John Rocco

It is a hot summer night in the busy city, and everyone in the family is distracted. Mom is working on her computer, Dad is cooking dinner, and big sister is chatting on the phone. But suddenly, the lights go out. The entire city is plunged into a total blackout! With no television, no computers, and no video games, what is a family to do? Seeking relief from the heat, they climb up to the roof and discover a beautiful starry sky and a lively neighborhood party. Down on the street, people are eating melting ice cream, playing games, and actually talking to one another. This magical summer night shows that sometimes, unplugging from our busy lives is exactly what we need. It is a warm, beautifully illustrated reminder of the fun you can have when the lights go out.

Everyone knows the famous story of Neil Armstrong taking his first historic steps on the lunar surface. But what did it actually take to send human beings into space and bring them back safely? The Apollo 11 moon landing remains one of the most ambitious, thrilling, and dangerous adventures in human history. This beautifully illustrated, comprehensive guide reveals the incredible true story of the four hundred thousand unsung heroes who made that impossible dream a reality. Step behind the scenes to meet the brilliant engineers, mathematicians, seamstresses, welders, and factory workers whose groundbreaking innovations pushed technology forward. From the shocking launch of the Russian satellite Sputnik to the triumphant splashdown of the Apollo crew, every major challenge of the space race is explored. Dive into stunning diagrams, fascinating science experiments, and unforgettable human stories of crisis and courage. Whether you are a dedicated space fan or simply love learning how things work, this breathtaking chronicle details the grandest human adventure of all time.

It starts with a single snowflake falling outside the classroom window. Before long, the familiar streets of your town are completely buried under fifty-three inches of snow! Based on a true childhood experience during the massive Blizzard of 1978, this exciting story captures the magic and challenge of a historic winter storm. At first, the endless snow is a wonderful playground. But as the days pass, the neighborhood gets snowed in, and families start running out of food. Someone has to brave the freezing cold to get supplies. Watch as an ordinary boy transforms into a neighborhood hero, strapping on makeshift snowshoes to make a daring trek to the local grocery store. With playful illustrations and a heartwarming message, this winter adventure celebrates bravery, teamwork, and the joy of putting the needs of others first.

Young Eli Trebuckle is the ultimate fixer of all things fixable. From broken vacuum cleaners to sputtering radios, he can repair almost anything while he waits for his father to return from the war. But there is one tricky problem Eli simply cannot fix: his own terrible nightmares. One night, while staying up late to avoid another bad dream, a glowing, mysterious man named Mr. Moon appears at his window. Mr. Moon makes Eli an incredible promise. If Eli can travel to the sky and fix the broken Moonpowder factory, he will never have a nightmare again. In fact, the whole world will finally have sweet dreams! Now, Eli must face his biggest fears and tackle the most magical repair job of his life. This beautifully illustrated adventure is a heartwarming tale of courage, imagination, and believing in yourself.

When the mighty warrior Chang challenges young Fu to a duel, Fu is absolutely terrified. His only hope is to beg the village Master to train him in the fierce art of combat. But to Fu's surprise, the Master does not teach him how to punch, kick, or block. Instead, he teaches Fu how to pour tea. Day after day, Fu practices this simple, quiet task. He wonders how serving tea could possibly help him survive a battle against a giant warrior. Slowly, through the steady rhythm of pouring, Fu begins to learn the deep secrets of focus, patience, and flow. Will these unexpected skills be enough to help him face the unstoppable Chang? This beautifully illustrated tale is a funny and gentle adventure that shows how true strength often comes from the most surprising places.

You probably know the classic story of the boy who cried wolf, but you have never heard it told quite like this. Meet a crafty, hungry, and rather old wolf who is just looking for a peaceful way to get a good meal. Set in beautiful rural Asia, this clever twist on the famous fable flips the perspective entirely. When the mischievous boy starts shouting for help, the wolf decides to investigate the commotion himself. What follows is a funny and surprising adventure where the so-called villain might just be the smartest one in the village. With stunning illustrations and a playful sense of humor, this fresh take on a familiar tale will keep you guessing. It is a wonderful story about seeing things from a different point of view and finding clever solutions to rumbling tummies.

Every great hero gets their special powers from somewhere. For Rocco, his unbelievable strength comes straight from his wild shock of red hair. The longer it grows, the stronger he becomes! Alongside his trusty group of super friends, who also have magnificent hair, Rocco feels completely unstoppable. But disaster strikes when he is dragged into a super evil villain's lair and given the ultimate punishment: a haircut. Stripped of his legendary locks, Rocco fears he has lost his super hero abilities forever. How can he face his friends now? Just when all hope seems lost, a clever girl steps in to show the gang that true power might not come from their hair after all. This hilarious, action-packed adventure is perfect for young comic book fans ready to discover what really makes someone a hero.

The neighborhood dock is your absolute favorite place in the whole world. But when a powerful hurricane sweeps through town, the dock is completely destroyed. Determined to fix it, you set out to ask your neighbors for help rebuilding. However, as you look around, you realize that everyone else has their own massive messes to clean up first. Fallen trees, broken fences, and scattered debris are everywhere. Instead of focusing just on the dock, you discover that the best way to rebuild your favorite spot is to start by helping the people around you. This beautifully illustrated story shows how a community can come together after a storm. It is a gentle, inspiring tale about patience, teamwork, and the incredible power of lending a helping hand when things get tough.

Fourteen-year-old Jake refuses to believe his father is gone forever. When a devastating fishing-boat accident leaves his dad missing at sea, Jake's entire world is thrown into chaos. Suddenly, the future he always imagined is slipping through his fingers. To make matters worse, his family's beloved diner is on the brink of being repossessed by ruthless loan sharks. With time running out and his mother struggling to keep them afloat, Jake knows he has to step up. He turns to the unforgiving waters of Narragansett Bay, determined to scrabble out a living as a quahogger. Digging for clams in the murky depths is grueling, dangerous work, but Jake is not facing the tides alone. Teaming up with a rugged crew of local clammers, he pushes himself to the absolute limit. He must navigate treacherous waters, shady deals, and his own grief to earn enough cash to save his family's livelihood. This gripping, fast-paced story dives deep into the heart of resilience. It is a powerful exploration of loyalty, hard work, and the lengths we will go to protect the people we love when the odds are stacked against us.

The Olympians are wild, unpredictable, and fiercely dangerous, and no one knows that better than a modern day demigod. Percy Jackson has survived enough encounters with immortal beings to know exactly how they operate, and now, he is sharing all of their darkest, weirdest, and most hilarious secrets with you. From the chaotic creation of the world to the epic rise of Zeus, Apollo, and the rest of the pantheon, Percy delivers a personal, highly sarcastic tour of ancient history. He does not hold back any of the gritty details. If you have ever wondered why the gods are always arguing, transforming people into animals, or causing massive disasters, this is your ultimate guide. You will get the inside scoop on the backstabbing, the drama, and the incredible powers of the original rulers of the universe. Packed with attitude and stunning illustrations, this is the only handbook you need to survive a face to face meeting with a Greek god.

Being a supreme Greek god was great, but being an awkward mortal teenager named Lester Papadopoulos is a complete nightmare. Cast down to Earth by his angry father, Zeus, the former god Apollo must survive a series of terrifying trials to earn his way back to Mount Olympus. Without his godly powers, Lester has barely survived his first two quests, and now the stakes are higher than ever. A wicked group of ancient Roman emperors is plotting to destroy Camp Jupiter, and Lester is the only one who can stop them. Alongside his fierce and bossy demigod master, Meg, he must plunge into the dark and dangerous Labyrinth hidden beneath the American Southwest. Their mission? To find the third emperor and rescue a mysterious Oracle who only speaks in frustrating word puzzles. Fortunately, they will not have to face the maze alone. A familiar cloven-hoofed friend is ready to guide them through the darkness. Packed with hilarious moments, heart-pounding action, and unforgettable monsters, this epic adventure proves that even a fallen god can learn what it means to be a true hero.

Do you have someone you love who lives far away? When your favorite person is in another town or even another state, it can be hard to show them just how much you care. You cannot just walk next door and wrap your arms around them! But what if there was a secret way to send a real, warm hug right through the mail? Join a creative little boy who misses his grandmother very much. With a little bit of imagination and some very special help from the neighborhood Hug Delivery Specialist, he discovers the perfect way to package up his love. This heartwarming story will show you exactly how to fold, seal, and stamp your very own hug. It is a wonderful reminder that distance is no match for love, and that the best kind of mail is the kind that makes you smile from the inside out. Get ready to send some joy!

Everyone in the town of Folly Cove knows Virginia Lee as Jinnee. She is a remarkable artist with magical wands, her pencils and paintbrushes, that allow her to draw absolutely anything she imagines. But for her two sons, Aris and Michael, she draws the most wonderful characters of all: big, powerful machines with friendly names like Mary Anne, Maybelle, and Katy. Through her incredible talent, Jinnee's magical wands can make anything move on the page, from a rumbling tractor to a cheerful little house. This beautiful story is a loving tribute to Virginia Lee Burton, one of the most beloved creators in children's literature. It invites you to step into her creative world and see how she brought her iconic, hard-working characters to life. Discover the magic of imagination, the power of art, and the fascinating true story behind the classic books that have captured the hearts of readers for generations.