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Spunky speaks only Dog but understands Human and has a special affinity for Huey (first introduced in the Stories Julian Tells (opens in a new window)). Spunky’s narration provides insight into Dog customs and human behavior as well has his frustration when they bring a snobby cat into the family as a friend for Spunky! Readers will laugh at Spunky’s observations in this fast-paced family story.

William Hoy wasn’t born deaf but lost it as a boy growing up in rural Ohio. In spite of his hearing loss, Hoy went on to become a remarkable major league baseball player at the end of the 19th century. His little known story is sure to inspire contemporary readers who will meet him in this handsome, detailed picture book biography.

The word “mom” has it; so does a butterfly. Once you know what it is, you see it everywhere! A clear introduction to the topic is presented in accessible language and crisp, well-labeled illustrations in a colorful format. Suggestions for activities, a lucid explanation of its importance in math, and a glossary conclude this attractive volume.

Pinch is too lazy to make his own soup so visits his friend, Dash who is making some. With ingredients from both kitchens, however, the friends make a tasty soup which turns into an inedible disaster. Short chapters and engaging illustrations create an accessible, engaging book for newly independent readers.

Poems combine with information and evocative illustrations to create a sense of wonder about space and space-related topics. Beginning with a countdown (“T-minus:/10/9/8…./Spaceship soaring!”) and concluding with a child wondering about “My Place” in the universe, this intriguing collection is sure to delight readers.

Hal is lonely and knows that a dog would become his companion and best friend. His adventure begins when his wealthy parents return a rented pup leaving Hal with only one option: running away. The adventure involves a poor but worthy friend, valiant dogs, and a series of improbably but engaging events that culminate happily.

Mason winds up joining the basketball team under relentless encouragement from his best friend, Brody, even though Mason knows he’s a klutz. The disasters mount especially when the class bully joins an opposing team. Children will appreciate the situations Mason finds himself in and enjoy the gratifying resolutions.

Can the Lunch Lady protect the Breakfast Bunch of Thompson Creek School from evil mutants posing as “mathletes” in a school math competition? Readers will find out in the latest installment of kids and their offbeat superhero done in signature black/white illustration in graphic format.

People all around have homes in which to live, but not all of them look alike. Dwellings old and new, in the U.S. and around the world, small and large, are presented in highly detailed, colorful collages and brief but informative text. A final map places the locations on a simple world map.

Outdoor adventures await adults and children throughout the year. Illustrated, easy to follow instructions and a can-do approach are sure to inspire readers of all ages to learn as they choose from a range of games and activities with background information included.

Many different types of frogs, frog lifecycles, etc. are presented through brief but illuminating information and highly realistic watercolors. A concluding note about the impact of humans on frogs, insight into the author’s interest and additional resources conclude this handsome and engrossing look at this animal.

Freddie Ramos’ super running and jumping powers and his confidence disappear after the loss of his zapatos. When his special-soled shoes are found, Freddie is able to successfully confront a bully as well as his own swimming fears. Easy but lively language and line drawings present an engaging story for new readers.

Daisy loves to collect words and decides that the perfect word is just the right gift to give to her teacher as a wedding present. Daisy’s daily activities, her friendships, and even dealing with a bully are sure to resonate with newly independent readers.

The author introduces himself as the author, the book’s illustrator, and the main character, Chloe, as the book opens. The conflict between author and illustrator has a significant impact on Chloe’s book adventure in this funny, sophisticated presentation. As the author and illustrator pop in and out, style of illustration and text is varied for maximum effect.

How Captain American becomes one of the Avengers — superheroes that included Thor and the Hulk — is told in this new picture book format sure to please young Marvel Comic book fans and superhero aficionados. Bright illustrations move the text along to its exciting conclusion — and likely the next book.

When Vinson’s grandfather visits from China, the boy has conflicting feelings about his grandfather’s old ways. A visit to Chinatown to experience the lion dancers celebrate the Chinese New Year bring Ming Da (Vinson) and his grandfather closer. Watercolor and ink illustrations add power to the warm, plausible story.

Sophisticated readers will appreciate the themes of the poems presented in this large, attractively illustrated collection of poems. In varied forms, each poem celebrates books and reading and the pleasure it brings even to “The End/…an invitation back/to the beginning.”

Best friends don’t have to be alike, just look at tall Gollie and short Bink! They share a day at the state fair playing Whack-a-Duck, a talent show, and a visit to Madame Prunely. The line drawings capture the humor, the fun of a fair and the solid friendship of this appealing duo first introduced in Bink & Golly (opens in a new window).

Like the well-known Little Red Hen, all of the animals Monkey asks for help to get pie-making ingredients home are too busy. The cleverly told tale uses pairs of homonyms & homophones. These are differentiated by bold print and clarified in textured illustrations for a satisfying story that can be enjoyed on several levels.

When the doorbell rings three times, Willie knows that Uncle Bill has arrived to watch Willie while mom is away. In three short vignettes, Willie and his uncle make memories over a haircut, cooking and music. Jaunty illustrations portray lively and engaging characters and the warmth shared among them.

How Suryia, a highly photogenic orangutan, learns to swim with other animals in the South Carolina wildlife preserve is presented as a photograph album. Though most orangutans dislike water, Suryia enjoys swimming with the tigers and his best friend Roscoe (introduced in Suryia & Roscoe (opens in a new window)). Color photographs and simple text are sure to engage a range of readers.

Lily has always wanted a dog and so was thrilled to find something wonderful, big and brown with a wet nose, in her garden. The unusual dog’s owner collects it soon enough but not before Lily and her pet share routine but fun, doggy adventures. The understated humor is presented in comic illustrations and restrained text which lead to a very satisfying conclusion.

A child and her family plan and plant a garden and observe it as it grows. Her narration includes information about the process while conversations between two hens add humor and information. The appealing, light-lined, cartoon-like illustrations vary format while adding information and wit.

Scooter, a pudgy golden hound, explores the outside — all by himself — after Lucy (his friend and owner) leaves for school. His adventure is exciting and exhausting until Scooter and Lucy are reunited at her school. Cartoon illustrations and humorous dog-speak present a rollicking tale.