Six Dots A Story of Young Louis Braille

From the Publisher

An inspiring picture-book biography of Louis Braille--a blind boy so determined to read that he invented his own alphabet.

Louis Braille was just five years old when he lost his sight. He was a clever boy, determined to live like everyone else, and what he wanted more than anything was to be able to read.

Even at the school for the blind in Paris, there were no books for him.

And so he invented his own alphabet--a whole new system for writing that could be read by touch. A system so ingenious that it is still used by the blind community today.

Award-winning writer Jen Bryant tells Braille's inspiring story with a lively and accessible text, filled with the sounds, the smells, and the touch of Louis's world. Boris Kulikov's inspired paintings help readers to understand what Louis lost, and what he was determined to gain back through books.

An author's note and additional resources at the end of the book complement the simple story and offer more information for parents and teachers.

Praise for Six Dots:
"An inspiring look at a child inventor whose drive and intelligence changed to world--for the blind and sighted alike."--Kirkus Reviews

"Even in a crowded field, Bryant's tightly focused work, cast in the fictionalized voice of Braille himself, is particularly distinguished."--Bulletin, starred review

"This picture book biography strikes a perfect balance between the seriousness of Braille's life and the exuberance he projected out into the world." -- School Library Journal, starred review

Penguin Problems

From the Publisher

A penguin levels with human readers about what penguin life is really like--and it isn't all fun and games. A hilarious first collaboration from Jory John (All my friends are dead. and Quit Calling Me a Monster!) and Lane Smith (The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales).

Have you ever considered running away to Antarctica? Of course you have! Because it's a land free of worries and responsibilities! All of your problems will surely be blown away by the icy winds of that lawless paradise! . . . Won't they?

Think again, my friend. This penguin has come to tell you that his life down there is no more a picnic than yours is here. For starters, it is FREEZING. Also, penguins have a ton of natural predators. Plus, can you imagine trying to find your mom in a big ol' crowd of identical penguins? No, thank you.

Yes, it seems there is no escaping the drudgery of your daily grind, whatever it might be. Or perhaps we've just learned that grumps are everywhere. . . .

Jory John and Lane Smith let us decide. This book is sure to tickle kids' funny bones and will elicit appreciative sighs from the adults reading it aloud.

Hamster Princess Ratpunzel

Rapunzel gets a rodent twist in book three of the critically acclaimed and uproariously funny series that's perfect for fans of Princess in Black and Babymouse

Princess Harriet Hamsterbone does not like sitting around at home. How's a princess supposed to have any fun when her parents are constantly reminding her to be careful and act princessly? So when her pal Prince Wilbur needs help finding a stolen hydra egg, Harriet happily takes up the quest. The thief's trail leads them to a wicked witch and a tall tower, occupied by a rat whose tail has more to it than meets the eye!

The third book in the award-winning comic hybrid Hamster Princess series will make you look at rodents, royalty, and fairy tales in a whole new light.

Babymouse Goes For the Gold

Babymouse has big dreams . . . and wet whiskers. She has joined the swim team and is ready to dive in. Next stop, the Olympics! But competitive sports aren't really her strong suit. Will hard work and determination earn her a gold medal?

Tulip and Rex Write a Story

Publisher Description
In Tulip and Rex Write a Story, the dance-loving duo from Tulip Loves Rex finds a new passion--collecting words and using them to tell a story. The writing theme makes this book a must for classroom libraries, parents looking for reading and writing activities to do at home, or anyone who loved Tad Hill's Rocket Writes a Story or Kate Banks and Boris Kulikov's Max's Words.
Alyssa Satin Capucilli, beloved author of the bestselling Biscuit books, has written a sweet story perfect for preschool and early elementary school readers. Sarah Massini's illustrations burst with texture, energy, and tenderness.

Tulip and Rex's "word walk" and their subsequent imaginative play convey the subtle message that you don't have to be able to read or write yet to love words and storytelling, and you don't have to be behind a school desk to write a story--all you need is the world around you and a big imagination.

Dear Hank Williams

 In Rippling Creek, Louisiana, in 1948, 11-year-old Tate Ellerbee is given the assignment of writing to a pen pal, and she knows exactly who she will choose—rising country star Hank Williams. She, along with her great-aunt and great-uncle, faithfully listen to Hank Williams each Saturday evening, reveling in the way his heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice fill the room. Tate faithfully pens letters to Hank, recounting her family life, the difficulties and tragedies which come her way, and her hopes and dreams for the future. “Artfully told, this middle grade novel pleases on many levels” (SLJ).

The World In A Second

What if you could see what is happening all over the world right now, in this one second? What are they doing on the other side of the world from you? What are the animals doing in places that have never seen human beings? Author Martins imagines scenes from all over the world, including New York, Mexico, Angola, Greece, Hungary, and South Africa—an elevator gets stuck, a driver honks impatiently, a volcano erupts, an old woman goes to sleep, boys watch as a soccer ball careens towards a glass window … A lot can happen in the world in one second! “The book's extra-large trim is the perfect format for this mesmerizing vision of a thrillingly expansive world” (KIRK).

Wandering Whale Sharks

 This fascinating and informative book reveals that the immense and magnificent creatures known as whale sharks (the world's largest fish) are actually gentle giants rather than ferocious predators. Beautiful to behold, the whale sharks in this book drift through the ocean's depths peacefully and slowly (their speed is only 2.5 miles per hour) as they snack on tiny plankton and shellfish, offering shelter for smaller fish along the way. Back matter offers additional facts about these colossal creatures, while the double-page spreads help young readers get a feel for the shark whale's impressive size and fascinating physical characteristics. “A poetic and visually stunning introduction to one of the ocean's largest and gentlest creatures” (SLJ).

The Book Itch Freedom, Truth & Harlem's Greatest Bookstore

When Lewis's dad Lewis Michaux Sr. opened a bookstore in 1930s Harlem, he created more than just a space to read and purchase books. He provided his African American community with a place to gather, share ideas, and learn from one another. With visits from famous people like Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X, the bookstore became a prominent fixture in the civil rights movement. Bold text that cries out “Knowledge is power” and rich paintings depicting a strong neighborhood during a troubled time in American history bring this true story to life for young readers. “From the author's heart to America's readers: a tribute to a man who believed in and lived black pride” (KIRK).

The Wild Robot

Can a robot survive in the wilderness?

When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is--but she knows she needs to survive. After battling a fierce storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, she realizes that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island's unwelcoming animal inhabitants.

As Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home--until, one day, the robot's mysterious past comes back to haunt her.

From bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Peter Brown comes a heartwarming and action-packed novel about what happens when nature and technology collide.

I Really Like Slop!

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not.
Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can.
Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to.

Gerald and Piggie are best friends.

In I Really Like Slop!, Piggie invites Gerald to try her favorite food . . . slop. But Gerald is not so sure he's going to like it. At all.

Before I Leave

How do you say goodbye to your best friend?

When a little hedgehog's family tells her they're moving far away, she and her anteater best friend decide to play one last time, like nothing is changing. And though it's hard, they discover that while some things have to change, the most important things find a way of working out.