In addition to the books that we publish, did you know that we distribute other publishers’ books too? We love finding the best books from around the world and bringing them to libraries, bookstores, classrooms, and ultimately to the readers who love them. Here are the highlights from our publishers’ Spring 2021 titles!
| A Fox Called Herbert Meet Herbert, the rabbit who knows he was born to be a fox. When his mommy isn’t looking, he puts on pointy fox ears, makes himself a bushy tail, and asks his sister to paint him orange, just like a fox. But Mommy doesn’t understand; why can’t he just be a good rabbit? This delightful picture book is a true celebration of being ourselves and supporting our loved ones. Let this joyful tale inspire you to be who you are and follow your dreams. |
| Old MacDonald Had a Phone Old Macdonald loves his phone: it helps him organize his farm. But when the animals each get one of their own, they are soon on their phones all day—”Here a tweet, there a chat, WhatsApping the farm cat”—and before they know it, no work is getting done! What can Old Macdonald do? Sing along to the tune of “Old Macdonald Had a Farm” and see! A hilarious cautionary tale for a new generation of phone-users, from the award-winning partnership of Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross. Two Can Play Cat likes to work in the garden digging, planting seeds and growing vegetables. Puss doesn’t appear to see the point in gardening—she likes to be in the house sitting around drinking tea. But Puss really likes to eat delicious food, so when Cat makes a feast with her harvest, Puss wants to share. This wry tale about hard work and reward comes from rising star Margaret Sturton. |
| Elmer, Wilbur, and a brave troop of elephants set out on a quest to find the famous Lost Treasure of the jungle. When they stumble across a beautiful forgotten temple, Elmer’s friends rush inside, eager to find the Lost Treasure before them, but Elmer appears to have stopped searching . . . |
| Boardwalk Babies In the late 19th century, there wasn’t much hope for premature babies—until Dr. Couney developed the incubator. The device was so new and strange, hospitals rejected it. So Dr. Couney set up a sideshow at Coney Island, taking care of the tiniest newborns as part of a display to convince the public that incubators worked. Thousands of babies grew into healthy children as Boardwalk Babies, including Dr. Couney’s own premature daughter. Many of those babies came back as adults to thank the doctor for his miracle cures. Science meets magic show in this fascinating true story. “Moss turns a little-known historical subject into a poignant and readable picture book. . . .The soft illustrations and the heartwarming approach make this story beautiful and relevant to all families.”—starred, School Library Journal |
| Winter Candle When each family at the diverse Juniper Court apartment complex needs something to light up the dark of winter, the stumpy, lumpy candle provides a glow brighter than the fanciest taper, revealing the true spirit of each holiday it illuminates. |
| The Secret Animal Kingdom Dusty stumbles into a hidden world where animals live in harmony, ruled by a wise frog. Dusty travels through the countryside, helping all those he meets with his magical knapsack, which mysteriously contains exactly what he needs for any circumstance. When human intruders try to turn the animals into a circus act, Dusty has to figure out a way to bring back the kingdom’s peace. Humor and lively details bring this fairy tale world to life. The Dutch equivalent of Asterix, these beloved popular graphic novels are available in the US for the first time ever. |
| A Mother Is a House A mother is a nest, a mirror, a moon. The baby sees their mother in every aspect of their day. As the pages go by, the child grows. The mother who was a refuge becomes a road, a story, and a show. On the final page, the child is ready to take their first steps. This unique story looks through the baby’s eyes for an unexpected and affecting picture of parents and home—shown through bright, contemporary illustrations and special inks. |
| Can You Whistle, Johanna? Why doesn’t Berra have a grandfather? And how can he get one? Ulf suggests that there are plenty of old men at the retirement home. Berra and Ulf go there together to find one—ideally one who eats pig’s trotters, invites you to tea, and can teach you to whistle. A funny, sensitive, illustrated chapter book about a friendship across generations. Stark’s writing covers every emotion, sometimes in the same sentence. “A sweet, tender, never maudlin evocation of an intergenerational friendship.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews |
| Do Animals Fall in Love? Beavers stay loyal for life. Scorpions attract their partners with a romantic dance. Male humpback whales sing together for days at a time to bring females from many miles away. This illustrated compendium is based on questions asked by children in sexuality education classes. It is frank, humorous, and with something to amaze on every page, including seduction methods, physiology and mating, the most devoted fathers in the animal kingdom, and the sweetest animal babies on Earth. “[The writer] demonstrate[s] the wonder of species reproduction as well as her respect for her audience with frankness and good humor. They will find it irresistible in tone and content.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews |
| Fossils from Lost Worlds Walk in the footsteps of the first fossil researchers to discover the earliest animal life on Earth. Explore the story of a spiny sea worm without tail or head, a walking fish, a peaceful sea dragon, and many other incredible creatures. Told through comics, illustrations, and data, Fossils from Lost Worlds is also a fascinating insight into paleontology itself. It shows how science is a process of thinking and rethinking, questioning and learning. Through a timeline of animal reconstructions and major discoveries, we can track beliefs and theories that have brought our knowledge to where it is today. Fossils from Lost Worlds has been featured in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. |
| Pablo Shhh! Pablo is asleep. This is his last night inside the shell. Tomorrow he’ll come out. But he’s a little shy so will start with just very small hole. Tap tap! With the little chick Pablo, we discover up and down, forward and back, shapes, the noises and smells of the outside, and take a first flight. It’s not scary at all! Especially not if you keep a little piece of home with you, in case you need it later. A fresh and funny story about stepping out on your own into a bright new world. “Delightful—will surely bring smiles to readers’ faces.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews |
| Stupid Baby There’s a new baby in Simon’s house. “When’s that stupid baby going back to the hospital?” he asks. “He’s been here for three whole days!” This follow-up to the international bestseller Poo Bum cleverly subverts the new baby genre—with a happy ending. Simon is jealous of the tiny new baby in the house and can’t believe it’s here to stay. His parents don’t seem to understand the problem. But Simon soon discovers that a baby brother makes some things much better after all. |
| Where Is the Dragon? In this delightful story, three knights go looking for a dragon in the dark. The king won’t sleep until they find it. The knights know everything about dragons. With only one candle between them, they go out into the night. Is that a dragon? Attack! Another stellar book by New York Times Best Illustrated Book recipient Leo Timmers, this title features Timmers’ trademark intricately detailed illustrations and a humorous contrast between the illustrations and the words. “The text is translated from the original Dutch in a lilting Suessian singsong, with wonderful, surprising rhymes, and little readers and their grown-ups will have a great time combining their voices and giggling through the proceedings.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews Don’t miss this New York Times feature on Where Is the Dragon? |
Mighty Mechanics Guide to Speed
We are the Mighty Mechanics, and we look after all kinds of high-speed vehicles—from fighter jets to rocket sleds. Join us as we take you on an exhilarating tour of the fastest transport on two wheels, on four wheels, on tracks, and in the air. Compare top speeds and explore the special features and cutting-edge technology that make these machines some of the speediest on Earth. Full of striking photographs, colorful graphics, and fun facts that will keep you turning the pages. Buckle up and prepare for an incredible ride!
| The Young Astronauts Guide to the Universe Join our friendly team of astronauts as they prepare for lift-off. Explore the wonders of space travel—from rocket launchers to zero gravity. Discover all about the powerful telescopes that help scientists uncover the mysteries of the universe and take a glimpse at some of the incredible images that they have recorded. Have you ever wondered what life on the International Space Station is like? Find out the answer to this and so much more in this fantastic introduction to space exploration. Stunning photography, fun illustrations, and up-to-date facts help to bring the wonders of the universe to life. It’s a must for all budding astronauts! |
What Can I See?
Explore sun-baked deserts, untamed jungles and rainforests, spectacular undersea worlds, and the frozen lands of the polar regions. This beautifully illustrated series for younger readers takes an up-to-date look at these incredibly diverse and fascinating environments, exploring their different climates and habitats, along with the animals that live in them. Packed with fascinating facts and a hidden animal to find on every page, these books are bound to keep kids engaged and entertained. A wonderful series to collect and keep, sure to become a bookshelf favorite.
| Anita and the Dragons Anita watches the dragons high above her as she hops from one cement roof to another in her village in the Dominican Republic. But being the valiant princesa she is, she never lets them scare her. Will she be brave enough to enter the belly of the beast and take flight to new adventures? “A gorgeous story about the love of one’s homeland and the courage it takes to emigrate.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews |
| Sunday Rain An imaginative adventure that helps a new place feel like home Elliott has just moved into a new house. He spends his days with his fictional friends, immersed in a book. When an inviting Sunday rain gathers the local kids to play in the puddles, Elliott longs to join in, but he’s too shy to go outside. Soon, Elliott discovers that new friendships are like a new book—you just have to plunge into the adventure. “While a storm rages on the other side of the ship curtains at his bedroom window, Elliott buries himself in a book. A princess endlessly fights a dragon and a watercolor sea keeps ‘swallowing the royal boat,’ with Elliott at the helm. Later, he peeks out shyly at two puddle-jumping children on the sidewalk. ‘Make some friends while I finish unpacking,’ his mother urges. He joins them with a toy boat. Soon the S.S. Elliott is life-size, the puddles are an ocean and the dragon is a kite. Elliott’s new house feels like home.”—The New York Times Book Review, 8 Picture Books about Imagination and Identity “The imagination-fueled adventures will restore your faith in the kindness of kids”—Parents Magazine, 5 Parents-Approved Children’s Books to Read Right Now |
| Coyote’s Soundbite Excitement spreads like wildfire through the jungle. Earth-goddesses are planning a conference! From Australia to Antarctica, Amazon to Africa, goddesses will debate the burning environmental issues of our times . . . and bushy-tailed, smooth-talking Coyote wants in on the action. Can this infamous trickster come up with a plan to infiltrate the conference and leave a lasting legacy for our planet? A rip-roaring poem about protecting our environment. Watch a lovely reading of the book by the author on YouTube. |
| Escape CLING. Don’t let go. Hold tight. Never give up. FLY. Rev up. Lift off. Soar. PEDAL. Set off. Cycle. Pedal for your life. Throughout history, ordinary people have been forced to leave their families and homes because of war, famine, slavery, intolerance, economic and political upheaval, or climate change. These remarkable true stories of escape show how courageous people all around the world have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their flight to freedom. “An arresting collection of deep, accessible stories of people on the move.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews Watch the virtual book launch for this book hosted by the Holocaust Museum LA. |
| Science and Me Discover some of the inspirational men and women who have received Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry and Medicine from 1901 to the present day, among them Marie Curie, Hermann Joseph Muller, and Donna Strickland. A glimpse into the often surprising lives and sometimes accidental discoveries of a group of extraordinary scientists, this fascinating collection shows that the science you learn at school really can change the world. “Winter and El Fathi give a satisfying flavor of the work that guided scientific and moral compasses, while highlighting aspects of the scientists’ personal histories.”—The New York Times, 5 Picture Books About the Wonders of Science |
| 50 Space Missions that Changed the World Since the first space mission in 1957, there have been many pivotal missions that have made new discoveries and pushed the boundaries of our knowledge. Revisit 50 milestone missions including Voyager’s Grand Tour, Apollo 8 and the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon, Valentina Tereshkova (the first woman in space), the first weather satellite, the first communication satellite that brought live television to the world, and even spy satellites! This collection includes missions from Europe, Russia, China, India, the U.S., Canada, and more. |
| Islamophobia Today’s kids have lived their whole lives in a world where the topic of religious belief has become a serious social issue. The media and social media are full of stereotypes and misinformation about Islam in particular, and this atmosphere of fear and distrust has entered the everyday life of kids. When kids encounter conflict based on intolerance, inequity, and ignorance, they need the understanding and the tools to deal with the situation. Whether the reader is Muslim or not, this title provides information, relatable situations, and opportunities for kids to explore both the assumptions and biases of others and their own. |
| Confessions of a Teenage Drag King Seventeen-year-old Lauren is trying to navigate the tricky waters of teen romance. From high school to the drag show and back, Lauren must keep up their two personas—Ren, a drag king, and Lauri, a typical student—and come to terms with their feelings both for mixed-race student Clover and their own identity as an LGBTQ+ teen. A realistic but lighthearted exploration of gender and identity, this story is full of colorful, authentic characters, making it a fun and topical read for today’s teen readers. |
| Love, IRL Alex, a Latino transgender teen, is struggling to balance his feelings for a real-life crush on a Jewish boy in his class and the relationship he has with a boy he knows online—only to find that the two were the same all along. Although not explicit, important issues youth face surrounding online chat rooms, social media, and sexting are brought to light in this refreshing take on an LGTBQ+ relationship. Themes of secret identities and love letters together in a modern LGBTQ+ romance for the digital age make this an exciting and relevant read for teens. |
| Arlo, Mrs. Ogg, and the Dinosaur Zoo Things aren’t looking good for Class X. With another teacher running away screaming (literally), Arlo wonders how long the new substitute teacher will survive. When Mrs. Ogg takes the class to the zoo, Arlo realizes it’s up to him to keep everyone in line. What Mrs. Ogg fails to mention is that this is no ordinary zoo . . . |
| Emma on Mars Emma is angry that her parents have made such a mess of the planet! She goes off in search of a new home, and Mars looks perfect! A story that subtly explores saving the planet and also teaches children about the solar system. |
| I’m Not Cute, I’m Dangerous Fifi was born furry and incredibly cute—not the best characteristics for a crocodile. Teased by her sisters, Fifi goes in search of a solution! |
| Not My Hats Hettie loves hats. She has tall hats, small hats, any size at all hats, round hats, pointy hats, fancy hoity-toity hats. But she will NEVER EVER share them! Will Puffin ever find something to warm his noggin? |
| Pirates vs. Monster Pirates Hector, Sue, and George are crafty, bold, and all very proud about besting some of the most grizzly, gruesome monsters. But are they telling the truth? A few new visitors might just set the record straight. . . . |
| Letter to Pluto “Mrs. Hall says we have to keep writing, it is a dying art. ‘Good, let it die,’ I said, and then she said, ‘You are staying in at break Jon Fisher.'” Jon’s teacher has started an interplanetary penpal program. Much to Jon’s annoyance, his penpal, Straxi, is from Pluto, the most boring, smelliest and far away place possible. And if that wasn’t bad enough, she’s a girl! |
| Microbat Mayhem The Eco Rangers, Ebony and Jay, are having so much fun at the local adventure park. But when they find two abandoned baby bats, they rescue them right away. Then they discover more microbats inside an old roller coaster ride. Can the Eco Rangers save the animals in time before the ride is destroyed? |
Let’s Go!
This new board book series features a mode of transportation in each book. It encourages children to explore the great outdoors. It is a fun and engaging read, perfect for toddlers and early learners as they begin the years of discovery. The fun illustrations perfectly complement the early reader text.
| Dandy and Dazza Dandy and Dazza are different in so many ways. Dandy is a best in show sort of hound. Dazza is a rough and tumble sort of mongrel. Can these very different dogs ever be friends? |
| In My Dreams A child’s imagination takes him on a wild journey as he sleeps soundly at night. He meets lions in the jungle, swims alongside sea creatures, and soars through the sky on the back of a silvery dragon. This magical tale will delight all ages. |
| Into the Wild Roman is a lone wanderer and the wild is his to explore. Yet despite his amazing adventures and fascinating discoveries, Roman is still searching for something. Is being alone really the only choice for a wanderer? This charming tale explores the beauty of nature and friendship. |
| The Little Pirate Queen Lucy sails across the sea fixing and mending her small rickety raft, hoping to reach Far Away Island. When a gigantic wave sweeps all the other children away, except Lucy, the Little Pirate Queen is determined to rescue everyone no matter what. A story about resilience, empowerment and compassion, beautifully written and illustrated by Sally Anne Garland. |
| Waves of Mystery Feisty detective editor, Scoop McLaren, is back and this time the mystery has her sailing into uncharted waters! When Scoop’s childhood friend Fletcher enters the Higgity Harbor top surfing competition, strange things start happening . . . It looks like someone could be out to stop Fletcher from winning! With her roving reporter, Evie, by her side, Scoop investigates all avenues. Can she track down and rescue her friend to solve this monster wave of a mystery once and for all? |
| The Tumbling Tortoises Zinnia Jakes has won the Wildside Zoo’s endangered animals competition with her cute tortoise cupcake idea! But when she does more research about tortoises, one of her classmates starts asking too many questions. . . . Can Zinnia Jakes remain the secret pastry chef everyone loves? |
| Musical Mayhem Persephone begins writing her own personal secret diary. She is horrified when she has to audition for the school musical and takes comfort in writing down her most secret thoughts. The Heartfield Heights Musical Extravaganza soon launches into full swing, much to Persephone’s dismay and her twin sister Portia’s jubilation. |
The Page Education Foundation
| Bee Love (Can Be Hard) Otis wasn’t scared of many things, but at the top of his list? Bees. When Grandpa was younger, he was afraid of bees too. That is, until he learned about them. “Bees are amazing insects,” Grandpa tells Otis. “They’re pollinating powerhouses!” To help Otis overcome his fear, Grandpa takes him to a bee farm, where he learns that while “bee love” can be hard, it is also important. Lovely pastoral paintings are the backdrop to this gently told, delightful, relatable story. The book includes extended information about bees, beekeeping, and pollinators. |
Fairytale Friends
A brand-new picture book series with a completely new take on traditional fairytales. Each story focuses on a core virtue and a specific strength that the character must learn, for example Snow White wants to be the star striker in her football team but needs to learn the value of teamwork. While there is always a lead fairytale character, their friends will also appear in their story and help them overcome the challenge they face. Notes and questions at the back of the book will summarize what the character has learnt and prompt further discussion while activities will provide more fairytale fun.
Forest Club
Divided by season, this beautifully illustrated and informative book series provides a resource of inspiration for families, designed to spark children’s imagination and free-thinking. While all crafts and activities are designed to be carried out outside, these are interspersed with factual pages about forest flora and fauna, which can be enjoyed at home or used as a field guide while out and about. With activities for all seasons, outdoor exploration can be enjoyed twelve months of the year and there is always with something new to see and learn about.
A visually stunning book series of outdoor activities and crafts aiming to reconnect children to nature and the outdoors.
Red Chair Press
| Bully for You! Derrick finally feels like he’s getting the hang of Middle School. He’s in a band with his best friends and his dogs Bennie and Max are getting along. Even his Dead Max comics and advice columns are a hit, until Max’s cat-hating ways start raising hackles with his cat-loving readers. Then when Derrick’s cartoons protesting racism backfire, the Muslim kids turn against him and the paper is in danger of being shut down, along with Derrick’s cartooning career. Is Derrick a racist bully or trying to help some friends fight hatred? Luckily, Dead Max and some fishy characters are on the case, sleuthing out the real culprit and reuniting the students of Zachary Taylor Middle School with some long, lost friends. |
Helper Hounds
An early chapter book series about specially trained emotional support dogs who help the kids who need them most. Meet these uncommon heroes with wet noses and big hearts. These stories are told from the point-of-view of the helper hound so that young readers can easily relate to the story. Each book centers around a different emotional support dog, and how the dog helps kids process emotional experiences and overcome obstacles. The helper hounds are here to assist kids dealing with bullying, grief, making new friends, and facing their fears!
Jesse Steam Mysteries
Ten-year-old Jesse Steam’s curiosity about how the world works leads her to one mystery after another as she pedals around town with Mr. Stubbs, her tabby cat, keeping her company in the bike basket. Using simple scientific tools and their powers of observation, Jesse and her friends analyze, test hypotheses, and conduct experiments. If the kids get stuck, they know they can count on Professor Peach, a retired science educator, to step in with a clear explanation. In this series focuses on one STEAM subject including science, technology, engineering, the arts, or math. Each book also features a culminating hands-on makerspace activity to help kids solve their own STEAM-based questions!
| Into the Wind A character-driven novel about the unlikely friendship between a 10-year-old boy and an elderly woman. The old woman badgers the boy into taking her sailing, but when the weather turns bad, it becomes a wild sail. It becomes the last trip before she goes into the hospital where she dies: but not before the two of them share memories of their last sail together. Hazel helps build the boy’s confidence during a tough time in his home life. Both moving and joyful, Into the Wind is a poignant story about loss and love in a boy’s life, and the surprising and sustaining bonds that can grow between the old and young. |
| What a Job! (LOOK! Books) Some people work at a job in an office. Some have a job in a factory or on a farm. A person’s job can be any place, doing anything. A job may require unusual skills and talents. Check out some of the jobs here and you may say, “Wow! What a job!” There could even be one that is just right for you. |
Ruby Tuesday Books
| Mr. Green Grows a Garden A beautiful book to help children dealing with bereavement and grief. “In the middle of the big city, there was a tired, ugly place that made Mr. Green feel very sad.” So begins this uplifting and charming story of the magic that can happen when young people, older people, and plants come together. Mo has lost his father. But as he helps his neighbor Mr. Green create a beautiful garden in an abandoned, forlorn space in the city, a smiley feeling grows inside Mo and he learns that a garden can be a very good place to remember people we’ve lost. As the two friends grow their garden, readers will also discover: • How being in nature is good for our mental health • How intergenerational friendships are important • The importance of rebuilding ecosystems and making places for wildlife • How plants grow, including vegetables • The importance of planting trees • How soil is a living thing that needs to be nurtured The story explores the importance of planting trees and creating places for wildlife, rebuilding ecosystems, embracing intergenerational friendships, and how discovering nature and being outdoors is good for our mental health, and is told with beautiful artwork created from collage and pencil drawings. |
| Making Sense of Climate Change There’s no Planet B. Climate change is happening, and no one is more ready to tackle this issue than kids. In recent times, discussion of climate change and its effects has begun to cause fear and anxiety in many young people. This new book—produced with assistance from the Royal Geographical Society of the UK—gives an evidence-based, informative, and calm overview of what’s happened in Earth’s past. This book also examines what’s happening now, what could happen in the future, and what kids, adults, and governments worldwide can do to help protect our planet. Plenty of science mixed with practical tips will help everyone make sense of climate change. |
| The Problem with Plastic What are the issues? What can you do? Can we clean up and save our oceans for the wonderful animals that call them home? This book is bursting with information and ideas that answer all three questions. An inspirational call to action for all young conservationists, The Problem With Plastic combines nature, science, beautiful photography, and a fact-packed handbook. Kids worldwide care about this issue, and this new book gives them the information they need and practical solutions they can put into action today! |
Science Essentials
This series takes a in-depth look at key areas of elementary science, full of factual tidbits on sciences from geology to astronomy! Designed for students to enjoy and as a helpful resource for teachers planning science lessons, these books encourage students to ask questions and then answer them using investigations and experiments. The pages offer discussion topics and critical thinking questions, while high-impact, accessible designs and beautiful imagery provide a fresh approach to curriculum science. Each book features “download buttons” that show a free downloadable teacher resource or student worksheet is available for that page.
Tell Me More! Science
Wow! Cool! Look at this! Just some of the enthusiastic reactions that students will have to this series. Detailed full-page and double-page photographs will grab readers’ attention. And when images produce this “wow” reaction, kids won’t be able to resist finding out more about these fascinating subjects. “Let’s Talk” questions will get readers analyzing the information and thinking like scientists, and the fact-packed narrative text is perfect for nonfiction reading. The books’ topics may be unusual and eclectic, but they closely support the science curriculum. After reading, put your knowledge to the test with a simple science project.