meant a stuffed penguin and not a real one . . . Clever illustrations and a wild surprise ending make this sly, silly tale of friendship and wish fulfillment a kid-pleaser from start to finish.
Synopsis
From the author of the 2013 Caldecott Honor Book, ONE COOL FRIEND!
Annie Grace is all set for a Saturday full of fun with Mommy. Donning her sparkly tights and red cape, she becomes Adventure Annie! Butoh no! Mommys important report has gotten lost and she needs to go to her office to find it. What kind of adventure can Annie possibly have in an office building? Well, it turns out that a rambunctious, imaginative kid can find adventure anywhereand can maybe even save the day for Mommy at the same time.
Infectiously lively and humorously true to the creative energy of a typical preschooler, this is also the perfect read-aloud choice for kids who are curious about what their working parents do all day.
Synopsis
It's time for diving lessons, but Little Loon is too nervous. When Papa shows him how to tuck in his feathers and dip down into the water, Little Loon rushes away without trying. But then&150GRUFFLE, SNUFFLE, GROWL!&150things become even more startling when Papa's not close by. And as Little Loon hears the reassuring call of his father, he's finally ready to take his first dive.
This warm, genuine tale of fatherly guidance and support is just right for Father's Day&150or any day when a young reader is on the verge of learning a new skill.Dawdle Duckling, was dubbed "smile-provoking" by Booklist and "immensely satisfying" by Publishers Weekly.
Synopsis
From the author of the 2013 Caldecott Honor Book, ONE COOL FRIEND!
Annie Grace wears her ?Adventure Annie? cape to her first day of kindergarten, and proceeds to barrel through the day, searching for adventure in every moment. Her interpretation of the class?s Gold Star Rules isn?t exactly what her teacher, Mr. Todd, had in mind. But somehow Annie does manage to save the day when two of her classmates get lost on their way to retrieve the afternoon snack. Spirited and funny, this is an introduction to kindergarten that will please kids and teachers alike.
About the Author
Natasha Wing was born in Milford, Connecticut in 1960. At the age of 20 she moved to Arizona where she finished college at Arizona State University in 1982 with a B.S. in Advertising. In 1988 she married Daniel Wing and moved to Northern California where she worked in advertising for a number of years.
It wasn't until 1991 that she decided to write children's books. Luckily she sold her first book, Hippity Hop, Frog on Top, within 6 months and has been writing children's books and articles ever since. Her second book, Jalapeno Bagels, came out in June 1996 with Atheneum Books. The Night Before Easter, was published with Putnam All Aboard Books. She has also been published in Humpty Dumpty's Magazine, Girls' Life, and Hopscotch for Girls, and has two recipes in Writers in the Kitchen.
Birthday: February 7th Pets: Siberian husky, Sabaka, and cat, Jemima Professional: Member of Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Favorite Children's Books: Polar Express, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Cat in the Hat, The Golden Compass Favorite Season: Fall Favorite Tree: Maple Favorite Color: Cranberry red Favorite Cookie: Oatmeal Raisin with Vanilla Chips Reason for writing The Night Before Easter: "I wrote The Night Before Easter for parents to read at bedtime so children could go to sleep with sweet dreams of jelly beans dancing in their heads."