For Little Historians & Young Explorers

Whether you join hands with an armadillo in the pas de deux or pirouette with the panther, you'll find plenty of talented and agile creatures to mimic in this enchanting introduction to ballet for emerging readers. Even the bears are dancing in this picture book from mom, author, and illustrator Alexis Braud. Budding ballerinas will love the humorous illustrations paired with beginner-friendly explanations of dance terms, making the moves both easy to understand and memorable.

Friendship is the underlying subject as the beauty and dangers of bayou life are depicted in this first story in the landmark Clovis Crawfish series. This commemorative edition features an introduction by the author's daughter and archival material from the beloved series.

There's a mystery at Washington Middle School that only Michael the wildlife detective can solve. Secretive guests have moved into the school gymnasium and Principal Green doesn't know what to do. But not to worry! Using math, music, science, and physical evidence, Michael uncovers the identities of the mysterious intruders who have decided to make the school their new home. As Michael reveals clue after clue, young readers will enjoy guessing the identities of the critters putting the school into an uproar. Throughout his stakeout, Michael offers a lesson on the gymnasium's new residents and how to safely and humanely encourage them to move along. Author Michael Birt, a wildlife biologist, shares with readers the importance of treating wild animals and nature with respect and kindness--even when they end up in unnatural spaces and cause inconvenience for their human neighbors. He highlights the importance of finding compassionate solutions to pesky problems and explains why the school's mystery guests are so special.

Jack's dream is to have a band. Not just any band, a band filled with his bayou neighbors including his new friend, Remy the raccoon. Jack tap-tap-taps his paws as he imagines the music! He can already hear the chank-a-chank of a rubboard and the thump-thump-thump of the drums. Forming a band that includes an alligator, a snake, some turtles, a bullfrog, and a possum isn't always easy! First they will have to overcome their distrust of their fellow creatures and learn to work together. When some poachers invade their home and try to capture their friends, the band must come up with a plan. With a little perseverance and creativity, they create music that turns enemies into friends and unites all the residents of the bayou in this charming tale for emerging readers. The clever use of onomatopoeia allows little ones to sound out words as they "read" along in this musical tale with a Louisiana sound!

Award-winning author and illustrator duo Ed Shankman and Dave O'Neill turn to the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans, Louisiana! Jazz, of course, is the only truly American form of music, born from a meeting and mixing of cultures where the mighty Mississippi meets the Gulf of Mexico. Drummer Bobcat Bob leads a hot band of multi-cultural musicians, featuring a gator on bass, a finger-snapping frog, and a horn section made up of raccoons, a crayfish, and some loons. Bobcat Bob's band is known for miles around - They played like wind. They played like fire. They raised the roof, and raised it higher. They played all night and weren't done, 'Til morning came and they raised the sun. But one day the music stopped and the great New Orleans lost its voice. Through months of darkness and sadness the people wished that things were like before. And with a single drum beat on Bourbon Street, and then another, and another, the music came back to New Orleans, better than ever! Children and parents alike will love this story about the healing power of music.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the New Orleans Musicians Assistance Foundation.

Oliver is upset--very upset--and nothing his mother says makes him feel better. When she tries to give him a comforting hug, he rolls up into a tight ball like an armadillo and won't let his mother near. She tries to coax him out of his huddle but then his claws come out. Oliver pretends to be one ferocious animal after another--none of them very good at giving hugs. But it is hard work saying no to a mother's love. Through creativity, patience, and affection (as well as a healthy dose of humor), Oliver's mother finds a way to get through his imaginative defenses and give him the best hug ever.

Author Kena Sosa captures the delicate dance between mother and child in this fun story about love and the power of hugs. The charming and humorous illustrations of Alexis Braud bring to life the imagination of a child and touchingly depict how hugs can soothe even the most savage beast.

Playful limericks about friendly animal characters in Nantucket, with colorful cut-paper illustrations.

A wacky safari that is sure to strike a chord with kids! For each letter of the alphabet, this clever book of rhymes presents a cross between an animal and a musical instrument. From newtubas and mandolions to drumonkeys and pigolos, kids will have a blast during this musical safari. Zany illustrations accompany each creation.

Down in a southern swamp, a family of crawfish face a big problem. Their three sons have grown too large and their nice, cozy den is now uncomfortably crowded. Poppa and Mama decide it's time for their sons to leave home and build their own dens. In this twist on a classic tale, Poppa warns the three little crawfish that they must be careful of the sly, ole 'coon. That raccoon has a big appetite for juicy crawfish! Charming illustrations and humorous rhymes create a delightful adventure for beginning readers in this bedtime favorite.