Ivy Takes Charge

Max and Ruby prepare for Grandma’s birthday as they bake a cake and look for the perfect present in these companion books. The distinct personality of each bunny sibling comes through loud and clear in these humorous stories that introduce important concepts.

When Ruby sends out invitations to a party, Max sends out his own which are delivered to Grandma. Children are encouraged to participate by lifting the flaps in this sturdy, colorful book. They’ll try to figure out the meaning of Max’s messages and may even be inspired to write their own letters in this latest Max and Ruby jaunt.

Bunny siblings, Max and Ruby, want to get their grandmother the perfect present. Ruby’s full wallet slowly empties as their shopping expeditions require a trip to the Laundromat, a snack and more! Young readers can copy endpapers with funny bunny money to “spend” and count along with the indomitable Max and Ruby.

A small bear knows it can do almost anything — from cartwheels to swimming — “when you say/you believe in me.” Wells’ signature illustrations and a warm, easy rhyming narrative present an affirming book on the relationship between a child and their adult.

The voices of Abraham Lincoln’s sons, Willie and Tad, are used effectively to reveal their father as both a man and as a leader during very difficult times.

A baby Max thoroughly enjoys his daily routine. He loves everyone and each activity — from waking up in his crib to driving in a car but he especially loves the one who makes his jelly toast! Repetition in a catchy cadence combines with Wells’ signature illustrations in a sturdy, uncluttered format to share with the youngest.

Children and their parents are always connected by love — even when they are apart — shown in this gentle book by sparkly “love waves” sent from parent to child to parent.

When Max invades his sister’s private space, Ruby tells him the story of what happened long ago to another too-curious character named Pandora. Wells’ retelling and humorous illustrations make the ancient Greek myth a timely tale for contemporary readers.

Max, Ruby, and friends are back for a series of short everyday adventures. They cook and open a restaurant, learn to swim and save a special buddy, and more. Humorous, textured illustrations in a large format are just right for bedtime (or anytime) sharing.

Rain spoils Max and Ruby (and friends) outdoor plans but their clever grandmother’s treasure hunt more than makes up for it. Clues in the form of traditional rhymes are numbered, hidden beneath small but sturdy flaps as well as in the spot art are sure to make this a modern classic.

Max is a determined three-year-old bunny, while his big sister, Ruby, is a smart, goal-oriented seven-year-old. Although the two siblings squabble as siblings often will, they usually manage to come to an agreement by the end of each of these satisfying stories.

Ruby and her friend sell lemonade in order to buy matching rings. When Max’s help is rebuffed, he sells leftover Halloween candy to Grandma in time to buy the last ring. Good-natured competition and lots of humor make this another Max and Ruby winner.

No matter how hard Ruby tries to get her baby brother to say the names of the objects around him, Max will only say “Bang!” One day, however, Ruby gets a big surprise from Max’s first real word. Understated humor and bright, bold illustrations appeal to children and their adults.

Introduce young readers to a kindergarten filled with activities and great fun, from making a museum of treasured objects to celebrating holidays. Current kindergarteners will draw connections to their own experience in school, and younger children will look forward to their turn.

The Great Depression changed everything for 11-year-old Oscar and his widowed dad. Oscar’s prized model trains are sold, his dad leaves Illinois to find work in California, and Oscar begins an adventure through time and places after he jumps onto a model train.

Stella loves her silver starliner — a mobile home — until she’s teased about living in a trailer. When other kids think her home is gorgeous, Stella comes to appreciate what they see and feels pride, actually like a “squillionaire!” Signature illustrations effectively convey Stella’s rollercoaster emotions and the ultimate comfort of friends, family and home.

Exasperated Mama and Daddy put Sophie in time-out when she dumps her dinner and tosses the clean laundry. But when Granny puts herself in time-out during their book-sharing, Sophie straightens up. Text and illustration capture a young child’s tenacious behavior and her adults’ reactions, sure to be recognized by all.

In this first book about Yoko, she and her classmates learn to appreciate her Japanese heritage as well as their own backgrounds. This and other Yoko books introduce young readers to familiar issues in colorful illustration and relatable language.

Yoko disobeys her mother by taking her special Japanese doll to school and is heartsick when it is broken. Her mother reassures Yoko that she loves her in spite of her mistake and takes Miki to a doll hospital for repair. Textured, evocative illustrations effectively convey feelings and Yoko’s Japanese heritage.