Step into a vibrant celebration of song and spirit that brings history alive. Three beloved spirituals come to life through a dazzling display of colorful cut paper illustrations. You will find yourself singing along to the powerful and uplifting words of This Little Light of Mine, Oh When the Saints Go Marching In, and He is Got the Whole World in His Hands. Every page bursts with kaleidoscopic shapes and radiant colors that perfectly capture the joy and energy of these classic musical tunes. This visual masterpiece offers a wonderful way to experience the deep history and warm heart of these universally treasured songs, sharing a message of hope and brightness.
48 Pages
By
Edward Lear
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Pictures by
Lorinda Bryan Cauley, Craig Thompson, Barbara Cooney, O. Wood, James Marshall, and Maurice Sendak
Set sail on a beautifully silly journey across the sea! When the elegant Owl and the lovely Pussycat step into their beautiful pea-green boat, they are ready for the adventure of a lifetime. With a guitar by his side and a boat filled with sweet fruit, the Owl serenades his true love under the glowing stars. Their romantic voyage lasts for a year and a day, taking them to magical lands where the Bong-Tree grows. Along the way, they must find a special ring so they can finally be married by the turkey who lives on the hill. This classic nonsense poem is filled with delightful rhymes, musical language, and whimsical charm. You will be swept away by the playful romance and the unforgettable cast of characters in this timeless, joyful adventure.
32 Pages
Explore the alphabet in a completely new and inspiring way. Each letter of the alphabet introduces a brilliant line of verse from twenty five different celebrated African American poets, plus one traditional spiritual. As you journey from A to Z, you will encounter powerful imagery and beautiful language that captures the richness of the Black experience. This is not your traditional alphabet book; it is a vibrant gateway into the world of poetry for readers of all ages. Every carefully chosen fragment of verse is paired with spectacular, brightly colored paintings that perfectly capture the essence and emotion of the words. It is an exuberant and joyful celebration of literary voices and artistic vision.
36 Pages
Gather around and listen closely to a rich collection of fourteen traditional folktales from across the African continent. You will discover fascinating stories filled with clever tricksters, powerful chieftains, and creatures both wise and wonderfully foolish. Find out the real reason why Frog and Snake can never play together, and learn exactly why Bush Cow and Elephant make such terrible friends. You will even read about a husband who causes himself endless trouble simply because he loves to count spoonfuls of food.
These stories have been carefully selected from three beloved earlier collections and brought together in one magical volume. The rhythmic language demands to be read out loud, making you feel as though a master storyteller is sitting right beside you. Every tale is paired with distinct, vibrant paintings that bring the lessons and laughter to life. Full of universal human spirit and timeless wisdom, these stories are meant to be shared, treasured, and passed down through every generation.
208 Pages
Avatar: The Last Airbender
The Lost Adventures
By
Aaron Ehasz, J. Torres, John O'Bryan, Joshua Hamilton, Katie Mattila, May Chan, Rawles Marie Lumumba, Tim Hedrick, Alison Wilgus, and Dave Roman
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Based on work by
Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante Dimartino
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Pictures by
Gurihiru, Joaquim Dos Santos, Johane Matte, Justin Ridge, Reagan Lodge, Tom Mcweeney, Brian Ralph, Corey Lewis, Elsa Garagarza, Ethan Spaulding, and Amy Kim
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Collected by
Frank Pittarese
Have you ever wondered what happened between your favorite episodes of Avatar: The Last Airbender? This exciting collection dives right into the missing stories you have been waiting to read. Get ready to uncover the biggest secrets of the Four Nations as Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, and Zuko embark on thrilling new missions.
Find out exactly who would win in an epic Earthbending showdown between Toph and King Bumi. Discover the hidden secrets of ancient Swordbending, and travel back in time to see Aang and his friend Kuzon hunt for real dragons. Whether the heroes are exploring the Fire Nation or helping the Earth King travel in disguise, these forgotten tales are packed with action, magic, and plenty of laughs. Jump back into the adventure and explore the Avatar world like never before!
226 Pages
Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, and Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids
Collected by
Elissa Brent Weissman
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With
Kwame Alexander, Tom Angleberger, Kathi Appelt, Ashley Bryan, Tim Federle, Candace Fleming, Marla Frazee, Chris Gall, Alex Gino, Chris Grabenstein, Gordon Korman, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Thanhha Lai, Peter Lerangis, Gail Carson Levine, Grace Lin, Yuyi Morales, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, R.J. Palacio, Linda Sue Park, Dan Santat, Brian Selznick, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Rita Williams-Garcia, and Eric Rohmann
Have you ever wondered what your favorite authors and illustrators were like before they became famous? Every great storyteller has to start somewhere, and the journey is rarely perfect. This unique and deeply inspiring collection pulls back the curtain on the childhoods of some of today's most beloved creators.
Before they were winning massive awards and topping the bestseller lists, these brilliant artists were just regular kids trying to find their creative voices. You will discover the very early, sometimes embarrassing, and always fascinating works of celebrated writers and artists. Read a third grade writing assignment that sparked a lifelong passion, explore the early sketches of a future illustrator, and see the discarded drafts that eventually turned into brilliant poetry.
This collection reveals the failures, the rough drafts, and the vital moments of encouragement that helped shape these incredible minds. It is a powerful reminder that creativity takes practice and patience. Whether you love writing, drawing, or just a good story, these vulnerable and smart childhood memories will inspire you to pick up a pencil and start creating your own masterpiece.
208 Pages
The Legend of Korra
Ruins of the Empire
Part Two
The Earth Kingdom is on the brink of a new era. King Wu is determined to bring democracy to his people through peaceful elections. Unfortunately, Commander Guan refuses to let go of the past. Seeking to rebuild the old empire from the inside out, Guan enters the political race armed with terrifying new brainwashing technology developed by Doctor Sheng.
To protect the fragile new democracy from this dangerous threat, Avatar Korra must gather her allies for an unprecedented political and physical battle. In a desperate move to sway the voters, Korra convinces the disgraced former dictator, Kuvira, to step back into the spotlight and challenge Guan. With the freedom of the Earth Kingdom hanging in the balance, Korra and her friends must stop Guan before his mind control technology takes over completely.
80 Pages
Sing to the sun, let it listen and warm your words! This joyful collection of original poetry brilliantly captures the vibrant beauty of the natural world and the many shifting emotions of everyday life. From the rising of the morning sun to the glowing light of a full moon, these rhythmic verses celebrate the simple, profound moments that make up our days. The words dance across the pages alongside splendid, distinguished paintings that weave together flowers, birds, and leaping fish. It is an evocative and deeply felt exploration of human joy and sorrow, offering a palpable message of hope. Whether read aloud or quietly enjoyed, this stunning artistic work will leave you glowing from the inside out.
40 Pages
Upsilimana Tumpalerado has a big problem. His name is simply too long for anyone in his Caribbean village to remember. Despite his friends forgetting it all the time, his loving Granny insists that he must learn and use his full name proudly. Thinking he possesses the longest name in the entire world, the young boy soon discovers a delightful surprise about his own grandmother. This rhythmic and funny exploration of a West Indian folktale celebrates the deep importance of names and heritage. You will find yourself tapping your toes and sounding out the syllables as you discover the magic hidden in a name.
33 Pages
Imagine a world where a human being is looked up and down and assigned a dollar value, treated as less than a chair or a simple lantern. Using an actual historical document, an estate appraisal from a plantation owner that lists the exact monetary worth of eleven enslaved people, this powerful book strips away the cold numbers to reveal the profound humanity beneath. Through breathtaking collage art and deeply moving poetry, the inner lives of each individual are vividly imagined and restored.
You will read about the grueling daily realities they faced on the plantation, but more importantly, you will discover the secret lives their owner knew nothing about. You will hear their private hopes, their hidden talents, their fierce pride, and their unbroken dreams. This beautiful and heart wrenching collection asserts that no human being can ever be reduced to a price tag, honoring the true, immeasurable worth of those who endured the horrors of slavery.
48 Pages
One fearless little boy insists he is not afraid of anything. He completely ignores his grandmother's serious warnings about the terrifying giants roaming the night, especially the two headed giant and his three headed brother. Armed only with his mangoes, the bright sunshine, and his trusty flute, the wild boy runs away to prove his bravery. But when the sun goes down and he starts to miss his grandma, he suddenly bumps right into the very monsters he was warned about. He quickly learns that while he might not fear their size, he definitely has a reason to fear their absolutely horrible singing voices.
40 Pages
In the spring of 1942, an eighteen year old artist was drafted to fight in World War II. For the next three years, he faced the devastating horrors of war while serving as a Black soldier in a strictly segregated army. Enduring cruel treatment and assigned the most horrific and grim tasks, he was isolated by officers who spread lies to prevent anyone from showing the Black soldiers kindness. He watched desperately as others were granted safe passage home, wondering if his turn would ever come.
For four decades, this painful time was kept a closely guarded secret. Now, the story is finally told through never before seen artwork, handwritten letters, and deeply personal diary entries. It is a profound story about the kind people who provided support in the darkest moments. Above all, it reveals how a deep passion for art and creation served as a lifeline, saving his spirit time and time again. This illuminating historical memoir is a powerful testament to survival, resilience, and the enduring nature of hope.
120 Pages
Have you ever heard the saying that as a crab walks, so walk its children? Or that a log may lie in the water for ten years, but it will never become a crocodile? These are just two of the twenty six fascinating African proverbs brought to life in this colorful collection. Growing out of the daily lives and experiences of various African peoples, these wise sayings offer lessons that ring true for people everywhere. Each proverb is credited to a specific tribe, offering a glimpse into a rich cultural heritage. Paired with gloriously evocative illustrations, this book provides a treasure trove of universal wisdom, gentle humor, and timeless advice that will leave you thinking long after the final page is turned.
32 Pages
Feel the rhythmic beat of the story drum as it brings five enchanting Nigerian folktales to life. You will laugh out loud at the silly tale of a monkey who sprinkles his everyday speech with musical nonsense words. You will also discover the poignant and thoughtful story of a snake and a frog who just want to be friends, despite their mothers' strict warnings to stay away from each other. From explanations of how animals got their tails to the story of a husband who stubbornly counts his spoonfuls of food, these traditional tales are packed with humor, lessons, and heart. Striking woodcut illustrations perfectly capture the energy and spirit of these timeless African stories.
88 Pages
Did you know that a long time ago, cats did not purr at all? Back then, Cat and Rat were the very best of friends. Cat possessed a tiny, special drum that made a delightful rumbling sound, but there was a strict rule: only cats were allowed to play the cat drum. Rat, however, was incredibly sneaky and desperately wanted to play the instrument himself. Through a series of clever tricks, Rat manages to play the drum, leading to a wild and funny mix up that ends with Cat accidentally swallowing the drum whole! This charming and highly entertaining West Indian folktale finally explains the real secret behind why cats make that soothing purring sound today.
44 Pages
All Because You Matter
We Are Here
Your roots are deep, your history is rich, and your future shines incredibly bright. This lyrical and affirming story is a powerful ode to the Black and brown heritage, celebrating the momentous contributions of men and women from the beginning of time.
Through soaring language and breathtaking artwork, readers are guided on a journey of assurance, tenderness, and triumph. It highlights the beauty and excellence within the community, assuring children of the extraordinary legacy from which they come. Every page bursts with love and pride, offering a vital reminder that greatness is already inside you.
This inspirational companion piece celebrates young readers exactly as they are. It serves as a beautiful touchstone for families to share, strengthening children for their triumphant days ahead and inviting them to imagine a world where they continue to make history.
40 Pages
Experience the wonder of the changing seasons and the simple joys of everyday life in this delightful collection of thirteen poems. From the quiet beauty of gently falling snow to the cozy warmth of snuggling under a soft quilt, you will find yourself transported by words that celebrate the world around you. You will also get to explore fun and relatable topics, like the delicious taste of chocolate and the thrilling chills of watching scary movies. Beautifully woven together by a legendary poet, these verses invite you to look at nature and your own daily adventures in a fresh, imaginative way. It is a perfect read for anyone who loves to dream, observe, and find magic in the ordinary.
32 Pages
Wrap yourself in a warm hug of words with this gorgeous gathering of twelve uplifting poems. There is nothing more important than knowing how deeply you are cared for, and every page in this vibrant collection is designed to celebrate exactly that. As you explore the masterful shapes and bright colors that dance alongside the poetry, you will hear a powerful, comforting drumbeat reminding you of one simple truth: you are loved. This beautiful collaboration between two legendary creators speaks directly to your heart, offering a message of joy, belonging, and connection. It is a tender and inspiring journey that will leave you feeling seen, cherished, and entirely special.
28 Pages
All Because You Matter
All Because You Matter
You always have mattered, and you always will matter. This profound and beautiful picture book reads as a soaring anthem of love from parents to their children.
Through rhythmic, poetic language, a young boy is reminded of his deep, inherent worth. As he navigates the world, he is wrapped in the reassuring message that his life holds incredible meaning. The story gently addresses the realities of the world while wrapping the child in a protective blanket of history, heritage, and unshakable family pride.
Paired with stunning, rich illustrations, this love letter to Black and brown children provides a much-needed mirror of excellence. It is the perfect read-aloud to remind every child that they are brilliant, they are loved, and they matter beyond measure.
40 Pages
When a devastating drought hit William Kamkwamba's tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all their crops. Without food to eat or sell, William was forced to drop out of school because his family could no longer afford the fees. But William refused to let go of his dreams for a better future.
Armed with a brilliant mind and a deep curiosity, he turned to the science books in his local village library to find a solution. Deep in those pages, he discovered an idea that would change his life and his community forever. He decided to build a windmill.
Using nothing but scrap metal, old bicycle parts, and pieces of wood, William worked tirelessly to create his invention. Despite his neighbors calling him crazy, his determination paid off. His homemade windmill successfully generated electricity for his home and eventually helped pump the water his village desperately needed to farm the land again.
This remarkable true story reveals how one person with a powerful idea can overcome incredible hardships. It is an unforgettable journey of resilience, hope, and the incredible impact of human ingenuity, showing that you do not need expensive resources to change the world around you.
313 Pages
Based on work by
Langston Hughes
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Pictures by
Ashley Bryan
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With
Martin Popoff, Мартин Попов, Damyan Damyanov, Jack Beritzhoff, and David Kudler
Dive into a spectacular celebration of the ocean deep, where mermaids swim and the wilderness of waves crashes against the shore. This magnificent collection pairs the unforgettable oceanic poetry of legendary writer Langston Hughes with breathtaking cut paper collage artwork. From the quiet peace of a sea calm to the majestic power of rushing rivers, every page captures the shifting moods and absolute magic of the water. You will feel the wind in your face and the rhythm of the tides as the brilliant words and vibrant visuals pull you into a spectacular nautical journey. It is a stunning tribute to all things oceanic, blending the incredible talents of a master poet and a visionary artist.
40 Pages
Step onto campus and get ready for the wildest, weirdest, and most unforgettable days of your life. Welcome to opening day at college! In this unique collection of linked short stories, sixteen acclaimed young adult authors bring the chaos, excitement, and awkwardness of freshman orientation to life. From overbearing parents who just will not leave to reinventing your identity away from your high school reputation, these stories capture every relatable moment of taking those first shaky steps into adulthood. But this is not just your average campus tour. While some students are stuck working at the college bookstore or trying to make new friends, others are dealing with emotional support bunnies or even hunting ghosts in the library's romance section. Spanning genres from heartfelt contemporary to laugh-out-loud comedy and spooky supernatural, this anthology perfectly captures the unpredictable magic of starting over. Whether you are heading off to a dorm soon or just dreaming of your future independence, this vibrant collection is your ultimate survival guide to freshman year.
331 Pages
Ten Romantic Tropes, Transformed
Get ready to fall head over heels for a collection of stories that perfectly capture the magic, humor, and awkwardness of falling in love. This heartwarming anthology takes all of your favorite romantic tropes and flips them upside down in the best possible way. From the dizzying butterflies of discovering a secret admirer to the hilarious complications of a fake relationship, these tales celebrate love in its many diverse and beautiful forms. You will experience the sudden shock of a surprising first crush and the warm comfort of a love that has been waiting right in front of you all along. Written by ten incredible, award-winning voices in young adult fiction, every chapter offers a brand new romantic adventure. Whether you are looking to swoon, giggle, or shed a happy tear, this inclusive collection serves as a joyful reminder that love often finds us exactly when we least expect it.
320 Pages
Lumberjanes
End of Summer
#1
The end of summer is fast approaching at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types, and it brings the ultimate challenge. The mysterious and all-erasing force known as the Grey is threatening to wipe out everything you love about camp. It is up to you and your favorite scouts to stand your ground. When Molly uncovers an ancient and powerful forest magic, she hopes it will be enough to protect her friends and their beloved home. But fighting the Grey might be too much for one person to handle alone. You will need to rely on the power of teamwork, friendship, and a little bit of magic to save the day in this thrilling and emotional final adventure. Join the scouts as they face their biggest obstacle yet and prove that their bond is stronger than any mysterious force.
48 Pages
By
Maggie Testa, Justine Fontes, Ron Fontes, Kara Mcmahon, and Megan E. Bryant
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Based on work by
Charles M. Schulz
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Pictures by
Vicki Scott, Scott Jeralds, and Paige Braddock
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With
Lee Mendelson
The air is crisp, the costumes are ready, and Halloween night has finally arrived in the neighborhood. While the rest of the gang is busy running from house to house collecting candy and preparing for a big party, Linus has a very different plan. He is completely convinced that the legendary Great Pumpkin will rise from the pumpkin patch tonight to bring toys to kids everywhere.
He even manages to convince Sally to skip the trick-or-treating and wait with him in the chilly dirt. Meanwhile, Charlie Brown is having his usual terrible luck, collecting nothing but heavy rocks in his candy bag, and Snoopy is taking to the sky to battle the infamous Red Baron. Everyone is having a totally unique and hilarious holiday adventure.
You will laugh out loud as you join this classic cast of characters for a spooky night filled with funny misunderstandings and loyal friendships. Discover if the Great Pumpkin will finally make an appearance, or if Linus is in for another long, cold night of waiting.
32 Pages
Peanuts
A Charlie Brown Christmas
The Making of a Tradition
By
Maggie Testa, Justine Fontes, Ron Fontes, Tina Gallo, and Megan E. Bryant
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Based on work by
Charles M. Schulz
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Pictures by
Vicki Scott and Scott Jeralds
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With
Lee Mendelson and Bill Melendez
Step behind the curtain and discover the magic that brought a holiday masterpiece to life. Every December, families gather around the television to watch a struggling boy search for the true meaning of the season, but the story of how that beloved animated special was actually created is an incredible adventure of its own.
This beautifully illustrated tribute serves as your exclusive backstage pass into the making of a legendary broadcast. Inside, you will uncover the complete original script, allowing you to read the iconic dialogue exactly as it was written. The pages are packed with hundreds of brilliant, full-color pieces of rare animation art, revealing the intricate process of turning static drawings into moving characters. You will also find fascinating insights from the original producers and animators, alongside special publication notes regarding the unforgettable jazz soundtrack that defined the show's atmosphere.
Perfect for anyone who cherishes a certain scrawny little tree, this comprehensive keepsake celebrates the incredible creativity, risk, and heart required to build a tradition that has lasted for generations.
192 Pages
By
Karen Strong, Amerie, Kalynn Bayron, Terry J. Benton-Walker, Roseanne A. Brown, Elise Bryant, Tracy Deonn, Desiree S. Evans, Isaac Fitzsimons, Jordan Ifueko, Leah Johnson, Amanda Joy, Danny Lore, Kwame Mbalia, Tochi Onyebuchi, Ciannon Smart, Julian Winters, Ibi Zoboi, Lamar Giles, and K. Arsenault Rivera
Step into a dynamic collection of stories that completely redefines what it means to be a geek. In this multi-genre anthology, some of today's most celebrated Black authors bring you into worlds where imagination knows no bounds. You will meet a girl who searches the skies for UFOs, a boy who might have finally stumbled upon his Prince Charming, an aspiring performer dreaming of the lead role in her school musical, and a misunderstood magician grappling with powers she cannot fully control. Whether you are drawn to contemporary romance, historical fiction, sweeping fantasy, or mind-bending sci-fi, these eclectic tales offer something for every kind of reader. Each story centers exclusively on Black characters, celebrating the many facets of Blackness and geekiness in both our real world and beautifully imagined universes. It is a life-affirming journey that challenges old stereotypes and invites you to embrace exactly who you are. Discover the magic, the awkwardness, and the undeniable coolness of being a geek.
337 Pages
The Wizenard Series
Season One
Step onto the court with the worst basketball team in the league. You are about to join Reggie and the West Bottom Badgers, a team that cannot seem to win a single game. Reggie spends his days and nights dreaming of basketball greatness, but the reality is much harsher. He is just a benchwarmer, stuck watching his team lose again and again.
Everything shifts when a mysterious new coach named Rolabi Wizenard arrives. Coach Wizenard does not run ordinary drills. When you enter his gym, the very floor beneath your feet might drop away, and the shadows might come alive. Reggie is desperate to improve his game, but he quickly realizes that the gym itself is testing him in terrifying and magical ways. The basketball court becomes a place where his deepest fears take physical shape.
To become the player he knows he can be, Reggie has to do more than practice his jump shot. He needs to survive the grueling, impossible, and extraordinary trials of Coach Wizenard's training camp. Get ready to face your fears, trust your teammates, and discover what it truly takes to unlock the magic inside yourself and become a champion.
208 Pages
