Story Time with Avant-garde Books, LLC

Chapter 3: The Last Piece

"Hope is a powerful thing, Addy. It's the greatest gift you can give to somebody, or yourself. It can see you through the worst times."-Mr. Polk Addy has begun to give up hope of ever having her family together. Then she gets word that baby Esther, Auntie Lula, and Uncle Solomon are on their way to Philadelphia. Addy searches the city for them, but the reunion she dreamed of is mixed with joy and deep sorrow. As Addy prepares for her reading at the Emancipation Celebration, she begins to doubt the words about freedom she is supposed to read. Momma reminds Addy that their family will always be together as long as their love and courage live in her heart.

Chapter 2: A Missing Piece

Sam and Addy look for their aunt, uncle, baby sister.

With the end of the Civil War in 1865, Addy desperately hopes that her family will be reunited in freedom in Philadelphia, but the future may hold both happiness and heartache. Addy Walker is a proud, courageous girl growing up in 1864, during the midst of the Civil War. Addy's stories tell of her daring escape with her mother from slavery, and the challenges they face afterward as they try to reunite their family. But Addy's stories are about much more than hardship. They are full of the love and hope that help her get through the worst of times and keep her dreams alive! The long struggle to reunite Addy's family finally ends, but there is loss and heartache along with the happiness.

Chapter 1: Pieces of a Puzzle

Addy has begun to give up hope of ever having her family together. Then she gets word that baby Esther, Auntie Lula, and Uncle Solomon are on their way to Philadelphia. Addy searches the city for them, but the reunion she dreamed of is mixed with joy and deep sorrow. As Addy prepares for her reading at the Emancipation Celebration, she begins to doubt the words about freedom she is supposed to read. Momma reminds Addy that their family will always be together as long as their love and courage live in her heart.

It's another fantastic package - beautiful to look at, beautiful to hold and full of amazing poems written by New Zealanders. Some of the writers are children and many are well-known poets such as Elizabeth Smither, James K. Baxter, Margaret Mahy, Bill Manhire, Cilla McQueen, and Sam Hunt.

From computers and robots to moa and tuatara, from popcorn and mud pies to drought and howling wind.
Edited by Jo Noble. Illustrations by David Elliot.
First Published 1999

Hardback - 128 pages

Line drawings.

This story is set in Uganda. The theme is universal: a triple reward for doing three good deeds.

"The well-known author retells 24 black American folk tales in sure storytelling voice: animal tales, supernatural tales, fanciful and cautionary tales, and slave tales of freedom. All are beautifully readable. With the added attraction of 40 wonderfully expressive paintings by the Dillons, this collection should be snapped up."--(starred) School Library Journal. 
This book has been selected as a Common Core State Standards text Exemplar (Grade 6-8, Stories) in Appendix B.

Princess Jasmine rebels against being forced to marry someone she doesn't love. When she leaves her castle disguised as a peasant, she meets a handsome stranger. The two discover they have much in common. Will she find real love?

Black activist Opal Lee had a vision of Juneteenth as a holiday for everyone. This true story celebrates Black joy and inspires children to see their dreams blossom. Growing up in Texas, Opal knew the history of Juneteenth, but she soon discovered that many Americans had never heard of the holiday. Join Opal on her historic journey to recognize and celebrate "freedom for all."

Every year, Opal looked forward to the Juneteenth picnic—a drumming, dancing, delicious party. She knew from Granddaddy Zak's stories that Juneteenth celebrated the day the freedom news of President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation finally sailed into Texas in 1865—over two years after the president had declared it! But Opal didn't always see freedom in her Texas town. Then one Juneteenth day when Opal was twelve years old, an angry crowd burned down her brand-new home. This wasn't freedom at all. She had to do something! But could one person’s voice make a difference? Could Opal bring about national recognition of Juneteenth? Follow Opal Lee as she fights to improve the future by honoring the past.

Through the story of Opal Lee's determination and persistence, children ages 4 to 8 will learn:

Featuring the illustrations of New York Times bestselling illustrator Keturah A. Bobo (I am Enough), Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan celebrates the life and legacy of a modern-day Black leader while sharing a message of hope, unity, joy, and strength.

When Snow White escapes to the woodlands to get away from her evil stepmother, she stumbles upon the house of seven dwarfs. She befriends them and changes their lives forever. Will a kiss from a handsome prince save her from the Queen's poison?

In this story, Princess Aurora is saved from the evil queen, Maleficent because of good fairies, Flora, Fauna and Merriweather.

Mayo Cornelius Higgins sits on his gleaming, forty-foot steel pole, towering over his home on Sarah’s Mountain. Stretched before him are rolling hills and shady valleys. But behind him lie the wounds of strip mining, including a mountain of rubble that may one day fall and bury his home. M.C. dreams of escape for himself and his family. And, one day, atop his pole, he thinks he sees it—two strangers are making their way toward Sarah’s Mountain. One has the ability to make M.C.’s mother famous. And the other has the kind of freedom that M.C. has never even considered.

Cinderella's animal friends and her fairy godmother help her dreams come true!

Big Hero 6 features brilliant robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who finds himself in the grips of a criminal plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo. With the help of his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—Hiro joins forces with a reluctant team of first-time crime-fighters on a mission to save their city

Mayo Cornelius Higgins sits on his gleaming, forty-foot steel pole, towering over his home on Sarah’s Mountain. Stretched before him are rolling hills and shady valleys. But behind him lie the wounds of strip mining, including a mountain of rubble that may one day fall and bury his home. M.C. dreams of escape for himself and his family. And, one day, atop his pole, he thinks he sees it—two strangers are making their way toward Sarah’s Mountain. One has the ability to make M.C.’s mother famous. And the other has the kind of freedom that M.C. has never even considered.

This book for pre-school readers is about FROGS.

It is a stunt show!
What will these cars do next?
Read this book to find out.

Mayo Cornelius Higgins sits on his gleaming, forty-foot steel pole, towering over his home on Sarah’s Mountain. Stretched before him are rolling hills and shady valleys. But behind him lie the wounds of strip mining, including a mountain of rubble that may one day fall and bury his home.
M.C. dreams of escape for himself and his family. And, one day, atop his pole, he thinks he sees it—two strangers are making their way toward Sarah’s Mountain. One has the ability to make M.C.’s mother famous. And the other has the kind of freedom that M.C. has never even considered.

Walt Disney Animation Studios presents an epic tale of adventure and comedy with Frozen. When the kingdom she loves is trapped in an eternal winter, it is up to Anna and the daring mountain man Kristoff  to set out on an adventure filled with danger, magical creatures, and a hilarious snowman in order to find Anna's sister, the Snow Queen Elsa.

Children get information about the life cycles of plants from the seed and sprout stages to plant and flower stages, back to seed again.

Young truck fans can now sit in the driver's seat as they imagine what it would be like behind the wheel of a powerful Tonka crane in this 8 x 8 storybook!
Tyler loves to play with his toy trucks. But when he imagines himself as the driver of a powerful crane, his imagination takes him farther than his bedroom. Ride along as young Tyler pretends he is behind the wheel of a mighty crane as he helps build a house. Full of fun and imagination, this shaped 8 X 8 storybook also shows children the many jobs a crane can do like lifting steel beams and heavy objects.

Mayo Cornelius Higgins sits on his gleaming, forty-foot steel pole, towering over his home on Sarah’s Mountain. Stretched before him are rolling hills and shady valleys. But behind him lie the wounds of strip mining, including a mountain of rubble that may one day fall and bury his home. M.C. dreams of escape for himself and his family. And, one day, atop his pole, he thinks he sees it—two strangers are making their way toward Sarah’s Mountain. One has the ability to make M.C.’s mother famous. And the other has the kind of freedom that M.C. has never even considered.

In Walt Disney Animation Studios' Frozen, the kingdom of Arendelle is trapped in a never-ending winter! Queen Elsa's icy powers have accidentally caused this terrible storm. Princess Elsa knows she must find her sister so they can return home and thaw the kingdom. This 2-in-1 book is told from both Anna and Elsa's perspectives. Follow along to find out if together the sisters can save their home

From beloved and bestselling poet Jack Prelutsky come over 100 hilarious poems about strange creatures and people—from jellyfish stew to a bouncing mouse, to the very unexpected new kid! For fans of Shel Silverstein and Louis Sachar's Wayside School series. “The illustrations bring the frivolity to a fever pitch.”—School Library Journal.

Open this book to any page to begin your exploration. Here are poems about things that you may never have thought about before. You'll be introduced to jellyfish stew, a bouncing mouse, a ridiculous dog, and a boneless chicken.

You'll learn why you shouldn't argue with a shark, eat a dinosaur, or have an alligator for a pet. You'll meet the world's worst singer and the greatest video game player in history. You'll even find an invitation to a dragon's birthday party....

This playful collection is a wonderful introduction to the pleasures of poetry and word play from a master of the genre, Jack Prelutsky.

“It’s the author’s joyous sense of the absurd that propels the reader from page to page.”—Horn Book (starred review)

How does a moose with too much facial hair cope? In one of the goofiest picture books ever, an adorable moose has an enormous moosestache that gets in the way of everything - dancing, skiing, even cooking. None of Moose's strategies seem to work until he meets a fetching female moose who also has a hair problem, and her solution to bad hair days is so outrageous that it just might work! How does a moose with too much facial hair cope? In one of the goofiest picture books ever, an adorable moose has an enormous moosestache that gets in the way of everything - dancing, skiing, even cooking. None of Moose's strategies seem to work until he meets a fetching female moose who also has a hair problem, and her solution to bad hair days is so outrageous that it just might work!

After losing a tooth right before a dentist appointment, Lionel makes a plan to trap the Tooth Fairy. Lionel has not been taking care of his teeth and he wants Luna to magically make them clean.

This is the story of Mrs. Large, the elephant who just needs five minutes of peace and quiet away from her boisterous children! She tries to take refuge in the bathroom, she fills herself a hot, foamy bubble bath and takes in a tray of her favorite breakfast and the morning paper, but her children find a way to interrupt her quiet moment. It's never a dull moment with the Larges, and it soon becomes clear that mum's quiet time is to be very short-lived! Family life is beautifully observed in this warm and funny modern classic from Jill Murphy, one of Britain's most treasured author-illustrators.

Jerome Alligator is going on a camping trip with his Swamp School classmates. Jerome and his pal P.J. are excited about swimming, hiking, fishing, and sleeping in a tent, but the class bully, Buster, turns out to be their tentmate, and he's up to his usual nasty tricks. How Jerome and P.J. turn the tables on Buster makes the kind of lively, laugh-aloud story young readers have come to expect from the creator of the Five Little Monkeys. A monstrously surprising ending adds to the fun.

Mac, the author, fires Adam, the illustrator, over their artistic differences about Chloe, the main character of their book, until Mac realizes both of their talents are needed and they must work together or their story about Chloe will never be finished. Full color. The bestselling, dynamic duo of Mac Barnett and Adam Rex creatively spar as they battle to tell a tantalizing tale in this clever comedy sketch that breaks "the fourth wall".

Meet Chloe: Every week, she collects loose change so she can buy tickets to ride the merry-go-round. But one fateful day, she gets lost in the woods on her way home, and a large dragon leaps out from--"Wait! It's supposed to be a lion," says Mac Barnett, the author of this book. But Adam Rex, the illustrator, thinks a dragon would be so much cooler (don't you agree?). Mac's power of the pen is at odds with Adam

Sukey's new step-pa is a mean, bossy man. Every day Sukey wakes at dawn to work in the garden. All her step-pa ever does is watch her and yell if she so much as stops to fan herself. Sukey's ma calls him Mister Jones. Sukey prefers the name Mister Hard-Times. One day, Sukey runs away to her secret place by the ocean. There, she calls up Mama Jo, a beautiful black mermaid. Mama Jo's got a surprise for Sukey; a magical kingdom beneath the sea without time or pain. But it's also without people. Is it really better than the world above?

From beloved and bestselling poet Jack Prelutsky come over 100 hilarious poems about strange creatures and people—from jellyfish stew to a bouncing mouse, to the very unexpected new kid! For fans of Shel Silverstein and Louis Sachar's Wayside School series. “The illustrations bring the frivolity to a fever pitch.”—School Library Journal.

Open this book to any page to begin your exploration. Here are poems about things that you may never have thought about before. You'll be introduced to jellyfish stew, a bouncing mouse, a ridiculous dog, and a boneless chicken.

You'll learn why you shouldn't argue with a shark, eat a dinosaur, or have an alligator for a pet. You'll meet the world's worst singer and the greatest video game player in history. You'll even find an invitation to a dragon's birthday party....

This playful collection is a wonderful introduction to the pleasures of poetry and word play from a master of the genre, Jack Prelutsky.

“It’s the author’s joyous sense of the absurd that propels the reader from page to page.”—Horn Book (starred review)

Youngsters can follow Sally, an adorable black Labrador, as she goes for a ride to the mountains and meets all sorts of new friends, swims in the lake, fetches sticks, picks berries, and has a rollicking good time.

Little Bear has a loose tooth that just won't fall out. Emily, Cat, Duck, and Owl each have a plan to make it fall out. Will Little Bear ever have something for the tooth fairy?

Little Five is a spirited boy who enjoys counting things in groups of five. Readers learn about the concept of the number five as they follow Little Five on his adventures to a farm and at the beach.

These original nursery rhymes recount the latest adventures of Jack and Jill, Humpty Dumpty, Old King Cole, Old Mother Hubbard, Little Boy Blue, Little Bo-Peep, Yankee Doodle, Georgie Porgie, Peter Piper, and other best-loved Mother Goose characters.
Written by a gang of gifted poets including Bruce Lansky, Kenn Nesbitt, Linda Knaus, and Darren Sardelli, these rhymes are guaranteed to delight children of all ages. It's the most popular book of funny, contemporary nursery rhymes in the English language.
Double the Fun with Twice as many Silly Rhymes! We've added a Second Helping: 40 Hilarious Poems from Peter, Peter, Pizza Eater.

Poet Amanda Gorman delivered her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the 2021 presidential inauguration, winning wide acclaim. Read about Gorman's early life, her children's and poetry books, and what she plans to do next.

About the Author Dr. Artika Tyner is committed to creating a world of inclusive leaders who will meet the pressing needs of today and work towards a better future where racial justice and economic justice reign supreme. As a motivational speaker, author and educator, Dr. Tyner helps people of all ages connect with their gifts and develop tangible tools for bringing forth sustainable, durable change in the family, workplace, community or school. By building and leveraging the tools in The Inclusive Leader she has inspired thousands of people to lead with their own gifts and plant a seed of social change/make a difference in the world. Dr. Tyner’s work is grounded in extensive experience as a law and leadership professor, lawyer, social change agent, researcher and nonprofit founder and leader. She is well-known as a thought leader, author and designer of high-profile programs to drive organizational DEI initiatives and create inclusive leaders. Her impact spans Fortune 500 companies, start up tech companies, healthcare providers, government services and agencies, higher education institutions and grassroots organizations.

Dr. Tyner is deftly able to ask the big questions, strategically innovate real solutions and then lead the way. She intentionally invests her time and energy in inspiring change and welcomes opportunities to present, collaborate and innovate with key stakeholders seeking to impact social change and do what no one has done before.

Poet Amanda Gorman delivered her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the 2021 presidential inauguration, winning wide acclaim. Read about Gorman's early life, her children's and poetry books, and what she plans to do next.

About the Author Dr. Artika Tyner is committed to creating a world of inclusive leaders who will meet the pressing needs of today and work towards a better future where racial justice and economic justice reign supreme. As a motivational speaker, author and educator, Dr. Tyner helps people of all ages connect with their gifts and develop tangible tools for bringing forth sustainable, durable change in the family, workplace, community or school. By building and leveraging the tools in The Inclusive Leader she has inspired thousands of people to lead with their own gifts and plant a seed of social change/make a difference in the world.

Dr. Tyner’s work is grounded in extensive experience as a law and leadership professor, lawyer, social change agent, researcher and nonprofit founder and leader. She is well-known as a thought leader, author and designer of high-profile programs to drive organizational DEI initiatives and create inclusive leaders. Her impact spans Fortune 500 companies, start up tech companies, healthcare providers, government services and agencies, higher education institutions and grassroots organizations.

Dr. Tyner is deftly able to ask the big questions, strategically innovate real solutions and then lead the way. She intentionally invests her time and energy in inspiring change and welcomes opportunities to present, collaborate and innovate with key stakeholders seeking to impact social change and do what no one has done before.

The Magic Of Reading: Explore the magic of reading and space exploration with Women in Science and Technology: Mae C. Jemison. The 24-page biography features vibrant illustrations and a look into the first female African American astronaut.

Hands-On Reading Adventure: Blast off into a reading adventure as you learn about the inspiring life of Mae Jemison—the first female African American astronaut. Follow along from her time as a child with big dreams to her exploration in space.

Features: More than just an action-packed story, this children's book also includes a vocabulary list, reading tips for mid-story interaction and engagement, and extension and comprehension activities. A glossary and timeline are also included.

Leveled Books: Vibrant illustrations and leveled text work together to engage readers and promote reading comprehension skills. This leveled book engages 1st—3rd graders through new vocabulary and high-interest topics like space exploration.

Why Rourke Educational Media: Since 1980, Rourke Publishing Company has specialized in publishing engaging and diverse non-fiction and fiction books for children in a wide range of subjects that support reading success on a level that has no limits.

Celebrates the joy and beauty of nappy hair. The groundbreaking picture book by legendary author bell hooks and multi-Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka that celebrates hair, perfect for fans of Hair Love and I Love My Hair! Happy with hair all short and strong. Happy with locks that twist and curl.
Just all girl happy! Happy to be nappy hair!

Nominated for an NAACP Image Award, here is a buoyantly fun read aloud brimming with playful -- and powerful -- affirmations.

Where is Bear? is a fun, interactive way to encourage 2-year-olds in their development and to help parents monitor their children's attainment of important skills. It's a win-win for early development! Meet Tiger, Bear, and their forest friends, Bird, Frog, Fox, and Turtle!

Although stars like Serena Williams cite Althea Gibson as an inspiration, Gibson's story is not well-known to many young people today. Growing up tough and rebellious in Harlem, Althea took that fighting attitude and used it to go after her goals of being a tennis champion, and a time when tennis was a game played mostly by wealthy white people in country clubs that excluded African Americans.
In 1956, she became the first Black American to win a major championship when she won at The French Open. When she won the celebrated Wimbledon tournament the following year, Gibson shook hands with the Queen of England. Not bad for a kid from the streets of Harlem.
With determination and undeniable skill, Althea Gibson become a barrier-breaking, record-setting, and world-famous sportswoman. This new and updated edition of this inspirational biography contains recent information on the impact of Gibson's legacy.

Snow! Cookies! Candy! Mouse loves snow days. When he's accidently swept out the door and into the snow, Mouse has a blast ice-skating, sledding, and building snow animals-always just one step ahead of sly Cat. But above Mouse on a wire sit three cold birds who warn Mouse of Cat's approach. Now it is Mouse's turn to do something nice for his new friends.

Read and find out about reflexes—including sneezing, shivering, hiccupping, and yawning—in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book.

Have you ever wondered what makes you sneeze when you're in a dusty room? Or shiver when you get out of the bathtub? Or yawn when you're tired? All of these actions are reflexes. Your body makes them happen even though you don't tell it to.

Budding young scientists will be amazed as Melvin Berger and Paul Meisel reveal the mysteries behind the reflexes that happen in our bodies every day and offer fun-filled experiments to try on family and friends.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It's a Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores more challenging concepts for children in the primary grades. The 100+ titles in this leading nonfiction series are:

Top 10 reasons to love LRFOs:

Books in this series support the Common Core Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) standards. Let's-Read-and-Find-Out is the winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Films Prize for Outstanding Science Series.

In luminous paintings and arresting poems, two of children’s literature’s top African-American scholars track Arturo Schomburg’s quest to correct history.
Where is our historian to give us our side? Arturo asked.
Amid the scholars, poets, authors, and artists of the Harlem Renaissance stood an Afro–Puerto Rican named Arturo Schomburg. This law clerk’s life’s passion was to collect books, letters, music, and art from Africa and the African diaspora and bring to light the achievements of people of African descent through the ages. When Schomburg’s collection became so big it began to overflow his house (and his wife threatened to mutiny), he turned to the New York Public Library, where he created and curated a collection that was the cornerstone of a new Negro Division. A century later, his groundbreaking collection, known as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, has become a beacon to scholars all over the world.

In luminous paintings and arresting poems, two of children’s literature’s top African-American scholars track Arturo Schomburg’s quest to correct history.
Where is our historian to give us our side? Arturo asked.
Amid the scholars, poets, authors, and artists of the Harlem Renaissance stood an Afro–Puerto Rican named Arturo Schomburg. This law clerk’s life’s passion was to collect books, letters, music, and art from Africa and the African diaspora and bring to light the achievements of people of African descent through the ages. When Schomburg’s collection became so big it began to overflow his house (and his wife threatened to mutiny), he turned to the New York Public Library, where he created and curated a collection that was the cornerstone of a new Negro Division. A century later, his groundbreaking collection, known as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, has become a beacon to scholars all over the world.

Discover this middle grade masterpiece about a young black boy whose quiet, rural live in the Appalachian Mountains begins to change—winner of the Newbery Medal, the National Book Award, and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. Mayo Cornelius Higgins sits on his gleaming, forty-foot steel pole, towering over his home on Sarah’s Mountain. Stretched before him are rolling hills and shady valleys. But behind him lie the wounds of strip mining, including a mountain of rubble that may one day fall and bury his home. M.C. dreams of escape for himself and his family. And, one day, atop his pole, he thinks he sees it—two strangers are making their way toward Sarah’s Mountain. One has the ability to make M.C.’s mother famous. And the other has the kind of freedom that M.C. has never even considered.

When Spider-Man is confronted by Nick Fury and asked to become part of a Super Hero team, Spidey passes on the offer. But when the Fearsome Four show up at his school and cause mayhem, Peter decides the best way to be ready for another attack is to join S.H.I.E.L.D. and learn how to become the Ultimate Spider-Man.

Splat's class project is taking care of chicken eggs in this I Can Read book from New York Times bestselling author-artist Rob Scotton.

When Splat takes the chicks home overnight, they hatch and run loose around his house! They pop up in the bathroom, hide inside his socks, and fall asleep in the paint box! Will Splat be able to round them all up?

Beginning readers will practice words in the quick and chick word family in this easy-to-read addition to the Splat series. Splat the Cat and the Quick Chicks is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it's perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

'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 all--saying 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 Christmas poem.

Dora and Boots see their teacher riding her bike on the way to school. But the bike gets a flat tire, and the teacher needs to get to school before her students! Will Dora and Boots save the school day? Find out in this exciting interactive adventure.

A 2016 Caldecott Honor Book
A 2016 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book
A 2016 John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award Winner
Stirring poems and stunning collage illustrations combine to celebrate the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, a champion of equal voting rights.
“I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
Despite fierce prejudice and abuse, even being beaten to within an inch of her life, Fannie Lou Hamer was a champion of civil rights from the 1950s until her death in 1977. Integral to the Freedom Summer of 1964, Ms. Hamer gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention that, despite President Johnson’s interference, aired on national TV news and spurred the nation to support the Freedom Democrats. Featuring vibrant mixed-media art full of intricate detail, Voice of Freedom celebrates Fannie Lou Hamer’s life and legacy with a message of hope, determination, and strength.

Despite fierce prejudice and abuse, even being beaten to within an inch of her life, Fannie Lou Hamer was a champion of civil rights from the 1950s until her death in 1977. Integral to the Freedom Summer of 1964, Ms. Hamer gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention that, despite President Johnson’s interference, aired on national TV news and spurred the nation to support the Freedom Democrats. Based on the critically acclaimed 2016 Caldecott and Sibert Honor Book, Voice of Freedom celebrates Fannie Lou Hamer’s life and legacy with a message of hope, determination, and strength.

The Tale of Imani the Bunny is the story of one rabbit's journey to herself and how she uses the power of her imagination to experience life and nurture her unique gifts and talents. Told in English with graceful simplicity, the story invites readers to explore, learn, grow, and become.

Celebrate Father's Day with Biscuit! Unfold the big flaps and join Biscuit for fun times with dad—exploring, playing, and sharing.

Father's Day is a great time to show dad how much we love him. The gentle warmth and kindness make this book the right fit for Father's Day or any day a dad wants to cuddle up with his family.

For over 25 years Biscuit, the beloved little yellow puppy, has warmed the hearts of young readers. The sweet little yellow puppy is a comforting partner for your preschooler. Before you know it, your child will be reading along with you. Biscuit Loves Father's Day is a good choice for reading together when snuggled up, as well as for shared reading in a classroom, especially with children ages 3 to 5.

Follow friends, Sally and Sam as they imagine having different pets. Find out what pet Sally's parents get her at the end of the book.

Learn about Zachariah, a young child with autism who is entering kindergarten in public school.

Each and every day celebrates a letter of the alphabet with a fun-filled classroom scene. And for additional alphabet fun, there's a search-and-find element on every page. On A day, we find acorns. On B day, we bring in our backpacks. And on C day, we change the calendar. Each and every day celebrates a letter of the alphabet with a fun-filled classroom scene. Fans of Jacqueline Rogers' TIPTOE INTO KINDERGARTEN are sure to enjoy this sequel!

Mo is the youngest kid on the Robins, his football team. His classmates don’t mind, but the kids on their rival team tease him for being a "butterfingers" who's too tiny to catch the ball. But Mo's coach has a plan to turn Mo's little size into a big win for the Robins! This Level 2 reader about a little African-American boy with a big passion for sports was the winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award in 2016.

Speaking to children on their own terms, this critically acclaimed book sensitively establishes boundaries for youngsters. In a non-threatening, engaging manner, this guide teaches kids that when it comes to their body, there are some parts that are for “no one else to see” and empowers them to tell a parent or teacher if someone touches them inappropriately. Telling the story of a gender-neutral child who is inappropriately touched by an uncle’s friend, this tale delivers a powerful moral when the youngster reveals the offender and the parents praise the child’s bravery. Most importantly, this narrative assures young ones that sexual molestation is not their fault, and by speaking out, the child will continue to grow big and strong. A “Suggestions for the Storyteller” section is also included to assist in facilitating a comfortable discussion afterwards, thereby helping to prevent the unthinkable from happening to any child. With inspirational rhyming and beautiful illustrations, this is a compelling and uplifting message of what is right and wrong.

Despite not being part of the original text, Aladdin is associated with One Thousand and One Nights, a compilation of Middle-Eastern folktales originally written in Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age (8th to 13th century). In English, the book is known as Arabian Nights. Aladdin was later added to the compilation by French translator Antoine Galland. He based his story on what he learned from Hanna Diyab, a Syrian storyteller who met him in Paris in 1709.  

Discover this middle grade masterpiece about a young black boy whose quiet rural live in the Appalachian Mountains begins to change—winner of the Newbery Medal, the National Book Award, and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. Mayo Cornelius Higgins sits on his gleaming, forty-foot steel pole, towering over his home on Sarah’s Mountain. Stretched before him are rolling hills and shady valleys. But behind him lie the wounds of strip mining, including a mountain of rubble that may one day fall and bury his home. M.C. dreams of escape for himself and his family. And, one day, atop his pole, he thinks he sees it—two strangers are making their way toward Sarah’s Mountain. One has the ability to make M.C.’s mother famous. And the other has the kind of freedom that M.C. has never even considered.

Journey through the fascinating world of dinosaurs with everyone's favorite Cat in the Hat in this positively prehistoric adventure! The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library is a nonfiction picture book series that introduces beginning readers ages 5-8 to important basic concepts.
Learn about how fossils are formed and found, and get an easy introduction to dinosaurs from the flying Archaeoptyerx to the spiky Ankylosaurus. (And not to fear–the Cat in the Hat will break the names down for easy pronunciation for kids and parents.) Perfect for readers who are crazy about dinosaurs (or even just dino-nuggets) and for any kid who loves learning and science.
Featuring beloved characters from Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat, the Learning Library are unjacketed hardcover picture books that explore a range of nonfiction topics about the world we live in and include an index, glossary, and suggestions for further reading

Meet Abigail, the chatty acrobatic bunny who just can't wait to grow up.

It's the sweetest holiday of the year! Celebrate love and Valentine's Day with card-making, tasty treats, and more in this installment of Natasha Wing's best-selling series.
Join in on all of the colorful fun, and then come along to school the next morning for a day of parties and games!

In this classic of children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day.

In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight room, goodnight moon." And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room—to the picture of the three little bears sitting on chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one—the little bunny says goodnight.

One of the most beloved books of all time, Goodnight Moon is a must for every bookshelf and a time-honored gift for baby showers and other special events.

This biography is about one of the most famous and recognizable American presidents, George Washington. The book marks DK's commitment to bringing US history-based biographies to the DK Readers series. In George Washington: Soldier, Hero, President, the young reader will learn about our first president's childhood, his life as a farmer, statesman, general, and his days as president. This 48-page, level-three book is designed for children who can read on their own, contain more complex sentence structure and more detail.

Lift the colorful flaps in these playful books to solve the riddles and reveal the identity of favorite animals and everyday objects. With a peek-a-boo format and irresistible art, toddlers will want to play these simple guessing games over and over again.

It’s never too soon for children to learn that violence is never okay, hands can do many good things, and everyone is capable of positive, loving actions.
In this bright, inviting, durable board book, simple words and full-color illustrations teach these important concepts in ways even very young children can understand.
Created in response to requests from parents, preschool teachers, and childcare providers, this book belongs everywhere young children are. Includes tips for parents and caregivers.

"The go-to Frederick Douglass biography for younger students” (Booklist starred review).

In this powerful picture book biography, New York Times bestselling author Walter Dean Myers and acclaimed artist Floyd Cooper take readers on an inspiring journey through the life of Frederick Douglass.

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in the South, taught himself to read, and grew up to become an icon. He was a leader of the abolitionist movement, a celebrated writer, an esteemed speaker, and a social reformer, proving that “once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”

The story of one of America’s most revered figures is brought to life by the text of award-winning author Walter Dean Myers and the sweeping, lush illustrations of artist Floyd Cooper. This picture book biography draws on Frederick Douglass’s autobiographies and includes a timeline, making it an excellent source for reports.

"A stirring testament to the power of words and daring action to create change” (Publishers Weekly starred review).

The Brothers Grimm, Jacob (1785–1863) and Wilhelm (1786–1859), were scholars best known for their lifelong dedication to collecting and publishing ancient German folk tales. Their groundbreaking Kinder- und Hausmärchen (Children’s and Household Tales) was published in seven different editions between 1812 and 1857 and brought to the world’s attention such unforgettable characters as Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, and Snow White.

Celebrate the holiday with this charming book from the legendary Tomie dePaola. This board book is the perfect size for little hands, and makes a great addition to any Easter basket.
The importance of family and sharing are beautifully shown in this board book all about Easter celebrations. Tomie dePaola’s bright illustrations and easy-to-follow text explain the traditions associated with this special holiday.

Sam has the best seat in second grade—right next to George Washington, the class pet! 

Sam brings his hamster buddy on the class field trip to the science museum…but disaster strikes when George jumps from Sam’s pocket into the museum’s Hamster Habitat.

“Carter’s expressive watercolor illustrations help bring the kids in room 75 and their furry pet to life,” commented Kirkus.

The Best Seat in Second Grade is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.

A New York Times Bestseller and tie-in to Academy-Award Winning Short Film "Hair Love"
 
"I love that Hair Love is highlighting the relationship between a Black father and daughter. Matthew leads the ranks of new creatives who are telling unique stories of the Black experience. We need this."
     - Jordan Peele, Actor & Filmmaker
It's up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hair style in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters, from Academy-Award winning director and former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and New York Times bestselling illustrator Vashti Harrison.
Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her -- and her hair -- happy.
Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair -- and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere. A perfect gift for special occasions including Father’s Day, birthdays, baby showers, and more!

Discover this middle grade masterpiece about a young black boy whose quiet rural live in the Appalachian Mountains begins to change—winner of the Newbery Medal, the National Book Award, and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. Mayo Cornelius Higgins sits on his gleaming, forty-foot steel pole, towering over his home on Sarah’s Mountain. Stretched before him are rolling hills and shady valleys. But behind him lie the wounds of strip mining, including a mountain of rubble that may one day fall and bury his home. M.C. dreams of escape for himself and his family. And, one day, atop his pole, he thinks he sees it—two strangers are making their way toward Sarah’s Mountain. One has the ability to make M.C.’s mother famous. And the other has the kind of freedom that M.C. has never even considered.

Eat Your Peas, Louise! actively engages young readers, encourages language development, builds fluency, and promotes independent reading. By targeting a skill, like learning about rhymes, young readers are building fundamental reading skills with the help of fun, lively, colorfully illustrated stories.

Imagine learning to read at the age of 116! Discover the true story of Mary Walker, the nation's oldest student who did just that, in this picture book from a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator and a rising star author.
In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who--with perseverance and dedication--proved that you're never too old to learn.

Discover this middle grade masterpiece about a young black boy whose quiet rural live in the Appalachian Mountains begins to change—winner of the Newbery Medal, the National Book Award, and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. Mayo Cornelius Higgins sits on his gleaming, forty-foot steel pole, towering over his home on Sarah’s Mountain. Stretched before him are rolling hills and shady valleys. But behind him lie the wounds of strip mining, including a mountain of rubble that may one day fall and bury his home. M.C. dreams of escape for himself and his family. And, one day, atop his pole, he thinks he sees it—two strangers are making their way toward Sarah’s Mountain. One has the ability to make M.C.’s mother famous. And the other has the kind of freedom that M.C. has never even considered.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit is the original classic by Beatrix Potter. First published by Frederick Warne in 1902, the story endures as Beatrix Potter's most popular and well-loved tale. It tells the story of a very mischievous rabbit and the trouble he encounters in Mr. McGregor's vegetable garden! Re-originated in 2002 to mark the centenary of publication bringing it closer to the original edition, six illustrations were restored, four that were removed in 1903 to make room for endpapers and two that have never been used before, Beatrix having initially prepared more illustrations than could be accommodated in the original format. Beatrix Potter is regarded as one of the world's best-loved children's authors of all time.

"This is a perfect choice for very young children, and extra-large print makes it even more accessible." —Publisher's Weekly
One of Tomie's most popular young picture books, this charming story about Cookie the cat makes a perfect read along. With its bright watercolor illustrations and one sentence of text per page, toddlers will love following Cookie through the days of the week—and seeing all the trouble he causes around the house!

This stunning picture book looks into the life of Georgia Gilmore, a hidden figure of history who played a critical role in the civil rights movement and used her passion for baking to help the Montgomery Bus Boycott achieve its goal.
Georgia decided to help the best way she knew how. She worked together with a group of women and together they purchased the supplies they needed-bread, lettuce, and chickens. And off they went to cook. The women brought food to the mass meetings that followed at the church. They sold sandwiches. They sold dinners in their neighborhoods. As the boycotters walked and walked, Georgia cooked and cooked.
Georgia Gilmore was a cook at the National Lunch Company in Montgomery, Alabama. When the bus boycotts broke out in Montgomery after Rosa Parks was arrested, Georgia knew just what to do. She organized a group of women who cooked and baked to fund-raise for gas and cars to help sustain the boycott. Called the Club from Nowhere, Georgia was the only person who knew who baked and bought the food, and she said the money came from "nowhere" to anyone who asked. When Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested for his role in the boycott, Georgia testified on his behalf, and her home became a meeting place for civil rights leaders. This picture book highlights a hidden figure of the civil rights movement who fueled the bus boycotts and demonstrated that one person can make a real change in her community and beyond. It also includes one of her delicious recipes for kids to try with the help of their parents!

Introduces young wildlife enthusiasts to an array of creatures in their natural habitats on the African Savannah. Safari day dawns on the savanna. The African light gives the sky colors seen nowhere else on Earth. Soon, an amazing array of wild animals are yawning, screeching, and growling to life. Meet the elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and the laughing hyenas of the wilderness and find out who's friends with whom and why! National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources. Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.Safari day dawns on the savanna. The African light gives the sky colors seen nowhere else on Earth. Soon, an amazing array of wild animals are yawning, screeching, and growling to life. Meet the elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and the laughing hyenas of the wilderness and find out who's friends with whom and why! National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources. Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a fugitive fox con artist and a rookie rabbit cop must work together to uncover a conspiracy. The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it's a melting pot where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn't so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde, to solve the mystery. This Step 2 Step into Reading leveled reader is based on Disney Zootopia.

As the sun sets, a little bird is urged to fly home from the seashore, through the city, and back to its nest.

James Van Der Zee was just a young boy when he saved enough money to buy his first camera. He took photos of his family, classmates, and anyone who would sit still for a portrait. By the fifth grade, James was the school photographer and unofficial town photographer. Eventually he outgrew his small town and moved to the exciting, fast-paced world of New York City. After being told by his boss that no one would want his or her photo taken -by a black man, - James opened his own portrait studio in Harlem. He took photographs of legendary figures of the Harlem Renaissance--politicians such as Marcus Garvey, performers including Florence Mills, Bill -Bojangles- Robinson, and Mamie Smith--and ordinary folks in the neighborhood too. Everyone wanted fancy portraits by James Van Der Zee. Winner of Lee & Low's New Voices Award, Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee! tells the story of a groundbreaking artist who chronicled an important era in Harlem and showed the beauty and pride of its people.

(pp 27 -34) M. C. Higgins, the Great by Virginia Hamilton

Discover this middle grade masterpiece about a young black boy whose quiet rural live in the Appalachian Mountains begins to change—winner of the Newbery Medal, the National Book Award, and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. Mayo Cornelius Higgins sits on his gleaming, forty-foot steel pole, towering over his home on Sarah’s Mountain. Stretched before him are rolling hills and shady valleys. But behind him lie the wounds of strip mining, including a mountain of rubble that may one day fall and bury his home. M.C. dreams of escape for himself and his family. And, one day, atop his pole, he thinks he sees it—two strangers are making their way toward Sarah’s Mountain. One has the ability to make M.C.’s mother famous. And the other has the kind of freedom that M.C. has never even considered.

With bold paintings and a simple, rhyming text, Caldecott Medalists Leo & Diane Dillon bring young readers a rap a tap tap celebration of dance that will have readers clapping and tapping along.
"There once was a man who danced in the street / He brought pleasure and joy to the people he'd greet / He didn't just dance, he made art with his feet / Rap a tap tap--think of that!" This simple book for young children has the added bonus of describing the life of a ground-breaking African-American tap dancer. Bill "Bojangles" Robinson was one of the most popular entertainers of the 1920s-30s. People said he "talked with his feet," and in the Dillons' graceful paintings of old New York, he dances from page to page to the tune of a toe-tapping rhyme. Rap a tap tap--think of that!

This classic story of The Three Bears is a vintage version that was printed in 1965 by Western Publishing Company, Inc. The book cost $0.49!

Mazie is ready to celebrate liberty. She is ready to celebrate freedom. She is ready to celebrate a great day in American history. The day her ancestors were no longer slaves. Mazie remembers the struggles and the triumph, as she gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth.

Nancy's class is going on a trip to the museum, and Nancy wants to be extra fancy for the occasion. After a bumpy bus ride, she doesn't feel very well. Luckily for Nancy, her teacher, Ms. Glass, has a few fancy tricks of her own. Nothing can keep Nancy from making this trip magnifique! (That's a fancy French word for great!)

Fancy Nancy at the Museum is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it's perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. The back matter features a list of the rich vocabulary words that are used throughout the story along with their definition.

An award-winning celebration of an American hero

Dave was an extraordinary artist, poet, and potter living in South Carolina in the 1800s. He combined his superb artistry with deeply observant poetry, carved onto his pots, transcending the limitations he faced as a slave. In this inspiring and lyrical portrayal, National Book Award nominee Laban Carrick Hill's elegantly simple text and award-winning artist Bryan Collier's resplendent, earth-toned illustrations tell Dave's story, a story rich in history, hope, and long-lasting beauty.

(pp. 20-26) M. C. Higgins, the Great by Virginia Hamilton

Discover this middle grade masterpiece about a young black boy whose quiet rural live in the Appalachian Mountains begins to change—winner of the Newbery Medal, the National Book Award, and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. Mayo Cornelius Higgins sits on his gleaming, forty-foot steel pole, towering over his home on Sarah’s Mountain. Stretched before him are rolling hills and shady valleys. But behind him lie the wounds of strip mining, including a mountain of rubble that may one day fall and bury his home. M.C. dreams of escape for himself and his family. And, one day, atop his pole, he thinks he sees it—two strangers are making their way toward Sarah’s Mountain. One has the ability to make M.C.’s mother famous. And the other has the kind of freedom that M.C. has never even considered.

Exuberant rhymes and wild illustrations celebrate self-acceptance and self-love, from the New York Times bestselling creators of I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!

High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves—inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what!

Here's a little girl who knows what really matters. At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's vibrant illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful . . . and straight from the heart.

After the short passage about the Olmecs, children will be asked comprehension questions. 

"The Guardian of the Pool" retold by Diana Pitcher and pictures by Tamsin Hinrichsen from Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales

A cause for celebration, and a landmark work that gathers in one volume many of Africa's most cherished folktales. In these beloved stories we meet a Kenyan lion named Simba, a snake with seven heads, and tricksters from Zulu folklore; we hear the voices of the scheming hyena, and we learn from a Khoi fable how animals acquired their tails and horns. Creation myths tell us how the land, its animals, and its people all came into existence under a punishing sun or against the backdrop of a spectacularly beautiful mountain landscape. Whether warning children about the dangers of disobedience or demonstrating that the underdog can, and often does, win, these stories, through their depiction of wise animals as well as evil monsters, are universal in their portrayal of humanity, beasts, and the mystical. Translated from their original languages--Karanga, Nguni, Xhosa, and many others--these folktales are a testament to the craft of storytelling and the power of myth.

Discover this middle grade masterpiece about a young black boy whose quiet rural live in the Appalachian Mountains begins to change—winner of the Newbery Medal, the National Book Award, and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award.Mayo Cornelius Higgins sits on his gleaming, forty-foot steel pole, towering over his home on Sarah’s Mountain. Stretched before him are rolling hills and shady valleys. But behind him lie the wounds of strip mining, including a mountain of rubble that may one day fall and bury his home. M.C. dreams of escape for himself and his family. And, one day, atop his pole, he thinks he sees it—two strangers are making their way toward Sarah’s Mountain. One has the ability to make M.C.’s mother famous. And the other has the kind of freedom that M.C. has never even considered.

Learn about the abolitionist Frederick Douglass and his fight for freedom in this Step 3 Biography Reader!

Frederick Douglass was a keystone figure in the abolitionist movement, and his story has impacted generations of people fighting for civil rights in America. He was born to an enslaved mother and grew up with the horrors of slavery. In the course of his childhood, he was able to learn to read, and soon realized that reading and language were a source of power, and could be the keys to his freedom. Frederick Douglass spoke and wrote about injustice and equality, and his words profoundly affected the conversation about slavery in America. His activism will resonate with kids today who are observing and participating in our activist culture.

Based on Walt Disney's animated classic, this vintage Little Golden Book from 1951 retells the story of Alice’s wild adventures in Wonderland.

DW’s birthday is coming up and she has a long list of what she wants, but she does not know about money or how to earn it.
She sets out to learn from her parents, important details about money and financial security. Go on this journey with DW to improve your financial literacy and learn all you should know about money as a kid.

Experience the joy of Juneteenth in this celebration of freedom from the award-winning team of Angela Johnson and E.B. Lewis.

Through the eyes of one little girl, All Different Now tells the story of the first Juneteenth, the day freedom finally came to the last of the slaves in the South. Since then, the observance of June 19 as African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. This stunning picture book includes notes from the author and illustrator, a timeline of important dates, and a glossary of relevant terms.

Told in Angela Johnson’s signature melodic style and brought to life by E.B. Lewis’s striking paintings, All Different Now is a joyous portrait of the dawn breaking on the darkest time in our nation’s history.

Discover this middle grade masterpiece about a young black boy whose quiet rural live in the Appalachian Mountains begins to change—winner of the Newbery Medal, the National Book Award, and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award.Mayo Cornelius Higgins sits on his gleaming, forty-foot steel pole, towering over his home on Sarah’s Mountain. Stretched before him are rolling hills and shady valleys. But behind him lie the wounds of strip mining, including a mountain of rubble that may one day fall and bury his home. M.C. dreams of escape for himself and his family. And, one day, atop his pole, he thinks he sees it—two strangers are making their way toward Sarah’s Mountain. One has the ability to make M.C.’s mother famous. And the other has the kind of freedom that M.C. has never even considered.

In this remarkable retelling of Beauty and the Beast, award-winning illustrator Pat Cummings creates an enchanted fairy-tale world flavored by the art, architecture, and culture of West Africa, while writer H. Chuku Lee stays true to the story of this beloved classic. With breathtaking palatial settings inspired by the Dogon tribe of Mali and dazzling costumes reminiscent of the clothing seen on Cummings's own trip to Africa, Beauty and the Beast becomes so much more than just a story—it's a visual and cultural experience.

When her father is taken prisoner by a fearsome Beast, Beauty begs the captor to take her instead. The Beast agrees, locking her away in his palace. Though he will give her whatever her heart desires—jewels, gowns, her own living quarters—she is forbidden to leave. Over time, however, Beauty sees the gentler side of the Beast, and an unexpected bond forms. But will it be strong enough to break a curse that threatens the Beast's life?

Learn to read with young Amelia Bedelia! Amelia Bedelia has been loved by readers for more than fifty years, and it turns out that her childhood is full of silly mix-ups, too!

Amelia Bedelia's friend Rose is having a slumber party. It's Amelia Bedelia's first sleepover, and she's confused. Isn't sleeping boring? Luckily, all the girls in Amelia Bedelia's class are there, and the party is the exact opposite of boring. There are pizzas to eat, games to play, and fingernail polish in all the colors of the rainbow to admire. And when it is time to go to sleep, well, something unexpected happens then, too.

Amelia Bedelia discovers that friends and family are the best, no matter what time of day it is, in this Level 1 I Can Read, perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

(pp 5 -8) M. C. Higgins, the Great by Virginia Hamilton

Discover this middle grade masterpiece about a young black boy whose quiet rural live in the Appalachian Mountains begins to change—winner of the Newbery Medal, the National Book Award, and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award.

Mayo Cornelius Higgins sits on his gleaming, forty-foot steel pole, towering over his home on Sarah’s Mountain. Stretched before him are rolling hills and shady valleys. But behind him lie the wounds of strip mining, including a mountain of rubble that may one day fall and bury his home.

M.C. dreams of escape for himself and his family. And, one day, atop his pole, he thinks he sees it—two strangers are making their way toward Sarah’s Mountain. One has the ability to make M.C.’s mother famous. And the other has the kind of freedom that M.C. has never even considered.

Trent's horse Rowdy wins the Youth Quarter Horse event at the state fair.

(pp 1-4) M. C. Higgins, the Great by Virginia Hamilton

Discover this middle grade masterpiece about a young black boy whose quiet rural live in the Appalachian Mountains begins to change—winner of the Newbery Medal, the National Book Award, and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award.

Mayo Cornelius Higgins sits on his gleaming, forty-foot steel pole, towering over his home on Sarah’s Mountain. Stretched before him are rolling hills and shady valleys. But behind him lie the wounds of strip mining, including a mountain of rubble that may one day fall and bury his home.

M.C. dreams of escape for himself and his family. And, one day, atop his pole, he thinks he sees it—two strangers are making their way toward Sarah’s Mountain. One has the ability to make M.C.’s mother famous. And the other has the kind of freedom that M.C. has never even considered.

Celebrate a winter miracle  with the true, inspirational story of Balto in this Step 3 Step Into Reading Early Reader.

It is one of the worst storms ever - the snow has not stopped for days and it is 30 degrees below zero. But somehow Balto must get through. He is the lead dog of his sled team. And he is carrying medicine to sick children miles away in Nome, Alaska. He is their only hope. Can Balto find his way through the terrible storm? Find out in this exciting true story!

Step 3 Readers feature engaging narratives about popular topics. For children who are ready to read on their own.

"Epilogue" (Last Chapter) of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien and Zena Bernstein (Illustrator)

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

"The Doctor" (Chapter 27) of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien and Zena Bernstein (Illustrator)

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

Nia loves playing with her grandmother Nana, but has a hard time imagining that Nana was ever a child. Grandma Had a Grandma Too takes the reader on a journey back in time with a young Nana and her own grandmother...fishing at the creek, chasing fireflies at dusk, eating blackberries from the backyard and more. This story affirms that the simplest times we share with a child can create the most beloved and cherished memories.Grandma Had a Grandma Too appeals to children ages 3 - 8 years old, but older children and adults will love it as well. The simplicity of the language is perfect for reading aloud as a bedtime or anytime story.

"At the Meeting" (Chapter 26) of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien and Zena Bernstein (Illustrator)

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

"Escape" (Chapter 25) of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien and Zena Bernstein (Illustrator)

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

"Seven Dead Rats" (Chapter 24) of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien and Zena Bernstein (Illustrator)

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

The astronauts of Apollo 11 made history as the first men to land on the Moon. Learn more about how Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins trained and achieved this momentous feat in this Step 5 History Reader. Step 5 Readers tell stories in chapters using longer paragraphs, for children who want to take the plunge into chapter books but still like colorful illustrations and photography.

"The story of Apollo 11's historic flight, from lift-off, through 'The Eagle has landed,' to splashdown and quarantine. Donnelly does a good job of setting the stage with chapters on the history of the idea of flight to the moon, astronaut selection and training, and look at the flight's effect on people in general."  --School Library Journal.

An all-new addition to DK's top-selling line of Star Wars readers. It's the question on everyone's minds: Are Ewoks scared of stormtroopers? Let's find out!

Level 1 readers feature simple sentences and limited vocabulary, as well as a picture glossary and a simple index. Adult participation is helpful.

For the child who says, "I want to be an engineer when I grow up!" And for any child who wants a gentle behind-the-scenes look at being an engineer.

I never knew that there were so many different ways to be an engineer. When my big brother goes to school for engineering, I learn that there are engineers who build buildings and design big rockets. Did you know that there are other kinds of engineers too? There are environmental engineers, plumbing engineers, robotic engineers—and many more! Maybe I’ll be an engineer, too?

With this story blending narrative with nonfiction elements, readers meet the wide variety of engineers who do so much to support our communities.

I Want to Be an Engineer is part of a I Can Read series that introduces young readers to important community helpers. This Level One I Can Read is perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts of Level One books support success for children eager to start reading on their own.

For anyone looking for books about community helpers for kids, the I Can Read My Community books are a great choice. The books are bright and upbeat and feature characters who are diverse in terms of gender, race, age, and body type. Kids ages 3-6 will enjoy finding out more about the people who do so much to help all of our communities.

"Captured" (Chapter 23) of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien and Zena Bernstein (Illustrator)

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

"Thorn Valley" (Chapter 22) of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien and Zena Bernstein (Illustrator)

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

Titanic. Just the name evokes tales of the doomed ship that have captivated people of all ages for more than 100 years. 
Early readers will enjoy this exciting account of the world's most famous disaster-at-sea and the discovery of it's remains many years later. 
Step 4 books are perfect for independent readers who are confident with simple sentences and are just starting to tackle paragraphs.

"The Toy Tinker" (Chapter 20) of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien and Zena Bernstein (Illustrator)

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

"The Main Hall" (Chapter 20) of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien and Zena Bernstein (Illustrator)

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

This Level 1 book is appropriate for children who are just beginning to read. A young dolphin's life is full of adventure! He wants to explore, but danger lurks! Can he escape the killer whale? For children who are just beginning to read and who have a limited vocabulary, these 32-page Level 1 books-about everything from tadpoles to puppies-use word repetition and simple sentences to convey meaning. Picture dictionary boxes with word labels "show" the meanings of words. These books contain between 400 and 450 words each, and they are 80 percent pictures and 20 percent text. The DK (Dorling Kindersley) Readers combine an enticing visual layout with high-interest, easy-to-read stories to captivate and delight young bookworms who are just getting started. Written by leading children's authors and compiled in consultation with literacy experts, these engaging books build reader confidence along with a lifelong appreciation for nonfiction, classic stories, and biographies. There is a DK Reader to interest every child at every level, from preschool to grade 4.

"The Boniface Estate" (Chapter 19) of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien and Zena Bernstein (Illustrator)

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

"The Air Ducts" (Chapter 18) of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien and Zena Bernstein (Illustrator)

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service

"A Lesson in Reading" (Chapter 17) of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien and Zena Bernstein (Illustrator)

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

Chapter 16: "The Maze" of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien and Zena Bernstein (Illustrator) 

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

"In the Cage" (Chapter 15) of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien and Zena Bernstein (Illustrator)

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien. Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

"The Marketplace" (Chapter 14) of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien and Zena Bernstein (Illustrator)

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien. Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

"A Powder for Dragon" (Chapter 13) of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien and Zena Bernstein (Illustrator) 

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

Chapter 12: Isabella

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

Chapter 11: In the Library 

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

Introduces readers to simple Spanish words as they are boldly incorporated into the English tale about a group of animals getting together to play a game of baseball at the local park.

This is Chapter 10 (Brutus). Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

Six bugs are playing happily outside together. Each of them is eventually called to return home. This is a fun story about bugs and their friends.

"A Favor from Jeremy" is the sixth chapter of the book. 

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

Little ones are sure to be lulled off to a peaceful, sheep-filled sleep by this cozy book from acclaimed author Mem Fox.

There are red sheep and blue sheep, wind sheep and wave sheep, scared sheep and brave sheep, but where is the green sheep?

The search is on in this cozy, sheep-filled story from acclaimed author Mem Fox and popular Australian cartoonist Judy Horacek.

Complete with sleepy rhymes and bright illustrations, this book is sure to delight children of all ages, from the very young to those just beginning to read.

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

Some extraordinary rats come to the aid of a mouse family in this Newbery Medal Award–winning classic by notable children’s author Robert C. O’Brien.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, is faced with a terrible problem. She must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma. And Mrs. Frisby in turn renders them a great service.

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales is an extraordinary audiobook featuring Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard with a special message from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Original Music by South African legends by Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela, Directed by Alfre Woodard. The audiobook was a truly international affair recorded in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, London, and Johannesburg.

The stories were chosen by the Nobel Laureate himself, from every region of Africa.


"We hope this audiobook will be enjoyed by people of all ages across the globe, increasing awareness of Africa's rich cultures while creating a better future for South Africa's most vulnerable children," said ANSA Executive Director Sharon Gelman.

In his original foreword for the folktales, Nelson Mandela wrote, "It is my wish that the voice of the storyteller may never die in Africa, that all the children of the world may experience the wonder of books." The audiobook brings his vision full circle, as these timeless tales return to the oral tradition to be heard around the world.

Henry can't wait to start kindergarten. When he gets to the school, though, he's not sure he's ready. But he soon discovers the only thing he's not ready for is how much fun he will have a school. This gentle, encouraging story is ideal for children about to enter kindergarten. (Baby/Preschool)

Presents the life and accomplishments of the deaf and blind woman who overcame her disabilities with the help of teacher Anne Sullivan to become a writer and speaker.

Learn about the inspiring life of Helen Keller in this early reader biography.

When Helen Keller was a baby, she became sick and lost her ability to see and hear. Although many people doubted her ability to persevere, Helen did not let any obstacle stop her from achieving many things in her amazing life.

This book covers some of the well-known and inspiring milestones of Keller's life--it's a great supplement for book reports on this iconic historical figure. It also covers some of the lesser-known fun facts--did you know that Helen Keller was a long-time dog lover?

This biography reader includes a timeline, historical photographs, and information about Braille.

Helen Keller: The World at her Fingertips is a Level Two I Can Read, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.

In these beloved stories we meet a Kenyan lion named Simba, a snake with seven heads, and tricksters from Zulu folklore; we hear the voices of the scheming hyena, and we learn from a Khoi fable how animals acquired their tails and horns. Creation myths tell us how the land, its animals, and its people all came into existence under a punishing sun or against the backdrop of a spectacularly beautiful mountain landscape. Whether warning children about the dangers of disobedience or demonstrating that the underdog can, and often does, win, these stories, through their depiction of wise animals as well as evil monsters, are universal in their portrayal of humanity, beasts, and the mystical. Translated from their original languages―Karanga, Nguni, Xhosa, and many others―these folktales are a testament to the craft of storytelling and the power of myth.

Noodles is ready for a fall adventure, but he needs a friend to join in on the fun. Who will he meet? This beginning reader uses rebus-style picture clues to reinforce familiar words.

Listen to how it all started for one of Disney's most beloved characters in The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning. Imagine a time long before Ariel met Prince Eric and walked on land -- a time when music was banned from the underwater kingdom of Atlantica. Torn between family duty and her love of music, Ariel must make the most difficult choice of her life. With the help of her friends, Sebastian and Flounder and her six amusing sisters, will the young mermaid be able to restore music, friendship and love to the kingdom?

Join Peppa and her friends on their class trip to the top of the mountain. What fun things will they find? This title is perfect for back to school!

A cause for celebration, and a landmark work that gathers in one volume many of Africa's most cherished folktales.

In these beloved stories we meet a Kenyan lion named Simba, a snake with seven heads, and tricksters from Zulu folklore; we hear the voices of the scheming hyena, and we learn from a Khoi fable how animals acquired their tails and horns. Creation myths tell us how the land, its animals, and its people all came into existence under a punishing sun or against the backdrop of a spectacularly beautiful mountain landscape. Whether warning children about the dangers of disobedience or demonstrating that the underdog can, and often does, win, these stories, through their depiction of wise animals as well as evil monsters, are universal in their portrayal of humanity, beasts, and the mystical. Translated from their original languages―Karanga, Nguni, Xhosa, and many others―these folktales are a testament to the craft of storytelling and the power of myth.

A Children's Book about Being a Bad Sport explains the disadvantages of being a bad sport and teaches children how to avoid being one.

Being Mean defines cruel behavior and its damaging effects and encourages children to avoid being cruel to others.

Sam is a determined little guy with his whole life ahead of him. He scoots around though he's trying to walk. We soon discover he has trouble seeing. Have no fear Dr. Helpmesee and his friendly opticians are here! In this ocular adventure Sam teaches us how to embrace change while his sister Gabriella reminds us accidents happen. Sam's world is turned right side up, he can talk, he can walk, he's reaching developmental milestones with ease. Who knows what he'll do next now that he can see?

“Help Me Be Good books” deal with the issues faced by children and parents alike, and help parents communicate with their children about how to grow up as better people. A Children's Book About Being Wasteful concentrates specifically on that behavior in a short, easy to understand format.

Pangs of jealousy prompt Clifford, the big red dog, to compete for Emily Elizabeth's attention when she takes in a stray kitten.

David's teacher has her hands full. From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David's high-energy antics fill each schoolday with trouble -- and are sure to bring a smile to even the best-behaved reader.

Discover the life of John Lewis―a story for kids ages 6 to 9 about fighting for a better world

John Lewis was a civil rights leader and United States congressman who never stopped speaking up for justice, equality, and peace. Before he marched with Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement, John was a thoughtful kid who loved learning but wasn’t able to go to a good school because of segregation.

He wanted to make a difference in his community, so he organized peaceful protests to end segregation and fight for equal rights for Black Americans. Explore how John went from being a young farm boy to a famous activist, politician, and leader.

The Story of John Lewis includes:

How will John’s hard work, bravery, and kindness inspire you?

Elmo visits Bert and Ernie in their apartment, then spies a dog and follows it down the street.

Meet Tiana, Disney's newest princess! When she and the spoiled Prince Naveen are turned into frogs, they find themselves lost in the Louisiana bayou, with no one to turn to but a lovesick Cajun firefly, a trumpet-playing alligator—and each other. Determined to become human again, Tiana and Naveen embark on a hilarious and heartwarming adventure. Together, they find romance where they least expect it—and discover that dreams really can come true.

Safe Kids and FedEx worked with Scholastic to write and design a Clifford book all about pedestrian safety. Clifford, Emily Elizabeth and her class take a walk through town to a surprise picnic lunch in the park. Along the way, the class will practice the rules of being a safe pedestrian and help Clifford learn them too!

Get to know the woman who made many of NASA’s early missions possible in this fascinating, nonfiction Level 3 Ready-to-Read, part of a series of biographies about people “you should meet!”

Meet Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician who worked at NASA in the early 1950s until retiring in 1986. Katherine’s unparalleled calculations (done by hand) helped plan the trajectories for NASA’s Mercury and Apollo missions (including the Apollo 11 moon landing). She is said to be one of the greatest American minds of all time.

A special section at the back of the book includes extras on subjects like history and math, plus inspiring careers for math lovers. With the You Should Meet series, learning about historical figures has never been so much fun!

Explore the lives of kangaroos with Ranger Rick in this Level One I Can Read with vivid color photos!

What if you wished you were a kangaroo and then you became one? Could you eat like a kangaroo? Move like a kangaroo? Live in a kangaroo family? And would you want to? Find out!

This Level One I Can Read answers questions for beginning readers about kangaroos. This format engages young readers by comparing and contrasting the life of the kangaroo to the life of the reader. In call-outs, Ranger Rick asks the reader things like: Can you hop like a kangaroo?

Did you know that some kangaroos are great swimmers? Did you know that kangaroos are really fast and can hop up to 40 miles per hour? From Tree Kangaroos to the Rock Wallaby to the more familiar Red Kangaroos, young Ranger Rick explorers will love this Level One I Can Read that helps beginning readers dig a little deeper into the amazing lives of kangaroos.

Ranger Rick: I Wish I Was a Kangaroo is complete with fascinating facts, vivid photographs, a Wild Words glossary, and a hands-on activity where you find out how far you can jump—just like a kangaroo!

This Level 1 I Can Read story is perfect for children ages 5 to 7 who are ready to read independently. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts of Level One books support success for children eager to start reading on their own.

Explore the lives of flamingos with Ranger Rick in this Level One I Can Read with full-color photos!

What if you wished you were a flamingo and then you became one? Could you eat like a flamingo? Talk like a flamingo? Grow up in a flamingo family? And would you want to? Find out!

Ranger Rick explorers can learn all about Flamingos in this reader full of fascinating facts, vivid wildlife photographs, a Wild Words glossary, and a hands-on activity.

Ranger Rick: I Wish I Was a Flamingo is a level One I Can Read, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

This I Can Read story is perfect for children ages 5 to 7 who are ready to read independently. It’s an excellent choice to keep your kids engaged during homeschooling. This beginning reader is an ideal boredom buster when home from school; it's a great activity for kids, and it helps prevent summer slide.

Explore the Christmas narrative with your children! Whimsical illustrations pair with skillful rhyme as you follow Mary and Joseph on their adventure to becoming parents to God’s own son. From the donkey and animals in the stable, to the angels and Heavenly hosts, this story is a celebration of the good news that came down to earth as Christ entered into our broken world to become its Savior. Whether you add this to your family’s advent tradition or gift it to another growing family, it is sure to delight all the little ones in your life.

Christmas will always mean love.
Even if love looks a little different this year.

As families and communities come together--and stay apart--in creative ways this holiday season, bring comfort and joy to children with this story about a Christmas like no other.

Always Together at Christmas highlights different family traditions and the ways they're changing in 2020: from Santa's elves practicing social distancing to opening presents via Zoom on Christmas morning. And it even includes ideas for new quarantine-appropriate Christmas traditions!

The sweet and cozy illustrations add classic touches, making this book the perfect gift to share with family and friends from across the miles.

A Geisel Honor-winning series! Author Kelly Starling Lyons selected as the 2021 Piedmont Laureate!

Join Ty on his imaginative adventures in Ty's Travels: Winter Wonderland, a My First I Can Read book by acclaimed author and illustrator team Kelly Starling Lyons and Nina Mata. Imagination and play are highlighted in this festive Winter story, perfect for sharing with children 3 to 6.

Ty’s big imagination takes him and Momma on a trip to the North Pole. Everything is wonderful! A Christmas tree sparkles, a snowman waves, and a polar bear sings. Will Ty’s wish to see Santa come true? He wishes and wishes.

Ty's Travels: Winter Wonderland fills an important need for inclusive Christmas stories with diverse characters.

With simple, rhythmic text and joyful, bright art, this My First series and Guided Reading Level I is perfect for shared reading with a child. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.

"A cozy, snowy Christmastime read."  —Kirkus

Just the Right Size is a delightful tale of Giraffa, an unhappy giraffe who does not like the way he looks. Even though his parents and friends see how special he is, Giraffa cannot see it for himself-he just does not understand why he looks the way he does. Giraffa's search for an answer to his heartfelt dilemma leads him to a teacher whose wise words help him to love every part of himself.

#1 New York Times bestseller and NAACP Image Award winner! The debut picture book from iconic voting rights advocate and bestselling author Stacey Abrams is an inspiring tale of determination, based on her own childhood.

Stacey is a little girl who loves words more than anything. She loves reading them, sounding them out, and finding comfort in them when things are hard.

But when her teacher chooses her to compete in the local spelling bee, she isn’t as excited as she thought she’d be. What if she messes up? Or worse, if she can’t bring herself to speak up, like sometimes happens when facing bullies at school?

Stacey will learn that win or lose . . . her words are powerful, and sometimes perseverance is the most important word of all.

 Being Careless  by Joy Berry explains the problems caused by carelessness and teaches children how to be careful.

Pete the Cat whips up something extra cool in the next Pete the Cat My First I Can Read tale from New York Times bestselling author-illustrator James Dean!

The school's bake sale is a day away! Pete tries to make something yummy for his friends. But he seems to be only making a giant mess! Will Pete have something delicious in time for the bake sale?

Beginning readers will love Pete's adventure in the kitchen in this My First I Can Read story, complete with original illustrations from the creator of Pete the Cat, James Dean. My First I Can Read books are perfect for shared reading with a child.

Learn about the inspiring life of Harriet Tubman in this early reader biography. This I Can Read book is an excellent choice to share in the classroom or at home.

Harriet Tubman was a brave woman who was born enslaved in Maryland in the 1800s. After risking everything to escape from her slave master and be free, Harriet went on to lead many people to freedom on a journey known today as the Underground Railroad.

This book covers some of the amazing aspects of Tubman's life: She led 13 escapes—all successful and at great personal risk—between 1850 and 1860. This book also covers some of the lesser-known amazing aspects of her life: During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman enlisted African American men to be soldiers. She served as a spy and led a battle under the command of a Union Army colonel!

Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in Harriet Tubman’s life in this Level Two I Can Read biography. This biography includes a timeline and historical illustrations all about the life of this inspiring figure, as well as a rare historical photograph of her. Much mythology and conflicting lore exists about Harriet Tubman. This book was carefully vetted by noted Harriet Tubman expert Dr. Kate Larson.

Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter is a Level Two I Can Read, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.

Paddington Bear has charmed readers of all ages for almost 60 years! Now part of the I Can Read line, Michael Bond’s classic character will delight beginning readers with his curious nature and nose for adventure.

Paddington is thrilled to go to the beach with the Browns. He’s never splashed in the ocean or built a sand castle. Outfitted with a new set of beach toys, Paddington seems ready for whatever comes his way. But the biggest surprise of all sweeps Paddington off on a new adventure.

Paddington Sets Sail is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

Girls everywhere deal with wanting to be loved and accepted by friends. If they only knew that having a heart that displays kindness and acceptance are just a few pathways to acquiring beauty and genuine friends who become like sisters. (Read by Michael McCrary)

Leo, Lola’s little brother from Leo Loves Baby Time, is back in a new adventure with Daddy! 

Perfect for Father's Day or every day, this sweet companion to Leo Loves Mommy and spin-off of the best-selling Lola Reads series celebrates the love between young children and their dads. Leo and Daddy love to make pancakes for breakfast, dance to the beat, and go to the park together. When it's time to sleep, Daddy's hugs are the snuggliest.

A celebration of our nation's melting pot, this beautifully illustrated origin story of the Statue of Liberty honors a poet who has advocated for the voiceless.

"Give me your tired, your poor
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free . . . " In 1883, Emma Lazarus, deeply moved by an influx of immigrants from eastern Europe, wrote a sonnet that gave a voice to the Statue of Liberty.  Originally a gift from France to celebrate our shared national struggles for liberty, the statue, thanks to Emma's poem, came to define us as a nation that welcomes immigrants. The text of that now famous poem, "The New Colossus," appears in this free-verse biography, illustrated in an exquisite folk art style.  The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus has been selected as a Common Core Text Exemplar (Grades 4-5, Poetry)

Greg Mortenson stumbled, lost and delirious, into a remote Himalayan village after a failed climb up K2. The villagers saved his life, and he vowed to return and build them a school. The remarkable story of his promise kept is now perfect for reading aloud. Told in the voice of Korphe’s children, this story illuminates the humanity and culture of a relevant and distant part of the world in gorgeous collage, while sharing a riveting example of how one person can change thousands of lives.

Foster your little one's imagination and encourage them to dream big with this modern Black History book created to inspire children everywhere.

Featured by HuffPost, People, Romper, and Popsugar, 5-star rated Look What Brown Can Do!  is a modern illustrated Black history book that showcases pivotal contributions of Black history makers. Written in an inspirational "you can too" tone, Look What Brown Can Do! captures an array of accomplishments from yesterday and today's Black heroes by featuring known and little-known Black history champions across eight professions.

Wave your flags! It's time to vote! Election Day is right around the corner in the latest big moment to be celebrated in Natasha Wing's best-selling series.

Yes! It's almost here. And the big question is: Who will be our next president? Will our leader be a he or a she? A young citizen gives her take on politics and Election Day in this charming story (featuring a colorful sticker sheet!), told in the style of Clement C. Moore's holiday poem.