Leo Rastogi, PhD

You would really like being friends with Leo. He is great at drawing pictures, he makes the most delicious snacks, and he is a very kind companion. There is just one tiny catch: Leo is a ghost, and most people cannot even see him. For years, Leo has lived happily in his house, but when a new family moves in, they do not understand his friendly attempts to welcome them. Feeling a little lonely, Leo decides to float away and explore the wide world on his own. That is exactly when he meets Jane. Jane is a bright girl with a wonderful imagination who is looking for a brave knight to join her games. She is the first person to truly see Leo for who he is. Together, they form an unexpected and beautiful friendship. This gentle, sweet story shows how wonderful it feels to find someone who accepts you perfectly just the way you are.

Leo is the King of the Beasts, but he does not exactly act like a royal leader. Instead of helping his subjects or looking after the savannah, he spends his days resting in the tall grass, demanding to be waited on and admired by everyone else. Tired of his lazy and selfish behavior, the other animals decide they have had enough. They take away his golden crown and send him far away from his comfortable home. Banished and entirely on his own, Leo faces the harsh realities of the wild. Without his title or his servants, he must figure out how to survive. Along his journey, he realizes that true leadership is not about demanding respect, but about showing kindness, cooperating with others, and taking responsibility for the community.

Leo Anthony Martino loves the idea of love more than anything else in the world. Unfortunately, it seems like love simply does not love Leo back. His hunt for romance has been a complete flop, with every single crush ghosting him and leaving him feeling entirely miserable and alone. By the time senior year rolls around, Leo comes to the heartbreaking conclusion that he must be unlovable and decides it is time to stop trying. Everything changes when he finds himself obsessing over the incredibly irresistible Lincoln Chan. Leo decides he has to give love one final shot, but this time, he is not leaving anything to chance. He comes up with a grand plan to change absolutely everything about himself so he can become the perfect boyfriend. Surprisingly, his elaborate scheme actually starts working. But as Leo bends over backward to be someone he is not, he begins to wonder if he is taking things a little too far. You will be captivated by this hilarious and heartfelt journey of self-discovery, exploring whether finding the perfect guy is worth losing yourself along the way.

Grab your mock election ballot and join Leo on a very special trip to the polls. Leo's dad is about to vote in his first election as a naturalized United States citizen, and he promised to take Leo along for the big day. But when Cousin Ray says a single vote does not really change anything, Leo starts to wonder if waiting in line is worth it. It will take a classroom mock election and an important talk with his dad to show Leo exactly how citizens choose their leaders. This lively picture book brings you right into the heart of election day, from voter registration to stepping into the voting booth. You will discover how communities use their voices to make a difference and why every single vote truly matters.

Every day at school, Leo knows exactly what is waiting for him at lunchtime: a plain baloney sandwich. He knows his mom works incredibly hard and does the best she can, but sometimes Leo wishes they could afford something a little more exciting. Then, everything changes! His mom gets a great new job and surprises him with a special lunch box from a yard sale. Suddenly, Leo opens his lunch to find delicious new treats. But the real magic happens when he decides to share his extra food with his classmates. To his amazement, the more he gives away, the more his delicious lunch seems to multiply! Based on the biblical story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, this heartwarming tale shows how a simple act of generosity can bring a whole community together. It is a beautiful reminder that sharing what you have makes everyone richer.

Jump in: Step back in time to 1913 Atlanta, Georgia, for a true story that will make you think deeply. This book tells about a real event that shook a whole town and raised big questions about fairness and justice. What's inside: You will read about the tragic crime involving a young girl named Mary Phagen and the complex investigation that followed. Learn about the trial of Leo Frank, a factory manager, and how strong feelings and prejudice made things even harder. The book explores the sad and difficult path this case took, showing how important it is to seek truth and understanding. Why it pulls you in: This powerful non-fiction account helps us understand a challenging part of American history. It encourages you to consider what justice truly means, how unfairness can hurt people, and why learning from the past is so important. It's a serious but vital story for young readers.

Meet Alexander, a little mouse who longs for a different life. While he has to scurry away from brooms and screams, his best friend, Willy, is a wind-up mouse who is loved and played with by everyone! Alexander wishes he could be just like Willy, safe and adored. One day, Alexander hears about the Magic Lizard, who can grant wishes. Could the lizard help him become a wind-up mouse too? Join Alexander on his journey to find the lizard and discover what truly makes a friend special, and what it means to be happy just the way you are. This classic story from Leo Lionni will make you think about wishes, differences, and true friendship.

Meet Pezzettino, which means 'little piece' in Italian! In his world, everyone is big and strong, doing incredible things. Pezzettino feels so tiny that he wonders if he's just a piece of someone else, maybe a piece of the running one, or the flying one, or the swimming one. He's determined to find out where he truly belongs. Join Pezzettino on his adventure as he asks all sorts of colorful and unique creatures, 'Are you my piece?' He really wants to discover the truth about himself. Will he ever find the answer he's looking for? This beautiful story by Leo Lionni shows you that even if you feel small, you are special and complete just the way you are. Pezzettino learns that he belongs to no one but himself, and that's a wonderful thing! It's a joyful book about discovering how amazing it is to be uniquely you.

Plunge into the great meadow with Nicolas, a young mouse on a mission to find ripe red berries. His simple trip turns terrifying when a massive bird snatches him up into the sky. Dropped far from home, Nicolas finds himself in a strange nest, where he expects the worst. Instead, he discovers that not all birds are the frightening enemies he once believed them to be. Follow Nicolas as he embarks on an unexpected adventure, learning to trust those who look different from him. This beautifully crafted animal tale offers a gentle lesson about misjudging others, making new friends, and finding courage when you least expect it. It is a perfect story for early readers who love exciting journeys and heartwarming animal encounters.

Have you ever wished for something really, really big? A little snail dreams of having the biggest house in the world, a shell so grand and magnificent! But his wise father has a special story to tell him. He shares what happened to another snail who grew his house so large, it became a spectacular spiral palace. Imagine a snail carrying such an amazing, enormous home on his back! What do you think would happen? Join the little snail and his dad as you discover a wonderful lesson about what truly matters. This classic tale from Leo Lionni reminds us that sometimes, the best things in life are just the right size.

Jump in! Meet Frederick, a clever little mouse who lives with his friends in a cozy stone wall. While the other mice busily gather corn, nuts, and berries for the long winter ahead, Frederick seems to be dreaming. He isn't collecting food; instead, he's busy gathering sun rays, beautiful colors, and wonderful words! Why it pulls you in: You'll discover how Frederick's unique 'collections' — stories and memories of summer — can warm hearts and brighten even the dreariest winter days when food is scarce. This heartwarming classic shows that everyone has a valuable and different way to contribute, making life richer for all, and celebrating the power of imagination.

Step into a world of pure color with Little Blue and Little Yellow. These two bright spots are the very best of friends who love to play hide-and-seek and run in rings. One day, Mama Blue leaves Little Blue at home. Naturally, he goes out looking for his best friend. When they finally find each other, they are so overjoyed that they share a massive hug and suddenly turn entirely green. Now, neither of their families recognizes them. This imaginative, classic tale uses simple torn paper shapes to tell a beautiful story about connection, change, and identity. It is a wonderfully visual adventure that explores the magic of mixing colors and the enduring power of friendship.

Meet two fleas with very different ideas about the perfect life. One flea dreams of the wide world, eager to travel, explore new sights, and hop from place to place. The other flea prefers the comfort and safety of staying right at home. As they debate whether to embark on a grand adventure or settle into a cozy, predictable life, these two tiny friends realize they might need to go their separate ways to find true happiness. Hop along on this unique journey to see what happens when friends have different dreams. This simple, engaging story perfectly captures the excitement of travel and the comfort of home, offering a thoughtful look at independence and respecting the choices of others.

Crawl into the grass and meet a brave, bright green inchworm with a very special talent. This clever little bug is proud of his ability to measure absolutely anything. He carefully measures a robin's long tail, a flamingo's elegant neck, and even a toucan's giant beak. His measuring skills keep him safe from hungry birds who find him useful. His biggest challenge arrives when a demanding nightingale threatens to eat him unless he can measure something invisible: the nightingale's beautiful song. You will delight in watching this tiny, quick-thinking hero figure out a brilliant solution to escape danger. This beautifully illustrated, award-winning story is a wonderful celebration of brainpower, nature, and thinking outside the box.

Sneak into the lush, green world of the rabbitgarden, where juicy carrots grow and sweet apples hang high in the trees. Two young rabbits are eager to taste those delicious apples, but an old, wise rabbit gives them a strict warning to watch out for the cunning fox. Despite the danger, the tempting fruit is just too hard to resist. The curious bunnies must figure out a clever way to reach the apple tree without getting caught by the hungry predator lurking nearby. This charming, suspenseful animal tale highlights the thrill of a little mischief, the importance of quick thinking, and the exciting adventures that happen when you decide to take a risk.

Discover the magic of sound with Geraldine, a curious mouse who accidentally uncovers something extraordinary. While happily nibbling on a gigantic hunk of parmesan cheese, Geraldine sculpts it into the shape of a giant mouse holding a flute. To her amazement, when night falls, the cheese statue comes alive with beautiful, shimmering sounds of silver and gold. Geraldine is enchanted because she has never heard music before. The beautiful melodies fill her hideaway, changing her world entirely. When her hungry friends come asking to share the delicious parmesan, Geraldine faces a difficult choice between saving the music she loves and feeding her friends. This delightful, heartwarming tale is a beautiful celebration of art, sharing, and the magical way music can transform our lives.

Elephants are gray, pigs are pink, and tigers have striking orange and black stripes. The little chameleon has a problem because he has no color of his own. He turns purple on the heather, yellow on a lemon, and green on a leaf. Exhausted by constantly changing, he decides to sit on the greenest leaf he can find and stay green forever. When autumn arrives and the leaf turns yellow and red, the chameleon does too. Everything changes when he meets another older, wiser chameleon. Together, they discover that while they may never have just one color, having a true friend who stays by your side is even better. This beautifully illustrated story is a classic exploration of identity, belonging, and the comfort of companionship.

Jump onto a small island in the middle of Rainbow Pond, where three very selfish frogs live. Milton, Rupert, and Lydia spend their entire days bickering and shouting about owning every single thing. They argue about the water, the earth, and even the air they breathe, completely unable to share their beautiful home. Their constant squabbling is suddenly interrupted when a massive, terrifying storm hits the pond. The water rises, the island shrinks, and the three frogs are forced to huddle together on a single remaining rock just to survive. As they cling to each other in the pouring rain, they might just learn a vital lesson about teamwork and survival. This vibrant, humorous animal tale is a perfect story about the challenges of sharing and the wonderful rewards of making peace.

Meet Tico, a brave little bird born without any wings. While his friends fly high in the trees, Tico must stay on the ground. One magical night, a wishingbird grants Tico his greatest desire, giving him a magnificent pair of shimmering golden wings. Tico is thrilled to finally fly, but his friends are suddenly jealous and angry, thinking Tico believes he is better than them. Left alone in the sky, Tico must figure out what to do with his extraordinary gift. As he travels, he discovers people who need help and realizes his golden feathers might be the answer. This gentle, thought-provoking fable explores the joy of generosity, the pain of being different, and how true friendship is built on what is in your heart.

Stand before the massive, endless wall with Tillie, a young mouse whose curiosity is much bigger than she is. While the rest of her mouse colony goes about their days without ever questioning the giant barrier that blocks their world, Tillie simply cannot stop wondering what lies on the other side. She imagines fantastic, vibrant worlds full of incredible discoveries. Determined to find the truth, Tillie bravely decides to dig a long, dark tunnel deep beneath the earth. When she finally pops up on the other side, she makes a discovery that changes everything for her and her friends. This powerful, beautifully illustrated fable is a celebration of courage, boundless curiosity, and the importance of breaking down the barriers that keep us apart.

The streets come alive with rhythm and joy whenever the greatest tap dancer in the world steps out. Following the legendary Bill Bojangles Robinson, readers are treated to a toe tapping journey through a bustling city neighborhood. With every tip and tap of his shiny shoes, he brings music to the sidewalks, greeting everyone he meets with an infectious smile and an unforgettable beat. Through lively, rhythmic text that mirrors the sound of his famous footwork, this vibrant tribute captures the energy and charm of a true dancing icon. It is an uplifting celebration of movement, community, and the power of sharing your unique talents with the world around you.

Look at the world through the eyes of Matthew, a young mouse who lives in a dreary, dusty attic. Matthew's parents have high hopes for him to become a doctor, but Matthew does not quite know what he wants to be. His class takes a magical trip to an art museum, and surrounded by massive, colorful paintings and brilliant canvases, Matthew's entire world shifts. That night, he has an incredible dream where he walks straight into a vibrant, swirling painting. Waking up with a sudden burst of inspiration, Matthew knows exactly what he is meant to do: he wants to be a painter. This inspiring, uplifting story celebrates the powerful impact of art, the importance of discovering your own unique passion, and the joy of following your biggest dreams.

Join Theodore, a tiny and very timid mouse who just wants to be noticed. His friends are always showing off their amazing abilities, leaving Theodore feeling small and unimportant. Everything changes when Theodore stumbles upon a massive, bizarre blue mushroom. To gain the respect of his boastful friends, Theodore comes up with a clever fib and convinces them that the mushroom can actually talk, and that it has declared Theodore the ruler of all the animals. For a little while, being the king is fantastic. Pretending to be something you are not is a tricky game, and Theodore's tall tale is bound to catch up with him. This funny, thoughtful story offers a great lesson on honesty, self-acceptance, and the silly things we do to fit in.

Deep in the big, blue ocean lives a school of little red fish. Their watery home is a beautiful place, full of amazing wonders to see! But sometimes, the ocean can feel scary, and these small fish are afraid to swim out and explore, preferring to hide away. Then, a clever little black fish named Swimmy arrives! Swimmy is brave and sees all the amazing things in the sea, even the parts that might seem a little spooky. He knows his new friends don't have to be afraid forever. Can Swimmy use his smart ideas and teamwork to help all the fish feel safe and courageous? Join Swimmy and his friends on an unforgettable adventure to discover how working together can make them stronger than any challenge!

Prepare for a wild celebration in the quiet country. When a worldly city mouse visits his peaceful country cousins, he fills their heads with vivid stories of Mardi Gras, a spectacular festival filled with dancing, music, and colorful costumes. Inspired by the tales, the country mice decide to throw their very own Mardi Gras. They craft terrifying masks with sharp teeth and fierce tusks, excitedly scaring one another. As the festival drags on, the line between pretend and reality begins to blur. The mice wear their masks for so long that they start to believe they are truly ferocious, dangerous beasts. This offbeat, artistic fable is a fascinating exploration of imagination, the masks we wear, and staying true to yourself.

Watch the magic of art come to life right before your eyes. When a pencil and a pair of scissors decide to work together, they create two delightful new friends: one rabbit sketched with soft pencil lines, and another cut perfectly from brightly patterned paper. The two artistic bunnies become fast friends, playing together and happily eating the paper carrots drawn and cut for them by their creators. A magical transformation is about to take place when the paper rabbits stumble upon a real, crunchy, orange carrot. This highly imaginative, visually unique story is a wonderful tribute to the power of creativity, crafting, and the surprising ways art can feel entirely real. It is a perfect read for little artists everywhere.

Take a slow, careful walk along the sandy shore and look closely at the ground. At first glance, you might just see a simple pile of ordinary, gray beach stones. With a little imagination, these smooth pebbles suddenly transform into fish, faces, alphabet letters, and even beautifully wrapped gifts. Through striking, detailed pencil illustrations, this fascinating visual journey encourages you to slow down, look closer, and find the extraordinary hiding in the ordinary. It is a wonderfully creative exploration of nature's unique shapes, challenging readers to use their imagination and see the world in an entirely new, artistic way.

Celebrate the changing of the seasons with two curious twin mice, Willie and Winnie. On a cold day in January, the mice introduce themselves to a beautiful tree named Woody. They promise to visit their new leafy friend every single month, and as the year rolls by, they watch her incredible transformations. They see Woody grow tiny buds in the spring, soak up the heavy summer rains, drop her vibrant leaves in autumn, and stand brave against the winter snow. When December finally arrives, the mice and the tree celebrate a full, busy year of wonderful friendship. This gentle, comforting story is the perfect way to introduce young readers to the natural rhythm of the months, the beauty of the changing seasons, and the quiet joy of a lasting bond.

Dive into the pond where a little fish and a growing tadpole are the very best of friends. Their underwater world changes when the tadpole sprouts legs, turns into a frog, and hops away to explore the dry land above. When the frog finally returns, he tells his fish friend incredible stories about the things he has seen, like birds that fly through the air, cows that eat grass, and people dressed in clothes. The excited fish pictures all of these creatures looking just like giant, odd-shaped fish. Desperate to see this amazing world for himself, the brave fish decides to leap out of the water. He quickly learns that the dry bank is no place for a fish. This funny, philosophical tale brilliantly explores imagination, accepting who you are, and understanding that everyone belongs in their own unique element.

Head into the wheat field where a stubborn farmer and a flock of six hungry crows are locked in a fierce battle. The farmer wants to protect his golden crop, so he builds a terrifying scarecrow to frighten the birds away. Not to be outdone, the clever crows build a massive, scary bird out of leaves to frighten the farmer right back. As the standoff grows bigger and more ridiculous, both sides are so busy scaring each other that the wheat begins to wither and die. It takes the calm wisdom of a friendly owl to step in and show them how to talk to each other. This thoughtful, engaging fable offers a brilliant lesson on conflict resolution, the foolishness of fighting, and the immense power of finding a peaceful compromise.

Have you ever waited for something special to return? Young Juan lives near the beautiful old Mission at Capistrano, and his favorite friends are the graceful swallows that nest there each year. When the days grow short and the air gets chilly, Juan feels a little sad as he watches the swallows fly away for the winter. But Juan knows they will come back! All through the cold months, he thinks about their return. As springtime approaches, he helps prepare the Mission, ready to welcome them home on St. Joseph's Day. Join Juan in this gentle story as he celebrates nature's amazing rhythm and the joy of welcoming cherished friends back to their special home.

Meet Jessica, a very curious frog who loves exploring the island and bringing home smooth, round stones. One day, she discovers something completely different: a large, beautiful egg. When she brings it back to her frog friends, they mistakenly identify it as a chicken egg. When the egg eventually hatches and a scaly, four-legged green creature crawls out, the frogs naturally name their new friend Chicken. The little alligator and the frogs become fast friends, swimming and playing together every day, completely unaware of their true differences. The real surprise arrives when Chicken finally runs into her true mother in the swamp. This hilarious, heartwarming story about mistaken identity and unconditional friendship will have young readers laughing out loud while learning that true friends come in all shapes and species.

The world would be a much kinder, fairer, and happier place if children were the ones calling the shots. Imagine a planet where nobody ever goes hungry, everyone has a safe place to sleep, and taking care of the environment is the most important rule of all. Through bold ideas and beautiful visions, this inspiring journey explores exactly what would happen if kids were in charge. They would make sure that sharing, empathy, and joy are the foundation of every community. Instead of fighting, people would work together to heal the planet and help those in need. This uplifting book encourages young readers to realize their own power to make a positive difference and start building a better world today.

Join Timothy, a regular city mouse whose life turns completely upside down when he mysteriously transforms into a tiny human man overnight. Now wearing clothes and walking on two legs, Timothy no longer fits in the city. Hoping to find a place to belong, he runs away to the quiet countryside. The wild field mice are highly suspicious of this strange little man in a suit, unsure if he is truly one of them. Timothy must figure out how to prove that, despite his odd new appearance, he is still a mouse at heart. When a hungry, dangerous cat threatens the field mice, Timothy finally gets his chance to show his true bravery. This visually stunning, thought-provoking tale explores acceptance and the courage it takes to prove who you really are.

The stage is set, the lights are low, and the greatest musicians in history are ready to play the ultimate concert. Step into a magical evening where the smooth sounds of a saxophone and the lively beat of drums fill the air with pure joy. This rhythmic celebration brings the ultimate dream team of jazz legends together on one stage, from the trumpet magic of Miles Davis to the soaring vocals of Ella Fitzgerald. Bright colors and bouncing rhythms make the music leap right off the page, capturing the soul and energy of a Saturday night performance. Young readers will discover the magic of this legendary musical style, leaving them eager to snap their fingers and tap their toes to the beat.

A fierce wind sweeps through the leaves, tossing the happy little letters right out of their favorite tree. The remaining letters huddle together in the branches, trembling and afraid of the next big gust. You might think the alphabet tree will stay silent forever, but a very smart word-bug arrives with a clever plan. He shows the scattered letters that if they group together to form words, they will be strong enough to withstand any storm. Soon, the tree is buzzing with small words, big words, and funny words. But a fuzzy caterpillar crawls up the trunk to share an even bigger secret. Words are great, he explains, but they are not quite enough on their own. You will have to join the letters on their journey to discover what happens when they string their words together to say something truly important.

Do you know someone who says 'NO!' to almost everything? Meet Oliver McSnow, a kid who knows that word better than any other! For Oliver, it's 'NO!' to baths, 'NO!' to brushing teeth, and a big, booming 'NO!' to bedtime. His 'NO' grows bigger and bigger, making his world feel a little bit stuck and out of control.

Ten-year-old Dreenie is fascinated by the new girl in her fifth-grade class, but she is also a little scared. Everyone at her New York City magnet school calls the girl Bluish because chemotherapy has tinted her pale skin blue. She wears a knit cap, uses a wheelchair, and even gets to bring her puppy to school. Watching her from afar, Dreenie writes about Bluish in her journal, wondering how to act around someone who is so sick yet fiercely independent. As the school year passes, Dreenie and her best friend Tuli slowly push past their hesitation. They discover that Bluish is a spirited, strong-willed girl who just wants to be respected and treated like everyone else. Together, the three girls build a unique bond that proves true connection means looking past outward differences. You will find yourself rooting for these classmates as they navigate the confusing, sometimes messy emotions of growing up and figuring out how to be a real friend.

British soldiers fill the streets, and eleven-year-old Nate Fox has nowhere safe to go. After fleeing his cruel uncle, Nate arrives in New York City just as the American Revolution is turning deadly. He never meant to become part of a war. He only wants to survive, find someone he can trust, and understand the battle raging around him. But when he joins an army regiment as a camp helper, Nate is pulled closer and closer to danger. This graphic novel adaptation brings the I Survived series to life with fast-moving scenes, tense choices, and vivid artwork. Readers who enjoy action-packed historical fiction will find a gripping story of courage, fear, and survival during one of the most important moments in American history.