Conceived and co-created by the National Children’s Book and Literary Alliance, this outstanding collection of essays, personal accounts, historical fiction, and poetry melds with an equally stunning array of original art to offer a look at America’s history through the prism of the White House. Starting with a 1792 call for designers and continuing through the present day, these highly engaging writings and illustrations, expressing varied viewpoints and interwoven with key historical events, are a vital resource for family and classroom sharing — and a stirring reminder that the story of the White House is the story of every American.
Originally founded as a penal colony, Australia has long been known for its contrasts (think: wild outback and sophisticated Sydney Opera House). Accompanied by vibrant colorful artwork, D is for Down Under: An Australia Alphabet captures the spirit of this proud country and its many treasures, natural and man-made.
Visit spectacular Sydney Harbor, try your hand as a jackaroo working a sheep station, or just sit back and enjoy a Vegemite sandwich. Below the starry night glitter of the Southern Cross constellation, Australia’s “down under” wonders shine brightly.
The National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Animals is an adorable animal reference sure to be welcomed by parents and librarians alike. Filled with fluffy and scaly creatures big and small, this appealing book introduces the youngest explorers to the world of wildlife, using a child-friendly format inspired by the blockbuster National Geographic Little Kids magazine. This exciting new reference for the very young mirrors the magazine’s square shape, readable fonts, and fun content, to keep little ones thrilled with every colorful page.
Little Kids First Big Book of Animals devotes four pages each to 32 high-interest creatures, including dolphins, tigers, butterflies, frogs, penguins, wolves, and pandas. More than 150 of National Geographic’s most charming animal photos illustrate the profiles, which feature just the kind of facts that little kids want to know—the creature’s size, diet, home, and more.
Child-friendly text explains how animal parents take care of their young, how baby animals change as they grow, and how they learn to hunt and eat. The brief text, large type, and appealing profiles are perfect for young readers to enjoy on their own, or for parents and other caregivers to read aloud. These animal tales will quickly become favorites at storytime, bedtime, and any other time.
The journey of a dog s life begins with her sudden arrival as a puppy. We watch as she earns her name, takes her first bath and chews her way around the house. As she grows we penetrate her eyes, learn her moods, observe her quirks and witness her loyalty. When she unexpectedly falls ill and dies, we feel the grief a family goes through. Grief then transitions to reverence as we reflect on how Spirit and all dogs teach us lessons of life and love that stay in our hearts long after they die. With humor and tender reflection, Robert W. Kurkela describes a dog who embodied an unforgettable mix of joy, compassion, adventure and mischief. The spiritually uplifting and sensitive verse is thought provoking and is accompanied by whimsical, light-hearted illustrations. Still Her Spirit Sings will appeal to parents and children of all faiths who have mourned the loss of a beloved animal.
"Watch Me Do Yoga" uses upbeat text and appealing illustrations, to capture the joy and fun of doing yoga for kids aged 3 to 8. In "Watch Me Do Yoga", we listen to a child's voice as she goes through a series of yoga poses. We see her practicing sometimes with her dad, her mum, or the family dog, and sometimes alone on her mat. We see her in the garden, on the patio, in her bedroom, even sitting on a gigantic lotus. But no matter what the setting, she relates her yoga to the natural world. She stands like a tree or a mountain and imitates the actions of animals - a fish, a dog, a lion, and a tortoise. She celebrates her connection with the life around her and wants just a bit of attention in return. The upbeat text and appealing illustrations should encourage young children to practice yoga, and their parents to practice with them.
Everyone gets angry, so it’s never too early for children to learn to recognize feelings of anger, express them, and build skills for coping with anger in helpful, appropriate ways. Children learn that it is okay to feel angry—but not okay to hurt anyone with actions or words. They discover concrete skills for working through anger: self-calming, thinking, getting help from a trusted person, talking and listening, apologizing, being patient, and viewing others positively. Reassuring and supportive, the book helps preschool and primary-age children see that when they cool down and work through anger, they can feel peaceful again.
Children of all ages will be captivated by this loving tribute to Mother Earth, her gifts and her greatest concerns. Young or old, everyone’s actions make a difference. Loose-rhyming text and awe-inspiring photography are woven into a family treasure that will create excitement and responsibility toward the planet.
From the Author: "Counting Our Planets began when my 4 year-old daughter asked me to buy her a book about the planets. She had been introduced to them at school and wanted to learn more. Naturally, I encouraged her interest and immediately shopped for children’s books about the solar system. I went to several bookstores and even searched online. There were great books available, but all of them seemed to be for older children. I couldn’t find a simple book about the topic. Finally, I decided to just write it myself.
The book starts with our sun and visits each planet all the way to Pluto (now called a dwarf planet). On the journey through the book, the rhyming text counts each planet and gives one descriptive fact about it. The illustrations of the planets, as well as the sun and moon, were painted by my sister, Mira R. Olson. I hope Counting Our Planets will spark an interest in science in young children. Therefore, although it is dedicated to my children, particularly Meghan, it is written for all little children who reach for the stars."
