When the class finds out that the new boy, Alex, exaggerates and even lies, no one wants anything to do with him. But when Alex helps Jim, he decides to befriend him, and soon Alex learns that to be accepted, you just need to be yourself.
Four easy-to-read stories in one book featuring Pinwheel, the donkey, and many of his friends will engage beginning readers from cover to cover.
Jim's "Strongest Man in the World!" costume gives him the confidence he needs to stand up to a third-grade bully and save the day.
After wondering about the new girl's hijab, the class learns just how much they all have in common.
When Jim returns to school after his dog, Muffins, has died, his friends try to comfort him, but Jim wants to be left alone. His classmates are hurt by his rejection, but their teacher explains that Jim needs time to himself. An excellent book for a child who has lost a pet.
Although the children are told to send a card to everyone in their class, George gets fewer cards than everyone else. But his classmates quickly rally round and successfully cheer him up.
Lucy has been adopted by a nice family. "Wha-ooo-ooo-roo!" Lucy howls - all day, all night, and even in between. What does Lucy need? A comfy bed, special treats, lullabies? Lucy has a family, but helping her feel at home is a little trickier. This story portrays that growing-up-moment when a kid steps outside of her own concerns and tries to help someone she doesn't totally understand. Add in a dash of drama and mystery, a little canine craziness, and a session with a dog psychologist, and you've got a bright and funny "new pet" story that's simply wise and wisely simple.
Cow is stuck in the fence and needs some help. But when Bee passes the word on, it turns into: "Cow put Duck in a tent!" Later renditions convey a woodchuck having a tent fall on him, Cow getting good luck, a penny, some money, some honey, and - with messages like these, will this poor cow ever get out of that fence?
Max's dog, Puppy, is lost! She was here, and now she's gone. Where can Puppy be? Max can't sleep! Max can't eat! He calls for her, plasters posters all over town, and searches everywhere for his beloved pet. It's not until both Max and Puppy have the same idea that they finally find each other.
Bunny, Charlie's favorite toy, learns about life from the boy who takes him everywhere. When Charlie plays the tuba, Bunny learns about LOUD; when they play doctor, Bunny learns about OUCH; when they eat dinner, Bunny learns about MESSY.
When it's dinnertime at home, Zachary wishes he didn't have to help. When he visits his multi-ethnic friends, he is not asked to help, but discovers the many foods and traditions of their culture. He returns home eager to share his traditions with them, and to help with the chores!
Often mistaken for a rat . . . or, worse yet, a meal, Valentino is a guinea pig trying to find a home where he can live happily ever after. He runs away from his native home in Bolivia as a stowaway and he has many adventures until good fortune lands him in a pet shop. Soon after, he finally meets Maddie--a little girl with a lot of love to share who is hoping for the perfect pet. Who says dreams never do come true or there's no such thing as a happy ending? Just ask Valentino and Maddie!
A retelling of the Grimm Brother's beloved tale about five animals who travel together to Bremen, and encounter an unexpected result along the way.
Anna is never on any team at school. But she is determined to be part of the annual wreath-laying team at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington. Not until the end of the story do readers discover that Anna is blind.
The kids at school want to know why Becca is wearing glasses and a patch. Instead of telling them she has amblyopia, Becca leads her friends imaginative adventures to explain her new fashion accessory. Mitch Vane's illustrations capture the spunky exuberance of this resourceful heroine.
Acclaimed author Kathryn Lasky explores the nature of friendship in three delightful stories for beginning readers. Creative, impulsive Poodle and loyal, dependable Hound are an unexpected pair. Together they star gaze, plant a garden and prove that two very different individuals can not only be compatible, they can complement and help one another. This book is good for your brain because: Friendship, Helpfulness, Language Arts
After a long night of foraging, a tired raccoons returns home to sleep in Old Tree's branches. Oblivious to the rain and wind of a raging storm, the raccoon is protected and sheltered by the tree.
Books make everything better. Being a bookstore tiger is hard work. There's much patrolling, and a lot of sitting in laps at story hour, and then there's sleeping in the window display. But Raj is up to the task. He is fierce and proud, until Snowball comes along. The new cat in the bookstore informs Raj that he's just a marmalade kitty-cat. Times get tough then for the bookstore tiger. But bookstore and Raj owner Felicity, with the help of poet William Blake, knows how to fix things. In turn, with a very special book, Raj is able to fix things with Snowball. Paige Keiser's quirky, intimate illustrations invite readers to curl up and share a story, with their own tigers or a friend.
A trip to the vet requires bravery. They met and became best friends in Aggie and Ben. They learned to behave in Good Dog, Aggie. Now Aggie and Ben must conquer their fears in their third book for beginning readers. Aggie has to go to the vet, but it's Ben who needs to be brave as he deals with a night without his best friend. When Aggie returns home, she is unable to play. Ben must do his best to take care of her and make her feel better. Frank W. Dormer's expressive illustrations tell the story of the special bond between a boy and his loyal dog. Young readers will love the continuing adventures of Aggie and Ben.
Daddy takes Ben on a surprise trip to the pet store. Ben doesn't want a mouse, a snake, or even a cat. But when a certain puppy makes Ben laugh, a lasting friendship is formed. Three short chapters trace a day in the life of Ben and his new puppy, Aggie.
Aggie and Ben are back with another adventure in three short chapters just right for beginning readers. Ben and Aggie are playing fetch in the park. When Ben throws too far, Aggie doesn't come back! Ben looks and looks, but he cannot find her. It is the worst day ever. Ben's sadness turns into determination as he retraces his steps, makes posters, and enlists other people to help turn Aggie from a lost pup a found one.
The friends find a treasure that doesn't belong to them. Should they keep it? Or should they try to find the owner? Character concepts: being responsible, being honest, working together
Pig is having fun in the mud. But when his barnyard friends what to play in the mud too, will he learn it's more fun to share or will he hog all the mud to himself? This adorably illustrated story teaches young readers the value of taking turns and sharing.
Old Scruff is having it rough with the fleas until two sly cats teach him new tricks. Young readers will learn, through this humorous and beautifully illustrated story, the key to earning respect: always saying please and thank you.
When Dog is down on Cat's plans, will Cat give up or keep after her dream? Character concept: Responsibility: Never give up.