Lark and Connor are judges for the annual baking contest at the community center. When they arrive, they discover that someone has destroyed a contestant's entry. And not just any contestant’s entry—Sophie's! Sophie is Lark's best friend (she just doesn't know it yet). The twin sleuths can't simply roll with it. To save the contest they'll have to take a whisk risk and start investigating the other contestants. With the timer ticking, Lark and Connor have to find the culprit before someone actually takes the cake. Lark and the Dessert Disaster is the fourth title in the Lark Ba Detective series.
With soft illustrations and soothing text, this is a quiet story about learning to find calm in the busy world around you. When the party's over and the baby finally falls asleep, when the dog is all barked out and the screens are dark, the Silence pads in on soft, furry feet. A warm, comforting presence, the Silence curls up in a sun-beam like a cuddly cat and helps you read, think and be still. The Silence is friends with the Dark. Together they soothe the jagged edges left when the Noise has rolled on and gently launch the boats of your dreams into the night. When the day becomes overwhelming or other feelings become too big, the Silence slips in.
Just when Josh starts to think his break from school is going to be all chores and no cheer, his best friend, Mark, invites him to spend their break helping restore a historic home and mill in Oregon. With the help of their friends Angela and Mary Jane, and under the watchful eye of Aunt Sue and Uncle Doug, the kids spend weeks fixing up the grounds, basking in the freedom of country life and learning about the surrounding area. Not to mention eating bugs, domesticating feral cats and starring in a movie! But it's not all fun and filming. The mill is in financial trouble, and the kids have to figure out a way to help Aunt Sue and Uncle Doug keep it running, in spite of it being haunted. Ghost of the Mill House follows Bus to the Badlands, where we first met Josh and his classmates.
Mysteries seem to follow Lark and Connor Ba wherever they go, and today is no exception! The part-time detectives head to their local community theater to rehearse the play they are in, only to discover that someone is playing pranks on the theater company. The twin sleuths need to work quickly to catch the culprit before one more prank closes down the play for good. It's showtime, Lark and Connor! Lark Takes a Bow is the third title in the Lark Ba Detective series.
Rookie detectives Lark and Connor Ba are back on the case! When a pair of diamond earrings goes missing from the neighborhood general store, Lark and Connor just happen to be in the right place at the right time. Carefully mining the adults for clues, the twin sleuths work together to solve the mystery. Lark and the Diamond Caper is the second title in the Lark Ba Detective series.
In this book, early fluent readers will learn how writing can help us focus, examine emotions, and increase mindfulness. Step-by-step instructions help readers write poetry, record thoughts and observations in a nature journal, and practice gratitude and mindfulness by creating a journaling habit. Social and emotional learning (SEL) concepts support growth mindset throughout, while Try This! and Grow with Goals activities at the end of the book further reinforce the content. Fun, full-color photos and carefully leveled text engage young readers as they learn more about increasing focus and practicing mindfulness through writing. Includes helpful hints, sidebars, a table of contents, glossary, index, and tips for educators and caregivers.
Miryam's body doesn't fight off germs like it should. While doctors figure out how to make her better, Miryam needs to stay home for online classes. Trouble is: Miryam struggles to focus on her teacher and schoolwork. She likes in-person learning at school much better! Plus, she misses her friends! When Miryam's dad hears about the Helper Hounds, everything changes. Brisket the Helper Hound knows all about learning to focus and about staying in touch with friends.
Ajani loves having a dad from Denmark and a mom from Jamaica. Ajani speaks three languages and gets to spend summers with his grandparents in the coolest places. But when a classmate overhears dark-skinned Ajani speaking Danish, the boy makes a hurtful, racist comment. Ajani is crushed. Until a chance encounter with Louis the Helper Hound helps Ajani feel proud of his heritage and helps him and his classmates fight racism.
After losing her first two forever homes, Noodle the golden doodle knows all about the sadness of goodbyes. But in her new home with Andrea and as an official Helper Hound, Noodle helps Gabriel deal with the loss of his grandfather and to discover that our loved ones can be found in the little things all around us even when they’re gone.
Ming often gets teased for being “weird.” His curious mind and wild imagination make him extra nervous for his school’s upcoming lockdown drill after a deadly dance hall shooting. His teacher calls the Helper Hounds to help calm his nerves—and King Tut comes to the rescue! King Tut knows all about being weird. she’s been in some scary situations herself after being abandoned under a bridge as a puppy. King Tut helps Ming and his classmates through the lockdown drill. Discover how King Tut helps Ming and his friends see the beauty in being “weird.”
Danny is scared to tell the truth. After he saw someone steal some bikes, now he has to see that person in court and tell what he did. To help calm Danny’s fears on the big day, his parents call the Helper Hounds—and there’s no better pup for the job than Spooky. Spooky was involved in a crime herself—she lost her leg after being shot by a police officer who thought she was dangerous. Will Spooky’s best calming tricks give Danny the courage to tell the truth in court?
Max and his sister Lily are staying with relatives while their Mom is away getting her own emotional help. Max and Lily are being teased and bullied at school. Their Aunt Eileen calls the Helper Hounds – and soon Robot, an endearing Rottweiler who knows all about bullies, comes to give support. A lot of people think Rottweiler's are bullies, but that's because they don't really know how cuddly they can be. Robot and his handler Samuel help the kids at Max and Lily's school deal with bullies while Max and Lily gain new friends.
Portia has overcome a lot in life. Born with Down syndrome, Portia has been through many surgeries, lots of doctor’s appointments, and strange looks from people who want to limit what she can do. Inside herself, Portia knows she can do anything – including getting over her fear of dogs. But when Penny shows up at Portia’s house, she isn’t so sure. After all, Penny is a pit bull – the scariest dogs of all, right? Good thing Penny has a few tricks of her own to win Portia’s trust.
Mary’s new in town. She’s worried about starting classes at her new school. That’s why her mom called the Helper Hounds – and why Sparkplug, the wildly handsome, wickedly smart, card-carrying, world famous Helper Hound is on the scene. Sparky knows a thing or two about moving. He moved four times as a puppy, and learned to make new friends along the way. Sparky knows he can teach Mary all his best tricks and help her meet new friends, too. At least Sparky thought he could until he met Custard, Mary’s persnickety cat. Will Sparky’s best tricks be enough to win over Custard and show Mary making friends is nothing to fear?
In the spirit of Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz, this story introduces readers to the hidden magical—and mysterious—world of gnomes, elves, and trolls.
Lily has a hole. It eats her joy, makes her angry, and--no matter what Daddy does to try to help--it just keeps growing. So Lily retreats. But a friend lets her in on a secret (he has a hole too!) and shows her the best way to repair holes: spend time on friends, family, the things you love, yourself, and kindness. Those patches don't make the hole go away, but they help. A lyrical and age-appropriate story for learning to cope with grief and loss.
When Polly's father goes overseas to fight in World War I, her whole world changes. Though the war is in Europe, its effects are felt on American soil. There are food, fuel, and other supply shortages everywhere. Even something as simple and enjoyable as a family Sunday car ride isn't possible anymore. Everyone must do their part to help the war effort. Victory gardens are planted and scrap metal is collected. "It's the biggest event in our history. And it involves every single adult, every single boy, and every single girl," says Polly's teacher. As Polly struggles to make sense of the war, she wonders how she can contribute. When the government puts out a notice requesting peach pits to be used in gas mask filters, Polly knows how she can help.
Most folks know the famous story of Helen Keller—a DeafBlind girl who learned to understand sign language at the family water pump. But what do you really know about her? Did you know she was an activist, a rebel, a writer, a performer, a romantic? There is so much more to Helen than we usually learn in school. Read ahead as the story of Helen Keller’s passionate, boundless life unfolds—reminding us that she was, as we all are, so many things.
What do you do with a grumpy kraken, a sickly sea serpent, and a tearful gigantic tortoise? You sing them a tune, of course! Following the sea shanty rhyme of "What Do You Do With . . . ," a ship's crew of sailors has to contend with a coterie of mythical sea creatures, all demanding comfort and attention. As each creature threatens to swamp the ship, the quick-thinking crew knows just what to do to save the day, from serving pancakes to mopping a sweaty forehead to sharing an umbrella to keep the rain away. But what happens when the sailors have had enough? Back matter includes information about the sea creatures featured, music and lyrics, along with a brief history of sea shanties.
Pug is snug on his rug. But what happens when along comes BUG?! With a claim to the rug?! The two engage in a hysterical, rhyming battle of wits and strength until Slug asks the necessary questions and helps them find common ground.
Texto repetitivo e ilustrações adoráveis ajudam a contar a história clássica de “Os Três Porquinhos”. Quando três porquinhos saem de casa para construir suas próprias casas, a mãe os avisa sobre um lobo malvado. Os porcos aprendem uma lição valiosa enquanto o lobo faminto está determinado a comer os porcos no jantar. Descubra qual porco constrói a casa mais forte e como eles são mais espertos que o lobo mau. Uma reviravolta nova e positiva no final deste conto de fadas o tornará um favorito da família e incentivará o amor pela leitura por toda a vida.
Bem no fundo do oceano estava a "Terra das Sereias". Todas as sereias que viviam neste belo lugar eram exatamente iguais. Embora algumas possam ter cabelos curtos ou longos, toda sereia era rosa e tinha uma cauda verde. Certo dia, uma pequena sereia nasceu de sua concha e era diferente. Esta pequena sereia era roxa. Os jovens leitores aprenderão uma lição valiosa sobre diversidade e aceitação ao lerem sobre as aventuras dessa pequena sereia, em uma terra cheia de castelos de areia, cavalos-marinhos e árvores feitas de coral.
Milo, o cachorro da fazenda, acorda quando o galo canta "Co-có-ri-có". Milo tem um trabalho muito importante a fazer na fazenda. Enquanto faz suas rondas, ele verifica se as galinhas e os pintinhos estão bem. Ele olha os porcos e se certifica de que os filhotes estão a salvo. Efeitos sonoros divertidos e uma música divertida ajudam a envolver os jovens leitores, enquanto eles acompanham Milo pela fazenda. Descubra qual é o trabalho favorito de Milo na fazenda.
Texto simples e ilustrações cativantes ajudam a contar a história clássica de “Aladin e a lâmpada mágica”. Descubra o que acontece quando um Gênio mágico aparece depois que Aladim esfrega uma lâmpada velha. O que Aladim desejará e o que fará quando sua lâmpada for roubada por um feiticeiro malvado? Um final feliz acrescenta interesse a este conto de fadas e incentiva o amor pela leitura ao longo da vida.
Texto simples e belas ilustrações ajudam a contar a história clássica de “Cinderela”. Descubra o que acontece depois que a madrasta e as meias-irmãs da Cinderela vão ao baile para encontrar o Príncipe. Quando a fada madrinha da Cinderela aparece e a veste magicamente com um vestido dourado com sapatos de cristal, Cinderela está pronta para ir ao baile. Mas o que acontecerá quando o relógio bater meia-noite? Um final feliz acrescenta interesse a este conto de fadas e incentiva o amor pela leitura ao longo da vida.
