Nancy Carpenter

A single bird finds itself caught in a dangerous oil spill, its beautiful feathers coated and heavy. This is the touching story of a rescued loon and the dedicated people who carefully clean and care for it. Step into the careful rescue process as you learn exactly what it takes to wash the willow tree loon and help it heal. You will see the gentle hands that scrub the delicate feathers and the watchful eyes that make sure the bird is ready to swim again. This warm, factual tale shows you the real-life steps of wildlife rescue and the importance of protecting our feathered friends. With tender words and a message of hope, it is a perfect journey for anyone who loves animals and wants to understand how to keep them safe.

When you have a lot of energy, sitting still in a classroom can feel nearly impossible. This young girl would much rather be stomping through creeks, running outside, or jumping around than listening and learning at her desk. She even pretends to choke when called upon to read out loud. But her teacher is not just any teacher. Instead of getting angry, this special teacher pays close attention. She listens carefully, says just the right things, and discovers that the girl's unruly behavior is actually because she is struggling to read. Written as a heartfelt thank you note from a grown up student looking back on her past, this touching story shows the incredible impact a patient and understanding teacher can make. It is a warm and funny celebration of finding your own way to learn and the educators who gently guide you there.

Marcia takes her job as her mother's official kitchen helper very seriously. So, when her mother decides to hire a woman named Fannie Farmer to prepare the family's meals, Marcia is left feeling hurt and entirely replaced. Fannie Farmer, however, is not your average cook. She believes in absolute precision, using exact measurements instead of just tossing ingredients into a bowl and hoping for the best. While Marcia is initially skeptical of these strict new rules, the smell of Fannie's incredible griddle cakes soon becomes impossible to resist. Before long, Fannie's charm and brilliant techniques win Marcia over. Together, they begin cooking up spectacular delights that Marcia never thought were possible. This fun, historical tale celebrates the real woman who revolutionized American cooking from soup to nuts.

When Papa decides it is time to pack up the wagons and move the entire family from Iowa to Oregon, he makes one thing very clear: he is not leaving his precious fruit trees behind. He loads up apples, peaches, plums, grapes, cherries, and pears right alongside his children. The pioneer trail is long and absolutely brutal. The family has to navigate across a river that feels wider than Texas, dodge hailstones the size of ripe plums, and somehow survive a scorching drought that threatens to crisp every last leaf. Thankfully, his brave daughter Delicious is keeping a watchful eye. She is determined to make sure her father's beloved saplings survive the crazy journey so they can eventually taste the sweet Oregon soil. This hilarious, slightly true tall tale captures the wild and wonderful adventure of a real life pioneer family on the move.