Paul Fleischman

Jump in Miss Breakbone is the strictest, meanest teacher in the whole school, and she rules her classroom with an iron fist. But when she confiscates a beloved treasure from one of her students, she underestimates the brilliant misfits she calls the Dunderheads. Why it pulls you in This gang of underdogs might seem ordinary, but each kid has a highly unusual and completely secret talent. From a master of disguise to a mathematical genius, they must combine their bizarre skills to pull off an impossible heist and get their property back. Who it is for Perfect for fans of clever capers and funny school stories, this action-packed adventure proves that teamwork and a little bit of mischief can outsmart any bully.

Jump in The Dunderheads are back, and this time, the stakes are higher than ever! When their friend Spider is falsely accused of stealing jewelry and locked up behind bars, this gang of brilliant misfits refuses to leave him behind. Why it pulls you in With their highly unusual and highly secret talents, the class must hatch a daring plan to prove Spider's innocence and catch the real thief. From mathematical masterminds to disguise experts, everyone has a crucial role to play in this high-stakes rescue mission. Who it is for Packed with clever twists and laugh-out-loud moments, this mystery is perfect for readers who love tricky capers, loyal friendships, and underdogs who outsmart the adults.

No one in the world loves animals more than the farmer. Every single day, he and his three sons work hard on their farm, singing cheerful songs about the barnyard, the sea, and traveling musicians. But when a terrible drought dries up the land, the heartbroken farmer is forced to sell his beloved livestock. The family must pack up and move to a tiny cottage surrounded by nothing but a thick green hedge. Even without his animals, the farmer cannot stop thinking about the creatures he loves. He begins clipping and shaping the leafy hedge, and soon, something truly magical happens. As the farmer and his sons trim the branches, they discover that the hedge can reveal their deepest dreams and point them toward their true destinies. This beautifully painted tale shows you that even when you lose something important, you can still find a way to follow your heart and create a bright new future.

Once upon a time, a girl worked all day in the rice fields and slept among the cinders by the hearth. Her name might be Ashpet, Sootface, or Cendrillon, and she lives in Mexico, Ireland, Zimbabwe, and beyond. This beautiful story takes the classic fairy tale you know and blends it with traditions from across the globe. As you turn the pages, you will see how her timeless journey is shared by different cultures, woven together into one magical adventure. Discover a fresh, worldwide twist on a favorite legend, showing how one girl's courageous spirit shines brightly no matter where in the world she calls home.

The story of a brave child standing up to a terrifying giant is told in every corner of the globe. These young heroes might go by different names, and they might be entirely normal in size or no bigger than your thumb, but they share the exact same courage. Drawing from African, Asian, and European folklore, this magical book blends different traditions into one continuous, epic adventure. Watch as Jack, Tom Thumb, Kihuo, and Vasilisa take turns outsmarting massive villains and overcoming impossible odds. Rich with clever tricks and heroic triumphs, this worldwide tale proves that no matter how small you are or where you come from, you have the power to conquer your biggest fears.

Every afternoon, a fourth-grade class closes their eyes, puts their heads down on their desks, and embarks on the journey of a lifetime. Guided by their teacher's voice, they leave the safety of their classroom to soar alongside a small but mighty migrating bird. As they imagine flying from the warmth of Brazil back to their hometown in Wisconsin, the students experience the bird's struggles firsthand. They dodge predators, battle harsh weather, and learn what it takes to survive the long, exhausting trip. Through this shared flight of imagination, the children discover that they have a lot in common with the tiny traveler. This beautiful story weaves science and empathy together, proving that you do not need to leave your seat to learn how to fly.

When Miss Pym's class boards the Rocky Mountain Unlimited for a school field trip, they expect a normal day at a dinosaur monument. But as the mysterious train chugs along the tracks, it winds its way straight into the heart of the prehistoric past. Suddenly, the students find themselves tumbling into a lush jungle filled with living, breathing dinosaurs. While their teacher looks on in horror, the kids scramble massive dinosaur eggs for breakfast, go riding on the backs of Stegosauruses, and play a wild game of soccer with their new reptilian friends. Packed with comic adventure and wild imagination, this incredible journey brings history roaring back to life for the ultimate field trip.

Wesley has never quite fit in with the other kids at school. He doesn't like football or pizza, and he definitely doesn't want to spend his summer vacation being bored. After learning that every great civilization needs a staple food crop, he decides to grow his very own world right in his backyard! He plants a mysterious seed that sprouts into towering, magical plants he calls swist. Soon, Wesley is weaving his own clothes, building his own shelter, and inventing his own games. As his amazing backyard kingdom of Weslandia grows, his curious classmates start to wonder if being different is actually the best adventure of all.

Imagine keeping a diary without ever writing down a single word. When a little girl visits her great grandfather, she discovers a fascinating collection of old matchboxes in his home. Inside each tiny box is a special object: an olive pit, a rusty bottle cap, an old ticket. Together, they open the boxes, and her great grandfather begins to share the story of his life. You will listen as he describes his long journey across the ocean from Italy to a brand new country. Because he could not read or write when he was young, he saved these small treasures to remember the most important moments, like the hunger of the boat ride and the absolute thrill of his very first baseball game. Told entirely through their gentle conversation, this touching story reveals the struggles and triumphs of starting over in a new place. It is a beautiful reminder that the smallest objects can hold the biggest memories, and that everyone has a unique family history waiting to be discovered.

Long ago, before the world as we know it existed, there was only darkness. Then came fire, ice, and even a single drop of milk. Travel across the globe and discover the fascinating ways different cultures explain how our world began. By combining elements from various traditions, this incredible journey weaves together one complete picture of the dawn of time. Explore the unique stories that connect us all and see the beautiful similarities shared by people everywhere. This breathtaking celebration of life shows how many different voices can come together to tell a single, universal story of creation. Perfect for curious minds wanting to understand the history of our earth, this tale highlights the magic of our shared beginnings.

Step right up to the greatest show on earth, right across the street! While waiting at the bus stop, a young girl discovers that ordinary city life is actually a spectacular circus. If you look closely, you can see tightrope walkers, strongmen, and sword swallowers hiding in plain sight. A clothesline becomes a daring high wire, and a construction worker becomes a mighty strongman. In this incredible wordless adventure, the Garibaldi Circus comes alive through the magic of a child's imagination. You will never look at your own neighborhood the same way again. Are you ready to sharpen your vision and join the fun?