Velma Jean is the most fearless person ten year old Ruby Jane knows. Every single day, Velma Jean does something bold and daring. She marches barefoot over prickly sandburs, takes a swim in the brand new horse tank, and even stares down the intimidating farm bull named Alfred. Ruby Jane is absolutely certain that her older sister is the bravest girl in the entire world. But the sky turns dark green, and a roaring tornado touches down near the edge of their family farm. Suddenly, fearless Velma Jean is terrified and refuses to go down into the dark, spooky storm cellar. Now it is up to Ruby Jane to find courage she never knew she had. You will be on the edge of your seat as Ruby Jane steps up to protect her sister from the ferocious weather. Discover how true bravery often appears exactly when you need it the most.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Imagine running an enormous race completely fueled by slices of pumpkin. While most sheep ranchers in Australia use horses or jeeps to check on their flocks, Joshua Summerhayes prefers to run across the sprawling valley with his loyal Yellow Dog right behind him. So when a massive race from Melbourne to Sydney is announced, Joshua happily decides to join the competition. The city crowds cannot help but laugh when the old rancher arrives wearing overalls and chunky gumboots, calmly snacking on a piece of pumpkin. But their laughter quickly turns to cheers as Joshua steadily runs his way to the front of the pack. You will cheer for this humble hero as he proves that being true to yourself is more important than fitting in. Run alongside Joshua and discover why winning is not the only reason to enter a race.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
Rufus loves being a wolf. He likes running through the woods, howling at the moon, and doing things his own way. Then he is sent to Big Bad Wolf Academy, where young wolves are supposed to learn important skills like huffing, puffing, disguises, and even speaking sheep.
School is not easy for Rufus. He does not quite fit the lesson plan, and the things that make him different do not always look useful at first. But Rufus has a talent of his own.
Big Bad Wolves at School is a funny school story with fairy-tale flavor, animal characters, and a warm message about being yourself. It is a playful pick for readers who enjoy humor, wolves, and classroom adventures with a twist.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Simon Henry is a grumpy fisherman who claims he can catch absolutely anything that swims, crawls, or floats. He is all business when he is on the riverbank, right until he meets Oscar. Oscar is the craftiest, most frustrating bait-stealing catfish that ever lived in the deep hole at Higgins Bend. When the giant fish starts snatching Simon's prized redworms and his top-secret stinkbait, the grumpy fisherman vows to eat his own socks if he cannot reel Oscar in. What follows is a wildly funny, splashing battle of wits between a stubborn man and an even more stubborn fish. You will laugh out loud as Simon and his old friend Potato Kelly are taken for the wildest boat ride of their lives. Dive into this hilarious tall tale to see who truly rules the river.
6-8 Years
46 Pages
By
Hans Christian Andersen, Michael Morpurgo, and Amy Ehrlich
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Pictures by
Brad Sneed, Elsa Beskow, Michael Foreman, Susan Jeffers, and Lin Utzon
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Translated by
Susannah Mary Paull
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Collected by
Kimberley Reynolds
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With
Deborah Morse, L. Spencer Humphrey, Kyowon Co., Catherine Babok, and Stacy Peterson
Enter a massive world through the eyes of a hero who is no bigger than your thumb. Born from a beautiful flower, Thumbelina is tiny, delicate, and completely unprepared for the dangers lurking outside her window. When she is suddenly kidnapped by a giant, ugly toad who wants her as a bride, her quiet life is turned upside down. As you travel alongside her, you will navigate rushing rivers on lily pads, survive freezing winters underground, and meet a cast of fascinating animal friends and foes. From a helpful field mouse to a grumpy mole, every creature she encounters brings a new challenge to her journey. But Thumbelina never gives up hope of finding a place where she truly belongs. Join this tiny girl on her grand adventure and discover how bravery, kindness, and a warm heart can help you overcome the most giant obstacles in your path.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
