Storytime & Early Literacy

The New York Times bestselling Spy School series continues in graphic novel form with the third book as Ben gets kicked out of the CIA’s spy school and enrolls with the enemy.

During a spy school game of Capture the Flag, twelve-year-old Ben Ripley accidentally shoots a live mortar into the principal’s office—and immediately gets himself expelled. Not long after going back to the boring real world, Ben gets an offer to join evil crime organization SPYDER. And he accepts.

Ben can tell he’s a key part of their sinister plan, but he’s not quite sure what the plan is. Can Ben figure out what SPYDER is up to—and get word to the good guys without getting caught—before it’s too late?

Follow Ben as he crosses over to the dark side in action-packed, full-color panels.

What do you see when you look at clouds?

Two curious bunnies enjoy watching clouds go by. But when they look at the sky, they each see something completely different! While one bunny likes to use his imagination and sees cotton candy or whipped cream, the other bunny can only see the science behind them. Together they learn that cloud watching is much more fun when they can see it through each other's eyes.

With extensive back matter about the many kinds of clouds and the water cycle, celebrated author and illustrator Deborah Freedman once again combines the educational with the whimsical, while introducing young readers to two irresistible characters who see the power of possibility.

Meditative and enchanting, this beautifully illustrated picture book encourages us to explore, connect, and find wonder in nature.

"A lovely invitation to children to see themselves as part of the larger world around them." Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

There's a bird outside your window
with a song that's full of sky,
and it wonders why you stay inside
when you are free to fly?

You Are Part of the Wonder is a tranquil celebration of nature, mindfulness, and joy.

Rabbit on. Oops! Rabbit off . . . With some endearing misadventures, Jo Ham's international sensation hops into the pages of a picture-book series.

Big waves and sandcastles, paint cans and tippy chairs--accidents happen! And with cheeky, curious, and sweet-toothed Rabbit, they're almost inevitable. The creation of Jo Ham, whose art celebrates the magic of everyday life, Rabbit has been spotted everywhere from the Centre Pompidou in Paris to the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston and on mugs and nursery decorations in homes around the world. Now the iconic black-silhouetted bunny appears in a series of children's books--fun, playful, and irreverent stories in striking and stylish packages that beg for a place on children's bookshelves.

A mindful, gentle picture book about patience and learning to find beauty in the act of waiting.

Sometimes, you have to wait.

For the line at the public pool on a hot summer day.
For mom to come home after being away.

For your legs to grow just a bit longer to ride a new big kid bike.

The seconds drag on... each one feels like forever. Why can’t you have it now?

But while you wait, you might notice things: a possible new friend who is also in line, why homecoming hugs are extra special, and how beautiful the world is when you’re not racing by.

Sometimes, when you have to wait, you find the good in the moments between now and later.

A collection of nonfiction anecdotes about the love between animal mothers and their babies.

Thirteen pairs of animal mothers and their babies are presented in this loving nonfiction picture book. From polar bears to alligators to orangutans, this unexpected and deeply tender book reflects the fierce love and natural connection between a mother and her baby. Each animal mother shows a uniquely protective characteristic, providing a snapshot of motherhood and childhood in nature that invites personal connection and reflection. The watercolor portraits mirror the soft text and bring the affection and love to life, further connecting us to our fellow animals. This is the perfect lap-time, bedtime, or snuggle-time read-aloud for mother and child.

A funny and informative nonfiction picture book introducing the life cycle of seeds and exploring the season of spring, including interactive back matter.

Discover how seeds spring into action! As winter warms into spring, the amazing life cycle begins—seeds root and sprout and start to grow. From tiny carrot seeds to big avocado seeds and everything in between, discover what seeds can do in this pitch-perfect picture book for younger readers. With clear, informative text and bright, charming illustrations, as well as lots of hilarious interjections from the seeds themselves, this is an exciting start to a new nonficton picture book series exploring life cycles and the seasons.

Over the course of a day, big brother Albert manages his interactions with his little brother Baxter and the feelings that result, in this relatable romp through the alphabet.

Big brother Albert gets increasingly frustrated with little brother Baxter. Crying! Diaper! Hungry! Irritated! A normal day and a familiar sibling interaction escalate alphabetically until Grandma resolves all the problems, with an X for a kiss goodnight, followed by Yawn, and, of course, ZZZZ.

Fun to read, look at, and educational to boot! 1 to 20, Animals Aplenty depicts each number with a specific amimal species: both numerically and as a visual quantity. This visual format is key to teaching children the building blocks of math. Young Readers will count and laugh at the semi-absurd animal moments, snakes with cakes? Chickens reading Dickens? 1 to 20, Animals Aplenty will help any new-to-counting reader remember their numbers.

1 to 20, Animals Aplenty is 2nd POW! title by Katie Viggers, who wrote and illustrated, Almost an Animal Alphabet.

1 to 20, Animals Aplenty teaches kids to count from 1 to 20 as they meet a menagerie of amusing creatures. Each number depicts a different animal species along with a funny rhyme to recognize the number connecte to the animal group. Katie's adorably detailed illustrations will have Young Readers laughing as they count-how-many! Young Readers will romp through the pages, learning their numbers all while receiving visually absurd entertainment with these silly animals and their many props. And it all rhymes, "3 llamas wearing pajamas," "11 dogs and their pet frogs," "12 racoons with the baboons's balloons" "19 snakes eating cakes!"

When a cat-loving family decides to bring home a pet, their quest reveals the highs and lows of everyday family life in this heartwarming story—perfect for kitten lovers and everyone who’s ever longed for a pet.

Finally, it's time for this family to adopt a pet of their own! But big decisions remain to be made. The two children, Tulip and Rosie, definitely want a kitten. But Daddy insists an older cat is best. No one can agree about what name to give the new family member, either. When Mommy and Rosie visit a shelter to choose their pet, yet another problem arises and they must go home empty-handed. This deftly paced story from best-selling author Emily Jenkins—winsomely narrated by Mommy, who just wants to find peaceful solutions—highlights themes of finding family unity among realistic conflict and overcoming disappointment. Readers will rejoice along with the family as, finally, they welcome home their very own, absolutely wonderful kitten.

From the critically acclaimed author of The Adventures of a South Pole Pig comes a heartwarming middle grade animal adventure story about Frank, the odd one out in a family of ducks, who discovers both his courage and unique identity as he braves the unknown to save his family from an invading fox.

Between his unusually giant feet and early hatching, Frank is notably different from his siblings Darryl and Darlene.

Determined to make his mom proud, Frank strives to be the best duckling he can be. Despite his efforts, Frank seems drawn to unduckly pursuits and doesn't understand why certain rules exist, such as not speaking to the friendly turtle who moonlights as a rock.

When the pond community is threatened by a fox, Frank is the one to venture into the forest where danger--and discoveries--lurk at every turn on his quest to save his home.