Magic Tree House #48: A Perfect Time for Pandas

Magic Tree House #48: A Perfect Time for Pandas

by Mary Pope Osborne, Sal Murdocca

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Book Description
Jack and Annie are ready for their next adventure in the New York Times bestselling middle-grade series—the Magic Tree House!

Time-traveling brother-and-sister team Jack and Annie have to find a certain kind of food—the fourth thing needed to save Merlin’s beloved penguin, Penny. The magic tree house whisks them off to a village in the mountains of southeast China, close to a world-famous panda reserve. Will it be their easiest adventure yet? Not a chance! Jack and Annie don't know it, but they’ve arrived on the day of a historic earthquake!

How will Jack and Annie survive when the giant quake strikes? Will they be able to rescue the pandas? And how will they ever get back to the tree house so that they can fulfill their quest to save Penny as well?

Mary Pope Osborne conjures up another fast-paced adventure filled with danger, mystery, and magic in the bestselling Magic Tree House series.

About the Author
MARY POPE OSBORNE is the author of the New York Times number one bestselling Magic Tree House series. She and her husband, writer Will Osborne (author of Magic Tree House: The Musical), live in northwestern Connecticut with their three dogs. Ms. Osborne is also the coauthor of the companion Magic Tree House Fact Trackers series with Will, and with her sister, Natalie Pope Boyce.

SAL MURDOCCA has illustrated more than 200 children's trade and text books. He is also a librettist for children's opera, a video artist, an avid runner, hiker, and bicyclist, and a teacher of children's illustration at the Parsons School of Design. Sal lives and works in New York with his wife, Nancy.

War Horse

War Horse

by Michael Morpurgo

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Book Description
In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France. But even in the desolation of the trenches, Joey's courage touches the soldiers around him and he is able to find warmth and hope. But his heart aches for Albert, the farmer's son he left behind. Will he ever see his true master again?

About the Author
Michael divides his time between his writing and running Farms for City Children, a charity which each year takes up to 3,000 children to a working farm for a week. Michael and his wife Clare were awarded MBEs this year for their work with the charity. Before the first farm opened 22 years ago, Morpurgo was a teacher and his knowledge of children's experiences, plus his experience of Farms enrich his writing enormously. Michael Morpurgo has won the Whitbread Children's Book Award, and the Smarties Book Prize.

Mary Engelbreit's Fairy Tales: Twelve Timeless Treasures

Mary Engelbreit's Fairy Tales: Twelve Timeless Treasures

by Mary Engelbreit

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Book Description
With twelve beloved stories meant for reading aloud and more than one hundred glorious illustrations, Mary Engelbreit's Fairy Tales is destined to become a family favorite!

Every turn of the page brings fresh delight as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, the Little Mermaid, and others come to life as only Mary Engelbreit could have imagined them.

Images of Rapunzel alone in her tower, Cinderella’s pumpkin becoming a golden carriage, and Thumbelina's search for a home are unforgettable.

Richly sparkling art in splendid colors, warm humor, and all of the charm found in Mary Engelbreit's Fairy Tales make it a treasure with immediate appeal and long-lasting value. You’ll want to share it with those you love.

About the Author
Mary Engelbreit grew up studying the illustrations in the vintage storybooks of her mother’s own childhood, and she developed a unique style that harkens back to those simpler times. Mary’s distinctive images have made her a celebrity to millions, who eagerly snap up gift items, calendars, books, fabrics, and more.

Mary’s dearest wish has always been to illustrate for children. Her New York Times bestselling the night before christmas is already part of the holiday tradition for families across the country. Other treasured additions to a child’s first bookshelf are her New York Times bestselling Mary Engelbreit’s Mother Goose, Mary Engelbreit’s Nursery Tales, and Mary Engelbreit’s Fairy Tales.

North: The Amazing Story of Arctic Migration

North: The Amazing Story of Arctic Migration

by Nick Dowson, Patrick Benson

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Book Description
A passionate nature lover and a renowned artist trace the awe-inspiring spring migration of millions of creatures to the Arctic--the greatest journey on Earth.

At the top of our world is a huge wild place called the Arctic.

In the winter, it is a cold and barren land, where few animals can survive. But when spring comes, it brings with it animals from every corner of the earth. Gray whales, white cranes, wolves, and caribou begin their migrations as the snow melts, gradually making the long journey north. Once they reach their destination, they will raise their young, feast on the lush Arctic tundra, and bask in the sunlight that lasts all summer. Still, this season too must pass, and by the time winter grips the Arctic once again, the visitors have gone--only to return the following year. This lushly illustrated picture book celebrates the cyclical nature of the seasons, showcasing the barren and beautiful landscapes of the Arctic Circle and reminding the reader of the hardships and harmony of life in the wild.

About the Author
Nick Dowson is the author of TRACKS OF A PANDA and TIGRESS. A teacher and naturalist, he lives in Suffolk, England.

Patrick Benson has received the Mother Goose Award, the Christopher Award, and the Kurt Maschler Award. He has collaborated with Roald Dahl, Russell Hoban, and Martin Waddell, whose book OWL BABIES has sold 12 million copies. Patrick Benson lives in Scotland.

Christmas Holidays & Celebrations

Home for Christmas

by Jan Brett

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Book Description
A wild little troll runs away from home because he doesn’t want to do his chores. Rollo tries living with various woodland animals, but he finds out that there is no place like home, and returns to his family just in time for “the best Christmas ever.”

Among the animals who take him in are an owl family, a mother bear and two rambunctious cubs, some playful river otters, a hungry lynx and a friendly moose family.

Jan Brett creates an irresistible, mischievous character that kids will recognize in themselves. Jan transports us to a glorious Scandinavian landscape where a beautiful fall turns into a magnificent snowy winter. Her signature borders depict the troll family missing Rollo, and animals as appealing as those found in The Mitten.

A warm, fun-loving Christmas picture book for families to share and love and laugh over together.

About the Author
Jan Brett (www.janbrett.com) is the beloved New York Times bestselling author/illustrator of many books for children. She lives in Norwell, Massachusetts.

 

The Night Before Christmas: Book & DVD

by Jan Brett, Boston Pops Orchestra, Jim Dale

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Book Description
Experience this Jan Brett visual masterpiece like never before!

One of Jan Brett’s all-time bestselling Christmas classics comes to life with this deluxe package that includes a DVD featuring Brett’s gorgeous, digitally rendered artwork paired with original music performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra, and text read by award-winning narrator Jim Dale.

About the Author
The Boston Pops Orchestra, currently under the leadership of Keith Lockhart, presents the best of a wide variety of music, from classical to popular and everything in between.

Jim Dale is the acclaimed narrator of many audio books, winning a record ten Audie Awards, two Grammy Awards and seven Grammy nominations.

Jan Brett (www.janbrett.com) is the beloved New York Times bestselling author-illustrator of many books for children. She lives in Norwell, Massachusetts.

The Story of Christmas

The Story of Christmas

by Pamela Dalton

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Book Description
Pamela Dalton s exquisite, intricate scissor-cut illustrations wonderfully illuminate The Story of Christmas. Deeply reverent, richly detailed, and teeming with life, Dalton s images follow the story of the Nativity from the appearance of the Angel, to the shepherds who came from the fields, and to the three wise men who followed the star to pay respect for their new king. Working in a Pennsylvania-German folk-art tradition, rich with lovingly rendered animals and figures, Pamela Dalton has created a book that takes a deserved place among the finest celebrations of Christmas.

About the Author
Pamela Dalton's cut-paper artwork has delighted collectors worldwide for almost twenty-five years. Her work is created in the tradition of early American paper cutting popular in the Pennsylvania German regions of this country in the early nineteenth century. Her original designs are influenced by popular historical themes: patriotism, biblical and religious motifs, and scenes from rural life. Each piece is sketched freehand by the artist and then cut by hand, so no two are exactly alike.

Crouching Tiger

Crouching Tiger

by Ying Chang Compestine, Yan Nascimbene

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Book Description
Vinson is very excited when his grandfather comes from China for a visit. When Grandpa practices tai chi in the garden, Vinson asks to learn, hoping it will be like kung fu, full of kicks and punches. But tai chi's meditative postures are slow and still, and Vinson quickly gets bored. He can't understand why Grandpa insists on calling him by his Chinese name, Ming Da, or why he has to wear a traditional Chinese jacket to the Chinese New Year parade. As the parade assembles, however, he notices the great respect given to his grandfather and the lion dancers under his training. And when Vinson is offered a role in the parade, he realizes that being part Chinese can be pretty cool--and is ready to start learning from his grandpa's martial-arts mastery in earnest.

A Chinese-American boy gains a new understanding of his Chinese grandfather in this celebratory story of family, martial arts, and the Chinese New Year.

About the Author
Ying Chang Compestine is the author of the acclaimed middle-grade novel REVOLUTION IS NOT A DINNER PARTY as well as several picture books and a collection of short stories, A BANQUET FOR HUNGRY GHOSTS. Ying Chang Compestine lives in California.

The Crown on Your Head

The Crown on Your Head

by Nancy Tillman

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Book Description
We know our children are special, and now the incomparable Nancy Tillman expresses this universal feeling in the most touching of ways: Every child is born with a crown. The crown is everything that gives us unique value. Our crown will always be with us wherever we go, whatever we do.

Review
"...this is soothing, visually attractive, and makes for a comforting bedtime read-aloud." -- Booklist

"Tillman adds another dreamy volume to her collection of self-esteem-building titles.” -- School Library Journal

"Parents and grandparents will love to read this aloud to their little ones..." -- Kirkus Reviews

About the Author
Nancy Tillman is the author and illustrator of the New York Times best-selling picture book On the Night You Were Born and its companion journal, The Wonder of You: A Book for Celebrating Baby's First Year. Her other books include Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You, The Spirit of Christmas and Tumford the Terrible. A former advertising executive, Tillman now writes and illustrates full-time. She lives in Tualatin, Oregon.

Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature

Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature

by Joyce Sidman, Beth Krommes

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Book Description
A Caldecott medalist and a Newbery Honor-winning poet celebrate the beauty and value of spirals.What makes the tiny snail shell so beautiful? Why does that shape occur in nature over and over again in rushing rivers, in a flower bud, even inside your ear?

With simplicity and grace, Krommes and Sidman not only reveal the many spirals in nature from fiddleheads to elephant tusks, from crashing waves to spiraling galaxies but also celebrate the beauty and usefulness of this fascinating shape.

About the Author
Joyce Sidman lives in Minnesota, where she looks for shapes in nature every day. joycesidman.com

Miss Lina's Ballerinas and the Prince

Miss Lina's Ballerinas and the Prince

by Grace Maccarone, Christine Davenier

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Book Description
Miss Lina’s ballerinas have all learned how to dance as a group. But now Miss Lina has a new surprise for them – a boy will be joining their class and performing in their end-of-year show.

The girls have grand visions of dancing their first pas de deux with a prince. But when he finds himself surrounded by so much pink and so many girls, he turns quite shy, and dances his way out the door!

About the Author
Grace Maccarone is a children’s book editor and the author of many books for young readers, including Miss Lina’s Ballerinas, also illustrated by Christine Davenier, and the First Grade Friends series, illustrated by Betsy Lewin. She lives in Westchester, New York.

Christine Davenier has illustrated numerous children’s books, and won a New York Times Best Illustrated Award for The First Thing My Mama Told Me. She lives in Paris, France.

Review
“An appealing picture book, infused with the joy of dance.” -- Booklist

"Welcome Tony Farina to Miss Lina's, and join the applause for a lovely and lively story." -- Kirkus Reviews

Clifford's Halloween (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)

Clifford's Halloween (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)

by Norman Bridwell

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Book Description
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Clifford, the big red dog, and his young master think of possible costumes for the Halloween festivities.

About the Author
Norman Bridwell is the author and illustrator of numerous children's books, including the beloved Clifford series, which has over 126 million copies in print, in 13 languages! He lives in Edgartown, MA with his wife Norma. They have two children, son, Tim and daughter, Emily Elizabeth.

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Harold and the Purple Crayon

by Crockett Johnson

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Book Description
One evening Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight. But there wasn't any moon, and Harold needed a moon for a walk in the moonlight. Fortunately, he had brought his purple crayon. So he drew a moon. He also needed something to walk on. So he drew a path...

And thus begins one of the most imaginative and enchanting adventures in all of children's books. The creative concept behind this beloved story has intrigued children and kept them absorbed for generations, as page by page unfolds the dramatic and clever adventures of Harold and his purple crayon.

About the Author
Crockett Johnson is the much-loved author and illustrator of five books about Harold and The Purple Crayon. He is also the illustrator of The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss.

The Snowy Day: 50th Anniversary Edition

The Snowy Day: 50th Anniversary Edition

by Ezra Jack Keats

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Book Description
In 1962, a little boy named Peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. The Snowy Day transformed children's literature with its pioneering portrayal of an African-American child and the charming story and artwork that won it the Caldecott Medal. As the book's fiftieth anniversary approaches, Viking proudly celebrates Peter's adventure with this very special edition. Featuring eight pages of bonus material and a festive cover, this oversized version of Keats's beloved book is a must-have.

About the Author
Ezra Jack Keats, who died in 1983, was one of the first people to create a realistic, friendly, multi-ethnic urban setting in picture books for young children. His legacy lives on in the popularity of his most famous character, Peter-the star of The Snowy Day, Whistle for Willie, Peter's Chair, A Letter to Amy, Goggles!-and others.

Throne of Fire

Throne of Fire

by Rick Riordan

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Book Description
Percy Jackson fought Greek Gods. Now the Gods of Egypt are waking in the modern world...Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed on the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister, Sadie, have been in big trouble. As descendants of the magical House of Life, they command certain powers. But now a terrifying enemy - Apophis, the giant snake of chaos - is rising. If Carter and Sadie don't destroy him, the world will end in five days' time. And in order to battle the forces of chaos, they must revive the sun god Ra - a feat no magician has ever achieved. Because first they must search the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells ...Can the Kanes destroy Apophis before he swallows the sun and plunges the earth into darkness ...forever?

About the Author
Rick Riordan is an award-winning writer. He lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife and two sons. Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief was the overall winner of the Red House Children's Book Award in 2006, and made into a blockbuster film in 2010. The series has gone on to become a chart-topping success.

Tales from a Not-So-Talented Pop Star

Tales from a Not-So-Talented Pop Star

by Rachel Renee Russell

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Book Description
Nikki Maxwell has been doing everything she can to keep everyone at school from learning the truth that she's there on scholarship in exchange for her Dad working as the school's exterminator. The last thing Nikki needs is having her friends and worst case scenario, her crush, Brandon, associating her with the humongous roach on top of her Dad's van! Now it looks like her secret could be about to come out, and Nikki's willing to go to any zany and wacky length to prevent that from happening. The timing seems perfect when a major talent competition is announced with a school scholarship offered as the top prize. Nikki loves to sing and dance and now she gets to have tons of fun with her friends while competing for a chance to free her Dad from his obligation! (And free herself from all that potential damage to her reputation . . .) Once again, hijinks and misunderstandings aplenty ensue, as well as more hilarious and heartwarming moments with Nikki and her friends.

About the Author
Rachel Renee Russell is an attorney who prefers writing tween books to legal briefs. (Mainly because books are a lot more fun and pajamas and bunny slippers aren't allowed in court.)

She has raised two daughters and lived to tell about it. Her hobbies include growing purple flowers and doing dotally useless crafts (like, for example, making a microwave oven out of Popsicle sticks, glue, and glitter). Rachel lives in northern Virginia with a spoiled pet Yorkie who terrorizes her daily by climbing on top of a computer cabinet and pelting her with stuffed animals while she writes. And, yes, Rachel considers herself a total Dork.

Abuela (English Edition with Spanish Phrases)

Abuela (English Edition with Spanish Phrases)

by Arthur Dorros, Elisa Kleven

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Book Description
Flying around Manhattan Island, somersaulting in midair, resting in the sky on a chair-shaped cloud . . . Rosalba and her grandmother, her abuela, are having an extraordinary adventure. How do they manage this exhilirating travel that started in the park? On Rosalba's marvelous imagination. Full-color illustrations.

Book Summary
While riding on a bus with her grandmother, a little girl imagines that they are carried up into the sky and fly over the sights of New York City. In a fantastic daydream, Rosalba imagines that she and her grandmother take a journey over Manhattan. They fly high above the city among flocks of birds and observe the city's parks, rivers, landmarks, and streets. Splendid collages transform the city into a rich mosaic of buildings, people, and places.

A Book of Sleep

A Book of Sleep

by Il Sung Na

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Book Description
With a spare, soothing text and beautifully rich and textured illustrations of a starry night, this is the perfect “book of sleep.” Join the owl on his moonlit journey as he watches all the other animals settle in for the night: some sleep standing up, while some sleep on the move! Some sleep peacefully alone, while others sleep all together, huddled close.

Il Sung Na makes his American debut with this gorgeous bedtime offering. While each animal rests in its own special way, little ones will also drift off to a cozy sleep.

About the Author
Originally from Korea, Il Sung Na studied illustration at Kingston University and now lives in London.

The Lion Encyclopedia of Christianity

The Lion Encyclopedia of Christianity

by David Self

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Book Description
Designed for enquiring young minds, this comprehensive resource takes a thematic approach to explaining the basic aspects of Christianity. Useful, article-length features cover all key aspects of the Christian faith including its history, festivals, tenets, and symbols, as well as church buildings, worship ceremonies, the Bible, and personal prayer and piety. A clear layout filled with informative maps, diagrams, and illustrations make this an engaging and educational reference.

Technically, this is not an encyclopedia but rather, as the back cover states, "an illustrated introduction to the beliefs, traditions and practices of the Christian faith." Instead of alphabetical entries, its 57 chapters are organized by themes such as "The Origins of Christianity," "Christian Teachings," "The Church," and "Worship." This is a beautiful production, appealing and attractive, with numerous color photos, maps, and graphs. However, there is no glossary, the time line is limited, and the index is incomplete. The book's British origins are apparent in spellings. There are only a couple of sentences on selected Protestant denominations, but Self discusses Christianity around the world and tackles issues such as suffering, war, and the environment. No other titles for this age come close to this work's appeal or thoroughness.

About the Author
David Self is the author of several books on religion for children, including The Lion Children’s Treasury of Classic Verse, The Lion Treasury of Saints, and The Loyola Treasury of Saints.

Childhood and Children in Early Christianity

Let the Little Children Come to Me: Childhood and Children in Early Christianity

by Cornelia B. Horn, John W. Martens

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Book Description
"With careful examination of the available evidence, the authors painstakingly sift through what can be known about children in early Christianity, and in doing so they offer new evaluations of old conclusions and significantly advance our understanding of this important topic for the social history of early Christianity." -- Carolyn Osiek, Charles Fischer Professor of New Testament, Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University

"This volume provides a wealth of detail about childhood, family structure, becoming an adult, and marriage in antiquity as well as renunciation of family ties in Christian asceticism. The authors pay careful attention to the impact of gender, class, and slave or free status on children's lives, and incorporate such unusual topics as toys, games, pets, and music. They argue that children from the beginning were welcome participants in all facets of Christian communal life. Clearly written and well-documented, this book is a valuable resource for students at all levels."

About the Author
Cornelia B. Horn, assistant professor of Early Christianity at Saint Louis University, is the author of Asceticism and Christological Controversy in Fifth-Century Palestine. John W. Martens is associate professor of theology at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota and Director of the M.A. in Theology Program at Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity. He is the author of One God, One Law: Philo of Alexandria on the Mosaic and Greco-Roman Law.

A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival

Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival

by Kirby Larson, Mary Nethery, Jean Cassels

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Book Description
Simple prose introduces two animals, a cat and a dog, that survived Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, and, after four months of wandering, were rescued by the Best Friends Animal Society. The narrative is obviously part supposition as the original owners were never found, despite efforts to locate them. Since both pets had bobbed tails, a shelter volunteer named them Bob Cat and Bobbi, hence the book's title. It was soon discovered that Bob Cat was blind, making his survival even more amazing and underscoring the idea that the two critters relied on one another during their ordeal. The terrifying event is told about in a matter-of-fact way, with the text concentrating on the "feel good" aspect of the two Bobbies. The gouache illustrations, done in soft pastel shades, present realistic glimpses of the devastated city that serve as a backdrop for the animals' struggles. An afterword includes a photo and additional information. An excellent introduction to Katrina for young children, this touching animal tale memorializes a modern catastrophe and pays tribute to the many volunteers who traveled to New Orleans to help. -- Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA

About the Author
Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery are the best of friends, just like Bobbi and Bob Cat. They first saw the Two Bobbies on Anderson Cooper 360° and found hope in the Bobbies’ story of friendship and survival. Kirby is the acclaimed author of many books for children, including the 2007 Newbery Honor Book Hattie Big Sky. Mary is the author of many picture books, including Mary Veronica’s Egg. Kirby lives in Kenmore, Washington, and Mary lives in Eureka, California. The authors will be donating a portion of their proceeds to Best Friends Animal Society.

Jean Cassels has illustrated more than fifty nonfiction nature titles. Her other titles include Groundhog Stays Up Late and Br’er Rabbit Captured! Jean lives with her husband in New Orleans. They left the city with their three dogs a day before Katrina, and it was six weeks before they could return home. Although there is still much left to accomplish throughout the city, Jean is glad to say that through the efforts of the residents and the visitors who have come to help, New Orleans is making a comeback.