Arcadia Bestsellers

"The recipes are concisely written and should provide owners of convection ovens with a solid initial repertoire."Publishers Weekly

Once exclusive to professional bakeries and restaurants, convection ovens are becoming increasingly common in household kitchens. As the popularity of these appliances grows, more and more people are discovering the joys of cooking and baking in a convection oven.
By continuously circulating hot air during the cooking process, convection ovens cook food more quickly and efficiently than ever before. Unlike microwave cooking, no special equipment is necessary, and the results are spectacular.
Cooking and roasting meats, poultry, and fish in a convection oven is particularly satisfying. The enveloping hot air seals in juices and flavor, while the shorter cooking time prevents dryness. Some of the mouth-watering recipes included here are Leg of Lamb, Roast Turkey, and Stuffed Flank Steak.
Baking in a convection oven is practically foolproof. The even heat distribution ensures that breads and cakes rise quickly and bake thoroughly--no more charred bottoms and soupy middles! Biscuits, piecrusts, and puff pastries emerge light and flaky every time. Even novice bakers will achieve delicious results with recipes like Parker House Rolls, Napoleons, and Deep Dish Apple Pie.
Convection Oven Cooking features over 125 proven recipes, as well as helpful tips on roasting, kneading, and more.

Jenny Giraffe is all set for the big Christmas parade, the caroling, and especially, the arrival of Papa Noel. But Jenny has never experienced the holiday season and hasn’t any idea what Christmas is all about or even who Papa Noel is! Luckily, her friends T-Boy, Lita, Claude, and Angelle are going to teach her all about the joyous season through the special Christmastime celebrations in Louisiana.

Jenny Giraffe Discovers Papa Noel brings the holiday spirit to homes everywhere through the fun-loving adventures of everyone’s favorite four-legged artist. From the celebrated Christmas parade to the tradition of the Christmas tree to the story of Baby Jesus’ birth, Jenny learns to appreciate the excitement and love of the season. She even gets to participate in some truly unique Louisiana festivities like the lighting of the bonfires along the river to guide Papa Noel on his route to deliver his gifts. But Jenny is still puzzled about who this jolly man is and why it is that some people call him Santa Claus. Perhaps only on Christmas Eve will everything become much clearer.

Stately mansions and picturesque, cozy cottages line the avenues of beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina, but most visitors have had to be content with merely enjoying their facades--until now. The Majesty of Beaufort invites you to come inside and enjoy the simple elegance and down-home southern charm of these historic homes. Inside these pages you will find stunning full-color photographs of historic house museums, architectural landmarks, and the famous downtown historic district, as well as St. Helena Island sites and attractions. Whether you are lucky enough to live in Beaufort, plan on visiting, or just have an interest in Southern history or American architecture, this volume will be a welcome and beautiful addition to your library.

The heartbreaking story of two Acadian lovers separated during the expulsion of the French settlers from Nova Scotia.

Author and stand-up comedian Michael Strecker tells jokes about po’ boys and ferries, and crawfish and oil—everything under the New Orleans sun! Paired with the comically animated illustrations of Vernon Smith, fans of the Crescent City will be belly-laughing about the unique yet familiar places, people, and things. Included are silly takes on local favs such as this gem: “Why did the Chihuahua need to go to the optometrist? It had Popeyes!”

Featuring a “What Dat?” glossary of local terms and their pronunciations, this collection of hilarious and guaranteed age appropriate jokes will have readers laughing ‘til the remoulade comes out of their nose!

Author Kathleen Welch, a member of the Core Committee for developing the Louisiana Alzheimer’s State Plan, and her husband, illustrator Alan McGillivray, provide a child’s perspective in their tale for little ones experiencing Alzheimer’s and dementia in their family. As the elder elephant and her young grandson spend the day together, she forgets her hat, loses her brush, gets lost, confuses her grandson’s name, and tells stories of things that happened long ago as if they just occurred. When danger threatens, her love for her family shines through the clouds of her memory and she remembers things she learned as a child. The author provides a guide to further discussion with young children and a resource list for families facing this devastating disease.

Recommended by Autism Speaks.

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.

A curse is no match for a generous heart.

Once upon a time on New Year’s Eve night, hundreds of suitors lined up to kiss the graceful hands of Mademoiselle Grands Doigts. Jealous of the lovely maiden, the other girls cast a terrible gris gris turning her into a creature with long gnarled fingers and warts. Ashamed, she vanished, never to be seen again. The resentful girls turned as green as their hearts and fled to the swamp. Now, every New Year’s Eve, Mademoiselle Grands Doigts finds nice children and fills their shoes with treats proving pretty is as pretty does. Johnette Downing deftly weaves this slightly scary Cajun morality tale accompanied by the moody colors of Heather Stanley’s luscious illustrations.

Whales and walruses! That’s not a pirate’s hat!

One day Paulina, engrossed in a book about the many types of hats, accidentally wanders onto a pirate ship only to sit on the captain’s headdress. When the captain comes up to get his now squashed topper, Paulina, newly knowledgeable about hats, sees that his headgear isn’t the right fit for a pirate ship’s captain! She leads the crew on a madcap chase around the globe from Borka Borka Island to Polly Golly Canyon to find suitable parts for a faultless topper. Fish bones and flippers! Will they ever find the right pirate chapeau for the captain?

This uplifting, silly story is satisfying for any child from the swashbuckling to the scholarly and perfect for any parent who wants a phenomenal tale on the power of knowledge to be found in books.  

Nana loves to make Kole magical green dinosaur pancakes for breakfast. In Green Dinosaur Pancakes Kole discovered Nana’s pancakes come to life and the strongest survive their morning spats! In this sequel, the green T-Rex just won’t leave Kole alone. When Kole encounters a school bully, the prehistoric pancake helps him out of a sticky situation. In this anti-bullying tale, Kole and the green reptile stand up to the bully and learn that a little kindness can go a long way and that friends can come from the most unexpected places. Author Kat Pigott offers a timely lesson and talented teenage artist Mason Sibley provides appealing characters in this entertaining story.

When a scary situation causes a dinosaur-sized transformation, how will he adapt?

When Gregory wakes up in the body of a dinosaur on the morning of his class presentation, he’s worried. He is scheduled to talk about the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs and he has practiced all week so he won’t be scared in front of the class but he didn’t plan for this! As soon as Gregory gets out of bed, everything starts to go wrong. He spills the orange juice, forgets his diorama, and can only speak in roar. What is he going to do when his favorite teacher, Mrs. Anning, calls on him to present his project?

In this loose adaptation of the literary classic by Franz Kafka author Paul Many encourages children not to give up when things get scary. Stan Jaskiel’s humorous illustrations show Gregory adapting to his startling new reality and, once he has, everything changes!

Creole cooking with Grandma!

Bell peppers, shrimp, oysters, onions, and okra—Grandma stirs up these and other traditional fresh ingredients to create this special Southern dish. Add generous portions of rice and hot sauce with a handful of filé seasoning, and you’ve got a classic Creole gumbo! Now available as a board book, this delightful rhyming story features colorful collage-style illustrations surrounded by the charming and infectious poetic rhythm. Early readers and pre-readers alike will be enchanted as Grandma adds more and more items to her big black pot. Every ingredient plays an important part in the formation of this delicious dish, making it the tastiest treat in Louisiana. Bon appétit!

Baku the crocodile and Taki the monkey are back in a tale that teaches lessons in trust, forgiveness, and honesty.

There is a perfect read for every person if only you search for it!

Gabe and Ellie love soccer, animals, games, and especially gum, but they hate to read! Upon telling Ms. Molly, the mysterious librarian, that “reading is boring,” Ellie falls into a deep read! Gabe tries everything to break the curse, but only a read of true love can free Ellie. Determined to have his friend back, Gabe traverses the mountain of books surrounding Ellie to find the perfect book for him. Can he read a book cover to cover and truly love it?

A masterful twist on an enchanting fairytale, this story shows children that there’s a book for everyone! The magical library illustrations and hidden Pelican books propel readers and non-readers on an unforgettable adventure sure to help them find their very own “perfect read”.

“Everybunny needs a puppy!”

In the fourth book of Steven L. Layne’s Growing with Family Series, he captures a child’s longing for a pet and introduces the realities of owning one. Ard Hoyt’s playful illustrations provide a hilarious look at Puppy’s antics page after page providing a story within the story.

Brother is excited to get his new puppy but he soon tires of the Puppy’s boundless energy. Puppy wants to play all the time! Even worse, Puppy gets into things that Brother has to clean up. Sick and tired of everyone telling him to go “play with puppy,” Brother tells Puppy to go away. What will he do when Puppy actually disappears? Find out in this colorful picture book for the very young.

More Southern Christmas spirit than you can handle!

Cyndi Lou finds herself in a quite a fix when her beau, Billy Ray, tries to secure her affection with an assortment of Christmas gifts. This sounds like a pretty good deal for Cyndi Lou and her Memaw, but when the gifts go on for twelve days straight and include such Christmas “treasures” as razorback hogs, live catfish, and a dozen possums, it’s hard for Cyndi Lou to really get into the Christmas spirit. What with all of the armadillos and those Nascar racers taking up residence in the double-wide, is it any wonder the sheriff has to put Memaw in the sanitarium? This enchantingly fractured version of the well-known rhyme for adults will truly “bless your heart!”

From the Stanton Hall ghost who greets his guests in the morning to the Anchuca Mansion where inanimate objects move of their own accord, this ghostly guide invites readers on a mystic tour across Mississippi. The book provides testimony from witnesses at each location, as well as images.

A most exciting word has the whole library abuzz. What combination of letters could possibly drive a person to do such absurd things? Fascinated children look on as Miss Divine dines on a table, chomps down a chair, and savors a shelf-all to chase down a single word. Written in the style of There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, this book reveals the only verb that could make a librarian practically purr, and that word is READ.

When Mama Witch concocts a special Halloween soup for her Little Witch, she adds eye of newt, spit of bug, and hair of slug. But Little Witch turns up her tiny nose at the culinary creation. She prefers such sticky sweets as butter toffee, caramel dandy, and cotton candy. Can these picky eaters come to a compromise? Complete with a recipe for Halloween soup, this fun read is a treat for children and parents alike.

A pesky mosquito gets his due. Mosquito is a nuisance to all the animals as he buzzes about the forest. With fun word play, including rhyme, alliteration, and onomatopoeia, each critter expresses its annoyance with him. Finally, Mosquito bothers the wrong neighbor, who ends the insect's career as resident pest. A list of mosquito facts appears at the end of this humorous children's story.

Voices from those who lived through the largest environmental catastrophe in American history.

Accelerated Reader Program Selection

The 1930s Dust Bowl was the greatest ecological tragedy in the United States. Through a combination of drought and fierce winds, America’s Great Plains were left bare. In a series of sixteen narrative profiles, the author brings to life the voices of this time period. The characters who symbolize common residents of the “Great American Desert,” include a teacher protecting her class from a black roller, a nurse treating patients with dust pneumonia, and a nine-year-old girl who has never seen rain.

Dated entries appear chronologically and depict outlaw Bonnie Parker and photographer Dorthea Lange, among other figures of the era. In the back of the book, a historical note gives a thorough overview of the Dust Bowl’s national impact on population growth, healthcare, and the government. A glossary explains terms such as Hooverville and Civilian Conservation Corps. An educational resource, this illustrated history conveys the full effect of this disastrous decade.

Celebrate your differences and be the best “you” possible!

Charlie is a maintenance streetcar. He is small and clunky and definitely not as shiny as the other cars. He spends his days laying sand on the rail lines or repairing the more popular streetcars. He doesn’t feel valued or liked by the other streetcars, and his hard work is often overlooked. It takes a series of emergencies for the other cars to learn that sometimes the person you never notice is exactly the person you need! Author and illustrator Vernon Smith takes his love of iconic New Orleans streetcars to another level in this picture book for everyone who has ever felt left out or ignored. Charlie might be different from the other streetcars, but being different is what makes him special.

Vernon Smith has been creating art since he was able to hold a pencil. He provides graphics for a wide variety of businesses through his studio, MacFearsome Comic Squares. A graduate of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, Smith earned a BFA from the University of New Orleans. He has worked on several comic-book series, including his own The Adventures of Dexter Breakfast and the successfully crowd-funded Hide. When not creating, Smith focuses on his most important role—being a father.

The greedy spider gets what’s coming!

Long ago, all spiders were as round as the sun—and Anansi was the roundest of all. Anansi was very clever, but he was also very lazy, and he loved to eat. One day, hungry Anansi travels from village to village to eat with them. Each village asks Anansi to help make the food, but he would rather be lazy. Anansi leaves one end of a silken string from his web with each village, ties the other end around his waist, and asks the villagers to tug the string when the food is ready. He goes to another village, and another, and another . . . What will happen when all the food is done? This lively retelling of the Ghanaian folktale will delight all readers from ages 1 to 110.

Out of a bitter storm comes a gift that saves a village.

In this adaptation of an Italian folktale, the young fisherman Gianni braves the thawing, ice-bound lagoon of Burano to catch fish to feed the starving people of his island. His fiancée, Nicoletta, prays for his safety. Gianni, swept from his fishing boat, is rescued by a mermaid who whips the water into a length of elegant lace, which she gives to Gianni for Nicoletta’s wedding veil. This gorgeously illustrated tale recounts the mythical origins of Burano lace, whose production has long been a vital part of the island’s economy and vibrant culture, ensuring the islanders would never go hungry. The lace is still famed throughout the world for its scalloped, wave-like patterns.

A local's guide to Missouri's entertainment boomtown. Carol A. Shaffer received an MIPA Merit Award in the 2000 Midwest Book Awards.

Watch out crows, this scarecrow won’t give up without a fight!

Every year, pesky crows throw a party in a scarecrow’s patch, gobbling up all the pumpkins in sight and leaving a horrid mess. Not this year! Jeb is determined to protect his pumpkins no matter the cost. Those crows are in for an unpleasant surprise!

Author and illustrator Jana Dillon conceived this as her first book. Originally published in 1992, the rollicking dialogue, glowing scenes of evening mischief, and a scarecrow family of unusual charm have all stood the test of time in this inventive tale full of the radiance and excitement of the Halloween season.

One fine day, a small little mouse decides that he doesn’t want cheese, or even lemonade. He wants a parade! Carrying a flag, the mouse starts down the street. He’s joined by cats, squirrels, foxes—and even a goat with a tuba! The sound of the animals playing their tambourines, clarinets, and brass follows them as they twirl and romp until every critter, big and small, jams with the beat. Author and illustrator Alexis Braud’s funny, spunky animals boogie right off the page. With enchanting illustrations and catchy rhymes, this exuberant and vibrant tale will have you and your friends marching to the beat of your own drummer in no time.

Arrr ye knotty or nice?

Cap’n McNasty and his crew of roguish rapscallions are back and badder than ever! When the Cap’n kidnapped a little elf from Santa, he didn’t count on the elf inciting a mutiny and high-seas hijinks by telling tales of the wonders of the North Pole. Cast adrift and faced with stormy seas, ravenous sharks, and a striking lass who just might capture his black heart, Cap’n McNasty faces the voyage of his life. His double-dealing crew has ideas of their own and sets their sights from swabbing decks to decking halls—and changing the North Pole forever. From bow to stern, this impishly illustrated yarn of Jolly Rogers and a jolly old elf will give yer funnybone no quarter!

May the best dinosaur win!

Where can you see T. rex weight lifting, pteranodon gymnastics, and stegosaur volleyball? At the Prehistoric Games, of course! Every thousand years, the fastest and strongest dinosaurs light the ceremonial torch and fight tooth and claw for the gold medal. Wings will flap, tails will swish, and crowds will cheer as these Cretaceous competitors battle for glory. Clever rhymes and vibrant illustrations make this a perfect book to read aloud with the entire family. A glossary and pronunciation guide ensure that each reading is as educational as it is exhilarating! No matter what era you’re from, this rawr-some book will satisfy your inner dino!

Dinosaurs stomp through the pages!

Do you think that you may be a dinosaur? If your claws puncture kickballs, you use a whole tree to brush your teeth, and your tail spikes always rip through your pants, it’s possible that you may just be a dinosaur. Apatosaurus chomps and Velociraptor romps in this hilarious, informative rhyming picture book. Bright illustrations show children the tail-thumping chaos a Spinosaurus could cause trying to find dinner in a refrigerator and why a T. rex should never, ever try to take the school bus. Featuring information on dinosaurs’ sizes, diets, health, and social lives, You May Just Be a Dinosaur is a prehistoric parade of the funniest, punniest, chummiest dinos you’ll ever see in the schoolyard.

Explore the wonders of the oldest city in Georgia!

From secret tunnels used by pirates to transport their treasure, to mausoleums and stained glass windows, the city of Savannah, Georgia, is filled with secrets and trivia for your family to discover! Whether you want to creep through cemeteries, scout out sea turtles, or kayak to Little Tybee Island, each page is packed full of adventures that will entertain explorers of all ages. Colorful photographs by author Chris Sergi and intriguing bits of history guarantee that you’ll finish each challenge with fond memories and troves of new information. So gather up your crew of voyagers and get on the road to Savannah—a world of history and fun awaits!

Joey, left at home alone one night, sees and hears strange things, but he has the superior wit to convince any and all possible monsters that his brother, Dan, is the better choice for dinner.

"Wonderful and powerful . . . This story has kept our memories alive."
-Toshimi Ishida, survivor of the Hiroshima bombing, student at Honkawa Elementary School

"[This] inspiring story . . . reminds us to live hand in hand together on this earth."
-Hiroko Matsui, first lady of Hiroshima

"There's never been a story like this in English. Running with Cosmos Flowers is like a Bible of Peace."
-Tomoko Furusawa, survivor of the Hiroshima bombing, student at Honkawa Elementary School

Reading through these words and phrases is an abbreviated trip through history, with lists of major naval mutinies, a summary of the slave trade, and even jokes. This dictionary is written to be entertaining as well as informative, to give a flavor of the interesting times from the fifteenth to the eighteenth centuries when pirates controlled many sea lanes. It also contains a treasure trove of factual information about life aboard the ship, important pirate haunts, and technical terms.

A true music-lover’s journey into the past!

Late one night in 2005, Zeke Schein made an amazing discovery while searching for a vintage guitar on eBay: a grainy, battered photograph captioned Old Snapshot Blues Guitar BB King???? Neither man looked like King, but one seemed to resemble the twentieth century’s most mysterious musician, Robert Johnson. Would others see what he saw? With only three or four known images of the legendary blues guitarist in existence, this single picture was certainly an exceptional link to the past.

In 2014, the truth about the photo was finally revealed. Schein details his strange journey in solving this musical mystery and crusade for legitimacy amidst pushback from music historians.

Upsie Downsie has convinced his mother he's having trouble falling asleep, so she brings in the neighborhood experts to help. They try lullabies, tedious recitations, storytelling, a massage, a warm bath, and even counting, but they all succumb to sleep, leaving Upsie to the next neighbor.

A great big tale about peach pickin' fun. Join Tall Papa Tom, Pretty Mama May, Little Buddy Earl, and the rest of the bunch as they head to the Peach Pickin' Festival. Little Buddy Earl yodels each time they pass a field, but what's the use of that? His yodel soon comes in handy when he turns a tiny peach into the largest in the land! Complete with a recipe for peach cobbler, this tale about teamwork proves that sometimes the smallest person can be the biggest help.

Chuan helps readers learn about ratios to craft puppets.

"A small gem of a story." —Kirkus

Dwindling water supplies have driven desperate cattlemen to snip fences in order to water their herds—targeting thirteen-year-old Jesse's farm several times. When a lone drifter arrives in town, he's quickly hired to work the farm. Jesse suspects the man is more than just a hired hand and is determined to uncover his mysterious secret. This Society of School Librarians International Honor Book includes an author's note and bibliography.

Big Brother finds out that not all babies are the same. Big Brother learns that not all little siblings are the same when his parents bring home a baby girl. He thinks he learned all about babies when Little Brother was small. However, Sister is very different. Other things are different too. Big Brother is old enough now to help keep an eye on the baby when Mommy and Daddy are busy and watching after Sister is not as easy as it sounds. But despite all the trouble she causes, Sister finds her way into Brother's heart, and that is where she will stay.

Max tells his little brother, Jason, all about what happens in New Orleans on Mardi Gras morning, when the Indians come out in their colorful, feather-and-bead suits. Soon, Jason sees this beautiful custom for himself. The author is the big chief of the Golden Comanches and shares here a fascinating inside look into the rich tradition of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras Indians.

�Aye Chihuahua! The sky is falling. Join the colorful desert bird, Chachalaca Chiquita, and her feathered friends in this Southwestern spin on the Chicken Little tale. The story incorporates Spanish vocabulary for un peque�o fun as the amigos set off to tell the jefe that the sky is falling. The story takes a turn when they meet sly Tacito Ocelote.

A holiday "who done it" for kids. Tallie's Christmas lights were stolen, and she's determined to track down the culprit. Was it the mail man? Her slobbery pup Fuego? To find out, Tallie dons her spy gear, sets a trap, finds the thief, and trades him a more suitable decoration to get her glowing candy canes back.

All is calm in the warlord�s palace, and the artist�s apprentice Chuan sits with his friend Jing Jing, watching the sunset, when an invading army approaches. Jing Jing comes up with an ingenious solution using Chuan�s knowledge of calculating area as well as his handmade paper and ink to frighten the troops into leaving.

Driven by love, nourished by hope, and sustained by faith, thousands of families adopt children internationally. A unique opportunity for every reader to take part in an intimate family journey and to witness the shared joy of relatives and friends upon a homecoming.

J is for jack-o'-lantern in this spooky ABC book.

The warlord�s presence is requested at the emperor�s banquet in two weeks, but he is sixteen days away by horseback. Using their math skills, ingenuity, and the wind, Chuan and Jing Jing reach the warlord�s camp and encourage him to use their sailing cart to travel to the feast. The Warlord�s Messengers is the sixth book in the acclaimed Warlord�s Series, and includes directions for making your own windsock as well as suggestions for velocity-related math activities.

Celebrating the contributions of women to the art of the American West! Women have long captured the spirit of America's dynamic West in their artwork. From Georgia O'Keeffe's stunning works to Alice Cleaver's haunting oil paintings, from Jessie Benton Evans's Arizona landscapes to Sally James Farnham's bronzes, this collection represents an important testament to women's art featuring the rugged spirit of the West. Stimulating questions and fascinating biographical details will encourage conversation and understanding about each artist's work.

Contains ten of Vincent van Gogh's most familiar images, including The Starry Night, Bedroom at Arles, and Vase with Fourteen Sunflowers.

When Madame Poulet realizes her friend Monsieur Roach is a no-good lazy bug who is taking advantage of her, it isn't long before Madame Poulet puts an end to her roach problem for good.

A fresh, exciting new idea in cookbooks, this volume represents a practical guide for the hostess who wishes to make the morning meal memorable. This collection covers the complete range of foods and beverages for every occasion-from basic meals to unusual recipes that complement and round out an authentic dining experience. A Fancy Oyster Omelet, Morning Tomato Salad, and hearty helping of Cheese Bread will get anyone's day off to a roaring start.

'One book, in fact the only one we know of, where you can enjoy the best of the year in one place.' 'Hollywood Inside Syndicate. A plummeting global economy, a worldwide energy crisis, and the historic election of Barack Obama as the country's 44th president were the major issues in 2008. This annual compilation of more than 400 cartoons by some 165 editorial cartoonists showcases their finest works in exploring and offering pithy commentary on a wide range of political and cultural topics. From Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to John McCain, from Joe Biden to Sarah Palin, these thought-provoking examples of the cartoonist's art span the spectrum from liberal to conservative and include the year's major award-winning cartoons.

In this entertaining children's tale, St. Patrick has driven the snakes out of Ireland, but one crafty, clever snake escaped. Ryan, Brian, and Tulla do not want to become tasty mouse meals for this reptile! So they gather their courage and devise a crafty, clever--and risky--plan of their own to help St. Patrick find the sneaky snake.

A crazy Italian joint makes a tasty read! Reading in the mixed-up Italian restaurant is one of Jake's favorite things to do! Whether they play with food or dig into a good book, Jake and his uncle always have an amusing and delicious time. Juggling ravioli, bowling with mozzarella balls, or playing spaghetti pick-up sticks are just a few of the fun games Jake and his uncle invent. As much as Jake enjoys these culinary amusements, he could just as easily devour a good read. When his uncle's restaurant needs a neighbor, Jake must find the perfect fit. But who is willing to work next to such a crazy joint? Filled with reading, ravioli, and resolve, this is a story for any family who plays and reads together.

Plant a prize-winning seed and help it grow! Join Gavin as he attempts to win first place at the local fair by growing the largest gourd in the world! Children will learn how to plant, fertilize, and pollinate a seed just as Gavin does. With the help of his friends and neighbors, Gavin becomes an expert on pumpkins. Through advice and hands-on experience, he learns how to care for his garden. Full of helpful facts and easy tips, this is an educational and amusing story that emphasizes the skill involved in gardening. A perfect companion for the classroom, this book teaches children about the science of cultivation, the commitment required to care for a living plant, and how to make homemade pumpkin pie.

WINNER OF THE SCBWI CRYSTAL KITE AWARD

AN IN THE MARGINS LIST NOMINEE

The storm pulled them apart. Can they stay strong while far away?

In this dramatic coming-of-age story, Hollis Williams matures in the traumatic events of Hurricane Katrina. Living with his siblings and his grandmother, Hollis's greatest wish has always been to reconnect with his absent father. Through the turmoil of the storm and the ensuing tests of his determination, Hollis keeps this dream alive. Their home destroyed, Hollis and his younger siblings are taken to a shelter in West Virginia, where he discovers what family means and finds his own inner strength.

This beloved fairy tale comes with a bigger glass slipper!

This punny twist on the beloved fairytale will delight readers of all ages. Children will enjoy finding similarities between Cinderella and her pachyderm equivalent as she searches for love at the ball of the zebra prince, heir to the throne. With a plethora of funny fur and hooves from across the animal kingdom, including an adorable fairy god-mouse, the lighthearted illustrations serve to highlight the imagination of this fractured fairytale.

Georg� Porg� ate crab cakes,
saw one move, cried, Heaven's sakes!
When he found out the crab still lived,
His plate, he dropped-his face, he hid.

Merriment and madness reign as king and queen of Carnival in this playful romp around the Crescent City. Mother Goose takes on Metairie, Mid City, the Mississippi, and more in these delightful twists on classic poems. Rhyme down on the bayou with the Mischievous Nutria and three shrimp in a tub. Cheerful illustrations fill this sweet and silly collection, perfect for Who Dats of all ages.

Pumpkins, pilgrims, and Indians punctuate this quintessential American holiday ABC picture book. With an eye on history and adventure, this ABC book cheerfully illuminates the classic American holiday. Each entry includes a few sentences explaining the word�s significance in Thanksgiving�s history. Children will relate to their own holiday traditions while learning the origins of the annual fall event.

When Alfons the alligator steals somebody's hat, then it's time for a game of Alligator-Keep-Away.

On Monday, there are red beans to eat, and on Tuesday, po'boys and on it goes throughout the week, each day bringing a unique and tasty Louisiana dish to the table. Based on a song by New Orleans singer/songwriter Johnette Downing, Today Is Monday in Louisiana offers the best of Cajun, Creole, African, and French foods.

The daring exploits of Frank and Jesse James have fascinated America for more than a century. Myth and fact have meshed together to create a legend of monumental proportions.

Anxious to bask in the reflected glory of the James clan, many people have claimed a family connection to these two famous outlaws. Now noted Western historian and folklorist Phillip W. Steele has penned an authoritative chronicle of the James family, drawing on sources newly discovered in the past two decades.

Anecdotes, family stories, and complete genealogies of all members accurately document the James clan's history in this entertaining, readable volume, which includes more than forty rare photographs. Individuals who believe they may share a blood tie with the James brothers will find this book invaluable in authenticating their claim; those who are merely captivated by the romance and mystery of two of America's most wanted men will discover much to add to their understanding of these celebrated figures.
Journey through the old West with Jesse and Frank James and trace the history and heritage of these American folk heroes.

The late Philip Steele was the author of several books on the Ozarks and the Wild West including Ozark Tales and Superstitions, Civil War in the Ozarks, and The Last Cherokee Warriors, all published by Pelican.

Phillip W. Steele passed away on November 8, 2007.

Motorhome travelers are always searching for new and uncrowded places to visit. This book steers the traveler far from the beaten track indeed: to the lush forests, pristine beaches, and majestic volcanoes of New Zealand, the island nation on the other side of the world. New Zealand abounds in recreational opportunities and scenic beauty, while the excellent roads and friendly inhabitants make travel by motorhome the ideal way to view the country's splendors.

New Zealand by Motorhome is bursting with practical advice on renting or buying a motorhome in New Zealand, driving and insurance regulations, campgrounds and facilities, and a helpful glossary of the occasionally mystifying New Zealand dialect. A complete guide to things to see and do helps travellers plan their trips. Recipes for local dishes have been specially adapted for cooking in a motorhome kitchen.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Husband-and-wife team David Shore and Patty Campbell are experienced motorhome voyagers. They have explored the roads of Europe and America as well as New Zealand, and include numerous amusing anecdotes about their travels. When not on the road, they live in Los Angeles.

The highly anticipated sequel to This Side of Paradise-which Kirkus heralds as an an entertaining, suspenseful thriller-Paradise Lost delivers the same chilling scenarios and head-scratching secrets that fans expect from author Steven L. Layne. After a summer break, former wallflower Chase Maxfield returns to school with a new found confidence to match his sudden, yet classic, good looks. But Jack Barrett suspects something sinister is behind Chase's unexpected transformation, and his skepticism only grows as other eerie events occur. When Jack's grandmother is mysteriously poisoned, his brother disappears, and his girlfriend soon develops an interest in someone else, Jack becomes even more determined to discover the truth. Packed with action and off-the-wall incidents, this fast-paced novel invites readers on an adventure that builds momentum until the very last page.

Back for a new adventure, Bo the lovable black Lab is ready to solve another mystery and save the day once again. It's up to this tenacious pup to find the reason behind all of the wildfires sweeping the countryside in east Texas. Gathering evidence as he goes, Bo must find the culprit and put a stop to this perilous crime spree.

A sombrero-wearing Santa makes his rounds through the Mexican desert.

Originally written and published in 1970, the book is divided into two sections: one dealing with the Colonial Period (1723-1803), written by Samuel Wilson, Jr., and one on the American Period (1803-present), written by Leonard V. Huber.

Where in the world can children hear jazz, gospel, and blues and eat shrimp po� boys and strawberry snowballs? Jazz Fest in New Orleans!