Tracy Dockray

A tiny spark from a cat’s fur helps light one of history’s most brilliant imaginations. Bright Dreams follows Nikola Tesla from his curious childhood to his groundbreaking work with electricity. Young readers meet a thinker who noticed the world closely, asked unusual questions, and kept chasing ideas even when the path was difficult. His mind was full of inventions, bright flashes, and possibilities that others could not yet see. Tracy Dockray presents Tesla’s life in an accessible picture-book biography, pairing lively collage-style artwork with informative sidebars that add useful context. The result is an inviting introduction to a scientist and inventor whose work helped shape modern technology. Ideal for curious readers ages 6 to 12, this book blends biography, science, and creativity in a way that encourages close observation and bold thinking.

Lucy has lice, and suddenly the tiny bugs feel like a giant disaster. There is the itching, the headband, the teasing, and the awful feeling that everyone is looking at her. But lice have been around for a very long time—even ancient people had to deal with them—and Lucy is not nearly as alone as she thinks. The Scare in My Hair turns an embarrassing childhood problem into a funny, honest, and reassuring picture book. With humor and helpful facts woven into the story, it shows young readers what head lice are, why they happen, and how kids can get through the experience without shame. This is a practical, lighthearted choice for children facing worries about school, teasing, hygiene, or a very itchy surprise.

A little girl’s pony is everything she hoped for—until the two are suddenly separated. The pony is taken away and finds himself in a new life at the circus, surrounded by noise, movement, and unfamiliar faces. He tries to be brave, but he never forgets the girl who loved him. At the same time, the girl keeps searching. Their story moves with the quiet ache of missing someone and the steady hope that love can endure across distance and time. The Lost and Found Pony is a tender animal story for young readers who are drawn to horses, heartfelt friendships, and gentle drama. Tracy Dockray’s story invites children to care deeply about both the lost pony and the child who refuses to stop looking.

Dora Cottontail has always counted on Ally for the best pretend games. Castles, adventures, daring rescues—everything is more fun with a best friend beside you. But when Ally starts spending time with Babbette and her dolls, Dora suddenly feels pushed aside. Told through Dora’s own diary pages, this warm and playful picture book captures the sting of being left out and the surprise of finding friendship in an unexpected place. Doodles, notes, stickers, and snapshots make the story feel like a real secret journal, inviting young readers into Dora’s worries, wishes, and big imagination. Perfect for children beginning to navigate changing friendships, My Bunny Diary offers a gentle story about jealousy, creativity, and discovering that a new friend may have been nearby all along.

Socks is living the absolute perfect life. His loving owners constantly play with him, feed him delicious treats, and always provide a warm lap for his naps. He rules his household with total confidence. But his peaceful world is completely turned upside down the day a brand new baby named Charles William arrives. Suddenly, nobody has time to pet him, the laps are always occupied, and Socks finds himself getting into all sorts of accidental trouble just trying to get some attention. From wrestling with a fancy wig to battling the tough neighborhood tomcat, Socks struggles to figure out where he fits in. You will laugh out loud as you see the confusing world of a new baby entirely from a curious cat's point of view. Eventually, Socks realizes this noisy new human might just become his very best friend.

Otis Spofford is a master at causing a commotion, and he would not have it any other way. There is nothing he loves more than stirring up a little excitement in his classroom, whether he is shooting spitballs, teasing his classmates, or dreaming up his next big prank. His favorite target is the sweet and gentle Ellen Tebbits, who usually takes his teasing without a fight. Otis thinks he has the entire school figured out, confident that nobody can ever match his mischievous energy. But you will be completely surprised when Ellen finally decides she has had enough. Watch as the quietest girl in class brilliantly turns the tables on the school's most notorious troublemaker. This funny and satisfying story captures the classic dynamic of schoolyard rivalries, proving that even the biggest pranksters eventually meet their match.

Beezus Quimby is a patient nine-year-old, but keeping her cool is not easy when her little sister is Ramona. Four-year-old Ramona is a whirlwind of imagination and mischief who always manages to turn everyday life upside down. Whether she is secretly inviting her entire class to a party without telling anyone or deciding to powder her nose with sticky marshmallows, Ramona keeps the whole family on their toes. Beezus knows that sisters are supposed to love each other all the time, but sometimes Ramona makes that feel completely impossible. When Ramona ruins Beezus's carefully planned birthday cake, Beezus has to figure out if it is normal to occasionally be furious with your own sibling. This relatable and funny story perfectly captures the chaotic reality of having a pesky younger sibling. It is a classic tale of family life that reassures young readers that while siblings might drive you crazy, the bond you share is still something special.

Ramona Quimby is seven and a half years old, and she feels completely stuck in the middle. She is old enough to watch her younger neighbor, Willa Jean, but not quite old enough to stay home alone like her older sister, Beezus. It feels like Beezus gets to do everything, and Ramona is just treated like a little kid. To make matters worse, there is tension at home. Her parents are arguing, school spelling tests are getting harder, and Ramona is desperate to know that she is still her mother's special girl. She tries to help out around the house, but her efforts usually end up in hilarious disasters, like squeezing out an entire tube of toothpaste into the sink. This touching and deeply relatable story explores the big emotions of growing up and figuring out your place in the family. Through messy haircuts and spelling struggles, Ramona learns that even when life feels confusing, a mother's love is big enough for both of her daughters.

Ralph is a curious little mouse who lives a quiet life behind a knothole in a room at the Mountain View Inn. His world changes completely when a young boy named Keith checks into the hotel, bringing along a shiny red toy motorcycle that is exactly the right size for a mouse. Unable to resist, Ralph sneaks out while Keith is asleep to examine the incredible machine. After a terrifying accident lands him at the bottom of a metal wastebasket, Keith discovers Ralph. Instead of being scared, Keith teaches the little mouse how to ride the motorcycle by simply making a motor noise with his mouth. Suddenly, the hotel hallways become a massive racetrack for Ralph. But with great speed comes great danger. Ralph must dodge a vacuum cleaner, escape a rowdy terrier, and find a way to help his new friend when Keith gets sick. This fast-paced, imaginative adventure is a thrilling ride that proves heroes come in all sizes.

Henry Huggins is absolutely determined to prove he is responsible enough to handle his very own paper route. He wants to deliver the daily newspaper more than anything, but the local paper boss insists that Henry is still too young for the job. Refusing to give up, Henry decides to show everyone just how mature and hardworking he can be. While he waits for his upcoming birthday to finally qualify, life on Klickitat Street keeps him endlessly busy. He ends up dealing with a mischievous box of abandoned kittens, navigating a neighborhood rivalry with a new boy who owns a fancy robot, and trying to keep the ever-pesky Ramona Quimby out of his way. Ironically, it might be the unpredictable little Ramona who holds the key to helping Henry finally secure his dream job. Filled with classic neighborhood mishaps and plenty of laughs, this story perfectly captures the drive for independence and the humorous hurdles of growing up.

Ramona Quimby is growing up! She's six years old now and about to start first grade. That means new adventures, like having her very own bedroom at last. But sometimes, being brave in your own room can be trickier than you think, especially when your imagination starts to play tricks in the dark! Starting first grade brings even more big changes. Ramona is ready to be a wonderful student, but her new teacher, Mrs. Griggs, doesn't always see things Ramona's way. Whether it's a frustrating morning at school or trying to be a fearless big sister to Beezus, Ramona is determined to face every challenge with courage and a little bit of her own special spunk. Join Ramona as she navigates the ups and downs of being six, showing everyone that even when things are tough, a brave heart and a vivid imagination can make every day an exciting adventure!

Emily Bartlett lives in an old farmhouse in the quiet town of Pitchfork, Oregon, during the 1920s. She is a girl with a massive imagination, which often leads to brilliant ideas and equally spectacular disasters. Whether she is trying to wash a farm pig so it is sparkling clean or accidentally getting a horse intoxicated on fallen apples, Emily's wild ideas always keep her family guessing. What Emily truly wants, more than anything else, is for her small town to have a real library. She loves books and dreams of sharing them with everyone in Pitchfork. But bringing a library to a tiny farming community is no easy task. Emily must rely on her sharp wits, her boundless energy, and her very best imaginative schemes to rally the townspeople together. This delightful and heartwarming story celebrates the power of a good idea and the magic of community. Filled with gentle humor and vintage charm, it is a timeless tale about a spirited girl who is determined to make her dreams a reality.

Have you ever wondered if there is a real magic word? It turns out there is, and it is a word you can use every single day! Bestselling authors Bill O'Reilly and James Patterson have teamed up to show you just how powerful the word please can be. Whether you are trying to find a home for a lovable stray dog, looking for a friend to join you on the seesaw, hoping for one more bedtime story, or really needing a delicious chocolate chip cookie, saying please can make amazing things happen. Filled with beautiful, bright illustrations from many different artists, this charming book takes you through fun everyday situations where one little word makes a massive difference. You will see how easy it is to bring smiles to the faces of your friends and family. Get ready to discover the magic power of please!

Nine-year-old twins Mitch and Amy Huff could not be more different. Amy loves to read and reads exceptionally fast, while Mitch struggles with reading and prefers building models and riding his skateboard. Because they are so different, they spend most of their time bickering and trying to outdo each other. As they begin the fourth grade, their constant arguments only seem to escalate. Mitch is frustrated by a school bully named Alan Hibbler who keeps picking on him, and Amy is stressed about her upcoming book reports and her brother's teasing. However, when the neighborhood bully starts causing real trouble for both of them, the twins realize that constantly fighting with each other will not solve anything. They are forced to put aside their differences and team up to outsmart the schoolyard menace. This funny and realistic story perfectly captures the ups and downs of life as a twin. It shows that no matter how much siblings argue, they can always rely on each other when things get tough.