Trip-trap, trip-trap. Three goats want to cross a bridge to reach sweet grass on the hillside, but a hungry troll waits underneath. The smallest goat goes first, then the next, and then the biggest Billy Goat Gruff must face the danger for himself.
Paul Galdone’s version of this Norwegian folktale is built for reading aloud, with strong rhythm, repeated phrases, and a rising sense of suspense. Young readers can feel the bridge shake, hear the troll’s growl, and enjoy the clever pattern as each goat tries to get across.
For ages 6 to 8, this picture book is a lively classic for children who like animal tales, trolls, bold voices, and folktales with just the right amount of fright.
Stories About Our Secret Selves
Everyone has a secret they swear they will never tell. A hidden identity, an off-limits romance, or a family crisis that feels way too heavy to share. Secrets have a unique power to shape our choices and change how we see ourselves. In this compelling collection, fifteen of today's most talented young adult authors pull back the curtain on the things we keep hidden from our friends, our families, and even ourselves. Through a diverse mix of genres and perspectives, these original stories explore the intense weight of holding something back. Do secrets make you stronger, or do they tear you apart? What happens when the truth finally slips out? From quiet confessions to explosive reveals, this anthology dives deep into the hidden parts of teenage life. Discover the secret selves buried just beneath the surface in a collection that will leave you thinking about the truths you choose to hide.
320 Pages
Investigation of Murder Most Foul
By
Jon Scieszka, Liz Braswell, Libba Bray, Gayle Forman, Maureen Johnson, David Levithan, Jacquelyn Mitchard, Lauren Myracle, Lemony Snicket, Rebecca Stead, Lev Grossman, Ned Vizzini, Sara Shepard, Todd Strasser, Jennifer E. Smith, Jordan Sonnenblick, Robin Wasserman, Michelle Zink, Susane Colasanti, Sarah Beth Durst, Lindsey Kelk, Barry Lyga, Lauren Oliver, Natalie Standiford, Melissa C. Walker, Kiersten White, Jen Calonita, Adele Griffin, J.R. Angelella, Kate Angelella, Jennifer Belle, Steve Brezenoff, Elise Broach, Patrick Carman, Elizabeth Craft, Julia Devillers, Paige Pooler, Larry Doyle, Dave Eggers, Daniel Ehrenhaft, Elizabeth Eulberg, Helen Fitzgerald, Aimee Friedman, Margaux Froley, Claudia Gabel, Michelle Gagnon, Adam Gidwitz, Anna Godbersen, Peter Brown, Julia Mayer, and Melissa De La Cruz
Prepare for a literary whodunit like no other! When the notoriously unpleasant book editor Herman Mildew is found murdered, the guest list for his last party becomes a suspect list of epic proportions. Over eighty of your favorite young adult and children's authors, from Jon Scieszka to John Green, find themselves under the magnifying glass. Each author must provide an alibi, but there's a catch: every single one of them is a fabulist, a storyteller with something to hide. Dive into this star-studded anthology where every alibi is a twisted tale, and the truth is buried under layers of creative deception. Can you piece together the clues from these unreliable narrators and figure out who finally silenced the cantankerous Mildew? This collection of short, intriguing mysteries offers a unique challenge, blending humor and suspense as you try to solve the ultimate literary puzzle.
373 Pages
13 Scary Stories of Fear and Power
Step into a chilling collection of thirteen terrifying tales where the classic horror rules are finally rewritten. In this groundbreaking anthology, an all-star lineup of acclaimed authors of color flips the script on the genre's most tired trope: this time, the white guy dies first.
From a hungry hedge maze and bored rich kids to friendly cannibals and vengeful spirits who refuse to stay buried, these stories deliver fresh, pulse-pounding scares. You will encounter a museum curator with a deadly disdain for historical inaccuracies, an old plantation house desperate for eternal friends, and a mysterious magician's box that holds unimaginable horrors. Blending ancient terrors with modern villains, this collection offers a thrilling mix of slashers, supernatural hauntings, and psychological dread.
Perfect for fans of dark fiction and slasher films, these interconnected nightmares provide a brilliant, subversive take on survival. Prepare to venture into dark basements, navigate impossible traps, and confront the monsters lurking in the shadows. This is a masterful horror anthology that will keep you reading late into the night if you can survive the first kill.
304 Pages
Prepare to be genuinely creeped out. Long before he was known for giant peaches and chocolate factories, the master of the unexpected had a deep fascination with the macabre. He read hundreds of supernatural tales just to find the absolute best, most disturbing ones to share with you. This curated collection brings together fourteen chilling ghost stories guaranteed to linger in your mind long after you turn off the lights. These are not your typical jump-scare monster tales. Instead, they are quietly unsettling, creeping up on you with weird atmospheres, unexplainable events, and deeply haunted characters. Whether you are reading about an eerie encounter in a dusty old house or a sudden chill on a quiet road, these masterful stories are designed to get under your skin. Dive into this dark, atmospheric anthology and discover exactly what kept a legendary storyteller awake at night.
317 Pages
Kits for Kids
Have you ever wanted to run away to somewhere truly extraordinary? Twelve-year-old Claudia Kincaid feels like life at home isn't fair, so she decides it's time for a big change. Her plan? To run away, but not just anywhere – to the magnificent Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City! She even brings her younger brother, Jamie, along because he's good with money.
Imagine living secretly inside a giant museum! Claudia and Jamie learn to hide in plain sight, sleeping in ancient beds and bathing in the museum fountain after closing hours. Their secret life is full of clever tricks and exciting close calls. But their adventure takes an unexpected turn when they discover a beautiful angel statue that might have been sculpted by the famous artist Michelangelo.
Join Claudia and Jamie as they try to uncover the statue's mysterious past. Will they find out the truth and become amazing detectives? More importantly, will Claudia find the adventure she craves and discover something wonderful about herself along the way? This captivating story is all about bravery, family, and the thrill of a grand, secret adventure.
E. Aster Bunnymund is not an ordinary rabbit. He is a brilliant Pooka, a master tunnel-digger, a martial arts expert, and exactly the kind of Guardian needed when trouble may be hiding deep underground.
Pitch, the Nightmare King, has vanished, but the Guardians know that silence does not mean safety. Their search leads toward the Earth’s core, where Bunnymund’s skills and his warrior eggs may become essential. With danger closing in and a new piece of the Guardians’ quest at stake, this is no simple hop down a bunny trail.
E. Aster Bunnymund and the Warrior Eggs at the Earth’s Core! is a fast-moving middle grade fantasy adventure full of action, invention, and mythic humor. It is ideal for readers who like heroic teams, strange worlds, and clever warriors.
146 Pages
Have you ever wanted to fly an airplane, build a towering castle, or explore the deep blue ocean? When a young boy steps into his local library, he discovers a wonderful secret. Simply by opening a book, you can pretend to be anyone and do absolutely anything you can dream up! This delightful story shows you just how powerful your imagination can be. As you turn the pages, you will follow along on exciting adventures that help you practice reading and spotting clever rhymes. Every colorful picture brings a new world to life, proving that the perfect adventure is always waiting for you right on the bookshelf. Grab your favorite spot to sit and get ready to discover all the amazing things you can do!
38 Pages
Finding a hidden sack of abandoned puppies completely turns young Stevie's summer upside down. Suddenly, you are right there with him, taking on the massive responsibility of caring for seven hungry, helpless little orphans. You will watch Stevie scramble to keep them fed, warm, and safe, learning very quickly that raising animals takes a huge amount of hard work and endless patience. As the puppies grow, so does the chaos, and you get to experience all the funny, messy, and heartwarming moments of playing with a whole litter of dogs. Stevie must figure out how to find perfect, loving homes for each unique pup before the summer ends. It is a deeply touching, realistic story about stepping up to solve a problem, showing genuine compassion, and discovering how much love a dog can bring into your life.
Take a journey through the very beginning of life and see the world through the curious eyes of a little one. This heartwarming book captures the beautiful, everyday moments that make the bond between a mother and her baby so incredible. Filled with stunning photographs and tender sentiments, you will discover the unique ways a mother provides comfort, safety, and endless love. Every page celebrates the small, precious details of motherhood and the essential role a mommy plays in helping her child grow and thrive. It is a gentle reminder of the powerful connection that begins on day one and lasts a lifetime. Explore this poignant record of early childhood and experience the absolute beauty of family love.
131 Pages
The ice is thick, the river is dangerous, and the future of an entire nation hangs in the balance. Step back in time to the freezing Christmas night of 1776, when General George Washington made a daring and unexpected decision. With his soldiers tired and ailing, Washington leads them into small wooden boats to cross the treacherous Delaware River. Their target? The Hessian army at Trenton.
This true story brings the drama and courage of the American Revolution to life. You will discover exactly how this against-all-odds victory became a massive turning point in history. Using letters written by General Washington himself to the Continental Congress, this exciting account puts you right in the middle of the action.
Explore the incredible bravery of the soldiers and the brilliant leadership of Washington during one of America's darkest hours. Packed with historical artwork, portraits, and maps, this journey into the past reads like a thrilling adventure while teaching you the unforgettable facts of our nation's founding.
One of the most powerful speeches in American history comes alive in a completely new way. In just a few short minutes, President Abraham Lincoln delivered words that would change the nation forever, honoring fallen soldiers and calling for a new birth of freedom. Now, you can experience the incredible weight and meaning of the Gettysburg Address through beautiful, historic illustrations.
This unique edition pairs Lincoln's timeless words with striking artwork, making the history of the era accessible and deeply moving. As you read the legendary speech, the accompanying images help you understand the profound emotions of a country torn apart by war and a president determined to heal it.
Whether you are reading these words for the very first time or discovering them all over again, this visual journey brings the past right into your hands. It is a brilliant way to explore a defining moment in history and reflect on the enduring importance of liberty and equality.
56 Pages
Honk the horn and zoom into a busy day of construction with a very hardworking feathered friend. Dump Truck Duck is behind the wheel, steering his big yellow truck and working together with the other ducks to build a brand new park for everyone to enjoy.
As you read the playful, bouncing rhymes, you will follow the crew as they dig, dump, and drive their way through a massive building project. The adorable illustrations bring the bustling construction site to life, showcasing the power of teamwork and the excitement of heavy machinery. From the first scoop of dirt to the final finishing touches, there is never a dull moment on this job site.
Perfect for young readers who love vehicles and animals, this engaging story is sure to become a favorite read aloud adventure. Put on your hard hat and let us get to work.
34 Pages
