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Embark on a global adventure and discover amazing wonders in this book in the nonfiction Level 2 Ready-to-Read Kids Around the World series with relatable and fun facts, playful illustrations, and interactive backmatter.

Explore the ancient pyramids of Egypt, dive deep into the Great Barrier Reef, climb the tallest of towers, and more. Set out on a journey to see remarkable landmarks across the globe!

An Indie Next Pick

With lush paintings and intricately constructed 3-D artwork, bestselling and Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Brian Lies introduces a sleepy kitten whose afternoon nap transforms into an epic journey through art, time, and history. Perfect for fans of They All Saw a Cat, Museum Trip, and Jumanji. Includes back matter.

In the warm, late afternoon sunlight, a girl sits on the couch reading a book. Her kitten dozes nearby. But when Kitten notices a mouse and dives after it through a framed poster on the wall, an epic chase through time, art, and history ensues. Is it a dream That's up to the reader to decide, but for the kitten, every leap and bound is full of suspense and makes for a masterpiece.

Caldecott Honor-winning and New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Brian Lies creates a truly unique picture book journey that invites young readers through the galleries of an art museum as well as through time, space, and history. As the cat and mouse leap from one page to the next, they are portrayed in the style of masterful artworks from history--an ancient Egyptian relief, an illuminated manuscript, a stained-glass window, a ceramic dog--each painstakingly and lovingly re-created in its original media by Brian Lies. When the sly mouse gets away, Kitten finds himself lost and alone. Will art help him find his way home

This visual showstopper by an award-winning and bestselling picture book creator offers readers a page-turning cat and mouse chase, an introduction to famous works of art throughout history, an epic adventure story, and a homecoming. Back matter includes information about how each of the illustrations in the book was created, notes on the original artworks featured in the book, and an afterword inviting young readers to make, create, and build things.

A NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Fluffalo has had enuffalo when his quiet prairie life is turned upside down by the arrival of his new sibling, Puffalo, in this sweet and funny follow-up to the #1 New York Times bestselling Buffalo Fluffalo!

Every day, Buffalo Fluffalo goes about his usual routine. He munches all the grass he can eat, frolics and rollicks with his friends, and at noontime, lies down for a nap in the shade. But one morning, Fluffalo wakes up to a loud wailing cry and, to his surprise, finds a little buffalo named Puffalo with the tiniest, shiniest eyes!

At first, Fluffalo does not like Puffalo. “What does it need?” he huffs in alarm. But Crow wisely explains that Puffalo doesn't need much—just time to learn and grow. Slowly, Fluffalo watches as Puffalo learns to trip, slip, gallop, and trot. He teaches Puffalo to eat plants and to keep away from red ants. Together, the two take long strolls and snuggle for naps. And even though Puffalo sometimes slows him down, Fluffalo realizes that life is much better with Puffalo by his side.

From national bestseller and Emmy-nominated comedy writer Bess Kalb comes this hilarious tale featuring the surly Buffalo Fluffalo and introducing his new sibling, Puffalo. Illustrated by the talented Erin Kraan, readers will delight in the loving message about the joy of discovering that the yelly, smelly, squiggly, and short new sibling might be a tiny bit cute.

New Yorker cartoonist Matthew Diffee makes his children's book debut with this laugh-out-loud twist on the classic animal sound book.

The cow says "moo." The horse says "neigh." Everyone can agree on these. 

But when the sheep says "baa," the goat cuts in. The goat also says "baa." Now what? No one wants to share their sound!

The sheep has an idea--he'll just say something no one's ever said before: "zip zap wickety wack bing bang walla balla flip flap yackety yack." But an otherworldly visitor shows up to lay claim to this sound, too--and the alien doesn't want to share his identity either.

When the alien proposes a radical new way forward, the sheep and the goat find a compromise--and it may sound familiar to adult readers . . . 

New Yorker cartoonist Matthew Diffee's hilarious wit will be an immediate hit with young readers in his first picture book. Sure to inspire boisterous read-alouds and threaded with a sneaky message about sharing, Zip Zap Wickety Wack will inspire new nonsense and new values in homes, classrooms, and farmyards around the world.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Life isn't always easy—even for a T. rex! In this sweet, funny picture book, a T. rex who is self-conscious about her big teeth and small arms learns she is perfect exactly as she is! Perfect for dinosaur lovers—with a bonus message about self-acceptance!

Rexy is nervous about starting school. Her head is BIG. Her arms are small. And her teeth are the size of bananas! Rexy wants to fit in with the other dinosaurs, but after catching a kickball in her mouth (and popping the ball!) at recess, she's MORTIFIED and ready to give up. Then a volcano erupts, sending rocks flying onto the kickball field. When another dino needs help, can Rexi's powerful jaws save the day? You bet your tyrannosaur they can!

Featuring a comical cast of animal characters—including a wise-beyond-his-size dragonfly sidekick for readers to find hidden on every page—this picture book about self-acceptance, friendship, and helping others is perfect for young dinophiles!

Everyone has a rough day now and then and wishes they could do something or be someone else. Not even beloved characters like Santa Claus, ghosts, and leprechauns are immune! The It's Not Easy... picture book series explores the witty ways these iconic characters search for happiness, only to find it within themselves.

Also available:
It's Not Easy Being Santa Claus
It's Not Easy Being a Ghost
It's Not Easy Being a Leprechaun

"I loved reading this story inspired by the real Tic-Tac-Toe Chicken of Chinatown! Kids will be encouraged to seek clever solutions for the problems they see being ignored." 
--Grace Lin, award-winning author of A Big Mooncake for Little Star and Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

"An imaginative retelling of a true story, Tic-Tac-Toe Chicken is something to squawk about!"
--Elana K. Arnold, author of the National Book Award finalist What Girls Are Made Of and the A Boy Called Bat series

New York City is not a great place for a chicken to live. It's crowded and loud and busy. But you can find the city's most famous chicken, Lillie, a.k.a. the Tic-Tac-Toe Chicken, in Chinatown.

When tourists ask, "Where's the Tic-Tac-Toe Chicken?" locals point them to a video-game arcade on Mott Street, where Lillie plays games of tic-tac-toe against anyone who wants to play against her.

But eight-year-old Beatrice worries that the dark arcade is just not a good place for Lillie to live. She devises a clever plan: She will challenge the arcade's Big Boss in a game of tic-tac-toe. Will Beatrice win Lillie's freedom?

Tic-Tac-Toe Chicken is a picture book inspired by the true story of Lillie, a real chicken trained to play tic-tac-toe in New York's Chinatown Fair arcade, and her relocation to a farm for rescued animals. Featuring vibrant paintings of Chinatown by the award-winning illustrator Louie Chin (Bodega Cat, Fighting to Belong! Vols. I and II), Tic-Tac-Toe Chicken showcases a local cultural touchstone and shows how children can stand up for what they believe in and solve tough problems with ingenuity and heart.

Fancy Nancy makes a new friend and discovers the true meaning of friendship in this dazzling picture book from the New York Times bestselling duo Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser!

For Nancy, a long weekend means fun, fun, and more fun with her best friend, Bree. But, alas! Bree will be away visiting her grandmother, leaving Nancy forlorn--that's a fancy way of saying sad and lonely.

Then, at the park, Nancy meets Lily, who is older, fearless, and -- ooh la la! -- from Paris! Nancy can hardly believe such a glamorous girl wants to be friends. They spend the weekend together, and everything seems parfait (French for perfect)....at least until Bree returns. What will Nancy do! Will she have room in her heart for two true friends

Ooh la la! Fancy Nancy stars in her own fabulous TV show on Disney Junior. READ THE BOOKS THAT STARTED IT ALL!

• Fancy Nancy
• Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy
• Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly
• Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas
• Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique
• Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet
• Fancy Nancy: Fanciest Doll in the Universe
• Fancy Nancy and the Wedding of the Century
• Fancy Nancy 10th Anniversary Edition
• Fancy Nancy: Saturday Night Sleepover
• Fancy Nancy: Oodles of Kittens

Four ducks are tired of their small pond and set out for an adventure in the big lake. Walking at the back, Eric isn't sure. He’s heard there’s a monster in the lake, but his friends don’t believe a word of that old story! Eric reluctantly tags along, only to make a startling discovery and find himself in a wonderful underwater adventure.

This large-format picture book features a detailed, fold-out, underwater world of mechanical marvels and sea creatures. The story of a nervous duck who finds courage and the overconfidence of groups will resonate with anyone who’s nervously dipped a toe in unknown waters.

Cars, trucks, Yaya, and Boo! Play hide-and-seek with two lovable dogs and twelve exciting vehicles in Andrew Knapp’s latest board book.

Is that Yaya taking a ride on a fire truck, or Boo hiding in a boat? Can you spot the dogs taking a bus ride to school, or checking out a construction site? Learn new words by finding twelve exciting vehicles and fun objects in each scene as you play hide-and-seek with Yaya and Boo all over town! 

The next installment of the beloved Find Momo series features Andrew Knapp’s signature colorful and inviting photography while highlighting things that go, such as cars, trucks, airplanes, bikes, and more!

A counting adventure you WON'T want to miss, from bestselling and award-winning author Mo Willems.



The Pigeon won't count to ten, and here's why: 

 

Reasonably reasonable reason #1: He doesn't want to!

Practically perfect reason #2: He already did a bunch of counting yesterday!

And perfectly obvious reason #3: He has THINGS to do! Also, counting is for the birds!

Do YOU think The Pigeon will count to ten? (Don't count on it!)



From #1 New York Times bestselling author Mo Willems comes this funny and engaging numbers and counting early-learning concept board book with touch and trace numbers and art throughout. The Pigeon Won't Count to 10! is the first in a collection of original Pigeon board books and is a perfect addition for babies and toddlers to The Pigeon series.

Discover the incredible journey of leaves each season and their essential role in nature! As winter fades into spring, the big job of leaves begins—unfurling from buds and stretching out to soak up the sun. From delicate maple leaves to the large fronds of ferns and everything in between, learn what leaves can do in this pitch-perfect picture book for young readers. With clear, informative text and bright, charming illustrations, along with amusing interjections from the leaves themselves, this is an exciting addition to the LITTLE SEASONS picture book series exploring natural life cycles!

Told through poetic letters, this inventive collaboration from Newbery Honor winner Joyce Sidman and two-time Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet reveals the everyday conversations between "big" and "little" objects in our ecosystem. Delightful!

Dear Sky,

Hello! It's me, Bubble!

I'm here!

Someone's breathed me

awake!

What is it like to be little What is it like to be big

Award-winning poet Joyce Sidman explores both in this lyrical picture book. Whether it's a small bubble writing to the enormous sky, or a mighty oak reassuring its tiny acorn, these surprising and delightful poems examine how we're all connected--in both big and small ways. Brilliantly illustrated by Caldecott artist Melissa Sweet, Dear Acorn (Love, Oak) will have readers dreaming up messages of their own to this big, beautiful world.

Two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall's follow-up to her bestselling If I Was a Horse explores the challenges of first friendships through imaginative play. 



If we were dogs, what kind would we be?

I'd be a big dog! And you'd be little dog.

Woof!



Join two friends as they bark and growl, woof and howl - and maybe even quack - in a romp that makes room for everybody's ideas. 



Sophie Blackall unleashes a marvelous game of pretend that explores navigating friendship and celebrates boundless imagination.

New York Times bestselling character Grumpy Monkey learns the importance of sharing with others in this original board book story that tackles a common toddler issue.

It’s time for lunch, and Jim Panzee has just picked the very last banana on the tree. But then he drops it. When he climbs down to find it, Warthog has already picked up the banana and thinks it belongs to him. “It’s mine!” they both insist. As the two argue, the other animals arrive and soon, no one can agree who the banana belongs to. Until Norman suggests, “What if you share the banana?”

Talented author-illustrator team Suzanne Lang and Max Lang convey the struggle of learning how to share in this funny board book for toddlers and babies that encourages kindness and generosity.

The Alden children were searching for a home–and found a life of adventure! Embark on an exciting journey with the Boxcar Children in this Step 2 leveled reader as they investigate the mystery of the mummy's curse! Perfect for early readers learning to read simple sentences.

The Aldens are helping a local museum set up an exhibit about ancient Egypt! But when someone has an accident and artifacts begin to dissappear, they can't help but wonder--could the museum's mysterious mummy be cursed? Adapted from Gertrude Chandler Warner's Mystery of the Mummy's Curse chapter book, this early reader allows children to start reading with a Boxcar Children classic.

Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Braiding Sweetgrass comes a beautiful and lushly illustrated tale celebrating gratitude, reciprocity, and finding our place in the natural world, ideal for sharing with the youngest readers.

When young Bud sees people bustling around, intent on their chores and their screens, she is certain they must be doing important things--and she wants to be included. But wise Nokomis, her grandmother, shows her that there is a different way to find belonging, one that relies on stillness and observing the natural world. As Bud discovers the freely given gifts of the Earth, she wonders if she has something important to give back: What is her gift?

Infused with warmth, humor, and insight, and beautifully illustrated by Naoko Stoop, the first picture book by renowned author and Indigenous ecologist Robin Wall Kimmerer inspires readers to treasure nature's generosity and the gifts each one of us can share with the Earth.

"A captivating choice for the many fans of Rosen and Oxenbury's classic We're Going on a Bear Hunt." --Booklist (starred review)

The incomparable creative team behind We're Going on a Bear Hunt reunite for a read-aloud comedy of misunderstandings that has all the hallmarks of a classic.

I went to the shop to get me a carrot.
Oh dear! They gave me . . .
. . . a parrot.
Oh dear! Look what I got.
Do I want that? No, I do NOT!

As a hapless boy goes from shop to shop, requesting a series of perfectly reasonable items--a hat, a coat, a cake, a chair--he finds himself thwarted at every turn, amassing instead a growing menagerie of animals who happily follow him on his errands. It's not until he finally asks for a cup that he's proffered a wriggly creature that solves his dilemma . . . or does it? Adding delicious momentum to Michael Rosen's rhymes (and mastery of the page turn) are an expressive crew of animal characters rendered as only Helen Oxenbury can, making for a timeless story guaranteed to beg many repeat readings. Oh dear!

An instant New York Times bestseller!

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost meets Zombie in Love in this story about a young zombie who must decide: Are brains friends...or food?

Zeb comes from a family of farmers-zombie farmers. Each week they pickle, bake, fry, and sell their grain-fed, free-range brains to be enjoyed by the masses. Zeb understands that brains are food, not pets...until one day he comes across the tiniest, pinkest, squishiest brain he ever did see! Can he convince his parents that his brainy bestie is better off as a member of the family than family dinner?

This irresistibly adorable picture book is the perfect read aloud for Halloween season and beyond, and is sure to be a spooky staple for young readers.

Stroll along Sesame Street and join Cookie Monster, Elmo, Big Bird, and more of your favorite furry friends in adventures for readers of all ages with this hardcover edition of Sesame Street: Cookie Monster’s Dinner Party

Cookie Monster is excited to host a dinner party for his friends! He needs to set the table, make name cards, and . . . what is he forgetting? Oh no—baking the cookies! What is a Cookie Monster dinner party without cookies?

Can gruff and grumpy Bear cheer up his usually upbeat friend Mouse? With signature with and whimsy, this delightfully mismatched duo is back in a much-anticipated seventh story!

One fall day Bear is getting ready to have a picnic with Mouse. But when it's time to leave together, there is no tap, tap, tapping on Bear's front door. Where is Mouse, small and gray and bright-eyed? Bear sets out to meet him on the path, only to find his friend sitting alone on a stump, looking sad, lamenting the changes of the season--leaves falling, flowers dying, birds migrating. "I don't like it when things go away," Mouse says quietly. How can the curmudgeonly Bear cheer up his usually cheery friend? With characteristic warmth, this perfectly paced story of friendship, difficult feelings, and a well-meaning role reversal meets the healing power of laughter in the masterful hands of Bonny Becker and Kady MacDonald Denton.