2007 Buying Guide

Look! What is the large black spot on the red background? As the perspective moves farther away, it becomes clear that it is the spot on a ladybug. Several progressions start up close and move away to reveal the "hidden" subjects. A simple text accompanies each page. An endnote provides additional information about each.

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From "10 horns beeping" to "2 bikes growling" a baby sleeps on. But when "… 1 bird begins to twitter," a smiling baby awakens! City sounds and sights abound in stylized illustrations and satisfying, rhythmic language of this cumulative rhyme.

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Everyone knows that rascally egg, Humpty Dumpty, but few have met the rest of his family which includes his younger sister, Dimity. Painfully shy, Dimity comes out of her shyness (her shell, so to speak!) to help her rambunctious brother. Humor abounds in both text and illustration on this take-off of the traditional rhyme.

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Fancy Nancy (still decked out in her amazingly fancy outfits) and her family decide to get a dog. Of course, Nancy wants a posh papillon, a small and delicate canine. However, they find the perfect pup at the pound � to everyone's delight. Fans of Fancy Nancy (2005) will delight in her newest and quite fancy adventure.

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When Hedgehog finds Mouse covered in leaves he learns that Mouse is now afraid of their friend Snake. When Snake saves Mouse, the rumor is unwound and Mouse realizes that Snake has always been his friend. Textured illustrations and relaxed text engagingly reveal a gentle message.

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A young child's world is presented in a variety of poems, each illustrated with verve and humor. The large pages support the well-organized collection sure to be appreciated by young children and the adults who share the poems with them.

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The classic tale of the Grinch is now 50 years old. But that's just why it's a classic: Seuss' grumpy stealer of Christmas is as fresh today as it was when first published in the mid 20th century.

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A giant squid of bright blue likes to think of himself as the "biggest thing in the ocean" – until he is forced to realize that he’s not! Cartoon-like illustrations and understated text allow the humor of the underwater tale to shine.

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Original paintings re-energize this sea-going classic to celebrate the year of its creator's 100th birthday. The story of the small tugboat that saves the large ocean liner when other larger tugs cannot remains as satisfying as when it was first published in 1939.

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Join a Latino celebration of Christmas from A to Z, enjoying the sights and symbols of the holiday. Spanish words and additional explanations conclude this energetic book with animated illustrations.

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Caroline doesn't see much of the name of their new street, Meadowview, as she and her family move to their new suburban neighborhood. When she saves a single flower from the lawn mower, she starts to change not only her backyard but ultimately the entire neighborhood. Soft illustrations and understated text convey story and an important concept.

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Every month of the year is cause for celebration – from sledding to holidays. Each poem and accompanying illustration (reminiscent of Ezra Jack Keats) for each month of the year reflects a child's joy and interests.

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Poetic text and handsome illustrations create gentle reminders for children of what parents find special about them. From a nose to a hand, "ordinary" is celebrated in gentle language and soft illustration.

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A father and daughter go out “owling” on a cold, snow-filled evening with only moonlight to guide them. An introduction by the author to this edition opens the now-classic, luminously illustrated story in which hope "…flies on silent wings under a shining Owl Moon."

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A familiar cadence builds the story of the apple pie that Papa baked for his daughter and sharing it with her, accompanied by their farm animals. The illustrations for this satisfying saga have an informal, old-fashioned appearance which builds with the rhyme.

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