Jane Yolen

Blast off into the stars with the bravest, greenest captain in the galaxy! Brave Commander Toad and the loyal crew of the spaceship Star Warts are on a very special mission. They want to go where no spaceship has gone before and bring a little bit of Earth out to the alien stars. But when they try to land their ship on a mysterious planet made entirely of water, they wake up a terrible, hungry monster. Deep Wader is not happy about being disturbed, and he roars that the planet belongs to him. Now, it looks like the intrepid crew might just become the monster's lunch! Jump into this hilarious space adventure packed with silly jokes and thrilling action. You will be cheering for Commander Toad as he tries to outsmart the giant beast and save his crew from a watery doom.

Jump in While leapfrogging across the galaxy, the Star Warts is suddenly pulled toward a massive, swirling black hole. But this is no ordinary space phenomenon—a giant, sticky, pink tongue reaches out to grab the ship! It belongs to an Extra Terrestrial Toad, and he is very hungry. Why it pulls you in You will be on the edge of your seat as the crew faces toad-al destruction. To save his friends, Commander Toad must dig deep into his past and use a secret weapon that is as unexpected as it is effective. Explore further This funny space adventure combines science fiction tropes with hilariously amphibian twists. It is an ideal pick for readers who enjoy silly humor, clever problem solving, and heroes who know how to keep their cool in the dark of a black hole.

Jump in The Star Warts has landed on a mysterious new world where everything is round, purple, and very sweet. Commander Toad and his brave crew have discovered the Planet of the Grapes, but this fruit-filled land holds more secrets than they expected. Why it pulls you in You will find yourself laughing at the clever wordplay and the strange challenges the crew faces as they explore this unusual planet. When a crew member goes missing, it is up to you and Commander Toad to solve the mystery of the grapes. Explore further This classic space spoof is a perfect introduction to science fiction for young readers. It balances lighthearted humor with a sense of wonder, making every page a discovery on a world like no other.

After a long mission of exploring deep space and finding new worlds, the crew of the Star Warts is finally ready for some rest. Commander Toad sets a course for home, but in the vastness of the galaxy, the journey back is never as simple as it seems. You will join the lean green space machine as it encounters unexpected obstacles that threaten to keep the crew stranded among the stars. It takes all of Commander Toad's leadership and the ship's clever technology to navigate the perils of the return trip. This engaging chapter book is perfect for young readers who love outer space and funny animal characters. With its polished prose and exciting plot, it captures the bravery required to find your way back when you are millions of miles from the pond.

Jump in Boredom is the biggest enemy aboard the Star Warts until the alarm blares. Commander Salamander, the Scourge of the Skies, has arrived to take over the ship and force the crew to play his favorite terrifying game: Hop the Plank. Why it pulls you in You will love the puns and the fast-paced action as Commander Toad tries to outsmart a gang of intergalactic pirates. It is a silly, high-stakes adventure where being a brave frog means more than just having a green face. Explore further This funny school-age favorite uses easy-to-read sentences and clever humor to make space travel feel like a wild pond adventure. Join the crew and see if you have what it takes to defeat the Goon of the Galaxies.

How does a gigantic dinosaur act when it is time for dinner? Does it burp out loud, throw its peas on the floor, or spit out its broccoli? Just like kids, sometimes young dinosaurs have a difficult time learning how to behave at the table. But with a little help from Mom and Dad, these massive eaters can learn to finish everything on their plates with smiles and goodwill. Dive into this hilarious, rhyming adventure that shows exactly what happens when prehistoric creatures sit down for a meal. You will laugh out loud at the silly pictures of giant beasts making a mess, and then cheer as they learn the right way to eat. It is the perfect story to read together before your own family dinner, proving that even the biggest dinosaurs can have excellent table manners!

Even the biggest, stompiest dinosaurs have a soft side! How does a giant dinosaur show its parents that it loves them? Does it roar as loud as it can, or does it give a gentle, sweet smile? From cleaning up a huge mess in the playroom to giving a giant, scaly hug, there are so many wonderful ways for a dinosaur to say I love you. Jump into this heartwarming and hilarious story filled with bouncy rhymes and beautiful pictures of your favorite prehistoric pals. You will love seeing these enormous creatures acting just like you, turning their grumpy moments into sweet surprises. It is the perfect read-aloud to share with your family, proving that no matter how big you grow, there is always room for a little more love.

When the sun goes down and it is time for bed, how does a massive dinosaur say good night? Does he slam his heavy tail on the floor, throw his favorite toys across the room, and pout? Or does he give a giant hug and a sweet kiss? Step inside the homes of some very large, sleepy dinosaurs to find out! Brimming with silly humor and familiar bedtime antics, this playful story shows that even the biggest creatures can sometimes fuss when it is time to sleep. With bouncy, rhyming words and hilarious pictures of giant dinosaurs tucked into human-sized beds, this book will have you giggling all the way to dreamland. You will even get to hunt for the hidden dinosaur names on every page! It is the perfect nighttime adventure to share before you close your own eyes.

High above the autumn fields, the wind is howling and the scarecrow is feeling restless. Tired of standing still in the corn all day and night, he decides it is time to leave his wooden post. With a joyful leap, he dances away from his duties, twirling through the dark fields and heading straight for the warm, glowing windows of the nearby farmhouse. But when he peeks inside, he sees a young boy kneeling by his bed. The boy is saying his evening prayers, asking for the corn to be kept safe for the morning harvest. Suddenly, the dancing scarecrow realizes just how important his boring job really is. This gentle, rhyming tale sweeps you up in the magic of a crisp fall night, showing you that everyone has a special purpose. With glowing paintings that capture the beauty of the harvest season, you will discover why even a restless scarecrow knows when it is time to stand tall.

What happens when a gigantic dinosaur catches a terrible case of the flu? Does he whimper and whine with every giant sneeze? Does he fling his medicine right out the door and refuse to rest? Just like kids, little dinosaurs absolutely hate being sick, and visiting the doctor can feel pretty scary. But these prehistoric pals are about to show you exactly how to handle a scratchy throat and a runny nose. Dive into this hilarious, rhyming story that captures all the fussing and fears of feeling under the weather. You will laugh out loud at the silly pictures of massive dinosaurs trying to fit on the doctor's exam table. Best of all, you will see how drinking plenty of juice and getting lots of rest is the perfect way for anyone to get well soon!

Blast off into deep space with the bravest frog in the galaxy! You are invited to join the crew of the Star Warts on their most secret mission yet. Commander Toad and his brave team are heading to a dangerous intergalactic spy convention. Their mission is to find the famous Agent Zero Zero Seven and a Half, who just happens to be Commander Toad's cousin, Tip Toad. But there is a major problem. Tip Toad is Space Fleet's greatest spy and a total master of disguise. It is absolutely essential that no other enemy spy figures out who he really is. Will Commander Toad be able to recognize his own cousin through all the clever costumes and sneaky tricks in time to save the day? If you love spaceships, silly jokes, and mysterious adventures, this hilarious story is exactly what you need. Put on your best disguise, grab your magnifying glass, and get ready to laugh your way across the universe!

Even the biggest, wildest dinosaurs have to learn how to tidy up their spaces. When it is time to clean their rooms, these massive prehistoric creatures could easily make an even bigger mess. But instead of causing chaos, they learn exactly what it takes to put everything back in its proper place. They figure out how to toss their garbage into the trash cans, carefully put their favorite toys back into the bins, and sweep the floor with dusters and brooms. Through simple rhymes and funny illustrations, this story shows young dinosaurs turning a dreaded chore into a manageable, everyday activity. It offers a playful and encouraging look at picking up after yourself, proving that if a giant dinosaur can clean their room, anyone can.

Gigantic dinosaurs are ready to practice their numbers in this playful counting adventure. From one to ten, these massive, colorful creatures use their favorite toys and everyday objects to learn how to count. They stack their blocks, line up their stuffed animals, and count out their belongings with big, prehistoric enthusiasm. As the numbers go up, the dinosaurs show off their silly antics, making learning feel like a game rather than a lesson. The simple, rhyming text guides readers through each number, while the lively illustrations capture the funny contrast of giant reptiles doing very human activities. This engaging story turns basic counting into a gigantic amount of fun.

What would you do if a gigantic dinosaur stomped right into your classroom? Would he roar during storytime, jump on top of his desk, or refuse to share the playground equipment? Come along and join the fun as we find out exactly how dinosaurs behave during a typical school day! From riding the yellow school bus to reading their favorite books and playing with friends, these massive prehistoric students are ready to learn. Filled with entertaining details and familiar classroom scenes, this hilarious story proves that even the biggest creatures know how to be on their best behavior. You will laugh out loud at the silly pictures and have a blast hunting for the hidden dinosaur names on every page. Going to school has never been so much fun!

Have you ever felt so small that people look right past you? Princess Djeow Seow knows exactly how that feels. As the youngest and smallest daughter of the Emperor, she is mostly ignored by her busy family. She spends her days quietly playing with her favorite toy, a beautiful kite, soaring it high into the sky. But when evil men capture her father and lock him away in a tall, lonely tower, the rest of the family is powerless to help. Now, it is up to the smallest princess to do the biggest job of all. Using her clever mind, her courage, and her trusty kite, she must find a way to reach her father. Step into this classic tale of bravery and love, and discover how even the tiniest person can be the greatest hero of all.

Late one winter night, a little girl and her father bundle up and step out into the freezing cold. They are going owling. The trees stand as still as statues, and the snowy world is as silent as a dream. As they walk together through the dark woods, the father calls out to the mysterious nighttime bird, hoping for an answer. Wordlessly, the two companions crunch through the snow, because when you go owling, you do not need words. You only need hope. Sometimes there isn't an owl, but sometimes, if you are very lucky, there is. Step into this gentle, poetic story that beautifully captures the quiet magic of a winter night and the special bond between a parent and child. It is a breathtaking visual treasure that you will want to share again and again.

Imagine seeing massive ships arriving on the shores of your home for the very first time. In the year 1492, Christopher Columbus and his men land on the island of San Salvador. Instead of an empty wilderness, they discover a thriving community of Taino Indians. You will experience this historic arrival entirely through the eyes of a young Taino boy who watches the strangers step onto his beach. While others in his village are curious and welcoming, the boy senses something unsettling about these explorers who seem much more interested in golden ornaments than in building a true friendship. He tries desperately to warn his people about the danger these men might bring to their peaceful way of life. This powerful and beautifully illustrated story offers a unique, thought provoking perspective on a famous moment in history, giving a voice to the indigenous people who were there first. It is an unforgettable journey into the past that will change how you view discovery.

Enormous dinosaurs face a gigantic challenge: learning how to handle books and read them properly. At first, these massive prehistoric creatures make every mistake possible. They soak their books in the bathtub, chew on the pages, and even throw them at the family cat. It seems like learning to read is just too frustrating and overwhelming for a giant reptile. But with gentle guidance and patience from their human parents, the dinosaurs slowly figure out the right way to treat a story. They learn to turn the pages carefully, listen quietly, and eventually read the words out loud. This heartwarming and rhyming story shows that even the biggest, wildest dinosaurs can settle down for a good bedtime book. It offers a funny and reassuring approach to the sometimes tricky process of becoming a reader.

What happens when a giant dinosaur wants to play with its friends? Does it hog all the toys, refuse to share, and stomp around the playground? Of course not! Step into a playful world where enormous prehistoric pals show us exactly how to be the best playmates ever. From taking turns on the slide to sharing their favorite games, these massive creatures know that playing fair is the most fun of all. With bouncy, rhyming words and hilarious pictures of giant dinosaurs having a blast, this delightful story will have you giggling from start to finish. You will love seeing how these towering reptiles romp and stomp the friendly way. It is the perfect read to share with your own best friends before heading out to the playground.

Gigantic dinosaur children have some very big ideas about what makes a good pet. Instead of bringing home a normal animal, they surprise their parents with a wild assortment of completely inappropriate creatures. A tiger, a boa constrictor, an elephant, and even a kangaroo suddenly appear in the living room, causing absolute panic for the human parents. The dinosaurs quickly discover that keeping a wild animal in the house is much harder than it looks. With a bit of guidance, they learn that the best companions do not come from the jungle or the savanna. They discover the importance of visiting an animal shelter or a proper pet store to find a friend that actually fits in their home. This funny, rhyming adventure gently guides young readers toward understanding responsible pet ownership.