A silly goose learns that carrying a book under her wing doesn't necessarily maker her knowledgeable. Audio version narrated by Diana Canova. See also STORIES FROM THE FARM DVD.
Petra Kronos has a simple, happy life. But it's never been ordinary. She has a pet tin spider named Astrophil who likes to hide in her snarled hair and give her advice. Her best friend can trap lightning inside a glass sphere. Petra also has a father in faraway Prague who is able to move metal with his mind. He has been commissioned by the prince of Bohemia to build the world's finest astronomical clock. Petra's life is forever changed when, one day, her father returns home - blind. The prince has stolen his eyes, enchanted them, and now wears them. But why? Petra doesn't know, but she knows this: she will go to Prague, sneak into Salamander Castle, and steal her father's eyes back. Joining forces with Neel, whose fingers extend into invisible ghosts that pick locks and pockets, Petra finds that many people in the castle are not what they seem, and that her father's clock has powers capable of destroying their world. Marie Rutkoski's startling debut novel, about the risks we take to protect those we love, brims with magic, political intrigue, and heroism. The Cabinet of Wonders is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
It's snowing, said boy with dog. It's only a snowflake," said grandfather with beard. No one thinks one or two snowflakes will amount to anything. Not the man with the hat or the lady with the umbrella. Not even the television or the radio forecasters. But one boy and his dog have faith that the snow will amount to something spectacular, and when flakes start to swirl down on the city, they are also the only ones who know how to truly enjoy it. This playful depiction of a snowy day and the transformation of a city is perfectly captured in simple, poetic text and lively watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations. Snow is a 1998 New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year and a 1999 Caldecott Honor Book.
Spinky is convinced that his family hates him and goes off to sulk in his hammock. His brother and sister try to make amends. His mom even brings him a beautiful tray of food. But nothing can get Spinky to stop sulking not even a circus passing by on his street! Will Spinky ever cheer up? Spinky Sulks is another delightful tale from the incomparable William Steig that will leave readers of all ages smiling.
Spinky Sulks is a 1988 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year.
It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.
The odds are against him. He's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined - every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute . . . and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.
The aliens have made contact! But because they consider Earth a small, backwater planet they send only one ambassador. The ambassador brings along his son, Pleskit, and (for political reasons) insists the boy should attend a regular school. Science fiction loving Tim Tompkins is desperate to befriend the alien . . . and Pleskit is going to need a friend, because someone is trying to sabotage the mission! This very funny book is made even more hilarious by a brilliantly creative performance from the late, great William Dufris (the original American voice of Bob-the-Builder). As AudioFile magazine said regarding the many voices, "William Dufris does a masterful job of creating them all . . . enjoy the extravaganza!" And (not to give away too much) - this may be the only book you'll listen to this year that features someone saving the world by projectile vomiting. Just saying . . .
Told in lively folk verse, several soldiers each bring a different part for a remarkable machine called a cannon - but only one of them gets to fire it off!
Set in New England, this traditional tune sung by Molly Scott tells how Mr. Fox raids the farm to feed his family, and of the exciting chase that ensues. The illustrations are projected with breathtaking detail of line and diversity of color.
