Synopses & Reviews
A new holiday classic from the #1 bestselling creator of Otis and the illustrator of The Little Engine That Could
It's Christmas eve on the farm where Otis and all of his friends live. The farmer has given Otis his first real Christmas present--a shiny new horn! A tree has been decorated, a big snowstorm is on its way, and all of the animals are excited. Best of all, one of the horses on the farm is about to give birth to a foal! Yet in the middle of the night the horse begins neighing in pain and when the farmer says, "We'd better get Doc Baker out here or we'll lose 'em both," Otis knows the horse is in trouble. Snow has been falling hard for hours and the roads are unpassable. How will they got Doc? Otis to the rescue! He knows a shortcut through the woods and he arrives at the doc's house flashing his headlights and revving his engine. When Doc fails to awake, Otis uses his new horn. Then, with Doc in tow, he races back to the farm just in time for a Christmas miracle . . . and the arrival of a new friend to play with.
A warm, feel-good Christmas story featuring everyone's favorite tractor, Otis, the friend you can always count on. From the creator of Otis, Otis and the Puppy, and the illustrator of The Little Engine That Could and Of Thee I Sing by President Barack Obama.
Praise for OTIS
* Longs gouache and pencil artwork is stunning with a red and cream main character against a sepia-toned monochromatic background. The overall effect is nostalgic and comforting as readers bond with the determined little tractor . . . the satisfying conclusion that speaks of a place for everyone is sure to ring true to children.” School Library Journa, on Otis, starred review
Hearkens to the golden age of picture books, with a style and tone that recall the work of Virginia Lee Burton and Munro Leaf.” Booklist, on Otis and the Tornado
Children will be delighted with this story about friendship” School Library Journal, on Otis and the Tornado
Fans of Otis will not be disappointed with the satisfying ending that results in a creative solution and a most happy reunion. Seek this outgame on!” Kirkus Reviews, on Otis and the Puppy
Review
"Soman's watercolors are right at home with autumn's muted hues ... helping make this thoughtful story another winner for Ladybug Girl."--Publishers Weekly
Review
New York Times bestsellers for a combined 82 weeks
Review
Children's BookSense Pick (Top Ten), Borders Original Voices finalist
Review
Society of Illustrators Original Art Show Pick, Amazon Book of the Month
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Review
The New York Times bestseller!
Review
* "Otis the Tractor returns in a Christmas story of courage and friendship set in a terrible snowstorm at the farm. When the mare's labor becomes difficult on Christmas Eve, a vet is needed--but the truck is stuck in a snowdrift. Otis makes a brave decision: He'll get Doc. Plowing through the woods on a rescue mission, he finds himself on a difficult path. Long's text conveys not just the danger, "treacherous, slippery," but also Otis' effort, "putt puff puttedy chuff." . . . The illustrations wonderfully enhance the story, from the joy of the animals prancing around the Christmas tree to Otis' expressive response to the events around him: pride in his gift, concern for his friend, determination to arrive at his destination. Highlighting the always-changing perspective, aerial scenes give readers a sense of the big, snowy picture. Long's palette reflects the coldness and heaviness of the snow, and then lightness as the farmer prays for a miracle. The view into the barn door, once all is well, is reminiscent of another barn birth, and the text reads, "Well, would you look at that!" That sums things up nicely."--Booklist, starred review
Review
Praise for Ladybug Girl and the Dress-up Dilemma
"Soman's watercolors are right at home with autumn's muted hues ... helping make this thoughtful story another winner for Ladybug Girl."—Publishers Weekly
“Readers and their parents will appreciate how Lulu works through her dilemma on her own. Not only is this an entertaining story, but it's also a good conversation starter about being true to oneself.”—Kirkus
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Praise for the Ladybug Girl series: New York Times bestsellers for a combined 82 weeks
Ladybug Girl: Children's BookSense Pick (Top Ten), Borders Original Voices finalist
Ladybug Girl at the Beach: Society of Illustrators Original Art Show Pick, Amazon Book of the Month
Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad: Read for the Record 2012
Review
Praise for Little Santa: An ALA Notable Book
A Booklist Editors' Choice Book
* "Agees lighthearted tone, sly jokes, and signature simple shapes . . . capture a joyful kid sharing his sense of wonder."—Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "Make it a tradition!"—Booklist, starred review
* "His red suit and his smile make little Santa stand out in his glum family, and this amusing story stands out in a similar way as a cheerful, original Christmas tale."—Kirkus, starred review
* "Crisp storytelling, bold lines, and expert page turns make the book ideal for group sharing—and kids will be asking for it all year round."—Horn Book, starred review
* "The matter-of-fact style of the narrative pairs well with Agees signature humorous cartoon illustrations. No doubt this amusing explanation of Santas humble beginnings will be enthusiastically received at holiday storytimes."—School Library Journal, starred review
Review
“Santas origins are explained in [this] quirky exploration of how Santa, the elves and the flying reindeer found their callings . . . A cheerful, original Christmas tale.”—
Kirkus (starred review)
Synopsis
...Not a piglet was stirring.Well, maybe just one.
Synopsis
...Not a piglet was stirring.Well, maybe just one.
Synopsis
Everyone's favorite Caldecott honor-winning pig and #1 Santa enthusiast is helping to make the season brighter than ever.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;Christmas is coming, and Olivia is incredibly busy. She has to wait for Santa, make sure dad sets up the tree, wait for Santa, watch mom make the Christmas dinner, wait for Santa, oversee the care with which the stockings are hung and, of course, OPEN HER PRESENTS! Do you see how hard it is to be so helpful during the holidays? A lovingly-told and lavishly-illustrated andlt;Iandgt;Olivia Helps With Christmasandlt;/Iandgt; is the perfect stuffing for any stocking, and a bright star atop the Olivia series.
Synopsis
Ever wonder what Santa was like as a child? Award-winning author/illustrator Jon Agee brings us the funny, playful answer in this Christmas picture book destined to become a classic.
Little Santa loves the North Pole. The rest of his family? Not so much. So, when they decide to move to Florida, Santa is miserable. Lucky for him, a blizzard foils their plans. The only way out of the house is up the chimney. Up goes Santa, to look for help, and along the way, he meets a reindeer and a large group of elves, who are more than eager to join in the rescue!
With the sly humor of Jon Klassen and the read-aloud pleasure of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, this tale of Santas beginnings is perfect for every kids holiday library.
Synopsis
Ladybug Girl gets dressed up for Halloween in the newest hardcover addition to the
New York Times bestselling series.
It is Halloween and Lulu must decide on a costume. Should she be Ladybug Girl or something new? She tries many different costumes, but nothing seems right. Maybe she'll think of the perfect costume as she enjoys the autumn day with her family by pumpkin picking and going on a hayride. But it isn't until Lulu and Bingo help a little girl who is lost that Lulu discovers who she was meant to be for HalloweenLadybug Girl, of course! After all, she is Ladybug Girl and it is important to be true to yourself.
Synopsis
This Gingerbread Man was loose in the school and on the fire truck, and now hes loose at holiday time!
Everyone in class is busy practicing songs and making goodies for their trip to town to thank community helpers, and the Gingerbread Man has made a card for someone extra sweet. But before he can deliver his gift, whipping wind and swirling snow come to town, too. Slushy sidewalks are no place for a cookie, but this Gingerbread Man wont let a little bad weather stop him!
Ill search on my own, as fast as I can!
Ill dash through this snow. Im the Gingerbread Man!”
With all the flavors of the season and generous dashes of kindness and gratitude, the Gingerbread Mans newest adventure makes for a perfect read-aloud throughout the holidays.
Synopsis
It's Christmas eve on the farm where Otis and all of his friends live. The farmer has given Otis his first real Christmas present--a shiny new horn! A tree has been decorated, a big snowstorm is on its way, and all of the animals are excited. Best of all, one of the horses on the farm is about to give birth to a foal! Yet in the middle of the night the horse begins neighing in pain and when the farmer says, "We'd better get Doc Baker out here or we'll lose 'em both," Otis knows the horse is in trouble. Snow has been falling hard for hours and the roads are unpassable. How will they got Doc? Otis to the rescue! He knows a shortcut through the woods and he arrives at the doc's house flashing his headlights and revving his engine. When Doc fails to awake, Otis uses his new horn. Then, with Doc in tow, he races back to the farm just in time for a Christmas miracle . . . and the arrival of a new friend to play with.
A warm, feel-good Christmas story featuring everyone's favorite tractor, Otis, the friend you can always count on. From the creator of OTIS, OTIS AND THE PUPPY, and the illustrator of THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD and OF THEE I SING by President Barack Obama.
Praise for Otis:
Longs gouache and pencil artwork is stunning with a red and cream main character against a sepia-toned monochromatic background. The overall effect is nostalgic and comforting as readers bond with the determined little tractor . . . the satisfying conclusion that speaks of a place for everyone is sure to ring true to children.” STARRED REVIEW, School Library Journal, on Otis
Hearkens to the golden age of picture books, with a style and tone that recall the work of Virginia Lee Burton and Munro Leaf.” Booklist, on Otis and the Tornado
Children will be delighted with this story about friendship” School Library Journal, on Otis and the Tornado
Fans of Otis will not be disappointed with the satisfying ending that results in a creative solution and a most happy reunion. Seek this outgame on!” Kirkus Reviews, on Otis and the Puppy
About the Author
Ian Falconer is the author and illustrator of the Olivia book series. The character of Oliviaand#8212;a precocious little pig who loves fashion, ballet, opera, and getting her own wayand#8212;is based on Falconer's real-life niece. Falconer's illustrations have graced numerous covers of andlt;iandgt;The New Yorkerandlt;/iandgt; magazine. In addition, he has designed sets and costumes for the New York City Ballet, the San Francisco Opera, and the Royal Opera House, among others. He lives in Los Angeles.Ian Falconer is the author and illustrator of the Olivia book series. The character of Oliviaand#8212;a precocious little pig who loves fashion, ballet, opera, and getting her own wayand#8212;is based on Falconer's real-life niece. Falconer's illustrations have graced numerous covers of andlt;iandgt;The New Yorkerandlt;/iandgt; magazine. In addition, he has designed sets and costumes for the New York City Ballet, the San Francisco Opera, and the Royal Opera House, among others. He lives in Los Angeles.