Young Adult Authors Unplugged: Recent Episodes
Arroe Collins
Utilizing the technology bridge. Igniting the imagination by way of reading. Talking with YA authors. Sharing their stories and experiences to reach YA readers.
The meadows. Those places near a beautiful collection of trees that would inspire young adults and children to play baseball, soccer ball, football and hide and seek late into the night. The meadows don't seem to be inspiring tomorrow's activators.
Cafe fantasies are all the rage, and you won't want to miss this stunning debut inspired by the author's real family running an actual cafe! Marielle whisks readers into a coffee-scented cafe where one woman finds solace from her possessive husband, only to be embroiled in a centuries-old battle for power in this Celtic myth-inspired fantasy. The Cafe of Infinite Doors (Apr 28, 2026, Union Square/Hachette Books) inspires readers to explore a world parallel to our own in this mythical portal fantasy perfect for fans of Alix E. Harrow and Sarah Beth Durst!
It's never just a tropical storm or hurricane. Life after the rock begins to roll down the mountain. New plants and insects have traveled with the storm. What does that mean to a simple small-time forest?
Being a teen girl can be confusing and frustrating—luckily, Meredith Walker , brings us BE YOURSELF AND OTHER BAD ADVICE. Co-founder of Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, an organization that is dedicated to young people cultivating their authentic selves through online community, Walker has created a funny, interactive self-help book to show young people how to dig deep, find what's important to you, and use that authenticity to make the world a better place. Teen girls learn rules all the time, even if many of them go unsaid. Be yourself! But don’t be weird! Hustle hard—your future depends on it! You’re only young once—enjoy it! But no one talks about the life skill they need to navigate all those rules: how to think for themselves. As the co-founder of Smart Girls and producer for Nick News Meredith Walker has spent years speaking directly to young people and leading workshops for teen girls. Now she’s written a witty guide for teen girls to discover who they are, feel their feelings, develop their confidence—and figure out what to do next. Compact, insightful, and full of warm big-sisterly advice, Be Yourself and Other Bad Advice is for any reader letting go of the old rules.
An old oak stands beside the slow-moving stream for decades only to learn of its fate after a storm drenched day. But it wasn't over. The human wrote the oak off as being finished. A total face plant you're done. A few days later it's a much different story. The 30-foot oak is standing up again! How?
In just one day, Elegy Anh’s old life–her job, her purpose, and her future–is over. A prophecy predicts either she or her enemy, Rava Vidar, will lead their people to victory over the other...but they don't know which. Elegy and Rava are destined to collide, with the fate of their nations hanging in the balance. And when they do, only one will be left standing. Elegy intends to make sure it’s her. #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Divergent series, and master of the dystopian genre, Veronica Roth, is back with an epic new adult dystopian novel, SEEK THE TRAITOR’S SON. Thrilling and romantic, SEEK THE TRAITOR’S SON, is the harrowing story of two women on opposite sides of a war, bound together by a single man, who they are told will determine their fate. SEEK THE TRAITOR’S SON is Veronica Roth at the height of her power, with everything that made us all fall in love with dystopian adventures in the first place, while still bringing a fresh, exciting spin to the genre. Readers won’t want to miss out on what is sure to be the blockbuster hit of the summer, and the next defining work in dystopian literature.
Billy West is one the most accomplished and beloved voice actors alive today. He's brought to life original animated characters like Stimpy from Ren & Stimpy, Doug Funnie, and Philip J. Fry, Dr. Zoidberg, Zapp Brannigan, and Professor Farnsworth (and more) on Futurama. And he's played iconic characters like Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd in Space Jam, Popeye, and Woody Woodpecker.Chances are, he's made you laugh many times. You might even know some of his lines by heart.In Voice-A-Versa, West recounts his remarkable life in show business and the circuitous route that got him there, from a radio-call in contest that led to skits on morning radio in Boston, to a one-off appearance on The Howard Stern Show that turned into a regular role, to a big move to Hollywood, and legendary roles working with other talented creators.But West's life story is deeper and darker than that, and this memoir reveals the traumatic upbringing that scarred and shaped him, and which gave birth to the "Billy-verse" of voices."Billy West is the kind of genius you have to write about in the plural. He's not just a brilliant actor, he's a hundred brilliant actors. And this hilarious book will give you the lowdown on Billy's wild lives and unforgettable voices, and how those fevered brains of his crack us all up." -MATT GROENING, The Simpsons
It's one thing to walk through a forest with your dog but what are they smelling that makes the stroll that much more interesting?
"This astounding book is both a finger pointed directly at the rotting heart of colonial greed and a truly heart-pounding mystery." — Andrew Joseph White, New York Times bestselling author of Compound FractureKeala Kendall is available to talk about the book on May 7. Ask her about:Why she chose the typically dark gothic horror genre to tell this story, set in Hawaii, a beautiful and bright paradise.
The novel explores the impact of colonization, inherited trauma and the real human cost behind paradise and luxury in Hawaii. As Hapa Native Hawaiian, what she wants readers to know about the anger, grief and love you carry for a place that keeps being taken.
The story revolves around the protagonist, Lehua’s search for her missing twin sister, Ohia, after Ohia goes missing after traveling to Hawaii to work at Kōpaʻa Island Resort. Tell us about the sisters’ complex, dynamic relationship.
In addition to telling a great supernatural horror story, THAT WHICH FEEDS US invites readers to reconsider the real human cost behind paradise and luxury. Hawaii is seen as an island paradise designed for tourists, but not locals. With native Hawaiians being priced out of their homeland and trying to hold on to what no longer exists. If that is a tension that she is intimately familiar with.
If taking the deep dive into the colonial history helped her to better understand her past.
Isn't there an old saying about nobody truly can hear the effects of a tree when it comes crashing down? Living inside a forest for 34 years, I've heard a lot of trees meeting their new neighbors as they face plant in the forest floor. I never want to enter a day until I've loved as well as recognized the skyscrapers that have spent many many more years on this planet then I the Poet with a pen.
New York Times bestselling author, Brittney Cooper, comes a heartwarming story of love and resilience that explores the powerful force of a mother-daughter bond. MAMA SAYS I’M FINE is a sweet story of family and maternal love, largely based on her own childhood, which showcases her famous feminist sensibility and messages of empowerment for young girls. BRITTNEY COOPER is the New York Times bestselling author of several books, including her debut picture book Stand Up! 10 Mighty Women Who Made a Change, and the novels Feminist AF: A Guide to Crushing Girlhood and Eloquent Rage: A Black Woman Discovers Her Superpowers. A professor of Women's and Gender Studies and Africana Studies at Rutgers University, she cofounded the Crunk Feminist Collective, and her cultural commentary has been featured on MSNBC’s All In with Chris Hayes, Melissa Harris-Perry, The New York Times, New York Magazine, Marie Claire, The Cut, The Washington Post, NPR, PBS, Al Jazeera’s Third Rail, Ebony.com, Essence.com, TheRoot.com, and TED.com, and has been named four times to The Root 100.
FÚTBOL IS LIFE!/¡FÚTBOL ES VIDA! is an inspirational bilingual picture book from Cristo Fernández, the actor and filmmaker best known for his role as Dani Rojas on the Emmy Award-winning show Ted Lasso. Inspired by Fernández’s own life as a fútbol-soccer player in his hometown of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, this English-Spanish bilingual story explores themes of being open to change and discovering new passions after Cristobalito is sidelined by an injury. This story, like Fernández’s mission in life, aims to bring positivity, joy, and inspiration to readers. The title is taken from Fernández’s Ted Lasso character’s iconic catchphrase—fútbol is life!—which he coined in his audition. The phrase transformed the trajectory of both the show and his own life from professional fútbol player to actor and filmmaker .
Does a copperhead snake squiggle its way into what it calls the greatest day ever only to be murdered by an uncaring human?
In Unicorn Blue and the Caradoodle Quest, Former Tech Executive Carrol Titus, delivers a striking, dreamlike, stimulating, children’s narrative. The book and software promote critical thinking - navigating learning pathways, interpreting data along them and applying it. The book helps make her STEM software even more accessible and purposeful, engaging both sides of the brain: reason and emotion, intensifies learning engagement, deepening memory, and quickening recall.
“Science education is needed to stimulate children’s intellect and imagination and motivate them to consider science to identify opportunities and solve pressing problems. Our children need scientific literacy to apply critical thinking in their everyday activities and to make sense of information. They also need to be able to evaluate evidence and distinguish between poorly supported claims, and best elements of deductive logic. The scientific method is one of the key methods for grounding decision-making in evidence. When children lack exposure to high-quality science curriculum, they miss the opportunity to develop these valuable critical thinking skills.”
A Guide to the Document That Inspired Our Nation “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. . . .” So begins the Declaration of Independence, the fabled 1776 document in which a group of men in a distant colony of the British Empire declared their freedom from that Empire — and thus changed the world. But WERE “all men created equal”? What are “unalienable rights”? And how did these men come to write this document anyway?
History and civics professor Katie Kennedy knows how important it is to understand the meaning behind these often-quoted words. In the style of her acclaimed THE CONSTITUTION DECODED and THE PRESIDENTS DECODED, THE DECLARATION DECODED goes through the Declaration sentence by sentence and idea by idea. Readers will gain a deep understanding of not only the basic meaning of the Founders’ now-arcane language, but the historical background against which the Declaration was written, the situations that animated it (especially its 27 distinctly modern “grievances” against King George III), and the powerful arguments it makes about government, rights, responsibilities, and freedoms—arguments that we’re still having 250 years later THE DECLARATION DECODED brings this powerful text to life for a new generation.
When I entered this forest in 1992 my heart wasn't focused on the present. The calling was to put myself in 2040. How often do we put ourselves in a position of exploration and never take the time to see what the invisible visionaries put into play decades before your arrival? Can you spot the fingerprint of one who foresaw longevity?
From multi-talented creator and debut author. SARA AMINI comes her semi-autobiographical graphic middle grade, MIXED FEELINGS. Through a mix of humor and heart, this charming middle grade graphic memoir explores evolving friendships, puberty mishaps, and finding a place to belong. Perfect for fans of Real Friends, The New Girl, and Pizza Face.
In our last episode we took note of the earth giving up something of human value. How? On this episode we look deeper into the mystery to see how reality plays its own role in our efforts of planting purpose.
From #1 Amazon bestselling author & USA Today bestseller Nikki St. Crowe comes WEST OF WICKED, an unexpected, sexy & dark reimagining of the classic tale, where Dorothy searches for the truth about her origins in the cursed, dark land of Oz. This inventive, fantastical new romance puts a spicy and creative twist on a beloved story, while adding a yellow-brick-road’s worth of tension, banter & murder. Complete with a mysterious & charming scarecrow and an axe throwing ‘shadow daddy’ tinman, WEST OF WICKED is the perfect new read for fans of Apples Dipped in Gold by Scarlett St. Clair and Neon Gods by Katee Robert. About West of Wicked: Dorothy Gale doesn’t know where she came from. At the age of five, she was dropped on Em and Henry’s doorstep while a terrible storm rolled across the Kansas prairie. Now as an adult, Dorothy has made the most of her life on the farm. But when a cyclone tears through the night, ripping her, her dog, and the farmhouse away, Dorothy wakes to find herself far from home in the strange, cursed land of Oz. Desperate to find her way back, Dorothy takes the advice of the Witch of the North and sets off on the yellow brick road to find a wizard…with a warning to avoid forest monsters, heartless mercenaries, and wicked witches. It isn’t long before Dorothy encounters the dark side of Oz, stumbling on a man beaten and bloody, tied to a pole in a cornfield. Not unlike the scarecrows on the Kansas farm. With no memories, the mysterious stranger joins Dorothy. Rook is ridiculously handsome, endlessly charming, and somehow understands Dorothy in a way no one ever has. But when they cross paths with the infamous Tinman and his axe, Rook proves he may be hiding his own secret. Nothing and no one is what they seem in the cursed land of Oz…maybe even Dorothy herself.
After more than 15 years as a Lead and Senior Technical Director of Lighting and Creative Services Marketing at PIXAR Animation Studios, Jesse launched a new venture. His goal: to reimagine the animation studio model by leveraging AI from the ground up, ushering in a new era of cinematic animated entertainment. His latest venture, ILLUMINAI Studios, operates on the ethos that while technology evolves, the "soul" of animation remains uniquely human.Jesse and his team are committed to the ethical sourcing and implementation of AI throughout our development and production pipelines. To ILLUMINAI, AI is a powerful brush, not the artist. They take deliberate steps to ensure human creative ownership remains the heartbeat of every frame.By integrating AI ethically, Jesse and his team can expedite the technical complexities of production without ever sacrificing the exceptional quality and emotional depth that families expect. Their mission is to empower creators, not replace them, ensuring that the artists who build our worlds are respected, protected, and inspired to deliver the highest standards of family entertainment
True story...my boy boy Ernie was laid to rest in this forest in January of 2026. I placed three crosses in the soil with him. Today, nearly six months later, those three crosses were found on the surface of the forest floor. How?
The game starts now.—the newest members of Last Heir, the most powerful secret society in the world—have landed at an exclusive prep school in the Swiss Alps, ready to win big. Last Heir is offering the chance of a lifetime: millions of dollars, a private island, and a powerful spot in the society’s inner circle. Not everyone has the same reasons for playing, but with money, power, and influence up for grabs, everyone wants to win. Too bad they’re not all playing by the same rules. New York Times bestselling author Alyson Gerber crafts an explosive, high-octane mystery that will immerse readers in a world of dangerous riddles, friendship and betrayal, and an addictive search for the truth. The third installment raises the stakes, and it’s perfect for fans of Margaret Peterson Haddix, James Ponti, and the Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Each book in this series can be read independently of each other
All it takes is one school raising its hand. When a school identifies the need, the Max Rhymes Foundation activates its network to secure funding for books and classroom supplies — whether for a single K–2 classroom or an entire district. The Max Rhymes Foundation currently has funding to adopt additional schools…especially under-resourced schools in large metro areas, allowing entire communities to be reached at once. Teachers can sign up directly at www.MaxRhymesEducators.org to access and download resources immediately. More information is available at www.MaxRhymesFoundation.org.
Even while resting on a forest path a lifeless copperhead snake still has what it takes to knock you to your knees. Then it becomes a forested journey to figure out how and why the snake is present and what does it mean?
Home For Good is a home renovation series dedicated to honoring America’s everyday heroes – from first responders and military veterans to community champions. Hosted by Art Edmonds, each 30-minute weekly episode goes beyond aesthetics to deliver life-changing home transformations for deserving recipients who have overcome extraordinary challenges. More than just a home makeover show, the series bridges the gap between beautiful design and essential home safety, providing viewers with expert DIY insights and a vital focus on essential home fire and life safety education.The original series airs weekend mornings on ABC stations nationwide as part of the Weekend Adventure educational/informational programming block.
There are no two forests the same, yet you can celebrate their presence the very same as your favorite collection of trees. Just be aware of where nature is presently standing with its own plan and decisions.
When I first entered this forest in 1992 the lower section of the 95 foot drop in the hill was blessed with ample amounts of wild blueberries. My daughter chose to make this is favorite reading place. Today, they're all gone. But not the memories planted inside our growing forever.
Felicia Day, actress and New York Times bestselling author of the "engaging and often hilarious" You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost), returns with a graphic novel about the lost mythical character of Philonoe-Helen of Troy's sister.Helen of Troy. Clytemnestra. Timandra.Three sisters, infamously cursed by the goddess Aphrodite to betray their husbands, are known the world over. But few know about the fourth sister: Philonoe. Lost to historical record, ancient texts say she had a different fate than her sisters. But why and how did this happen?Author Felicia Day and illustrator Rowan MacColl bring Philonoe to vivid life at last, in The Lost Daughter of Sparta.A magnificent hero's journey with a feminist twist, The Lost Daughter of Sparta fills in history' missing pieces with sparkling wit and pathos, thrilling adventure, and an empowering love story that won't soon be forgotten.
A girl who’s used to battling the monster of her own mind discovers there’s a sinister evil lurking in her small town in this atmospheric paranormal novel that’s perfect for fans of Tracy Wolff and Maggie Stiefvater.Stories of dark magic and even darker creatures have always swirled about Mina Murray’s town of London, Georgia. Mina knows they aren’t true—and are likely perpetuated only to drive the quirky tourist-trap ghost tours of downtown—but that doesn’t stop her from collecting the stories and drawing them in her sketchbook. Something about the possibility of real monsters helps her deal with the monster in her own head: her OCD, which convinces her danger lurks everywhere.But when a body is found drained of blood and a classmate goes missing, Mina is thrust into a tangled web of London secrets…that she seems to be at the center of.
We have never erased our daughter's presence as a teen from our home in this forest. The moment you step into her room you're taking a time machine back to the early 1990's. Let the children play. Then save it beyond forever.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
JASMINE WARGA, the Newbery Honor-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Rover's Story comes the moving story of a cheetah who forms a friendship with a rescue dog—a bond that will change their lives forever. Finnegan is a rescue dog with a broken heart.Chase is an anxious cheetah cub, newly orphaned. The two animals couldn't be more different. But one day, they are brought together for the unlikeliest of reasons: Finnegan must help Chase gain the confidence she needs to perform as part of an educational program for children at a zoo. Finnegan and Chase have each suffered losses and have trouble trusting. Yet somehow, they are just what the other needs. But if Finnegan isn’t able to help Chase overcome her fears, he won’t just be letting Chase down—he could be risking his new home as well. Inspired by true stories from zoos across the country, award-winning author Jasmine Warga creates a deeply moving tale about how the power of friendship can transcend anything—even species.
Pod Crashing episode 463 with podcaster and ya author John R Miles from the podcast Passion Struck… A heartwarming story, it extends his mission to create a ripple effect of mattering across generations. The book reminds people of all ages that kindness is not a small thing …it’s a force. Following the journey of a small bunny with big dreams, Luma gradually realizes her voice and stories matter, helped by a memorable menagerie of fellow animal mentors.
She glanced down... her ten toes reminded her to keep moving in the right direction: forward. Always forward.From the remarkable mind of #1 NYT bestselling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds comes a moving new picture book, WHEN YOU DREAM BIG! It's Dream Big Week at school! Everyone is excited to share their dreams for the future -- except Charley. She has no idea what she wants for her future. But on her walk home, Charley learns that even if she doesn't know exactly what she wants to be when she grows up, she knows what KIND of person she wants to be. From our most celebrated, bestselling creator Peter H. Reynolds, this inspirational tale serves as a reminder to readers of all ages that while we might not have all the answers to life's biggest questions, the important thing is to trust yourself and keep moving with an open heart and open mind -- always forward. With illustrations and text by Reynolds, whose award-winning picture books have been New York Times, Indie, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers many times, WHEN YOU DREAM BIG! is a creative and colorful reminder to readers (Ages 4-8) that they can direct their own path.
With his late wife Sakinah, Bell co-founded the non-profit music education initiative, the Kool Kids Foundation, which is now in the capable hands of his sons Hakim and Muhammad, who serve as president and vice-president respectfully. The Kool Kids Foundation works with kids to provide direction in music education, musical composition and even confidence with performance.Ever busy, Kool's business ventures include the hugely successful Le Kool champagne. Le Kool has been a staple and to be very clear, it's not a sparkling wine. It is produced in Reims, next to d'Epernay, France the Capital of Champagne, home to the world's most prestigious names. Kool owns the land on which the grapes are grown and carefully harvested.A recent addition to the beverage lineup is Kool King Coconut Water, which enjoyed a successful rollout in Florida and is coming to other regions soon.
So often we hear or read stories about the walk up talk rolling hills or mountains, what about the adventures that ensue while struggling to keep your balance going down?
Spring has sprung and mother nature is singing on Easter Sunday but are you willing to listen or will you keep walking in the way of assuming you know everything. A forest will never let you escape without a word being dropped in your secret world.
Spring is a fantastic time of year to get out and play, then it happens. The pollen is released into the atmosphere poisoning the majority of all people places and things. The beekeeper near the lake is so excited for his little buzzing friends.
2025 was a banner year for anime, and now the 10th Annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards will celebrate the acclaimed nominees across 32 categories with fan votes helping to determine winners. Last year, more than 50 million votes were cast! Voting kicks off on April 2, so Crunchyroll would love to offer you the opportunity to speak with one of the hosts of the global pre-show Tim Lyu! Joining him will be Nicholas Friedman, host of The Anime Effect podcast.
A searing investigation into the child influencer industry and the perils of childhood interne fame, Like, Follow, Subscribe is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the costs of internet fame, and the ethics of online content.What is it like to grow up with a camera in your face 24/7? To have your childhood moments sold as "content" to millions online? What happens when someone who works in a largely unregulated multi-billion-dollar industry sells away their childhood and has no financial safety net as an adult? What does it feel like to have your private moments-your medical diagnoses, your first period, your first break up, your tantrums, potty-training, and breastfeeding-weaning-broadcast to an audience of millions? Like, Follow, Subscribe shines a spotlight on the deeply troubling world of the child influencer industry.Journalist Fortesa Latifi dives into the lives of children whose parents mine their everyday activities for monetizable content, exposing issues like privacy violations, financial abuse, and the absence of child labor protections. Through expert interviews with psychologists, labor scientists, and even former child influencers and family vloggers, she uncovers the pressures, trauma, and consequences for children thrust into the spotlight.This timely and eye-opening book doesn't just reveal the harm of toxic social media culture: it also provides a roadmap to better regulating influencer families, safeguarding children, and questioning the role of audiences in perpetuating these cycles of exploitation.
How is it dogs can always find something to tap into on the ground. No matter how bare or overtaken by leaves and fallen limbs, a dog always locates a story.
A major new space-themed land is launching at LEGOLAND, ushering in a new era of immersive storytelling, interactive technology, and elevated family thrills. In interviews on March 19, LEGOLAND Ambassador Julie Estrada and Project Director Tom Storer will highlight the debut of LEGO Galaxy, including its first-ever indoor space-themed roller coaster where riders design their own spacecraft using interactive touchscreens before blasting off on a fully immersive interstellar journey.
There are no two forests the same, yet you can celebrate their presence the very same as your favorite collection of trees. Just be aware of where nature is presently standing with its own plan and decisions.
Anyone who grew up as a “good kid” likely heard constant praise from the adults around them: “a delight to have in class,” “an old soul,” “so mature for their age.” Quiet, responsible, disciplined, and easygoing, these children are what many parents strive to raise—and when they succeed, both parent and child are rewarded with approval.
But because these “good kids” appear so self-sufficient, few people think to check in on them. While they may seem to raise themselves, many are quietly struggling with perfectionism, overachieving, people-pleasing, and hyper-vigilance.
In GOOD KIDS: Why You Suffered in Silence and How to Break the Cycle (Sheldon Press/Hachette UK; on sale 1/27/26), trauma therapist and parenting expert Maggie Nick explores how these children often grow into anxious, self-doubting adults. Through an accessible exploration of relational shame trauma, Nick reveals why “good kids” learn to bottle their emotions, seek constant approval, and fear being a burden—patterns that can persist well into adulthood.
A recovering “good kid” herself, Nick understands firsthand how this pressure builds over time—and how it can be unlearned. Drawing on research and years of clinical experience counseling countless recovering “good kids,” she offers practical tools for parents and adult “good kids” alike to identify harmful patterns, break generational cycles of toxic parenting, and cultivate self-compassion, emotional safety, and authentic connection.
Those unrecognized moments when Fall is setting in and again this year you woke up not realizing the leaves have fallen from the trees. A major part of the story is now missing from your moments of all things right now.
This highly anticipated 20th installment is signature Berry, an unputdownable tale steeped in real history and locations – including a kidnapped Swedish princess, a precious medieval book with a controversial backstory, unforgettable and atmospheric locations across Stockholm and Sweden, cat-and-mouse spy games involving elite agents from the US and Russia, and so much more. When the younger sister of Sweden’s King Wilhelm I is kidnapped, former Justice Department operative, Cotton Malone, is called in to quietly investigate before the public finds out. The ransom demand? An 800-year-old book – the Codex Gigas – the largest illuminated medieval manuscript in the world that has been kept in Stockholm for nearly 400 years. Along the way it has also acquired another more mysterious moniker... The Devil’s Bible. But there’s a problem: to gain entrance to NATO to protect themselves from an increasingly hostile Russia, Sweden has already agreed to return the Codex Gigas to the Czech Republic to secure their holdout vote towards membership, something Russia will do anything to prevent. It’s up to Cotton Malone and his associate Cassiopeia Vitt to locate the king’s sister, secure the codex, thwart the Russians and most of all, diffuse what could be an explosive international situation. Trusted allies become hostile enemies, long-standing enemies suddenly shift into partners, and nothing is as it seems. In the end, Cotton and Cassiopeia come face-to-face with the unthinkable, changing both of their lives forever.
Seasons speed past us beyond how light is measured. How would you best explore this thing called spring? Is it the birth of or the rebirth of?
Diana Spencer's life seemed like a fairy tale, especially when she married the future king of England and became an actual princess. But in reality, things were difficult from a very young age. Diana's love for her sons and her belief in kindness and giving kept her strong. Her hard work on behalf of so many suffering people around the world will be forever remembered.This friendly, fun biography series inspired by the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum follows one great role model at a time, and encourages kids to dream big.Included in each book are:A timeline of key events in the hero's historyPhotos that bring the story more fully to lifeComic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorableChildhood moments that influenced the heroesFacts that make great conversation-startersA virtue these heroes embody: This book highlights Diana's empathy and her generosity toward strangers.
You'll want to collect each book in this dynamic, informative series
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Every forest has a story. So many of them are missing from the making of a new tomorrow. Ernie was and still is a huge part of my love for writing inside this collection of trees. Now that his body has been returned to the soil, what's next?
We’ve all read the book where the world is ending, but the last-second actions of our hero save the day. But…what happens next? “Almost the End of the World” attempts to answer that question. Personally, I think that the real apocalypse would be after the asteroid missed. The book follows Corey Walker, an 18-year-old who is ready to die. When last-second heroics save the world, Corey tries to return to his real life. However, the world is a wreck – economies are broken, millions are dead, and people aren’t ready to live again. Meanwhile, Corey’s school has been invaded by a strange cult, The Refuge, which targets the most vulnerable students on campus. Corey and his friends push back against the cult – making themselves a target in the process. The book tries to answer key questions that I think are deeply relevant to teenagers and young adults today. Chief among them is this: What are you willing to fight for? How far will you go to protect people you love? This book will be available for pre-sale shortly and will be released on June 9. It’s my third book and second YA novel. You can find more info on me at my website: http://www.mikeschlossbergauthor.com.
A walk through the forest, a park or on a city street and you realize you forgot the doggie bags. Do you leave it for others to pick up on their shoes or do you pick it up with your hands?
The follow-up to the highly acclaimed, instant bestseller The Three Billy Goats Gruff The second in the groundbreaking new collection of masterfully retold fairy tales crafted by one of today’s most celebrated and esteemed authors, Mac Barnett, paired with the stunning illustrations of the acclaimed creator, Carson Ellis. Once upon a time there was a clever girl with a not-so-clever father. When her father claims she can spin straw into gold, the king forces the girl to perform this impossible task. She has no other choice than to accept a strange deal from a mysterious little man. But when he arrives and attempts to collect the debt, the fiendish trickster Rumpelstiltskin discovers that he is the one who has been tricked! With Barnett’s signature pacing and wit, his subversive storytelling style and narrative voice, and Ellis’s stunning folk-art style, this retelling of Rumpelstiltskin will introduce this classic story to a new generation of readers! There’s been a number of studies on the importance of fairy tales for kids. They spark imagination and inspire a lifelong love of reading. They showcase problem solving and teamwork skills. They establish a child’s vocabulary through new language acquisition. They teach kids about complex emotions and help readers to develop empathy for a wide range of people—fairy tales are essential to children! Mac wanted to respect the original tale while bringing the ideas presented into the modern age: Mac and Carson are the perfect pairing for RUMPELSTILTSKIN. Carson is a Caldecott Honor winner and a New York Times bestseller. Of creating the art for this stunning book, she says, “Rumpelstiltskin has endured for centuries because it’s a great story—the tale of a magical impish villain, a mistreated maiden, and her ultimate revenge.
Every forest has a story. So many of them are missing from the making of a new tomorrow. Ernie was and still is a huge part of my love for writing inside this collection of trees. Now that his body has been returned to the soil, what's next?
Join Chet the dog, “the most lovable narrator in all of fiction” (Boston Globe), and his human partner Bernie as they scramble to solve a case exposing the dark side of internet fame.
Chet the dog is less than enthusiastic about the Little Detective Agency’s next case. Chet and his human partner, PI Bernie Little, have been hired to find a missing person—only the missing person is a cat. Miss Kitty, an internet sensation, has disappeared, and Chet and Bernie have been hired to find her before her many followers realize something is wrong.
Miss Kitty belongs to Bitty, a sweet teenage girl who lives with her mom. Bitty and her mother are struggling financially, but the arrival of Miss Kitty and the chance discovery of her social media appeal has changed everything. Bitty now has sponsors, a high-powered agent, and all the tools needed to thrive online, and real money is flowing in. At least, it was. With Miss Kitty gone, the family’s income is on the line.
The case presents a slew of challenges for Chet and Bernie. For one thing, a potential witness is a pig named Senor Piggy who may be in possession of an important piece of evidence. For another, it seems like a possible perp has been killed twice—and there’s evidence implicating Bernie in the crime.
In the bestselling and beloved First 100 Words format, this charming board book includes sturdy pages packed with 100 words to introduce little ones to all the loving ways to say, "I love you". From care to share, to kisses and cuddles, these 100 words are easy to learn, making this the perfect primer for kids learning their first words. With bold and vibrant artwork featuring Sandra Magsamen’s adorable, wide-eyed animal characters on every page, babies and toddlers will enjoy reading these words again and again, making it ideal for bedtime read-alouds!
In a bold anthem, Rise, Girl, Rise, feminist organizer Gloria Steinem and Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee share their parallel journeys as activists. This picture book for children is told through alternating points of view and culminating in a powerful collective “we,” celebrating resilience and empowerment to inspire girls everywhere to raise their voices, stand together, and rise up for themselves and others.
“A visually powerful feminist primer that inspires emotion…” --Kirkus
“Highlighting the twinned stories of their egalitarian awakenings, the authors emphasize the importance of sisterhood in this persuasively rallying work.”-- Publishers Weekly
Gloria and Leymah share personal stories of growing up in vastly different parts of the world, each confronting the injustices faced by girls and women in their communities. Their experiences—shaped by courage, conviction, and a deep desire for change—led them to become fierce advocates for equality.
Andrew Fechmeier is a master at hiding. He'd better be—he’s spent decades concealing a secret that could get him killed. So when he’s diagnosed with a terminal disease, he heads for the local funeral home carrying the blue suit he eventually wants to be buried in. But what no one knows is that Fechmeier secretly tucked something inside, turning the suit into a final, untraceable hiding spot.
It's a perfect plan. Until Fetch is brutally murdered by a mysterious killer who will stop at nothing to find the priceless object hidden in the suit.
What follows is the best-reviewed book of Brad’s career—a gripping plot filled with twists and turns, and the character everyone calls his Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
If you’ve never read Zig and Nola, this is the perfect jumping on point.
The way mother nature toys with our imagination. Starting first with weather. A Cold December day that looks, feels and smells like snow. It didn't. But in less than 30 days ice storms and 11 inches of snow pummeled this collection of trees.
Founded in 2002, National Puzzle Day is a way to share enjoyment of puzzles and 2026 promises to continue the fun tradition, with Highlights Puzzle Parties, a nationwide series of hands-on family events leading up to National Puzzle Day on January 29TH. Beginning in early January, more than 500 Barnes & Noble stores, schools, and libraries across the U.S. will host free community puzzle parties featuring Highlights’ newest puzzle collection, Puzzle-A-Day Challenge: Bite-Size Puzzles All Year Long. Kids and families can dive into a variety of brain-boosting, laugh-inducing activities and fun giveaways. Puzzle-A-Day Challenge, offers 365 bite-size puzzles—one for every day of the year—designed to challenge kids’ brains in just a few minutes a day. Doing puzzles regularly is more than just play—it’s a powerful way to support children’s learning, emotional development, and social skills. Puzzles can:Build early problem-solving skillsStrengthen memory and attentionReinforce math and reasoning skillsBuild patience and perseveranceEncourage cooperation and teamwork
All these years in this forest and somehow every family had a different name to this lake. Swan? Silver? Now Ivey? What should we know about this body of water?
The typically peace filled daily walk through the forest has put Jazzie and I face to face with true crime. Who killed the opossum? The blood, the blunt hit, the way the body is positioned. We have a true crime scene inside Ernie's forest.
This stunning graphic novel by Shannon Messenger, is a retelling of the second half of the thrilling first novel. KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL PART 2, comes to life with all the adventure and epic worldbuilding the Keeper of the Lost Cities series is known for. After learning she’s actually an elf, twelve-year-old Sophie Foster made the impossible decision to leave her human life—and family—behind and start over in the Lost Cities. And life with the elves has been unlike anything Sophie has ever known, filled with new friends, amazing creatures, and incredible powers. But it’s also had its share of challenges. Sophie had been an advanced student in the human world—but thanks to her struggles with alchemy, she’s not even sure if she will pass her Foxfire Academy midterms! And then there are the bigger worries. Guardians who may or may not adopt her. Whispers of conspiracies. Mysterious fires. Memories in her brain that don’t feel like hers. Could someone have hidden those secrets in Sophie’s head? Why would they do that? Is Sophie part of something much bigger than she imagined? Something…deadly?
I’m always asking questions. The fun begins when you start researching for answers. Such as… Who did it first…the art of breaking the 4th wall…was it George Burns and Gracie Allen or the movie The Spinal Tap? Plus…was Gracie Allen’s character inspired and influenced by the children’s book Amelia Bedelia? I’m Arroe… I am a daily writer. A silent wolf. I stand on the sidelines and do nothing but watch, listen study then activate. I call it The Daily Mess. A chronological walk through an everyday world. Yes, it’s my morning writing. As a receiver of thoughts and ideas, we as people tend to throw it to the side and deal with it later. When a subject arrives, I dig in. It’s still keeping a journal! By doing the research the picture becomes clearer. This is the Daily Mess…
Rusty, who worked in Hollywood for nearly four decades, mostly as a freelance television producer for some of television’s longest-running, all-time rated reality shows, as well as on movies like Terminator 2 as an electrician, knows how to entertain people. He applies that experience to penning informative and entertaining illustrated children’s books of poetry.Since retiring in 2018, he has had six books published, including a memoir, one on baseball history, and four children’s books. His nephew illustrated two of the children’s books, while another nephew did another, and his newest book, An Awesome Bird, The Pelican, was illustrated entirely by seventh and eight graders attending his local middle school in California.“I try to include in the poems some facts about where the animals live, what they eat, and what they look like,” says Rusty. “I try to use new words and concepts so the readers learn something new. For example, a Caiman has a nictitating membrane and the Brown Bat uses echolocation to navigate in the dark.”
Why now?:The #1 New York Times bestselling series, Dork Diaries, now has dazzling, full-color illustrations for a new generation of middle-grade readers. Rachel Renee Russell and her daughter Nikki Russell, who illustrates the series, are on a mission to encourage kids to embrace their individuality, and to inspire them to be strong and have self confidence in the face of adversity. Rachel knows that humor can be a band-aid to help emotional wounds heal, that it can provide temporary relief from stress and worry—and in some cases even provide hope. Rachel Renee Russell and Nikki Russell are keenly aware of what kids today want. They set a new direction for illustrated middle grade books when the series was initially introduced, and now that kids today are more visual readers, they are giving readers a full color edition making this a fresh new take on this contemporary classic story about how difficult middle school can be. Rachel’s daughters were actually the inspiration for the series. They were bullied and teased, and had a really hard time fitting in during middle school – something I think any parent of a tween can relate to. One morning one of her daughters had enough and said “You know what? I'm proud to be a dork, being a dork is cool!” Rachel took the negative meaning behind that word and turned it into something positive. And she used that concept and channeled it into Dork Diaries.
Author, inventor, and co-writer of the iconic Star Trek episode “The Tholian Web,” Chester L. Richards continues his acclaimed Treks Beyond the Great Potato memoir series with "The Trek Continues: More Memoirs of a Rocket Scientist," releasing worldwide October 7, 2025.In this second volume, Richards expands on the journey he began in From the Potato to Star Trek and Beyond, blending pulse-pounding adventure with poignant reflections on life, love, and loss. From near-death experiences with crocodiles in Africa to a white-knuckle flight back home in California, The Trek Continues dives deep into the real-life escapades of a man who helped imagine the universe onscreen—and then went out and lived it.Richards shares what it meant to survive, to grieve, and to grow. Central to the memoir is his late wife Sarah, a brilliant and spirited presence readers first glimpsed in Book 1. Responding to fan letters asking to learn more about her, Richards infuses this new collection with her voice, her stories, and the extraordinary impact she had on his life. There are also stories of eccentric animals (including cats, a dog named Hector, and a horse—almost), scientific breakthroughs in aerospace and on earth, close calls with Neolithic tribes, and the unexpected wisdom of failure.“Every story is a letter of love to Sarah,” Richards writes. “Each stand on its own. Each is an adventure. And each is true.”Known for his witty, self-deprecating style and cinematic detail, Richards proves again that memoir can be both thrilling and intimate. A scientist by training and adventurer by instinct, he invites readers to see life not as a linear path—but as a series of treks, each one worth telling.“Adventure starts when your gut clenches and you do it anyway,” says Richards. “That’s when you find out who you really are.”The Trek Continues: More Memoirs of a Rocket Scientist is published by Pawpress. The book is now available in paperback, hardcover, and eBook for pre-order on Amazon. Advanced review copies may be requested through NetGalley.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
A deadly hit-and-run shatters a quiet Connecticut town— and Hannah can't shake the chilling feeling that she knows who's behind the wheel. It might be her brother, Rob. It might be Zach—Rob’s best friend and the first boy who’s ever really seen her. And the truth might destroy her life. As the police close in, Hannah falls deeper in love with Zach and spirals into a web of lies to protect the people she loves. However, when her friends turn cold, and a buried family secret comes to light, she realizes the truth is far more dangerous than she ever imagined. Now two versions of the accident are colliding—and only one can be true. Her loyalty is split. Her heart is at war with her conscience. A coming-of-age novel with engaging lessons about life’s choices and their consequences. How quickly poor actions can tear everything apart. What happens when you take the path of following your heart impulsively in the moment instead of your conscience. THE ACCIDENT (Woodhall Press: October 14, 2025) is not only a YA thriller, but a gripping psychological drama about love, guilt, and the razor-thin line between protecting others and betraying yourself.
Did you know that witches like to tell a silly joke or two? That's what makes them so witchy... who knew? Get ready for a silly Halloween treat with this tall novelty board book thatincludes hilarious jokes on every page -- perfect for the youngest fans eager to tickle their funny bones! Featuring a silly witch and her silly feet, toddlers and little ones will love holding, touching, and giggling along. With Sandra Magsamen's signature message of love, this spellbinding board book is perfect for the Halloween season!
This 28-day Advent devotional weaves together Scripture, reflection, prayer, and Neilson’s signature angel artwork to help readers experience the true meaning of Christmas. With weekly themes of hope, love, joy, and peace, Neilson invites readers to slow down and prepare their hearts for the birth of Jesus—especially in a season often filled with pressure, comparison, and exhaustion.Through honest storytelling, she reflects on the tension many women feel: the desire to create meaningful traditions while feeling overwhelmed, underprepared, or spiritually dry. Christmas Angels becomes a gentle guide—a reminder that Jesus is the real gift, and He meets us in our mess, our weariness, and our longing. Neilson's angel paintings—already beloved—add a layer of sacred beauty and wonder to the experience. Readers will also explore Old Testament prophecies, the nativity narratives, and heartfelt prayers that encourage a deeper connection with God during the holiday season.Anne Neilson is well known for her ethereal Angel Series, which are inspiring reflections of her faith and recognized for their stunning use of color. In response to demand for more access to her acclaimed Angel paintings, Neilson published two coffee table books and launched Anne Neilson Home, a growing collection of luxury home products. Neilson also owns Anne Neilson Fine Art, a gallery located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Representing more than 50 talented artists from across the world, the gallery is dedicated to being a lighthouse in Charlotte and beyond, illuminating the work of emerging and established artists. As a wife, mother of four, artist, author, and philanthropist, Anne paints and creates with passion and purpose, always giving back to others by contributing to local and national charitable organizations.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
A delightfully peculiar story about embracing the magic of the night. Garden Glen was afraid of the dark. Each night when the sun went down, all the lights in town turned on. The houses shone like the noon sun. Every house except for Millie Fleur La Fae's, of course. Millie Fleur knows there are enchanting things that can only be glimpsed in the dark. But ever since she moved to Garden Glen, her nighttime friends are nowhere to be found. Determined to welcome the dark back to town, Millie Fleur bakes delicious moon pies and plants a sweet-smelling moon garden. But before the nighttime creatures will return, Millie Fleur must convince the townspeople to be brave and turn out the lights.
Thanks for being part of the conversation…Welcome to Forest Stories. A series of short-winded adventures within a collection of skyscraping trees stuck feet first in Georgia Clay right here in Carolina. It’s been a huge part of my daily writing journey for over 33 years.I’m the Poet In The Forest. A children’s series written and recorded in the 1990s.It’s grown into multiple podcasts that reach around the world.None of it would be possible without this forest in South Charlotte, NC.At the base of Heartbreak Hill sits a sign that reads Rainbow Forest. It’s time you meet what’s inspired several generations.Long before the paved paths decorated with colorful homes colonized around this beautiful lake, slow moving streams, flatland swamps and array of natural animals, there were families and business owners who are said to have raced into this area for the beauty of the land, wild roses, migratory birds and grapevines. Those before me either forgot to write about it or its buried somewhere inside a family tree. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Dubbed “The Queen of Jewish Romance”- JEAN MELTZER is an international bestselling author whose most recent book hit stores last week called: “The Eight Heartbreaks of Hannukah.” But - Meltzer is more than just her recent release and her numerous books. She’s also committed to spreading “Jewish Joy!” Meltzer’s efforts to share uplifting Jewish stories and voices has made her a leading figure in the Jewish literary world. She is the Founder & CEO of “Jewish Joy, LLC” – the umbrella organization to “Jewish Women Talk about Romance Books.” She started The Jewish Joy Book Club and The Jewish Joy Box. And NOW, Meltzer is launching JEWISH JOY CON - a groundbreaking 3-day event celebrating the best in pop-culture, storytelling, and creativity - scheduled next March in Fort Lauderdale. With her incredible force to cast a wide web, you would never know that Meltzer has a chronic fatigue illness that she won’t allow to stop her and get in her way!
Chanda A. Bell and Christa Pitts, co-CEOs and founders of The Lumistella Company and the visionaries behind the Santaverse™ and The Elf on the Shelf®, to discuss the global sensation and beloved holiday tradition The 20th anniversary celebration includes a novel titled The Rise of Nicholas the Noble, a flurry of new games, experiences, must-have holiday products, original content and more to honor the milestone year The Lumistella Company, creator of the internationally acclaimed Santaverse™ and The Elf on the Shelf®, is celebrating 20 years of the beloved holiday tradition that has made its mark on families and generations around the world. Alongside co-founders, CEOs and twin sisters Chanda A. Bell and Christa Pitts, we invite you to embrace the magic by learning more about The Elf on the Shelf and the immersive Santaverse, an enchanted story-driven world that brings new characters, places and entertainment to life year-round. From Bell's recent release of the middle grade novel The Rise of Nicholas the Noble to celebratory products, storylines, toys, games, experiences, partnerships and more, The Lumistella Company is sure to continue sparking joy to help families create lasting memories.Most recently, The Lumistella Company released a new friend of The Elf on the Shelf, Razzle the Celebration Snowman, who encourages fans of all ages to celebrate their own special occasions throughout the year. Created for the whole family, the company also announced its first video game inspired by the beloved Scout Elf titled The Elf on the Shelf®: Christmas Heroes, as well as a range of holiday must-haves, including a limited-edition 20th Anniversary Edition Box Set, Frost Pips™ elf babies, Elf Kits, original content, and so much more!!Written by 12x best-selling author Chanda A. Bell, The Rise of Nicholas the Noble unveils Santa’s untold origin story, sweeping readers into a breathtaking world of fantasy and wonder. This touching story highlights the importance of bravery, community and faith to protect the world from the dangers of evil.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
It's 1943. Nazi Germany and its Axis power allies are ravaging Europe and the Pacific with a terrible war. At this juncture, President Franklin Roosevelt has one critical goal: a face-to-face meeting with his allies, Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill. The first ever meeting of the "Big Three" is set to take place in Tehran, Iran, where the leaders of the three great superpowers will discuss and decide on some of the most crucial strategic details of the war. But when the Nazis learn about the meeting, they form their own secret, deadly plan: an assassination plot that would forever change history...if they're successful. This riveting true story, filled with daring rescues and high stakes intrigue, explains how this pivotal meeting in Tehran changed the course of World War II, and how the Nazi conspiracy to assassinate the Allied leaders nearly led to world-shattering disaster.
You’re invited to an unforgettable surprise celebration for someone truly special! Join Chuck E. Cheese and his friends for a magical Christmas adventure filled with music, laughter, and holiday cheer. Alongside his pals Helen Henny, Jasper Jowls, Bella Brinca, Munch, and Pasqually, Chuck E. creates a plan to throw a surprise party to lift Santa’s Christmas spirit! But surprising the man who “sees you when you’re sleeping and knows when you’re awake” won’t be easy. Can the gang pull it off in time to save Christmas? Get ready to sing along as this Christmas special debuts two cheerful new tunes that are bound to be Christmas classics, co-written by Barry, Moncrief, composer Ben Bromfield (“Ginny & Georgia”), and Barry’s father, legendary songwriter Jeff Barry, (songwriter of “I’m A Believer” for The Monkees, “Sugar Sugar”, for The Archies, and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” popularized by Darlene Love, Mariah Carey, and Michael Bublé). Written and executive produced by Zac Moncrief and Jon Colton Barry (“Phineas & Ferb,” “Be Cool Scooby-Doo!”), A Chuck E. Cheese Christmas features a voice cast that includes Nathan Kress (“iCarly”) as Chuck E. Cheese, with Grey Griffin (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”), Nolan North (“Uncharted)”, Kari Wahlgren (“Rick & Morty”), Fred Tatasciore (“Kung Fu Panda 2”) and Michael Gough (“Doc McStuffins”).
-Missed Opportunity- I love sharing conversations. Hosting requires show prep. My podcasting platforms feature thousands of guests. What you don’t have access to are the missed opportunities. The show prep was completed. The conversation didn’t happen. I keep all my notes! Paths will cross again. Let me explain Missed Opportunity. It’s my questions and statements without their answers. I’m leaving open enough space at the end of each question hoping they’ll download the talk and insert their answers.Missed Opportunity is a lost piece of history. Like a message in a bottle tossed out to sea. I hope to locate a destination…
This week we’re putting focus on my missed opportunity with singer songwriter now children’s book author Scott Hoying and his husband Mark. Missed Opportunity. A lost piece of history. You know the questions. Let’s locate the reactions. The door is always open. If you are or know Mark or Scott Hoying please reach out to me at arroec@gmail.com that’s arroec@gmail.com Be brilliant!
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
LOUISE WANNIER is an author, artist, and creative entrepreneur. As a visual artist and photographer, she attempts to capture and present the energy and spirit she observes and feels in our complex world. Her work has been exhibited at galleries and museums nationwide and appeared in the book Less Clutter More Life. She has built four companies and advised many others in industries from Education Technology to Fashion Design and is currently creating her own textile art prints and collections for fashion and the home under the label LOUIS JANE™. A graduate of the Fashion Institute for Design and Merchandising in Textile Design, she also holds an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School and a BS in Astronomy from the California Institute of Technology. She feels very fortunate to be “Safta” to nine grandchildren. To learn more, visit LouiseWannier.com.
In THE HAT DIARIES: Escape From the Adventure, Nadine Haruni culminates her action-packed trilogy with a story reflecting the power of friendship and the interconnectedness of family across generations. Book three opens with Ryan and Shadow in Aachen, Germany, on October 13, 1944. Despite repeated warnings from Merlo, Ryan made the terrible mistake of overstaying the 60-minute timeframe allotted to complete each Adventure. Right after Violet stepped through the Portal to return home, he dropped his diary, a precious written record of all his Adventures. He thought he’d have enough time to grab it before the countdown timer shrieked. Instead, as he picked up his diary, Ryan watched in horror as the massive red Portal door shut, leaving him stranded amidst the turmoil and danger of battle during World War II. THE HAT DIARIES: Escape From the Adventure is told from the perspective of three different narrators: Ryan, Merlo, and Violet. As the tension mounts, the story reveals a secret Merlo has been carrying for most of his adult life, one that is weighed down by guilt. As Sergeant Hank and Ryan set out on a journey fraught with danger, navigating through war-torn landscapes, Escape From the Adventure raises intriguing questions: Is it possible to prevent a tragic event from happening again? And if the course of history can be altered, at what cost? Through it all, readers will continue to root for Ryan Rigbee, a relatable and remarkable teen. While THE HAT DIARIES: Escape From the Adventure marks the end of the trilogy, Ryan and his magical Adventures will live on.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Evie can't believe she's made it to the 1936 Berlin Olympics. After fleeing the Oklahoma Dust Bowl, Evie's family is still poor and reeling from devastating losses. She could have never guessed that the sport she took up to escape her reality would lead to this. Now, she's competing in gymnastics on Team USA, with some of the greatest athletes in the world like track and field star Jesse Owens. But all is not as it seems in Berlin, a city now ruled by the Nazis and their tyrannical leader, Adolf Hitler. And Evie has secrets of her own. With two other Olympic athletes, who each have their own reasons for despising the Nazis, Evie has been recruited for the biggest heist of the century by a mysterious criminal mastermind, who intends on robbing the Nazis right under their noses. But Evie didn't count on being stuck with an inquisitive Youth Services Host, Heinz, who is determined to follow her every step while concealing his own deadly secret. And she didn't count on discovering the truth behind all of the glittering fanfare of the Olympics: the Nazis are harshly persecuting Jewish people and preparing for a devastating war. When the time comes, Evie is forced to face the reality around her, and the horrors that the Nazis can't quite hide. She must learn how to see the truth beneath the mirage and choose between what's wrong and right -- and what it might cost her. The timeless #1 New York Times bestseller REFUGEE in a stunning newgraphic novel adaptation!Josef is a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany. With the threat of concentration camps looming, he and his family board a ship bound for the other side of the world... Isabel is a Cuban girl in 1994. With riots and unrest plaguing her country, she and her family set out on a raft, hoping to find safety in America... Mahmoud is a Syrian boy in 2015. With his homeland torn apart by violence and destruction, he and his family begin a long trek toward Europe... All three kids must endure harrowing journeys. All face unimaginable dangers. But there is always the hope of tomorrow. And although Josef, Isabel, and Mahmoud are separated by continents and decades, shocking connections will tie their stories together in the end. Refugee is a modern classic that has spent over 5 years on the New York Times bestseller list and garnered several awards and much acclaim. Brought to life with rich, gorgeous illustrations by artist Syd Fini, this hotly anticipated graphic novel will attract a whole new generation of fans.
Those unrecognized moments when Fall is setting in and again this year you woke up not realizing the leaves have fallen from the trees. A major part of the story is now missing from your moments of all things right now.
Thanks for being part of the conversation…Welcome to Forest Stories. A series of short-winded adventures within a collection of skyscraping trees stuck feet first in Georgia Clay right here in Carolina. It’s been a huge part of my daily writing journey for over 33 years.I’m the Poet In The Forest. A children’s series written and recorded in the 1990s.It’s grown into multiple podcasts that reach around the world.None of it would be possible without this forest in South Charlotte, NC.At the base of Heartbreak Hill sits a sign that reads Rainbow Forest. It’s time you meet what’s inspired several generations.Long before the paved paths decorated with colorful homes colonized around this beautiful lake, slow moving streams, flatland swamps and array of natural animals, there were families and business owners who are said to have raced into this area for the beauty of the land, wild roses, migratory birds and grapevines. Those before me either forgot to write about it or its buried somewhere inside a family tree. Thanks for being part of the conversationThis week, the writers canvas unveils the missing mysterious working gloves.
A community touchstone and a reminder that the best way to a better future is to create it together… united. The conclusion to the New York Times bestselling All Because You Matter trilogy,TOGETHER,UNITED by Tami Charles and illustrated by Bryan Collier, is a profound and inspirational message of unity. A lyrical and astounding proclamation of unity and love, this stunning picture book serves as a reminder and a clear declaration that together, we are all part of something much greater. Courageous and bold, this final follow-up to the New York Times bestselling All Because You Matter and acclaimed We Are Here is a message of optimism: that alone we are strong, but together we are unstoppable! Tami Charles’ powerful and rhythmic text reminds young readers of their brilliance as individuals and the immense power they hold when their voices come together as one. Breathtaking illustrations by renowned artist Bryan Collier, evoke the beauty and wonder of how we are all connected together in the world and our ability to change it for the better.
Those unrecognized moments when Fall is setting in and again this year you woke up not realizing the leaves have fallen from the trees. A major part of the story is now missing from your moments of all things right now.
Claribel Ortega returns to her much beloved middle grade series Witchlings with the fourth book, SCEPTER OF MEMORIES. In this new book, evil dwells in Ravenskill and it’s up to the Spares to prevent it from taking over. Seven, Thorn, and Valley are determined to stop Ambert Lophiifor’s plan of taking over the Twelve Towns. With Seven’s Uncle powers and their new coven behind them, surely they’ll be able to defeat him at last. But strange things are happening around Ravenskill—the Witchlings’ allies are starting to forget them! When the Witchlings are charged with the crime of practicing unnatural and dangerous magic, no one is there to come to their defense. Without any support, the Witchlings are forced to flee beyond the borders of the Twelve Towns and into the swirling grey mists of the Enchanted Grim, hoping to find the one witch who might have the knowledge and power to help them: Delphinium Larkspur. The Grim is an uncharted wilderness filled with monstruos, where no normal witch would ever be able to survive. But there’s nothing normal about the Witchlings, their courage, or their friendship. Together with their Nightbeasts, they are determined to find a way to save their home. Even if it means embracing the monstruos within themselves.
HOW ARE MARINE ROBOTS SHAPING OUR FUTURE? inventor James Bellingham draws on decades of expeditions from the Arctic to the Antarctic to reveal how autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are changing how humans explore and work in the ocean. These robots endure crushing pressures, freezing waters, and total darkness—collecting data vital for climate science, offshore energy, aquaculture, archaeology, and more. And the story doesn’t end on Earth. Many of the same technologies being perfected in our seas will one day explore ocean worlds beyond our planet—including Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn’s moon Enceladus—places where liquid water lies beneath thick ice and where conditions may be right for extraterrestrial life. Finding life in these alien oceans would be one of the most profound discoveries in human history, changing how we see ourselves in the universe. From enduring fierce storms off Antarctica to developing robots that “think” and navigate on their own, Bellingham shares the inside story of working at the intersection of:Scientific discovery—expanding our knowledge of oceans on Earth and beyondCutting-edge technology—designing self-reliant machines for extreme environmentsSocietal choice—balancing the benefits of ocean technology with environmental, ethical, and economic considerations
Thanks for being part of the conversation… Welcome to Forest Stories. A series of short-winded adventures within a collection of skyscraping trees stuck feet first in Georgia Clay right here in Carolina. It’s been a huge part of my daily writing journey for over 33 years. I’m the Poet In The Forest. A children’s series written and recorded in the 1990s. It’s grown into multiple podcasts that reach around the world. None of it would be possible without this forest in South Charlotte, NC. At the base of Heartbreak Hill sits a sign that reads Rainbow Forest. It’s time you meet what’s inspired several generations. Long before the paved paths decorated with colorful homes colonized around this beautiful lake, slow moving streams, flatland swamps and array of natural animals, there were families and business owners who are said to have raced into this area for the beauty of the land, wild roses, migratory birds and grapevines. Those before me either forgot to write about it or its buried somewhere inside a family tree. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Two Days BeforeOllie Veltman is finally coming home to the quaint island of Anchor’s Mercy after a year away while his mom battled cancer. It should be a celebration—his mom is cancer free, and she’s determined to have the best summer ever—but Ollie’s (now ex) best friends think he abandoned them, and he’s returning with a lot of questions. Because for a place that’s perfect on the surface, a secret rots below the waves. A secret that could explain his mom’s illness, and the illness of so many other locals. Ollie’s desperate search for the truth turns life-or-death when a storm descends upon the island. In its wake, a long-sunken horror rises . . . Three Weeks AfterOllie is being held in isolation aboard a military hospital ship in the harbor. They say he’s a survivor, but they only know half the story. The truth is more monstrous than Ollie ever believed, and he suspects his saviors aren’t here to save anyone. Only Ollie can stop what’s coming, but that means getting back to Anchor’s Mercy before it vanishes, taking with it everyone he has ever loved.
For the second consecutive year, a majority of students report that when they are most engaged in school, it is because their teachers made the coursework exciting and interesting. Yet, just half of middle school and high school students say their teachers seem excited about what they teach. Only 43 percent say the lessons are interesting, and 37 percent say coursework feels connected to the real world. When schoolwork is challenging and relevant, it helps students build lasting skills and confidence. The increase from 70 to 78 percent of students with a teacher who excites them about the future highlights the powerful role educators play in student engagement and outlook. These findings highlight a chance for schools, communities, and policymakers to respond. The Walton Family Foundation is committed to expanding access to engaging, relevant learning so that every young person, no matter their path, can thrive in school and in life.
Drawing on her own immigrant experience, Fazzi takes readers on an action-packed ride full of wit and grit in her thrilling two-book release, SUNDAY OR THE HIGHWAY and DANGER NO PROBLEM (Thomas & Mercer, ISBN-13: 9781662528552 / 9781662528538). Whether it’s traffickers, fugitives, or murderers, main character Domingo loves nothing more than putting the bad guys away. But this brash, immigrant-turned-bounty hunter also has a paradoxical side hustle: writing a book of advice for people immigrating to the US. In Danger No Problem: Domingo’s latest job is to track down Monica Reed. Again. In all his years as a bounty hunter, Monica is the only target who’s ever given him the slip—and the only one he’s ever let go. As Domingo works to flush out Monica for the third time, he uncovers more layers to her story. Dark secrets, hidden sacrifices, and shocking discoveries point to a dangerous truth she’ll risk her life to expose. Now Domingo must decide which side he’s actually on. Previously published as Multo, this edition of Danger No Problem includes editorial revision. In Sunday or the Highway, the exciting second installment - Domingo finds that playing matchmaker for an heiress proves a lot more deadly than Cupid’s arrow. A seemingly easy case involving a lovestruck young heiress turns out to be anything but. Tessa Woodridge, the CEO of a fast-food chain, hires Domingo to locate the undocumented parents of Julian Alondra, the love of her life. When Tessa was eight, fourteen-year-old Julian saved her life. She always believed they were destined to be together. Compared to Domingo’s other cases, this should be a cakewalk. But he soon discovers it’s not all heart eyes and sweet nothings between these two. In his line of work, you learn to prepare for everything you never saw coming—and Domingo can see it from a mile away. About the author: CINDY FAZZI is a Filipino American writer and former Associated Press reporter. DANGER NO PROBLEM (Book 1), previously titled MULTO, was a finalist in the Best Literary category of the 2024 Silver Falchion Award. Her historical novel, MY MACARTHUR, was published by Sand Hill Review Press in 2018. She has worked as a journalist in the Philippines, Taiwan, and the United States. Her articles have appeared in the Daily Beast, Publishers Weekly, Electric Literature, and Writer’s Digest.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Welcome to class! I am your math teacher, Mr. Peters! I know the first day of school can be a bit intimidating, so I’m here to help! Over the summer, I put together this math workbook so you can fully prepare for our final exam by the end of the year. Traditional math prompts are boring, snooze fests, but not mine! My “laugh out loud” math prompts will keep you on the edge of your seat, always wanting to read more! You know, I’ve considered myself a comedian from time to time. Sometimes I think I chose the wrong career path. I could be on stage making people laugh for a living, but here I am teaching you fcking degenerates. If you're asking yourself why the school board approved this book, they didn’t, so we’re going to have to keep this our little secret. These math prompts will give your grandmother a heart attack, your father cancer, and your mother gonorrhea.
Show this book to no one outside of this class, and be sure to study with your fellow classmates! Feel free to write in it, draw in it, throw it in a bonfire, do whatever the fck you want with it! Just don’t come to my class unprepared or you’ll never see the inside of a college. Don't forget to check out the cheat sheet on the last pages to see if you passed or failed. Enjoy challenging your brain and your morals. Good luck!
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
SNOOP is the story of a screen-obsessed boy who finds himself trapped at home—and discovers that life gets harder when screens are all you have. If Carter hadn't been checking his phone, he might have seen his brother coming down the ski slopes in his direction. And if Carter had seen his brother in time and avoided the crash, he might not have two broken legs right now. Oops. Now Carter is stuck at home for weeks, with both his legs in casts. Bored, he starts checking out the live feeds from police cams around his town. Before he knows it, he's obsessed—watching his classmates when they don't know he's looking and discovering some other very strange things going on that no one else is noticing. But what happens when Carter is found out... and the people he's watching know where he lives? SNOOP tackles finding a balance between screen-free time and being connected to the outside world. When screen-addicted Carter is forced to relate to the outside world only through screens he discovers that there’s something missing. Between being unable to stand up for himself to his classmates via Zoom to getting only part of the story through the police cameras, Carter finds that screens aren’t the perfect medium he thought they were. But he also manages to break up an illegal animal-smuggling ring and call an ambulance for a woman who unexpectedly goes into labor. The story, wisely, ends with a call for balance and moderation. As Carter says, “I took it too far. You just have to know where to draw the line.”
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
The Atlas ObscuraExplorer’s Guide to Inventing the World The team behind the bestselling Atlas Obscura presents a kids’ illustrated STEM-oriented explorationof the world’s most interesting technologies, inventions, and scientific discoveries. Following up on the New York Times bestselling Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid, this book is a globe-spanning history of invention like no other. This illustrated and STEM-oriented exploration of the planet’s 50 most interesting inventions and scientific discoveries sends middle-grade readers on an unforgettable trip around the planet and across time. Each spread focuses on a world-changing technology and how it led to or influenced the tech or discovery on the next page.Starting with the very first invention, fire, readers will spelunk the Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa for evidence of humankind’s earliest control of flames, then learn how fire is necessary to create another essential tech: glass, including the modern-day glass bridge in Zhangjiajie, China, that offers a crystal-clear (and terrifying!) view of the chasm 1,300 feet below. As you gaze at comets through telescopes, create unbreakable codes, zap space garbage with lasers, and break supersonic records in the world’s fastest car, gorgeously illustrated scenes will transport readers across continents and centuries into a world of wonder and discovery.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
What would happen if you accidentally bought a doodle worth millions? Edwin Hodge finds out in this middle grade novel by Dan Gutman, bestselling author of My Weird School series.There were so many things Edwin Hodge didn’t know when he paid $10 for a cool poster of Kobe Bryant at the local flea market.He didn’t know that hidden within the frame of the poster was an original drawing by Pablo Picasso, one of the most famous artists in history. He didn’t know the Picasso might be worth millions of dollars. He didn’t know that kids at school were going to treat him differently, or that he would become a world famous social media superstar.And he sure didn’t know that people would tap his phone, follow him home, break into his house, or threaten to burn it down. He didn’t know the Picasso was going to ruin his life.
The Legacy of Fred Rogers and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Lives On!‘It’s a Beautiful Day’ when TWO Hit Spin-Offs of the Iconic Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Series Come Together for the First Time on PBS KIDS!Emmy-Winning Puppet Series, Donkey Hodie, Welcomes Friends from Emmy-Winning Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood for a New Half-Hour Crossover Special from Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy PicturesSpeak with Co-Executive Producer of Donkey Hodie, Kristin DiQuollo, & Supervising Producer of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Chris Loggins
An exciting new Donkey Hodie special reimagines Daniel Tiger and his dad as puppets once again (Dad Tiger is actually Daniel Striped Tiger from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood) when they leave the Neighborhood of Make-Believe and hop aboard Trolley to visit Donkey Hodie and her pals in Someplace Else for the very first time!In “Daniel Tiger Visits Someplace Else,” premiering [August 11] on PBS KIDS, Grampy (the original Donkey Hodie from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood) invites his old pal, Dad Tiger, to come and help him fix his beloved clock. Dad Tiger brings along Daniel, who quickly becomes Donkey’s newest pal, and they embark on an epic adventure full of fun and surprises. The special features a new version of the iconic “Look and Listen” song, a Fred Rogers classic, reinforcing for young viewers the importance of looking and listening to figure things out, and asking lots of questions to get to know someone better.Fred Rogers Production’s Kristin DiQuollo, Co-Executive Producer, Donkey Hodie, and Chris Loggins, Supervising Producer, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood can share more about bringing the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood universe together.Fred Rogers once said, "It would be fun to think of ways these characters could be recreated...the sky's the limit when creativity is involved,” and bringing these worlds together in such a fun and thoughtful way is a celebration of the celebrated children’s TV pioneer’s vision.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
When Rachel Nardelli (Nerd-elli to friends and enemies) finds out that her childhood friend turned rival Alison Petrucci is found dead in Pleasant Pond, (the same place the two girls first said goodbye to each other back in eighth grade), the town of Waterbury is outraged by the fear of losing one of their own—the heir to Maine’s largest construction company. But it’s a little more complicated for Rachel. She saw Alison the night she died. Callous, she said something she shouldn’t have. She stirred up the past. The next morning, Alison was gone.Rachel and Alison’s diverging paths caused deep and irreparable rift in their relationship. Alison, by then the most bullied girl in school, left for private high school. Four years later, they both end up at Denman College, an elite liberal arts college in Maine, with plenty of scars and far more in common than either one of them would like to admit.Rachel, as News Editor of the school paper, is forced to examine not only what happened to Alison at the pond, but also what happened there eight years prior. Plagued by the complicated memories around their relationship, Rachel joins her journalism crew to investigate the murder. But as she revisits their fraught relationship, she falls into a web of cruelties that threaten to undo everything she understood about her past.
From multi Grammy-award winning artist and songwriter Victoria Monét comes a lyrical picture book that's perfect for children with separation anxiety, while also offering some healing for hard working parents.I'll always be your moonYou'll always be my starJust keep me in your heart andI'll be everywhere you are
Everywhere You Are is a lyrical and heartwarming picture book to comfort children experiencing separation anxiety while offering solace to hardworking parents. This melodic tale follows a gentle moon as it comforts a young star when they part ways at dawn. Paired with the whimsical and imaginative art of Alea Marley, Everywhere You Are beautifully illustrates that even when loved ones are not physically present, their love remains ever-present in our hearts. Inspired by Victoria's own experiences as a working parent, this book is a touching reminder of the enduring bond between parent and child.Everywhere You Are reminds us that even when someone isn't right next to us, their love still carries on in our hearts.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
This a murder-mystery set on the picturesque beaches of Martha’s Vineyard bursting with suspense and twists at every page turn. BLOOD IN THE WATER centers on twelve-year-old Kalayni, a spunky girl from Brooklyn, who is sent to Martha’s Vineyard to stay with an affluent Black couple and their granddaughters after what she believes is her father’s wrongful incarceration. Soon after arriving, a shocking death of a local teen rocks the island…did he drown, was it a vicious shark attack, or worse, murder? As Kalayni dives further into the investigation, she begins to learn more about the Black history of the island while slowly unpacking the deep-rooted secrets that threaten the dynamics of the island and Kalayni’s life forever. Inspired by her connection and love for Martha’s Vineyard, Tiffany D. Jackson has crafted a loveable and authentic character in Kalayni who tweens will relate to through her emotional relationship with her imprisoned father, her struggles to fit in, and her dedication to helping those around her. Full of heart, laughs, and a mystery that will have you guessing to the very end, Tiffany D. Jackson has done it again, created an unputdownable story for middle readers. With each heart-pounding turn, BLOOD IN THE WATER is set to be a summer blockbuster hit!
HarperCollins Children's Books announced the publication of PAJAMMIN' by musician Ziggy Marley and acclaimed illustrator Letícia Moreno. Inspired by Bob Marley's iconic song "Jamming," this story about a family's fun-filled pajama party will inspire young readers and their caregivers to make bedtime a ritual worth celebrating.Carrying on his father's legacy of fostering joy and connection, Marley transforms iconic lines from "Jamming" into a bouncy, bedtime read-aloud. The result is a rollicking roadmap for screen-free family time, complete with Moreno's exuberant illustrations inspired by Marley's own multicultural family."This book is about togetherness and happiness," said Marley. "Children and adults will be able to tell 'cause the love that we put into it is vibrating from the pages. I am so happy to share this with everyone.""Ziggy brings the same joy and warmth to his books that he brings to his music, and working with him on this project has been a delight. Inspired by his own family's rituals and his father's iconic and beloved lyrics, he has created a celebration of creative play and family togetherness that's perfectly captured in Letícia Moreno's buoyant art," said Lynne Polvino, Senior Editor at Clarion Books.Marley is the eldest son of reggae icons Bob Marley and Rita Marley, and is a celebrated, eight-time Grammy Award-winning artist. He continues his father's mission of fighting for equality and social justice through his music; humanitarian work with his nonprofit, the U.R.G.E. Foundation; and long history of creating art for children and families. His album Family Time was #1 on the Reggae Charts, #2 on the Kids' Charts, and won a Grammy for Best Children's Album, as well as an Emmy for Outstanding Original Song for the video from "I Love You Too." Marley performed the Arthur theme song, "Believe in Yourself," which played at the top of every episode over its 25-year run, and he has appeared on children's television shows like Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and Chopped Junior. Furthering his dedication to children's literacy, PAJAMMIN' will join Marley's previous picture books, including Little John Crow, I Love You Too, My Dog Romeo, and Music Is in Everything, on shelves this summer.
Timed to the 25th anniversary of everyone’s favorite Latina heroine, Nickelodeon introduces a new live-action full-length movie, Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado. The new family film introduces 16-year-old Samantha Lorraine as Dora who – along with her adventurous cousin Diego and sidekick monkey Boots – must trek through the perilous Amazonian jungle to find the ancient treasure of Sol Dorado and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. (See the trailer). The film comes from executive producer Adam Bonnett and director Alberto Belli. Adam helped bring some of the most famous children’s properties to the screen including He-Man, Barbie and Monster High. He also oversaw original programming at Disney Channel where he helped launch some of the most iconic children’s programs and the careers of its biggest stars including Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus); Wizards of Waverly Place (Selena Gomez) and Shake it Up (Zendaya). Alberto Belli was a computer science engineer from Guadalajara, Mexico, who transformed his passion for storytelling into a filmmaking career. He last directed Disney’s The Naughty Nine, a Christmas action/adventure film that received three Emmy nominations.
Founder of the pioneering band Cro-Mags, Harley Flanagan is a punk rock/hardcore legend who's defied the odds - along with neglect, sexual abuse, drugs, violence and PTSD -- and lived to tell the tale. The feature-length documentary, HARLEY FLANAGAN: WIRED FOR CHAOS, dives headfirst into the wild life and times of this larger-than-life icon and is a no-holds-barred ride, that isn't just about the music; it's about a man forged in fire who's lived to tell the tale.Raised by a Warhol Factory "it" girl, Harley was thrown into the Lower East Side's underground scene in the '70s. Left to fend for himself, by his teens, he was squatting in Alphabet City, stealing food, dodging gangs, and living in a world that he describes as "some serious Lord of the Flies shit." But, as his life descended into a hellish day-to-day, he was simultaneously becoming a punk rock legend: at the age of 11, he was drumming at CBGBs and Max's Kansas City with his aunt's band, the Stimulators. Sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll weren't a choice - they were survival. But Harley was a fighter. Whether on stage, in the streets, or in the Jiu-Jitsu gym with Renzo Gracie, he never backed down. As the ferocious frontman of the Cro-Mags, he pushed NYC Hardcore into uncharted territory. But violence, addiction and a traumatic past left deep scars. The streets made him, but they also nearly destroyed him.Directed and Produced by Emmy and Peabody Award-winner Rex Miller (Citizen Ashe) for Rexpix Media, and produced by Laura Flanagan, HARLEY FLANAGAN: WIRED FOR CHAOS dives deep into Harley's past, but it's not just war stories. It's about what happens after. Friends like Flea, Henry Rollins, Ice T, Roger Miret, Keith Morris, Michael Imperioli, Matt Serra, Jocko Willink, Darryl Jenifer, Glenn Danzig, Brooke Smith, Marcia Resnick, Kate Schellenbach and the late Anthony Bourdain reveal the man behind the legend - confronting demons, raising a family, and sharing the knowledge of his experience to help others. Harley Flanagan didn't just live hardcore - he is hardcore, and WIRED FOR CHAOS is his story - loud, unfiltered, and real as hell.Here's the trailer;Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojOfP12Glok
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
A story about a little troublemaker with a big heart from the New York Times bestselling author and noted speaker Luvvie Ajayi Jones.But what happens when doing something nice means breaking some rules? Little Luvvie is about to find out.Written by the New York Times bestselling author Luvvie Ajayi Jones with bright, bold art by Joey Spiotto, this funny, sweet story about a bighearted girl with the best of intentions is sure to become a family favorite.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
New from the incredible teenage activist, prodigy, and compassionate CEO Bellen Woodard comes BALLET BROWN, her new inspirational picture book, coined term, and new crayon colors that literally changes the way we see ballet and dance—created to inspire young people to speak up for the change they wish to see in the world! BALLET BROWN is a heartwarming, inspirational story about authenticity and the richness that brings! Recently featured in TIME Magazine, her op-ed “You’ve Heard of Ballet Pink. It’s Time to Embrace Ballet Brown,” reflects on how Bellen questioned the longstanding default in ballet attire, much like her early experiences with “flesh” crayons being only available in peach. After realizing what was missing, Bellen created Bellen’s More Than Peach Project followed by her More than Peach crayons and picture book More than Peach to challenge these norms and broaden the visual language of color across multiple spaces. Her latest endeavor asks a simple, powerful question of the ballet world: Why is everything pink? In BALLET BROWN, Bellen decides to ditch the pink dance attire and instead embrace brown dance attire that better suits her skin tone. She finds a dance studio who is supportive of this change, because though ballet pink is tradition, Bellen believes that traditions are meant to grow as we do! And she names the change “ballet brown.”
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
From literary powerhouse and Coretta Scott King Honor- and Boston Globe / Horn Book Honor-winning author of The Parker Inheritance Varian Johnson and New York Times bestselling illustrator Reggie Brown. Elijah can't wait to take his brand-new kite for its first flight! But with a new baby in the family, Daddy has to work this weekend. Elijah finds a clever way to help out and pitch in with his family while also reminding his dad how to still have a little fun. Beloved children's book author, Varian Johnson’s debut picture book highlights the fun journey of a young child building his confidence as he steps up into the big kid role, specifically as the little big man of the house.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
The Long Journey Out (Wipf and Stock)? Born in Japan and raised between the strong cultural frameworks of his Japanese mother and his Jewish-American military father, Lieber lived in fourteen different places by the time he was 14. He served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica before settling in NYC, where he is a retired professor from SUNY Nassau and a licensed psychoanalyst in private practice. The book is culled from the many poems written over his 70 years of living. For more information, visit https://www.ronaldokuakilieber.com/.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Bestselling graphic novelist and cartoonist, Terri Libenson, is back with a story about finding friendship in the least likely of places. The ninth book in the New York Times bestselling Emmie & Friends series, ENTIRELY EMMIE is told from the alternating POVs of shy Emmie and class-clown Joe as they embark on a school camping trip. These days, Emmie doesn’t feel so invisible. At least not around her best friends and her crush, Tyler. Class-clown Joe’s jokes aren’t landing the way they used to. Who doesn’t love a good prank? Apparently not his so-called friends, who don’t even seem to care if he’s around. When their class goes on an end-of-year camping trip, Emmie and Joe find themselves stuck together—and expect the worst. But what happens instead turns out to be entirely unexpected. Another heartwarming, funny story about friendship and personal growth with emphasis on themes of self-esteem, healthy communication, building and sustaining relationships, and learning to set boundaries.
Welcome to the club! Makayla is bursting with ideas but doesn't know how to make them into a story. Howard loves to draw, but he struggles to come up with ideas and his dad thinks comics are a waste of time. Lynda constantly draws in her sketchbook but keeps focusing on what she feels are mistakes, and Art simply loves being creative and is excited to try something new. They come together to form The Cartoonists Club, where kids can learn about making comics and use their creativity and imagination for their own storytelling adventures!
In the thrilling conclusion of the duology set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Serpent & Dove series by Shelby Mahurin, a vampire and the woman who tried to kill him prove that true love can conquer anything, even Death. Célie’s life is over. She took her final breath trying to save the people she loves—including the powerful and enigmatic vampire king, Michal, who refused to let her go. When Célie wakes, she cannot walk in the sun; she can hear her friends’ heartbeats and she craves their blood. Michal has cursed her to the eternal existence of a vampire.But Célie isn’t the only dead roaming the earth. Her sister, Filippa, has returned as a shadow of her former self, and other revenants are rising from their graves intent on revenge. The fragile balance between life and death has broken, awakening an even darker force—and he is coming for Célie, ready to claim her as his Bride. With the fate of their world at stake, Célie and Michal must set aside their searing attraction to mend the veil and right the balance, once and for all.
The first-ever cookbook from Highlights Press encourages kitchen confidence and creativity with 75 edible experiments. DO YOU KNOW….Why Bagels have holes? What makes some food sticky? With recipes like Marshmallow Meteorites, Grape and Cheese Towers, and even an Edible, Exploding Volcano, THE ULTIMATE SCIENCE COOKBOOK FOR KIDS won’t just have kids cooking—they’ll experiment, learn, and customize their creations. Whether they’re curious beginners or confident junior chefs, this cookbook offers easy-to-follow instructions, engaging science insights, and bright food photography that’s sure to make cooking an adventure. These easy fun recipes will encourage kids to explore new flavors while they learn practical cooking skills. With an easy kid friendly design and lots of photos, kids will delight in their discovery. Dozens of recipes allow for experimentation and personalization with science connections seamlessly integrated into each recipe, written in easy-to-understand, playful language.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
The Adventures of Jelly Bean and The Further Adventures of Jelly Bean are the stories of a fourth-grader who faces challenges that just about all children her age can recognize. Her parents don’t approve of her favorite friend in the whole world. She has trouble getting along with the brother who is closest in age to her. The uncle she loves so much is about to marry the most awful woman she could ever imagine, and the girl who used to be her best friend has turned on her. Jelly Bean faces these and other stumbling blocks, including: the difficulties in achieving and maintaining popularity and how important having certain friends should be to her; difficulties inherent in relationships with various friends and family members; and learning how to make decisions on her own. In these first two books of my middle-grade series, Jelly Bean comes to understand that much of life is trial and error, and that the only constant in life is that it is always changing.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Knucklehead, a YA poetry collection by Tony Keith, Jr., PhD., is written as a series of letters to Black boys and men, especially the gay and queer ones, that is full of black-and-white illustrations and unforgettable poetry that will heal, provoke and inspire. While society often assigns the label “knucklehead” to kids with attitude problems, this brilliant and electric poetry collection by spoken word poet and hip-hop educator Tony Keith Jr. subverts that narrow way of thinking and empathizes with young people who are misunderstood and unheard. “A love letter in verse to Black boys and men….Will resonate deeply with readers and poets on a path of self-discovery.”
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
The KIDZ BOP Kids are back in 2025 with their all new KIDZ BOP LIVE Certified BOP Tour, coming to a city near you. Sing and dance along to today biggest BOPs live on the big stage including “espresso”, “HOT TO GO”, & “Dance Monkey”. Join us for the ultimate pop concert experience for kids (and their grown-ups!) with eye-popping new stage design and interactive elements kids will love, as well as the return of the popular (and hilarious!) Daddy Dance Off. Don’t miss this annual live event that’s become the first concert experience for a generation of young fans. Tickets are on sale now! For all tour dates and ticket information, visit KIDZBOP.com. KIDZ BOP is the #1 music brand for kids, featuring today's biggest global pop hits, "sung by kids for kids."
Created by real-life astronaut Leland Melvin, Eisner-Award nominated comic creator Joe Caramagna, and brought to brilliant life by Alison Acton, SPACE CHASERS is a space adventure like no other. When Tia Valor takes a test on a whim for an exclusive NASA program for middle schoolers, she never thought she’d pass. After all, she never really fit in at school. In fact, she’s been skipping school most days to work at her brother’s auto shop instead. But Leland Melvin, a famed astronaut, sees potential in Tia, and before she knows it, she’s part of a team of other talented kids training to launch to an advanced space station orbiting the earth. But the perils of space are unpredictable and Tia finds herself with only half her crew and no adults around to help.Now she must rely on her instincts and the quick thinking of her fellow kid astronauts to save the space station and their lives!
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
In A WOLF CALLED FIRE, Warm, the younger and smaller brother of Swift (the protagonist of A Wolf Called Wander) must find the warrior in his own heart to protect his pack and earn his alpha name. A fast-paced survival story inspired by Wolf 8, a real Yellowstone wolf who started as the smallest in his pack and grew up to be a collaborative and generous patriarch of the largest pack. Warm, the timid one.Warm, the watcher.Warm, the only one.I look to the wolf star for courage, but all I feel is small. Warm is the smallest pup, the one his father calls the heart of the pack. But all Warm sees is his bigger siblings. With a little help from a wise pup watcher, Warm begins to understand the vital role an omega wolf (the lowest rank in the pack) plays—equally as important as the alpha. Just as Warm is finding his place, enemy wolves come to destroy and scatter the pack. Warm helps lead the pups away from the fight, only to find himself alone with four pups to defend and feed. Can he be both the heart and the head of a new pack? Does he have to choose the aggressive leadership style of his father and brothers? Or is there another way?
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
London, 1848—For four hundred years, England has been under the control of an immortal fae queen who tricked her way onto the throne. To maintain an illusion of benevolence, Queen Mor grants each of her subjects one opportunity to bargain for their deepest desire.As Ivy Benton prepares to make her debut, she knows that not even a deal with the queen could fix what has gone wrong: Her family’s social standing is in shambles, her sister is a shadow of her former self, and Ivy’s marriage prospects are nonexistent. So, when the queen announces a competition for Prince Bram’s hand, Ivy is the first to sign her name in blood. What a bargain can’t fix, a crown certainly could. Ivy soon finds herself a surprising front-runner—with the help of an unexpected ally: Prince Bram’s brother, the rakish Prince Emmett, who promises to help Ivy win his brother’s heart…for a price. But as the season sweeps Ivy away, with glittering balls veiling the queen’s increasingly vicious trials, Ivy realizes there’s more at stake than just a wedding. Because all faerie bargains come with a cost, and Ivy may have discovered hers too late.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Verity “Very” Nelson can do it all. She’s student body president, debate club whiz, and first chair clarinetist and can do the most push-ups in one minute in gym class. You could say she’s pretty much the best at everything…Well, almost everything. Everything except math. And it’s not like she doesn’t try. Math just doesn’t make sense in her brain. But it better start soon, or else she can kiss her presidency—and her campaign promises—goodbye. Soon Verity finds herself enrolled in a remedial math class where, despite her best efforts, failure persists. All seems lost until a teacher helps her discover the truth. Verity discovers that her struggles with math go beyond misunderstanding—she has dyscalculia, a learning disability that makes it hard for her brain to understand number-based information and math. Her eventual diagnosis helps her come to a better understanding of herself, and it mirrors author Hope Larson’s own struggles with dyscalculia. As the story progresses, Verity must learn that appearances aren't everything, especially when it comes to seeming like she has it all together. Armed with a new perspective, can Verity pass math, keep her presidency, and make good on her word to the student body she loves so much? Or will her presidency—and perfect reputation—all come crashing down?
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Highlights has teamed up with the founder of National Puzzle Day, Jodi Jill to get kids and families excited about puzzling together.Whether it's a crossword, jigsaw, trivia word searches, brain teasers or Sudoku, puzzles put our minds to work. Founded in 2002, National Puzzle Day is a way to share enjoyment of puzzles. As a syndicated newspaper puzzle maker and professional quiz maker, Jodi Jill developed classroom lesson plans especially for the observance and the popularity has grown year after year. Partnering this year withAllison Kane, Head of Puzzle Innovation at Highlights, they have developed some fun ways to celebrate Puzzle Day with fun free resources for your puzzle fun. Studies have found that when we work on a jigsaw puzzle, we use both sides of the brain. And spending time daily working on puzzles improves memory, cognitive function, and problem-solving skills.Word searches and crossword puzzles have the obvious benefit of increasing vocabulary and language skills. Sudoku, a puzzle sequencing a set of numbers on a grid, exercises the brain as well. By testing memory and logical thinking, this puzzle stimulates the brain and can improve number skills.Puzzles also offer social benefits. When we work on these brain teasers with someone, we improve our social interactions. Whether we join a group or play with our children, those interactions keep us socially active and teach our children social skills, too. Even working them quietly together provides an opportunity to focus the mind.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
The latest edition of America’s best-selling reference book documents the milestones that made the year 2024 unique and will serve as your number one source for years to come.“The World Almanac has been the source for definitive data and answers to questions on any subject since 1868,” said Sarah Janssen, executive editor of The World Almanac. “In a year of major change in the United States and around the world, the new edition of The World Almanac documents all the major moments to give a source of historic perspective and new understanding to any curious reader.”
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
“B is for bookish, for writers who urge change, like Joan Didion’s essays, Naomi Shihab Nye’s range. Brilliant poems, songs, stories, speeches and plays for those writing before us and those writing today. We know words are vital for the empathy they bring, How Maya Angelou taught us that even caged birds can sing.” The ABCs of Women’s History is an empowering picture book from the New York Times bestselling creative team behind The ABCs of Black History, Rio Cortez and Lauren Semmer. It’s a vibrant intersectional celebration of women’s power, resilience, and achievement, brought to life through stunning illustrations. In a beautiful picture book in verse brimming with G for Groundbreaking women, National Book Award nominee Rio Cortez and illustrator Lauren Semmer celebrate all the joys, challenges, and historic forward movement of women’s history in the United States, with a special focus on the Black women, brown women, transwomen, and others who make change happen. Featured in the book are activists and changemakers like Angela Davis and Marsha P. Johnson, painters and musicians like Georgia O’Keeffe and Kathleen Hanna, scientists and suffragists like Katherine Johnson and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and so many more trailblazing women! The ABCs of Women's History is perfect for providing a conversation starter about equality, women’s rights, and the brilliant women who shape our world. It’s about historic moments—Kamala Harris being sworn in as the first African-American and first Asian-American Vice President of the United States; Title IX passing through Congress; Seneca Falls, where the first women’s rights convention was held; the Riot Grrrls movement; and so much more. The book is complete with backmatter that shares the details and historical context of the women featured.
Aaron Mahke, has delighted millions of listeners for years with tales of wonderful and astounding moments of history. Now in CABINET OF CURIOSITIES: A Historical Tour of the Unbelievable, the Unsettling, and the Bizarre (St. Martin's Press; November 12, 2024; $30.00 hardcover) he's curated his favorites and pulled together over 150 largely unheard-of stories from history.
In CABINET OF CURIOSITIES some of the real life, bitesize tales include:
. The individual who aspired to be buried in a Pringles can. The real-life story behind Frankenstein's monster. The heir to Andrew Carnegie, whose sudden disappearance remains a mystery. The invention of the croissant in a country that was not France. How Abraham Lincoln's son was rescued by his assassin's brother. The story of how too many crash landings inspired one pilot to leave the airline industry and trek for the stars. The adventures of a dog that stowed away and went to war, only to help capture a German spy. Specifics on the American state of Franklin
"Aaron's stories bring history to life in a way that's reminiscent of Paul Harvey's approachable style, and of course, those curveball endings. What a great way to learn about our curious past!"― Brad Meltzer, bestselling author of The Nazi Conspiracy
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
An inspiring novel by Gary E. Parker, brings to life an enthralling story of perseverance, leadership, and breaking barriers in the world of high school sports. In a Friday Night Lights meets Erin Brockovich drama, “The Playbook” follows the journey of Chelsea Deal, a determined and innovative coach who challenges the status quo by leading a high school football team in a male-dominated sport. Through her leadership, Chelsea not only transforms her team but also redefines what it means to be a leader in a challenging environment. Author Gary E. Parker masterfully weaves a narrative that captures the essence of high school sports while tackling complex themes such as gender equality, racial dynamics, and social change. With a backdrop reminiscent of beloved classics like “Friday Night Lights” and “Coach Carter,” this book is not just about football; it’s about the life lessons learned on and off the field.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
SUSAN CASO, MA, LPC explains how now, more than ever, parents play a crucial role in their teens' lives. Her new book is: THE PARENT-TEEN CONNECTION: How to Build Lifelong Family Relationships. As a mom of three with both grown and middle school-aged children, Caso understands the complexities of raising kids in today’s hyper-connected world. The book draws on her 20 years of clinical experience, sharing personal insights and proven strategies to foster a deep emotional bond between caregivers and teenagers. The Parent-Teen Connection is more than just a guide — it's a roadmap for parents looking to cultivate what she calls "connectedness" within their families that safeguards teens in today's world. From building trust and belonging through the “mom/dad” role vs. the” parent” role to enhancing communication with their teens utilizing what she terms "the volley,” Caso gives families straightforward advice from both the standpoint of a therapist and a mother who has seen it all. Here are some other topics
The world needs weirdos. You know who’s weird? Astronauts, scientists, innovators, geniuses, creatives. Throughout history, the best and brightest among us have been willing to stand out, push boundaries, and be perceived as weird. Nikola Tesla, Margaret Wise Brown, Jim Henson, Katherine Johnson. Original ideas are weird. And then they are replicated. And that’s exactly what happens in this story. Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden is a wonderful, timeless book about being true to yourself by bestselling author Christy Mandin. Already an instant New York Times Bestseller, an Indie Bestseller and an Indie Next Pick, it is getting these reviews: "This dare-to-be-different picture book blends beautifully with the kids-to-the-rescue story...leaves readers with much to think about."--Shelf Awareness, starred review
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
SILLY SANTA is your latest picture board book for children. What makes it a Sandra Magsamen book- what are the key elements to your stories?· What do you like about the Christmas season and why did you want to write about it?· As a much beloved and best-selling children’s author with over 200 children’s and adult books, and multiple lifestyle brand partnerships, you really have become a household name. Why do you think your work speaks to us and touches so many?· Your books are known for making meaningful moments for families; by fostering a connection to the heart, how can we build on that connection at home when reading to our children?· Author, artist, art therapist, designer- which hat fits you best?· You seem to possess limitless creativity; are there any new creative outlets you want to explore?
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Available for the first time in the US, Solitaire introduces fan favorites Nick and Charlie from HEARTSTOPPER -and the unforgettable Tori Spring. Tori isn’t sure how to be happy again. Then she meets Michael Holden, and they try to unmask the mysterious Solitaire (and survive high school) in Oseman’s stunning, unflinchingly honest debut novel. The U.S. edition offers additional exclusive bonus content: an exclusive cover designed by Oseman herself as well as a Q/A with Oseman and her U.S editor, David Levithan. “Solitaire was the catalyst for so many other wonderful things that have happened in my life. And I look back on the story with fondness,” said Oseman.
Award winning, YA author, Robin Benway hits a homerun with this fun middle grade debut, THE GIRLS OF SKYLARK LANE about friendship, sisterhood and growing up. Author of 7 critically acclaimed YA novels, Benway has been published in more than 25 countries and now sets her sights on examining girl “tween” power. Aggie and Jac might be twin sisters, but lately they haven’t felt the same about anything. While Jac is excited about their move to Los Angeles and a chance to seem cool and mysterious, Aggie is worried her new locker won’t open, that Jac could make new friends without her, and that her friends from home will move on, leaving her all alone.When the first day at school ends with an invite to join the neighborhood softball team, Aggie jumps at the chance to meet the other girls, even if she has to drag along Jac, whose own interest in the softball team might have more to do with the captain’s older brother… Aggie is relieved to learn that each girl is dealing with their own problems and becomes excited at the opportunity to create strong friendships. But as Jac and Aggie grow into different people, will they be able to hold on to their sisterhood? For life throws the biggest curveball of all: growing up.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
An empowering story from #1 New York Times bestseller and Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park about a young snorkeling enthusiast who draws inspiration for fighting climate change from interacting with her pesty little brother. Inspired by her own experience, beloved author Linda Sue Park tells the story of a girl learning how to impact a cause she cares about while navigating the ups and downs of a sibling relationship and turning disappointment into opportunity. Gracie loves snorkeling! She loves it so much, she convinces her parents to let her plan a family vacation to Roatán, Honduras, where they can all snorkel together. She even makes a new friend there. Now, if only her irritating little brother would leave her alone, everything would be perfect. Then Gracie hurts her leg, and all her carefully made plans start to come apart. Worse still, she learns the reef itself is in serious danger. Gracie wants to help the reef . . . but she’s just a kid. What can she do to make a difference? Fortunately, her new friend has a few ideas!
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Trailblazing podcast studio and network, Wondery, recently announced the retail launch of the first-of-its-kind line of toys and Consumer Products inspired by the #1 science podcast for kids and their grown-ups, Wow in the World. The Wondery Kids & Wow in the World toy line offers enriching and innovative products that reimagine timeless toys and play patterns for the modern kid by leveling up the play – giving kids and their grown-ups a brand new way to engage.
With National STEM Day on November 8 and National STEAM Month taking place in November, chat with renowned podcast pioneers, New York Times- bestselling children’s book authors, and Wow in the World hosts Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas on how this innovative new line of STEM kits, dino play, and story time can bring a sense of “WOW” to your holidays and become a valuable part of play time.
For the first time ever, classic toys are paired with engaging companion audio – directly from Wow in the World podcast hosts Guy Raz and Mindy Thomas. As kids build, tinker, and play, with STEM kits from award-winning makers of premium STEM toys, Thames & Kosmos,they can listen to “bonkerballs” facts about the natural world – like how crystals and rainbows are related, why some plants glow in the dark, and how fossils formed. From rockets that ‘fart’ to dino-mite dinos, these toys fuse fun with hands-on STEM learning, giving kids and their grown-ups a totally new way to play. Additional toys including meticulously detailed dino-play figurines from toy and games-maker Goliath, and audio-play figurines from screen-free audio company tonies, allow kids to unleash their curiosity, and have a whole lot of fun along the way!
You can shop the entire line now on the brand-new Wondery Kids Amazon storefront (www.amazon.com/wonderykids). Select toys are also available at specialty in store retailers including Learning Express, Barnes & Noble, Nordstrom, Indigo, and Mastermind Toys.
Guy Raz has been described by the New York Times as "one of the most popular podcasters in history." He's the creator and the creative force behind How I Built This and Wisdom from the Top, and former host and co-creator of TED Radio Hour. Guy is also the co-founder of Tinkercast and co-host of the award-winning kids and family podcast, Wow in the World. He's been a regular guest on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and is a two-time, New York Times bestselling author. His books include How I Built This and Wow in the World: The How and Wow of the Human Body (co-authored with Mindy Thomas.)
Mindy Thomas, Co-Founder of Tinkercast and Chief Creative Tinkerer, is the co-creator of the award-winning, Wow in the World podcast, and co-author of the #1 New York Times bestselling book, Wow in the World: The How and Wow of the Human Body. She is also the Gracie award-winning host of the Absolutely Mindy Show on SiriusXM’s Kids Place Live, where she has spent the last 20 years entertaining kids and families across North America. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband and two kids, and has no plans of ever growing up.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
The Vert family is celebrating a very special occasion: it’s Ivan’s birthday! And Estie knows that every birthday needs a great party, with lots of guests, party hats, and twinkling tin foil stars. Because that is what everyone wants on their birthday, right? But did Estie ever ask Ivan?
Young Estie is an extrovert and Ivan is an introvert, and by watching excited Estie mistakenly plan a lively birthday celebration for quiet and understated Ivan, readers learn the same important lesson as Estie: It’s more than okay to be yourself, whoever that may be.
The New York Times bestselling duo of award-winning author Ann Patchett and Fancy Nancy artist Robin Preiss Glasser, first combined their superpowers of humorous, engaging text and vivid illustrations to create fun and captivating picture books with Lambslide and Escape Goat. Now they’re back at it again with The Verts, a heartfelt story about honoring our differences.
Melanie “Mel” Roberts and Ray Halfmoon may be from different Indigenous Nations, but the friends have become like siblings since the Roberts’s moved in with the Halfmoons. And they soon welcome a distinguished guest: Great-grandfather Bat, whose wing is injured, has taken refuge in their old oak tree.A rematch of the legendary Great Ball Game is coming up, with Bat as the star player. Grampa Charlie Halfmoon offers to drive Bat from Chicago down to the traditional playing field outside Macon, Georgia, and Mel and Ray are determined to help out.Together, they all set off on a road trip—facing adventure, danger, and a hair-raising mystery—on the way to the historic game.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Exposing children to creativity, hearing words spoken, and learning to craft stories is an important part of a child’s language development. Stinky’s Stories the new chapter book series from Chris and J. J. Grabenstein (Shine!), encourages children to strengthen their storytelling skills through the use of a story time stuffed skunk—appropriately named Stinky.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Miraculous follows the adventures of two seemingly typical teens, Marinette and Adrien, with secret identities who transform into superheroes, Ladybug and Cat Noir, when evil threatens Paris, their beloved City of Lights. The vibrantly-animated Miraculous series is a fan favorite that regularly tops the charts on both Netflix and Disney+.Fans can look forward to a new Miraculous special—"Miraculous World London: At the Edge Of Time"—premiering on Disney Channel on Thanksgiving weekend, plus a whole new season (Season 6) of the TV series coming soon!The show features a wide range of diverse characters so that all kids can see themselves represented on-screen. It also helps broaden kids’ worlds, as it’s set in such an iconic European city. Another great thing about Miraculous is the “girl power” messages it helps convey to young viewers.In addition to playing international “she-ro” Ladybug in Miraculous, Cristina Vee’s distinctive voice can be heard in The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy video games, Power Rangers HyperForce, as a guest on The Masked Singer, and more.Bryce Papenbrook, who voices Adrien Agreste, a.k.a. Cat Noir, in the series, is a professional voice over artist that has performed in numerous video games, cartoons, and television shows, including Inosuke Hashibira in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Caesar Anthonio Zeppeli in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, Red in Pokémon Origins, and he is the current voice of Silver the Hedgehog in the Sonic the Hedgehog series.
Introducing Stinky’s Stories, the first-ever illustrated chapter book series
from beloved New York Times bestselling authors Chris and J. J.
Grabenstein (Shine!) about a storytime stuffed skunk that has a smelly
take on classic fairytales. With over five million books in print and
best-known for #1 New York Times’ bestselling Mr. Lemoncello series, this
is Chris’ (and J.J.’s!) first foray into writing for a younger chapter book
audience.
Inspired by Chris and J.J.’s love for the library and instilling the importance
of reading at a young age, the new series takes a silly twist on well-known
storybook fables. Building on little kids’ sheer love of potty humor,
storytelling hero Stinky encourages his friends to use their imagination to create their own storybook endings. Filled with
page after page of hilarious illustrations by acclaimed artist Alex Patrick, Stinky’s Stories is the perfect series for young,
reluctant, and emergent readers—or any kid who just loves to laugh.
When Mac first opens his classroom copy of Jane Yolen's The Devil’s Arithmetic and finds some words blacked out, he thinks it must be a mistake. But then when he and his friends discover what the missing words are, he's outraged. Someone in his school is trying to prevent kids from reading the full story. But who? Even though his unreliable dad tells him to not get so emotional about a book (or anything else), Mac has been raised by his mom and grandad to call out things that are wrong. He and his friends head to the principal's office to protest the censorship... but her response doesn't take them seriously. So many adults want Mac to keep his words to himself. Mac's about to see the power of letting them out. Amy Sarig King writes this story from real life experience. Jane Yolen’s The Devil’s Arithmetic was censored in her local elementary school in the exact way as it’s described in her novel. After buying an uncensored copy at her local independent bookstore, she went to the principal to fix the problem, but was shrugged off as if she were crazy to think that censorship is wrong.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Award winning screenwriter and playwright, Moira Buffini turns her talents to her first YA dystopian trilogy. As an Olivier Award–winning UK playwright and BAFTA-nominated screenwriter, Buffini has created in SONGLIGHT the first in epic fantasy trilogy: The world of the Torch Trilogy is incredibly immersive, expansive, and richly imagined. The action is just getting going in SONGLIGHT, Book 1 of this epic story. We’re two songs joined. And there’s a word for that. A harmony. Elsa is used to hiding the most important parts of herself—her feelings for Rye, her distaste for a world ruled by men, and, most crucially, her gift of songlight. She buries that secret deep inside. In Brightland, those with songlight are called Unhumans and are abhorred. Rye is the only other person Elsa has known with songlight, and their shared bond has brought them together. Elsa’s world begins to fall apart one desperate, heart-wrenching day and she doesn’t know where to turn until a girl appears before her. But the girl isn’t really there—her songlight has been drawn to Elsa’s frantic grief. Elsa lives in a remote seaside village; Nightingale, her new friend, lives in a city hundreds of miles away with her father, a government official responsible for rooting out Unhumans. The two never expected to connect via songlight. But when they do, and when they realize the extent of their power, they’ll be thrust in the middle of a war that threatens their very existence
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
MAUREEN JOHNSON’S first stand-alone mystery in many years, DEATH AT MORNING HOUSE, features Marlowe Wexler, a queer teen who unlike Stevie, is no detective. Heartbroken after a disastrous date, she finds herself in a summer job working at a grand but dilapidated house in the Thousand Islands region of northern New York at the Canadian border. It’s there she stumbles upon two mysteries—one in the present day and one kept concealed since the 1930s. The novel begins with a fire, though it wasn’t Marlowe’s fault. But she’s sure that Akilah, the girl Marlowe has been in love with for years, will never go out with her again. No one dates an accidental arsonist. With her house-sitting career up in flames, Marlowe ends up as a tour guide at Morning House, a mansion built by Dr. Phillip Ralston, where he once lived with his wife, six adopted children, and young son. Marlowe uncovers a series of clues that lead her to the dreadful realization that the grounds of Morning House are hiding a horrific secret.
Calling all Dragon Masters! NYT’s best-selling author Tracey West is celebrating 10 years of her bestselling Dragon Masters early chapter book series with THE EPIC GUIDE TO DRAGON MASTERS.Featuring maps, information about Dragon Masters and their dragons, notes from wizards, the history of Dragon Masters, and more, this book has everything a future Dragon Master needs to know. In an author’s note, West writes, “In these pages, you will find facts and secrets about Dragon Masters and dragons. You will learn about wizards, magical creatures and fantastic ideas.” She adds, “We hope that by reading this book, you will become an even better Dragon Master.” Dragon Masters first published with Rise of the Earth Dragon on August 26, 2014, and the series now has more than 10 million copies in print. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence.
Filled with big, theatrical song and dance numbers, Disney’s new animated series Kindergarten: The Musical follows 5-year-old Berti and her new friends as they navigate the experiences that come with starting school for the first time. Each episode contains at least six fantastical Broadway-style musical numbers in a variety of styles that provide a peek into the kids’ imaginations. The series highlights themes of self-expression, developing friendships, having confidence in social situations, cultivating teamwork, the importance of imaginative play and the power of music.
Series creator Charlton Pettus and Kay Hanley are part of the creative team who helped bring Kindergarten: The Musical to life. For nearly 25 years, Charlton has been the touring guitarist, producer and cowriter for the legendary British rock band Tears for Fears. He produced and cowrote the band’s last two studio albums, The Tipping Point and Everybody Loves a Happy Ending. An established music producer, songwriter and musician, Pettus has collaborated with such artists as Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan, Josh Kelley and Selena Gomez, to name just a few.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
AMARI AND THE DESPICABLE WONDERS is the third book in a pitch-perfect middle grade fantasy series full of magical world building, witty humor, and genuinely surprising twists and turns. Readers will be on the edge of their seats, waiting to dive in! In AMARI AND THE DESPICABLE WONDERS, Elaine Harlowe has manipulated her way into becoming prime minister, and Dylan Van Helsing—Amari’s former partner— is the newly crowned leader of the League of Magicians, after a destructive new power. When Amari and her friends learn that the only way to stop Dylan is to find powerful magical inventions known as Wonders, they go after them. But wielding these items comes at a terrible cost, and Amari will have to decide just how much she’s willing to sacrifice... because the Despicable Wonders will demand everything.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
The stand-alone companion to the New York Times bestselling A Wolf Called Wander and A Whale of the Wild, A HORSE NAMED SKY by Roseanne Parry, introduces us to the young colt named SKY. He is ayoung, wild horse who must find his way across treacherous terrain to reunite with his family after being captured for the Pony Express. A fast-paced survival story about wild horses, family bonds, and a changing environment, with striking black-and-white illustrations throughout. We run together under the stars.One band. Safe and strong.Young colt Sky was born with the urge to run. Alongside his band, he moves across the range searching for fresh water and abundant grazing. But humans have begun to encroach on Sky’s homelands. With fewer resources to share, Sky knows that he must leave if his family is to survive. He hopes that one day, he’ll be strong and brave enough to return and challenge the stallion to lead the herd. Being a lone wild horse in a vast landscape is not easy, and things get even more dangerous when Sky is captured and forced to run for the Pony Express. Now, against all odds, Sky must find a way to escape and reunite with his family.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Sarah and Martha are women who live in the sea and on the coast. Their journey takes them through all aspects of the sea as they explore themselves and their relationship. Transfigured Sea is a work of literary fiction, written in prose with a few poems included. Minimal use of dialogue facilitates its dream-like atmosphere. This relationship undergoes many difficulties, as they travel. In the deep seabed, they face themselves and discover the healing light of bioluminescence. When Sarah finally walks back out onto the beach, she is full of stillness and silence. She is now self-sufficient and no longer dependent on the relationship with Martha. The major characters include Sarah who is a poet and a biologist. She has problems with her mother, who believes poetry to be morally wrong. Her mother also dominates and stifles Sarah. Sarah finds a shell on the beach which has a visionary quality. The other major character is Martha, sometimes known as the Sea Sprite. She was raped years ago, on land. She is gentle, but also self-centred. She makes sarcastic remarks and uses her wit to sidestep issues. The third major character is the sea itself. The plants and animals in the sea often parallel the lives of the two women. Themes include the role of the sea as a place of change and difficult personal growth. Another theme is the natural history of the ocean. The third theme is Ancient Greek mythology in terms of Nereides , or sea nymphs. They represent everything kind and beautiful about the sea and offer protection to those in distress. The settings are the various aspects of the sea, including the coast. These range from the beach to rocky coast, estuary, mangroves, shallow water, coral reef, open waters, Antarctica, a storm and the Deep. On the shores of the ocean, Laura and Daphne fantasize that they are mother and daughter, mother and Sea Spirit. They both have problems in their past, which they need to resolve. They set out to explore every aspect of the sea, from an estuary and mangroves to Antarctic waters and the deep ocean. Mother Sea is a whisper of emotion and a memory of intuition. She dwells in the subconscious. Sea creatures abound, from sea urchins and stingrays to dolphins and sharks. Some of these parallel the behavior of the women. Sea nymphs accompany them and they are assisted by a special conch shell. While they are exploring the sea, the women also explore their own make-ups. Laura remembers interactions with her own mother. Daphne needs healing. However, they have no idea of the profound changes which will come to them.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
hanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Fans of the Japanese Manga will thrill to the adventures of Unico, Scholastic’s first dive into the manga genre! Originally started as a Kickstarter campaign, author Samuel Sattin and artist Gurihiru brought back to life this beloved character from the God of Manga, Osamu Tezuka who also created Astro Boy. UNICO: AWAKENING is all about a young unicorn named Unico, who spreads positivity, and garners the wrath of the Goddess Venus, cursing him to forget his own memories. Saved from oblivion by the kindhearted West Wind, Unico continues to help others, before having to escape Venus again and begin a new adventure. Conceived anew by author Samuel Sattin and artist team Gurihiru, and developed in collaboration with Tezuka Productions, UNICO: AWAKENING is a groundbreaking reboot with striking full-color artwork and reading left to right in the Western comics style to match the original manga. Fans of Hayao Miyazaki, The
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
This timely and heartwarming story explores the complexities of love, friendship, and family amidst the backdrop of a politically divided nation. Debut author Emily Locker’s YA (young adult) novel, Running Mates, follows Annabelle and Gabe, two teenagers from opposite sides of the political spectrum who find themselves falling in love. As they navigate their budding romance, they must also grapple with the challenges of bridging the political divide that separates their families and their town. "This book is a must-read for anyone who wants a dose of empathy in their summer," raves Parents Magazine, which included "Running Mates" in its 2024 Ultimate Summer Reading List for Teens and Tweens. Regis High School in New York City also recommends the book for summer reading, praising its portrayal of civil discourse and its relevance to today's polarized political climate.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Beloved mindfulness teacher, best-selling author, and longtime Buddhist practitioner Susan Kaiser Greenlanddraws from science, psychology, Buddhism, wisdom traditions, and personal stories to offer a view of “real-world enlightenment”—where we shift from a narrow survival-driven frame of mind to one that is grounded and as vast as the sky. When we cultivate this expansive worldview from the inside out, we become more resilient, and we are able to build a kinder and more resilient world. To help us do this, she offers valuable methods and takeaways that allow you to apply these life-changing universal themes every day. They include:* Practical ways to recognize the basic goodness within and around you by tapping into sensory pleasures like music or nature. * Robust tools to manage stress and develop attention by focusing on a sight, sound, image, word, or phrase. * Catchy slogans that promote emotional balance when you feel overwhelmed, like “right now, I’m okay,” “drop the baggage,” or “don’t play the scene before you get there.” * Accessible meditation methods to experience life with greater equanimity by slowing down your thinking process to heighten awareness of the natural movement of your mind.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
The last thing Adriana and Jon expect to find in the harsh juvenile detention center in which they are both imprisoned is love. But when they start to communicate through Adriana’s journal, left in the center's shared library, the unexpected happens. Adriana knows why she is in Compass juvenile detention center: her bad taste in “friends.” If she can manage to keep her head down for the next seven months, she might be able to get through her sentence. Thankfully, she’s allowed to keep her journal, where she writes down her most private thoughts and observations when the pressure inside her is too much. Until the day she opens her journal and discovers that her thoughts are no longer so private. Someone has read her writings, and written back.
Neal Shusterman is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of more than fifty books, including Challenger Deep, which won the National Book Award; Scythe, a Michael L. Printz Honor Book; Dry, which he co-wrote with his son, Jarrod Shusterman; Unwind, which won more than thirty domestic and international awards; Bruiser, which was on a dozen state lists; The Schwa Was Here, winner of the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award; and Game Changer, which debuted as an indie top-five best seller. You can visit him online at storyman.com.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
“If you want to get away with murder, do it on an Indian reservation”so writes debut author, K,A, Corbell in her YA thriller, LOOKING FOR SMOKE, a sensitive look at the historic issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The Indigenous communities of the US and Canada face a prevailing issue in Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, or #MMIWG2S. The numbers speak for themselves: 84 percent of Native women have experienced violence and 56 percent have experienced sexual violence. The murder rate of Native women is three times more than that of white women, and in some locations the rate is more than ten times the national average. While Native women, girls, and two-spirit people are drastically more likely to be killed or go missing than any other group, these tragedies have typically not received the necessary attention from news media, law enforcement, or wider society. With deft talent and a fresh voice, K.A. Cobell carefully folds this epidemic into a fast-paced story of grief and secrecy, in a high-stakes whodunnit. When local teen Loren includes Mara in a traditional Blackfeet Giveaway to honor Loren’s missing sister, Mara thinks she’ll finally make some friends on the Blackfeet reservation. Instead, a girl from the Giveaway, Samantha White Tail, turns up murdered. The last four people to see Samantha alive—Mara, Loren, Brody, and Eli—become the persons of interest in the investigation, and every one of them has a complicated history with the victim and each other. To clear their names, they’ll have to take matters into their own hands—and find the murderer among them.LOOKING FOR SMOKEwillshine a light on not only this timely issue, but on the strength and hope of the Native communities affected by it.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
You need to work to live. That’s the truth for most people, and plenty of bosses have been abusing that truth for centuries. Long before the first labor unions were formed, workers still knew what exploitation looked like. It looked like the enslavement of Black people. It looked like generations of children dying in dangerous jobs. It looked like wealthy people hiring private militaries to attack their employees. But workers have always found a way to fight back. Arawak tribespeople resisted Columbus and his colonizers. Enslaved people led walkouts and rebellions. Textile workers demanded a wage that would let them have fun, not just survive. Miners died for the right to unionize. From 20,000 young seamstresses striking in the early 1900s to Uber drivers organizing for change today, we’re stronger when we are united. SHIFT HAPPENSis a smart, funny, and engaging look at the history of the worker actions that brought us weekends, pay equality, desegregation, an end to child labor, and much more.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Terri Libenson’s best-selling graphic novel series, Emmie & Friends, feature humorous portrayals of friends coming of age, figuring out where they fit, and navigating the challenges of middle school. The first five books – Invisible Emmie, Positively Izzy, Just Jamie, Becoming Brianna and Truly Tyler– deliver endearing and relatable stories about friendship and middle-school drama. Now, Terri introduces the sixth book in the series, Remarkably Ruby, a story about how there’s more to everyone than meets the eye.
Ruby and Mia are total opposites. Ruby is a little awkward, not a “joiner,” and loves to write poetry. While Mia is type A, popular, and wants to be class president. They used to be friends. But now they have nothing in common anymore. . . . Or do they?
Terri Libenson is the New York Times bestselling author of the Emmie & Friends children’s book series and award-winning cartoonist of the syndicated daily comic strip, The Pajama Diaries, which ran in hundreds of newspapers internationally from 2006-2020. Prior to that, she was an award-winning humorous card writer for American Greetings. Born and raised in Kingston, PA, Terri lives with her husband, two daughters, and spirited puppy in Cleveland, OH.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Jas Hammond’s debut novel, WE DESERVE MONUMENTS won the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe Award for New Talent, received B&N YA Book Award shortlist recognition, and garnered acclaim as a “Best Book of the Year” by BuzzFeed, People, Parents, Amazon, and more. THIRSTY, their second YA novel, explores society’s normalization of alcoholism through protagonist, Blake, who’s trying to gain admittance into an elite sorority while coming to terms with her alcohol addiction. It’s the summer before college and eighteen-year-old Blake Brenner and her girlfriend, Ella, have one goal: join the mysterious and exclusive Serena Society. The sorority promises status and lifelong connections to a network of powerful, trailblazing women of color. Ella’s acceptance is a sure thing—she’s the daughter of a Serena alum. Blake, however, has a lot more to prove. As a former loner from a working-class background, Blake lacks Ella’s pedigree and confidence. Luckily, she finds courage at the bottom of a liquor bottle. When she drinks, she’s bold, funny, and unstoppable—and the Serenas love it. But as pledging intensifies, so does Blake’s drinking, until it’s seeping into every corner of her life. Ella assures Blake that she’s fine; partying hard is what it takes to make the cut . . . But success has never felt so much like drowning. With her future hanging in the balance and her past dragging her down, Blake must decide how far she’s willing to go to achieve her glittering dreams of success—and how much of herself she’s willing to lose in the process.
From the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Joanna Ho, comes an uplifting call to action that highlights Asian American history, paired with vibrant and colorful illustrations by artist and activist, Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya. WE WHOPRODUCE PEARLSis a rich celebration of Asian American identity and a reminder of self-worth, of legacy, and, most of all, of destiny. This dynamic, lustrous Asian American anthem invites readers to turn pain and sacrifice into strength, to claim space for stories and dreams. Asian Americans are the history of this land and children of the celestial. This moving manifesto of rebirth will resonate with every reader who has ever felt underestimated, erased, or left out of the combination. In Joanna Ho’s true classic style, she creates a poetic ode that celebrates Asian American communities and their history. Debut illustrator Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya’s signature bright and bold palette brings to light the strength and power within us all, creating a mesmerizing, stunning, and magical masterpiece that proves how we can shape our pain and struggle into one of joy and power. Together, Joanna and Amanda remind readers to rise up, speak out, and step into power.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
LOUDER THAN WORDSis an amazing collaboration that brings together two inspirational Black artists, New York Times bestselling author Ashley Woodfolk and actress Lexi Underwood, for a story about the transformative power of art as protest and its capacity to change the world. When Jordyn Jones transfers to Edgewood High, it’s her opportunity to forget everything that happened at her old school. To forget what she and her friends did. To forget who she used to be. That was a different person—this is a fresh start. Now she’s someone new, someone better. Except it’s the very first day of school, and somehow everyone already seems to know who she is. But Jordyn soon finds a group of friends, and she even starts talking to Izaiah, a soccer star who shares her love of art. Life is good. That’s until an anonymous podcast called Tomcat Tea begins revealing humiliating secrets about Edgewood students, ruining their reputations and in some cases their futures. Jordyn and her friends know they have to do something—and this is Jordyn’s chance to prove to herself that she’s changed. Jordyn’s plan to take down the podcast throws her into the spotlight, and as the momentum builds, so do the risks— because Jordyn has a secret of her own, one that could ruin everything . . . and that a mysterious harasser online is threatening to expose. In an author letter, Ashley and Lexi say that LOUDER THAN WORDS “tackles the complexities of being human by examining the choices and mistakes we all make, the forgiveness we all need, and the redemption we all deserve.” They go on to share, “We hope this novel will show readers that no matter who they are or what they’ve done, there is always time to change and space to heal.”
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
This provocative Young Adult novel by best-selling author Jennifer Donnelly will forever change how you think about beauty, power, and what it really means to follow your heart. When Arabella faces makes her debut in society, her parents want her to be sweet and compliant so she can marry well, but try as she might, Arabella can't extinguish the fire burning inside her -- the source of her deepest wishes, her wildest dreams. When an attempt to suppress her emotions tragically backfires, a mysterious figure punishes Arabella with a curse, dooming her and everyone she cares about, trapping them in her castle. As the years pass, Arabella abandons hope. The curse is her fault -- after all, there's nothing more "beastly" than a girl who expresses her anger -- and the only way to break it is to find a boy who loves her for her true self: a cruel task for a girl who's been told she's impossible to love. When a handsome thief named Beau makes his way into the castle, the captive servants are thrilled, convinced he is the one to break the curse. But Beau -- spooked by the castle's strange and forbidding ladies-in-waiting, and by the malevolent presence that stalks its corridors at night -- only wants to escape. He learned long ago that love is only an illusion. If Beau and Arabella have any hope of breaking the curse, they must learn to trust their wounded hearts, and realize that the cruelest prisons of all are the ones we build for ourselves.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
In the tradition of timeless classics like Charlotte’s Weband Stuart Little, the one and only Katherine Applegate has crafted a poignant, delightful, heartbreaking, unforgettable final foray into the world of Ivan, the world’s favorite silverback gorilla. For more than a decade, readers have been enchanted by the modern classic The One and Only Ivan, a Newbery Award winner and a #1 New York Times bestseller, and by its bestselling sequels, The One and Only Bob and The One and Only Ruby.
In the highly anticipated finale to the series, The One and Only Family, Ivan has been happily living in a wildlife sanctuary, with his friend Ruby next door in the elephant enclosure, frequent visits from his canine friend Bob, and his mate Kinyani by his side. And in the happiest turn of all, Ivan and Kinyani have welcomed a set of twins to their family!
Ivan loves being a papa, even though it can be hard sometimes. But as he navigates the joys and challenges of parenthood, he can’t help but recall his life before the glass walls of the mall circus, his own childhood in the jungle—and his own twin.
Katherine Applegate is the Newbery Medal-winning and #1 New York Timesbestselling author of numerous books for young readers, including the The One and Onlyseries, the Endling series, Crenshaw, Wishtree, the Roscoe Riley Rules chapter books series, and the Animorphs series.
Applegate’s #1 New York Times-bestselling The One and Only series has sold over 9 million copies, received a Newbery Award, and was a TODAY Show Read with Jenna Jr. pick. The One and Only Ivan was adapted into a Disney+ movie starring Bryan Cranston, Sam Rockwell, and Angelina Jolie.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
From three-time Newbery Honoree Christina Soontornvat and award-winning historian Erika Lee comes a middle grade nonfiction that shines a light on the generations of Asian Americans who have transformed the United States and who continue to shape what it means to be American. It begins centuries before America even exists as a nation. It is connected to the histories of Western conquest and colonialism. It’s a story of migration; of people and families crossing the Pacific Ocean in search of escape, opportunity, and new beginnings. It is also the story of race and racism. Of being labeled an immigrant invasion, unfit to become citizens, and being banned, deported, and incarcerated. Of being blamed for bringing diseases into the country.It is also a story of bravery and hope. It is the story of heroes who fought for equality in the courts, on the streets, and in the schools, and who continue to fight in solidarity with others doing the same. This book is a stirring account of the ordinary people and extraordinary acts that made Asian America and the young people who are remaking America today.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
The iconic Latina heroine Dora the Explorer is back with an all-new CG-animated series that premieres Friday, April 12th, exclusively on Paramount+. With beautiful animation and imaginative character-driven storylines, DORAfollows everyone’s favorite bilingual explorer, Dora and her best monkey friend, Boots, as they embark on epic adventures in a fantastical rainforest. Guided by trustworthy Map, Dora and her friends must work together to overcome many obstacles while being challenged by the sneakiest fox, Swiper.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Lullabies, love songs, caroling, karaoke — have you ever wondered . . . why do we sing? Travel the world and learn about the reasons we sing—to have fun and share our stories; to pass the time and remember times past; and to come together and celebrate! With gentle rhyming text, this musical adventure around the globe is the perfect introduction to the magical world of singing—from Bollywood to Broadway to your own backyard! Sam and Casey also sharea passion for global music. Their popular TikTok series, 1 Song Every Country, where they sing a song from a different country (in a native language!) in each video, has a collective 65.5 million views.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
For Elio Solis, eighth grade fizzes with change--his body teeming with hormones. His feelings that flow like lava. His relationship withPops, who's always telling him to man up, the Solis way. And especially Camelia, his first girlfriend. But when betrayal and heartbreak send Elio spiraling toward revenge, he doesn't anticipate that a fight to prove his manhood and defend Camelia's honor will lead to dire consequences--or that Camelia's not looking for a savior. Crackling with comedy and unflinching candor, Ultraviolet digs deep into themes of consent, puberty, masculinity, and the emotional lives of boys, as it challenges stereotypes and offers another way to be in the world. It speaks directly to tweens' and young teens' lived experiences and will make them feel seen.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
From Netflix star and New York Times bestselling author Phil Rosenthal and his daughter Lily comes a hilarious picture book about a food-loving dad encouraging his picky eater daughter to just try something new.Phil has one rule about food: try everything at least once. Otherwise, how will you know what you like? His daughter Lil disagrees. She already knows what she likes-just bread and pasta with no sauce-and that's all there is to it!When the two go to a food truck festival, Phil tries introducing Lil to all kinds of delicious cuisine, but she doesn't budge. Just when it looks like it's going to be a very long day, an unexpected mustard accident changes everything.
The OurEcho Challenge is a STEM competition that empowers young changemakers to take a closer look at biodiversity in their communities. Recognizing that half of the world’s biodiversity has been destroyed since 1970, the OurEcho Challenge engages young problem solvers in understanding and protecting the amazing diversity of species essential for the future of our planet. Teams of young leaders, ages 13-16, tackle the decline in biodiversity head-on by identifying threats to natural resources in their communities and developing an innovative solution and action plan in the form of a sustainable process or prototype.
Presented by EarthEcho International, the global nonprofit founded on the belief that youth have the power to change our planet, submissions for the 2024 OurEcho Challenge are being accepted now thru April 26, 2024 and is open to students ages 13-16, first identify threats to local ecosystems and then propose solutions to protect or repair those natural resources.
As young people are agents of change, entrepreneurs and innovators, activating and engaging them is key to building a durable conservation movement that can move with the speed and audacity needed to transform the future.
“Music Matters Challenge” that will be launching on March 26, coinciding with “Music In Our Schools Month,” a national online music challenge that will help raise awareness and dedicate resources for music programs in the nation’s underserved schools. Two grand prizes will be awarded – one for an individual ($10,000 in cash and the opportunity to select a music teacher to receive a three year salary); and one for school entries (a $25,000 school grant). John created the challenge with Cayley Tullman of the Tullman Family Office, after the Grammy nominated singer/songwriter, Tullman, and a group of eight students participated in weekly after-school workshops to compose an original song, “Let Music Fill My World,” which expressed why music mattered in their lives. The students wrote all of the verses in the song themselves, and had the opportunity to professionally record their song and create a music video with the help of seasoned industry music producers. As a part of this effort, the Tullman Family Office fully funded a full-time music teacher for the students at Chicago’s Farragut Career Academy, which propelled the idea to create the “Music Matters Challenge.” To enter the contest, visit: www.letmusicfillmyworld.com. Listen to “Let Music Fill My World” HERE.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Middle Grade and YA Author, Ali Terese shares her chaotically funny voice and community-oriented message, in FREE PERIOD, a cry of protest spotlighting both the undeserved shame young people feel around menstruation and the importance of friendship to all who experience it.Best friends Helen and Gracie are pranking their way through middle school when a stinky stunt lands them in the front office — again. Because nothing else has curbed their chaos, the principal orders the best friends to do the unthinkable: care about something, anything, to make them stop! So, they join the school’s Community Action Club with plans to do as little as humanly possible. But when Helen is caught unprepared by an early period and bleeds through her pants — they were gold lamé! — the girls take over the club’s campaign for maxi pads in bathrooms for all students who menstruate. In the name of period equity, the two friends use everything from over-the-top baked goods to glitter gluing for change. But nothing can prepare them for a clueless school board (ew), an annoying little sister (ugh), and crushes (oh my!). As Helen and Gracie find themselves closer to change and in deeper trouble than ever before, they must decide if they care enough to keep going . . . even if it costs them their friendship.”
In a final clash between kingdoms and gods, all must rise to fight - or be destroyed.
Everything has come to this. Prepare for a larger-than-life, unforgettable finale to the instant New York Times bestselling Realm Breaker series, where a shattered alliance must rise from the ashes to make their final stand against a ruthless enemy…and the demon god who looks to shroud the entire world in darkness.
The Companions are scattered and hopeless, torn from each other. After Corayne barely escapes with her life, she must forge on alone, leaving her blade broken and her allies behind her. Her only consolation: Corayne now has Taristan's sword, the only Spindleblade left in existence. Without it, he can’t rip open any more Spindles. Without it, he can’t end the world. But Taristan and Queen Erida will not be defeated so easily. Both will burn the world to bring down Corayne - and bring forth their demon god, What Waits, ready to claim the realm of Allward for his own.
Victoria Aveyard was born and raised in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, a small town known only for the worst traffic rotary in the continental United States. She moved to Los Angeles to earn a BFA in screenwriting at the University of Southern California. She currently splits her time between the East and West coasts. As an author and screenwriter, she uses her career as an excuse to read too many books and watch too many movies. She is also the author of the New York Times bestselling Red Queen series.
Thank you for being part of the conversation. This is Play It Forward. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward Episode 616 with author Ridley Pearson. You’ve likely heard of Ridley Pearson as the Edgar-nominated author of over sixty novels including two New York Times #1 bestsellers. The Fulbright fellow who plays in a band with Stephen King, Dave Barry, Amy Tan and Scott Turow is also the author of KINGDOM KEEPERS INHERITANCE: VILLAINS' REALM, the second in a trilogy for middle grade readers which follows young heroes to Disney parks around the world. The first volume has sold over a million copies. With the help of Cinderella's very own Fairy Godmother-the notorious FGM as she's known in this world-they set out to stop Ursula-jumping from Epcot to Disneyland to Disneyland Paris, where the ultimate battle between good and evil plays out.
It's exceptionally rare to see a total solar eclipse where you live, or even within driving distance, but on Monday, April 8th, millions of people in the U.S. will have that chance. Hotel rates are skyrocketing and many schools are taking the day off, but a lot of people are left wondering: Are total solar eclipses really worth the hype? When the total solar eclipse of 2017 passed through her hometown, Nebraska mom Jayme Sandberg didn’t think much about it and almost missed one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights right in her backyard. Fast forward several years later to another chance to see a rare total solar eclipse in the U.S. and Sandberg is not only chasing it, she’s sharing her personal story—along with her popular new children’s picture book—to make sure parents like her and elementary kids across the country take full advantage. Told from the Sun’s perspective as the Moon boldly prepares to block the light of our brightest star, Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story shows readers how to safely view a total solar eclipse while also demonstrating the unexpected ways we shine working together. With its memory page in the back, the book doubles as a one-size-fits-all souvenir. In interviews on Tuesday, February 15th, Sandberg can talk about her book Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story, her eclipse advice for fellow parents, and why seeing a total solar eclipse is TOTALLY worth the hype.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Poet, writer, and hip-hop educator Tony Keith Jr. makes his debut with a powerful YA memoir in verse, tracing his journey from being a closeted gay Black teen battling poverty, racism, and homophobia to becoming an openly gay first-generation college student who finds freedom in poetry.Tony dreams about life after high school, where his poetic voice can find freedom on the stage and page. But the Boogeyman has been following Tony since he was six years old. First, the Boogeyman was after his Blackness, but Tony has learned It knows more than that: Tony wants to be the first in his family to attend college, but there’s no path to follow. He also has feelings for boys, desires that don’t align with the script he thinks is set for him and his girlfriend, Blu.Despite a supportive network of family and friends, Tony doesn’t breathe a word to anyone about his feelings. As he grapples with his sexuality and moves from high school to college, he struggles with loneliness while finding solace in gay chat rooms and writing poetry. But how do you find your poetic voice when you are hiding the most important parts of yourself? And how do you escape the Boogeyman when it's lurking inside you?
Osaka Popstar is the pop-punk music and art project of singer/producer John Cafiero, long-time Misfits & Ramones collaborator and platinum selling film and video director. The critically acclaimed debut album “Osaka Popstar & the American Legends of Punk” features frontman Cafiero with a revolving lineup of punk-rock legends as guests in his backing band including members of the Misfits, Ramones, Black Flag, the Voidoids and more. Other recent Osaka Popstar releases include members of Superchunk, Bob Mould, The Smithereens, Sparks, Roxy Music, Milk ‘n’ Cookies, and the Voluptous Horror of Karen Black in the backing band.
Osaka Popstar transcends punk rock, comic books, and anime themes beyond music alone with limited edition vinyl toy releases, collaborations with Topps; having appeared in their Garbage Pail Kids & Wacky Packages series, and animated Osaka Popstar music videos have even debuted on the Nintendo 3DS gaming platform under license to Nintendo.
Cafiero’s long standing collaborations with the Misfits remain consistent two decades deep on both a creative and business level. Among other endeavors Cafiero edited the acclaimed book “Commando: the Autobiography of Johnny Ramone”, Directed the chart topping “Ramones Raw” documentary, and modern day cult-classic feature film “Big Money Hustlas” starring the Insane Clown Posse, Rudy Ray Moore (aka “Dolemite”), WWE’s Mick Foley, & the Jerky Boys.
In addition to the legendary Misfits (currently headlining arena shows reuniting Original Misfits co-founders Glenn Danzig & Jerry Only), Cafiero also manages the Estate of Dee Dee Ramone (of the world famous Ramones). When the Ramones received a lifetime achievement Grammy Award in 2011, Cafiero had the honor of accepting and speaking on behalf of the late punk icon.
Cafiero has produced music by everyone from punk icons the Misfits, to the late pop icon Ronnie Spector—and the #1 charting album “Dr. Demento Covered in Punk” which he produced and conceived of. His band Osaka Popstar’s cover of the ‘demented’ classic “Fish Heads” (from “Dr. Demento Covered in Punk”) was ranked in the top 10 most requested songs of 2018 on the Dr. Demento Show and the focus of a fully-animated music video.
As of February 2024, Ukraine solemnly marks two years of a full-scale invasion, which has a devastating impact on children and their families. HarperCollins Children’s Books and Creative Artists Agency (CAA) are joining forces with Endless OS Foundation and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to translate and bring many celebrated and New York Times bestselling children’s books, in both e-book and hardcover format, to children and their families displaced by the conflict in Ukraine.
A selection of HarperCollins children’s books is available in the Ukrainian language and will be distributed to children ages 5–18+ who have been displaced by the war in Ukraine. E-books will be available on online retail and library channels worldwide, as well as through Endless Key, an online and downloadable app designed to help offline communities access educational resources without an internet connection. Hundreds of hardcover books will be distributed through the International Rescue Committee, a global nonprofit that helps people affected by humanitarian crises, and its local partners in the United Kingdom, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Hungary, Moldova, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Look ‘N Up Invasion is not your typical science-fiction story, but this coming-of-age debut novel does create a fresh look at celebrating diversity by imagining a world without it. It is a world with “no other” – no other race or religion, no other ideas, no choice, no new DNA, and no escape.
Smith, a child of a liberal 1960s household, uses her book to debate issues such as democracy vs. theocracy and science vs religion, tackling many contemporary issues, including human rights, women’s place in society, diversity, friendship, family, loyalty, and war. The reader is transported to a different world, where only your survival instincts can save you. Here, every creature is determined to have an uncanny survival instinct.
“The twists and turns in the narrative,” says Christina Avina ofPacific Book Review, “including the shocking ending, will showcase the importance of learning from one another and recognizing our differences while finding new ways to come together, united, and end the judgment that we reserve for those different from us.
According to the CDC, anxiety affects approximately one in 11 children aged 3-17. A panel of experts recently recommended that all children 8 and older be screened for anxiety. Award-winning Pakistani American writer, Hena Kahn, hopes to help address America’s mental health crisis among children in her middle grade novel, Drawing Deena. Deena is a lovable and relatable young artist who struggles with anxiety, who wants her parents to stop fighting and having money woes, and dreams of being a painter like her idol Vincent van Gogh. She learns to stand up against bullies of all ages and that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Deena’s never given a name to the familiar knot in her stomach that appears when her parents argue about money, when it’s time to go to school, or when she struggles to find the right words. She manages to make it through each day with the help of her friends and the art she loves to make. While her parents’ money troubles cause more and more stress, Deena wonders if she can use her artistic talents to ease their burden. She creates a logo and social media account to promote her mom’s home-based business selling clothes from Pakistan to the local community. With her cousin and friends modeling the outfits and lending their social media know-how, business picks up. But the success and attention make Deena’s cousin and best friend, Parisa, start to act funny. Suddenly Deena’s latest creative outlet becomes another thing that makes her feel nauseated and unsure of herself. After Deena reaches a breaking point, both she and her mother learn the importance of asking for help and that, with the right support, Deena can create something truly beautiful.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
A powerful companion picture book about adoption and family written by New York Times bestselling author Joanna Ho,( Eyes that Kiss in the Corners), and( Eyes That Speak to the Stars) and award-winning author/educator Liz Kleinrock, a transracial adoptee.Her family bond is deep and their connection is filled with love. She wonders about her birth mom and comes to appreciate both her birth culture and her adopted family's culture, for even though they may seem very different, they are both a part of her, and that is what makes her beautiful. She learns to appreciate the differences in her family and celebrate them.
Inspired by the age-old tradition of settling things with your best friends, the game comes to life through the shenanigans of pals Rock, Paper and Scissors in Nickelodeon’s new animated series Rock Paper Scissors. The titular characters, Rock, Paper and Scissors, are a trio of best friends and roommates who lovingly compete over everything in hilarious but mostly wildly absurd ways. Throughout season one, the trio will go to extremes playing hide-and-seek around the world, running from the birthday police, defending the world from an alien invasion, going head-to-head with the Rat Bros and more.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
In Spirit of a Hummingbird, Felicia Thai Heath, the daughter of Vietnamese and Chinese immigrants who met in the United States, gives us a disquieting, eventful memoir based on her early childhood on the run with her father—a notorious Vietnamese kingpin and escaped convict—and her conflicted mother. Clever and mature beyond her age, young Felicia experienced poverty and witnessed abuse as her dysfunctional family bounced around in the United States and Canada. Amid all the tumult and terror, she found ways to love her family, educate herself, navigate her world, and discover her potential. Now she must decide how to live with the past—and whether her future can include her father.Spirit of a Hummingbird was an instant Amazon Best Seller in Survival Biographies, in Emigration & Immigration Studies (Books), Asian American History, and in Poverty Studies.
In ESPN’s short film Black Girls Play (which won Best Short Doc at the Tribeca Festival), filmmakers Michèle Stephenson and Joe Brewster chronicle the origins of the hand games that young Black girls have played for generations, and their influence on music, dance, and community all across the American creative landscape. Tracing the beginnings of the games all the way back to the slavery era, the film’s collection of illuminating voices — including musicians, music educators and ethnomusicologists — trace a fascinating cultural history that explains the significance of hand games, particularly in the evolution of popular music from jazz all the way to hip hop. The film also explores hand games’ influence on style and individualism everywhere from the playground to TikTok videos today.
Filmmaker, artist and author, Michèle Stephenson, pulls from her Haitian and Panamanian roots and experience as a social justice lawyer to think radically about storytelling and disrupt the imaginary in non-fiction spaces. She tells emotionally driven, personal narratives of resistance and identity that center the lived experiences of communities of color in the Americas and the Black diaspora.
In 2023, Michèle’s feature documentary Going To Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and premiered on MAX. Previously, her feature documentary American Promise was nominated for three Emmys and won the Jury Prize at Sundance. Along with her writing partners, Joe Brewster and Hilary Beard, Michèle won an NAACP Image Award for Excellence in a Literary Work for their book, Promises Kept. Currently, she is in post-production on a feature on the death of Freddie Gray and a program for the CBC on the Black Power movement in Canada.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Our Earth’s oceans, forests, grassland deserts, and even cities are home to a wide variety of amazing animals with crazy cool slaying skills that help them hunt for food and defend themselves. In National Geographic’s DEADLIEST ANIMALS ON THE PLANET, find out where these impressive creatures live, what makes them tick, how they beat the odds in harsh habitats, and just what makes them so deadly. Meet the Nile crocodile and learn about its astonishing bite force. Discover the elephant seal’s deafening roar. Explore how the jaguar’s speed and night vision help it ambush prey. Encounter enormous harpy eagles, bone -crushing snakes, venomous spiders and more. With jaw dropping photos and surprising facts, animal lovers can get up close and personal with the word’s most fearsome and fascinating animals. With snackable content, and humor DEADLIEST ANIMALS ON THE PLANET, is great for readers of all levels. Even tiny animals like cute little jewel-toned frogs or massive sleepy-looking , plant eating hippos can pack a deadly punch. A perfect stocking stuffer for young animal lovers!
To write these books, Brad has worked with everyone from Dolly Parton, Billie Jean King and Jane Goodall -- all of whom helped with their I AM book – as well as with the estates of Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., and so many others. For this newest book, Justice Ginsburg’s daughter was a mentor of Brad, giving him unprecedented access to stories and photos. Brad came up with the idea for the books for his own children. He wanted his two sons and daughter to have real heroes to look up to. His children are now young adults and are part of a generation of kids raised on this series. Some of his most well-known books have been banned and challenged (I am Rosa Parks and I am Martin Luther King, Jr.), but Brad is one of the few authors who’s been able to fight back, win, and get his books reinstated. Brad has numerous bestselling thrillers, non-fiction history books, and even comic books, which is why the Hollywood Reporter put him on their list of the 25 Most Powerful Authors. He even makes history himself, finding the missing 9/11 flag with his History Channel TV show.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
The Wings of Fire series is an epic adventure set in a world entirely ruled by dragons. Across two continents and 10 tribes, the series explores vicious wars, enduring friendships, and heroic quests that span generations of fascinating dragon characters. Tui T. Sutherland’s wholly original novels have enthralled fans across our own globe, with more than 23 million copies of the books in print available in 16 languages. The New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling series is celebrated in Wings of Fire: A Guide to the Dragon World - a true companion to the entire 15 book series featuring stories and art from Sutherland’s dragon world! Sutherland, and Wings of Fire cover artist Joy Ang, delve deeper into the legends of the 10 dragon tribes, creating the ultimate collection for every FanWing. Each chapter of A GUIDE TO THE DRAGON WORLD explores the history, mythology, and characters of the beloved series in a truly spectacular and gift-worthy edition.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
It's been 20 years since Mean Girls hit theaters, winning over critics and audiences alike with its razor-sharp wit, star-making turns for its then unknown cast, and obsessively quotable screenplay by Tina Fey. Fast forward two decades and Mean Girls remains as relevant as ever. Arguably, no other movie from the 2000s has had as big of an impact on pop culture. In So Fetch, New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong offers the first ever authoritative book about this beloved classic that shaped an entire generation. Based off revealing interviews with the director, cast, and crew, So Fetch tells the full story of the making of Mean Girls, from Tina Fey's brilliant adaptation of a self-help guide for parents of teen girls, to the challenges of casting Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, and the iconic supporting players. So Fetch also explores the film's lasting cultural influence, from its role in the rise of Y2K tabloid culture, impact on girls of all ages and lgbtq+ culture, to how we use it to define female relationships to this day. Timed for the 20th anniversary and the release of the new movie musical adaptation, So Fetch is the perfect companion for fans and anyone who understands that when it comes to Mean Girls' enduring legacy, the limit does not exist!
Zip through astronaut training school! Slip into a black hole! Apply for a job as a NASA astronaut! Meet the animals who made it to space! And that’s just the beginning! Jam-packed with eye-popping illustrations, jaw-dropping facts, jokes, quizzes, comics, and everything else that makes up our universe, this is your one-stop shop for all things space. The who, what, when, where, why, how, and WOW - all in one place!
America’s bestselling reference book of all time is The World Almanac, with more than 83 million copies sold. For more than 150 years, this compendium of information has been the authoritative source for school, library, business, and home. The 2024 edition of The World Almanac reviews the biggest events of 2023 and will be your go-to source for questions on any topic in the upcoming year. “ A treasure trove of political, economic, scientific and educational statistics and information” -- The Wall Street Journal Talk to Sarah Janssen, editor of The World Almanac on Tuesday, December 12, about:Election 2024: A new feature covers all voters need to know going into the 2024 presidential election season, including primary and caucus dates, candidate profiles, campaign finance numbers, and more.World Almanac Editors’ Picks: Time Capsule: The World Almanac lists the items that most came to symbolize the year 2023, including a Swiftie-created friendship bracelet and the House Speaker’s gavel.Top 10 News Topics, Year in Sports, Year in Pictures, Offbeat news stories (some of the strangest stories of the year), and World at a Glance (quick look at the surprising stats and curious facts that define a changing world)Other New Highlights: Stats and graphics across dozens of chapters show how the pandemic continues to affect the economy, work, family life, education, and culture.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
De’Andrea Whitman, her husband Malik, and their 5-year-old daughter, Nina, are new to the upper-crust white suburb of Rolling Hills, Virginia—a move motivated by circumstance rather than choice. De’Andrea is heartbroken to leave her comfortable life in the Black oasis of Atlanta, and between her mother-in-law’s Alzheimer's diagnosis, her daughter starting kindergarten, and the overwhelming whiteness of Rolling Hills, she finds herself struggling to adjust to her new community. To ease the transition, her therapist proposes a challenge: make a white girlfriend.When Rebecca Myland learns about her new neighbors, the Whitmans, she's thrilled. As chair of the Parent Diversity Committee at her daughters’ school, she’s championed racial diversity in the community—and what could be better than a brand-new Black family? It’s serendipitous when her daughter, Isabella, and Nina become best friends on the first day of kindergarten. Now, Rebecca can put everything she’s learned about antiracism into practice—especially those oh-so-informative social media posts. And finally, the Parent Diversity Committee will have some… well, diversity. Following her therapist’s suggestion, De’Andrea reluctantly joins Rebecca’s committee. The painfully earnest white woman is so overly eager it makes De’Andrea wonder if Rebecca’s therapist told her to make a Black friend! But when Rolling Hill’s rising racial sentiments bring the two women together in common cause, they find it isn’t the only thing they have in common.
WE DREAM A WORLD: Carrying the Light from My Grandparents, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King by Yolanda Renee King, with illustrations by award-winning artist Nicole Tadgell serves as a grandchild’s gift to her grandparents – and the world. Inspired by her family’s legacy of national civil rights advocacy, Yolanda Renee King is leading a new generation of modern activists. Though the 15-year-old never met her grandfather, she has galvanized countless young people to stand up and speak out on a range of issues affecting the world today – racial equality, gun violence, climate change, poverty, education, and more. Her new book, a call for unity and equality, is inspired by Langston Hughes’s seminal poem I Dream A World. The book’s narrative expresses Yolanda’s deep love for her grandparents, while also speaking to children everywhere about her hopes for a new future, as expressed through her call-and-response affirmation that brings thunderous participation at her public speeches and addresses: “Spread the word! Have you heard? All across the nation, we are going to be a great generation!”
Isa de Smit was raised in the vibrant, glittering world of her parents’ small art gallery in Amsterdam, a hub of beauty, creativity, and expression, until the Nazi occupation wiped the color from her city’s palette. The “degenerate” art of the Gallery de Smit is confiscated, the artists in hiding or deported, her best friend, Truus, fled to join the shadowy Dutch resistance. And masterpiece by masterpiece, the Nazis are buying and stealing her country’s heritage, feeding the Third Reich’s ravenous appetite for culture and art. So when the unpaid taxes threaten her beloved but empty gallery, Isa decides to make the Nazis pay. She sells them a fake—a Rembrandt copy drawn by her talented father—a sale that sets Isa perilously close to the second most hated class of people in Amsterdam: the collaborators. Isa sells her beautiful forgery to none other than Hitler himself, and on the way to the auction, discovers that Truus is part of a resistance ring to smuggle Jewish babies out of Amsterdam. But Truus cannot save more children without money. A lot of money. And Isa thinks she knows how to get it. One more forgery, a copy of an exquisite Vermeer, and the Nazis will pay for the rescue of the very children they are trying annihilate. To make the sale, though, Isa will need to learn the art of a master forger, before the children can be deported, and before she can be outed as a collaborator. And she finds an unlikely source to help her do it: the young Nazi soldier, a blackmailer and thief of Dutch art, who now says he wants to desert the German army.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
The death of a parent, sibling, or other important person in a child's life is one of the most frequently reported disruptive childhood experiences…and without appropriate support, can lead to adverse health and welfare outcomes. When Natasha Daniel’s healthy 42-year-old husband suddenly died of a blood clot, she and her three children were thrown into the darkness of grief. Her children experienced difficulty eating, sleeping, and focusing. People treated them differently and they lost some friends. They had to learn how to navigate in a world that felt upside down. Inspired by conversations with her own grieving children, Natasha Daniels wrote The Grief Rock: A Book to Understand Grief and Love. The Grief Rock goes beyond the surface platitudes that many other children’s grief books provide and offers validation of the physical and social implications one often experiences with grief. It also helps children understand that often our grief is so big because our love is so big.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
In LOVEBOAT FOREVER, we return to the same exciting, dazzling Loveboat summer program with a new character: Ever’s younger sister, Pearl Wong. Just like Ever, Pearl has a lot to discover about herself during this summer, and the seventeen-year-old music prodigy had it all planned—until a fall from grace leaves her in need of new plans…and a new image. Where better to revamp her “brand” than at Chien Tan, the Taipei summer program for elite students that rocketed her older sister, Ever, on a path to romance and self-fulfilment years ago? But as the alumni know, Chien Tan is actually Loveboat—the extravagant world where prodigies party till dawn—and there’s more awaiting Pearl there than she could have ever imagined, like a scandalous party in the dark, a romantic entanglement with a mysterious suitor . . . and a summer that will change her forever.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Hailed as “heartwarming and fun” (Crosswalk), PAW Patrol: The Mighty Moviefollows the beloved pups as they take on new adventures with all-new superpowers and prove that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference!
Find out what it’s like to be part of this massive hit franchise with young actors Alan Kim and Brice Gonzalez, who voice breakout Junior Patrollers in the new film. Alan Kim (age 11) got his start at age 7 in the award-winning film Minari and won the 2021 Critics’ Choice Award for Best Young Actor for his role as a first generation Korean-American living in rural Arkansas. Brice Gonzalez (age 7) has starred for two seasons on the hit television series “Lopez vs. Lopez” and also appears in the inspiring true story Flaming Hot, which marks the feature film directorial debut of Eva Longoria.
The first half of Shannon Messengers epic novel has been adapted as a graphic novel with beautiful artwork! This stunning retelling of the first half of the thrilling first novel comes to life with all the adventure and epic worldbuilding the Keeper of the Lost Cities series is known for. Twelve-year-old Sophie Foster has never quite fit into her life. She’s skipped multiple grades and doesn’t really connect with the older kids at school, but she’s not comfortable with her family, either. The reason? Sophie’s a Telepath, someone who can read minds. No one knows her secret—at least, that’s what she thinks… But the day Sophie meets Fitz, a mysterious (and adorable) boy, she learns she’s not alone. He’s a Telepath too, and it turns out the reason she has never felt at home is that, well…she isn’t. Fitz opens Sophie’s eyes to a shocking truth, and she is forced to leave behind her family for a new life in a place that is vastly different from what she has ever known.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
In the fin-tastic musical adventure, BABY SHARK’S BIG MOVIE, Baby Shark is forced to leave behind the world he loves after his family’s move to the big city and must adjust to his new life without his best friend William. When Baby Shark encounters an evil pop starfish named Stariana, who plans to steal his gift of song in order to dominate all underwater music, he must break her spell to restore harmony to the seas.
This marks the first-ever feature-length original animated movie based on the the Daytime Emmy Award-nominated hit preschool series “Baby Shark’s Big Show!” The movie features a jaw-some lineup of guest voice actors, including: actress, singer and producer Ashley Tisdale as Stariana, a sharp-witted and manipulative, rising pop starfish who wants to take center stage with a splash hit; Ego Nwodim as Leah, a lantern shark and Mommy Shark’s best friend from college; Chloe Fineman as Lannie, Leah’s hyper, lovable daughter; and Lance Bass as TV announcer Lance Bass, just to name a few.
From blood-chilling horror to supernatural scares, this collection of short stories from debut author Andrew Duplessie offers something to stoke anyone’s fear factor. But that’s only the beginning. In a first-ever twist, each story also comes with a pulse-pounding video that deepens the horror. Point your phone at the QR code and be prepared to scream! Maybe even share it with your friends, if you dare.
A garbage disposal that feeds on flesh . . .
A beloved stuffed rabbit that cooks up your parents . . .
Roses that require human blood to bloom . . .
Ready or not, Too Scared to Sleep will answer the question: How brave are you, really?
The book represents the first teen novel deal for Duplessie, already an accomplished writer in the horror genre online, where he has racked up millions of reads. Duplessie has a very large following on a number of social media platforms, including TikTok, where he is a well-known creator in the BookTok genre, interacting with fans and providing commentary on his favorite novels, authors, and anything relating to literature or reading.
Andrew Duplessie is a prolific writer, viral content creator, and tech entrepreneur whose scary stories are devoured online by millions of readers. He's also a producer and writer on a handful of television shows, including American Horror Story.
Meet Etta! Etta was born to be a shining star. When Etta discovers her school is hosting a talent show, she wants to share her many talents with the world. Even though she has never performed onstage before, all Etta needs to do is make a plan (Etta always has a plan!).
And in 1, 2, 3, 4 steps, she’s ready for her big performance on the big stage in front of a BIG audience. Or is she? Find out how Etta beats her worries, with the help of her loving family, in this joyful story created by celebrated writers Roda Ahmed and Charnaie Gordon and illustrator Chloe Burgett.
This powerful author duo is the epitome of inspirational renaissance women. Between the two of them, the titles “bestselling author, CEO, advocate, philanthropist, creator, entrepreneur, model, actress, polyglot” are all applicable.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Inspired by her grandmother’s childhood experiences in Holocaust-era Romania, Michael L. Printz honoree & National Book Award finalist Elana K. Arnold weaves an unforgettable tale of love and loss in the darkest days of the twentieth century. After their father abandoned the family seven years ago, Frederieke and Astra Teitler’s grandfather did his best to provide for the sisters and shield them from antisemitism. But when war breaks out in Europe, their beloved home, Czernowitz, once considered a safe haven for Jewish people, becomes increasingly dangerous. First the Russians, then the Germans, invade. Almost overnight, Frederieke and Astra’s world changes, and every day becomes a struggle: to keep their grandfather’s business, their home, and their lives. As those that threaten Frederieke and her family close in around them, she must decide between holding on to her life or letting go of everything that has ever mattered to her—a choice she may not even have the chance to make.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
You know Rachel Renée Russell as the author of The Dork Diaries, the bestselling blockbuster series chronicling the life and misadventures of middle school students, Nikki Maxwell, and her best friends, Chloe and Zoey. With humor and wit, Rachel’s books encourage tweens to embrace their individuality and always let their inner Dork shine through. The illustrator is Rachel’s daughter Nikki Russell and together they’ve had 19 consecutive NYT bestsellers! Next up is DORK DIARIES #15: TALES FROM A NOT-SO POSH PARIS ADVENTURE. With more than 55 million books in print and translated into 42 languages worldwide, The Dork Diaries’ characters are as diverse as the millions of tweens who read the books. The series has been awarded two Children's Choice Book Awards, an NAACP Image Award For Outstanding Literary Work For Children, the Milner Award for Children’s Literature, and Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Book of the Year Award nomination.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
The series follows the adventures of First Cat, LOZ 4000, and the Moon Queen, as they work to uncover who poisoned the Queen’s soup. Perfect for fans of Dav Pilkey and Jeff Kinney. The Moon Queen has been poisoned - by SOUP. And with few she can trust in her own court, she and First Cat will have to journey alone to find the antidote in time. If only Loz4000 were still with them… But the once-heroic toenail clipping robot is running from his own terrible tale, and now looking for new purpose and meaning in this vast universe, taking Loz4000 far away from his friends. Unbeknownst to our trio, secret forces are working against them. With villainous cowboys about, high-speed chases, and pianos falling from the sky - can our iconic trio find their way back to one another and save the Moon Queen before it’s too late? And who would want to poison her? Will they ever eat soup again? Is Captain Babybeard, the adorable baby pirate, in this one?
Mac Barnett is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have been translated into more than thirty languages. His picture books include two Caldecott Honor-winning collaborations with Jon Klassen: Sam & Dave Dig a Hole and Extra Yarn. Among his other popular books are I Love You Like a Pig, illustrated by Greg Pizzoli, and The Magic Word, illustrated by Elise Parsley. He lives in Oakland, California. You can visit him online at www.macbarnett.com.
Shawn Harris’s first illustrated book, Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers, received seven starred reviews, was an Orbis Pictus Award Honor Book, an ALA Notable, and a PW Best Book of the Year. His other picture books include Eggers's What Can a Citizen Do, which was a Time Magazine Best Children’s Book, Everyone’s Awake by Colin Meloy, A Polar Bear in the Snow by Mac Barnett, and his own author-illustrated works Have You Ever Seen a Flower? and Doing Business. Harris also occasionally moonlights as singer/songwriter of the popular Oakland, California, band The Matches, whose early 2000s album art sparked his illustration career.
New York Times, Indie, and Wall Street Journal bestselling creator Peter H. Reynolds went for a walk with his son, Henry Rocket, and declared “This is it; this is all we need! Love.” Henry Rocket listened and added, “...and a really soft pillow.” Peter nodded, “Okay. Love, and a really soft pillow.” Henry thought about this, “What about chocolate?” he asked. His father replied, “Right, Love, chocolate, and a really soft pillow.” On they went. And after playing this game, Peter and Henry agreed that when they boiled it down, all they really needed was love... and a pen and paper to write it all down, because this was a great idea! ALL WE NEED IS LOVE AND A REALLY SOFT PILLOW! encompasses the love a Poppy feels for his little one. Through silliness and chaos, in sunshine and storms, with four walls or no walls, Reynolds celebrates how we express and share our love in a wholly original and deeply personal way. This comforting and colorful picture book is a balm for the heart – not to mention, great goodnight reading!
This delightful addition to National Geographic Kids bestselling Weird But True! Series uncovers surprising secrets and mind-boggling fact behind your favorite Disney movies, TV shows, park attractions and much more! For instance, did you know it took 70 thousand pencils to draw the artwork for the Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), or that Donald Duck has an asteroid named after him? Discover the mystery at the top of Disneyland’s Matterhorn, Goofy’s original name and how much food is prepared each day for the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Movie fans of Disney popular UP (2009) will amaze to learn how many balloons in would take in real life to lift Carl’s house! Packed with 300 awesome facts and loads of cool pictures, this fun filled book is perfect for Middle School fans of Disney and all things wacky.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
For teens and YA readers, THE TWENTY-ONE by Elizabeth Rusch is the gripping legal and environmental story of twenty-one young people and their ongoing case against the U.S. government for denying their constitutional right to life and liberty. Reading like a thriller, The Twenty -One The Twenty-One delves into the gripping backstories of the kids and their lawyers, why they brought the suit, the search for compelling evidence, and the twists and turns the case takes as the government does everything in its power to stop it. It is a similar story to the young climate activists in Montana who recently celebrated a big win in Held V Montana. “In Juliana v. United States, 21 plaintiffs ages 8 to 19 sued the federal government for undermining their constitutional rights to a safe and healthy environment. . . . This taut, quick-moving story told in short, lively chapters employs novelistic suspense and focuses effectively on people and their experiences as much as on principles. . . . Rusch acknowledges the distinct roles of individuals, the impact of economic systems, and the overarching power of government. . . . Rigorously researched, this work offers a clear summary of a complex and critically important lawsuit.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
From New York Times bestselling author Joanna Ho comes a powerful new picture book about the beauty, meaning, and history behind the names of six different children —exploring their cultures and ethnicities, and emphasizing the importance of identity and saying names correctly. In Say My Name, six children from different backgrounds introduce themselves and convey the rich histories of their names and cultures: From New York Times bestselling author Joanna Ho comes a powerful new picture book about the beauty, meaning, and history behind the names of six different children —exploring their cultures and ethnicities, and emphasizing the importance of identity and saying names correctly. In Say My Name, six children from different backgrounds introduce themselves and convey the rich histories of their names and cultures.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Thank you for being part of the conversation. This is Play It Forward. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward Episode 598 With Stephanie Warren Drimmer From National Geographic’s Jurassic Smarts Inside, they’ll discover game-changing fossil finds, surprising dinosaur stats, and a fascinating variety of prehistoric creatures in all shapes and sizes—some totally bizarre! Encounter gentle, long-necked giants; toothy carnivores; and dinosaurs with all sorts of incredible adaptations, like vibrant feathers, massive horns, spikey battle-ax tails, and beyond! Get answers to burning dinosaur questions, like… How do we know what colors dinosaurs were? And, gulp, could you have outrun a T. rex? Meet paleontologists digging up incredible discoveries in the field today, explore dino-themed travel destinations, find out which prehistoric creatures would win big in an eating competition, and way, WAY more. This quirky, info-packed book is a feast for the eyes, with stunning illustrations and fossil photos on every page, a colorful design, and bonus fun facts sprinkled throughout. It’s the perfect book for experienced dino devotees and newcomers alike. For more dinosaur awesomeness from National Geographic Kids, check out these books: Weird But True! Dinosaurs; Ultimate Dinopedia, 2nd Edition; Dinosaur Atlas; and How to Survive in the Age of Dinosaurs.
Award-winning author Eddie Chuculate shares an evocative memoir, bringing his experience from boyhood to young manhood with unflinching prose in THIS INDIAN KID: A NATIVE AMERICAN MEMOIR.Growing up impoverished and shuttled between different households, it seemed life was bound to take a certain path for Eddie Chuculate. Despite the challenges he faced, his upbringing was rich with love and bountiful lessons from his Creek and Cherokee heritage, deep-rooted traditions he embraced even as he learned to live within the culture of white, small-town America that dominated his migratory childhood. THIS INDIAN KID is at once a love letter to his Native American roots and an inspiring and essential message for young readers everywhere, who are coming of age in an era when conversations about acceptance and empathy, love and perspective are more necessary than ever before.
Nina's Familia is the newest CoComelon spinoff series starring JJ’s lovable, sporty classmate and friend Nina Reyes who debuted on CoComelon in 2019. As a fan favorite, she’s now ready to take on the world with all new adventures full of excitement, fun, friends and of course, familia.
Nina's Familia marks the first bilingual series from the franchise. Through the same style of 3-minute songs and nursery rhymes that made CoComelon a worldwide phenomenon, children will now experience stories of family, learning, positivity and healthy habits through the lens of a multigenerational Mexican-American family, including some episodes fully in Spanish. The series will also feature culturally significant storylines and songs that Mexican-American kids and their families are certain to recognize and enjoy, like ¡Dale, Dale, Dale!, Estrellita Dónde Estás and more.
The goal of Nina’s Familia is for Latin kids to see themselves represented on screen every day and to be able to share this family's culture with the world. We hope you can help us spread the word, especially with National Hispanic Heritage Month upon us.
With roles in front of and behind the camera, Emmy-winning host and TV personality Lilliana Vazquez has built an inspiring career watched by millions across numerous platforms. Most recently, Vazquez was the host of E! Entertainment's daily morning shows E! News and Pop of the Morning, the first and only Latina to hold the role in the show's 30 year history. She currently contributes to select programs like CBS Mornings and Amazon Live, while focusing on her newest role as a founding partner at Curated Productions.
Thanks for being part of the conversation. The flight of the golden leaf.I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s.None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC.I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Corazon Lopez yearns to finally start training as a babaylan (a mystical healer and spirit guide) under her powerful guardian, Aunt Tina. As soon as her magic awakens, Corazon plans to bring her parents back from the dead and no longer have to rely on a soul key to allow visits with their ghosts for a few hours every Saturday night.But when a vengeful ghost steals Corazon’s precious key, the fragile balance between the human world and the spirit world is thrown out of whack. Aunt Tina reveals that if Corazon wants her magic to awaken, then she can just lay the ghost to rest by fashioning a new soul key.With her rather bloodthirsty gecko companion, Saso, Corazon embarks on a quest through the spirit realms. But they must move quickly, for if the ghost gets through the spirit glass, all hope will be lost.
Monster High 2 follows Clawdeen Wolf (Miia Harris), Draculaura (Nayah Damasen) and Frankie Stein (Ceci Balagot) as they enter sophomore year at Monster High. The power of three is put to the test as they face even bigger challenges this year - new students, new powers, evolving friendships, and an even bigger threat that could not only tear their friendship apart, but could change the world forever. The movie will also introduce new character Toralei (Salena Qureshi), a feisty British were-cat, back after a year abroad in Scaris, France.
The sequel follows the success of Monster High The Movie, which debuted on Oct. 6, 2022 and became the #1 kids and family movie on Paramount+ during its launch week.
TODD HOLLAND has directed five feature-length films, including the cult-gamer classic THE WIZARD starring Fred Savage, and more than 200 episodes of television. His work has earned him three Emmy-Awards, eight Emmy-nominations, five CableAce Awards, a DGA award, six DGA nominations and a WGA nomination. As a producer and director, he was a key creative force behind THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW, MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, and was co-creator of FOX’s critically acclaimed WONDERFALLS.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
“I hope people feel a different perspective on life after reading my book,” says Howell. “I inject a lot of philosophy and satire into my work. I consider myself an absurdist, which is basically a nihilist with a goofy mustache. My concoctions offer a made-up world so people can be happy and feel free to debate the ideas put forth in my work. I love to engage the reader with humor.”
“I’ve always been creating and making art,” says Howell. “In elementary school, I doodled in class and did not take notes. Schoolmates weighed in on how I should develop the characters and storylines. I love consuming and sharing stories, and to express myself in a very visual medium is great for getting certain ideas across.”
Howell was discovered by his employer, Pencilmation, an online cartoon channel, after it saw his popular Jolly Biscuit comic drawings. He now storyboards for cartoons geared to children ages 6-12.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Directed and written by Jim Capobianco (the Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter of "Ratatouille") and co-directed by Pierre-Luc Granjon, THE INVENTOR is a stop-motion adventure film about the life of Leonardo da Vinci featuring the voices of Stephen Fry, Daisy Ridley, Marion Cotillard, Gauthier Battoue, and Matt Berry. The insatiably curious and headstrong inventor/artist Leonardo da Vinci (Fry) leaves Italy to join the French court where he can freely experiment, invent flying contraptions and incredible machines, and study the human body. Joined in his adventure by the audacious Princess Marguerite (Ridley), Leonardo attempts to uncover the answer to the ultimate question: "What is the meaning of life?" Here's the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k95b1s6XoE
The New York Times bestselling Front Desk series, which takes inspiration from the author’s childhood when her family immigrated to the United States from China to manage a motel in California, continues with TOP STORY (FRONT DESK #5) by KELLY YANG. Beloved protagonist, Mia Tang, achieves her dream of attending journalism camp, but when the gatekeepers don't like her story ideas about Chinatown, she must find another way to share her voice with the world! Mia Tang is at the top of her game! She’s spending winter break with Mom, Lupe, Jason, and Hank in San Francisco’s Chinatown! Rich with history and hilarious aunties and uncles, it’s the place to find a great story—one she hopes to publish while attending journalism camp at the Tribune. But this trip has as many bumps as the hills of San Francisco…1. Mia's camp is full of older kids, with famous relatives, fancy laptops, and major connections! Can she compete with just her pen and passion? 2. Lupe’s thinking about skipping ahead to college! Will Mia ever get a chance to just chill with her best friend? 3. Jason’s crushing hard on a new girl. For the first time ever, Mia is speechless…and jealous. Can she find the courage to tell Jason—gulp—that she has a crush on him?
Even for the best writers, it’s not always easy to find the right words. But if anyone can tell a top story, it’s Mia Tang!
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Fifteen years after the release of acclaimed fan-favorite novel Suicide Notes, MICHAEL THOMAS FORD bring us his much-anticipated sequel in a funny, touching look at what happens when you give up trying to be someone people want you to be and become exactly who you are.Jeff spent forty-five days in the psych ward of a hospital after a suicide attempt. Now that he’s home and has accepted that he’s gay, he’s ready to reenter his life feeling stronger and more comfortable being his true self than ever before. But it’s hard to come back to an old life when you have a new perspective on it. Returning to school is complicated, and his mother’s anxiety isn’t helping. Jeff will also have to figure out how to reconnect with his best friend, Allie, whose boyfriend he kissed before he went to the hospital. To make things even more complicated, a fellow patient from the ward suddenly appears at school, which brings up all kinds of mixed emotions for Jeff. Luckily, he’s got new friends from a local community center for queer youths to help him through it all. And some may turn out to be more than just friends…
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Australian author and illustrator Aaron Blabey is the creator of the globally popular book series - The Bad Guys (click on this for funny reading of book on YouTube) -- which has spent well over 100 weeks on The New York Times Bestseller list and has been adapted into a thrilling animated movie by DreamWorks on which he served as an executive producer. Here’s the trailer, which can be used as broll. The movie is coming out April 22 and stars the voices of Sam Rockwell and Awkwafina. See below for other broll clips. Featuring several animal main characters, who have a reputation for being bad (a wolf, a shark, a piranha, and snake), but who actually want to do good. They sound like bad guys; they look like bad guys…and they even smell like bad guys. But Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark are about to change all of that. Buckle up for the funniest, naughtiest, and coolest series.
Our planet is packed with the weird and wonderful, strange and peculiar, funny and outrageous. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS WEIRD BUT TRUE! 2024 brings us the latest collection in this annual volume of the block buster kid-favorite series. Discover Earth’s strangest natural wonders, animals, festivals, ancient architecture, news and more in this annual compendium of everything WEIRD BUT TRUE! fans love…and then some. Journey across the seven continents, dive into the ocean and even blast off into space to discover a whole wide world of weird. From volcano-surfing in Nicaragua to a beach in Japan when the sand is shaped like stars to extreme ironing competitions in the United Kingdom, WEIRD BUT TRUE! WORLD offers an unparalleled adventure filled exploration of our world’s amazing uniqueness. This BIG, BOLD annual extravaganza is updated each year with NEW ‘world’s weirdest’ winners from around the globe, weird news, fresh facts and strange sites, animals, and events for every continent. With lots of photos, wow-worthy facts, stats and infographics. A perfect choice for any curious kid -or kid at heart- willing to embrace the quirky side of life.
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
CARINA FELINA is a retelling of a hilarious folktale set in Havana, where Deedy was born. Inspired by a story that she first heard as a child, CARINA FELINA puts a Caribbean twist to “The Cat and the Parrot;” a folktale retold across the world including the Czech Republic and Denmark and with origins traced to India. It is a wickedly funny and inspiring picture book that proves the smallest of creatures can sometimes possess the most surprising strength!
Thanks for being part of the conversation I am the Poet In The Forest. A children series I penned out in the 1990s. None of it would be possible if it wasn’t for this forest in South Charlotte, NC. I talk about it so much that I thought maybe it’s time you get to meet all that inspires me. Thanks for being part of the conversation
Horses are popular all over the world, as pets, participants in competitions, farm animals, and more. In fact, they’re one of humankind’s oldest animal companions. This fascinating, fun-filled book introduces you to different horse breeds; how horses became our stalwart companions; life in the herd; adorable foals; horse coloration, markings, and manes; and so much more. For kids who are absolutely obsessed with everything horses, this book has it all: tons of mind-blowing facts, all the breeds, superfun games, hands-on activities, hilarious jokes, and fascinating research. You’ll whinny with delight as you run with the last breed of wild horses, discover new ways horses are helping humans, and meet some of the most incredible and record-setting horses in history. Fancy a ride around the ring? Giddyap! From telling jokes to impressing family and friends with awesome facts, kids will love sharing what they’ve learned and will want to horse around with this book again and again.
YouTube Slime Queen Karina Garcia teams up with writer Kevin Panetta and artist Niki Smith for a fun, colorful adventure featuring three friends, Bailey, Sophia, and Jayden, who run the BSJ slime shop. What the three slime makers don't know is that when they're not around, the slimes come to life! When the creators start shipping slimes off to who-knows-where, the slimes left at the shop start to worry that they're next. Even as Polly tries to convince her friends that everything is fine, Boris, a grumpy green slime, starts taking things into his own hands. Then slimes start disappearing and suddenly the shop is full of zombie slimes.
With half the shop zombified and the other half scared silly, Polly has no choice but to go on a quest, along with her friends Max and Karma, to discover the truth about the slimes being shipped off and a way to save her friends before it's too late. Will they be able to turn everyone back into themselves? Or will the slime shop get shut down for good?
Karina Garcia is the California-based Queen of Slime, expert on all things DIY and crafting. She has amassed over 15 million followers across social media and has written three bestselling books about slime and crafting. Karina also has extensive TV experience, most recently with AwesomenessTV’s DIY Dash and her family’s reality show, Going Garcia. Karina has been featured on Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and The Today Show as well as in the New York Times, Business Insider, and Forbes.
Authors Jason June, Sonora Reyes, and Abdi Nazemian are popular frontlist authors with new books on-sale in May, timed for Pride month. They are an eclectic mix of New York Times bestsellers, major awards winners and honors, and they all have a powerful backlist of titles that speak to the power of queer people and their communities. Jason June’s new book, Riley Weaver Needs A Date to the Gaybutante Ball, explores how labels can simultaneously limit and liberate us.Sonora’s new book, The Luis Ortega Survival Club, tells us that many young people still face challenges due to their orientation.Abdi’s new book, Only This Beautiful Moment, is about three generations of teenage boys in the same Iranian family. Aspects of Iranian, American, and queer identity play into the novel.
Put on your lab coat and grab hold of your stethoscope as you embark on a scientific mission to boost your brainpower on all topics about the human body! Explore anatomy and find out why bones break. Look into the sense and discover why sour foods make your mouth pucker. Get acquainted with genetics to find out why your hair changes over time. Be boggled by the power of your brain as you decipher why you can hear yourself think. Get grossed out- in a good way- as you uncover why snot and boogers have an important job to do. Discover how scientists study new diseases and ponder if humans will one day be able to live forever. This compact and focused little sibling of the best-selling WHY? OVER 1,111 ANSWERS TO EVERYTHING is the second title in a series of fun-packed books designed to supercharge and satisfy your curiosity while keeping you entertained for hours. Figure out what makes you you, as you marvel over hundreds of fun facts, stunning photographs, explorer interviews, and activities such as matching games and quizzes. With succinct, funny text, eye-popping color photos and illustrations, and mind-boggling facts, WHY/ THE HUMAN BODY is sure to please the Q&A -loving crowd! while keeping them entertained for hours.
Boom, boom, BOOM… That’s a T. rex coming your way! You’ve been transported back in time to the age of the dinosaurs. WHAT DO YOU DO????Test your chops and discover if you have what it takes to survive at a time when Earth looked, well, a tad different in this ultimate survival guide to the prehistoric age. Find out how to make it through exploding volcanoes and mega monsoons- while dodging giant Permian bugs! See how to fend off an angry pterosaur and learn what to do if you’re caught in a stampede of enormous titanosaurs. Discover what you could eat ( spoiler alert: You better like the taste of insects!) and find out which hungry creatures just might try to eat you!
I ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY LOVE MY SPOTS by inspirational speaker, Lid’ya C. Rivera is a lyrical celebration of self-esteem, perseverance, and loving the skin you're in. Inspiring all children to appreciate their spots. Lid’ya’s love letter to kids with vitiligo is fun and empowering, featuring stunning artwork of a young girl who loves her skin, and can appeal to anyone who has something that makes them stand out. Vitiligo (pronounced Vi•ti•lie•go), a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color, affects 200,000 Americans annually, Vitiligo is never contagious — kids can't "catch" it from someone else but for some kids, being different can cause feelings of low self-esteem. I ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY LOVE MY SPOTS is Lid’ya’s ode to beauty of those with vitiligo. In a rhyming picture book, she creates a sense of joy and celebrates the beauty within all children.
With 1,000 new residents moving to Florida every day, and more than 100,000 acres of habitat lost to development each year, the window to save the natural habitat of Florida’s Panthers is closing quickly. The panther is the state animal of Florida, the last big cat surviving east of the Mississippi River, an emblem of the Endangered Species Act. A subspecies of the puma, the panther was driven to extinction throughout the rest of its range in the Eastern United States, except for a small remnant population that persisted in Florida’s Everglades. Panther numbers had dwindled to fewer than 20 individuals by the 1980s, but heroic conservation efforts have helped panthers come back to nearly 200 today. The biggest obstacle for the panther’s continued recovery is access to enough of its historic territory throughout Florida and beyond. Rising north out of the Everglades, the tale of the Florida panther has grown from the unlikely survival of a rare cat to a story of hope for all of wild Florida. PATH OF THE PANTHER is now a call to action to recognize and protect the Florida Wildlife Corridor- a network of public and private and that connects the panther’s current range in south Florida to suitable habitat throughout the state of Florida and adjoining states. The Florida Wildlife Corridor is the panther’s path to recovery and a western-scale conservation opportunity that remains largely hidden in the east. It is now a Last Wild Places partnership with the National Geographic Society. With 27 percent of Florida already protected as public land, this project aims to inspire the additional one million acres of conservation needed over the next decade so that Florida can be a leader in the goal of protecting 30 percent of the planet by 2030.
Steeped in ancient Korean mythology, driven by a plucky young heroine, and filled with action, suspense, and the possibilities of magic all around us, THE LAST FALLEN REALM isa work of fantasy and the perfect end to Graci Kim’s Gifted Clans saga. New York Times best-selling author, Kim, is a Korean-Kiwi diplomat turned author who writes about themagic that is inside all of us. Riley Oh wasn’t born into her family. Okay, so she’s not the first Korean American girl to be adopted. But she wasn’t born in Korea—or even on this planet. Though she might look and act like a typical ‘tween, Riley tumbled down to the earth as the last fallen star. Riley also wasn’t born to be a witch—she’s just a saram, a person without any magic. And she certainly wasn’t born to be a leader. But now, the entire magical community believes that she and her recently adopted brother, Dahl Oh, were chosen to save the world. They’re only thirteen years old, for crying out loud. They can’t even drive yet, let alone lead an army of witches in a war against five vengeful goddesses destined to do something epic. Even though he looks a boy (despite his shockingly white hair) and acts like one too (he’s obsessed with toilets), Dahl is the last fallen moon and Riley’s soul-twin. To Dahl, it all seems like a great big adventure. But Riley feels as if the weight of three realms is on her shoulders. To win against the evil wrath of the goddesses, Riley must work together with her friends and find the strength to believe in herself.
Everyone loves turtles. And no wonder: long-lived, unhurried, and ancient, these shelled reptiles are fascinating. Turtles are also endlessly surprising. There are turtles with soft shells, turtles with googly eyes, turtles with necks longer than their bodies, and turtles whose shells glow in the dark! Now, readers can meet more than 300 types of turtles in the beautiful new compendium, THE BOOK OF TURTLES by New York Times bestselling wildlife author Sy Montgomery and illustrator Matt Patterson. On site at the Santa Barbara Zoo - Sy and Matt can answer your questions about turtles and share the wisdom these long-lived animals can offer. Turtles, who evolved at the same time as the dinosaurs, are some of themost diverse, fascinating, and beloved species on the planet, though they now face the deadliest dangers of their more than 240-million-year history.
From the author of The Summer Prince, Love is the Drug and Trouble the Saints comes a kaleidoscopic YA novel about the power of stories and their power to heal. THE LIBRARY OF BROKEN WORLDS follows Freida, born in The Library, AI considered to be Gods in a world of high technology. As she struggles to find the purpose of her creation by The Library, she discovers the peaceful world she’s a part of is only peaceful for the privileged. When Freida meets Joshua, a Tierran boy desperate to save his people, and Nergüi, a disciple from a persecuted religious minority, Freida is compelled to help them. But in order to do so, she will have to venture deeper into The Library than she has ever known. There she will discover the atrocities of the past, the truth of her origins, and the impossibility of her future. With the world at the brink of war, Freida embarks on a journey to fulfill her destiny, one that pits her against an ancient war god. Her mission is straightforward: Destroy the god before he can rain hellfire upon thousands of innocent lives -- if he doesn't destroy her first.
Two brothers. One Good. One Evil. In exchange for power and immortality, they watch over the Endless Woods and rule the School for Good and Evil. Yet all School Masters must face a test. Theirs is loyalty. But what happens when loyalty is corrupted? When the bonds of blood are broken?
Who will survive? Who will die? And what will become of the school and its students?
The journey that started a hundred years ago throttles toward its end. This final chapter in the duology that began with the Rise of the School for Good and Evilbrings the tale of the twin School Masters to the brink of war and a shocking conclusion that will change the course of the school forever.
- HIGH-STAKES CONCLUSION TO AN EPIC DUOLOGY: Rise of the School for Good and Evilintroduced us to School Masters Rhian and Rafal as their rule over the School for Good and Evil was tested, and left readers on a shocking cliff-hanger. In Fall of the School for Good and Evil, we come to the Great War, when brother battles brother, students’ loyalties and courage are tested, and the school is changed forever, just in time for the arrival of two best friends named Sophie and Agatha and the new future they bring.
- PERFECT BRIDGE FROM NETFLIX MOVIE TO BELOVED SERIES:Rise of the School for Good and Eviland Fall of the School for Good and Evil cast a wide net to draw in movie fans as well as devotees of the series and bring a new generation of readers to the world of the School for Good and Evil. Speak with Soman about his experience having his book made into a movie starring Charlize Theron and Kerry Washington.
- SUMMER READING:Every year, Soman visits schools around the world to speak to kids and share his secret: that reading is the path to a better life. Soman can give summer reading tips and recommendations to kids and parents!
Soman Chainani’s debut series, THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL, has sold more than 3.5 million copies, been translated into 32 languages across six continents, and has been adapted into a major motion picture from Netflix that debuted at #1 in over 80 countries. His book of retold fairytales, BEASTS & BEAUTY, also debuted on the New York Times Bestseller List, his seventh book in a row to do so, and is slated to be a limited television series from Sony 3000, with Soman writing and executive producing. Together, his books have been on the New York Times Bestseller List for 44 weeks.
In this inspiring collection of essays, acclaimed author David Quammen journeys to places where civilization meets raw nature and explores the challenge of balancing the needs of both. For more than two decades, award-winning science and nature writer David Quammen has traveled to Earth’s most far-flung and fragile destinations, sending back field notes from places caught in the tension between humans and the wild. This illuminating book features 20 of those assignments: elegantly written narratives, originally published in National Geographic magazine and updated for today, telling colorful and impassioned stories from some of the planet’s wildest locales. Quammen shares encounters with African elephants, chimpanzees, and gorillas (and their saviors, including Jane Goodall); the salmon of northeastern Russia and the people whose livelihood depends on them; the lions of Kenya and the villagers whose homes border on parks created to preserve the species; and the champions of rewilding efforts in southernmost South America, designed to rescue iconic species including jaguars and macaws.
To the mortal world—at least, to most people in Brooklyn—Mateo Matisse and Chela Hidalgo are simply two teenagers in love. Mateo is a brilliant pianist, but he’s also a typical, chaotic guy. And Chela, the short, fierce girl he met while playing piano at her bat mitzvah, is a terrific dancer and a terrible singer, who doesn’t get shook by bullies. As teenagers, the way they fell in love was dramatic. But their love for each other goes back centuries—and not only poetically speaking. Mateo and Chela were once spirits, just spirits. At some point, Galanika the Healer became one with the boy Mateo. Chela’s goddess roots are even more complicated—she’s part Okanla the Destroyer and part Madrigal the Creator. Imagine experiencing the thrill and angst of first love while grappling with confounding divine powers and serious godly responsibilities. And oh, battling demons.In LAST CANTO OF THE DEAD, award-winning author Daniel José Older continues the story of Mateo and Chela that began in BALLAD & DAGGER. In Book One of the Outlaw Saints duology, our young couple of very old souls pulled off the incredible feat of raising their once-sunken native island of San Madrigal—a vibrant, multicultural homeland to both Cuban Santeros and Sephardic Jews—from the sea and saving their Brooklyn diaspora community from the wrath of an ancient enemy. In Book Two, the culmination to their epic story, Mateo and Chela are faced with saving San Madrigal from an army of demons in the thrall of a 200-year-old maniac named Archibaldo, who happens to be Mateo’s ancestor. Meanwhile back in Brooklyn, their beloved neighborhood is being threatened by hideous creatures best described as bambarúto, or bogeyman in Ladino, and the fear is dividing the once tight-knit community, with the two sides at each other’s throats.
Alex Segura, the Anthony Award -winning author of Secret Identity and Star Wars Poe Dameron: Free Fall, brings two fan-favorite Spider-Verse heroes together in prose for the first time in ARAÑA AND SPIDER-MAN 2099:DARK TOMORROW. Araña. It means spider- and it also means Anya Corazon. She was a normal Brooklyn teenager with normal Brooklyn problems – until a few months ago, when she was gifted with amazing spiderlike abilities, from super-strength and heightened agility to web-slinging. A powerful mentor guided her on how best to use these new powers for good- until Anya lost him, just as she lost her mother, just as she’s about to lose everything she knows. Nueva York. It is the future of New York City, the home of the Spider-Man of 2099 and where Anya finds herself stranded, tossed across the century. And Nueva York’s Spider-Man billionaire CEO Miguel O’Hara is Araña’s only hope of getting home. But Araña and Spider-Man are about to discover that the enemies they face have dark and powerful connections to both heroes- and that this unlikely team across time will need to save much more than each other.
Warrior Princess. That’s what 17-year-old Nigeria Jones’ father calls her. He has raised her as part of the Movement, a Black separatist group based in Philadelphia. Nigeria is homeschooled and vegan and participates in traditional rituals to connect her and other kids from the group to their ancestors. But when her mother—the perfect matriarch of their Movement—disappears, Nigeria’s world is upended. She finds herself taking care of her baby brother and stepping into a role she doesn’t want.
As Nigeria searches for her mother, she starts to uncover a shocking truth. One that will lead her to question everything she thought she knew about her life and her family. From award-winning author Ibi Zoboi comes a powerful story about discovering who you are in the world—and fighting for that person—by having the courage to be your own revolution.
IBI ZOBOI is the New York Times bestselling author of American Street, a National Book Award finalist; Pride; My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich; Star Child; Okoye to the People; the Walter Award–winning Punching the Air, cowritten with Exonerated Five member Yusef Salaam; and the Coretta Scott King Honor–winning picture book The People Remember. She is also the editor of the anthology Black Enough. Born in Haiti and raised in New York City, she now lives in New Jersey with her family. You can find her online at ibizoboi.net.
Ellie Engle doesn’t stand out. Not at home, where she's alone with her pet fish since her dad moved away and her mom has to work around the clock . Not at the bakery, where she helps out old Mr. Walker on the weekends. And definitely not at school, where her best friend Abby—the coolest, boldest, most talented girl in the world—drags Ellie along on her never-ending quest to “make her mark.” To someone else, a life in the shadows might seem boring, or lonely. But not to Ellie. As long as she has Abby by her side and a comic book in her hand, she’s quite content.
Too bad life didn’t bother checking in with Ellie. Because when a freak earthquake hits her small town, Ellie wakes up with the power to bring anything back to life with just her touch. And when a video of her using her powers suddenly goes viral, Ellie’s life goes somewhere she never imagined—or wanted: straight into the spotlight.
Surviving middle school is hard enough. Surviving middle school when paparazzi are camped out on your front lawn and an international pop singer wants you to use your powers on live tv and you might be in love with your best friend, but she doesn’t know it? Absolutely impossible. Leah Johnson always wanted to be a superhero, but she became a writer instead, which she thinks is the next-best thing. Her best-selling debut novel, You Should See Me in a Crown, was a Stonewall Honor Book, the inaugural Reese’s Book Club YA Pick, and named one of Time’s 100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time. Leah lives in Indianapolis, where she writes books about Black girls with big hearts, plays fetch with the best dog in the world, and talks about Miles Morales to anyone who will listen. Ellie Engle Saves Herself is her middle grade debut.
Solitaire introduces fan favorites Nick and Charlie from Heartstopper -and the unforgettable Tori Spring. Tori isn’t sure how to be happy again. Then she meets Michael Holden, and they try to unmask the mysterious Solitaire (and survive high school) in Oseman’s stunning, unflinchingly honest debut novel.
Inspired by Kai Shappley’s own life, the new novel for young readers Joy, to the World is a timely story of living life to the fullest, celebrating and centering trans joy, courage, and resilience. In the book, Joy, a twelve-year-old trans girl, just moved to Texas with her mother and older brother. Her family has accepted Joy as the girl she is early in her transition, with little fuss, leaving Joy to explore her love of sports, competition, teamwork, school spirit, and worship. But when she is told she’s off the cheerleading team, Joy wants to fight for her right to cheer. As her battle with the school board picks up momentum, Joy attracts support from kids all around the country . . . she even gets the attention of her hero, trans activist Kai Shappley. Kai Shappley is a young American actress and activist. When she was in fourth grade, she stood up to the Texas State Legislature against their attack against trans kids. Her journey was recorded in the Emmy winning documentary, Trans in America: Texas Strong. She has also guest starred in the first season of the Babysitters Club on Netflix. She loves her family, friends, pets, and Dolly Parton!
Perry Firekeeper-Birch has always known who she is - the laidback twin, the troublemaker, the best fisher on Sugar Island. Her aspirations won't ever take her far from home, and she wouldn't have it any other way. But as the rising number of missing Indigenous women starts circling closer to home, as her family becomes embroiled in a high-profile murder investigation, and as greedy grave robbers seek to profit off of what belongs to her Anishinaabe tribe, Perry begins to question everything. In order to reclaim this inheritance for her people, Perry has no choice but to take matters into her own hands. She can only count on her friends and allies, including her overachieving twin and a charming new boy in town with unwavering morals. Old rivalries, sister secrets, and botched heists cannot - will not - stop her from uncovering the mystery before the ancestors and missing women are lost forever.
In The Sun and the Star, co-authors Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro present an action-packed story to grip fans of Percy Jackson and all their favorite demigods—and monsters. At its heart is a story of first love, with all its excitement and anguish, and exceptional courage. As Rick Riordan shares, “It was really important to me that writing a book entirely from the perspective of two queer characters, I collaborated with a great queer author who could bring perspective, authenticity, and a different set of writing strengths to the project. Mark Oshiro is someone whose writing I greatly admire, and who also knows the Percy Jackson world intimately. MORE ABOUT THE SUN AND THE STAR: As the son of Hades, Nico di Angelo has been through so much, from the premature deaths of his mother and sister to losing his friend Jason during the trials of Apollo—and, of course, being outed. But there is a ray of sunshine—literally—in his life: Will Solace, the stunningly beautiful son of Apollo, who happens to be his boyfriend. With his radiant energy, Will melted through the iciness to reveal that Nico actually had a heart. They’ve been a couple for nearly a year and have not only come to believe but proven, again and again, that together they can overcome any obstacle or foe. For Nico, epic battles are normal. Now, he’s about to face a formidable one—and because he adores Will, he’d rather face it alone.
A propulsive social justice adventure by renowned activist and award- winning documentarian Ruchira Gupta, I Kick and I Fly is an inspiring, hopeful story of triumph about a girl in Bihar, India, who escapes being sold into the sex trade when a local hostel owner helps her to understand the value of her body through kung fu. On the outskirts of the Red Light District in Bihar, India, fourteen-year-old Heera is living on borrowed time until her father sells her into the sex trade to help feed their family and repay his loans. It is, as she's been told, the fate of the women in her community to end up here. But watching her cousin, Mira Di, live this life day in and day out is hard enough. To live it feels like the worst fate imaginable. And after a run-in with a bully leads to her expulsion from school, it feels closer than ever. But when a local hostel owner shows up at Heera's home with the money to repay her family's debt, Heera begins to learn that fate can change. Destiny can be disrupted Heroics can be contagious. It's at the local hostel for at risk girls that Heera is given a transformative opportunity: learning kung fu with the other girls. Through the practice of martial arts, she starts to understand that her body isn't an object to be commodified and preyed upon, but a vessel through which she can protect herself and those around her. And when Heera discovers the whereabouts of her missing friend, Rosy, through a kung fu pen pal in the US, she makes the decision to embark on a daring rescue mission to New York in an attempt to save her.
No doubt about it, water is fascinating! It’s also essential. Every living thing on Earth needs it, from big blue whales to teeny, tiny bacteria. But our planet is facing some serious water problems: Drinkable water isn’t easily accessible to everyone, the demands for water around the globe are increasing while the supply is limited, and some human actions are causing disastrous ripple effects downstream for ecosystems and the animals that live in them. Fortunately, there is hope! By learning the ins and outs of important water issues and making small but powerful changes in our daily life, we can help protect the water that connects us all on our beautiful blue planet.
A black mermaid and a black pirate build a friendship through kindness, empathy, and shared adventure in this heartwarming picture book by New York Times bestselling author Tracey Baptiste. Colorful and expressive illustrations by Leisl Adams dazzle on each page as the titular due get into trouble, share some laughs, and form a bond despite their differences. Baptiste who authored the indie-beloved middle grade “Jumbies” series and “African Icons” – wanted to bring to the spotlight that Black mermaids have long existed in African and Caribbean fairy tales and lore. Yet, these characters have been noticeably absent in American popular culture. So in 2019, Baptiste wrote a magnificent op-ed for The New York Times entitled “Mermaids Have Always Been Black” and then, the first draft of the manuscript that would become Mermaid and Pirate. Then last year, Disney announced the LIVE action remake of THE LITTLE MERMAID with Halle Bailey starring as the first and only black Ariel. Bailey is the 20-something singer and one half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle, a protégé of Beyoncé, and a star on Freeform's Grown-ish.
Inspired by Kloots's own bedtime rituals with her son, Tell Me Your Dreams is a heartwarming picture book that's perfect for any parent who wants their child to know that anything is possible if you just dare to dream. "I could not be more excited to share this story in my first children's book," says Kloots. "This bedtime ritual has become my favorite part of the day. A chance to interact with Elvis and encourage him to dream. It's amazing how our children can inspire us!" It's bedtime and time to settle in for the night. But before we go to sleep, it's time to talk about all the things there are to dream about. It's an adventure in imagination and a reminder that when we close our eyes everything is possible. With its lyrical prose and heartfelt, soft-textured art from award-winning illustrator Alex Willmore, Tell Me Your Dreams is sure to become a favorite part of every family's bedtime ritual. "What I love most about Tell Me Your Dreams is how Amanda has transformed her story into this positive, life-affirming bedtime tale," says HarperCollins Executive Editor David Linker. "It's a timeless message told with heart and humor, and no small amount of wonder, that's perfect for any family."
Founded by Sartore more than 16 years ago, the National Geographic Photo Ark is a multi-year effort to raise awareness of and find solutions to some of the most pressing issues affecting wildlife and their habitats. The project aims to document every species living in the world’s zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries; inspire action through education; and help protect wildlife by supporting on-the-ground conservation efforts. His latest collection is Photo Ark Insects. When the pandemic hit, Sartore explored his very own Lincoln, Nebraska home – including his backyard. As a result, a book of bugs was born revealing more than 100+ species of insects, spiders, and related animals ―some exotic, but many common – all depicted in Sartore’s signature photography and entertaining text to explain the basics of insect bodies, lives, and behavior.
The Middle Ages come to life in this latest installment in the hit Weird But True Know-It-All series, featuring stories of legendary rulers, epic castles, menacing weaponry, and more! Vikings are known for being fierce warriors. But did you know that they used tug-of-war to train for battle—and that the losing team was pulled into a pit of fire? Europe was ravaged by the plague during the Middle Ages. But did you know that the secret ingredient in one cure concocted by medieval doctors was … “dragons’ blood”?! Jest in case you were wondering—you could actually get paid in medieval times for playing the fool. But only a few wealthy nobles and kings hired fools, or jesters, so getting into that business wasn’t easy. One lucky jester named Roland le Pettour received land when he retired. Roland’s skills included whistling—and farting! Go beyond the Middle Ages of Europe to explore great empires around the globe, including Ottoman, Shona, Aztec, and the Song dynasty. From Joan of Arc to Genghis Khan, incredible inventions to eyebrow-raising medieval medicines, you’ll know it all by the time you finish this book. Packed with important historical information along with the wackiest and weirdest facts ever about the Middle Ages!
After an earthquake rocks the Aegean Sea, Zeus and Demeter set sail in a not-so-seaworthy vessel to find out what really happened. When their ship is capsized by a slithering sea monster, the duo find themselves trapped in a mystifying underwater realm. The other Olympians mount a rescue mission, only to encounter enchanting mermaidlike creatures with hypnotic songs and a tentacled shape-shifter who tells tales of the future. His uncanny abilities make the Olympians question themselves―and each other. Can the god squad stick together, or will the strange currents of this underwater world tear them apart? Join Zeus the overconfident hamster, Athena the wise cat, Ares the treat-loving pug, Poseidon the proud pufferfish, Demeter the loyal grasshopper, and Hermes the daring chicken on another laugh-out-loud adventure through Greek mythology.
Wild Wonders With Brooke Carter is the EarthXTV series where Brooke Carter learns about what it takes to protect animals and the planet. Watch as she learns from conservation experts and travels the world on unimagined adventures!
Even before her show Wild Wonders with Brooke, she loved talking to people about her adventures and especially educating kids about conservation. The show has allowed her to expand on her passion and meet other conservationists around the world. Some of her favorite experiences have been the elephant capture and Costa Rican rainforest where she was ecstatic to see poison dart frogs and some very interesting creatures.
Brooke simply loves anything that grows or moves! She has 27 chickens, an orange canary “Oros” which serves as her alarm clock, dogs, cats, and two African ball pythons named Snowy and Fasthouse. She’s also a keen beekeeper with 4 hives which she paints and sells honey locally.
National Geographic Kids serves up tons of incredible facts and mind-boggling tidbits to wow your friends and family!
Did you know that a giraffe’s eye is as big as a Ping-Pong ball? Or that about 19 million hot dogs are sold at major league baseball games every year? Or that there is only one bone in your body that’s not connected to another one? There's a lot to know, and National Geographic Kids is here to help. Based on a favorite department in National Geographic Kids magazine, this book is chock-full of fascinating facts, silly stats, and catchy little knowledge nuggets in all kinds of awesome categories, from amphibians to black holes to the gold rush. Special features include Extreme Weirdness, Strange Places, What's the Difference, and more. Bold, colorful photographs in a supersize format and spectacular information create a winning combination for curious kids who can't wait to learn more about the world.
Twelve award-winning and bestselling East and Southeast Asian American authors explore themes of identity and belonging in You Are Here: Connecting Flights, edited by Ellen Oh. With interwoven stories all taking place in a teeming Chicago airport, the book details the entwined experiences of young people whose family roots may extend to East and Southeast Asia, but who are themselves distinctly American. An incident at a TSA security check point sows chaos and rumors, creating a chain of events that impacts twelve young Asian Americans in a crowded and restless airport. As their disrupted journeys crisscross and collide, they encounter fellow travelers—some helpful, some hostile—as they discover the challenges of friendship, the power of courage, the importance of the right word at the right time, and the unexpected significance of a blue Stratocaster electric guitar. With stories from Linda Sue Park, Erin Entrada Kelly, Randy Ribay, Grace Lin, Traci Chee, Mike Chen, Meredith Ireland, Mike Jung, Minh Le, Ellen Oh, Christina Soontornvat, and Susan Tan, YOU ARE HERE: CONNECTING FLIGHTS is the premier release from HarperCollins Children’s Books’ new imprint, Allida. Created to publish books for children and teens, the imprint’s mission is to encourage marginalized writers and artists to explore the stories they are most passionate about and to craft narratives that defy expectations.
In season three of "Secrets of Sulphur Springs," a new ghost checks into room 205 and starts wreaking havoc around The Tremont. After learning the evil presence will ruin their lives by 2024, the kids race to solve a tangled mystery in the past that may hold the key to defeating the ghost in the present and saving the Dunns and the Campbells from a very bleak future.
The series stars Preston Oliver ("This is Us") as Griffin Campbell, Kyliegh Curran ("Doctor Sleep") as Harper Dunn, Elle Graham ("Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret") as Savannah Dillon, Kelly Frye ("Criminal Minds") as Sarah Campbell, Josh Braaten ("American Horror Story") as Ben Campell, Landon Gordon ("Top Gun: Maverick") as Wyatt Campbell, Madeleine McGraw ("Black Phone") as Zoey Campbell, Diandra Lyle ("American Woman") as Jess Dunn, Johari Washington ("The Walk-On's") as Topher Dunn, and Eugene Byrd ("Bones") as Sam Tremont.
Born and raised in South LA, she writes stories about gentrification, Black teen joy, and the sh*tshow that is capitalism. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Ethnicity, Race & Migration, a certificate in Human Rights and recently graduated from law school, with a specialization in Critical Race Studies. There Goes the Neighborhood is her debut novel. A raised fist against the destructive forces of gentrification and a love letter to communities of color everywhere, Jade Adia's unforgettable book tells the darkly hilarious story of three best friends willing to do whatever it takes to stay together.
From New York Times #1 best-selling Author/Illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, and Author/ Film Producer, Marc Colagiovanni comes a moving new picture book for all ages, WHEN THINGS AREN’T GOING RIGHT, GO LEFT. With illustrations by Reynolds, whose award-winning picture books have been New York Times, Indie, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers, WHEN THINGS AREN’T GOING RIGHT, GO LEFT is a creative and colorful reminder for readers young and older that they can navigate around life’s burdens to forge their own path. Colagiovanni’s lyrical text and Reynolds's stunning art combine to create a much-needed message of strength and perseverance during these challenging times. The book is already proving to be both universal and personal, and one that readers will be drawn to over and over again. As Manager Child Life Services Micaela Hall Materne, MS, at Hasbro Children’s Hospital notes, “I’m smitten with the visual images, and the important and empowering messages . . . I hope these books get into as many hands as possible so that children and caregivers of all ages can enjoy these characters and feel inspired into meaningful conversations from which they can learn and grow.” This first picture book collaboration between Marc and Peter, will be followed next year by an equally moving story called THE REFLECTION IN ME, which began as a short, animated film, produced by Reynolds’ Boston-based media firm FableVision Studios. Written by Marc for his young daughters who were beginning to wrestle with self-image issues, this heartwarming family story spotlights the themes of love, acceptance, and having a positive self-image. It has been featured in film festivals around the globe and has already attracted over 1.4 million views on YouTube.
When ten-year-old Lina Gao steps off the plane in Los Angeles, it’s her first time in America and the first time seeing her parents and her little sister in five years! She’s been waiting for this moment every day while she lived with her grandmother in Beijing, getting teased by kids at school who called her “left behind girl.” Finally, her parents are ready for her to join their fabulous life in America! Except, it’s not exactly like in the postcards: For instance: School’s a lot harder than she thought. When she mispronounces some words in English on the first day, she decides she simply won’t talk. Ever again. And her chatty little sister has no problem with English. She seems to do everything better than Lina, including knowing exactly the way to her parents’ hearts. They live in an apartment, not a house like in Mom’s letters, and they owe a lot of back rent from the pandemic. And Mom’s plan to pay it back sounds more like a hobby than a moneymaker. As she reckons with her hurt, Lina tries to keep a lid on her feelings, both at home and at school. When her teacher starts facing challenges for her latest book selection, a book that deeply resonates with Lina, it will take all of Lina’s courage and resilience to get over her fear in order to choose a future where she’s finally seen.
In Winston Chu vs. The Whimsies, Stacey Lee, an award-winning and best-selling author of YA fiction, draws middle-grade readers into a modern reimaging of a classic Chinese folktale—replete with magic, boba, and lots of trash talking. At its center is Winston, an awkward, struggling teen with a big heart. While skateboarding home with a pie in hand, Winston happens to save a local shopkeeper—the proprietor of Mr. Pang’s Whimsies—from getting robbed. As a reward, Mr. Pang invites Winston to choose any oddity in the store, with a word of caution: the first thing Winston touches will be the thing he gets. Should he choose the “Far-Seeing Eyeballs” or maybe the “Kick-Me Boots”? As he ponders all the weird treasures, a magpie flies under a shelf, and, without thinking, Winston grabs an old broom to sweep it out. Mr. Pang hands him the broom and a complimentary dustpan and says, “Congratulations.”
NEVER FORGET ELEANOR is a heartfelt picture book about a young elephant named Elijah who loves the stories his grandma Eleanor tells him. But when Eleanor’s memory starts to fade, Elijah will need to become the storyteller himself. Elijah loves spending time with his grandma Eleanor. She knows all the best words to answer tricky crossword puzzles and to tell the most beautiful stories for her family and friends. Everyone calls her “Never Forget Eleanor” because she remembers every word she reads and person she meets. Lately, though, Elijah has started to notice Grandma Eleanor forgetting little things. But when Grandma Eleanor doesn’t show up for her Saturday story session, Elijah will need to find a way to use her favorite words and become the storyteller to bring her home.
Originally released in 2019, the album features recordings from music icons like Micky Dolenz, Sandi Patty, Vanessa Williams, Jim Brickman, Jon Secada, Lee Greenwood, Rita Wilson, Tom Bergeron, The Cowsills, Jaci Velasquez, Kellie Pickler, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. The new deluxe reissue will include a newly recorded version of "Won't You Be My Neighbor" by singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso Parker Hastings, along with artist interviews, and track commentary. Thank You, Mister Rogers: Music & Memories has won several awards including the Parent's Choice Award, National Parenting Products Award, Family Choice Award, Hot Diggity Award, and was a nominee of American Association of Independent Music's Libera Award. Scott also recorded and produced Songs From The Neighborhood - The Music of Mister Rogers, which won a GRAMMY® award in 2006 for Best Musical Album for Children, and featured recordings from music icons Crystal Gayle, Ricky Skaggs, Jon Secada, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans and others.
1954: The Winter Soldier is the Soviet Union's greatest weapon. Assigned the most dangerous covert missions from the USSR's secret military branch and guided by a handler who knows him better than he knows himself, he has only one purpose: to obey orders. But he wasn't always the Winter Soldier . . . 1941: As World War II begins, sixteen-year-old Bucky Barnes is determined to enlist in the US army—if only the local commander will stop getting in his way. When Bucky is offered enrollment in a training program with the British Special Operations Executive—the UK's secret service—he leaps at the chance to become a hero. But Bucky has hardly touched down in London when he finds himself running from a mysterious assassin and accompanied by an English chess champion fond of red lipstick and double crosses. She's in possession of a secret every side is desperate to get their hands on. If only they knew what it was . . . Decades later, the Winter Soldier struggles to solve the same mystery Bucky is just beginning to uncover. As their missions intersect across time, their lives collide too—in a way that neither of them would have expected, and that will change the course of their respective wars. In The Winter Soldier: Cold Front, New York Times best-selling author Mackenzi Lee explores the youth of one of Marvel's most compelling characters, James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes—and the enemy soldier he is forced to become.
Promise Boys is a debut YA thriller by writer-filmmaker, Nick Brooks in which three boys at an urban charter school investigate their principal’s murder during a high-stakes 24-hour day. It is a page-turning, murder mystery thriller that shines a light on themes of social justice and educational inequities, shaping this novel to be both a commercial and literary blockbuster.Prior to becoming a filmmaker, Brooks worked as an educator with at-risk youth, and Promise Boys reflects his firsthand experience at how the system can condemn these boys to failure before they’ve even had a chance at success, despite the media fanfare often awarded to urban academies. “Promise Boys is a classic whodunit that mystery fans will love. But even more than that it’s a social thriller, told through the perspective of Black and Brown boys, that highlights the inequity in our education system,” said Brooks. “This is a story that needs to be told, to speak for our kids who far too often are unable to advocate for themselves and to inspire them to tell their own story."
Did you know … that one of Saturn’s moons is so hollow it would float in water? That the largest known star is 3.69 billion times bigger than our sun? Or that Jupiter likely has diamonds floating in its clouds?Explore dazzling facts about the vast expanse of space, from glowing stars billions of light-years away to supermassive exploding supernovas to rockets thundering into the unknown. This comprehensive book takes you on a mind-blowing tour of our unbelievable universe and is full of fascinating facts on topics such as space exploration, our solar system and galaxy, and beyond.Expert astronomer Dean Regas—former host of PBS’s Star Gazers and astronomer of the Cincinnati Observatory—takes you on an incredible tour of facts about each planet in our solar system, dwarf planets, our sun and other stars, exoplanets, comets, asteroids, galaxies, space travel, and so much more. Hundreds of stunning photographs bring the facts to life.
Into every generation, a slayer is born. One girl in all the world…sort of. Frankie Rosenberg is the world’s first slayer-witch, but she doesn’t have that slay-life balance figured out just yet. She’s still reeling from the deadly explosion at the annual slayer retreat- and new evidence that some slayers may have survived. And while she’s defeated her first Big Bad, Frankie soon realizes it was just a warm-up act. Bigger, badder forces of evil are just getting started. The Hellmouth has been reawakened and its calling old friends home. Portals are opening between Sunnydale and other dimensions. And the Scooby Gang has too many demons to contend with – real, metaphorical, and sometimes absurdly hot. Then an oracle warns of a new foe on its way: the Darkness. Could this be what attacked the slayers? And is it coming for Frankie?
Thank you for being part of the conversation. This is Play It Forward. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward Episode 563 With Cassandra Clare The Author Of Chain Of Thorns James and Cordelia must save London—and their marriage—in this thrilling and highly anticipated conclusion to the Last Hours series. Cordelia Carstairs has lost everything that matters to her. In only a few short weeks, she has seen her father murdered, her plans to become parabatai with her best friend, Lucie, destroyed, and her marriage to James Herondale crumble before her eyes. Even worse, she is now bound to an ancient demon, Lilith, stripping her of her power as a Shadowhunter. After fleeing to Paris with Matthew Fairchild, Cordelia hopes to forget her sorrows in the city’s glittering nightlife. But reality intrudes when shocking news comes from home. Cordelia returns to a London riven by chaos and dissent. , If Cordelia and her friends are going to save their city—and their families—they will have to muster their courage, swallow their pride, and trust one another again. For if they fail, they may lose everything—even their souls.
It's almost Lunar New Year, and Chloe can’t wait to celebrate! But first, Chloe and her family must prepare for the new year. They buy new shoes, lay out good-luck oranges in a bowl, decorate the red envelope, and make a crispy turnip cake. Everyone comes together to cook a fantastic feast, saving a plate for A-má, of course. Chloe enjoys the festive celebration and yummy food, but most of all, she loves spending time with her family. Lily LaMotte and Michelle Lee have created a tender, warm, and uplifting holiday story about tradition and the importance of being with those you love. The backmatter contains educational facts about the Lunar New Year celebration in Taiwan and a fun recipe for a yummy fortune cake!
From the creators of the #1 Amazon Best Children’s Book of 2020 and a #1 New York Times bestseller, ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER, author Tami Charles and renowned illustrator Bryan Collier, bring us WE ARE HERE. Sharing the beauty and excellence in the history of the Black community, while assuring Black and brown children of the extraordinary legacy from which they come. A groundbreaking picture book, WE ARE HERE is a stirring, poetic and empowering follow up with soaring language and stunning illustrations. Part love letter, part anthem, WE ARE HERE offers an equally inspirational and arresting ode to all of the Black women and men throughout history who have made momentous contributions from the beginning of time. The second of three books in a trilogy that together add up to All Because You Matter (2020); We Are Here (2023); United Together and represent, respectively, an affirmation; a celebration; a proclamation, WE ARE HERE is for picture books as what THE HATE U GIVE was for YA readers and GHOST BOYS for middle grade students.
In this stunning ninth book in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series,Sophie and her friends discover the true meaning of power—and evil. Sophie Foster changed the game. Now she’s facing impossible choices:when to act, when to trust, and when to let go. Her friends are divided and scattered, and the Black Swan wants Sophie to focus on their projects. But her instincts are leading her somewhere else. Stellarlune—and the mysterious Elysian—might be the key to everything. But finding truth in the Lost Cities always requires sacrifice. And as the Neverseen’s plans sharpen into terrifying focus, it appears that everyone has miscalculated. The Lost Cities’ greatest lie could destroy everything. And in the battle that follows, only one thing is certain: nothing will ever be the same. The world and characters that Shannon creates immediately suck you in--but everything is still grounded in a relatable story. The stories feature a strong female protagonist as well as several great male characters/friends, and they're full of action, humor, and fantastical elements, which will appeal to all readers. Millions of readers have made Keeper of the Lost Cities a worldwide phenomenon, and the series continues to grow with each new book.
In this comprehensive and update guide packed with hundreds of ideas vetted by experts at every site, America’s #1 national parks publisher provides all of the information you need to discover the beauty and diversity of the country’s most iconic national parks, scenic trails, seashores, historic areas, and more.This 544-page reference is the ultimate travel planner for all things national parks, filled with full-color photos, detailed maps, historical background, and practical facts on the location of the park system properties, as well as the best times to visit and top-rated activities.
Fire. Ice. Flood. Three climate disasters.Four kids fighting for their lives.Akira is riding her horse in the California woods when a wildfire sparks—and grows scarily fast. How can she make it to safety when there are flames everywhere?Owen and his best friend, George like spotting polar bears on the snowy Canadian tundra. But when one bear gets way too close for comfort, do the boys have any chance of surviving?Natalie hunkers down at home as a massive hurricane barrels toward Miami. When the floodwaters crash into her house, Natalie is dragged out into the storm—with nowhere to hide.Akira, Owen, George, and Natalie are all swept up in the devastating effects of climate change. They are also connected in ways that will shock them—and could alter their destinies forever.
The first YA novel from MELISSA DE LA CRUZ Studios, ANNE OF GREENVILLE, by award-winner Mariko Tamaki gives a modern twist to the classic saga with Anne depicted as a queer, Asian-American and the adopted daughter of two moms. In this modern reimagining of Anne of Green Gables, Anne is an ABBA-loving singer/actor/writer of disco-operas, queer, Japanese American who longs to be understood for her artistic genius. Recently relocated to middle-of-nowhere Greenville and starting at a new school, Anne has a tendency to A) fall in love quickly, deeply, and effervescently and B) fly off the handle in the face of jerks. Both personality quirks quickly come into play when the soccer team boos the premiere of her disco performance, which—in a roundabout way—introduces her to her new BFF, Berry, and she soon after meets the girl of her dreams, Gilly.
Falling quickly into that age-old trap of ignoring the best friend for the new crush, Anne soon becomes embroiled in a series of dramatic and unfortunate events, and quickly finds herself wrapped up in a love triangle she never expected. Is she MTB with Gilly? Or is Berry her true soul mate? Only time (or 304 pages) will tell.
The Land of Secret Superpowers: Vegetables is health and lifestyle expert Devin Alexander's first publication for children. Geared towards toddlers and preschoolers, this delightfully illustrated book entices little ones to open their eyes (and their mouths) to the heroic possibilities of the delicious foods we are all meant to eat, highlighting how the vegetables are grown & featuring a cast of multicultural children & veggies named from recent lists of most popular baby names. The use of rhyming words is a proven technique to help kids improve word decoding and reading comprehension.
More than 250 million years ago, our planet looked and felt a lot different from how it does now. The seven separate continents we have today hadn't yet taken shape. Instead, there was only one "supercontinent" called Pangaea. This was the beginning of the time of the dinosaurs. Journey from the Triassic to the Jurassic to the Cretaceous to find out how Earth slowly shifted over time, and how the variety of dinosaurs ruling the planet changed too. Discover how some of these creatures took to the land and others to water or air, and what their habitats were like. Explore how these prehistoric lands correspond to current locations and hear from paleontologists about the groundbreaking discoveries they are making in these fossil-rich places today. Experience the Mesozoic world of the dinosaurs as never before.
New York Time best-selling author J.C.CERVANTES is a believer in magic and
searches for it in all corners of the word. As an author of books for children and
young adults she writes about a pre-teen who gets pulled into adventures with
various gods and the shadow bruja Ren and her quest to prevent the nine Aztec
Lords of Night from awakening in THE LORDS OF THE NIGHT.
Fourteen-year-old Renata Santiago is the most powerful godborn of them all, a
bruja with a unique combination of DNA. The Mexica blood from her dad's side
gives her the ability to manipulate shadows. Her mom Pacific, a Maya goddess,
gifted her a magical rope that controls time, and Ren recently used it to save a few
gods from getting stuck forever in 1987. She brought them back to the present, but
her BFF Ah Puch, the once fearsome god of death, darkness, and destruction, is
now a teenager with no divine powers.
Ren is also a girl with ordinary hopes and dreams. She wishes, for example, that her blog about alien sightings would garner more respect. She's always been absolutely convinced that there's a connection between aliens and the Maya civilization. Plenty of online haters feel differently, and they call her a fake, a liar, and a loser.
When Ren receives an email about an alien sighting in Kansas, she thinks it may support her theory. She also suspects that the cinco--five renegade godborns--are up to no good. Soon she finds herself embroiled in a quest to prevent the troublemakers from awakening the nine Aztec Lords of Night. Problem is, none of Ren's friends are available to help her hunt down the cinco and the dangerous gods they are resurrecting. Ren has no choice but to team up with two strangers recruited by Ah Puch: Edison, a teen hybrid demon, and Montero, an eleven-year-old
Aztec hunter. Succeeding in this quest will prove that Ren is no fake, liar, or loser. But it isn't just another challenge. It could well be an impossible one that leaves Ren questioning her very existence.
From award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexandercomes an all-ages, family read destined to be a major saga that changes the way we think about pre-colonial Africa: THE DOOR OF NO RETURN tells the saga of an African family through the eyes of twelve-year-old Kofi and his friend Ama, as they come of age in pre-colonial Ghana and face the woes and wonders of the new worlds of Europe and America. Alexander’s masterful storytelling and real-to-life characters paint a portrait of a young boy coming-of-age whose similarity to readers will offer an immediate connection to the world of today and continues the legacy of family saga stories such as Roots. Dreams are today’s answers for tomorrow’s questions. 11-year-old Kofi Offin dreams of water. Its mysterious, immersive quality. The rich, earthy scent of the current. The clearness, its urgent whisper that beckons with promises and secrets... Kofi has heard the call on the banks of Upper Kwanta, in the village where he lives. He loves these things above all else: his family, the fireside tales of his father’s father, a girl named Ama, and, of course, swimming. Some say he moves like a minnow, not just an ordinary boy so he’s hoping to finally prove himself in front of Ama and his friends in a swimming contest against his older, stronger cousin. But before this can take place, a festival comes to the villages of Upper and Lower Kwanta and Kofi’s brother is chosen to represent Upper Kwanta in the wrestling contest. Encircled by cheering spectators and sounding drums, the two wrestlers from different villages kneel, ready to fight. You are only fine, until you are not. The match is over before it has barely begun, when the unthinkable–a sudden death–occurs... The river does not care how grown you are. As his world turns upside down, Kofi soon ends up in a fight for his life. What happens next will send him on a harrowing journey across land and sea, and away from everything he loves.
LOVE YOUR AMAZING SELF – meditation teacher and hip-hop musician - OFOSU JONES-QUARTEY – offers a unique entry point to mindfulness and self-empowerment for kids ages 7 and up. The book is a unique collection of lyrical meditations that call out to be spoken, recited, or sung aloud. Jones-Quarterly also knows as the recording artist - BORN I – has been teaching mindfulness and meditation for more than 10 years and working with kids and families to bring mindfulness and positivity into practice in daily life. As the recording artist BORN I, Jones-Quartey combines his meditative philosophy with hip-hop and electronic music. He is also the male voice of the mindfulness app – Balance – and is available for interviews on November 30. “The world has its ideas of who you are/ but you don’t need them,/ to be the person you really are inside/ is Freedom.” These are the empowering lyrical verses of meditation teacher and hip-hop musician - Ofosu Jones-Quartey – who also goes by the recording artist name of Born I. The verses appear in the new book: LOVE YOUR AMAZING SELF- a unique collection of lyrical meditations for kids ages 7 and up that encourages mindfulness and inspires confidence. With words written to be read, sung, and recited aloud, Jones-Quartey shares original verses that celebrate the ever-important values of joy, resilience, empowerment and self-compassion. Accompanied by the vibrant illustrations of Ndubisi Okoye, each verse in Love Your Amazing Self carries a theme that encourages kids to affirm the positive in themselves and their lives, including: Be True to Yourself, Find Your Magic, Stand up for Kindness, Embrace Impermanence, and Ask for Help. Short reflections and activities accompanying each verse help kids embody the messages, strengthen their self-confidence, and bring greater joy into their own lives and those around them.
A heart-pounding final showdown changes the life of Cruz Coronado forever in the seventh and final book in this thrilling fact-based fiction series.
The Forbidden Island is the seventh and final installment of Explorer Academy, the fact-based fiction series deemed “captivating” by the editors at Parenting.com. This story features even more thrilling adventures, complete with science, technology, culture and code breaking, and will have kids on the edge of their seats as the action-packed plot intensifies with a captivating conclusion. Amid assignments that take the Explorer Academy recruits from the iceberg-filled waters of Antarctica to the bone-dry deserts of Argentina, Cruz Coronado is scrambling to complete the last piece of the cipher. With Nebula agents and the elusive explorer spy still out there, his opportunity to recover his mother’s world-changing formula is slipping away. But as Cruz has learned from his time aboard Orion, true explorers must never give up.
Even after completing dozens of high-risk missions and traveling to all seven continents, Cruz could never prepare himself for one ultimate surprise.
We all know that little kids ask an awful lot of questions. “Why” can sometimes seem like the only word they know! Now here’s a chance to have some answers. If you want to rule in your knowledge about the animal kingdom and become an expert on all creatures that crawl, wriggle, run, swim, leap, and fly, this is the book for you! Roam through the savanna to discover why hyenas laugh. Slither along the forest floor to find out why snakes stick out their tongues. Pick up a magnifying glass and figure out why ants are obsessed with sugar. And get some practical advice as to why so many poisonous animals are brightly colored and why pesky mosquitoes think your feet are especially delicious!
From National Geographic Kids—creators of the bestselling Why? Over 1,111 Answers to Everything and Why Not? Over 1,111 Answers to Everything—Why? Animals is the first in a brand-new series of fun-packed books designed to supercharge your child’s curiosity while keeping them entertained for hours. Chomp down on hundreds of fun facts, stunning photographs, explorer interviews, and activities such as matching games and quizzes.
It's that time of year where we reassess how we're going to tackle the new year and setting healthy habits for our little ones is high on most parents' minds. Beloved kids franchise CoComelon is out with new research about the most important habits parents want to establish with their kids with bathtime, bedtime and eating vegetables all topping the list. Award winning TV host and personality Lillian Vazquez will talk about how she incorporates healthy habits with her own son and will give viewers tips and tricks they can put to immediate use.
With more than 150 million subscribers and 4 billion monthly views, CoComelon is the #1 most-watched kids brand on YouTube globally and has become a perennial leader on major streaming platforms like Amazon, Spotify, Apple Music, Roku and Netflix, where it set the record for consecutive days in the Top 10 ‘Most Watched TV Show.’
In the 2017 young adult novel They Both Die at the End, author Adam Silvera introduced two teenagers who experience one unforgettable day after a mysterious organization called Death-Cast informed them that today would be their last day on Earth. The book became a publishing phenomenon, hitting #1 on the New York Times best-seller list, garnering tremendous critical acclaim, and capturing the imagination of a massive audience of passionate readers. They Both Die at the End is one of the most popular YA titles on ‘BookTok’, selling over 1.5 million copies domestically and nearly 2 million internationally.
Now, the long-awaited prequel – The First to Die at the End – arrives in stores on October 4. In the highly anticipated novel, two new strangers spend a life-changing day together after Death-Cast makes its fateful calls. Orion Pagan has a serious heart condition and he signed up for Death-Cast so he could know what’s coming. Valentino Prince has a long and promising future ahead and he only registered for Death-Cast after his twin sister nearly died in a car accident. Orion and Valentino cross paths in New York and immediately feel a deep connection. But when the first round of End Day calls goes out, one of them receives a call, and the other doesn’t. Though neither boy is certain how the day will end, they know they want to spend it together…even if that means their goodbye will be heartbreaking.
You Don’t Know What War Is: The Diary of a Young Girl from Ukraine is 12-year-old Yeva Skalietska’s firsthand account of her harrowing escape from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Yeva’s story begins on her twelfth birthday in Kharkiv, where she has been living with her grandmother since she was a baby. Ten days later, the only life she’d ever known was irrevocably shattered. On February 24, 2022, her city was suddenly under attack as Russia launched its horrifying invasion. Yeva and her grandmother fled to a basement bunker, where she began writing this diary. She describes the bombings they endured while sheltering underground, and their desperate journey west to escape the conflict raging around them. “Everyone knows the word war, but very few people understand what it truly means,” writes Skalietska. “I want the world to know what we have experienced.” After many endless train rides and a prolonged stay in an overcrowded refugee center in West Ukraine, Yeva and her beloved grandmother eventually find refuge in Dublin. There, she bravely begins to forge a new life, hoping she’ll be able to return home one day. You Don’t Know What War Is: The Diary of a Young Girl from Ukraine is an important, emotional, and ultimately hopeful memoir about the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war.
This is Play It Forward. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward Episode 544 With Author And Journalist Nora Nues MUHAMMAD NAJEM, WAR REPORTER In 2018 CNN Reporter Nora Neus stumbled across the twitter feed from Muhammad Najem, a 15-year-old Syrian using social media to tell his story in any way he could. He was only eight years old when the war in Syria began. He was thirteen when his beloved Baba, his father, was killed in a bombing while praying. By fifteen, Muhammad didn’t want to hide anymore—he wanted to act. He was determined to reveal what families like his were enduring in Syria: bombings by their own government and days hiding in dark underground shelters.
The creators of the Circle Round bring their beloved combination of folktales and storytelling activities to book form in the first branded Circle Round book series. Podcast host Rebecca Sheir has uncovered folktales from a broad range of traditions, all exploring timeless values, such as kindness, generosity, acceptance, and more. Specially designed to be read aloud and shared, these stories are accompanied by questions and prompts for conversation, along with creative storytelling activities developed by Melissa Taylor of Imagination Soup.
Love & Gelato meets The Opposite of Always in the poignant and romantic novel, SPELLS FOR LOST THINGS by Jenna Evans Welch. In this brand-new standalone novel, two teens try to find their place in the world after being unceremoniously dragged to Salem, Massachusetts, for the summer.Willow has never felt like she belonged anywhere and is convinced that the only way to find a true home is to travel the world. But her plans to act on her dream are put on hold when her aloof and often absent mother drags Willow to Salem, Massachusetts, to wrap up the affairs of an aunt Willow didn’t even know she had. An aunt who may or may not have been a witch.There, she meets Mason, a loner who’s always felt out of place and has been in and out of foster homes his entire life. He’s been classified as one of the runaways, constantly searching for ways to make it back to his mom. If she can’t take care of him, it’s his job to try and take care of her. Right?Naturally pulled to one another, Willow and Mason set out across Salem to discover the secret past of Willow’s mother, her aunt, and the ambiguous history of her family. During all of this, the two can’t help but act on their natural connection. But with the amount of baggage between them—and Willow’s growing conviction her family might be cursed—can they manage to hold onto each other?
Bursting with fascinating, fun-tastic facts, this treasure trove of all things animals leaves no habitat unexplored or unusual animal ability unmentioned! If you have ever wondered what sound a rhino makes when it’s happy you can find the answer and 4,997 more in this captivating and colorful collection! Featuring vibrant photography and a bold, eye-catching design, this treasure trove is perfect for both the casual browser and the truly fact-obsessed!
National Geographic Explorers and big cat experts Steve Winter and Sharon Guynup have spent more than two decades tracking big cats in some of the world’s most remote wild places. They’re now sharing what they’ve learned about these iconic cats in a fun, fascinating photo and fact-filled book for kids, The Ultimate Book of Big Cats: Your Guide to The Secret Lives of These Fierce, Fabulous Felines. The book shares never-before-seen images of big cats in their environments, including snow leopards, jaguars, leopards, tigers, cheetahs and of course lions. As photographer and journalist, their work has sparked successful programs protecting people and their livestock, so they no longer kill snow leopards in the Himalayas, jaguars in Brazil, and leopards in Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Steve’s images of P-22, a cougar in L.A., helped create what will be the world’s largest wildlife overpass in California.
The E.B. White Read Aloud Award winner is publishing his first interactive book called HEY, BRUCE!, adding to the fun of his best-selling the curmudgeonly Mother Bruce series of books for young readers .“One convenient thing about writing stories about a grump is that I can get away with more bad things happening to him before the audience stops laughing and starts feeling sympathy for him,” Higgins told PW. “That’s essentially what the Bruce books are,” Higgins said, “me having ridiculous conversations with myself and seeing what happens.”
Darren Aronofsky and his screenwriting partner, Ari Handel, introduce their debut novel Monster Club, the first book in an action-packed, hilarious and heartfelt series about growing up, letting go, and facing down your monsters.
The only thing that makes Eric “Doodles” King happy is Monster Club, the epic roleplaying game that he and his friends created. But when his friends start to think of Monster Club as a kid’s game and get more interested in other things, Eric is heartbroken. That’s when Eric happens across a long-lost vial of magic ink that brings their monster drawings to life, and suddenly, the monsters he and his friends created are wreaking havoc across their hometown of Coney Island. Eric soon realizes that it’s up to the Monster Club to face down the very monsters they created and save their city in the process.
When Mac first opens his classroom copy of Jane Yolen's The Devil’s Arithmetic and finds some words blacked out, he thinks it must be a mistake. But then when he and his friends discover what the missing words are, he's outraged. Someone in his school is trying to prevent kids from reading the full story. But who?Even though his unreliable dad tells him to not get so emotional about a book (or anything else), Mac has been raised by his mom and grandad to call out things that are wrong. He and his friends head to the principal's office to protest the censorship... but her response doesn't take them seriously. So many adults want Mac to keep his words to himself. Mac's about to see the power of letting them out.Amy Sarig King writes this story from real life experience. Jane Yolen’s The Devil’s Arithmetic was censored in her local elementary school in the exact way as it’s described in her novel. After buying an uncensored copy at her local independent bookstore, she went to the principal to fix the problem, but was shrugged off as if she were silly to think that censorship is wrong.The Attack of the Black Rectangles takes on censorship and intolerance, two issues of importance to King, as she cautions in her author’s note:Now… school districts all over the country are seeing a massive rise in book bans—where just a few citizens are removing many books from shelves in a call to “protect” you from the truth . . . when taking away stories of people different from you, or stories where you might be able to see yourself and your family, or, really, any stories, is the opposite of protection. I want you to care about intellectual freedom— which is the right to read.
Former NBA All-Star and Miami Heat assistant coach Caron Butler and acclaimed author Justin A. Reynolds tip off the first book in a new middle grade series about a young boy trying to make his mark on an AAU basketball team coached by a former NBA star. In Shot Clock, Tony loves basketball. But the game changed recently when his best friend, Dante, a hoops phenom, was killed by a police officer. Tony hopes he can carry on Dante’s legacy by making the Sabres, the AAU basketball team Dante took to two national championships. With his community reeling and the team just finding its footing on the court, can Tony find a path to healing while helping to bring the Sabres a championship?
Beloved African American folklorist Zora Neale Hurston first published the short story Magnolia Flower in 1925. A stirring folktale brimming with poetic prose, culture, and history, Magnolia Flower follows a young Afro-Indigenous girl who longs for freedom.
Now, Magnolia Flower is tenderly reimagined as a children’s picture book by #1 New York Times bestselling and National Book Award-winning author Dr. Ibram X. Kendi.Born to parents who fled slavery and the Trail of Tears, Magnolia Flower is a girl with a vibrant spirit who longs to connect with others who also seek freedom. Magnolia sets off on a journey that will prove just how brave one can be when leading with one’s heart. With breathtaking illustrations by Loveis Wise, this picture book reminds us that there is no force strong enough to stop love.
This new addition to the wildly popular, fact packed Weird But True series is all about the coolest, strongest, and WEIRDEST birthday facts in the world. For instance, did you know that you are likely share your birthday with about 20.8 million other people around the globe? Or that the winner at the world birthday-cake-eating championship ate 14.5 pounds of cake in just under eight minutes?Unwrap 300 wacky facts and pictures showcasing the hilarious history, crazy coincidences, awesome astrological beliefs, and surprising statistics behind birthdays. You’ll be impressed by the world’s craziest cakes, most elaborate decorations, and most grandiose gifts to ever commemorate a year in the life. Whether you’re celebrating your own birthday, looking for the perfect present, or just love wacky trivia, this fact-packed, fun-filled book takes the cake!This kid-favorite series is sure to entertain the birthday boy or girl with lots of fun and obscure facts!
Bill Konigsberg, author of six books, the latest being Destination Unknown, a YA book from Scholastic, which Kirkus Reviews calls “Historical fiction at its finest.” In fact, the review is so great, here are some excerpts that say it better than I can: “Two drastically different gay teens meet in New York City in 1987 at the height of the AIDS pandemic…… What ensues is a tour de force: an exploration of a relationship that pulls back the curtains on queer 1980s New York City to reveal a community wrestling with life and death. With care, emotional depth, and a myriad of period music references, Konigsberg expertly balances Micah’s wonder, fear, despair, and outrage at coming out during the AIDS crisis. Strong characterizations of Micah and CJ are buoyed by excellent dialogue and believable secondary characters—…propelling this exhilarating page-turner. It’s sure to be an emotional eye-opener for those who did not live through this time and a resonant picture of resilience, community, and activism for those who did.”
We all know them—the sandcastle smashers, the avid piñata bashers, the kids who thrill to watching videos of wrecking balls in action and avalanches. Rather than be concerned about boys and girls who are drawn to destruction, parents, teachers, and other significant adults should encourage their fascination. Because the more curious they become, the more they’ll want to learn about how things blast apart, wear away, topple, shatter, and self-destruct. And they just might grow up to be a scientist or inventor who applies that knowledge to building stronger buildings, designing better products, and making the world a safer place.
A how-things-work look at how things don’t work, Break Down! is aimed at middle-graders who build towers of blocks just to knock them down, get excited about a trip to the junkyard to see a car crusher at work, and wonder why toilets get clogged. Written in a high-energy, kid-friendly style by award-winning science journalist Mara Grunbaum and filled with incredible photos and fun facts, it covers all kinds of things that crash, crumble, and break (including some by design, like bike helmets) as well as colossal disasters, both natural and those due to epic human error (like the Great Molasses Flood of 1919, which took out entire city blocks in Boston, killing 21 people and injuring at least 150 more). While indulging their curiosity about everything from what loggers did before chainsaws to the inner workings of a cracked cell phone screen, kids will get a crash course in the science and technology behind explosions, implosions, crashes, crushes, demolition. and decomposition.
Packed with photos, in-depth explanations, real-life stories, and hands-on activities to captivate kids and help them understand the forces that break things down and explore ways to prevent them.
From the troll doll bug of Suriname to the Bog Snorkeling Championships in Wales to a technicolor village in Indonesia, Weird but True! World 2023 offers an unparalleled, adventure-filled exploration of our world’s amazing uniqueness.
Middle graders will discover Earth’s strangest animals, wackiest festivals, ancient wonders, intriguing news, and more in the newest addition to the wildly popular WEIRD BUT TRUE! book series. Weird but True! World 2023: Incredible Facts, Awesome Photos, and Weird Wonders—for This Year and Beyond! showcases strange, shocking, and spectacular sights around the globe, from kooky creatures to amazing architecture. Young readers will journey across all seven continents, dive into the ocean, and even blast off into space to discover a whole wide world of weird.
The blockbuster kid-favorite series is a big, bold annual extravaganza of the wackiest and wildest marvels on planet Earth. Weird but True! World 2023 is full of fun surprises, from the world’s first underwater post office to a glass frog with transparent skin. The yearly compendium also crowns the world’s top weirdos in three categories, naming global winners plus four runners up. Readers will discover the 2023 weirdest place to live, weirdest animal, and weirdest photo.
Weird But True! World 2023 goes continent-by-continent to explore the weirdest things the world has to offer through lively blurbs, zany maps, incredible photo spreads, stats, personality quizzes, and more. Young readers will visit an amusement park deep underground, dive into a crystal-clear crack between continents, take a trip to the world’s most remote toilet, and, of course, meet all manner of weird animals big and small along the way.
We know animals can’t speak and express themselves in the same way as humans but even the smallest and quietest animals have incredible ways of communicating with each other. With wildlife veterinarian expert Dr. Gabby Wild as a guide, How to Speak Animal helps kids understand how animals communicate through sound, body language, and behavior. It’s full of expert insights and real-life stories of humans exploring ways to “talk” to animals, from teaching great apes sign language to speaking “dolphin.” Packed with super-engaging animal photography that helps illustrate key concepts, this fascinating book profiles more than 60 different creatures—from birds to mammals to reptiles and more—and their amazing ways of communicating with each other.
The book features a variety of wild and domestic animals including mammals, marine life, insects, reptiles, and amphibians. If you’ve ever wondered why gorillas beat their chests and make hooting noises, what it means when chameleons change color, or why some elephants twist their trunks together, this is the book for you!
Scholastic Press is proud to publish COMING UP CUBAN: RISING PAST CASTRO'S SHADOW by 15‐time Emmy® Award winner and Pura Belpré honoree Sonia Manzano (on sale August 2, 2022). Offering a fresh look at and examining the impact of the 1959 Cuban Revolution, this unforgettable and crucial story addresses the inner lives and growth of four children from very different walks of life as they experience major social, political, and cultural upheaval.
In the wake of Fidel Castro's new regime, Ana, Miguel, Zulema, and Juan-children of different ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds-learn to find a place for themselves in a world forever changed. In a tumultuous moment of history, we see the lasting effects of a revolution in Havana, the countryside, Miami, and New York. Through these snapshot stories, we are reminded that regardless of any tumultuous times, we are all forever connected in our humanity.
"Social upheavals affect everyone. I wanted to write a novel that examined the impact the 1959 Cuban Revolution had on four children. Through these four separate life stories, I hope our readers see how interconnected we all are, regardless of any tumultuous times we might be living in. Scholastic, with their everlasting focus on diverse books, are the perfect publishers," said Manzano.
In this novel, two of the kids make it out of Cuba, one of them flown out as part of a program called Operation Peter Pan and brought to Miami. Over 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban minors were sent to the USA under this system by frightened parents who hoped to protect them from the real or rumored Castro policies. Two are left behind, where poverty and uncertainty lurk. Perfect for fans of Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan and Refugee by Alan Gratz, COMING UP CUBAN imparts resonant and interwoven tales of children enduring trying moments in history, as they grow through these emotionally‐charged experiences. The book is also the first in a new four‐book publishing program between Manzano and Scholastic.
Civil rights icon, Ambassador Andrew Young and his daughter, Paula Young Shelton, deliver a powerful story about a special day in Andrew’s childhood that changed him forever. Written for kids, Just Like Jesse Owens is a story of race relations in the 1930s South and is illustrated by bestselling Caldecott Honor winner Gordon C. James. The 90-year-old Andrew Young shares the teaching of his parents, and Jesse Owens' example, that became the guiding principles that built his foundation as a civil rights leader and advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
With every throw, tackle, and kick, numbers are being calculated on the football field. National Geographic Kids and ESPN teamed up to create It’s a Numbers Game! Football to teach kids the way that digits and math factor into football, from the countless statistics used to measure an individual player’s performance to the numbers used in defensive formations. NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes wrote the foreword for this new book, explaining how he uses time, numbers, and math to win football games.
Kids will read about the most amazing moments in football history and learn about the crazy calculations behind winning plays. They will discover which NFL team defenses have allowed the fewest points and check out cool graphics that show the angles in different pass patterns. Young readers will enjoy learning about the greatest players in the game’s history and finding out fascinating facts, like the price of a Super Bowl commercial.
Players and enthusiasts of all levels will enjoy reading about their favorite football stars and learning how numbers are used to enhance the game, such as the math behind the perfect punt. The book also provides lessons for players to practice their skills based on the strategies provided. There are specific “Try This” activities at the end of each chapter to get kids actively learning.
Jam-packed with infographics, statistics, fun facts, sports history, and tips and activities to improve their own game, this book will help kids become a number-crunching football pro.
The Blue Bloods are back, and they are more fanged and fabulous than ever. Melissa de la Cruz is the #1 New York Times, #1 Publisher’s Weekly and #1 IndieBound bestselling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for readers of all ages including the Blue Bloods series. Within New York City’s most elite families, there lurks a secret society of celebrated Americans whose ancestors sailed on the Mayflower. They are the powerful and the wealthy—and in fact, they are not human. They are the Blue Bloods, an ancient group of vampires.
After defeating Lucifer and sacrificing the love of her life, Jack, Schuyler wakes up back in New York safe and sound. Only it’s not quite the New York she knows, and she’s not in her regular body. She looks different and feels different and so does everyone else. Schuyler soon discovers that in this world, her best friend has a different last name, her parents are both alive and well and one of them is an entirely different person, and the love of her life? Not so dead after all. The catch? Jack has no idea who she is.
As it turns out, Schuyler is not in her New York. She’s not even in her universe. This is an alternate reality. One where Lucifer is alive and well and acting as mayor of New York, Blue Bloods are luring humans to clinics to drain their blood, and Jack is Lucifer’s right-hand man. Just when she thinks all is lost, Schuyler is contacted by a familiar friend—the Silver Blood, Kingsley. The Kingsley from her world. He remembers the Schuyler she used to be! But he also has a theory, and it’s one she doesn’t like. That Schuyler was sent here to defeat Lucifer. Again. And that she’s the only person in this universe or any universe that can defeat him.
Blade Breaker, the highly anticipated sequel to the instant #1 New York Timesbestselling Realm Breaker, features breathless action, deadly twists, and gripping magic, making it perfect for fans of Garth Nix and J. R. R. Tolkien. In Blade Breaker -- from bestselling author Victoria Aveyard (whose Red Queen series has sold more than 3 million copies) -- a divided world must rally, an unstoppable enemy must be defeated, and the fate of the world rests on a blade’s edge.
Andry, a former squire, continues to fight for hope amid blood and chaos. Dom, a grieving immortal, strives to fulfill a broken oath. Sorasa, an outcast assassin, faces her past when it returns with sharpened teeth. Valtik, an old sorceress, summons a mighty power. And Corayne, a pirate’s daughter with an ancient magic in her blood, steps closer to becoming the hero she’s destined to be. Together they must assemble an army to face Queen Erida and Taristan’s wicked forces. But something deadly waits in the shadows, something that might consume the world before there’s any hope for victory.
In her new book, Ultimate Book of the Future: Incredible, Ingenious, and Totally Real Tech That Will Change Life as You Know It, Author Stephanie Drimmer shares exciting advances in cool high-tech stuff and shows us how scientists are working today to solve problems for a better tomorrow. Taking kids on a fascinating journey of discovery, Drimmer, a longtime writer for National Geographic Kids magazine, has a knack for making complex topics easy-to-grasp and interesting for kids through clear and lively explanations, often with a touch of humor or suspense. While filled with fun and wonder, everything in this book is backed by research and grounded in science reality. Kids will discover what’s coming soon in robotics, bionics, space travel, and much more. As they dive into chapters on everyday tech, future cities, future food, high-tech entertainment, transportation, building better bodies, and saving the world, young readers will have a chance to imagine what tomorrow might look like.
Author, and self proclaimed reluctant reader, Ryan Jacobson knows firsthand how hard it can be to keep young readers engaged these days. Reading is absolutely fundamental and that’s why Ryan has changed the game by allowing readers to choose their own paths throughout these exciting middle grade novels. The Can You Survive? series aims to keep young readers on their toes with high-interest plots and engagement strategies that will have the most reluctant readers coming back for more!
In THE LAST FALLEN MOON, we meet again with the protagonist Riley Oh, who has come to realize that life as the Godrealm’s last fallen star is not all it’s cracked up to be. Her new divine heritage doesn’t even come with cool magical powers; half of her friends and family (including her parents) can’t remember her; and to top it all off, the entire Gom clan is mad at her for killing the Cave Bear Goddess and stripping away their healing abilities. But when their anger boils over and a group of witches curse Riley’s home, she knows it’s up to her to restore magic back to her clan even if it means sneaking into the Spiritrealm. Luckily, Riley has some backup. Along with her sister, Hattie, Riley meets Dahl, a heaven-born boy with shockingly white hair and a fondness for toilets who might not be telling the whole truth about who he is. Together they’ll fight vicious monsters, discover dark underwater worlds, and race to save the land of the dead from a fate that no one could have foreseen.
And this time, Riley won’t let anything get in her way. Because she can’t shake the feeling that something terrible is coming their way and the gifted community is going to need all the powers they can get.
Prince Jones is the guy with all the answers—or so it seems. After all, at seventeen, he has his own segment on Detroit’s popular hip-hop show, Love Radio, where he dishes out advice to the brokenhearted. Prince has always dreamed of becoming a DJ and falling in love. But being the main caretaker for his mother, who has multiple sclerosis, and his little brother means his dreams will stay just that and the only romances in his life are the ones he hears about from his listeners. Until he meets Dani Ford.
Dani isn’t checking for anybody. She’s focused on her plan: ace senior year, score a scholarship, and move to New York City to become a famous author. But her college essay keeps tripping her up and acknowledging what’s blocking her means dealing with what happened at that party a few months ago. And that’s one thing Dani can’t do. When the romantic DJ meets the ambitious writer, sparks fly. Prince is smitten, but Dani’s not looking to get derailed. She gives Prince just three dates to convince her that he’s worth falling for. Three dates for the love expert to take his own advice, and just maybe change two lives forever.
A quiet revolution has been underway in recent years, with study after study revealing substantial same-sex sexual behavior in animals. In the new YA title Queer Ducks (and Other Animals), two-time National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author Eliot Schrefer presents a well-researched exploration of queer behavior in the animal world—from albatrosses to bonobos to clownfish to doodlebugs.
In sharp and witty prose—aided by humorous comics from artist Jules Zuckerberg—Schrefer uses science, history, anthropology, and sociology to illustrate the diversity of sexual behavior in the animal world. Interviews with researchers in the field offer additional insights for readers and aspiring scientists.
Eliot Schrefer is a New York Times bestselling author, has twice been a finalist for the National Book Award in Young People’s Literature, and has won the Green Earth Book Award and the Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award for Children’s Literature. His novels include the Lost Rainforest series, Endangered, Threatened, Rescued, Orphaned, and two books in the Spirit Animals series. He lives in New York City, is on the faculty of the Hamline University and Fairleigh Dickinson University MFA in creative writing programs, and reviews books for USA Today.
In WHAT CAN I SAY, author Catherine Newman provides a framework for parents to help their kids learn more about relationships, empathy, respect, friendship, and communication. From how to be inclusive, listen, give advice, argue, stick up for yourself, and ask for help to how to turn down a date, express sympathy, deal with offensive comments, respond to bullying, and be trustworthy, What Can I Say? helps kids develop the skills to express themselves clearly while showing empathy, care, and generosity towards others.
A Show for Two follows Mina Rahman whose goal is to win the Golden Ivy student film competition, get into her dream school, and leave New York City behind for good. When indie film star Emmitt Ramos enrolls in her high school under a secret identity to research his next role, he agrees to star in her short film for the competition…if she acts as his NYC tour guide. As Mina ventures across the five boroughs with Emmitt, the city she grew up in starts to look more like home than it ever has before. Suddenly, Mina’s dreams begin to crumble, and she’s forced to ask herself: Is winning worth losing everything?
Lou has enough confusion in front of her this summer. She’ll be working in her family’s ice-cream shack with her newly ex-boyfriend—whose kisses never made her feel desire, only discomfort—and her former best friend, King, who is back in their Canadian prairie town after disappearing three years ago without a word.
But when she gets a letter from her biological father—a man she hoped would stay behind bars for the rest of his life—Lou immediately knows that she cannot meet him, no matter how much he insists.
While King’s friendship makes Lou feel safer and warmer than she would have thought possible, when her family’s business comes under threat, she soon realizes that she can’t ignore her father forever.
This is Play It Forward. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward Episode 496 With Grand Master Dork Lord Michael Johnston
He’s set about turning traditional tropes in the fantasy genre on their head. In this epic adventure, GRAVE DANGER, written for ages 8-12, Johnston recasts the villain figure as the hero – because let’s be honest, it’s always the villain that gets to do all the fun stuff, and has the coolest powers.
Just in time for Halloween best-selling author Roseanne A. Brown brings us the story of a vampire slayer uprooted to suburban Maryland. How does a girl who was trained to be a vampire slayer adjust to regular life in middle school? Not so well. Serwa will make big mistakes, earn detention, and even make a trip to the underworld before she learns the shocking truth about herself and her family.
For most kids, catching fireflies is a fun summer activity. For twelve- year-old Serwa Boateng, it's a matter of life and death. That's because Serwa knows that some fireflies are really adze, shapeshifting vampires from the forests of Southeastern Ghana. Adze prey on the blood of innocents, possessing their minds and turning them into hulking monsters, and for generations, slayers like Serwa and her parents have protected an unknowing public from their threats. Serwa is the best adze slayer her age, and she knew how to use a crossbow before she could even ride a bike. But when an obayifo (witch) destroys her childhood home while searching for a drum, do Serwa's parents take her with them on their quest to defeat her? No. Instead, they dump Serwa with her hippie aunt and cryptic-obsessed cousin in the middle of Nowheresville, Maryland "for her own safety." Now, instead of crossbows and battle armor, she's dealing with mean girls and algebra, and for the first time in her life she doesn't have to carry a staff everywhere she goes, which is, kind of nice, actually.
HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL is written by educators, vetted by curriculum experts, and chock-full of sophisticated illustrations, charts, diagrams, and formulas. Covering English, Math, Science, U.S History and World History, the content in these study guides is presented in a bold and fun format that's easy to read and understand. From ancient Rome to modern poetry, from the solar system to rational numbers, these study guides will help middle schoolers survive any pandemic learning gaps and ultimately thrive in their new environment.
The most well-known spoken word poem from National Poetry Slam Champion Elizabeth Acevedo comes alive in the brand-new illustrated book, Inheritance: A Visual Poem. Paired with vivid, full-color illustrations by artist Andrea Pippins, Inheritance: A Visual Poem addresses Elizabeth’s experiences being Afro-Latinidad and the traits and struggles she inherited through her racial and ethnic heritage. Elizabeth recited the poem while performing on the D.C. poetry circuit in 2014, and video of her performance went viral, which fueled her popularity among a worldwide audience.
In the famous poem, Elizabeth embraces all the complexities of Black hair and Afro-Latinidad culture — the history, pain, pride and powerful love of that inheritance. With Inheritance: A Visual Poem, Elizabeth’s powerful words can now be read in a vibrant package, making it the ideal gift, treasure or inspiration for readers of any age.
Featuring thrilling sky battles, SKANDAR AND THE UNICORN THIEF is the first book in a fast-paced adventure series that skewers pop notions of unicorns and subverts the “unicorns are pink and cuddly” trope. The creatures in this series are powerful and exploding with uncontrolled magic. YA readers looking for a world to lose themselves in need look no further than the detailed, lavishly crafted universe of SKANDAR.
But the magic surrounding this series truly lies in 29-year-old debut author A.F. Steadman, who studied Spanish, Russian and law at The University of Cambridge and became a lawyer. She eventually gave up her law career to pursue writing fulltime and was inspired to write SKANDAR AND THE UNICORN THIEF while walking through Oxford years ago, during which she envisioned a clear image of a boy riding a unicorn through the sky.
Steadman calls this a book about ferocious unicorns, but it’s also about friends who accept you for who you really are, and about the fierce bond that can exist between humans and animals. It’s a book about loving people—even when loving them can be hard. And about doing the right thing—even when it scares you. The message of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief is a simple one, together we are always stronger.
This is Play It Forward. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward Episode 480 With Cedric Williams From Face’s Music Party On Nickelodeon
Face is back for a new generation of preschoolers in Face’s Music Party, a brand-new music variety show premiering Monday, June 6, at 11 a.m. (ET/PT). The interactive series that combines animation and live action (13 episodes) will feature a reimagined Face as host and VJ, playing modern pop hits and revamped nursery school classics to create the ultimate music party. Face’s Music Party will debut as part of the ongoing “Music Mondays”-themed preschool programming block and air regularly Mondays at 11 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon.
Eleven-year-old Ella is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute, a magic school in the clouds where Marvellers from around the world practice their cultural arts, like brewing Indian spice elixirs and bartering with pesky Irish pixies. Despite her excitement, Ella discovers that being the first isn't easy, and not all Marvellers are welcoming of Conjurors. But eventually, she finds friendly faces in potions teacher, Masterji Thakur, and fellow misfits Brigit and Jason.
When a dangerous criminal known as the Ace of Anarchy escapes prison, supposedly with the aid of a Conjuror, Ella becomes the target of suspicion. Worse, Masterji Thakur never returns from a research trip. With her friend's help, Ella must clear her family's name and track down her mentor before it's too late.
Fact: About 71 percent of the Earth's surface is water-covered, and the oceans hold about 96.5 percent of all Earth's water.
Fact: More than 80 percent of the ocean and never been mapped, explored, or even seen by humans. A far greater percentage of the surfaces of the moon and the planet Mars has been mapped and studied than of our own ocean floor. Despite its size and impact on the lives of every organism on Earth, the ocean remains a mystery.
Affectionately dubbed "Her Deepness", by The New Yorker magazine, Dr. Sylvia Earle, one of the world’s top experts on ocean science and conservation, shares her inspiring wisdom in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC OCEAN: A GLOBAL ODYSSEY showcasing how the ocean--with its forces, habitats, creatures, and global influence--has a tremendous impact on our everyday lives.
President & Chairman of Mission Blue, Dr. Earl describes the evolution, beauty, and impact of our ocean, the challenges it faces, such as climate change, plastic, and overfishing, and the myriad ways we can help protect it. With a special focus on new discoveries in the deepest reaches of the ocean, Dr. Earle’s book reveals wonders that few have witnessed before and broadens our understanding of this essential realm of life on Earth.
Feathers, fins, fur, feet—the animal kingdom is made up of nearly 9 million known species! From flying fish to flightless birds, each living creature has a unique role to play in the life of planet Earth. In this book, Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz, hosts of the mega-popular kids’ podcast Wow in the World, will take you on a fact-filled adventure to explore the funniest and most fascinating animals known to humankind. Featuring hilarious illustrations and filled with facts, jokes, photos, and quizzes, this book is a call to the wild kids of the world.
Meet three notoriously mysterious sea creatures and their unnerving beauty
Acclaimed National Geographic photographer David Liittschwager describes his fascination with the octopus, seahorse and jellyfish this way: “Nature loves to hide. I want to see.” And see he does- creating some of the most mesmerizing images of these tiny often overlooked sea creatures.
Liittschwager has spent 12 years photographing octopuses, seahorses and jellyfish in more than 28 locations around the world—from Tasmania to Bonaire, the Florida Keys to the Solomon Islands, Portugal to Japan—equipped with his trusty 500-pound photo studio. Using a white background to capture the smallest of details, including small hairs and translucent tissues, Liittschwager has been able to render the details that would normally go unseen. Accompanying some of the images from the nearly 500 specimens he photographed, are essays by bestselling science writers which further explain the biology of these surprising creatures.
While researchers continue to explore to find new sea life, they are in a battle with time as the planet loses species to human activity such as oil spills, global warming, plastic waste and more.
Summertime is well under way and teens home from school may be tempted to spend more time online. To help parents get teens excited about taking a break from their phones, TikTok recently introduced a number of tools and programs to reduce screen time and encourage safe online habits.
This summer, TikTok is partnering with Barnes & Noble to support summer reading with the new #BookTokChallenge. Through August 31, TikTok encourages people to discover and read new books and share their reactions with the TikTok community using #BookTokChallenge. Barnes & Noble visitors can also scan a QR code at participating locations that takes them to a dedicated #booktok hub featuring popular books and bestselling authors across a range of literary genres - all in an effort to unite the TikTok community around the love of reading.
TikTok also offers several tools to help people control their screen time. A screen time management dashboard gives people visibility into how and when they are using TikTok and the ability to set time limits; screen time breaks remind people to take a break after a certain amount of uninterrupted screen time; and several top creators have made short videos encouraging users to take a snack break, explore the city, go outside and rest your body and mind -- which have already generated millions of views.
In 2018, Michelle Figueroa – a journalist, filmmaker and CNN contributor – launched The Good News Movement, the only large-scale, journalist-run, politics-free social media platform for only good news. The Good News Movement quickly amassed a huge loyal following and now has several million followers with celebrities such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Kristen Bell, Ricky Martin and Jamie Lee Curtis as fans.
Now, Michelle introduces the new children’s book, A Good Thing Happened Today, a rhythmic collection of happiness and hope inspired by real-life good news. With beautiful illustrations by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Ramona Kaulitzki, the book highlights good moments—from small to big—and encourages kids to practice the important skill of positive thinking. Inspired by true news stories from around the world, A Good Thing Happened Today reminds us that there are positive things happening every day and we can all be a part of it.
In addition to founding The Good News Movement, Michelle Figueroa has 15+ years of experience as a bilingual journalist, producer and filmmaker, and has contributed to CNN en Espanol, CNN.com, PBS/World Channel, NPR, Al Jazeera, Discovery, Univision, Hearst and many more.
The year is 2072. Soon a volcanic eruption will trigger catastrophic devastation, and the only way out is up. While the world’s leaders, scientists, and engineers oversee the frantic production of a space fleet meant to save humankind, their children are brought in for a weekend of touring the Lazarus, a high-tech prototype spaceship. But when the apocalypse arrives months ahead of schedule, First Daughter Leigh Chen and a handful of teens from the tour are the only ones to escape the planet. This is the new world: a starship loaded with a catalog of human artifacts, a frozen menagerie of animal DNA, and fifty-three terrified survivors. From the panic arises a coalition of leaders, spearheaded by the pilot’s enigmatic daughter, Eli, who takes the wheel in their hunt for a habitable planet. But as isolation presses in, their uneasy peace begins to fracture. The struggle for control will mean the difference between survival and oblivion, and Leigh must decide whether to stand on the side of the mission or of her own humanity.
The 150th anniversary of Arbor Day falls at the end of April this year. Susan Tyler Hitchcock, a writer specializing in history, nature and science, is perfectly qualified as author of INTO THE FOREST: The Secret Language of Trees. Writing for National Geographic, Hitchcock combines legendary photography with cutting-edge science to show exactly how trees influence the life of planet Earth―from our personal lives to the weather cycle. Beautifully illustrated essays tell the stories of the world’s most remarkable trees, from Tane Mahura in New Zealand, the ancient Maori "lord of the forest," to Pando, a single aspen spreading over 100 acres: Earth’s largest living thing.
It began with the lighting of a lamp. One day three of Aru Shah’s schoolmates show up at her doorstep to catch her in a lie. They don’t believe her claim that the Lamp of Bharata is cursed, and they dare Aru to prove it. Just a quick light, then she can get herself out of this mess with her school friends. But lighting the lamp unwittingly frees the Sleeper, an ancient demon also known as the Lord of Destruction, who’s determined to end the world unless the youth can stop him. The novel brings to play the largely untapped world of Hindu mythology and its figures who are deployed to help the young heroine on a journey replete with contemporary pop culture references and an exploration of karma and reincarnation.
In THE NECTAR OF IMMORTALITY, ARU SHAH has only until the next full moon to stop the Sleeper from gaining infinite power. But how can Aru, Mini, and Brynne hope to defeat him without their celestial weapons? The Sleeper and his army are already plundering the labyrinth, and the sisters can't even enter. Their quest to get in will have them calling on old friends, meeting new allies, and facing fearsome trials, like...performing in a rock concert? When the moment of confrontation finally arrives, it's up to Aru to decide who deserves immortality, the devas or the asuras. The most unexpected answer will come from a most unexpected place. More surprises and delights, gods, and demons, and laughs and tears await in this immensely satisfying conclusion to the wild ride that began with the lighting of a lamp.
This debut novel is everything we want in a YA fantasy: schools of magic, ancient secrets, twisted monsters, and a noble kid-turned-hero. White takes you on a journey to unlock the secrets of a new kind of magic, Dragon Metal, alongside brave protagonist Jestin Kase.
What I think makes this book even more special than the story within, is the author’s approach to writing fantasy based in reality. His career as a newspaper reporter gave him deep glimpses into the challenges of the world, from the struggles of foster care to the tragedies of murder and war. His fiction often reflects these experiences. Instead of setting his stories in alternate, dystopian futures, he looks at the dystopia of the world we live in today, through the lens of urban fantasy and adventure, with a little dark humor.
Eleven-year-old Ella is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute, a magic school in the clouds where Marvellers from around the world practice their cultural arts, like brewing Indian spice elixirs and bartering with pesky Irish pixies. Despite her excitement, Ella discovers that being the first isn't easy, and not all Marvellers are welcoming of Conjurors. But eventually, she finds friendly faces in potions teacher, Masterji Thakur, and fellow misfits Brigit and Jason.
When a dangerous criminal known as the Ace of Anarchy escapes prison, supposedly with the aid of a Conjuror, Ella becomes the target of suspicion. Worse, Masterji Thakur never returns from a research trip. With her friend's help, Ella must clear her family's name and track down her mentor before it's too late.
A dark land filled with shadows and strange noises. A multiheaded beast standing guard. A new, sly ruler with a few tricks in store. A lack of Mutt Nuggets to fill Ares the pug’s belly…The Olympians of Mount Olympus Pet Center have never faced a challenge quite like this. With Zeus the Mighty trapped in his palace by an all-seeing guard dog named Cerberus, it’s up to his gaggle of gods and goddesses to figure out how to rescue him. Once the Oracle speaks, the critters know they must venture deep into the belly of the vast Underworld to find the powerful relic that can free Zeus. But with so many new faces along the way, who can they trust? Will their quick thinking and teamwork be enough to save Zeus and themselves? After all, they found a way in, but can anyone really escape the Underworld?
Terri Libenson’s best-selling graphic novel series, Emmie & Friends, feature humorous portrayals of friends coming of age, figuring out where they fit, and navigating the challenges of middle school. The first five books – Invisible Emmie, Positively Izzy, Just Jamie, Becoming Brianna and Truly Tyler – deliver endearing and relatable stories about friendship and middle-school drama. Now, Terri introduces the sixth book in the series, Remarkably Ruby, a story about how there’s more to everyone than meets the eye.
Ruby and Mia are total opposites. Ruby is a little awkward, not a “joiner,” and loves to write poetry. While Mia is type A, popular, and wants to be class president. They used to be friends. But now they have nothing in common anymore. . . . Or do they?
Terri Libenson is the New York Times bestselling author of the Emmie & Friends children’s book series and award-winning cartoonist of the syndicated daily comic strip, The Pajama Diaries, which ran in hundreds of newspapers internationally from 2006-2020. Prior to that, she was an award-winning humorous card writer for American Greetings. Born and raised in Kingston, PA, Terri lives with her husband, two daughters, and spirited puppy in Cleveland, OH.
This is Play It Forward. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward Episode 428 is with Lyn Liao Butler Creator Of The Book Red Thread Of Fate.
Born in Taiwan and moved to the States when she was seven. In her past and present lives, she has been: a concert pianist, a professional ballet and modern dancer, a fitness studio owner, a personal trainer and instructor, an RYT-200 hour yoga instructor, a purse designer with an Etsy shop and most recently, author of multi-cultural women's fiction. Lyn did not have a Tiger Mom. She came about her over-achieving all on her own.
When she is not torturing clients or talking to imaginary characters, Lyn enjoys spending time with her FDNY husband, their son (the happiest little boy in the world), two stubborn dachshunds, and trying crazy yoga poses on a stand-up paddleboard. So far, she has not fallen into the water yet.
In these inspiring stories, two National Geographic Explorers, Clare Fieseler and Gabby Salazar, celebrate changemakers and outstanding women of diverse backgrounds, nationalities, and fields of study – many of whom are just beginning their game-changing work– by shining a light on the unique journeys and struggles that led to their incredible modern-day achievements. This book illuminates how women are making history today.
Inside these pages, readers will uncover the stories of amazing women who have done, and are still doing, incredible actions across the globe; women who have traveled the world to protect animals, tell stories, preserve history, and complete incredible athletic feats. They’ll learn about what it’s really like to be a woman in science – including the hardships many endure before ultimately forging their own paths in science and exploration.
Tahereh Mafi introduces the first book in a new epic, romantic trilogy, This Woven Kingdom. This YA novel invites readers into an intricate, absorbing world that weaves clashing empires, forbidden romance, and glimmering magic, with Persian mythology.
To all the world, Alizeh is a disposable servant, not the long-lost heir to an ancient kingdom forced to hide in plain sight. The crown prince, Kamran, has heard the prophecies foretelling the death of his king. But he could never have imagined that the servant girl with the strange eyes, the girl he can’t put out of his mind, would one day soon uproot his kingdom—and the world.
Tahereh Mafi is the National Book Award nominated and New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Shatter Me series, A Very Large Expanse of Sea, An Emotion of Great Delight, Whichwood, and Furthermore. With more than 186,000 Instagram followers, Tahereh Mafi has a passionate, dedicated fan based that’s always eager to devour her books.
From Ching Shih, a Chinese pirate who presided over a fleet comprised of some 80,000 men (Blackbeard had 400!), to Anne Bonny who famously ran away from an arranged marriage to don trousers and brandish a pistol in the Bahamas, to Sayyida al Hurra, an Islamic queen who ruled the Western Mediterranean, these women are often forgotten by history. Now, this edgy, wow-worthy illustrated book shares these daring women’s lives and proves that they have made their mark in pirate lore and the high seas.
Each pirate profile includes a dramatic original poem presented against a backdrop of gorgeous full-color art by award-winning illustrator Sara Gomez Woolley. Each profile is followed by fascinating information about the real life and times of these daring (and dangerous!) women.
Vetted by the world’s leading pirate experts and historians, this book is a cool and edgy gift. It’s also perfect for any curious kid who dreams of adventure and for parents who are eager to show their tweens and teens that history is more diverse, daring, and surprising than what is typically found in textbooks.
This is Play It Forward. Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward Episode 407 with Yoon Ha Lee creator of the book Tiger Honor.
Sci-Fi novelist Yoon Ha Lee spins a tale from the point of view of a nonbinary tiger spirit for his loyal middle grade fantasy fans. Sebin, a young tiger spirit from the Juhwang Clan, wants nothing more than to join the Thousand World Space Forces and, like their Uncle Hwan, captain a battle cruiser someday. But when Sebin's acceptance letter finally arrives, it's accompanied by the shocking news that Hwan has been declared a traitor. Apparently, the captain abandoned his duty to steal a magical artifact, the Dragon Pearl, and his whereabouts are still unknown. Sebin hopes to help clear their hero's name and restore honor to the clan.
Random House Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children's Books (RHCB), will publish a new picture book by hip-hop pioneer Darryl "DMC" McDaniels in partnership with Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS Consumer Products, it was announced by Chris Angelilli, VP & Editor-in-Chief, Licensed Publishing.
DARRYL'S DREAM will be published on January 4, 2022, as part of Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS Consumer Products' recently announced cross-category consumer products program with McDaniels.
A picture book about creativity, confidence, and finding your voice, DARRYL'S DREAM introduces readers ages 3 to 7 to a quiet third grader named Darryl. He has big dreams, loves writing, and wants to share his talents, but he's shy, and the kids who make fun of his glasses only make things worse. Will the school talent show be his chance to shine?
Written by iconic performer Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, DARRYL'S DREAM is a story about finding courage, facing bullies, and celebrating individuality.
A founding member of Run-DMC, McDaniels has extended his influence beyond the world of music in important ways. He is the co-founder of the Felix Organization, a nonprofit that works to provide inspiring opportunities and new experiences for children in the foster care system. McDaniels appeared before Congress and other state legislatures in support of adoptees and foster children and has worked with First Lady Michelle Obama on her Let's Move! campaign.
If you had the chance to change your future, would you take it? From first-time author Femi Fadugba comes The Upper World, a mind-bending YA sci-fi novel that follows two teens whose fates collide across time – and outside of it. The Upper World is currently being developed into a major Netflix movie starring Daniel Kaluuya, the star of Get Out, Black Panther and Judas and the Black Messiah).
The Upper World follows Esso, a young man who realizes he can access a world where he can see glimpses of the past and future. But if what he sees is true, he might not have long to live, unless he can use his new gift to change the course of history. Meanwhile, a generation away, a young woman named Rhia meets a new physics tutor, Dr. Esso, who needs her help to unravel a tragedy that happened fifteen years ago.
Author Femi Fadugba has a Master's degree from Oxford University, where he published in Quantum Physics and subsequently studied as a Thouron Scholar at University of Pennsylvania. According to Femi, “Studying physics showed me from a young age that we live in a mysterious and miraculous universe. I wanted to combine the everyday story of a few kids from South London with the otherworldly physics of space and time – and make it gripping and relatable enough that both the nerds and the jocks would enjoy it.”
Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad: Newton’s Flaw is the second book in the National Geographic Kids fact-based fiction series written by American Girl series co-creator, Valerie Tripp. In the ongoing quest to overcome the challenges of middle school, the five friends must continue to use their collective skills and the power of STEM to bring order to their school. With their first mystery solved and first-day jitters triumphantly behind them, Izzy and her pals — the Solving Mysteries and Revealing Truths Squad (S.M.A.R.T.) — start to settle in to the normal day-to-day at Atom Middle School. Izzy even works up the courage to try out for an all-boys ice hockey team! Things are going well until a mysterious illness threatens to shut down the media center — and maybe the entire school. The S.M.A.R.T. Squad embarks on an investigation adventure to crack the case in a race to figure out what ails them — but that’s not all. A pop-up science fair causes excitement and tension for the Squad, and Izzy’s failure to speak up in her speech class feels like an obstacle she can’t overcome. Can the girls pull together to solve the media center mystery? Will their STEM smarts help them rock the science fair? Or will Izzy Newton’s flaws mean the end of the S.M.A.R.T. Squad?
“The World Almanac has been the source for definitive data and answers to questions on any subject since 1868,” said Sarah Janssen, executive editor of The World Almanac. “In a year of major transitions, the new edition of The World Almanac documents the rapidly shifting world to give a source of historic perspective and new understanding to any curious reader.”
In Out of My Mind, we met Melody Brooks, whose brain works lightspeed ahead of most kids’, but who cannot keep up physically; her only way of communicating is with a communication board. Her utter refusal to let her physicality hold her back has inspired countless readers around the world, and over the years, Sharon has received thousands of letters about her many books, but kids most often ask: what happens to Melody after Out of My Mind? Out of My Heart is her response to those readers yearning for more of Melody’s impactful story.
In Out of My Heart, Melody is a year older (and braver) and takes the next step towards independence by attending summer camp for the first time. Melody is all alone at the camp, which is designed for children with disabilities. Melody must confront her fears to follow her passion. By the light of flickering campfires and the power of thunderstorms, through the terror of unexpected creatures in cabins and the first sparkle of a crush, Melody is about to discover how brave and strong she really is.
Ghosts, clones, and fairy magic come to play in this ultimate and ridiculous showdown between the twins and their worst enemy.
FOWL TWINS Get What They Deserve is the 3rd installment in the FOWL TWINS series and like the previous adventure stories, it is filled with high-tech, spectacular magic, and silly business.
For almost two years, Lord Teddy Bleedham-Drye, the Duke of Scilly, has been plotting revenge against the Fowl Twins, who humiliated him in Book One. Teddy plans to give them exactly what they deserve: permanent death.
He threatens Myles with his weaponized jet and Beckett and Specialist Lazuli succeed in disarming the aircraft and causing an accident that kills the duke. But does it really?
Ana Dakkar is a freshman at Harding-Pencroft Academy, a five-year high school that graduates the best marine scientists, naval warriors, navigators, and underwater explorers in the world. Ana's parents died while on a scientific expedition two years ago, and the only family's she's got left is her older brother, Dev, also a student at HP. Ana's freshman year culminates with the class's weekend trial at sea, the details of which have been kept secret. She only hopes she has what it'll take to succeed. All her worries are blown out of the water when, on the bus ride to the ship, Ana and her schoolmates witness a terrible tragedy that will change the trajectory of their lives.
Following his time in University, Melbourne native Garth Nix worked for the Australian government and was a soldier in the Australian army. But his time as a bookseller in a small independent book shop fueled his love of books which would ultimately result in his creation of The Old Kingdom, a six-part fantasy adventure series that sold millions of copies worldwide and was translated in more than 40 languages.
First published in 1995, the first installment, Sabriel, introduces readers to a young girl named Sabriel who must take on a powerful foe to rescue her father in the Old Kingdom, a land where magical creatures run free and the dead don’t always stay that way. A feminist milestone, Sabriel was one of the first fantasy books to present a female hero. Now, more than 25 years after the first novel, Garth Nix presents Terciel & Elinor, the long-awaited prequel which tells the exciting back-story of Sabriel’s parents.
Globally best-selling celebrity authors such as Cassandra Clare, Scott Westerfield, Holly Black, Alison Goodman, and Veronica Roth have mentioned The Old Kingdom series as an inspiration for their own work. Speak with Garth Nix to find out what served as his inspiration to create the unforgettable characters who have captured the imagination of millions of readers worldwide, and what they can expect from the new novel, Terciel & Elinor. Garth can further discuss his decision to introduce a female action hero, far before it was fashionable to do so, as well how the fantasy genre has changed since he first began writing The Old Kingdom series in light of properties such as Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings.
Donna Jo Napoli believes that traditional stories are about passing on wisdom that can help us move through our daily lives. In Treasury of Magical Tales from Around the World, Napoli introduces us to a flower-spouting princess, a gobbling prince, an emerald-winged fairy, foolish giants, fearsome ogres, and talking frog and fish – just a few of the captivating characters found in this anthology of beloved stories from 29 places around the world. From the Arctic to Africa to Asia to Australia to Europe to the Americas, this beautifully illustrated, diverse compendium includes stories from:
China: The Island of the Ogres (a sailor with an ogre wife)
Fiji: Kumaku and the Giants (a young girl who outsmarts giants)
Morocco: Half-a-Rooster (a clever rooster seeking its fortune)
Ecuador: The Mundopuma (a music-playing jaguar)
Italy: The Speaking Bird (princes turned to statues)
Affectionately dubbed "Her Deepness", by The New Yorker magazine, Dr. Sylvia Earle, one of the world’s top experts on ocean science and conservation, shares her inspiring wisdom in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC OCEAN: A GLOBAL ODYSSEY showcasing how the ocean--with its forces, habitats, creatures, and global influence--has a tremendous impact on our everyday lives.
President & Chairman of Mission Blue, Dr. Earl describes the evolution, beauty, and impact of our ocean, the challenges it faces, such as climate change, plastic, and overfishing, and the myriad ways we can help protect it. With a special focus on new discoveries in the deepest reaches of the ocean, Dr. Earle’s book reveals wonders that few have witnessed before and broadens our understanding of this essential realm of life on Earth.
Just ahead of what would have been his 79th birthday, poet Charles R. Smith Jr., and illustrator Edel Rodriguez have collaborated on this electrifying picture book biography of legendary guitar genius, Jimi Hendrix.
From Hendrix’s turbulent childhood through his epical appearance at the Monterey and Woodstock festivals, Coretta Scott King Honoree Charles R. Smith Jr. covers it all in this rich and rhythmic account of a singular life. Written as a series of verses beginning with intro and ending with outro, this unique mix of rhythm and rhyme captures the essence of the rock icon and his struggle to live life on his own terms. Accompanied by the psychedelic splendor of former TIME art director Edel Rodriguez's acid-tinged artwork, each page is a feast for the ears and eyes. Aimed at readers 7–11—but perfect for music lovers of any age—SONG FOR JIMI celebrates a unique individual who inspired so many.
The Dragon’s Blood is the sixth installment of Explorer Academy, the fact-based fiction series deemed “captivating” by the editors at Parenting.com. This story features even more thrilling adventures, complete with science, technology, culture and code breaking, and will have kids on the edge of their seats as the action-packed plot intensifies. From the jungles of Borneo to the forests of Tasmania, the explorers embark on some of their most challenging expeditions, so far. Is it possible that an animal once thought extinct still exists? For Cruz, it is a time of self-discovery as he seeks to make sense of the family mystery he is slowly unraveling. His search for the seventh cipher leads him to an ancient city, even as he remains on the hunt for the explorer spy. Who is betraying him? And why? More surprises are on the way as Cruz faces new revelations about his destiny and those who are determined to keep him from fulfilling it!
The Rick Riordan Presents imprint of books presents the final book in the New York Times best-selling Tristan Strong trilogy by Kwame Mbalia. After reuniting with Ayanna, who is now in his world, Tristan travels up the Mississippi in pursuit of his archenemy, King Cotton. Along the way they encounter new haints who are dead set on preventing their progress north to Tristan's hometown of Chicago. It's going to take many Alkean friends, including the gods themselves, the black flames of the afokena gloves, and all of Tristan's inner strength to deliver justice once and for all. Shocking twists, glorious triumphs, and a cast of unforgettable characters make this series conclusion as satisfying as it is entertaining.
Updated and reviewed by experts in the field for the most accurate, up-to-date information, this comprehensive reference book features 2,500 species, 1,000 stunning photos, and more than a dozen engaging maps. Jam-packed with fun facts--such as the world's tallest animal, the longest living animal on Earth, and even the smelliest--it also contains new, exclusive "From the Field" reports highlighting National Geographic explorers working around the world to study and protect every kind of animal, from giraffes to penguins and sharks to snails. Kids will love diving into topics like animal homes and habitats, migration, life cycles and babies, conservation and more! This must-have encyclopedia for all animal lovers also includes an extensive listing of animal species with basic facts and figures, and a comprehensive glossary and index.
If you have a child in your life, there’s a good chance he or she has asked you to read their copy of Pinkalicious, the picture book about an imaginative young girl named Pinkalicious Pinkerton who loves the color pink. The mega-hit book series (which also includes titles such as Purplicious and Aqualicious) has sold a whopping 30 million copies and spent more than 109 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list. The Pinkalicious universe has also been adapted into a wildly popular live stage musical (which premiered to sold-out audiences in New York and continues to be performed across the country) and a top-rated animated series on PBS Kids that reaches millions of young viewers.
Pinkalicious is the brainchild of author and artist Victoria Kann, who now introduces the latest installment of the book series, Rubylicious. Rubylicious continues the adventures of Pinkalicious and her brother Peter who find a magic rock willing to grant them one wish, which teaches them how being selfless can be its own reward.
Victoria Kann can discuss the inspiration for Pinkalicious and why she suspects it captured the imagination of youngsters everywhere; what’s next in the world of Pinkalicious; and what parents and their children can expect from the highly anticipated new book Rubylicious.
Jill Twiss has won multiple Emmys, WGA Awards and Peabody Awards for her work as a writer on HBO’s acclaimed hit series Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. In addition, Jill is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the children’s picture books Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents: A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo, The Someone New and Everyone Gets a Say.
Now, Jill’s latest book – Major Makes History: From the Shelter to the White House -- tells the tale of President Biden’s friendship with Major, the first shelter dog in the White House. Hilarious and filled with heart, Major Makes History is written in the dog’s voice, and offers his perspective on adjusting to the White House and his urgent calling in life—to support and care for the president. When President Biden adopted his Major from the Delaware Humane Association in 2018, their bond was immediate. President Biden rescued Major and provided him with a loving home. What he didn’t know is that Major would also rescue him too.
Award-winning National Geographic Explorer, photographer and founder of the National Geographic Photo Ark, Joel Sartore, is well on his way to completing his lifelong photography mission of photographing the approximately 20,000 species living in the world’s zoos, aquariums and wildlife sanctuaries.
Sartore’s signature animal portraits are on full display in PHOTO ARK WONDERS, a book that highlights the fascinating shapes, patterns, and expressions of animals, both familiar and unknown. Scientifically accurate captions highlight distinctive features of more than 200 species. Photo Ark inspires people to care and help protect these animals, funds on-the-ground conservation projects focused on species in most critical need of protection and inspires action through education programs.
PHOTO ARK ABC is a children’s book of amazing animal images. Sartore’s photos are paired with playful poems by New York Times bestselling author Debbie Levy to represent the letters of the alphabet and celebrate the diversity of the animal kingdom. The unique alphabet and poetry book brings the joy of Photo Ark to the youngest animal lovers.
This fall, the master at upending classic tropes offers his first book outside The School for Good and Evil universe in a decade: BEASTS AND BEAUTY: Dangerous Tales. To be published by Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers in hardcover on September 21, 2021, it’s a collection of twelve wildly inventive and surprising stories which reimagine Grimm’s classic fairy tales for modern readers. These new renderings offer a diversity of cultures and perspectives as they push boundaries and pose provocative questions that will appeal to a wide range of ages and audiences.
Readers will discover “Red Riding Hood,” in which the prettiest girl in town is marked for death by wolves each spring, as well as “Snow White,” the story of the only Black girl in the kingdom. “Sleeping Beauty” features a young prince who is consumed by a demon’s nocturnal visits, “Bluebeard” reveals a predator who takes boys from orphanages, and “Peter Pan” looks at a grown Wendy after her adventures in Neverland.
New York Times bestselling author Soman Chainani has enthralled readers of all ages with his School for Good and Evil series, which has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide and been translated into 29 languages. And anticipation is at a fever pitch for the upcoming Netflix feature film adaptation, with an all- star cast including Charlize Theron and Kerry Washington as the Deans of Evil and Good, Laurence Fishburne as The Schoolmaster, Michelle Yeoh as Professor Anemone, with Paul Feig directing and Chainani executive producing.
National Geographic introduces kids to Breaking the News: What’s Real, What’s Not, and Why the Difference Matters. According to Pew Research Center, as of 2017 approximately two-thirds of people report receiving some — if not all — of their news from social media. In this timely and relevant title, National Geographic Kids shines a light on the history of news to reveal where we started, how far we've come, and the serious impact that misinterpretation and misinformation can have on the world.
Vetted by a panel of award-winning journalists and media experts, and packed with fascinating facts and iconic photographs, this ultimate guide to the information age will get kids thinking about their relationship with and responsibility to media. Topics cover a broad range: defining freedom of speech, the journalists’ code of ethics, the dangers of propaganda and the future of news.
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses Black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way.” -- Colin Kaepernick.
The powerful new, young adult novel KNEEL by Candace Buford pays homage to Kaepernick’s iconic stand for civil rights. Following the wrongful shooting of a young Black man who is killed in the neighborhood, Russell’s best friend, the high school team quarterback, is unfairly arrested and suspended from the team. In an effort to seek change, Russell decides to take a knee during the pre-game national anthem. In one instant, he falls from local stardom and becomes a target for hatred. But with his best friend unjustly detained by police, Russell must speak up and risk everything or live in fear.
KNEEL explores themes of social activism, racial injustice, toxic masculinity and the crushing pressure on student athletes. Author Candace Buford can discuss the compelling new novel and how the actions of Colin Kaepernick inspired her to tell this story.
Anderson tells the story of Jo Freeman, a 20-something, who loses her marketing job in CA and begrudgingly moves home to Oregon to live with her parents. There she reconnects with an old friend, as well as a new one, and decides to tick off items from a checklist that she created in her teens while documenting it all on social media. The story is filled with both fun and poignancy.
“Anderson transcends the chick-lit trope of ancient teen rivalries by crafting strong characters, and she also does a good job with the nuances of the women’s racial and sexual identities. Scenes with arguments, such as one between Jo and Wren over Jo’s priorities, are particularly riveting for showing the truth of both sides. There’s a lot to enjoy in this thoughtful story of female friendship.”
Learning that there are others who are similar to oneself can reduce the negative impact of race-related trauma.
As Middle Eastern Americans (Iranian and Palestinian) and as clinicians, authors Sheila Modir and Jeffrey Kashou advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion and work toward promoting resilience in children. They strive to apply this knowledge and help children feel proud of their identities and know that their potential is unlimited.
When Sheila searched for a picture book that discussed emotions and race to help stock the local hospital’s children’s bookshelves, she was inspired to write her own, and The Proudest Color, based on her research, was borne.
Main character Zahra sees the world in vivid color. When she’s happy, she feels a razzle-dazzle pink in her hands. When she’s sad, she feels a deep blue behind her eyes. But she isn’t quite sure how to feel about the color of her skin. Kids at school tell her she is different, but her mother tells her to be proud!
Brought to life by Monica Mikai’s stunning illustrations, The Proudest Color is a timely, sensitive introduction to race, racism, and racial pride.
This is such a fun adventure story inspired by Hmong mythology and its unique nature-based magic system, how were you able to spin it into a classic timeless tale?
What kind of heroine is Pahua and why do you think she will appeal to today’s middle grade reader?
You have said that you wanted to write about a female friendship that wasn’t based on competition but rather on support and love. Have you found that in the friendship between Pahua and Zhong?
The novel has quite a bit of humorous dialogue from the demons and spirits as well as the main characters, is humor an important element in your story telling?
The Hmong culture has a rich tradition of oral storytelling, was that part of your childhood experience and did it influence your desire to write and tell your own stories/
This is the first novel in the series, what is next for Pahua?
Tiffany D. Jackson is the critically acclaimed author of Allegedly, Monday’s Not Coming, and Let Me Hear a Rhyme. Her most recent best-seller, Grown – inspired by the R. Kelly case -- shone a spotlight on predatory behavior and the biases faced by young black women. Now, Tiffany is back with her highly anticipated new YA novel, White Smoke.
The chilling psychological thriller White Smoke combines supernatural scares with real-life themes surrounding racial prejudice and blended families. Described as “The Haunting of Hill House” meets “Get Out,” White Smoke tells the story of Marigold who moves with her newly blended family to the midwestern town of Cedarville. The picture-perfect home isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Household items vanish, doors open on their own, shadows walk past rooms, voices can be heard in the walls, and there’s a foul smell seeping through the vents only Marigold seems to notice. As the house closes in, Marigold learns that the danger isn’t limited to her home. Cedarville has its secrets, too. And secrets always find their way through the cracks.
A Walter Dean Myers Honor Book and Coretta Scott King John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, NYC native Tiffany D. Jackson received her Bachelor of Arts in film from Howard University, her Master of Arts in media studies from the New School, and has more than a decade in TV/Film experience.
“Jackson conjures horrors both supernatural and otherwise in a masterful juxtaposition of searing social commentary and genuinely creepy haunts, as well as providing an authentic portrayal of tensions within a blended family.”— Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
Kyrie McCauley, author of the William C. Morris YA Debut Award winner If These Wings Could Fly, delivers a powerful contemporary YA novel about the lasting bonds of friendship in the aftermath of a school shooting – We Can Be Heroes.
Beck and Vivian never could stand each other, but they always tried their best for their mutual friend, Cassie – who was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend, the teenage heir to Bell Firearms, a local gun company. After the town quickly moves on from Cassie’s murder, Beck and Vivian finally find common ground: vengeance. They memorialize Cassie by secretly painting murals of her around town, a message to the world that Cassie won’t be forgotten.
When their murals catch the attention of a podcaster covering Cassie’s case, they become the catalyst for a debate that Bell Firearms can no longer ignore. With law enforcement closing in on them, Beck and Vivian hurry to give Cassie the closure she needs—by delivering justice to those responsible for her death.
After exploring domestic violence in her debut novel, McCauley looks at themes of teen dating violence in her sophomore effort—this time in the aftermath of a school shooting and the way in which our society routinely ignores victims. According to Kirkus Reviews, We Can Be Heroes is “a heartbreaking, intelligent exploration of an all-too-real menace.”
Ryan T. Higgins was born in 1983. Like many children of the 80s, he lived on a diet of cartoons, cheese sandwiches, and climbing trees. Until he was four years old, Ryan wanted to grow up to be a tiger. When that didn't work out, he decided to become a cartoonist. He's been making his own cartoons ever since and hasn't grown up yet (and we’re thankful for that!)
His two new picture books will delight with his signature wit and whimsy. NORMAN DIDN’T DO IT! is a story about the friendship between a porcupine and a tree. Norman is a porcupine. Mildred is a tree. Norman and Mildred are best friends. Just the two of them. And only the two of them. But when a surprise pops up, life will never be the same again. Higgins’ humorous approach brilliantly explores the depths and complexities of friendship.
THANKS FOR NOTHING is the latest in the best-selling Mother Bruce series. The air is crisp and the leaves are changing colors. It’s autumn in Soggy Hollow and everyone is thankful. Except for Bruce.
Shannon is in eighth grade, and life is more complicated than ever. Everything keeps changing, her classmates are starting to date each other (but nobody wants to date her!), and no matter how hard she tries, Shannon can never seem to just be happy. As she works through her insecurities and undiagnosed depression, she worries about disappointing all the people who care about her. Is something wrong with her? Can she be the person everyone expects her to be? And who does she actually want to be? With their signature humor, warmth, and insight, Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham have crafted another incredible love letter to their younger selves and to readers everywhere, a reminder to us all that we are enough.
This is the 3rd graphic memoir you have worked on together- Shannon as writer and LeUyen as illustrator. How would you describe your working relationship?
LeUyen, you have said that when it comes to writing books you and Shannon seem to share a brain, was the communication between you really that easy?
Why did you want to tell your story with a graphic novel- how does that art form enhance your message and why do you think this genre is growing in popularity for young readers?
Shannon, the two previous books in the series dealt with some pretty serious events from your childhood- bullying in Real Friends and anxiety in Best Friends. Not surprisingly, young readers connected with your story in a big way. Why did you want to address those issues?
Shannon, Friends Forever continues on your journey of self-exploration and this memoir tackles another issue that impacts so many teens’ lives, depression and mental illness. Was that painful for you to delve into?
Would your 8th grade life have been any different if you two had friends like each other?
Depression is a big issue for teens today, did you encounter any pushback regarding the subject matter?
What does friendship mean to each of you?
Dereck and Beverly Joubert are globally known conservationists and filmmakers who have been working to help save wildlife and their habitats for over 40 years. There are no better ambassadors to introduce kids to the amazing and unique wildlife of Africa. The ULTIMATE BOOK OF AFRICAN ANIMALS is a photographic safari with lions, elephants, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hippos, gorillas, rhinos, and so many more! With somany species showcased, kids can discover animals of all behaviors, shapes and sizes, from the tiny bombardier beetle to the sneaky desert viper to mischievous monkeys and elusive Ethiopian wolves. The Joubert’s have dedicated their lives to learning how these animals live and eat, the challenges they face, and how to help protect them.
Born in the South Bronx, Charles G. Esperanza is an author, illustrator and an art teacher at the Serviam Gardens Senior Center in the Bronx. As an ode to his neighborhood, Charles created the vibrant picture book Boogie Boogie, Y’All, which celebrates the rich culture of New York City’s graffiti art and hip hop music. While some may not consider graffiti to be “real art,” Boogie Boogie, Y’All conveys how street art is a form of expression, a source of inspiration and a means of bringing people together – just like any other medium.
With colorful, vivid illustrations, the book showcases a city alive with art in every corner of the parks, the shops, and the trains. But most people are too busy to see it—or worse, choose to ignore it! When three children stop to marvel at the art around their community, they realize it’s up to them to show everyone else how truly special it is when art and reality seamlessly dance together.
Boogie Boogie, Y’All’s snappy rhymes provide an infectious read-aloud beat, and features recognizable cultural sights and sounds of a NYC block party. Publisher’s Weekly called Boogie Boogie, Y’All “a lovingly rendered, upbeat recognition of contemporary art forms, and a salient reminder to revel in art, culture, and community.” And Kirkus Reviews said: “How refreshing to read a picture book that centers the experience of the many children growing up in diverse cityscapes and acknowledges the unique beauty of cities and the many forms urban art can take.”
Podcasts have been growing in popularity with more Americans listening than ever before. Now kids are in on the fun too. No longer just for moms and dads, kid’s podcasts engage the whole family with master storytelling and cutting edge sound design to entertain kids with topics they love. Educators also claim that kid’s podcasts can help build listening, comprehension and vocabulary skills while developing motivation to read. Accessible from many devices, podcasts can help provide entertainment for story time, bedtime and even long car trips - all screen free - with an educational component as a bonus.
While podcasts designed just for kids are relatively new, A to Z Mysteries: Clue Club, based on the Random House Children’s Books popular chapter book series A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy with over 10 million copies in print, is now starting its 3rd season. The innovative podcast invites listeners to join Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose to piece together clues, interview witnesses and discover suspects to solve mysteries all over Green Lawn as part of the Clue Club.
In each episode, hijinks meets whodunit as listeners are immersed in an audio story where they hone their detective skills alongside the three kid detectives. The new season will feature 10 all new plots, building on the existing 20 episodes from previous seasons, and is recommended for kids 6-10 – but can be enjoyed by all ages!
Our story begins with a challenge: The Trials of Hairy-Clees are only for the bravest and most awesome gods of all. Who among them will become the ultimate champion? The pets of Mount Olympus Pet Center are a true team: They conquer epic quests as easily as Ares the pug scarfs down Mutt Nuggets and they vanquish enemies who are pricklier than the spines on Poseidon the pufferfish. But when a chicken named Hermes shows up one day, things take a turn, and before the team knows it, the Oracle has spoken and the mysterious Trials of Hairy-Clees begin! Who will become top god? And can Zeus learn to share the limelight to fight alongside Hermes?
In February 2020, Brayden Harrington attended a campaign event for President Joe Biden in Concord, NH. Brayden’s parents wanted their son to hear a speech from a person who was like Brayden: both President Biden and Brayden understand what it’s like to speak with a stutter. After hearing of their shared experience, President Biden spent a half hour talking with Brayden about how he learned to feel comfortable giving speeches in front of many people. In August 2020, Brayden was invited to speak at the Democratic National Convention. In his speech, Brayden shared that President Biden helped him feel confident about speaking with a stutter. Brayden’s speech went viral, receiving more than 3 million hits on Twitter, and counting.
Brayden Speaks Up shows how Brayden’s stutter is his greatest strength, making him an inspiration for all kids who feel different, and celebrates the importance of speaking up and using your voice. The book will include an author’s note from Brayden and additional resources for those who stutter.
Brayden Harrington is just a normal kid who enjoys spending time with his friends and family, and playing baseball, basketball, and video games. He lives in Boscawen, NH and enjoys following his favorite basketball team—the Boston Celtics as well as learning all he can about his favorite player of all time—Jayson Tatum. When he was thirteen years old, Brayden found himself in the national spotlight after he was introduced to then candidate for President, Joe Biden. The two bonded over their shared struggles with stuttering and Brayden was invited to speak at the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Brayden’s speech electrified the nation, going viral. During this experience, Brayden learned that his biggest challenge was actually his greatest gift, as he was able to show others the importance of persevering.
BRITTA LUNDIN’S coming-of-age story, LIKE OTHER GIRLS is at once tear-jerking and funny, thought-provoking, and real. Our preconceived notions about gender, sports, sexuality, and friendship are turned upside down in this tender and absorbing novel. LIKE OTHER GIRLS is about accepting yourself, accepting others and learning that there is no one right way to be a girl or to stand up for that right to be a girl in your own way.
“What if I played football?” I ask. As soon as it’s out of my mouth, I feel stupid. Even suggesting it feels like I’ve overstepped invisible line we’ve all agreed not to discuss. We don’t talk about how Mara is different from other girls. We don’t talk about how Mara is gay, but no one says so. But when I do stuff like this, I worry it gets harder for us all to ignore what’s right in front of us. I direct my gaze to Quinn. “What do you think?” “I think it’s frickin’ genius,” he says.
After getting kicked off the basketball team for a fight that was absolutely totally not her fault (okay maybe a little her fault), Mara is dying to find a new sport to play to prove to her coach that she can be a team player. A lifelong football fan, Mara decides to hit the gridiron with her brother, Noah, and best friend, Quinn—and she turns out to be a natural. But joining the team sets off a chain of events in her small Oregon town—and within her family—that she never could have predicted.
Six months after Paola Santiago confronted the legendary La Llorona, life is nothing like she'd expected it to be. She is barely speaking to her best friends, Dante and Emma, and what's worse, her mom has a totally annoying boyfriend. Even with her chupacabra puppy, Bruto, around, Pao can't escape the feeling that she's all alone in the world. Pao has no one to tell that she's having nightmares again, this time set in a terrifying forest. Even more troubling? At their center is her estranged father, an enigma of a man she barely remembers. And when Dante's abuela falls mysteriously ill, it seems that the dad Pao never knew just might be the key to healing the eccentric old woman. Pao's search for her father will send her far from home, where she will encounter new monsters and ghosts, a devastating betrayal, and finally, the forest of her nightmares. Will the truths her father has been hiding save the people Pao loves, or destroy them?
Ava and Alexis are seven-year-old social media “kid-influencers” who rose to fame with their first viral video “Twins Realize They Look The Same!” at the age of three. Since making appearances on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and Inside Edition, the rising kid-fluencers have built a brand for their Twin Talk Tuesday vlog where their loyal fans are able to stay up to date with what the twins are up to in their colorful lives. Their vibrant and energetic stories have gained an astonishing social media following of 2.1 million on Instagram, 1.3 million on YouTube, and 1.4 million on Facebook.
Similar to the joy that the sisters bring online, THE MCCLURE TWINS: MAKE IT FASHION nods to their most popular videos and includes themes that any kid pair - friends, cousins, teammates - can relate to. The story follows Ava and Alexis as they prepare for a fashion show and they don’t agree on what to wear. Just in time, the sisters remember their twinship pinky promise to “strut together and make it fashion,” and mix and match their unique styles to create one twintastic outfit.
With lively illustrations by Courtney Dawson, THE MCCLURE TWINS: MAKE IT FASHION drives home the very important lesson of embracing what makes us similar and different. With the twin’s glamorous fashion sense, outgoing personalities, and signature humor, THE MCCLURE TWINS: MAKE IT FASHION is the perfect picture book for their built- in audience and new fans alike.
Ava and Alexis McClure, popularly known as The McClure Twins, are YouTube personalities, models, comedians, sisters, and most importantly, each other’s best friend. Following the twins' instant fame, parents Justin and Ami developed the family's YouTube channel, "The Mighty McClures." Since then, the McClure Twins were named the youngest members of Forbes' “Top Kid Influencers”; They devote their time to the weekly online segment Twin Talk Tuesday and continue to make their audiences laugh
Serena Valentino has taken the world by storm with her best-selling Disney Villains series, whisking them away somewhere between dreams and nightmares. Her stories give readers the opportunity to explore the villains they know and love. From the Wicked Queen and the Beast, to Ursella and Malificent, readers are also introduced to new characters that operate behind the scenes of classic Disney plots, giving tales-as-old-as-time a bewitching new twist.
About Cold Hearted: Lady Tremaine, widowed and raising two headstrong girls alone, finds herself falling for a dashing knight from a far-off land who is looking for a stepmother for his own young daughter. But stepmothers in the Many Kingdoms never tend to fare well…and Lady Tremaine may be destined for a not-so-happily ever after.
In 1963, Dian Fossey spent all her savings and took out a bank loan to fulfill her dream of going to Africa; it was the beginning of a journey that led to her drastically altering scientific and public perceptions of mountain gorillas. Unforgotten: The Wild Life of Dian Fossey and Her Relentless Quest to Save Mountain Gorillas by Anita Silvey, recounts Fossey’s life and work so that younger readers can come to know this extraordinary woman’s accomplishments, which still resonate today. Fossey had no experience or formal scientific training, but she was smart, passionate, and strong-willed — and she connected with paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey, who helped her reach her goal of studying animals in the wild. Fossey set up a research camp in Rwanda and threw herself into tracking and observing mountain gorillas. Over the next 18 years, Fossey got closer to gorillas than any human ever had. In 1973, Fossey recorded only 275 gorillas living in Volcanoes National Park, and there are more than twice that many today as a result of decades of ardent conversation efforts that she initiated.
Written for middle graders, Unforgotten is filled with captivating photographs and fascinating facts about both Dian Fossey and her treasured mountain gorillas. Young readers will learn about a gorilla’s typical day, including diet and sleeping habits, and how she came up with their names. Heartbreakingly, Fossey was murdered at her camp in 1985, and her death remains a mystery to this day. But her legacy lives on through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, the world’s largest organization dedicated entirely to gorilla conservation.
Gamora arrives on Torndune—a once-lush planet that has been strip-mined for the power source beneath its surface—with a mission: collect the heart of the planet. She doesn't know who sent her, why they want it, or even what the heart of a planet looks like. But as the right hand and daughter of Thanos, and one of the galaxy's most legendary warriors, her job is not to ask questions. Her job is to do what she's told, no matter the cost.
What she doesn't know is that her sister, Nebula, is in hot pursuit. Nebula has followed Gamora to Torndune in hopes of claiming the planet's heart first and shaming her sister as vengeance for the part she played in Nebula losing her arm. While Gamora falls in with a group of miners attempting to overthrow the mining corporation, Nebula allies herself with the Universal Church of Truth. Both sisters hope their alliance will give them access to one of the massive diggers capable of drilling to the center of the planet. But the closer they get to the heart of the planet—and to each other—the closer they get to uncovering the truth of what brought them there. A competition they can never win . . . unless they learn to trust each other.
Samantha Knox put away her childish fantasies of archaeological adventure the day her father didn't return home from the Great War, retreating to the safety of the antique bookshop where she works. But when a mysterious package arrives with a damaged diary inside, Sam's peaceful life is obliterated. Ruthless men intent on reclaiming the diary are after Sam, setting her and her best friend, along with her childhood crush, on a high-stakes adventure that lands them in the green hills outside Dublin, Ireland. Here they discover an ancient order with a dark purpose - to perform an occult ritual that will raise the Specter Queen, the Celtic goddess of vengeance and death, to bring about a war unlike any the world has ever seen. To stop them, Sam must solve a deviously complex cipher - one that will lead her on a treasure hunt to discover the ancient relic at the heart of the ritual: a bowl carved from the tree of life. Will she find the bowl and stop the curse of the Specter Queen, or will the ancient order bring about the end of the world?
Dinosaurs may be extinct, but they never go extinct with kids. While these huge dangerous reptiles disappeared from the earth over 65 million years ago, they are still very much alive in the imagination of countless toddlers and kids. Vertebrate paleontologist and dinosaur expert, Nizar Ibrahim shares his love of these fascinating creatures. He has scoured the deserts of North Africa for clues to life in the Cretaceous period, when the area was a large river system teeming with a profusion of diverse life. His team has unearthed giant dinosaur bones and footprints as well as remains of prehistoric fishes, crocodile-like predators, and giant flying reptiles. He is renowned for his decades long work tracing Spinosaurus, one of the most unusual dinosaurs yet found: a predator that was longer from snout to tail than an adult T.rex, and that had a six-foot tall sail on its back. Ibrahim’s multi-disciplinary research projects shed light on a period of major changes for our planet including extreme climate fluctuations and the breakup of the supercontinent.
Melissa de la Cruz is the #1 New York Times, #1 Publisher’s Weekly and #1 IndieBound bestselling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for readers of all ages. Many of her more than fifty books have also topped USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times bestseller lists and been published in over twenty countries. Her latest novel, High school Musical: The Musical: The Series: THE ROAD TRIP sends the Wildcats on a crazy can't-miss opportunity—a High School Musical convention in the next state. There's something for everyone: panels about mounting your next hit show, cafeteria-tray-dance workshops, Wildcat cosplay, and even a special appearance from the pooch who played Sharpay's dog (well, one of her puppies, that is).
Ready to hit the road, the crew immediately begins making plans. Nini can't wait to use the weekend to show how much she cares for Ricky (especially since they just got back together). Kourtney debates signing up for a singing workshop (especially if she's maybe, just maybe, considering auditioning for the next show), and Gina and Ashlyn decide it'll be the perfect trial run for living together (especially because Gina has never actually had a friendship last this long). Carlos can't wait to help Miss Jenn prep for the spring musical, even if Seb has to stay behind to help with the family farm. But car breakdowns, late starts, and a lost E.J. throw a wrench in their plans.
It’s Senior Party Week, that magical in-between time after classes have ended but before graduation, chock-full of gimmicky theme parties, last-minute bonding, and family traditions. Olivia couldn't be more ready. Class salutatorian and confident in her future at LSU, she's poised to sail through to the next phase of her life.
But when the tiny hiccup of an unsigned off-campus P.E. form puts Olivia in danger of not graduating at all, she has one week to set things straight without tipping off her very big and very nosy extended family. Volunteering to help at a local golf tournament should do it, but since Olivia's mom equipped her phone with a tracking app, there'll be no hiding the fact that she's at the golf course instead of all the graduation parties happening at the same time. Unless, that is, she can convince the Fab Four--her ride-or-die cousins and best friends Sophie, Charlie, and Wes--to trade phones with her as they go through the motions of playing Olivia for the week.
In her middle grade debut novel, THE LAST FALLEN STAR, Graci Kim takes us into a world of Korean mythology when we meet the Gom clan, a powerful lineage of Korean healing witches. Riley Oh can't wait to see her sister, Hattie, get initiated into the clan and finally be able to cast spells without adult supervision. Although Riley is desperate to follow in her sister's footsteps when she herself turns thirteen, she's a saram--a person without magic. Riley was adopted, and despite having memorized every healing spell she's ever heard, she often feels like the odd one out in her family and the gifted community. The sisters hatch a plan to help Riley which ends up with Hattie’s life hanging in the balance. Riley must find the last star in order to save her sister. As Riley embarks on her search, she finds herself meeting fantastic creatures and collaborating with her worst enemies. And when she uncovers secrets that challenge everything she has been taught to believe, Riley must decide what it means to be a witch, what it means to be family, and what it really means to belong.
Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus.
Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward.
Episode 248 with the night sky guy Andrew Fazekas
That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.
Now the time to put away the screens and take the classroom outside.
One of the biggest lessons we all learned this year is that being outside can feel really good. After more than a year of zoom school, and hours spent cooped up indoors, many parents have come to realize how important it is for kids to spend time in nature. It can be said that the learning of tomorrow is outdoors. In fact, transitioning the classroom outdoors has risen to the forefront as COVID-19 continues to force social distancing. This push and desire for outdoor learning is not new. In fact, the Natural Start Alliance, an organization pushing for more outdoor, hands-on learning, says that the number of “nature-based preschools” has jumped from 20 in 2008 to more than 250 in 2017. [citation] Studies show that learning is just as effective in the outdoors, helping to teach skills kids can’t get in the classroom. [citation]
Enter Outdoor School - kids can unplug from screens, reclaim their freedom, fire up their imaginations, and experience the wonders of the natural world. This new series from some of the most-recognized names in the outdoor community, encouraging kids to put away the screens and head outside, offering a definitive, interactive, skill-building guide for exploring and learning wherever they may be—rural, suburban, or urban. From pocket-sized, waterproof guidebooks full of quick tips, to extensive and interactive journals and sticker books, this is the series to have as you embark on your next outdoor adventure!
Acclaimed author-artist Daria Peoples-Riley invites readers to answer timely—and timeless—questions beating inside the hearts of children across America. Exquisitely illustrated, with a powerful, lyrical text, America, My Love, America, My Heart will challenge readers of all ages to examine and evaluate personal beliefs and attitudes toward the many different colors of America.
America, do you love me? My black. My brown. My pride. My crown.
What begins as a single question from a single child multiplies as America, My Love, America, My Heart sweeps across the country with every page turn, inviting in more and more children of color—and their questions. Does America love them when they speak? Or whisper? Or shout? When they stand? Does America love them just as they are?
Inspired by the questions of her own childhood, author and artist Daria Peoples-Riley has created a powerful and important book for Americans of all ages—an essential addition to every bookshelf and classroom. Her poetic text encourages readers to confront bias, prejudice, and discrimination and invites readers to reflect and respond with their own answers, while honoring the identities of black and brown children and people of color.
Daria Peoples-Riley grew up in Paso Robles, California, and is the daughter of a children’s librarian. A household of rich culture—American Indian, Cuban, French, black and Irish—Daria and her two younger brothers grew up on gumbo and red beans and rice. She has a degree in English from UC Santa Barbara. She earned her Masters in Education from Regis University and worked for ten years as a middle school teacher. She lives in Las Vegas with her basketball-coach husband, ballerina daughter, and a basketball-player son. She is the author-illustrator of This is It and I Got Next.
For Andrea, how Watercress is a moving autobiographical story of a child of immigrants discovering and connecting with her heritage
For Jason, how he worked in an entirely new style, inspired by Chinese painting techniques
For both, their collaboration and how their childhood experiences with their parents shaped their book
For both, why it is important for children to understand their family history
Featuring text in English and Spanish with both languages meeting in the middle, this is a moving picture book for older children and families with each spread being illustrated by one of 17 Mexican and Mexican American artists, including Pura Belpré Award and Caldecott medal winner Yuyi Morales (Dreamers) and Pura Belpré Award winner Raúl the Third (Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market).
These innocent voices have gone unheard for too long. Offering an opportunity to better understand human migration and children’s rights, Hear My Voice/Escucha mi voz compassionately introduces this difficult topic while providing an urgent call to action and simple steps to help.
Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus.
Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward.
Episode 230 with Amy Morin
Her new book is titled 13 Things Strong Kids Do. She’s a licensed clinical social worker and frequent TV contributor -- provides the tools tweens need to overcome life’s toughest challenges, including living through the stresses of returning to the classroom and navigating a changed, post-pandemic world.
That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.
It's okay to be afraid or to sometimes wander down the wrong path. Bestselling poet and activist Cleo Wade's What the Road Said features illustrations by Lucie de Moyencourt and encourages us to lead with kindness and curiosity, remembering that the most important thing we can do in life is to keep going. This story celebrates the journey we are all on, and the questions we ask along the way. With gentle reminders that it’s okay to be afraid or to sometimes wander down the wrong path, WHAT THE ROAD SAID is brimming with tenderness, but also encourages children to embrace their inner leader."
Muhammad Ali: The Greatest of All Time! introduces young readers to a sporting icon who was larger than life. Considered to be one of the greatest boxers in history, Muhammad Ali went from a rough childhood in Kentucky to an Olympic gold medalist and world heavyweight boxing champion. Known for his outlandish verbal sparring with opponents, Ali was also a civil rights activist, humanitarian, and philanthropist, who spent much of his post-boxing career helping others despite being affected by Parkinson’s disease. With colorful illustrations and historically accurate text, this entertaining account of Ali’s life will inspire a new generation of readers with the true story of one of America’s greatest athletes.
Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus.
Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward.
Episode 217 with Kimiko Glenn And Luke Youngblood from Baby Shark’s Big Show
Nickelodeon’s brand-new preschool series is making a splash. Preschoolers can join the pop culture phenomenon for jaw-some underwater escapades. The series follows Baby Shark and his best friend William as they journey on fun-filled comedic adventures in their community of Carnivore Cove, make new friends and sing original catchy tunes.
That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.
Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus.
Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward.
Episode 212 with LeUyen Pham
Something strange happened on an unremarkable day just before the season changed/ Everybody who was outside . . .. . . went inside
She’s a Writer-Illustrator, creating a moving picture book celebrating essential workers and the community coming together to face the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic. OUTSIDE INSIDE offers a bittersweet look at this difficult period, serving as a testimony both to loss experienced and moments of unexpected good.
That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.
In 2018, the publishing phenomenon The Confidence Code for Girls spent twenty-eight weeks on the New York Times best-seller list. Co-authored by journalists and TV News anchors Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, The Confidence Code for Girls served as a blueprint to help tween-age girls become bold, brave, fearless women. Now, Kay and Shipman have teamed up again for the highly anticipated follow-up Living the Confidence Code.
Living the Confidence Code builds on the skill that The Confidence Code for Girls taught young women everywhere. From anti-bullying advocates to climate change activists, app developers to athletes, and more, the book highlights extraordinary girls who took risks, sometimes doubted themselves, and even failed, but through it all discovered what matters most to them and found the confidence to accomplish their goals.
To call Denene Millner accomplished is an understatement of the highest order as she is one of the most prolific journalists in the entertainment, parenting and social media industries. The New York Times best-selling author has written and collaborated on 32 critically acclaimed books and has been a frequent contributing entertainment, parenting and relationships writer for some of the nation’s most well-read and respected magazines and blogs. Denene is also the founder and editor of MyBrownBaby.com, an oft celebrated, award-winning website that examines parenting and motherhood through a distinctive multicultural lens.
Her experience as a tastemaker in the highly influential media world has led Denene to launch her own book publishing imprint, Denene Millner Books - a love letter to children of color who deserve to see their beauty and humanity in the written word. The imprint’s mission of publishing “everyday stories that color the worlds of Black children” grew out of her desire to avoid commonplace stories about historical figures and, instead, highlight Black joy influences. Her belief that children’s books can be used as a form of activism and can help broaden ALL children/people’s understanding of others is another guiding principle. A passionate advocate for children’s books featuring Black children and families, Millner seeks out new writers and illustrators to publish, making a clear path for Black storytellers and artists.
Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus.
Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward.
Episode 166 with Singer songwriter and performer Shannon Bex
She’s one of the cofounders of Vooks. 100% kid friendly, ad-free. Teachers are using Vooks to help teach kids to read and using the lesson plans provided to help kids digest and better understand classic stories. The premium tier is available to U.S. educators at no cost for a year to assist during the pandemic.
That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.
Sharing holiday cheer with the first graders at Movement School in Charlotte, NC. The goal was to showcase fun and laughter on the screen. It doesn't always have to be about classrooms and homework. Merry Christmas!!!!
Mysteries, mishaps and mayhem — Atom Middle School is a mess. As if starting sixth grade isn’t tough enough, an overcrowded school and an overloaded schedule are enough to make Izzy dizzy. But with best friends Allie Einstein and Charlie Darwin by her side, Izzy’s ready to try her hardest. Then first-day jitters take an icy turn when their old pal Marie Curie gives them the cold shoulder in favor of the new girl, Gina Carver. On top of it all, the school’s air conditioning goes on the fritz and the temperature feels like absolute zero. Cold temperatures and a frigid friendship? Izzy rallies the girls to use their brainpower and scientific smarts to solve the school’s chilly mystery and — she hopes — warm up a certain friendship along the way. Science, technology, kindness and humor are an unbeatable combination when Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad team up and use the scientific method to Solve Mysteries And Reveal Truths. The five brainy buddies have lots of adventures along the way in this educational and fun new series that’s sure to delight girls around the world.
Action-packed and full of laughs, LIGHTS, CAMERA, DANGER! (ALIEN SUPERSTAR #2) (Amulet Books; on-sale October 6, 2020) is the second book in the New York Times bestselling, highly illustrated middle grade series from beloved writing team Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver. After escaping his oppressive red dwarf planet and landing a role on a popular Hollywood sitcom, Buddy Burger seems destined for high-flying success. His legions of fans love his six eyes, his suction cup feet, and even his excessive need for avocados. It seems nothing can stop his rise to super-stardom-until the arrival of Citizen Cruel, a shape-shifting Squadron member sent from Buddy's home planet to bring him back by any means necessary. Will Buddy conquer this clever and unpredictable enemy? How long can he continue to keep his alien identity secret from his friends and fans? Is there enough guacamole on Earth to sustain him? And chips to go with it?
Jill Twiss has won multiple Emmys, WGA Awards and Peabody Awards for her work as a writer on HBO’s acclaimed hit series Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. In addition, Jill is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents: A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo and The Someone New – two picture books that teach children about tolerance for those that are different and the power of kindness over fear.
Just in time for the 2020 Presidential Election, Jill’s new children’s book Everyone Gets a Say offers a timely message about the importance of voting and democracy. In this sweet-natured story, Pudding the snail and his friends can’t seem to agree on anything. So when Toast the butterfly suggests they need a leader, the friends try to figure out the best way to pick someone to be in charge. It’s up to Pudding to show his friends that there just might be a way where everyone gets a say. Illustrated by Jill’s regular collaborator EG Keller, the book cleverly underscores the importance of speaking up and using your voice.
The newest season of WEIRD BUT TRUE! on Disney+ gets even weirder! Set both in studio and in the field, the award-winning WEIRD BUT TRUE! integrates a mix of arts and crafts, unbelievable facts and real-life exploration. Whether hunting for dinosaur fossils, hiking volcanoes or flying planes, the science-loving duo of Carly and Charlie inspires kids to get excited about the world around them. This season includes guest appearances from Nat Geo Photographers and Explorers, including Anand Varma, who teaches Carly and Charlie the correct way to take the perfect photo, and professor and founder of SciStarter Darlene Cavalier, who describes how she is exploring new ways to connect people with science.
Carly Ciarrocchi serves as producer of the award-winning WEIRD BUT TRUE!, fulfilling children’s curiosity of the world around them. Brooklyn-based Carly, who is also a performer, writer, creator and morning enthusiast, is best known for her work as a host and writer for “Sunny Side Up,” Sprout's live, morning show for preschoolers. Other hosting credits include “Snug’s House” and “The Big Fun Crafty Show” for Universal Kids. All three shows earned Daytime Emmy nominations.
Charlie Engelman returns to host the third season of WEIRD BUT TRUE! with new co-host Carly Ciarrocchi. He also serves as writer, co-executive producer and production designer of the award-winning series. Charlie, who is based in Chicago, earned a Daytime Emmy Award for his writing on WEIRD BUT TRUE!. He has also created multiple award-winning programming for National Geographic, Disney and FOX, including the Emmy-nominated short series Nature Boom Time, which he created after winning a pitching contest for Nat Geo Kids.
Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus.
Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward.
Episode 122:
During an unprecedented time when the world truly must come together as one, Sonia Manzano, “Sesame Street’s” beloved character Maria, offers readers warmth and wit in a timely picture book that looks across cultures and generations to celebrate what unites us, wherever we come from.
Found within this unique title, Manzano’s lyrical touch combined with stunning photography of people from dozens of countries around the world — including Thailand, Egypt, France, the U.S. and countless more — explores how all of our lives are enriched by our geographic and cultural diversity. Kids will see how people around the world look, dress and spend their day, and learn that what we enjoy and value — friends, family, food, play — may sometimes look different, but deep down is the same wherever you go.
That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.
Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus.
Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward.
Episode 118:
Sesame Street for Military Families Helps Parents Navigate Military Children’s Health Care Changes During Relocation. as COVID-19 creates unique challenges
Sesame Street for Military FamiliesTransitions in Health Care provides essential tips for non-military families as well.
When parents have productive relationships with the pediatricians, dentists, and other health care providers who treat their children, it benefits families and providers alike. For military families, frequent moves add another layer to developing those connections.
Maintaining consistent medical care; moving across state or country lines may complicate matters even further.
That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.
Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus.
Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward.
Episode 113:
In 1989, Dr. Yusef Salaam was just fifteen years old when he was tried and convicted in the “Central Park Jogger Case” along with four other Black and Latino boys. The Central Park Five, as they were known, spent between seven to thirteen years behind bars, until the true killer confessed and their sentences were overturned in 2002. At that point, they renamed themselves “the Exonerated Five
Recently he teamed up with Ibi Zoboi to create the young adult book “Punching the Air . It reflects not only Yusef’s story, but the stories of millions of young boys and girls of color who face the injustice of mass incarceration and the criminal justice system. Books have the power to change the way we think and transform societies.
That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.
Author Mark Shulman knows a lot about writing for kids. As the author of over 150 children’s books, he brings his trademark sense of humor to two of the latest installments in the SHOW ME HISTORY! GRAPHIC NOVELS series: Walt Disney: The Magical Innovator, and Susan B. Anthony: Champion for Voting Rights!. A dedicated researcher, Shulman digs deep to find interesting and often funny facts about his subject’s life, keeping kids (ages 8-12), but also comic book lovers, history buffs, and graphic novel fans engaged and entertained. (So they aren’t really novels, but full color biographies, just in the graphic novels format!)
After SEVEN Years, FIVE books, TWO million copies sold, THIRTY-FIVE weeks on the NYTimes Bestseller list, ONE-HUNDRED AND EIGHTY characters, TWENTY-NINE language translations throughout ONE-HUNDRED AND TEN different countries and across SIX continents, the EPIC tale between good and evil comes to a final showdown in the SIXTH and FINAL book of THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD & EVIL series by Soman Chainani. Say goodbye to what Entertainment Weekly calls “one of the most successful YA series of the decade.”
Since 2016, the students have been collectively translating Don Quixote into English. With the help of dozens of dictionaries and the approval of acclaimed Don Quixote translator Edith Grossman, they are adapting the 400-year-old Spanish tale—a story about a traveling dreamer who never gives up—into a bilingual musical based also on their own lives. Six-year old Sarah tells of her mother’s journey across the desert from Mexico riding on the back of a tiger. Alex, a very private teenager, sings her coming out song to standing ovations. As the kids perform their work, they deliver a message of diversity, love, hope, and resilience essential to us all.
“People in the audience have told me that the performances lifted up their hearts, made them laugh, and moved them to compassion,” explained Haff. “The kids have said that after performing far and wide in college classrooms and government offices they now feel they belong, in the worlds of higher education and civic power; they belong in this country.”
Drawing from his experiences inside and outside the classroom, Stephen Haff developed a new teaching method using AA meetings, Quaker prayers and psychotherapy to create a more empathetic and collaborative way to learn. In this welcoming environment, all agreed that there would only be one rule: “Everyone listens to everyone,” a rule that has unlocked spectacular potential. Kids as young as five and as old as 17 arrive at Still Waters in a Storm, an after-school program in a small room in Bushwick, Brooklyn, where they practice reading and writing in English, Spanish, and Latin. For the students, many living in constant fear of deportation, Still Waters is a refuge. For Haff, it is the sanctuary he built following a breakdown caused by bipolar depression
Written with the same collaborative spirit that fills Still Waters, Kid Quixotes is both an inspirational memoir and expert examination of the power of translation, listening, and education, including in its pages a variety of voices and stories that often go unheard.
About the Author: Stephen Haff is the founder of Still Waters in a Storm, a one-room school serving Spanish-speaking immigrant children in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Previously, he taught English at a public school in Bushwick for nearly a decade. He earned his MFA in Theater Studies at Yale, and has made a living directing plays and writing essays for the Village Voice and other publications. Stephen lives in Queens with his wife, children’s book author Tina Schneider, and their three children.
Bestselling Origami Yoda series creator Tom Angleberger was the perfect person to adapt the series—he’s a huge Geronimo fan! The series and character is a fan favorite for his family, and he read the books both to his kids and at his kids’ schools. On adapting this story to graphic novel format, Tom said, “I’ve wanted to draw comics since forever, but who would have believed I’d get to draw a famous(e) character like Geronimo Stilton? I’m a long-time fan, so I was able to really turn up the Geronimo-ness to 11. I had a ball!” You’ve never seen Geronimo Stilton like this before!
About the book: A stinky smell is taking over New Mouse City! No mouse can live like this! Geronimo and his best friend Hercule, the private detective, head underground into the sewer world of Mouse Island to investigate. Can they save the city from the stench?
Nickelodeon's hit preschool series Blue's Clues & You!, a remake of the groundbreaking and wildly popular series Blue's Clues, has a whole new generation of preschoolers searching for clues with beloved puppy Blue and new live-action host Josh (Josh Dela Cruz). In a brand-new special episode, "Blue's Sing-Along Spectacular," airing July 14th at 9 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon, it's Bluestock -- the Blue's Clue's music concert -- so Blue and her friends, pop star Ally Brooke, the sun (voiced by gospel sensation Yolanda Adams), Mailbox, Tickety Tock, Magenta, Josh, and Joe (Donovan Patton) take to the stage to perform show-stopping songs.
Additionally, this summer will see the launch of brand-new Blue's Clues & You! toys that incorporate key elements from the show. The toys reinforce problem solving and creative play, and allow fans to interact with Blue and Josh in all-new ways. Podcast listeners will be also able to join in on the Blue's Clues & You! fun with the upcoming original podcast series, Blue's Clues & You!: Bedtime Stories (10 episodes), narrated by Dela Cruz, which wil let listeners skidoo with Josh and Blue into storybooks where sleepy-time adventures await.
Raised in New Jersey, Dela Cruz was inspired to become an actor after watching the original Blue's Clues series. Josh recently appeared in Disney's Broadway production of Aladdin, as well as CBS' Bull, and ABC's Time after Time.
Did you know that a dog can make about 100 different facial expressions or that astronauts can grow two inches taller while in space? The 2021 edition of the New York Times bestselling National Geographic Kids Almanac 2021, U.S. Edition features all-new animal tales, explorer profiles, awesome inventions and fresh challenges for curious kids who want to learn all about the world and everything in it! It is packed with stunning photographs and interesting info designed especially for children ages 8 to 12 years. Kids will enjoy keeping up with our rapidly changing planet with this entertaining and informative assortment of games, activities and features on science, technology, conservation, history and more. The colorful compilation also includes an Almanac Challenge 2021 — which inspires kids to reduce their plastic waste and encourage others to do the same — and also highlights the winner of the 2020 Almanac Challenge!
Super Soccer Stars Proves It Can Be Done!
Keeping your Children Active and Engaged During "Safe at Home" with Online Video Classes and Coaching for your Youth Soccer Player
You have been spending more time at home with your children and your family, working from home, home schooling and staying safe in our time of COVID-19 crisis. It's tough to keep young children happy, safe, active and engaged - they miss their friends, they are away from a regular routine, and everyone indoors begins to get "buggy."
The team at Super Soccer Stars, which since 2000 has developed the largest corporately run youth soccer program in the country, knows your pain. They implemented their new online streaming video coaching services in February of this year, realizing that the COVID-19 crisis would impact their physical playing centers. They were well ahead of the national curve - realizing that youth sports are going to change forever, Super Soccer Stars from on-field instruction to digital "online" learning with the launch of their virtual classrooms and live-streaming services, including Soccer Stars @HOME and Skills & Drills Powered by Famer.
Super Soccer Stars virtual classrooms and live streaming curriculum is now available online at SoccerStars.com.
Parents, initially skeptical, have been "blown away" by what they have seen. Tapping in to their network of top youth soccer coaches and officials, the Super Soccer Stars live-streaming and online video sessions have enabled the organization to re-engage the youth soccer communities it has served since their founding 20 years ago.
One parent, Stacy I., wrote that "as a long time "soccer mom" of my son going to Super Soccer Stars, I was so thankful and impressed that Super Soccer Stars quickly refocused their business model to offer virtual classes for my son in our home with outstanding instructors making it fun in these trying times for our children. As a mom of a five-and-a-half year old, I'm dealing with online home schooling and tons of virtual classes which already is a challenge with so much on-screen time, but Super Soccer Stars made me feel a lightness for my son that I am so grateful for. I have seen a lot of classes in the past 20-plus days, and I highly recommend Super Soccer Stars to still bring the ethos of who they are to our home."
At the beginning of March, parent Marina Lewin wrote to the team at Super Soccer Stars, "My son, Thomas Richardson, is enrolled in the spring class. He is two years old and I am not sure how online classes would benefit him. Will you guys be considering refunds or credit towards future classes? Seems very unfair to those parents who pre-paid. We will definitely be discouraged from doing it in the future."
A day later, Lewin wrote "please disregard my previous e-mail. I wanted to follow up on my email and say that we did our first online live class today and my son was very happy to see his favorite teacher Alex. It was really wonderful to see my son so happy. We are fine with doing it this way. I would like to pass a special thank you to coach Alex in our class and really appreciate that the administration is doing this."
Another parent, Danielle S., wrote to Super Soccer Stars, "A huge thank you. I haven't been able to find on-line exercise that has been engaging for my five-and-a-half-year-old. His first live Soccer Stars was on Friday and he was totally engaged. Did the drills himself and practiced for about 20 minutes after. Thank you! "
"Super Soccer Stars at home was awesome! My son enjoyed practicing his skills and had so much fun," said Venus L. "He can't wait until the next class."
"We're so happy to see Coach Michael's face! My son is usually distracted within three minutes of an activity but not for the @ HOME virtual classes. He loved it and so did I! For the rest of the week I'll be hearing "I'm Coach Michael" and then will be told to go sit against the wall! We are already looking forward to seeing you again next week," wrote-Kara H.
According to Adam Geisler, Chief Executive Officer of Super Soccer Stars, "Parents initially reacted with a great deal of skepticism, but once they see the classes and the level of coaching and interaction, they are totally blown away by it. We are not doing what other organizations are doing with pre-taped sessions and little individual attention, we are providing live, interactive sessions with the children and keeping them engaged and connected.
The coaches with Super Soccer Stars share a passion for soccer and a passion for working with children. Experienced coaches, teachers and players, the diversity of the Super Soccer Stars coaches allows each coach to bring a unique patience, energy, and creative flair to every class.
Launched in response to the Coronavirus COVID-19 crisis and the resulting "social distancing" efforts that have closed schools and recreation programs across the United States, the Super Soccer Stars digital curriculum was developed to keep children's bodies and minds active while at the same time incorporating socialization with coaches, classmates and teammates to encourage safe, social interaction.
The online offerings now available from Super Soccer Stars include Soccer Stars @ HOME, which offers fully interactive 30 to 45-minute virtual classes, once a week through Zoom, where children can see their teammates and work directly with their coach through screen sharing. The lessons are designed to play in small spaces - a five-foot by five-foot area. No equipment is needed. Coaches suggest items to use that are easily found around the house. It is a small group setting, up to 15 kids, and children have the ability to ask your coach questions, get individual tips, and have one-on-one attention. There are assigned activities to keep the fun going after the class, like building your own soccer goal box, and beat the coach challenges.
There is also Soccer Stars Live Stream, with live sessions available 7-days a week, as children follow along with coaches as they lead a fun and engaging, interactive 20-minute session. Each session is age-specific, with daily themes and early childhood learning concepts. You also have access to all archived videos, available to watch at your convenience
Also available is Soccer Stars Skills & Drills, which gives you and your child access to a full 14-week curriculum of age-specific content with over 450 training videos setup as 30-minute weekly assignments. The sessions are set up as age-specific drills with progression goals in each video to keep kids engaged, with videos available for ages 2-10.
Additional information about Super Soccer Stars virtual classrooms and live streaming curriculum is available at SoccerStars.com.
With Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe, best-selling author Rick Riordan (as editor/publisher, not author) presents the sequel to the critically acclaimed Sal and Gabi Break the Universe, a brilliant sci-fi romp with Cuban influence. Among many other challenges, Sal and Gabi have to try to make everything right with our world when there is a rogue Gabi from another universe running loose.
Author CARLOS HERNANDEZ has published more than thirty works for fiction, poetry, and drama, including Sal and Gabi Break the Universe, and a book of short stories for adults entitled The Assimilated Cuban's Guide to Quantum Santeria. He is an English professor at City University of New York, and he loves to both play games and design them.
That’s the gift of these books: not just a rosy ending but a universe built around people’s fundamental goodness and grace, grounded in the events of daily life. In the construction of Sal and Gabi’s world, Hernandez has himself fixed our own universe—not by removing its flaws but by populating it with people who care for one another. It’s a place for readers to live in, a haven they can always escape to for comfort and for hope. And also, fart jokes. But mostly hope. Starred review, Booklist
A hilarious, heartwarming, and absolutely unmissable sequel. Starred Review, Kirkus
You may have already seen Dr. Ibram Kendi and Jason Reynolds on TV talking about STAMPED: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning and if so , then you know this is NOT a history book. This is a YA book about the here and now to help us understand why we are where we are.
Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning revealed the history of racist ideas in America, and inspires hope for an antiracist future. This edition of STAMPED is reimagined and reveals the many insidious forms of racist ideas for teens and YA readers so that they can identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their daily lives. It is a gripping, fast-paced, and energizing narrative written by beloved award-winner Jason Reynolds. It is on the NYT Bestseller list, the USA Today bestseller list, the Wall Street Journal bestseller list, and the Indiebound bestseller list. And here are some great interviews & reviews:
CBS THIS MORNING
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
The Hot Chocolate Talk is a bold public awareness campaign created by Committee for Children, designed to help families start the conversation about preventing child sexual abuse; to offer warmth and comfort to understandably uncomfortable conversations when discussing unwanted touching and private body parts.
While it’s natural to feel awkward at the thought of broaching the subject with your child, the good news is that the Hot Chocolate Talk provides simple, research-based conversation starters to help you weave these critical safety conversations into everyday interactions you have with your children such as during bedtime, reading time, and at meals.
FUTUREPOP. The group is comprised of 2boys and 2girls ages 11-13. They are being produced by Grammy Award winning production team - The Stereotypes. They have released two cover songs/videos in the past 3 weeks and will be releasing original material later this year. They are a lot of F U N! :)
Don’t Start Now - Dua Lipa:
https://youtu.be/QkDHcRAJH1M
Circles - Post Malone:
https://youtu.be/uYUfIrCTMfU
Socials:
IG: @futurepopofficial
Tiktok: @futurepopofficial
Facebook: @officialfuturepop
Twitter: @WeAreFuturepop
Website:
futurepop.com
Curious kids can investigate their way through entertaining, imaginary and family-friendly mysteries in Solve This! Forensics, by Kate Messner and Anne Ruppert, the latest book in National Geographic’s hands-on STEM-focused series. Because this book is designed to introduce kids to the incredible world of forensic science, little adventurers can step into the role of “daring detective.” Fascinating pages filled with curious capers encourage readers to work diligently to solve the mysteries — using the step-by-step instructions as their guide!
Readers will analyze several mock cases from start to finish, investigating the crime, evidence and suspect lists to unravel clues and crack cases. Kids will learn to study smudges on a screen, dust for fingerprints, examine footprints at a crime scene, analyze toxicology tests and more, as they dig deep to solve the fun mysteries at hand.
Before putting their knowledge to the test, readers are introduced to the many branches of science, the kinds of evidence that exist and the tools that detectives use daily, including an Automated Fingerprint Identification System and a Shoe print Database. Once the basics of forensic science and crime scene investigation are covered, science lovers will be ready to tackle the hands-on activities and get in on the action-packed world of solving crimes!
The Star Dunes is the fourth installment of Explorer Academy, the fact-based fiction series deemed “captivating” by the editors at Parenting.com. This series features even more thrilling adventures, complete with science, technology, culture and code breaking, and will have kids on the edge of their seats as the action-packed plot intensifies. Follow 12-year-old Cruz Coronado during his time at the prestigious Explorer Academy, where he and 23 kids from around the globe are training to become the next generation of great explorers. In addition to making new friends and attending cool classes, Cruz must also work to unlock clues to his family’s shadowy past if he is to solve the mystery of his mother’s untimely death.
About The Star Dunes: In this exciting follow-up to The Double Helix, a major discovery catapults Cruz and the Explorer Academy team into the limelight and they head off to Africa. After yet another strike from Nebula, someone close to Cruz ends up on the brink of death, leaving the ship in turmoil and Cruz and his team down a major player. The discovery of his mom’s next clue leads Cruz to a vast desert — and just when he thinks he’s run out of leads for solving the mystery of her tragic disappearance, an unlikely ally helps him pursue another piece of the ongoing puzzle. Can Cruz and his team stay one step ahead of Nebula and find the next piece of the hidden cipher?
About Explorer Academy series: The Star Dunes is the fourth book published under the National Geographic Kids Books fiction imprint, Under the Stars. For more adventures with Cruz and his fellow explorers, fans can head to ExplorerAcademy.com to watch the Explorer Academy animated series “Brain Freeze,” play Explorer Academy-inspired games, find the latest updates on The Star Dunes and more! The release of Explorer Academy: The Star Dunes follows on the heels of National Geographic’s successful first annual Recruitment Day — a global tour designed to inspire kids to think big, stay curious and keep exploring the world around them. Armed with a team of powerful female explorers, the worldwide tour reached more than 13,000 students via 30 educational and inspiring events — and generated nearly 9 million media impressions via notable national, local and trade publications in support of The Double Helix.
Following the successful debut of its first-ever kids’ fact-based fiction series, Explorer Academy, National Geographic’s new Under the Stars imprint introduces its second action-packed fiction series, Zeus the Mighty, by Crispin Boyer.
Humorous and heartwarming, readers embark on a thrilling adventure in this entertaining new middle-grade fiction series inspired by Greek mythology and ancient Greece, beginning with the first title in the seven-book series, Zeus the Mighty: The Quest for the Golden Fleas.
About Zeus the Mighty:
Within a pet center sitting atop Mount Olympus in Athens, Georgia, lives a menagerie of eclectic creatures each named after a powerful god or goddess. By day, Zeus — a tiny, overconfident hamster with a mighty appetite for power — and his gaggle of gods run on their exercise wheels and take catnaps. But at night these fearless furry friends bravely take on legendary mythological quests! In the series’ first thrilling adventure, Zeus the Mighty has one giant task in front of him: to find the “golden fleas” so he can solidify his position as “king of the gods.”
Captain Compassion is the bullying prevention superhero parents and educators can use to help communicate approachable, research-based bullying prevention information to kids. Research finds that preventing bullying at school must start at home. The superhero comic concept really resonates with kids, and it’s a great way to engage parents in how they can talk about bullying with their children. The Captain Compassion Campaign focuses on providing adults and children with tips that are delivered through an engaging comic book narrative featuring Captain Compassion and her sidekick Kid Kinder.
In 1996, Nickelodeon premiered the groundbreaking preschool series Blue’s Clues. The show’s unique interactivity—in which viewers help energetic girl puppy Blue identify clues to solve a puzzle—helped change the way kids watch television and has remained one of the most popular preschool shows of all time.
Now, Blue and her crew are back in Nickelodeon’s remake, Blue’s Clues & You!, which features a brand-new live-action host Josh (Joshua Dela Cruz) alongside all-new CG animation and refreshed iconic items from the original series, such as an updated Handy Dandy Notebook.
Raised in New Jersey, Dela Cruz recently appeared in Disney’s Broadway production of Aladdin, as well as CBS’ Bull and ABC’s Time After Time. Dela Cruz—who was inspired by the original series to become an actor—can discuss why Blue remains an iconic character in children’s television and what young viewers and their parents can expect from the new show.
Nikki and her bandmates are looking forward to an AWESOME summer on tour as the opening act for the world famous Bad Boyz! Nikki is a little worried when her frenemy, MacKenzie Hollister, weasels her way into a social media intern position with the tour. But she has a total MELTDOWN when she learns that MacKenzie is her new roommate! Will Nikki survive her dream tour as it quickly goes from AWESOME to AWFUL?! The drama continues in Dork Diaries 14: Tales from a Not-So-Best Friend Forever!
Get ready to swing and scat with WELCOME TO JAZZ: A Swing-Along Celebration of America’s Music, Featuring “When the Saints Go Marching In” from music educator and Welcome to the Symphony author Carolyn Sloan, with a heartfelt foreword by jazz musician and educator Nikara Warren, the granddaughter of renowned jazz pianist Kenny Barron.
With interactive sound technology and vibrant, full-color illustrations, WELCOME TO JAZZ brings the wonders of jazz to life. With the push of 12 sound chips on the side panel of the book, readers will become immersed in the instruments as they read about key concepts found in the music, like:
· Beat: A steady pulse that keeps the music together.
· Rhythm: The flow of long and short sounds played along with the beat.
· Melody: A tune; the part of a song you are most likely to sing along to.
· Improvisation: The art of creating new music on the spot.
· Scat Singing: A form of improvisation where singers make up melodies and rhythms using nonsense syllables like be-bop, du-we-ah, or zoo-zoo-zi-zah!
In addition to the interactive fun, readers will learn about the origins of jazz, with mentions of musical greats—like Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, and Duke Ellington—who added their own unique ideas to the genre. For example, Louis Armstrong popularized “When the Saints Go Marching In” when he recorded the song in 1938. And just as these musicians revolutionized jazz, so did the incorporation of new instruments—like the saxophone and the vibraphone—which created innovative, fresh sounds.
Tracey Hecht is the acclaimed author of The Nocturnals series of books for readers aged 5-12. She is talking to kids and parents about her new book, The Kooky Kinkajou, which engages parents, educators, and children around the serious topic of bullying in an age-appropriate manner. She is PASSIONATE about the topic.
October is Bullying Prevention Month, and Tracey is very involved in getting kids and parents to help prevent bullying and promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Check out Helping Kids Navigate Complex Times, an article she wrote about using books as a tool to teach social-emotional learning.
In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions. But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight to the death for it. The last queen standing gets the crown.
For the last two decades, Harvard evolutionary biologist Dr. Barbara Natterson-Horowitz, MD and science writer Kathryn Bowers have studied the natural world for insights into human health – cancer, heart disease, depression, drug addiction, etc. As they watched their teenagers entering the world of social media academic pressure, dating, driving, and more they started to question what they could learn from the animal world to help them guide their children through the rough teen years.
The result was a 5-year scientific study of adolescence across species in WILDHOOD: The Epic Journey from Adolescence to Adulthood in Humans and Other Animals
The latest annual from the beloved brand that has ignited the explorer in all of us for more than 130 years, National Geographic’s Almanac 2020 offers everything you need to know about the world today — from science and nature to history, world cultures and the environment. Filled with exquisite photography, informative infographics, illustrated timelines and maps, this striking new edition honors the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with practical tips for improving your own sustainability habits. It also celebrates women past and present, illuminates space probes beyond our solar system and highlights top travel destinations around the world.
After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. He lands in New York City as a mortal teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus’s favor.
It's not easy being Apollo, especially when you've been turned into a human and banished from Olympus. On his path to restoring five ancient oracles and reclaiming his godly powers, Apollo (aka Lester Papadopoulos) has faced both triumphs and tragedies. Now his journey takes him to Camp Jupiter in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the Roman demigods are preparing for a desperate last stand against the evil Triumvirate of Roman emperors. Hazel, Reyna, Frank, Tyson, Ella, and many other old friends will need Apollo's aid to survive the onslaught. Unfortunately, the answer to their salvation lies in the forgotten tomb of a Roman ruler . . . someone even worse than the emperors Apollo has already faced.
AMONG THE MAASAI is “a valuable record, showing both the successes and limitations of education . . . [an] enlightening account of teaching in East Africa” (Kirkus Reviews). In 1999, Cutler set off to Tanzania to teach English at the first school built for at-risk Maasai girls in East Africa. Driven by her desire to replace the risk of rape, forced marriage, and genital cutting with the life-changing power of education, Juliet learned to work alongside local educators and leaders to maximize her efforts in the context of the Maasai culture. Cutler returns to Tanzania regularly and is an advocate for improving girls’ education. All proceeds from the sale of Among the Maasai support education for at-risk Maasai girls.
Juliet Cutler is a writer, an educator, and an activist. "Among the Maasai" is Juliet’s first book, though her literary and professional publications number more than two dozen. She has taught writing in many settings including as adjunct faculty for the College of St. Scholastica in Minnesota. She holds an MA in English from Colorado State University and a BS in education from the University of North Dakota. Juliet currently lives with her husband, Mark, in a community near Atlanta. When she’s not writing, Juliet consults as an education and exhibition specialist for museums, parks, and cultural centers throughout the world. You can learn more at https://julietcutler.com/.
In 1963, Sharon Robinson turned thirteen against the backdrop of the most tumultuous year of the Civil Rights movement. As the daughter of Jackie Robinson, Sharon Robinson had incredible access to some of the most important events of the era, including her family attending the March on Washington as guests of Martin Luther King Jr. But Robinson was also grappling with her own personal problems like going through puberty and being one of the only black children in her wealthy Connecticut neighborhood.
Child of the Dream: A Memoir of 1963 (published by Scholastic Press) follows Sharon Robinson, author of numerous children’s books honoring her father’s accomplishments and legacy, in the year she turns thirteen as she tries to find her place in the fight for racial equality and justice.
In a world where so much is competing for a child’s attention, how do you raise a reader?
It’s an accepted fact that reading is crucial for kids. Study after study shows that babies and toddlers thrive intellectually and emotionally when they’re read to, and that books help children of every age expand their language skills and comprehension of the world, boost their critical thinking and imagination, build empathy, and strengthen bonds with caregivers.
At the same time, reading can be a source of stress for parents! Not only can it be a struggle to get a child off of a device, it can be difficult even knowing which books to read to a baby and stressful to get your child, even teenager, to read! Now from the experts of the "New York Times Book Review" - comes the ultimate guide to how to raise a reader.
How do you raise a reader in this ever changing world of technology, devices and other distractions? Screen time may often be more appealing than reading time for a child. But with reading known to be so important, how can a parent encourage kids to make reading a priority?
Reading can be a source of stress for parents: “Which books should I read to my baby, and how early? Is my child reading soon enough, fast enough, in an advanced enough way? How can I teach my child to prioritize books over screens? What’s the best way to use reading to give kids a ‘head start ’in today’s competitive landscape? With everything else going on, how can I help my child carve out the time to dive head long into a book?”
In HOW TO RAISE A READER (Workman Publishing) leading book authorities Pamela Paul (who oversees all book coverage at the New York Times), and Maria Russo (editor of children’s books at the Times), answer all these urgent questions and many more!! It's an accessible guide, gorgeously illustrated by the renowned artists Dan Yaccarino, Lisk Feng, Vera Brosgol, and Monica Garwood.
The book is divided into 4 stages of childhood—from babies to teens—and filled with practical tips, strategies that work, been-there wisdom, and inspirational advice
Following the global success of her seven-book fantasy series Septimus Heap, best-selling author Angie Sage is back with a brand-new fantasy novel, Maximillian Fly. The absorbing and darkly humorous book tells the story of Maximillian Fly—a human with cockroach features—whose quiet life is upended when he aids two human children in their escape from an oppressive governing power.
Maximillian Fly wants no trouble. Yet because he stands at six feet two, with beautiful indigo wings, long antennae, and multiple arms, many are frightened of him. This gentle creature -- who looks like a giant cockroach -- wants to prove his goodness, so he opens his door to two SilverSeed children in search of a place to hide. Instantly, Maximillian’s quiet, solitary life changes. There are dangerous powers after them and they have eyes everywhere. But in this gray city of Hope trapped under the Orb, is escape even possible?
Maximillian Fly is a masterful story brimming with suspense, plot twists, and phenomenal world building. This compelling novel delves into family dynamics and themes of prejudice, making the case for tolerance, empathy, and understanding.
School’s back in session as Nickelodeon premieres the reimagined game show Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader. Hosted and executive produced by John Cena, the new series puts kids squarely in the center of the action. It follows the original premise of kids helping adult contestants put their knowledge to the test with questions taken directly from an elementary school curriculum.
In an all-new format that places kids in the center of the action, Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader contestants must revisit the classroom to answer six questions on a variety of subjects from the first through fourth grade, before moving on to the final round where they must race against the clock to answer five questions taken from the fifth grade. Each time the contestants answer questions correctly, their bank increases with a possible winning of $100,000. Newly-added elements to the show include an additional “cheat” option and new ways contestants can enlist the help of their grade-school classmates.
Interviews will feature two kids who are regular contestants on the show. They're hometowns include: Atlanta, GA; Porter Ranch, CA; Broomall, PA;
St. Cloud, FL; Los Angeles, CA and Queens, NY.
Says host Cena: “I’m excited to partner again with Nickelodeon to host this new series, and I can’t wait to see kids defeat grownups who find themselves back in the classroom.”
Nick is proudly taking a new direction in programming based on insights into today’s kids, who are the most diverse generation ever, and who cite shared experiences with their parents and family as their top priority.
From #1 New York Times bestselling Dork Diaries author Rachel Renee Russell comes the third book in the series about Max Crumbly—and his daily ups and downs in middle school.
When we last left our courageous hero, Max Crumbly, and his trusty sidekick Erin, they had just finished foiling the plans of some bumbling thieves. But Max and Erin were trapped in a smelly, dangerous dumpster of doom and about to be discovered by the last people they wanted to find them.
Now in this latest installment of Max’s journals, Max and Erin face foes both new and old as their misadventures continue. Can the two friends avoid detection—and detention!—while keeping South Ridge Middle School safe from bullies and criminals? Read the book to find out!
About Epic Athletes: Stephen Curry
When you think of Stephen Curry, one word comes to mind: greatness. From shooting three-pointers with laser precision to his clutch ability to hit buzzer-beaters time and again, he has established himself as one of the best players in pro basketball. But greatness was never a guarantee for Steph. The son of a talented NBA player, he dreamed of one day playing professionally just like his dad. Yet Steph, who was
always smaller and weaker than the competition, was told over and over that he would never be talented enough to be a college star or NBA player—let alone the MVP of the entire league. Through tenacity and hard work, he proved them all wrong and went on to dismantle the record books. With the high energy of a TV commentator, and featuring dynamic comic-style illustrations, this engaging biography tells the story of an NBA All-Star and the path he took to achieve his dreams.
About Epic Athletes: Alex Morgan
U.S. Women's Soccer star Alex Morgan has earned each of these impressive titles throughout her incredible career. As a young girl growing up in Southern California, she dreamed of being a professional soccer player, fighting to compete on the international stage against the world's greatest athletes. Flash forward to the present and Alex Morgan has emerged as the face of U.S. Women's soccer, famous for her clutch, late-game goals, and an inspiration to kids across the country.
Writer, editor and education advocate Nathalie Le Du on Thursday, May 16th as she discusses:
The importance of project-based, play-based learning and tinkering
How real-life based characters help learning. Cartoon characters with five fingers as opposed to three (i.e., The Simpsons and Mickey Mouse) help children with everything from counting to patterning to arts and crafts
The importance of play combined with experimentation – teaching kids the important traits of resilience and persistence
How her past experience helped to create these workbooks
The TinkerActive workbook experience: Each workbook starts with interactive and entertaining exercises that cover the essential math, science, and problem-solving skills. Then, apply what you’ve learned with exciting hands-on tinkering, making, and engineering activities that utilize common household materials and encourage kids to learn through play.
Vetted by award-winning educators, TinkerActive Workbooks are an excellent supplement to schoolwork or at-home study, and each book is aligned to Common Core State Standards. TinkerActive Workbooks are designed to build your child’s fundamental math and science skills AND inspire them to try new things, discover new skills, and imagine new possibilities—a surefire way to encourage their love of learning.
Nicolette Farmer is running for class president, and the rest of the Farmer family tells her she’ll win by a landslide. A pack of overconfident lambs mistakenly hear lambslide and can’t believe there’s a slide made just for them. But when they can’t find one on the farm, there’s only one thing left to do: take a vote! They campaign. They bargain. They ask all the other animals if they, too, would like a lamb side. Will the lambs ever get their special slide? You’ll have to find out in this epic collaboration between Patchett and Glasser, who create the perfect children’s book!
Ann Patchett is the author of eight novels and three works of nonfiction. She is the winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award, England's Orange Prize, and the Book Sense Book of the Year, and was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World. Her work has been translated into more than thirty languages.
Ann has written about many things, but by far, she has had the most fun writing about this flock of happy, grumpy, confident, and pushy lambs.
She is the co-owner of Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee, where she lives with her husband, Karl, and their dog, Sparky.
You can visit her at annpatchett.com .
Robin Preiss Glasser has illustrated many children’s books, including the bestselling Fancy Nancy, Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy, Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly, and Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas by Jane O’Connor. She is also the illustrator of America: A Patriotic Primer by Lynne Cheney. She lives in Southern California with her family, where they do not tend to a flock of lambs—and certainly do not know where the lambslide could possibly be.
Inspired by the fascinating work and real adventures of National Geographic Society explorers, the second title in the Explorer Academy series invites you to board the ship Orion, where Cruz Coronado and his team of loyal friends continue to experience adventures beyond their wildest dreams (including an up-close encounter with whales, inspired by the experiences of veteran explorer and underwater photographer Brian Skerry!).
Explorer Academy: The Falcon’s Featheris the exciting follow-up to The Nebula Secret, the smash hit which kids are calling “action-packed,” “gripping,” and “one of the best books I have ever read!” It immerses young audiences in a captivating tale of intrigue and fast-paced action as the team navigates the world of the Explorer Academy while also trying to solve the second piece of a puzzle that may have cost Cruz’s mother her life. Whether it is cracking hidden codes or reaching the northernmost point of human civilization, Explorer Academy will continue to excite every young explorer and fan alike.
Andrew Zimmern has eaten a smorgasbord of local specialties-from coral worms in Samoa to horse-rib-and-rectum sausage in Kazakhstan-over his 12 seasons as host of Bizarre Foods on the Travel Channel. Entertaining? Always! Stomach-churning? Sometimes. But above all, the 4-time James Beard Award-winning television personality, chef, entrepreneur, teacher, author...and dad...is on a mission to promote cultural acceptance, tolerance and understanding through food. In AZ AND THE LOST CITY OF OPHIR: Alliance of World Explorers, Volume One (Beaver's Pond Press; February 5, 2019; 978-1-64343-986-0; $15.95 Hardcover), written by Andrew Zimmern and H. E. McElhatton, with full-color illustrations by Lisa Troutman, Zimmern draws young readers into a whirlwind adventure, packed with intrigue, danger, magic, and culinary curiosities. In his first work of fiction, Zimmern introduces a 12-year-old hero who shares his taste for intrepid eating. Proud of his "iron stomach," young AZ will eat anything-sautéed grasshoppers, squashed worms, even cafeteria meatloaf lurking in the school dumpster-no matter how strange, stinky, slimy, gritty, grimy, or gross. When the novel opens, AZ is excited to spend the summer with his archeologist parents on a dig in the Siberian tundra. Sadly, his dreams are dashed by a bad report card. Instead of exploring, he'll be stuck in summer school and grounded at the home of his odd Uncle Arthur. Resigned to two months of math drills and bland food, AZ is thrilled when Uncle Arthur reveals his covert mission with the Alliance of World Explorers (AWE) and whisks him along. At the introductory reception, AZ meets two kids his age, Edward (an egghead) and Lux(a staunch vegetarian). After a time-traveling mishap, AZ and his new friends wind up in Ophir, the Lost City of Secrets, fabled for its endless supply of gold. Filled with wonder, this ancient Egyptian city also has a dark side. Relying on his friends and his gut, AZ sets out to unravel Ophir's mysteries-and find a way back home. But first, he must brave cursed tombs, blood-thirsty crocodiles, one repulsive villain, and a feast-fried tarantulas, chocolate-coated caterpillars, and more-to challenge even his stomach.
Born in 1943, R.L. Stine started out writing jokes and funny stories. He moved to New York City in the mid-1960s, after graduating from The Ohio State University. In 1986, Stine published Blind Date, his first horror novel for young adults. He launched his popular Fear Street book series three years later. Beginning in 1992, Stine found international acclaim writing the Goosebumps series, which spurred the creation of additional series and nearly 200 books.
He was born Robert Lawrence Stine in Columbus, Ohio, on October 8, 1943. Stine began writing stories at the age of 9, using an old typewriter that he found. He initially made up jokes and humorous stories, not the spine-tingling tales that later made him famous.
Stine's father worked as a shipping clerk in a warehouse, and his mother stayed home to look after young Robert and his two siblings. Stine has described himself as "a very fearful child," and said that his mother gave him one of his first serious frights by reading Pinocchio. "The original Pinocchio is terrifying ... He goes to sleep with his feet on the stove and burns his feet off!" Stine said of the classic tale, according to the HarperCollins website.
At The Ohio State University, Stine remained focused on the lighter side of life. He edited the school's humor magazine, The Sundial, for several years. After graduating in the mid-1960s, he moved to New York City.
In New York, Stine worked as a writer and editor. He eventually landed a position at Scholastic, Inc., working on children's magazines. He created a humor magazine for kids, Bananas, in the mid-1970s, and later launched Maniac magazine for the company. Outside of his day job, Stine wrote humorous books for kids under the name "Jovial Bob Stine."
After losing his job at Scholastic during a company reorganization, Stine began writing full-time. He branched out into the horror genre, beginning his first scary tale with only the title-Blind Date. The book received a warm welcome when it was released in 1986, as did Twisted and The Baby-Sitter, released in 1987 and 1989, respectively.
Stine launched his first horror book series for young adults, Fear Street, in 1989. Described as "where your worst nightmares lives," the series explored the dark misadventures of students at Shadyside High School. Fear Street grew to include roughly 100 novels, eventually selling more than 80 million copies.
In 1992, Stine started taking younger readers on their own thrill ride with the Goosebumps series. These books, which he produced through his wife Jane's Parachute Press book-packaging company, targeted the tween market. The first title, Welcome to Dead House, was quickly followed by more novels. At one point, Stine was writing one or two books each month. Each title featured the trademark elements of the series: Page-turning plots and daring cliffhangers at the end of each chapter.
Goosebumps soon became a literary phenomenon. The books became bestsellers in the United States and abroad, and were eventually translated into 16 different languages. Goosebumps was turned into a television series as well. The tremendous popularity of the series turned Stine into one of the most successful children's writers of all time, drawing comparisons between Stine and adult horror writer Stephen King.
As the 1990s came to a close, Goosebumps fever began to fade. Stine launched a new series in 2000, Nightmare Room, with each title featuring an online component. In 2004, he mixed humor and horror in Who Let the Ghosts Out?, the first book in the Mostly Ghostly series.
Bullying has long been a serious problem in our schools and cyber bullying has increased exponentially as social media consumes our children and teenagers. We only hear about the most tragic cases in the news where the bullying victim has taken their own life. But it is a too- common occurrence in schools throughout the country—from elementary through high school.
A new study by CNA, the non-profit research and analysis organization, presents the most effective bullying prevention programs in place throughout the country. In addition, CNA experts highlight the most successful support practices in place that help bullying victims deal with the potentially damaging effects of aggression and grow beyond them.
After the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
on February 14, 2018, journalism teacher Melissa Falkowski and broadcasting teacher Eric Garner knew their students needed to tell their own story.
Edited by Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD) journalism and broadcasting teachers Melissa Falkowski and Eric Garner, the newly published, WE SAY #NEVERAGAIN: Reporting from the School That Inspired the Nation, is a collection of first-person accounts, richly researched and reported articles, and photographs by and about the students at MSD.
The book is divided into three parts: Activism, MSD Strong, and What Comes Next, with chapters within each part that include hard-hitting, passionate, and topical writing on activism, recovery, the national response, and most important, the way forward. Through their reporting, essays, and documentary photography and filmmaking, the students detail their thoughts, fears, dreams, and strategies for a better future.
Student contributors include Ryan Deitsch, David Hogg, Christy Ma, Nikhita Nikoola, Delaney Tarr, and MSD students from the school newspaper, The Eagle Eye,and the school TV station, WMSD.
Every episode of Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest features a Grimm fairy tale retold with a fresh and surprising twist. Featuring curious creatures and mischievous foes, each story is punctuated by hilarious commentary from a classroom of kids who question their way through these creepy tales. Starting October 21st, the ten-episode series will roll out one new show each day leading up to Halloween—during which time the series will be free to listeners via the Apple Podcast App. This podcast series is the perfect entertainment alternative to screen time for kids whether listening at home, on the go, in cars, or in classrooms nationwide, and it activates kids’ imaginations and instigates fantastic, fun conversation.
How to keep your kids safe online
Your go-to guide for one of the greatest dangers facing children today.
A perfect book for the long summer months, when parents and kids will be navigating their newfound free time together.
According to a 2015 study, children spend an average of six and a half hours per day on screens, and the figure is rising. Ninety-three percent of teen Facebook users share their real name, sexting is now the 6th top-ranked issue in the list of health concerns for US children, and a 2016 report indicated that 33.8 percent of students between ages 12 to 17 have been victims of cyberbullying in their lifetime. Children face real dangers online, but how can parents protect their children without isolating them from the reality of our digitally connected world?
Parent Alert! includes cybersecurity advice from one of the world’s leading security specialists, Will Geddes, who coaches parents on the risks of cybercrime, sexting, cyberbullying, phishing, cyberstalking, grooming, nude selfies, and other internet dangers, and offers practical advice so that children can be engaged in modern media but still safe. Aimed at both children and parents, Parent Alert! speaks to digital natives and the less tech-savvy so that parents and children can negotiate their online presence without pitting one side against the other.
Please stop destroying our trombones.
And with that, we're off and running. The book is vibrant and bursting with color on every page - just like the New Day! There are graphs and graphics breaking down New Day's 483-day tag title reign - which the book focuses heavily on - as well as getting-to-know-you Q and A sessions with all three members, infographics, New Day quizzes, and a bunch more. To be honest, this book more closely resembles a book-sized and book-length version of the dear, departed WWE Magazine than any book you've ever read before. Except that it's entirely about the New Day.
All of those are good things, of course. The whole thing is undeniably as close as possible to being in the voice of Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods. Woods breaks down his favorite hairstyles, Kofi lists his favorite pairs of shoes, and Big E even gives you step-by-step instructions on how to perfect your hip gyrations.
Peppered throughout are little two-page entries that tell the story of the New Day, from Woods recruiting them, to their gospel era, to the crowds coming around on them through sheer force of will. These passages are pretty honest, and a good dose of reality in between by-the-numbers spreads and getting to know New Day's various animal mascots.
If you have a younger fan in your life who loves the New Day, this book would make a perfect gift, or if you miss that WWE Magazine aesthetic or love the New Day aesthetic, you should probably check it out. If you plunked down money for a box of Booty-O's . you should probably pick this up as well.
My hope is that someday, one of these three men will actually sit down and write a for-real autobiography, but that just wouldn't make sense as a stand-alone New Day product. The Book of Booty does. And then some.
I live by one rule. You think I'm weird so I'm always going to prove it. Especially when I get a little note asking for a Christmas wish "Could you please talk to my students? But you have to be Santa Claus." Ho Ho Ho! I love Movement School! Go Mavericks!
When her 12-year-old son challenged her to write a book that he would actually want to read, author ALANE ADAMS knew she had her work cut out for her. Flash forward to the present day, and that challenge has manifested itself in Adams’s award-winning LEGENDS OF ORKNEY trilogy, concluding this fall with THE RAVEN GOD.
Full of action, adventure and Norse mythology, the middle grade series is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson and guaranteed to hook even the most reluctant of readers (just ask her son!). Her books are part of PopCulture classroom and taught at schools and she has an incredible online book club for schools.
As a literacy advocate and founder of Rise Up Foundation (which has donated thousands of dollars and books to schools and libraries), Adams knew that there was something more she could do in order to encourage kids to pick up the series. Earning her title as a transmedia author, Adams decided to partner with Artifact Technologies to create BattleKasters, an interactive mobile game designed after the world of Orkney. With the ability to cast spells and interact with other players in real time, BattleKasters was a hit at Comic Cons across the country.
The engineers and creators of The World Record Paper Airplane Book and Kids’ Paper Airplane Book, Ken Blackburn and Jeff Lammers, are back with a revamped POCKET FLYERS PAPER AIRPLANE BOOK and swooping to new heights with two entertaining new companions: SPACE FLYERS PAPER AIRPLANE BOOK AND FLYING CREATURES PAPER AIRPLANE BOOK (Workman Publishing, on sale: October 3, 2017, ages 8 & up).
Discover the world of miniature aviation with vibrantly colored and gorgeously designed collections of aircraft, spacecraft, and flying creatures—from the Saber to the Phoenix, the Alien Clipper to the Cosmojet, and the Beetlebot to the Stinger..
Perfect for holiday gifting and flying in the office or the classroom (shhh!), Pocket Flyers Airplane Book, Space Flyers Paper Airplane Book, and Flying Creatures Paper Airplane Book will serve as a fun introduction to STEM for younger folders and transport the young at heart to a favorite childhood activity.
Ken Blackburn is an aerospace engineer and four-time Guinness World Record holder for paper airplane time aloft (last record: 27.60 seconds). How he set the record:
Developed the World Record airplane at 13years old
Set record 4 times from 1983 to 1998
Key to doing better is more practice, work harder
Ken will REVEAL: THE SECRETS OF HOW TO MAKE A SUCCESSFUL WORLD RECORD AIRPLANE!
He'll also teach your listeners about the keys and tricks to paper airplanes fly successfully including:
LIFT:
Lift is from fast air over airfoil
Fast air comes from curvature and nose up at an angle
FLAPS / Controls
Paper airplane elevator keeps nose up at an angle
Wing Angle
Keeps plane from rolling over
FLAPS
Most important for low speed turns
Paper airplane rudder
Bend right to turn right, left to go left
BALANCE
Heaviest part forward
Wing moved aft
About the Authors: Ken Blackburn works for the Air Force doing aeronautical research in Florida. Co-author Jeff Lammers is an engineer and entrepreneur based in Colorado. He flies small planes in his spare time.
HarperCollins Publishers will publish three more books in the bestselling THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL series! The next three novels, called THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL: THE CAMELOT YEARS, will begin publishing in Fall 2017 with THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL #4: QUESTS FOR GLORY.
This follows after the end of THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL #3: THE LAST EVER AFTER and begins a new era in the Endless Woods – the Camelot Years.
Readers will follow their favorite characters beyond the school, as they set out on their epic quests to achieve fairy tale glory.
“We are so thrilled to expand the rich world Soman has created,” said Antonia Markiet, Senior Executive Editor at HarperCollins Children’s Books,. “We know his fans will love QUESTS FOR GLORY and the adventures that await them in the new books.”
“Like so many of Soman’s readers, I couldn’t help wondering what came next for the characters I’ve grown to care so much about. Happily for us, we’re about to find out…” commented Senior Editorial Director at HarperCollins UK.
“The first three years of school were just the beginning,” Soman Chainani said. “I can’t wait for Readers to see what becomes of their favorite Evers and Nevers as they graduate into their fairy tales. Because as the fairy tale world gets bigger, so do their stories.”
To prime the market for this new installment in the series, THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL: THE EVER NEVER HANDBOOK went on-sale on July 12, 2016. This full-color, illustrated book is an immersive guide to surviving the Endless Woods and is perfect for fans and new readers alike.
And this past summer, the New York Public Library recommended THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL as one of its summer reading series picks for high-schoolers: https://www.nypl.org/events/summer/reading-challenge/book-list-6.
In recent years there has been an increasing focus in popular culture on the rising numbers of boys seeming to be at loose ends in their early adulthood - with fewer attending college, pursuing work away from home, or starting families of their own. And while there are several factors contributing to this “crisis of men,” many nod to a culture that does not support the ideals that encourage boys to flourish and grow into motivated, courageous and kind adults. Recognizing this negative effect that our culture has on boys, popular educator Heather Haupt sought a way to encourage her own three sons to develop strong character. Now, in KNIGHTS IN TRAINING: Ten Principles for Raising Honorable, Courageous, and Compassionate Boys, she shares how to instill essential values in boys by captivating their imaginations and appealing to their love of adventure. Based on the Knights’ Code of Chivalry as depicted in the French epic Song of Roland, she offers ten character-building codes that teach boys the importance of respecting women, pursuing excellence, and standing against injustice.
In this week’s episode of MASTERCHEF, the Top Six split up into two teams, and have 75 minutes to create an entrée for VIP guests who range from firefighters to professional softball players, and construction workers to pilots. The guests will then vote on which dish they prefer and the winning team will receive a huge advantage later on in the competition. Next in the MASTERCHEF kitchen, the young cooks face an elimination challenge and welcome two surprise guests who will join in the fun – Miss Piggy and Swedish Chef! Then it’s up to the judges to decide who will go home in the all-new “Junior Edition: The Muppets Take MASTERCHEF” episode of MASTERCHEF airing Thursday, May 4 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (JRM-512) (TV-PG)
Host/Judge: Gordon Ramsay
“When a book takes you on an adventure, it's a good thing and allows you to think about something in a new way. When a book also reminds us how to treat what we have, it's even better because it’s a win win. That's exactly what Julian has done with his book . . . he's given us a Win Win.” —Whoopi Goldberg
“I’ve always admired Julian Lennon’s singing, because for all he has seen of the world, his melodies contain such childlike wonder . . . his words, too. Buy this book, and his words turn into actions.” —Bono
"It's rare to find a beautiful book that speaks directly to kids, in both a playful and thoughtful way, about something as important as caring for our planet and all of its inhabitants. Touch the Earth combines this magic with true hand-to-page interactivity deftly woven into the narrative (and illustrations), creating a story I believe both kids and adults will want to read over and over again." —Laurie Berkner
From internationally known singer, songwriter, environmental activist, and the son of the late John Lennon, Julian Lennon—along with New York Times bestselling author Bart Davis and beloved Croatian illustrator Smiljana Coh—comes TOUCH THE EARTH, an inspiring and lyrical story about how children can change the world and make it a better place.
In this debut picture book, readers will jump aboard the White Feather Flier, a magical plane that can go wherever you want, just point it up in the air, or down into the water. The White Feather Flier’s mission is to take children to places all over the world, engage them in helping to save the environment, and to teach them how to keep it clean for future generations.
A passion project that comes from the heart, this stunningly-illustrated book is inspired by the white feather he was given by his father when he a was young. TOUCH THE EARTH is the first in a planned trilogy of similarly-themed picture books, and each will be released one year apart on Earth Day. A thrilling interactive experience à la Press Here, readers will participate in the action by pushing buttons within the book to help “fly the plane.”
Lennon has written an original poem to accompany the release of this legacy book, and all proceeds will be donated to the White Feather Foundation.
Confident, wild, joyful, fearless, resilient, creative, strong. Girls are all these things, and more. A mother of two loud, messy, freckled, and amazing daughters, Kate T. Parker began taking pictures of her girls in everyday life—biking, playing soccer, discovering tide pools—and quickly came to realize the most resonant images captured her daughters’ true, authentic selves. Striking and fresh, the photos morphed into the Strong Is the New Pretty, photography series, which went viral in 2015 and has now been expanded into a book of the same name.
STRONG IS THE NEW PRETTY (March 2017; Workman; $17.95) is a celebration of the tenacious spirit inherent within all girls. Featuring Parker’s stunning photography alongside advice and wisdom from her subjects, the book demonstrates that all girls—not just the athletic ones—are unstoppable. Girls reading or studying, girls jumping in mud and leaves, girls comforting a best friend, girls on the playing field, and girls creating art—STRONG IS THE NEW PRETTY reminds us that beauty is not about being a certain size, having your hair done a certain way, or wearing a certain dress. It is about being yourself.
Filled with more than 175 color and black-and-white photographs, this important collection will inspire girls and women to be their best selves—to challenge and test their limits, to nurture their curiosity and intellect, to find strength in being creative and kind—in bold displays of anger and joy, and in quiet determination. Because as Grace F., age 13, says: “Being a girl has no limits.”
Created by Emmy®-nominated writer/producer JJ Johnson (Dino Dan), Annedroids is a live-action adventure series about a young female genius, her human friends, android assistants and the amazing scientific discoveries they make while undertaking the biggest experiment of them all: growing up. Aimed at children aged four through seven, Annedroids -- which tied Sesame Street for the most Emmy® Nominations in 2016 (10) -- returns to Amazon Prime Video for its fourth season on March 3. The new season explores the concept of a “modern day family,” which isn’t necessarily defined by blood relation, but rather the people that are closest to you.
JJ Johnson, who received previous Emmy® nominations for Dino Dan and The Wonder Pets, is available to discuss the secret behind the show's popularity, the key to creating successful children's TV programming, and the importance of teaching science to kids at a young age.
The National Wildlife Federation Celebrates 50 Years of Ranger Rick!
Speak with Wildlife Expert & Media Personality David Mizejewski about Teaching Children to Love Nature and Wildlife
Since 1967, the iconic Ranger Rick raccoon has introduced millions of children and their families to the wonders of wildlife and nature through the National Wildlife Federation’s award-winning Ranger Rick magazine. Timed to its 50th birthday, and the holiday gift-giving season, the National Wildlife Federation will celebrate with a special collector’s edition of Ranger Rick magazine, new publications for younger readers, and educational products that help kids develop a lifelong passion to learn about, explore and protect nature.
David Mizejewski is a media personality, award-winning author and naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation. He's starred in TV shows on NatGeo Wild and Animal Planet (Pet Talk, Are You Smarter Than, Backyard Habitat), and is a regular guest on Conan, The Today Show, The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, Access Hollywood Live, CNN, Fox & Friends and many more. He's the author of Attracting Birds, Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife, and blogger for Animal Planet, Huffington Post and National Wildlife Federation.
David can discuss the significance of Ranger Rick's historic 50-year milestone, and offer tips to help foster a love for the great outdoors in the hearts and minds of children of all ages.
Ever wonder how Michael Jordan seems to float in mid-air on a dunk? Or how bike gears help you ride uphill? Wonder no more! Introducing The Book of Wildly Spectacular Sports Science: 54 All-Star Experiments (Workman Publishing / on sale December 2016 / Ages 9 and up / $14.95), a fact-filled and whimsically illustrated tour through the physics and physiology of athletic excellence from Sean Connolly. Inside the pages, readers will find 54 awesome, hands-on experiments that demonstrate the scientific principles powering a wide variety of sports and activities. The results? Some major learning opportunities—and fun!—to be had by all, proving just how useful science can be on the playing field.
The Book of Wildly Spectacular Sports Science is divided into seven chapters by sport type, including Bat and Ball Sports and Goals and Field Goals. Each entry within the chapter poses a compelling question like “Why Throw Forward Passes in a Spiral?” Then it goes on to set the scene for the science that makes it all happen. And finally, it’s time to experiment! Using common household objects, each project includes step-by-step instructions, tips, and a detailed explanation of why the experiment worked and how it relates to the real sport.
Observe how marbles sink in water to understand the unpredictability of the knuckleball.
Discover how martial arts experts use Newton’s second law of motion with a Ping-Pong paddle karate chop.
Replicate the angular momentum of lacrosse shots with a daring leap onto a playground merry-go-round.
Plus, how a Frisbee flies, the secret to a figure skater’s spin, and more.
In The Book of Wildly Spectacular Sports Science, Connolly takes the tradition of scientific exploration and applies it to familiar and compelling situations. Each experiment creates exciting and memorable learning opportunities designed to appeal to lovers of both sports and science, and those who need a little push!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Sean Connolly has written more than 50 books for children and adults. His lifelong fascination with Fenway Park’s Green Monster, coupled with years of trying to master the one-handed backhand and the simple two-putt, have taken him to the intersection of where sports science, and wonder meet. An American, he lives in Bath, England. @seanconnolly007#SportsScience
Julie Andrews is one of the most recognized figures in the world of entertainment, best known for her performances in The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins, and The Princess Diaries. Julie has been a celebrated children's book author for thirty years, and her works include Mandy, The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, and the Little Bo series. Her memoir, Home, was a #1 New York Times bestseller.
Emma Walton Hamilton is a bestselling children's book author, editor, arts educator, and theater professional, and author of Raising Bookworms: Getting Kids Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment. Together with her mother, Julie Andrews, she has coauthored many books for young readers, including the #1 New York Times bestselling Very Fairy Princess series; the Dumpy the Dump Truck series; Simeon's Gift; The Great American Mousical; and Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies, and Julie Andrews' Treasury for All Seasons, two books for families to treasure and share.
ABOUT THEIR NEW BOOK THE VERY FAIRY PRINCESS: ATTITUDE OF GRATTITUDE
From the beloved mother-daughter team of Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton comes another delightful story in the #1 New York Times bestselling Very Fairy Princess series, perfect for Thanksgiving sharing!
It's Gratitude Day at school! Gerry is ready to be grateful and kind all day long. She's excited to give her best compliments, she's donated a beautiful painting to her class's art gallery, and she even has the perfect jar contribution ready for the food drive. But when disaster strikes, it's tough to stay grateful--even on Gratitude Day! Can Gerry prove that a fairy princess always has the right attitude of gratitude?
It’s time to get scared silly with FRIGHTLOPEDIA: An Encyclopedia of Everything Scary, Creepy, and Spine-Chilling, from Arachnids to Zombies (Workman Publishing; August 23, 2016; Ages 8 and up), written by Julie Winterbottom and illustrated by Stefano Tambellini.
From the spooky to the outrageous, FRIGHTLOPEDIA features everything you need to know about ghosts, werewolves, aliens, mummies, and more. Readers will encounter real-life creepy creatures, petrifying plants, and ghostly places they never imagined existed, plus gain practical information like how to say “boo” in 15 languages and escape from quicksand. Not limited to great scary reading, FRIGHTLOPEDIA also includes DIY creepiness like making fake blood, tips for a perfect séance, and how to look like a true zombie.
From A to Z, arachnids to zits, Oh, Ick! (Workman Publishing; $14.95; Ages 8 & up; November 1, 2016) encourages curious kids to roll up their sleeves and think like a future Nobel Prize winner. With easy-to-find materials, readers can dive into many areas of science, including chemistry, biology, physics, and a bit of entomology, engineering, and forensics, too!
Budding scientists will perform real science with ick-speriments (think Ooze Olympics and Stinky Burp Factory), build or craft something with ick-tivities (Worm Condo, anyone?), and investigate nature and the wilds of their home with ick-splorations (join us on an Insect Safari!). Every activity comes with easy-to-follow, step-by-step directions and is accompanied by gross (yet fascinating) explanations of “What Just Happened.” Brave readers will also create a stinky burp factory and bacteria hotels, solve a clogged toilets case, embark on a scat scavenger hunt, and hang out with some worms.
Whether in a kitchen, a classroom, or in the backyard, Oh, Ick! will introduce future Marie Curies and Albert Einsteins to the ooey, gooey, amazing world of science that surrounds them.
Time to cut loose! Have a rockin' time introducing children to the fun of Footloose, rewritten for children by the one and only Kenny Loggins. As a zookeeper named Jack joins the zoo animals in an all-night dance party, this new original story from Loggins is sure to get your feet moving. Little ones will love the cast of characters, including the rockin' chimp Louise ("Geez, Louise"), Mister DJ Elephant, the lemur Marie ("Oo Wee, Marie"), Milo the wombat, Luke the funkiest cat in the zoo, and so many more rocking, bopping, boogeying, tangoing, shaking, rattling and rolling animals!
To add to the fun, the book includes a CD with new recordings by Kenny Loggins. Kids and parents can sing along to the classic hit with new lyrics, as well as a three-song medley families will love.
Each year, teachers spend more than $1 billion on basic supplies and learning materials. According to a report from The NPD Group, 91 percent of teachers spend an average of $500 of their own money per school year to make sure students do not lack resources.
As a former school teacher, Charles Best founded DonorsChoose.org, a crowdfunding platform where teachers post classroom project requests and the public chooses what to support. In the last 16 years, the non-profit has raised hundreds of millions of dollars to fund more than 750,000 projects.
And for the eighth year, DonorsChoose.org is once again teaming up with SONIC® for the Limeades for Learning® fall voting campaign. Between September 26 – October 23, consumers across the U.S. will determine how SONIC will donate $1 million to teachers this fall by visiting the Limeades for Learning website and voting for the projects they want funded.
Charles Best and Christi Woodworth, Vice President of Public Relations at SONIC® are available via satellite to discuss:
Why crowdfunding has been a key part of education in America
The impact funded projects have in the classroom and the types of programs most in need
How viewers can get involved and give $1 million to public school teachers in their communities
DonorsChoose.org’s longstanding partnership with SONIC Drive-In and SONIC’s pledge to donate $15 million to public school classrooms over the next five years
Limeades for Learning® is a national initiative of SONIC®, America's Drive-In® to support public school teachers in local communities which will provide essential funds needed for learning materials and innovative teaching techniques to inspire creativity and learning in today's youth. Since 2009, SONIC®, has donated $6,176,337 thru the Limeades for Learning® campaign. Through last year’s campaign alone, nearly 91,000 students were impacted and over 3,000 teacher projects were funded.
DonorsChoose.org makes it easy for anyone to help a classroom in need. Teachers at 73% percent of all the public schools in America have created project requests, and 2,253,197 people have donated $457,457,861 to projects that inspire them. Over 19,531,416 students—most from low-income communities, and many in disaster-stricken areas—have received books, art supplies, field trips, technology, and other resources that they need to learn.
Workman Publishing is proud to introduce a groundbreaking new entry in the educational market with The BIG FAT NOTEBOOK™ series (on sale August 9, 2016 / $14.95 each) — a suite of revolutionary study guides for middle school students that focuses on the five core subjects. Much as BRAIN QUEST makes learning fun, The BIG FAT NOTEBOOK series makes studying-up cool, delivering everything a student needs to know to ace Math, Science, English, World History, and American History. In addition, they provide a model for teaching students how to effectively write and organize notes of their own; an important skill they’ll take into their high school years and beyond.
The series is based on an ingenious concept—borrowing notes from the smartest kid in class—and features a highly designed notebook format that will wow students with its neon covers, illustrated doodles, and highlighted content throughout. Every detail has been developed with the middle school student in mind. Never before has there been as thorough and appealing a resource for this age group.
Inside the pages, readers will discover every subject’s key concepts, easily digested and summarized along with:
Critical ideas highlighted (using a color-coded system)
Doodles that illuminate tricky concepts
Mnemonics for memorable shortcuts
Maps, timelines and charts
And quizzes to recap it all!
So what’s inside each Big Fat Notebook?
Everything You Need to Ace Math . . . covers everything to get a student over any math hump: fractions, decimals, and how to multiply and divide them; ratios, proportions, and percentages; geometry; statistics and probability; expressions and equations; and the coordinate plane and functions.
Everything You Need to Ace Science . . . takes readers from scientific investigation and the engineering design process to the Periodic Table; forces and motion; forms of energy; outer space and the solar system; to earth sciences, biology, body systems, ecology, and more.
Everything You Need to Ace American History . . . covers Native Americans to the war in Iraq. There are units on Colonial America; the Revolutionary War and the founding of a new nation; Jefferson and the expansion west; the Civil War and Reconstruction; and all of the notable events of the 20th century—World Wars, the Depression, the Civil Rights movement, and much more.
Everything You Need to Ace World History . . . kicks off with the Paleolithic Era and transports the reader to ancient civilizations—from Africa and beyond; the middle ages across the world; the Renaissance; the age of exploration and colonialism, revolutions, and the modern world and the wars and movements that shaped it.
Everything You Need to Ace English Language Arts . . . takes students from grammar to reading comprehension to writing with ease, including parts of speech, active and passive verbs, Greek and Latin roots and affixes; nuances in word meanings; textual analysis, authorship, structure, and other skills for reading fiction and nonfiction; and writing arguments, informative texts, and narratives.
The BIG FAT NOTEBOOK series meets Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and state history standards, and is vetted by National and State Teacher of the Year Award–winning teachers.
recent poll found the majority of today’s tweens and teens believe it’s their job to fix the environment, and teachers across the country are updating their lesson plans to help with that fix.
Charles Best, founder and CEO of the educational nonprofit “Donors Choose Dot Org” joins us to talk about “environmental education” and a new one million-dollar fund to help teachers across the country.poll from 2011 revealed that the majority of kids surveyed (ages 13–18) felt that previous generations have damaged the environment and left it to their generation to fix.
Now, more than ever, our youth are becoming increasingly more aware of their environment. With back-to-school season right around the corner, how do we – parents and educators – keep them involved with making our planet a greener place to live?
Charles Best, founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.org and former teacher, is available LIVE via satellite with easy, hands-on ways that students can help the environment. He can also discuss:
· Unexpected things the environment can teach students
· Simple, fun ways kids can help the environment
· Tom’s of Maine “Green Your School Fund” giving $1M to help fund classroom environmental projects.
Charles Best leads DonorsChoose.org, a nonprofit organization which provides a simple way to address educational inequity. At DonorsChoose.org, public school teachers create classroom project requests and donors can pick the projects they want to support. Charles launched the organization twelve years ago out of a Bronx public high school where he taught history. DonorsChoose.org is one of Oprah Winfrey's "ultimate favorite things" and was named by Fast Company as one of the "50 Most Innovative Companies in the World," the first time a charity has received this recognition. For three years, Fortune Magazine has named Charles to its "40 under 40 hottest rising stars in business."
Song of the Deep, the newest game from Insomniac Games in partnership with GameStop, is a passion project from Insomniac’s Chief Creative Officer, Brian Hastings. The game has a simple and compelling message: no matter who you are, you have the ability to overcome adversity when you don’t give up.
Sterling Children’s Books is proud to be publishing the illustrated tie-in novel that tells the complete story of the game’s heroine, twelve-year-old Merryn.
In the book, Merryn lives with her fisherman father in a cottage by the sea. Each day, her father braves the tumultuous waves and returns home in time for dinner. One stormy evening, he doesn’t come back. Merryn has a vision that he’s been dragged underwater by a terrifying sea creature, and he needs her help. Determined to rescue him, Merryn builds a submarine and embarks on a journey through undersea worlds she’s only heard about in her father’s lullabies. As she faces the dangers and wonders of the world below the sea, she realizes that her father’s stories were real.
Educational Ideas for Families in the Car This Summer
oMany parents worry that their children will experience “summer learning loss,” the loss of some of what they’ve learned in their time away from the classroom
oKids can lose up to three months of prior learning due to the extended summer breaks and the time it takes away from the next year’s instruction as teachers work to bring students back up to speed
oEnrichment in the form of free reading and exposure to books and printed materials can not only stem the tide of this summer slide, it can also boost students’ achievement levels when they DO return to school
oHonda Road Readers provide families a fun and educational way to keep kids’ minds engaged this summer and helps families turn car time into quality time
oOne-third of Americans plan to take a family trip this year, and the most common type of trip they plan to take is a road trip (according to a 2016 AAA survey)
oThe Honda Road Readers app:
oInspires young listeners to vividly imagine with their families
oLets families share the infectious fun of reading together
oExposes children to a variety of great authors, books, writing genres and literary styles
oIncreases the sense of shared experience and connection among family members
oInvites young people to dream, imagine, question and wonder
oStrengthens reading comprehension and appreciation through the use of high-level questions designed to enhance a child’s understanding of stories, their meaning, and their emotional impact
oThe Honda Road Readers app is available for Apple® and Android™ phones, and provides Honda drivers access to five free audiobooks for children and young adults
Related Honda Survey
oHonda Road Readers program aims to help better utilize the time—roughly 208 hours—the typical American family spends driving each year.
oHonda commissioned a survey of more than 1,500 parents with one or more children ages 5 to 16 and learned:
o77% of parents think listening to books or stories read aloud is very important for children’s cognitive development and for developing their listening skills
o69% of parents polled were concerned that their children are spending too much time in front of screens (cell phones, computers and TV)
Other Ideas for Family Quality Time in the Car
oExplore What Your Kids Love. Do they like trains? Landmarks? Point them out while on the road and ask them where they imagine the train is headed or why a particular landmark is special. Let these questions turn into a story you make up together.
Time Magazine is now calling parenting America’s most competitive adult sport as we drown in endless athletic schedules, music lessons, and enrichment activities. What’s missing from these over-scheduled days? The FUN. Study after study has shown the value of fun and play; it improves communication, connectedness, and creates an enhanced sense of self and healthy behaviors. Emmy-nominated television family lifestyle expert Donna Bozzo has shared her secrets for parenting playfulness for years through national TV appearances, magazine features and on her website. Now, she gathers hundreds of easy and creative ways for infusing day-to-day life with a jolt of fun in WHAT THE FUN?! 427 Simple Ways to Have Fantastic Family Fun.
Join Bozzo on May 19th as she shares why FUN is so important, and discusses some activities that can be added into the daily routine—from mealtimes to bedtime, on special occasions, or whenever the family can use a break from the grind, including:
•Glow in the Dark Bowling: Spray paint an old basketball with glow in the dark paint. Fill soda bottles with water and glow sticks, set them up in your driveway, and—STRIKE!
•Family Book Club: Pick a book to read together. Celebrate the finish with a book party with activities that pair the book’s theme and characters.
•Follow The Bubbles to School: Have your littlest ones chase bubbles to add a bit of fun to the walk to school.
•School Drop Off: Velcro a Joke-A-Day calendar on the car dashboard to start the day with a goofy laugh.
•Indoor Camping: Pop a tent in your living room and roast marshmallows by the fireplace
Perhaps the greatest gift to give children is to raise them to be adults who are able to enjoy life. Bozzo’s WHAT THE Fun?! helps parents set the tenor and make wonderful family memories.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donna Bozzo has worked in the TV business for fifteen years. In addition to appearing on Today, all the Chicago TV stations, The Morning Blend, Veria Living TV, Great Day St. Louis, and Daytime, she worked for many years as a reporter, TV producer writer and creative director. She has written for Chicago Parent, Make it Better, Family Circle, Working Mother, and American Baby.
Calling all wannabe millionaires! From the creators of the nationally syndicated, Emmy Award–winning public TV shows Biz Kid$ and Bill Nye the Science Guy, HOW TO TURN $100 INTO $1,000,000 (Workman, April 2016, $12.95) is a comprehensive first guide to earning, saving, and investing money.
Written in a humorous yet informative voice that speaks directly to kids age 10 and up, How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000 is the perfect book for budding entrepreneurs and young Shark Tank fans. It’s also the gift that every parent who wants to raise financially savvy and unspoiled children should buy for their kids.
Packed with lively illustrations, engaging infographics that make difficult concepts easy to understand, and interactive worksheets, this book is everything an aspiring millionaire needs to start small, but think big.
The skills of earning, investing, and saving money are more important now than ever before, with 17 states including financial literacy in their curriculum and 43 incorporating it in their educational standards. Chapter by chapter, How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000 demonstrates how, with a little focus, patience, confidence, and knowledge, anyone can develop a Million- Dollar Mind-Set. And the best part is… it’s easy! Remember, millionaires are people who save money, not people who spend it.
How to develop a Million-Dollar Mind-Set:
•Open a savings account
•Commit to short-, medium-, and long-term financial goals
•Find a first job or build a successful business to earn a steady income
•Make a monthly budget—and stick to it, dude!
•Grow your money using the power of compound interest
•Start investing (with a little crash course from the experts!)
This book is sure to inspire important conversations around the dinner table and honest dialogue between parents and children about money.
About the Authors - James McKenna and Jeannine Glista, along with Erren Gottlieb and Jamie Hammond, are cocreators of Biz Kid$, a national financial educational initiative based on the Emmy Award– winning TV series of the same name. Matt Fontaine is a writer living on Vashon Island, Washington. Co-created and co-executive-produced by the creators of Bill Nye the Science Guy, the Biz Kid$ series is broadcast worldwide and accessible through numerous outlets. Since its premiere in 2008, the show has reached an average of 1 million viewers per episode and been seen by more than 15 million people. Biz Kid$ has been approved as a financial education recommended resource in 16 states
Sid and Marty Krofft’s most beloved characters from their cult classic H.R. Pufnstuf will return to kids TV for the first time in over 45 years in the Kroffts’ latest live-action preschool series, Mutt & Stuff, on Nickelodeon. Featuring H.R. Pufnstuf, Cling and Clang, Freddy the Flute and the Rescue Racer, the special is part of an additional 20 episode order that Nickelodeon has greenlit, bringing the total to 40 for Mutt & Stuff’s first season. Production on the special, "H.R. Pufnstuf Comes to Mutt & Stuff!,”
will begin this fall with a premiere date set for early 2016. “H.R. Pufnstuf was the first TV show my brother and I created, so it has always held a special place in our hearts,” said Marty Krofft. “Our fans constantly ask us to bring back Pufnstuf, and we feel the vibrant world
of Mutt & Stuff is the perfect setting to revitalize these colorful characters and build excitement for new fans.” In "H.R. Pufnstuf Comes to Mutt & Stuff!," Stuff’s favorite uncle H.R. Pufnstuf decides to visit him at the canine school. When H.R. Pufnstuf arrives with his friends from Living Island, Stuff goes overboard in an attempt to impress him and make sure everything is perfect. Set in a unique school for dogs, Mutt & Stuff stars Calvin Millan and his dad, Cesar, star of Cesar 911 and original star of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, interacting with a cast of both real dogs and puppets. Mutt & Stuff currently ranks as the number-one preschool show in its time period on all TV and the series is created and executive produced by the Kroffts (H.R. Pufnstuf, Land Of The Lost), along with Bradley Zweig. Cesar Millan also serves as executive producer. Mutt & Stuff airs regularly weekdays at 10 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. “H.R. Pufnstuf’s wildly imaginative characters made an indelible impression on an entire generation, and now preschoolers and parents will get to see the two fantasy worlds of Sid and Marty Krofft come together on
Mutt & Stuff through the same creative storytelling that defines both series,” said Russell Hicks, President,
Content Development and Production, Nickelodeon Group.
“It has been an amazing experience to be a part of Mutt & Stuff with my son Calvin,” said Cesar Millan. “The
show is an amazing platform to educate kids on the responsibilities of being a dog owner and we are excited to be bringing it back for another 20 episodes.” Mutt & Stuff follows Calvin Millan and his best friend Stuff, a larger-than-life dog with a personality to match, as they take preschoolers inside the doors of Mutt & Stuff, a school for dogs, to explore the daily lives of these canine companions. Each episode features incredible tricks, training lessons and high-spirited humor. With the help of 15 playful puppies and charismatic puppets, Calvin educates preschoolers on how to train
and guide their dogs, as well as showcase the friendship and loyalty that puppies can provide. The series has a social-emotional curriculum that helps preschoolers identify and manage emotions, build interpersonal awareness and develop social skills. Mutt & Stuff also carries a message of pet adoption and responsible pet care based on Cesar Millan’s philosophies.
Nickelodeon, now in its 36th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 20 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB
When he was twelve years old, Florida-based Jake Marcionette released his debut book, Just Jake, a loosely autobiographical, laugh-out-loud comedy adventure. With that book, Jake made history in two ways: the youngest author to hit the New York Times Bestseller list and the youngest author in the history of Penguin Books to land a publishing deal.
Now three years later, Penguin has published Jake's third (and best) book in the series, Just Jake 3: Camp Wild Survival - the first must-read Children's Middle Grade book of 2016.
So how did Jake accomplish all this at such an early age? I recently had the pleasure of sitting with the young author who also tours schools as a motivational speaker for students nationwide. Anybody at any age would feel energized and motivated after meeting Jake, who radiates positivity and enthusiasm for life.
Xaque Gruber: So how did your writer's journey begin?
Jake Marcionette: When my sister and I were much younger, my Mom would have us write from breakfast to lunch every day during summer vacation. Education is very important to my Mom who runs the education website http://spellingclassroom.com/. At first I hated the daily writing, but eventually I got into it and wrote about how my day was going and how I was feeling. I have my Mom to thank for my developing my love for writing.
XG: So how does one make the leap from writing at home during summer vacation to Best Selling author?
JM: I knew I wanted to write books for kids, about a kid, and from my experiences being a kid. I had moved from Florida to Maryland and so I wrote my first book about a kid named Jake who moves from Florida to Maryland who has to adapt to a new school, which I did. I wrote it all down by hand and put it in a binder. I shared it with friends to get feedback and printed out a list of agents. I had no idea what I was doing. I would say "Hey my name is Jake. I'm twelve. I have a cool book. Do you want to read it?" I got a lot of hang ups and "no's." People would say "How old are you? Twelve?!" Then I called Dan Lazar, an agent at Writer's House in New York City, and he said "Email it to me, sure." Then a couple days later, he said he liked it and wanted to represent me. Then a month after that, I was in New York meeting with four major publishers at a boardroom table where all these strangers in suits were asking me lots of questions about my book. Ultimately, I went with Penguin.
XG: The new Just Jake book delves into a "wild survival" theme. Are you an avid lover of camping?
JM: I'm an avid lover of watching survival television shows with Bear Grylls and Les Stroud.
XG: Tell me about your motivational speaking at schools.
JM: I love speaking to kids. I think a lot of young people are scared to write a book because they think they can't do it, but let's face it - It's either "no" or your dreams come true. You have to be fearless and be passionate and take all the chances you have and do it with an open mind. Set a goal and it doesn't have to be a huge goal. My goal was to get published, which is a pretty huge goal. If you are passionate about something, you can make money and make a career at it. Everything starts somewhere.
XG: What is everyday life like for you?
JM: I'm in Tenth Grade now and I'm just like any other American kid my age, I love playing and watching sports, hanging with my friends and hitting the beach. I also love to read. Lately I've read biographies on Jon Stewart, Coach K (of Duke's Men's basketball), Coach John Wooden (UCLA's men's basketball), and the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. My all time favorite book is The Godfather by Mario Puzo. I'm a huge fan of the Vordak The Incomprehensible books.
XG: So beyond Just Jake, are there other projects?
JM: Actually I'm working on a spin off book series. I can't talk about the details just yet - but people who like the Just Jake books will definitely like these. And I'd love to see Just Jake get adapted for TV or film. That would be cool!
Just Jake 3: Camp Wild Survival For more info on Jake and his world, check out his site: http://justjake.com/
QUICK BIO
Jake Marcionette is the youngest fiction author to ever become a New York Times Bestseller at just 12 years old with his debut Young Adult Novel, Just Jake, which has sold millions of copies.
Now at 15 years old, Jake is again proving himself as a force of nature with his third Just Jake book, Just Jake 3: Camp Wild Survival, available everywhere now.
When he isn't writing bestselling books, Jake travels the country speaking to schools about writing and goal-setting. He also gives motivational talks to students around the world via Skype, helping his peers deal with being bullied, being the new kid in school, basically all the trials and tribulations of growing up. There really isn't anyone quite like Jake!
Twenty-five years after its original publication, DO I HAVE TO SAY HELLO? Aunt Delia’s Manners Quiz for Kids and Their Grownups is back, and do we and our kids all need it. In a series of light-hearted multiple choice quizzes, alternative scenarios, and true-or-false questions, Delia Ephron and Edward Koren, the author and illustrator team who brought us the best-selling How to Eat Like a Child, depict a range of possibilities that reflect life as it is as well as life as it ought to be. Covering table manners, car manners, video game manners, school manners, soccer manners and more, this is a book that is sure to delight (and horrify) adults and children of all ages.
Aunt Delia knows what makes the difference between a pleasant and an excruciating visit to a friend’s house in the company of a young child. She accounts for every possibility in an awkward situation, and asks us to put some things in the correct order: (a) Throw up; (b) Get out of the car; (c) Ask Uncle Jerry to pull over. In short, she is practical and basic: she does not get into fish forks, but she knows how not to ask for vegetables – “Yo, corn.” She deals with such things as kindness, sharing, consideration, generosity, conversation, and diplomacy. Delia Ephron’s painfully on-target text is complemented by Edward Koren’s hilarious drawings, which – as ever – present us not as we might wish to appear, but as we really are. DO I HAVE TO SAY HELLO? is a high-spirited and wickedly funny guide to manners for readers of all ages.
About the Authors
Delia Ephron is a bestselling author and screenwriter. Her movies include The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, You’ve Got Mail, Hanging Up (based on her novel), and Michael. She has written novels for adults and teenagers, including her most recent, The Lion Is In; books of humor, including How to Eat Like a Child; and essays. Her journalism has appeared frequently in The New York Times, and also in Vogue and Vanity Fair.
Edward Koren, a cartoonist and illustrator, is a regular contributor to The New Yorker. Among his many books are How to Eat Like a Child and Teenage Romance, both published with Delia Ephron.
Once summer comes to a close, school-aged children are not the only ones who dread the first day of school. According to a recent survey by RetailMeNot (www.retailmenot.com), a leading digital offers destination that helps consumers save money, and Kelton Global (www.keltonglobal), saying goodbye to summer break generally causes parents to feel stress about the financial burden that back-to-school shopping brings. A majority (87%) of parents plan on purchasing new school supplies this year, and more than half (59%) of Americans believe the cost of education has increased since they were in school. Back-to-school spending looks like it will be down slightly from last year ($246 vs. $263 per child). Over a quarter (26%), of all parents plan to spend more than $300 per child and yet, more than 1 in 4 parents (26%) express concern over the cost of their children’s education this year.
When to shop? Parents typically spend nearly two weeks on average shopping for back-to-school necessities. Even though discounts are available as early as July, just over a third (34%) of parents actually wait to shop during early fall sales. A savvy choice, as discounts are typically quite deep in early September.
Free at last! While some parents find back-to-school shopping stressful and education costs a financial burden, 90% are happy to have class back in session for a variety of reasons. More than a third (36%) of these moms and dads are most looking forward to having extra time for themselves, and 23% are eager to return to a more routine budget.
What’s cool this school year! Retailers know the way to a child’s heart, and by offering character-themed school supplies from some of Hollywood’s biggest box office hits, they are able to create excitement surrounding the return to school. Parents are most likely to predict their little ones will favor Minions-themed school supplies the most (33%), followed by Jurassic World (31%), Sponge Bob (24%) and Star Wars (22%).
Ready for the first bell to ring? Do you know what’s cool for back to school? Take this quiz to find out what’s hot and what’s not! At the end of the quiz, shoppers can browse the RetailMeNot Back-to-School page, featuring top back-to-school deals.
This week Master Harris and I break into a great conversation about what it takes to create a leader. Are we born leaders? What does it take to become a leader? Can we move through the mountain without having to rely on others who seem to be weighing us down?
Body language is everything. I can spot a bad mood 25 steps from your nearest touch. But how can you control the way you walk, stand or have conversation? Master Todd Harris opens the can of worms and shares the journey.
Throughout his expansive career, international country music star Lee Greenwood has earned multiple CMA and ACM Awards, a GRAMMY for Top Male Vocal Performance on "I.O.U," in 1985, and a multitude of prestigious award nominations. His discography includes twenty-two studio albums, seven compilation albums, seven No. 1 hits, and thirty-eight singles including songs like “Ring On Her Finger, Time On Her Hands,” “Dixie Road,” and “Somebody’s Gonna Love You,” among others. His stand-out hit "God Bless The USA," has been in the top five on the country singles charts three times (1991, 2001 and 2003), giving it the distinction of being the only song in any genre of music to achieve that feat. It was also No. 1 on the pop charts after 9/11. Known for his stand-out patriotism and support of the U.S. military, Greenwood has been honored with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's National Patriot’s Award, and entertained troops on more than 30 USO Tours. In November 2008, President George W. Bush appointed Greenwood to a six-year term as a council member on the National Endowment for the Arts. The California native wrote his second book in 2012, a collection of inspirational essays titled Does God Still Bless the USA; A Plea for a Better America (Tate Publishing). His latest projects include a brand-new fully-illustrated children's book, Proud To Be An American, in stores Memorial Day Weekend, 2015, as well as a seven song EP, I Want to Be In Your World, featuring more songs penned by Greenwood and him on saxophone. Lee and his wife, Kimberly, a former Miss Tennessee, currently reside in Nashville and have two sons.
ABOUT HELPING A HERO
Houston-based Helping A Hero is a 501(c)(3) non profit, non-partisan organization providing support for military personnel, severely injured in the war on terror. Our principal activity is to provide specially adapted homes for qualifying service members as well as engaging the community to provide services and resources for our wounded heroes and their families. Thanks to the HelpingaHero.org Home Program, 100 severely wounded heroes from 22 states have been awarded a custom adapted home tailored to restore their independence. HelpingaHero.org is the 2nd largest 501(c)(3) organization building homes for our severely wounded heroes in the nation. And all of this has been accomplished with no paid staff for our first 6 years and now with a bare bones staff. For more information on Helping A Hero and to find out how you can contribute to the cause, please visit helpingahero.org.
OTHER LINKS / INFORMATION ON LEE GREENWOOD:
http://www.leegreenwood.com/ - OFFICIAL WEBSITE
http://websterpr.com/leegreenwood - WEBSTER PUBLIC RELATIONS CLIENT PAGE
http://websterpr.com/leegreenwood/1925-lee-greenwood-embarks-on-national-tour - TOUR PRESS RELEASE
http://websterpr.com/leegreenwood/1820-alabama-lee-greenwood-phil-vassar-the-grascals-and-ryan-weaver-added-as-performers-for-charlie-daniels-40th-anniversary-volunteer-jam - CHARLIE DANIELS’ VOLUNTEER JAM (AUG 12 2015)
Our Camp encourages campers ages 9-12 and ages 13-18 how to work with each other using broadcast media and technology arts, while engaging with others in an increasingly connected world. They will learn the basic media tools in a fun collaborative environment which provides our youth with the skills to utilize the media technologies in a positive and productive way. This camp is a great way to break the fear of public speaking and will teach campers how to articulate. Campers will be able to tour newsrooms, create a series of hands-on media projects. This camp provides many possibilities of creative media making. Special Guest speakers within broadcasting such as Career News Reporters, Radio Host, Sports Reporters, and Journalists will drop by to speak and answer questions with the youth. Campers will work with live-action video, video-editing, interactive media and design, video/audio recording, and more. Every week-long camp ends with a screening and we encourage friends and family members to come watch 5:15-6pm.
http://www.charlotteybc.com/
This week Master Harris and I cover the view of a persons accepted stress filled life. What are we truly teaching our children about stress? Is it the new American dream? If you aren't stressed out then how do you expect to be successful?
Child Care Resources Inc. (CCRI) is a private, non-profit agency that works to ensure that all children have access to quality, affordable early learning and school-age experiences that enable them to succeed in school and in life. CCRI offers its free and confidential Child Care Search service to all families seeking child care, and provides child care financial aid to income-eligible working families in Mecklenburg County. CCRI delivers free and low-cost professional development services to help early educators and school-age child care practitioners improve the quality of services provided to children (birth through age 12).
Learn more about CCRI in our annual report: http://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2014-Annual-Report.pdf
Interesting Info
•CCRI administered $45 million in child care subsidies to Mecklenburg County families to offset the cost of child care for low-income working families last year.
•Nearly 6,000 families were assisted by CCRI in their search for quality child care on behalf of nearly 9,000 children last year.
•CCRI delivered training and/or technical assistance to 83% of the licensed child care workforce in Mecklenburg, Union and Cabarrus counties.
http://sharecharlotte.com/nonprofit/child-care-resources-inc
Facebook
Twitter: @CCRINewsfeed
About SHARE Charlotte:
SHARE Charlotte is a one-stop shop dedicated to creating a more involved community by connecting individuals with local nonprofit organizations and causes. Launched in December 2012, SHARE created an intuitive website which makes learning about and getting engaged with local nonprofits easier. The website, www.SHARECharlotte.com, is a free, local and centralized collection of more than 300 nonprofits that serve Mecklenburg County.
Sign up as a neighbor (it’s completely free!) to explore the hundreds of ways you and your family can get involved in the community.
www.sharecharlotte.com
Facebook
Twitter: @ShareCLT
Instagram: sharecharlotte
How do you take a vivid imagination and turn it into a leader? Can today's workplace stand to gain in strength when those making decisions are lucky enough to have a job. With so many people playing it safe... aren't we falling down as a nation?
How To Plan A PAWsitively PURRfect – And Safe - Vacation With Your Four-Legged Friend
Traveling with your furry family member can be a lot of fun, but can also present a unique set of challenges when deciding what to pack, where to go, and how to get there. In fact, according to the U.S. Travel Association, 30 million Americans travel with their pets every year, and that number consistently rises. As we head into the summer travel season, pet parents must make pet safety a priority when preparing for a long journey with your dog or cat.
Dan Schachner, Animal Planet Host and Puppy Bowl Referee, will be on hand from a pet friendly resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida to share travel tips to help pet parents make the most out of their summer travel plans. With his dog, Cali by his side, Dan will share tips to make travel safe, easy and fun for the WHOLE family. A few things Dan will discuss during your interview:
• How to keeps pets comfortable, safe and secure, in the air or on the road
• “Must have” pet supplies to pack for your dog or cat
• First time pet traveler? What pet parents need to know to ensure a carefree vacation that’s fun for the whole family.
• Fun things to do with your four-legged friend while you’re away from home, and more!
Walden got a pond. I got a window. Since 1994. I've sat next to a window before the sun rises to do nothing more than write. I'm not sure where and why this window became my reasons for creating a conversation. Laughing I say its God looking from the sky on my poor penmanship. Then I get serious when a deer walks up to the writing area and seems to be speaking. I take note of a bright red cardinal. I see the limbs preparing for a change in weather. Life has its share of windows. Which one are you looking through?
Volunteer To Help Us Reach 300 In 30
Join Junior Achievement volunteers across the nation as we launch our 300 in 30 campaign locally this Spring. The goal is to mobilize 300 volunteers throughout the month of April in order to impact more than 6,000 local students.
Students love working with members of the community just like YOU. Take action today and improve your local community by providing the leaders of tomorrow with the tools they need to succeed.
This week Master Todd Harris finds himself inside a forest in the state of Virginia. Which is perfect because it allows me to get deeper into conversation without there being outside influences. Our subjects this week: Awareness. How to prepare for what may never be there. Think about this... if you are aware... how many attacks against have you blocked?
“I can imagine this book in the glove compartment of every true fan’s car, a handy reference to this beloved game no matter where in the country you are.”—Ken Burns, filmmaker and baseball historian
Capturing such quintessentially American pastimes as baseball and road trips in one fascinating work, this updated and expanded guide chronicles more than 500 important events in baseball history with detailed descriptions of the event and information on each location.
Packed with historical data, trivia, photographs, and baseball lore, entries include the birthplaces of baseball legends, ballparks, museums and halls of fame, final resting places, and many locations that are no longer standing. From out-of-the-way spots to the most popular stadiums in the U.S. and Canada, no site is too small or insignificant to be included in this comprehensive directory.
Entries include the Buckminster Hotel in Boston, where the Black Sox planned their fix of the 1919 World Series; the original little league field and museum in Williamsport, Pennsylvania; the birthplace of Jackie Robinson; the place where Mickey Mantle was discovered by a scout from the New York Yankees; and the site of the original Wrigley Field, erected in Los Angeles in 1925.
PRAISE FOR ROADSIDE BASEBALL
“What a wonderful book. All the ‘stations of the cross’ of our national pastime are here, big and small, telling and frivolous. I can imagine this book in the glove compartment of every true fan’s car, a handy reference to this beloved game no matter where in the country you are.”—Ken Burns, filmmaker and baseball historian
“This one-of-a-kind road atlas takes baseball fans across the United States to out-of-the-way spots and near-forgotten sandlots, where the remnants of baseball history still endure: where a plaque marks the spot of Babe Ruth’s first professional home run, where the lights that once illuminated Ebbets Field now shine on Downing Stadium, where the crumbling bleachers of Cleveland’s old League Park still stand as a Greek ruins of baseball.”—The Sporting News
“It's a perfect gift for anyone who loves baseball and travel.”—Chicago Tribune
“For the fan, this is the ultimate road trip. Chris Epting is the perfect traveling secretary to lead you to all these great baseball stops.”—Joe Garagiola, announcer and former major league baseball player
“If it doesn't make baseball fans feels as if they've died and gone to heaven, it'll at least get them to Dyersville, Iowa's Field of Dreams, where the set for the movie of the same name attracts thousands.”—USA Today
“As the ‘Spaceman’ I came from Stengel Field in Glendale, Calif., and ended up in the friendly confines of Fenway Park. In between and beyond, I have stood on the same sacred ground of Holman Stadium where Don Newcomb and Roy Campanella played. I have touched the monument of Mickey Cochrane in Bridgewater, Mass. Roadside Baseball is the GPS that takes us to all this and more. You must have it in your glove compartment when you hit the road!”—Bill “Spaceman” Lee, author and former major league baseball player
“Reading Roadside Baseball is like spending an afternoon rummaging around in baseball’s attic.”—Jim Bouton, author and former major league baseball player
“Los Angeles-based writer Chris Epting has delivered a stand-up triple
(baseball's most exciting play) in Roadside Baseball...he doesn't miss a
beat in the 336-page atlas, loaded with pictures.”—Chicago Sun Times
“A new and updated edition of Roadside Baseball is out for all those who want to turn their love of the game into a road trip. The $16.95 paperback from Santa Monica Press is organized by state so you can easily find the landmarks and trivia closest to home or your favorite teams by region.”—Associated Press
ABOUT CHRIS EPTING
Chris Epting is the author of numerous books, including James Dean Died Here; Led Zeppelin Crashed Here; Marilyn Monroe Dyed Here; and The Ruby Slippers, Madonna’s Bra, and Einstein’s Brain. He has contributed articles to such publications as the Los Angeles Times, Westways, Travel + Leisure and Preservation magazine. He lives in Huntington Beach, California, with his wife and their two children.
Most people don’t know there are more slaves today than at any point in history.
Ed Smart, father of Elizabeth Smart, is merging his efforts to fight human trafficking through the Elizabeth Smart Foundation with those made by Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) (http://www.ourrescue.org/), a non-profit organization that specializes in rescuing children held by traffickers around the world and arranging for their captors’ arrests by local law enforcement agencies.
The merger has been a no-brainer, Smart says, considering what O.U.R. has done in a short amount of time.
•More than 265 enslaved victims of sex trafficking, mostly minors, are free due to O.U.R.’s rescue efforts.
•One hundred and twenty-three of these victims were liberated in three highly dangerous, simultaneous rescues in Colombia in a one-hour period in October 2014.
•These numbers are actually much higher when you consider that O.U.R. has dismantled several trafficking organizations and created a deterrent effect.
•More than 50 traffickers have been arrested, preventing the suffering of thousands of children who would have been subjugated by their captors.
“I work with a number of nonprofit organizations designed to protect children; teaming up with like-minded protectors enables us to pool our resources for greater impact,” says Smart, Program Director of Rehabilitation and Prevention of the newly merged organizations.
“Their rescue missions not only entail a strike force of experts that include some of America’s best; they also focus on the long-term recovery of victims – a vital part of this issue, as I’ve witnessed in Elizabeth.”
In just the last three weeks, O.U.R.’s rescue missions have taken place in four countries across Latin America and Asia. More than 40 victims were rescued and13 traffickers arrested, and lots of follow-up work is being conducted, Smart says.
“These guys are impressive, with additional efforts including a new training project we have in place to train local governments, a DNA system and a strategy to help police forces track down and stop traffickers after a mission is been completed,” he says.
“What can you do to help? – You can go to O.U.R.’s site and donate anytime.”
ABOUT OPERATION UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R) is a non-profit organization that rescues kidnapped children from slavery. O.U.R rescue teams are comprised of highly skilled ex-Navy Seal, CIA and other operatives. These teams work in conjunction with and in full cooperation with local police forces and governments to liberate children around the world. The O.U.R mission is straightforward: Using cutting-edge computer technology and human intelligence, O.U.R rescue teams go into the darkest corners of the world to help local law enforcement liberate enslaved children and dismantle the criminal networks.
Before dawn on June 5, 2002, Ed’s daughter Elizabeth Smart, age 14, was kidnapped from her bedroom. She was found alive nine months later on March 12, 2003, just a few miles from her home, with her captors, Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Lleen Barzee (spelling???). Her abduction and recovery were widely reported in North American media and internationally. Ed Smart has become a nationally renowned spokesperson for child protection, advocating for legislation and non-profit organizations that focus on the prevention and recovery of missing children.
Ed is a world renowned child safety advocate and President of the Surviving Parents Coalition, and is internationally recognized as
About Ed Smart
an advocate for children's safety with particular focus on prevention, protecting children from “abduction, bullying, abuse and sexual assault.” Elizabeth's abduction motivated him to advocate for change in the safety of our children and families.
Since beginning his fight for children, Ed along with other children’s safety advocates tirelessly and successfully lobbied Congress and the Senate seeking passage of the National Amber Alert plan, the Adam Walsh Act, The Protect our children Act of 2008 and currently working cooperatively with other organizations on state felony arrestee DNA legislation.
He believes that “It is more important than ever to empower our children to know they have choices to options and to remove their fears and feel safer in their world today.” He is currently program director of rehabilitation and prevention for Operation Underground Railroad OUR.
Ed received his Masters Degree in Business Administration, specializing in Urban Planning as well as his Bachelor Degree in Finance from George Washington University. He and his wife Lois are parents of six children and currently reside in Salt Lake City.
Starring: Lindsay Pulsipher, Glenn Morshower, Jesse Plemons, Charles Halford and introducing Johnathan Huth Jr.
Johnathan (Huth Jr.) is a nine-year-old boy who loves sea monsters, and his 300 lb. pet pig, named Wee Wee. Unlike most kids, Johnathan has nystagmus, which makes his eyes flutter. He also suffers from severe narrow angle glaucoma; an acute condition that if untreated can lead to permanent blindness.
JoLynn (Lindsay Pulsipher) cares for Johnathan alone while her singer/songwriter husband David (Jesse Plemons) travels in search of his big break. To treat Johnathan, she grows hydroponic marijuana to relieve the painful intraocular pressure Glaucoma causes. She cooks the marijuana into brownies and feeds them to him in secret.
David’s parents, Mark (Glenn Morshower) and Linda (Reis Myers McCormick), live nearby and provide for JoLynn and Johnathan as best they can on a fixed income. Linda is highly critical of JoLynn’s ability to raise Johnathan. During her son’s absence, Johnathan has become more undisciplined than Linda would like. While Mark tries to keep the peace, he is torn between his wife and their daughter-in-law, who he loves deeply.
When JoLynn discovers that Linda is secretly mounting a case for legal custody of Johnathan, JoLynn is forced to forego the support of her in-laws. The result is a spiral of desperate acts that force JoLynn to make a decision that will change Johnathan’s world forever.
Flutter explores the truest love on earth – the love of a mother and child.
Taking a single thought and building a path that find victory inside every circle. Life is filled with change and challenge. It's how you respond that either makes you a winner or someone that hangs their head. Comedians call it improv. I call it communication.
About Ryan Reed:
Ryan’s racing career began at a young age, capturing the Kid’s Kart Track Championship at the age of four. The Bakersfield, CA native made the long move from California to North Carolina at the age of 17 to surround himself with the racing community. In 2011, Reed was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and told that he would never race again. Instead of giving up, he implemented lifestyle changes that included a strict diet and exercise program, the use of devices to provide track data, and reporting all of this information to his medical team in California. Ryan began his first full NASCAR XFINITY Series Season at the start of 2014, finishing ninth in the points standings. Most recently, Ryan finished in first place during the opening race of the season for the NASCAR XFINITY Series at Daytona, edging out many veteran racers.
About Dr. Steven Edelman:
Dr. Edelman is a professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) and the Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System of San Diego and the director of the Diabetes Care Clinic, VA Medical Center. He has strong interests in education and patient advocacy. He is the founder and director of Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD), a not-for-profit organization with the goal of teaching and motivating patients in diabetes self-care. Since 1995, TCOYD has reached hundreds of thousands of people living with diabetes through a variety of education portals including national conferences, publications, television, and community programs. Dr. Edelman has written more than 200 articles and five books. He has won numerous awards for teaching and humanitarianism and was recognized by San Diego Magazine as a Top Doctor eight of the last nine years, an honor only achieved by a handful of physicians.
Welcome to the Hornets' Nest Council.
The Girl Scouts, Hornets’ Nest Council invites you to join us for some of the best times of your life on a leadership journey of self-discovery and enrichment. Through community involvement and exploration, we’re building girls of courage, confidence and character throughout our eight county footprint. Whether you’re a girl member, a volunteer or an active alum, Hornets’ Nest Council is abuzz with activity and excitement that’s fun for all ages. Come join us!
“Hilarious! A zany blast the entire family will enjoy. Nothing but non-stop fun and laughter!" – Shawn Edwards, FOX-TV
Perfect for Easter Gift Baskets, the Blu-ray™ and DVD Come With Two Hopping Penguin Toys Available for a Limited Time
LOS ANGELES, CA – They’re cute...they’re cuddly...they’re back! From the creators of MADAGASCAR comes the hilarious new movie that proves global espionage is for the birds! In DreamWorks’ PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR, your favorite super-spies—Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private—join forces with the elite North Wind team to save the world. It’s a side-splitting, globe-trotting adventure the whole family will love! Introduce the Penguin family to your family when Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment releases DreamWorks Animation’s PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR on Digital February 13 and on Blu-ray™ and DVD March 17.
And for a limited time, get 2 hopping Penguin toys only with the DreamWorks’ PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR Easter Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital pack on March 17 making it the perfect gift for Easter baskets.
PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR is “a fun, smartly conceived film that will appeal to all movie-goers,” proclaims Bill Bregoli of CBS Radio. A hit with audiences and critics alike, the film received an outstanding audience reaction with a coveted “A-” CinemaScore® and certified fresh on RottenTomatoes.com.
Directed by Eric Darnell and Simon J. Smith, PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR features the voice talents of John Malkovich (“Crossbones” Red 2), Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game), and Ken Jeong (The Hangover), joining Tom McGrath, Chris Miller and Christopher Knights, who are reprising their roles as the Penguins from the beloved Madagascar franchise.
The Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital feature hours of bonus materials that uncover the covert operations of the PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR including several exclusive featurettes, a deleted scene, a music video by Pitbull, a dance tutorial by tWitch, and more.
DreamWorks Animation’s PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR Blu-ray™ & Digital
New York Times-bestselling author and Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist Dave Barry should be a happy man. He has all the elements of a good life: a loving family, a nice home, a dog that doesn’t pee indoors without a good reason, a full head of hair and several original teeth. And if all that isn’t enough, he’s had a long and rewarding career that consists of being able to write pretty much any random thing he wants. Yet the harsh truth is that happiness is an elusive thing, and fortunately Dave tells how to capture it—or not—in LIVE RIGHT AND FIND HAPPINESS (ALTHOUGH BEER IS MUCH FASTER). Join Dave Barry on March 18th as he discusses his new book of essays that, according to Dave, "may seem pretty random, but in fact there’s an underlying theme, which is happiness.
Challenges are faced every day. But can you handle a swift change? The journeys we take are going to be under attack. If you checked in for an easy ride. Without notice the power drops. But did we stop? Did we become angry because our present needs weren't being met?
I know! To write? Ha! A joke right? I mean... who has the time to write? Authors and Poets are freaks! Why would anyone want to locate the answers to a single line? A line that just happened to take the shape of a word that became a sentence. A stupid line! Who will see it? Does it matter? What if your life could feel less heavy by way of making a single line?
"Titian-haired" is the manner in which actress Tina Louise is usually described. Despite her numerous comic performances, she prefers to be regarded as a serious actress; according to some of her co-workers, her preference in this manner often takes the form of an ultimatum. Louise was born near Brooklyn, where her father ran a candy store. She studied drama at Miami University, the Neighborhood Playhouse, and the Actors' Studio. A nightclub singer in the mid-1950s, Louise came to Broadway as Appasionatta von Climax in the original 1956 production of the musical Li'l Abner. Two years later she made her first film, the then-torrid God's Little Acre.
By the early 1960s, Louise was shuttling between Hollywood and Europe, often appearing in productions of the shoestring variety. Louise is fondly remembered for her three-year (1964 through 1967) stint as Marilynesque movie star Ginger Grant on Gilligan's Island, though she despised the role and made no secret of it on the set. Nor did she wish to have anything to do with the Gilligan cartoon and TV movie follow-ups of the 1970s and 1980s, choosing instead to carve a reputation as a versatile, no-nonsense actress, though she eventually capitulated and appeared in The Castaways on Gilligan's Island. Though she would go on to make other film and TV appearances in the decades to come, even penning a children's book and earning her helicopter pilot's license, Louise would forever remain the most well known for the role of Ginger.
ABOUT THE FILM LATE PHASES: NIGHT OF THE LONE WOLF
There's something awful hiding in the woods and it's coming after the unsuspecting in the gripping and acclaimed LATE PHASES: NIGHT OF THE WOLF. From the director of Penumbra, Cold Sweat and Here Comes The Devil, the horror film will be available for Digital Download and on Blu-ray and DVD from Dark Sky Films on March 10, 2015.
Blind war veteran Ambrose McKinley (Nick Damici) has recently moved to Crescent Bay, a seemingly peaceful community on the outskirts of a dense forest. On his first night in his new home, McKinley hears his elderly neighbor attacked by something he's convinced isn't human.
When the creature then kills his seeing eye dog, McKinley's thirst for justice turns into a one-man vendetta against the monster that's terrorizing his neighborhood. And when he's stonewalled by both the police and his fellow residents, he decides to gear up and prepare to fight the beast one-on-one. Now it's man vs. myth as the take-no-prisoners McKinley readies himself for what could be his final battle.
With a stunning lead performance ("Nick Damici is great" - Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com), director Adrian Garcia Bogliano's LATE PHASES: NIGHT OF THE LONE WOLF is a suspense thrill ride unlike any other. The Dark Sky theatrical release also stars Ethan Embry (Cheap Thrills, Eagle Eye, Vacancy) and Tina Louise (Gilligan's Island, The Stepford Wives).
Bonus Features on the Blu-ray and DVD will include: Commentary with Director Adrian Garcia Bogliano, Making Of Featurette and the FX Featurette.
An Official Selection at SXSW 2014 and the Fantasia Film Festival, LATE PHASES: NIGHT OF THE LONE WOLF has received widespread acclaim. Jeannette Catsoulis of The New York Times called it "a sprightly horror movie." "A masterpiece of the werewolf genre," said Patrick Cooper of Bloody Disgusting. "Like Liam Neeson's The Grey but with the ass-kicking ending those 'Neeson vs. wolves' commercials promised,” wrote Matt Barone at Complex.
Master Harris just had leg surgery. Does that mean the Master is out? Martial Arts is the mind body and soul. Master Harris talks about how to turn pain into a victory. Plus... why don't most adults take Martial Arts? Is there a disconnection from truth? how can you be a leader and locate your champion in the mirror?
Starting with a few Beanie-crazed housewives on a cul-de-sac in Naperville, Illinois, Beanie Babies became the first viral craze of the Internet era. A single Beanie Baby sold for $10,000 in 1998, and on eBay the animals comprised 10% of all sales. More than any other consumer good in history, Beanie Babies were carried to the height of success by a collective belief that their values would always rise.
Just as strange as the mass hysteria, was the man behind it. From the day he started in the toy industry, after dropping out of college, Ty Warner devoted all his energy to creating what he hoped would be the most perfect stuffed animals the world had ever seen. Through first-ever interviews with former Ty Inc. employees, Warner’s sister, and the two ex-girlfriends who were by his side as he achieved the American dream, The Great Beanie Baby Bubble tells the inspiring yet tragic story of one of America’s most enigmatic self-made tycoons, who most recently made news when he pleaded guilty in one of the largest offshore tax evasion cases in US history.
Bestseller Ellis the Elephant Delights Kids and Adults
in Callista Gingrich’s From Sea To Shining Sea
Arlington, VA, October 26, 2014 - Callista Gingrich announces the release of From Sea to Shining Sea (Regnery Kids), the fourth volume in her New York Times bestselling Ellis the Elephant series.
A patriotic American history introduction for young children, From Sea to Shining Sea follows an adorable elephant named Ellis in exploring the early years of the United States and the epic journey west into uncharted territory with Lewis and Clark. Charming rhymes and beautiful illustrations make the 50th reading as fun as the first, for children as well as adults!
In earlier books, Sweet Land of Liberty, Land of the Pilgrims’ Pride, and Yankee Doodle Dandy, Ellis, the time-traveling pachyderm, learns about pivotal moments that shaped America. Authored by Callista Gingrich and illustrated by Susan Arciero, From Sea to Shining Sea will delight those who want to know how brave Americans forged a growing nation and spread freedom from coast to coast.
Callista Gingrich is the president of Gingrich Productions. She and her husband, Newt─ a former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives─host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, and Nine Days that Changed the World.
Mrs. Gingrich is also the co-author of Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny. Her photography is featured in the New York Times bestseller Rediscovering God in America. An avid musician, she sings in the Choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. and plays French horn with the City of Fairfax Band in Fairfax, Virginia. She resides in McLean, Virginia with her husband, Newt Gingrich.
For more, please visit the website: www.EllisTheElephant.com
Guest reader Terry Kennedy returns to share a summertime fun tale.
Skip & Spin Swim With Dolphins (Hooked on Phonics, Book 18) Paperback – January 1, 1998
by Chris Sawyer (Author), Dennis Hockerman (Illustrator)
http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Spin-Dolphins-Hooked-Phonics/dp/1887942394
Cooking With the Cat (The Cat in the Hat: Step Into Reading, Step 1) Paperback by Bonnie Worth (Author) , Christopher Moroney (Illustrator)
Look! Look! The Cat wants to cook!
Told with simple rhymes and rhythms, this jaunty illustrated tale gives very young readers a taste of the Cat in the Hat’s flamboyant cooking skills as he slaps on a Chef’s hat and whips up purple cupcakes using some truly odd ingredients! A cat-terrific spin-off based on Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat movie.
http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-With-Cat-The-Hat/dp/0375824944/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394562467&sr=8-1&keywords=cooking+with+a+cat
by Richard Hutchings (Author, Illustrator) , Amy Hutchings (Author)
"Get ready to count the things you love to chew. They come in all colours-red, yellow, and blue." Kids can learn how to count from 1 to 23 with gummy bears, worms, fish, and even dinosaurs. The rhyming text and colourful photographs, make this book a delicious way to learn numbers.
http://www.amazon.com/Gummy-Counting-Cartwheel-Scholastic-Paperback/dp/0590341278/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394132708&sr=1-1&keywords=the+gummy+candy+counting+book
by Laura Numeroff (Author) , Felicia Bond (Illustrator)
If a big hungry moose comes to visit, you might give him a muffin to make him feel at home. If you give him a muffin, he'll want some jam to go with it. When he's eaten all your muffins, he'll want to go to the store to get some more muffin mix.
In this hilarious sequel to If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, the young host is again run ragged by a surprise guest. Young readers will delight in the comic complications that follow when a little boy entertains a gregarious moose.
http://www.amazon.com/If-You-Give-Moose-Muffin/dp/0060244054/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392735036&sr=1-1&keywords=if+you+give+a+moose+a+muffin
If you give a cat a cupcake, he'll ask for some sprinkles to go with it. When you give him the sprinkles, he might spill some on the floor. Cleaning up will make him hot, so you'll give him a bathing suit . . . and that's just the beginning!
The lovable cat who first appeared in If You Give a Pig a Party now has his very own book! Written in the tradition of the bestselling If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond's newest story will show everyone that Cat is where it's at!
http://www.amazon.com/You-Give-Cat-Cupcake-Books/dp/0060283246/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389996645&sr=8-1&keywords=if+you+give+a+cat+a+cupcake
Playing baseball with your father is an event not too many young boys get to do. The fun of catching a ball. The excitement of swinging a bat. Pretending to be a big league player and never once did you leave the backyard. But for Jack. Something very strange takes place. But does he give up? Find out!
Whacky Jack (Hooked on Phonics, Book 21) Paperback – January 1, 1998
by Jonathan London (Author) , Doug Cushman (Illustrator)
http://www.amazon.com/Whacky-Jack-Hooked-Phonics-Book/dp/1887942424/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389027210&sr=8-1&keywords=whacky+jack
"Words are Categorical" is a series which explores some of the basic principles of English grammar in a fun way. The books each deal with a different part of language, using playful and ingenious rhymes to make them easy to remember. In "What is a Noun?" children are introduced to one of the essential building blocks of the English language. It includes sections on both common and proper nouns. The nouns are highlighted in colour to make them easy to identify. This book teaches the basics of English grammar in accordance with the National Literacy Strategy at Key Stage 2.
By Brian P Cleary Illustrated by Jenya Prosmitsky
http://www.amazon.com/Mink-Fink-Skating-Rink-Categorical/dp/1575054175
A funny rhyming story about the silly things pirates do when they go to school.
Pirates and their parrots go to school, and it's time to hang up their swords and have fun. They learn reading and math, and they bring pirate treasure for show-and-tell. For pirates, going to school is as much fun as a game of "walk the plank"!
http://www.amazon.com/Pirates-Go-School-Corinne-Demas/dp/0545206294
Ahoy, mateys! Pirate Pete and his trusty parrot are back for a rollicking good time on the high seas.
Yo-ho-ho! I wish I’d a ship,To sail to islands yonder,
I’d do anything for this wish,
Who could grant it, I wonder?
What’s a pirate without his trusty ship? A sea-fairy promises Pete a ship of his own if he can return the Sea-Fairy Sapphire to the sea. The only problem is that the sapphire is on Thunder Island—and it isn’t alone!
Pete must face danger, intrigue, and a particularly unfriendly nemesis as he tricks and sings his way to safety. With a yo-ho-ho and avast ye and a few scurvy dogs, readers will love to see their favorite pirate back in action an and still in rare form.
by Kim Kennedy (Author) , Doug Kennedy (Illustrator)
http://www.amazon.com/Pirate-Petes-Giant-Adventure-Kennedy/dp/0810959658
Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin's bestselling Dooby Dooby Moo is available for the first time as an individual board book!
http://www.amazon.com/Dooby-Moo-Classic-Board-Books/dp/1442408901
"I know an old lady who swallowed a fly. / I don't know why she swallowed a fly. / Perhaps she'll die." In Brian Karas's zany interpretation of this classic children's song, a young boy spies an old lady with a big appetite for animals. (Musical score included.)
I Know an Old Lady Paperback by G Brian Karas (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/Know-Old-Lady-Brian-Karas/dp/0590465767/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386008724&sr=8-1&keywords=i+know+an+old+lady+brian+karas
A bestselling Black Lagoon title--with an eye-catching new look for Trade! It's another scary day at the Black Lagoon. . . . There's a new gym teacher transferring over from the junior high, and Hubie is worried. The junior high students say he's big, mean, and blows his whistle a lot. Will Hubie really have to run a lap around the world to pass Mr. Green's class? Will he be able to lift Mr. Green's pickup truck and climb up a rope while it's on fire? Hubie doesn't want to go to gym class anymore.
by Mike Thaler · Scholastic · 2008.09.01 · paperback · 32 pages
https://www.google.com/search?q=the+gym+teacher+from+the+black+lagoon&newwindow=1&espvd=210&es_sm=122&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=tqSTUrriCsyikQfEh4CADA&ved=0CCwQsxg&biw=1344&bih=732#spd=14192365444700926741
Mr Poet visits the animals in the forest and teaches each creature how to write poetry. To be positive. To be creative. You just need three things. The animals are drawn into the story because there are no true rules to sharing what you see, feel and hear all around you.
When you write every day. You begin to realize. The number of people that don't find enjoyment in writing. While sitting in a forest a turtle. Being Native American. It was my sacred circle. I was visited by a turtle. A creature that carried its home with him. On his back. He said, "Teach children how to write. But not in perfect form. Let their imaginations fly. Let them be themselves without ever being anybody else." So I created four stories dubbed: Mr. Poet and the Forest. Set sail across the Carolina's and appeared in elementary schools allowing school students to step away from structure and play with a writing instrument.
Friends are fun to have. But what if you have a sometimes friend? Someone that stops in to visit but not every day. The Poet stops to write in the forest and the animals know him only as a sometimes friend. They sit and listen to him write. To see just how much he is a true friend and far from being a sometimes visitor.
When you write every day. You begin to realize. The number of people that don't find enjoyment in writing. While sitting in a forest a turtle. Being Native American. It was my sacred circle. I was visited by a turtle. A creature that carried its home with him. On his back. He said, "Teach children how to write. But not in perfect form. Let their imaginations fly. Let them be themselves without ever being anybody else." So I created four stories dubbed: Mr. Poet and the Forest. Set sail across the Carolina's and appeared in elementary schools allowing school students to step away from structure and play with a writing instrument.
A visitor to the forest is caught in a tree. The Blue Jay doesn't understand how a Poet can get caught in a tree. All the other animals rush to the scene. Hoping to help the Poet leap safely from the tree. Then...a black snake slithers in. How will the Blue Jay react? Especially when the weather changes.
When you write every day. You begin to realize. The number of people that don't find enjoyment in writing. While sitting in a forest a turtle. Being Native American. It was my sacred circle. I was visited by a turtle. A creature that carried its home with him. On his back. He said, "Teach children how to write. But not in perfect form. Let their imaginations fly. Let them be themselves without ever being anybody else." So I created four stories dubbed: Mr. Poet and the Forest. Set sail across the Carolina's and appeared in elementary schools allowing school students to step away from structure and play with a writing instrument.
Winter has come to the forest. The sun decided to grab a few extra winks of sleep. The animals and trees react. Working as a team they create a plan to bring light and warmth to their brand new day.
When you write every day. You begin to realize. The number of people that don't find enjoyment in writing. While sitting in a forest a turtle. Being Native American. It was my sacred circle. I was visited by a turtle. A creature that carried its home with him. On his back. He said, "Teach children how to write. But not in perfect form. Let their imaginations fly. Let them be themselves without ever being anybody else." So I created four stories dubbed: Mr. Poet and the Forest. Set sail across the Carolina's and appeared in elementary schools allowing school students to step away from structure and play with a writing instrument.
Growing up in Montana. I always rode horses. Took care of the chickens and rabbits. Then we'd ride down to Wyoming and milking cows while riding the horses. I've always believed animals talk. I hear them! But now they have a typewriter? Wow! This is awesome!!!
by Doreen Cronin (Author) , Betsy Lewin (Illustrator)
http://www.amazon.com/Click-Clack-Moo-Classic-Board/dp/1442408898
The kids in Room 207 were misbehaving again. Spitballs stuck to the ceiling. Paper planes whizzing through the air. They were the worst-behaved class in the whole school.
So begins this quirky classic, first published in 1977 and still relevant today as a lighthearted reminder to show our appreciation to those we value. The students don’t proffer a shred of respect for their good-natured teacher Miss Nelson, but when the witchy substitute Miss Viola Swamp appears on the scene, they start to regret their own wicked ways. James Marshall’s scritchy, cartoonish full-color ink and wash illustrations are hilarious. A back-to-school perennial!
by Harry G. Allard Jr. (Author) , James Marshall (Illustrator)
http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Nelson-Missing-Harry-Allard/dp/0395401461
Meet Paul the Baseball. Learn why this baseball is unlike any other. Join Paul as he plays baseball, has fun, and makes many friends.
Jim Rooker was a pitcher in major league baseball for the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, and Pittsburgh Pirates from 1968 until 1980, and during that time he won a total of 103 games. He was a 15-game winner for Pittsburgh in 1974 and 1976, and was also a member of the Pirates' 1979 World Championship team. After his playing career was over, Rooker worked as a color commentator for Pirates' radio and television broadcasts from 1981 until 1993 and also spent four years with ESPN in the same capacity. He was born in Lakeview, OR, and grew up in Compton, CA. Rooker now resides in Jacksonville, FL.
Paul the Baseball (Jim Rooker Books) Board book
by Jim Rooker (Author) , Mark Spaeder (Illustrator)
http://www.mascotbooks.com/mascot-marketplace/buy-books/childrens-books/jim-rooker-books/paul-the-baseball-detail
Meet Kitt the Mitt. Learn why this baseball mitt is unlike any other. Join Kitt as she plays baseball, has fun, and makes many friends.
Jim Rooker was a pitcher in major league baseball for the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, and Pittsburgh Pirates from 1968 until 1980, and during that time he won a total of 103 games. He was a 15-game winner for Pittsburgh in 1974 and 1976, and was also a member of the Pirates' 1979 World Championship team. After his playing career was over, Rooker worked as a color commentator for Pirates' radio and television broadcasts from 1981 until 1993 and also spent four years with ESPN in the same capacity. He was born in Lakeview, OR, and grew up in Compton, CA. Rooker now resides in Jacksonville, FL.
http://www.mascotbooks.com/mascot-marketplace/buy-books/childrens-books/jim-rooker-books/kitt-the-mitt-detail
I've dedicated my life to helping to invite. Writing into the lives of a forever budding tomorrow. Filling the imagination with pictures and expressions. Influences. Waves to be made on pages. That might otherwise be silent. These books were read for schools in Charlotte, NC. I believe the imagination opens more when the listener can't see the face of he or she that has chosen to read.
The Night Before Kindergarten Paperback
by Natasha Wing (Illustrator) , Julie Durrel (Illustrator)
http://www.amazon.com/Night-Before-Kindergarten-Natasha-Wing/dp/0448425009
I've dedicated my life to helping to invite. Writing into the lives of a forever budding tomorrow. Filling the imagination with pictures and expressions. Influences. Waves to be made on pages. That might otherwise be silent. These books were read for schools in Charlotte, NC. I believe the imagination opens more when the listener can't see the face of he or she that has chosen to read.
The Day the Teacher Went Bananas (Picture Puffin) Paperback
by James Howe (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/Teacher-Went-Bananas-Picture-Puffin/dp/0140547444
I've dedicated my life to helping to invite. Writing into the lives of a forever budding tomorrow. Filling the imagination with pictures and expressions. Influences. Waves to be made on pages. That might otherwise be silent. These books were read for schools in Charlotte, NC. I believe the imagination opens more when the listener can't see the face of he or she that has chosen to read.
Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp Paperback
by Carol Diggory Shields (Author) , Scott Nash (Illustrator)
http://www.amazon.com/Saturday-Night-at-Dinosaur-Stomp/dp/0763638870
I've dedicated my life to helping to invite. Writing into the lives of a forever budding tomorrow. Filling the imagination with pictures and expressions. Influences. Waves to be made on pages. That might otherwise be silent. These books were read for schools in Charlotte, NC. I believe the imagination opens more when the listener can't see the face of he or she that has chosen to read.
Matthew's tantrum (Literacy 2000) Unknown Binding – January 1, 1990
by Jan Hill (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/Matthews-tantrum-Literacy-2000-Hill/dp/0732704308
I've dedicated my life to helping to invite. Writing into the lives of a forever budding tomorrow. Filling the imagination with pictures and expressions. Influences. Waves to be made on pages. That might otherwise be silent. These books were read for schools in Charlotte, NC. I believe the imagination opens more when the listener can't see the face of he or she that has chosen to read.
Matt the Bat (Jim Rooker Books) Board book
by Jim Rooker (Author) , Mark Spaeder (Illustrator)
http://www.amazon.com/Matt-Bat-Jim-Rooker-Books/dp/1934878723
I've dedicated my life to helping to invite. Writing into the lives of a forever budding tomorrow. Filling the imagination with pictures and expressions. Influences. Waves to be made on pages. That might otherwise be silent. These books were read for schools in Charlotte, NC. I believe the imagination opens more when the listener can't see the face of he or she that has chosen to read.
Turtle's Race with Beaver Hardcover
by Joseph Bruchac (Author) , James Bruchac (Author) , Jose Aruego (Illustrator) , Ariane Dewey (Illustrator)
http://www.amazon.com/Turtles-Race-Beaver-Joseph-Bruchac/dp/0803728522
