Joan Holub

When you are a number that stands for absolutely nothing, it can be hard to get respect. All the other digits think Zero is completely useless. They constantly remind him that he does not add value in addition, he cannot be used in division, and he makes everyone disappear in multiplication. You will feel for Zero as he struggles to find his place among the arrogant numbers. However, Zero secretly knows he is worth more than zilch and nada. When the other numbers suddenly find themselves trapped in a tricky mathematical predicament, it is up to him to swoop in and save the day. You will love watching him proudly prove that his unique talents are invaluable. This incredibly funny story turns basic math concepts into an engaging adventure about self worth, showing that even the roundest number can be a true hero.

Once upon a time in the classrooms of Pencilvania School, a brave little red pencil is handed a very big assignment. She must set out on an exciting journey through the pages to write her very own story. Armed with a basket full of helpful nouns and descriptive adjectives, she travels down the storytelling path, discovering how much fun creative writing can be. But the story takes a dangerous turn when she gets tangled up in a messy run on sentence. Suddenly, she finds herself face to face with the terrifying Wolf 3000, a hungry and dangerous pencil sharpener. You will be cheering for this clever little pencil as she uses her sharp wits and strong vocabulary words to escape. This wildly creative and colorful adventure puts a completely unique, educational spin on a classic fairy tale.

The Great White Shark wants you to know a very important fact right now. He is absolutely the greatest, most spectacular fish in the entire ocean. But wait just a minute. The ancient Greenland Shark is swimming by to remind everyone that she is the oldest, which obviously makes her the best. And then the speedy Mako Shark zooms past, declaring himself the ultimate champion of the sea. You will dive into an incredibly funny, fact filled underwater debate as all these amazing creatures argue over who deserves the top prize. With a hammerhead shark joining the argument to point out all the incredible features they each possess, the competition gets delightfully silly. You will discover loads of fascinating real life facts about different shark species while laughing at their goofy personalities and competitive bragging. It is an entertaining and educational ocean adventure that proves every single shark has something uniquely awesome to offer beneath the waves.

Ares is ready for a quest with his name on it. After Zeus and the other young Olympians reach Delphi, a giant python and a mysterious warning from Pythia send them toward a new mission: finding the Spear of Fear. The weapon belongs to Ares, but it is being held by the Amazonians, and getting it back will not be simple. At first, Ares is thrilled. A powerful spear, a dangerous journey, and a chance to prove himself sound exactly like the kind of adventure he wants. But the closer the Olympians get to the weapon, the more Ares discovers that bravery and battle are not the same thing. This lively mythological chapter book mixes action, humor, and Greek mythology in a kid-friendly quest about courage, power, and learning before you charge ahead.

A terrible drought has left the land desperate for help, and Zeus and the young Olympians are determined to do something about it. Their mission points them toward a powerful shield called an aegis, but finding it means passing through a forest full of danger and surprises. Just when the Olympians seem to be getting closer to what they need, a terrifying flock of birds attacks. Thousands of angry, dangerous birds turn the quest into chaos. Then a mysterious boy appears, and no one is sure whether he has come to help or to make things worse. Packed with mythological adventure, magical danger, and quick-moving action, this Heroes in Training story is a strong choice for readers who enjoy Greek gods reimagined as young heroes still learning how to work together.

It is the night before Christmas, and three brave knights are just settling into their castle for a quiet winter sleep. Suddenly, a massive clatter on the drawbridge jolts them awake, and they realize their fortress is being visited by a mysterious invader. You will laugh out loud as these silly, overzealous guards try absolutely everything in their power to defend their home against a strange man in a red and white suit. They have no idea that this jolly intruder is actually Santa Claus, and they mistake his flying reindeer for a fleet of tiny dragons. They try to stop him from coming down the chimney, leading to a hilarious holiday mix up. This clever parody of a classic poem is packed with funny misunderstandings and cheerful holiday spirit. You will love watching these bumbling heroes discover the true magic of the season in the most unexpected and entertaining way possible.

Step up to the plate and meet the greatest baseball player of all time. Long before he was hitting record-breaking home runs, Babe Ruth was just a poor kid growing up in Baltimore who found himself in a lot of trouble. Sent to a reform school, he discovered a natural talent for baseball that would change his life forever. By the time he was nineteen, he was already on his way to becoming a massive sports legend. You will follow his incredible rags-to-riches journey, learning about his big personality, his massive swing, and his generous heart. This fun and easy-to-read biography brings the Home Run King to life, showing young readers exactly how a mischievous boy transformed into an unforgettable American hero.

Roll onto the construction site and meet the hardest working fathers around. These mighty vehicles are tough, loud, and incredibly proud of their little ones. You will watch as towering cranes, sturdy dump trucks, and powerful bulldozers guide their young children through a busy day of digging, scooping, and building. With steady hands and rolling wheels, these strong machines show their kids exactly how to get the job done right. The simple, rhythmic words bounce along like a truck on a dirt road, making it fun to read out loud together. You will discover that no matter how big and loud the construction site gets, there is always time for a gentle nudge and a whole lot of encouragement from a loving dad.

Picture Day at the local dog park is finally here, and every puppy wants to look their absolute best. Join a lively, energetic pack of pooches as they prance into the grooming salon to get their curly coats washed, brushed, and styled perfectly for the camera. Everything is going smoothly until a pair of extremely curious kittens sneak into the shop to investigate. Suddenly, the peaceful salon turns into a wild, soapy disaster zone. Suds are flying, dogs are chasing, and the perfect hairstyles are quickly unraveling in a whirlwind of chaotic fun. The bouncing rhymes and playful energy make this a hilarious read as you watch the dogs try to restore order before the photographer arrives. You will laugh at the silly antics and messy mix ups that happen when cats and dogs collide. It is a wonderfully entertaining story full of bubbles, barks, and a whole lot of furry friendship.

Zeus and the young Olympians have already faced fireball-throwing Titans, but their next challenge brings twice the pressure. They must continue searching for the Olympians swallowed by Cronus while also finding magic seeds that can help the dried-out earth recover after Hyperion’s terrible drought. Their mission would be hard enough without Typhon. The fierce giant can hurl destructive winds, turning the journey into a stormy battle for survival. As the Heroes in Training push forward, they must rely on teamwork, quick thinking, and courage to keep their quest from being blown completely off course. Full of mythological action and kid-friendly humor, this adventure brings Greek gods, monsters, magic, and high-stakes quests to life for readers who like fast-paced chapter books.

Poseidon is headed out to sea, which would be exciting if he were not afraid of water. Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon must cross a dangerous boiling sea to save another Olympian, all while Cronus and the Titans are chasing them. They have a boat, but Poseidon’s fear of swimming and sea creatures makes every wave feel like a threat. The journey quickly grows more dangerous. Sirens sing, monsters attack, and the Titan Oceanus waits in the water with plenty of trouble of his own. Poseidon will need more than a famous name to help his friends survive the voyage. This action-filled Heroes in Training adventure gives Greek mythology a funny, approachable twist, with sea monsters, teamwork, and a young hero learning how to face the thing that frightens him most.

Pack your bags for the ultimate road trip! When Marco Polo was just seventeen years old, he left his home in the bustling medieval city of Venice and set off on an epic journey to China. He did not return until he was forty-one! More than seven hundred years ago, Marco traveled across treacherous deserts and towering mountains to reach the fabled kingdom of the great Kublai Khan. Along the way, he witnessed dazzling riches, strange new animals, and incredible inventions that no European had ever seen before. When he finally came home, he wrote a famous book about his wild adventures. But his stories were so spectacular that many people wondered: did Marco Polo really experience all these amazing things, or was he just making it up? This highly entertaining biography separates the facts from the myths. Packed with fun details and engaging artwork, it invites you to follow in the footsteps of history's most famous explorer. Discover the thrilling true story of a brave traveler who connected two entirely different worlds.

The sun is blazing too fiercely over northern Greece, and the heat is becoming dangerous. Villagers are suffering, the land is scorched, and Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades need to uncover why the Titan Hyperion is making the world burn hotter than ever. Their search for answers is part of a larger mission. The young Olympians are still trying to rescue Hera and stay ahead of Cronus’s minions, so every clue matters. With heat, danger, and Titan trouble pressing in, the heroes must keep moving even when the world around them feels ready to burst into flames. This Heroes in Training adventure brings Greek mythology to younger readers with fast pacing, humor, magical danger, and a quest that turns ancient gods and Titans into lively chapter-book characters.

Hades may love darkness, sulfur, and the gloomy Underworld, but there is one thing he cannot stand: dogs. That becomes a serious problem when Zeus and the other young Olympians must enter the Underworld and face Cerberus, the snarling three-headed hound guarding the way. The quest is already dangerous. The heroes need to return the Titan Oceanus to the Underworld, but magical forgetfulness, burning lava, and more Titan trouble stand between them and success. If Hades wants to help his friends move forward, he will have to face the fear he would rather avoid. This Heroes in Training adventure turns Greek mythology into a fast, funny chapter book filled with monsters, action, friendship, and a young god learning that bravery can begin with admitting what scares you.

A giant spiderweb appears in the sky with a chilling message: Surrender, Olympians. Zeus and his friends know it can only mean another battle is coming. Soon they are dodging sticky, dangerous webs and trying not to be separated as monstrous spiders close in around them. The webbed trap is frightening, but it may also hide something important. Somewhere inside the danger is a gem connected to Athena’s magical object, and the Olympians need it for their quest. To get through the Threads of Dread, they must figure out whether the web is only a threat or also a clue. This Heroes in Training adventure offers quick-paced action, Greek mythology, monsters, and teamwork for readers who enjoy chapter books with danger, humor, and mythological twists.

Have you ever wondered where your shadow comes from or why it changes size throughout the day? Shadows are all around you, hiding in plain sight and waiting to be discovered. In this fun and educational journey, you will learn exactly what makes a shadow appear and why it needs a light source to exist. You will also discover how moving the light can make your shadow stretch super tall or shrink down tiny. Get ready to use your imagination and try out exciting activities to make your very own shadows. It is the perfect way to explore the science of light while playing and having fun.

Packing up your life and moving across the country is a massive adventure, no matter what century you live in. Meet Jenny and Katie, two girls making the exact same journey from Missouri to Oregon, but living over one hundred years apart. In 1846, Jenny travels in a bumpy covered wagon, a trip that takes five long, exhausting months. In 2011, Katie travels in a comfortable minivan, completing the drive in just five days. Even though their vehicles and times are completely different, you will discover how much the two girls have in common. Both of them worry about leaving their old homes, miss their friends, and wonder what the future holds. Follow along as they travel over the rocky mountains and visit famous landmarks along the trail. This fascinating historical comparison shows you that while the ways we travel might change, the feelings of moving to a new home stay exactly the same.