Children's Books

Arrr, mateys! Come aboard for a rhyming pirate adventure! Join parent and child parrots as they sail the high seas, meet some historical pirates, share their treasure, and have a wonderful day.

When snow-loving Kyle gets a plane ticket to see his Grandma in the desert, he’s not so sure what to expect. But after a rip-roaring road trip around Arizona—through Tucson, Bisbee, Winslow, across dams and lakes and the grandest of canyons—Kyle may just have become a convert to the warm air and dark skies. After all, when you’re with Grandma Rose, everything’s an adventure!

Now you can put your own creative touch on the images of the Windy City found in the beloved alphabet book "C is for Chicago". With the same images and text found in the book, C is for Chicago: The Coloring Book features iconic places, food and music that make Chicago so special.

From the world-famous Art Institute Lions and to the Lincoln Park Zoo, C is for Chicago: The Coloring Book walks you through an A-Z tour of the Second City. Images include famous locations like the Millennium Park "Bean" and Grant Park's Buckingham fountain, as well as Deep-Dish Pizza, Chicago Hot Dogs, The El, and iconic jerseys of Chicago's greatest sports legends.

C is for Chicago: The Coloring Book makes a great gift for a visitor or a native Chicagoan.

Tour the nation's capital in this playful and colorful A - Z tour of Washington, DC. W is for Washington, D.C. offers a fresh perspective on the iconic monuments, landmarks, famous places and fun things to do in D.C with graphic illustrations and whimsical text. From Air Force One to the National Zoo, W is for Washington, D.C. captures the best of Washington, D.C.

The tour includes stops at Rock Creek Park, the Smithsonian Museum, The Washington Monument, cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin, The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and ice skating at the National Gallery. There is even a page devoted to Presidential Dogs!

W is for Washington, D.C. is a durable version of the beloved picture book W is for Washington, D.C. and is great for traveling and little hands. This Washington, D.C. children's book is a great gift for a native Washingtonian or visitor of any age!

With vivid, design-centric illustrations that and short whimsical rhymes, S is for Seattle shows off the iconic people, places, food and music of Seattle. This A-Z tour of the Emerald City takes readers through iconic landmarks in the Seattle, including the Space Needle, the Public Market, the Monorail and iconic Seattle ferries. Other stops include a visit to the octopus that lives in Puget Sound and the great, gross Gum Wall. "S is for Seattle also highlights the nature of the Northwest, especially Mount Rainier.

Seattle sports fans won't be disappointed either with an image of iconic Seattle sports legends' jerseys. Can you guess them all?

This Seattle children's book is a durable version of the beloved picture book S is for Seattle and is great for traveling and little hands. Whether on a coffee table or on the nightstand, this large-format book is sure to make any local or visitor smile.

Tour the nation's capital in this playful and colorful A - Z tour of Washington, DC. "W is for Washington, D.C. offers a fresh perspective on the iconic monuments, landmarks, famous places and fun things to do in D.C with graphic illustrations and whimsical text. From Air Force One to the National Zoo, W is for Washington, D.C. captures the best of Washington, D.C.

The tour includes stops at Rock Creek Park, the Smithsonian Museum, The Washington Monument, cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin, The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and ice skating at the National Gallery. There is even a page devoted to Presidential Dogs!

W is for Washington, D.C. is a full-size full-size picture book with gorgeous illustrations printed on premium gloss paper. This Washington, D.C. children's book is a great gift for a native Washingtonian or visitor of any age!

With vivid, design-centric illustrations that and short whimsical rhymes, B Is for Boston Board Book shows off the iconic people, places, food and music of Boston. From the New England Aquarium to the Zakim Bridge, this alphabetical tour of the city includes stops at the Old North Church, Boston Harbor, the New England Aquarium and the Public Gardens. Boston sports fans won't be disappointed either with a stop at the Green Monster of Fenway Park and iconic Boston sports legends' jerseys. Can you guess them all?

This Boston children's book is a durable version of the beloved picture book B Is for Boston and is great for traveling and little hands. Whether on a coffee table or on the nightstand, this large-format book is sure to make any local or visitor smile.

With vivid, design-centric illustrations that and short whimsical rhymes, C is for Chicago Board Book shows off the iconic people, places, food and music of Chicago. This A-Z tour of the Windy City takes readers through iconic landmarks in the Second City, including Millennium Park and "The Bean", Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain, The El, The Chicago River and Navy Pier. "C is for Chicago" also highlights the food and music that make Chicago great: Chicago Hot Dogs, Deep Dish Pizza and the Chicago Blues.

Chicago ports fans won't be disappointed either with a stop at Wrigley Field and iconic Chicago sports legends' jerseys. Can you guess them all?

This Chicago children's book is a durable version of the beloved picture book C is for Chicago and is great for traveling and little hands. Whether on a coffee table or on the nightstand, this large-format book is sure to make any local or visitor smile.

With vivid, design-centric illustrations that and short whimsical rhymes, C is for Chicago shows off the iconic people, places, food and music of Chicago. This A-Z tour of the Windy City takes readers through iconic landmarks in the Second City, including Millennium Park and "The Bean", Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain, The El, The Chicago River and Navy Pier. "C is for Chicago" also highlights the food and music that make Chicago great: Chicago Hot Dogs, Deep Dish Pizza and the Chicago Blues.

Chicago ports fans won't be disappointed either with a stop at Wrigley Field and iconic Chicago sports legends' jerseys. Can you guess them all?

This Chicago children's book is a full-size picture book with gorgeous illustrations printed on premium gloss paper. Whether on a coffee table or on the nightstand, this large-format book is sure to make any local or visitor smile.

With vivid, design-centric illustrations that and short whimsical rhymes, B Is for Boston shows off the iconic people, places, food and music of Boston. From the New England Aquarium to the Zakim Bridge, this alphabetical tour of the city includes stops at the Old North Church, Boston Harbor, The New England Aquarium and the Public Gardens. Boston sports fans won't be disappointed either with a stop at the Green Monster of Fenway Park and iconic Boston sports legends jerseys. Can you guess them all?

This Boston children's book is a full-size picture book with gorgeous illustrations printed on premium gloss paper. Whether on a coffee table or on the nightstand, this large-format book is sure to make any local or visitor smile.

With vivid, design-centric illustrations that and short whimsical rhymes, S is for Seattle shows off the iconic people, places, food and music of Seattle. This A-Z tour of the Emerald City takes readers through iconic landmarks in the Seattle, including the Space Needle, the Public Market, the Monorail and iconic Seattle ferries. Other stops include a visit to the octopus that lives in Puget Sound and the great, gross Gum Wall. S is for Seattle also highlights the nature of the Northwest, especially Mount Rainier.

Seattle sports fans won't be disappointed either with an image of iconic Seattle sports legends' jerseys. Can you guess them all?

This Seattle children's book is a full-size picture book with gorgeous illustrations printed on premium gloss paper. Whether on a coffee table or on the nightstand, this large-format book is sure to make any resident or visitor smile.

A perfect keepsake for any local or visitor, A Is for Aspen is a charming picture book that explores the town of Aspen, Colorado, through short, sweet rhymes and clean, graphic illustrations. Explore this iconic mountain town from yoga at the top of Ajax Mountain to rafting the whitecaps on the Roaring Fork River. Stops include snowboarding on Buttermilk Mountain, hiking the Bowl at the Highlands and the spectacle of extreme athleticism at the X-Games.

This Aspen, Colorado children's book celebrates everything that both locals and visitors love about this special mountain town.

Join Beignet Bunny on a whimsical adventure through New Orleans as he searches for friends, convinced he's a sugar-covered treat, and encounters a colorful cast of characters along the way.

When Momma Bunny calls her new baby “my little beignet,” he becomes convinced he’s actually a sugar-covered treat, beloved in New Orleans. Beignet Bunny embarks on an adventure, asking a pelican, crawfish, turtle, and even a sleeping possum where all the other beignets play. Will he be able to find a friend? Young readers will enjoy hopping along with the sweetest bunny as he searches for others like him.

Join Pinky the penguin as she teaches children about manners in this charming and educational story.

Pinky the penguin is very polite. She always tries to do what’s right. Today she will show us manners the Louisiana way, from sharing beignets at breakfast to tipping street musicians, greeting the streetcar driver, being a good sport at the football game, and more.

Fran and Van Harahan are excited about the circus coming to New Orleans, not far from their bayou home. The couple remembers seeing those talented Cajun gators walking a boudin-link tightrope, high diving into a big gumbo pot, swinging from muscadine vines, spinning seafood platters, and more. When Fran and Van arrive for the show, they learn that Van is holding the golden ticket and will be in the last daring act of the night! Young readers will marvel at all the goings-on at this one-of-a-kind circus. 

Evie is a Cajun girl who dreams of having her very own pair of white shrimp boots. She learns of all the quirky and hilarious regional nicknames they are called in different parts of Louisiana. When she gets her own pair of boots for her birthday, she’s faced with having to come up with a name for them! What will she call them? Pelican State Princess Slippers is a colorful, fashion-forward adventure sprinkled with Cajun French sayings and Louisiana places. 

Born and raised in Louisiana, author and illustrator Kristie Guillory Edmondson is a speech diagnostician. She has a degree in visual art from McNeese State University and a master's from University of Louisiana at Lafayette. A speech pathologist by trade, she has worked with children in the school system for nineteen years and resides in Louisiana with her husband and two children.

Michael the Wildlife Detective is back with a third adventure for young readers.

First, there are small bones all over the mansion's patio. Then, strange screeching noises at night. And now, glowing eyes? There has to be an explanation. Michael follows the clues, closes the case, and gets the job done!

Do ghosts lurk at the historic Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead?

Welcome to spooky Northeast South Dakota! 

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know that a ghostly Lady in White haunts Fort Sisseton Historic State Park? Or that at South Dakota State University, a music-loving spirit sometimes plays the pipe organ? Can you believe a terrifying, Bigfoot-like beast stalks the citizens of Little Eagle?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Northeast South Dakota forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on! 

Adapted from Ghosts and Legends of Northeast South Dakota by Deborah Cuyle

Encounter the spirits of North Central Texas—wealthy families lingering in their mansions, notorious outlaws still trapped in their jail cells.

Welcome to spooky North Central Texas! 

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know that on stormy nights, ghosts bound in chains roam the halls at The Old Collin County Prison? Or that in Arlington, a haunted bridge echoes with screams of the dead? Can you believe the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas is home to a haunted elevator?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see North Central Texas forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on! 

Adapted from Haunted North Central Texas by Teresa Nordheim

Welcome to the spooky shores of Puget Sound! 

Stay Alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know that ghostly shipwrecks and phantom sailors lurk beneath the waves of Puget Sound? Or that restless pioneers lost on the Oregon Trail haunt Olympia's Sylvester Park? Can you believe a long-dead brown bear takes evening strolls through the streets of Tacoma?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Puget Sound forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on! 

Adapted from Haunted Puget Sound by Ira Wesley Kitmacher

Spooky stories and behind-the-scene incidents from the award-winning PBS documentary "The Haunting of Louisiana

Welcome to spooky Louisiana!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that ghost pirates haunt Louisiana's bayous in search of buried treasure? Or that at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, you might find a trail of ghostly footprints? Can you believe that in New Orleans, ghosts and spirits come alive in the famously haunted Cities of the Dead?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Louisiana forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Adapted from Haunted Louisiana by Barbara Sillery

Take a spine-tingling plunge into Florida's pirate-filled past! 

Meet Florida's spooky pirates!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know that the city of St. Augustine is positively packed with ghostly pirates? Or that on Gasparilla Island, you might just spot a headless buccaneer and his "spirited" steed galloping down the beach? Can you believe a three-hundred-year-old ghost ship and its cursed crew still haunts the waterways of the Florida Everglades? Shiver me timbers!

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Florida forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on! 

Adapted from Ghosts and Legends of Florida's Pirates by Heather Leigh, PhD

Bursting with delightful colors and bright illustrations, Local Baby: Ohio engages babies’ attention and encourages families to explore what makes their state so great.

This counting book for young readers offers a rhyming Halloween twist on the old camp song The Ants Go Marching One by One (also known as the tune When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again). It also shows little ones how to banish the monsters who sneak into their rooms.

J is for Jefferson and S is for signatures in this illustrated children's picture book that traces the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence and its subsequent profound impact.

From the Boston Tea Party in 1773 to the first reading of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776, this comprehensive alphabet book follows the citizens of the Thirteen Colonies as they fight for representation. During the 1700s, greed ruled King George III of England, and he thought he could tax the Colonists on anything. As a result, they rebelled by forming their own government. Featuring C for Continental Congress, I for Independence, and R for Revolution, this historical children’s book infuses readers with patriotism and awe.

The Declaration of Independence, one of the most important documents in the United States, gave Americans the right to defend themselves against tyranny from England. Rebellion and the need for self-government make up the history behind this valuable piece of the country’s beginning. Its story lives on today in annual celebrations accented with cannon fire and spectacles of light. More than an alphabet book, this account for young readers, which features vibrantly detailed paintings, inspires a love of liberty by highlighting the devotion of those who fought for it.

Counting down to bedtime has never been so much fun!

With beautiful illustrations on each page, we'll count down from 10 to 1 while celebrating friends and loved ones on Valentine's Day! From sharing sweet treats and making crafts at school, to snuggling with loving pups at home, there's so much to see—won't you join me?

Bursting with delightful colors and bright illustrations, Local Baby Rehoboth Beach engages babies’ attention and encourages families to explore what makes their city so great.



Families can walk along Rehoboth Beach's historic boardwalk, ride the Sea Dragon and play skeeball at Funland, and pick their favorite scoop at the Ice Cream Store! They can swim in the ocean, pick up a new book at Browseabout, then listen to live music at the bandstand. Explore Rehoboth Beach with this joyfully grabbable and wonderfully local board book that is sure to bring generations together.

Bursting with delightful colors and bright illustrations, Local Baby: Outer Banks engages babies’ attention and encourages families to explore what makes this region so great.

Visit the shops in Duck, go fishing at the Oregon Inlet, hang glide in Nag's Head, and learn about the Wright Brother's in Kitty Hawk. Climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and eat some ice cream as you watch the sunset. Explore the Outer Banks with this joyfully grabbable and wonderfully local board book that is sure to bring generations together.

This abbreviated board book edition is the perfect introduction to this classic tale!

Gaston the green-nosed alligator has returned from the swamp and is taking adventurous readers on a tour of Mardi Gras.

Ghost stories from Amherst, New Hampshire have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky roads of Amherst, New Hampshire! 

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know Town Hall once had skeletons in the basement? Or that a haunted cottage sits near the shores of Baboosic Lake? Can you believe ghostly wolves roam the forests at night, their eerie howls echoing until dawn? 

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Amherst, New Hampshire forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on! 

This abbreviated board book edition is the perfect introduction to this classic tale!

Take the classic story of jolly old St. Nicholas, place it in a Louisiana bayou setting, dress Santa Claus in muskrat “from his head to his foot,” pile his skiff high with toys, and hitch it to eight friendly alligators. The result is this modern classic. Fifty years after its first appearance, Cajun Night Before Christmas® has sold more than one million copies and has served as the model for Pelican’s ongoing, best-selling Night Before Christmas Series.

The Cajun Night Before Christmas® has been a part of Louisiana’s holiday traditions since it was first published in 1973. A delight to both young and old with its rustic full-color illustrations and lively story, it has become a timeless addition to holiday celebrations far beyond south Louisiana, reaching all corners of the country with its charming presentation of Christmas on the bayou and the break-out star of Gaston® the Green-Nosed Alligator.

Conceived by J. B. Kling, Jr., Cajun Night Before Christmas® originally appeared as a Christmas message from Bergeron Plymouth Company of New Orleans. Under the pseudonymous byline “Trosclair,” the story won a Clio Award in 1967 from the Academy of Television and Radio Advertising.

Brought to life by the talented James Rice, the humorous illustrations of a colorful bayou Christmas have been nationally recognized as a classic in its genre.

Freed slaves who headed West to start careers in the army after the Civil War were nicknamed buffalo soldiers by the Cheyenne Indians because of their hair and their displays of strength. A buffalo soldier's account of the bravery and courage of the Tenth Calvary during the Indian wars and the Spanish-American War.

M is for Michigan is an A-Z tour of The Great Lakes State. From the automobile industry that built Detroit to the sandy dunes of the shores of Western Michigan and Lake Michigan, M is for Michigan will charm children and adults alike. With bright, bold graphics and whimsical rhymes, highlights include Big Red Lighthouse, Michigan Cherries, University of Michigan and Michigan State football, Mackinac Bridge and the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. Perfect for any Michigander, or those that spend their summers on the lakes and beaches of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron or the scores of inland lakes in Michigan. M is for Michigan is a pure delight that celebrates Pure Michigan!

Embark on a magical journey through Florida’s diverse landscapes.

Join our young protagonist aboard the Panhandle Pullman for an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking sights and exciting discoveries. From the emerald waters of St. George Island to the historic streets of St. Augustine, each stop offers new wonders to explore. Taste the Tupelo honey, and marvel at the wildlife of the Florida Keys. Encounter manatees and sea turtles, alligators, crocodiles. Blast off at a NASA rocket launch! All Aboard, Florida! celebrates the beauty, history, and wonders of Florida in a captivating tale for children of all ages. Climb aboard and get ready for a journey of a lifetime.

Deep in the bayou where critters reside lived a lovable little crawfish they all knew as Clyde. The big crawfish said he would always be too small to play, but Clyde had an idea of how his giant cousin up in Maine could help! Young readers will enjoy the trick while also learning the importance of inclusion.

Petit Pierre has made a home for himself on the coast where Louisiana meets Mississippi, and now it is time for him to learn how to plunge-dive. Brown pelicans typically pick up this behavior by watching others do it. Will a new friend help Pierre learn how to dive? Young readers will follow his progress and, along the way, find out more about Gulf of Mexico marine life.

Lucille St. Lewis and her family have just moved to Louisiana. When her new friends at school find out she’s never eaten boiled crawfish, she feels left out. Will she like these “mudbugs”? One thing is for certain—she won’t be needing a fork! In this fun picture book, young readers will enjoy witnessing Lucy’s introduction to a Bayou State staple.

In the swamp, Gary the gator befriends Jerry, a cellphone who has fallen off a swamp boat.

Jerry offers Gary access to many wonders of the world, but Gary misses slowing down and enjoying his bayou life with his friends and family. In this colorful picture book, young readers will discover if Gary and Jerry can strike a good balance between modern technology and the simple life.

Color your way through Boston!

Best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock introduces young readers to the beautiful and exciting city of Boston. Young travelers and locals alike can color the boats in the harbor, visit the duckling statues and Swan Boats in Boston's parks, and explore museums. Color in ice cream and lobster and historic sites as you celebrate all that Boston has to offer!

Ghost stories from The Glass City have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky streets of Toledo, Ohio!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that a murdered maid and a bashful child are just two of the restless spirits roaming the haunted Oliver House? Or that the nuns of St. Ursula's Academy, now the Collingwood Arts Center, tend the campus in death as they did in life? Can you believe the Toledo Zoo has amazing animals . . . and amazing ghosts?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Toledo forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from Wisconsin's capital city have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky streets of Madison, Wisconsin!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know restless spirits roam the campus at the University of Wisconsin? Or that ghostly Confederate soldiers still linger at Camp Randall Stadium? Can you believe the Wisconsin State Capitol is filled with otherworldly entities? 

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Madison forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from Arizona's Haunted Route 66 have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky roads of Arizona's Haunted Route 66!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know Arizona's famously haunted Route 66 is swarming with ghosts? On this spooky roadtrip, you'll meet the spirits of many travelers who tragically met their end along this legendary route, thanks to untimely accidents, mishaps . . . and even murder! Like aspiring actress, Leorena Shipley, whose career was cut short by tragedy. Or the ill-fated tourists who checked in at the Monte Vista Hotel, and never checked out! Just make sure, if you stop for lunch in the spooky town of Oatman, that you remember to tip your ghostly waitress . . . or else you, too, could wind up wandering these roads for all eternity!

Pulled right from history, these spooky tales will change the way you see Arizona's Haunted Route 66 forever, and have you sleeping with the light on! 

Ghost stories from Old Town Spring have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky streets of Old Town Spring, Texas!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know the spirit of a girl who died in a barn still plays with her friends in Doering Court? Or that a headless railroad worker is known to chase phantom trains? Can you believe that on some nights, a ghostly bride and her husband can be seen dancing in the moonlight? 

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Old Town Spring forever, and have you sleeping with the light on! 

Ghost stories from The Witch City have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky streets of Salem, Massachusetts!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that inside Howard Street Cemetery, the ghost of accused witch Giles Corey wanders among the gravestones? Or that outside the Ropes Mansion, the ghost of Abigail Ropes can be seen peeking out of the windows? Have you heard that the Gardner-Pingree House on Essex Street is home to the spirit of a murdered sea captain?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Salem forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from Florida's Haunted Lighthouses have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky shores of Florida!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms. 

Did you know St. Augustine is home to the most haunted lighthouse in all of Florida? Or that ghostly pirates stalk the lighthouse on Garden Key in search of buried treasure? Can you believe that when the sun sets at Carysfort Reef Light, the dead... come alive?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Florida's Haunted Lighthouses, and have you sleeping with the light on! 

Adapted from Haunted Florida Lighthouses by Heather Leigh, PhD

Visit Florida from A to Z and discover that the state is more than just a vacationer’s dream. Throughout each brightly colored page, young readers will identify fun and familiar places, food, and activities while learning new words and concepts on their alphabetical journey of the Sunshine State. From alligators and egrets to mangroves and oranges, this friendly introduction to Florida’s weather, geography, and more will be rewarding to read and reread both in classrooms and at home. The state’s wildlife, flowers, landscapes, and more are captured in the breezy, balmy illustrations, which feature fun facts and a  picture search. 

Did you know that more than one thousand shipwrecks have been found off the Florida Keys? Or that the Florida panther, the state animal, can travel more than twenty miles in a single night? These fascinating Florida facts are just a few of the engaging concepts that children (and adults) will learn on their educational jaunt through America’s southernmost state. A list of Florida state symbols completes this delightfully rhyming primer.

Surrounded by the waters of the Mississippi, the blooming magnolias, and the buzzing mosquitoes, a solitary raccoon made his home in a cypress trunk.

As yet another Christmas approached with no friends to share the holiday season, Roux vowed to make a change. He built a tall bonfire, in the Cajun tradition, in hopes that Papa Noel would see the warm light of the flames on his Christmas Eve flight. 

Roux tucked himself into bed that cold, lonely night with not an inkling that Santa would indeed stop by his swampy abode. The jolly man in red brought gifts for the raccoon who had been nice all year, but gifts, he knew, were not what would bring little Roux cheer. As Santa set off to continue his Christmas Eve rounds, he scoured the bayous and towns for what would make Roux’s holiday complete. Can Santa find the perfect present to save Roux’s Christmas? 

This heartwarming story about the power of hope and the magic of friendship is sure to brighten your holiday reading. Children will enjoy this story of an unlikely friendship set in the southern swamps that references customs and traditions familiar to the littlest Cajuns. A recipe for Roux’s Bayou Stew completes this special tale.

Within these colorful pages, it’s Carnival time all year long!

A young storyteller relives the memories from her most recent Mardi Gras, describing ladders on the neutral ground and the perennial favorite of a fried chicken meal on the parade route. From a streetcar ride on Twelfth Night, she rolls on through Fat Tuesday and meets Mardi Gras Indians and revels in king cake and the music of a marching band, capturing all the highlights of a local’s Mardi Gras season. Who can forget spray string and stink bombs, the cotton candy cart, masking in the streets, and flambeaux lighting the way for night parades? As she Mardi Gras mambos and dances in the streets, she calls out for friends and relatives riding on floats to throw her something a little extra special.

This homage in verse captures a true local’s version of a family-friendly Mardi Gras and celebrates a city’s joy in its traditions. Children will find similarities between their own Carnival experiences and reflect on their own family’s customs. For those new to the festivities, the images—saturated with all things purple, green, and gold—will introduce visitors and newcomers alike to the real Mardi Gras. The celebration is so much more than a party and parades. It’s a holiday steeped in the culture of New Orleans and the joie de vivre of families and friends who come together during a special time of year to share in the revelry.

It’s Christmas time in Louisiana! This year Elise and her mother are traveling from New Orleans to join her family in Natchitoches to celebrate the season in a very special way.

Along north Louisiana’s Cane River, holiday traditions include parades—even a boat parade!—along the river and a Christmas festival with arts and crafts and carolers singing. The light-bedecked city of Natchitoches enchants Elise. Christmas lights blink from every lamppost and storefront. The twinkling colors are reflected in the river, and fireworks light up the sky. The sugary scent of funnel cakes and cotton candy saturates the evening breeze. But Elise’s favorite holiday treat is the famous Natchitoches meat pie that Maw-Maw sells at her festival booth every year. Can you guess her secret ingredient?

Natchitoches, Louisiana’s oldest city, has celebrated the Christmas season with a festival for a century. Today, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival lasts six weeks long and features hundreds of thousands of lights, days of entertainment for children and adults, and visits from Santa. And everyone’s favorite festival food? The Natchitoches meat pie, of course! The official recipe for this yummy snack concludes the tale of Elise’s family Christmas.

Two adorable bears set out to find the source of an irresistible aroma and wind up smack dab in the middle of the most exciting place on earth—a festival! 

Join Hannah Bear and LuLu on a thrilling journey as they explore the blinking lights, the spinning rides, and delicious food! The adventurous cubs sample every delectable delight at the big autumn event, from spicy cracklins, pecans, and pralines to other Louisiana treats. As the wind picks up, Hannah Bear and LuLu catch a whiff of something truly special that leads them through the pumpkin patch and across Bayou Bridge. They even encounter an alligator! Follow Hannah Bear and LuLu to the perfect spot with the most delicious smell of all.

With humor, curiosity, and a dash of mischief, Hannah Bear and LuLu's Festival to Remember celebrates the joy of exploration, the love of family, and the warmth of home. Get ready for a wild ride with these adorable fuzzy cubs!

In Louisiana’s Cajun Country, a celebration like no other occurs each Mardi Gras. The families of Acadiana come together on Fat Tuesday to host a centuries-old tradition: the Courir de Mardi Gras. During the running of the Mardi Gras, brightly costumed participants run, beg, sing, and dance for their neighbors as they gather tasty ingredients for the gumbo that will be shared at a dance party under a shining Mardi Gras moon. 

But once upon a time, many years ago, the moon vanished, nearly putting an end to the fais-do-do! A fiendish duo hooked the festive moon and towed it away, depriving the revelers of their purple, green, and gold moonbeams.

So young Leloup set off on a quest to recover the shining sentry. A sprinkling of familiar bayou characters and critters are scattered throughout this fairytale. Through teamwork, and some silly shenanigans, they help our hero as he returns the moon to its proper place in the Cajun sky, just in time to enjoy a celebratory gumbo and dance to some zydeco tunes. He might have even found some Mardi Gras treasure along the way!

Leloup’s story is full of fun references to the Acadian culture and is complete with a glossary of Cajun words, phrases, and places.

Sing along with the Carnival version of the favored nursery rhyme “The Wheels on the Bus.” This playful parody entertains with festive flair, as during Mardi Gras, it’s not a bus but a decorated float brimming with beads that delight the youngest parade-goers. Through engaging art and fun prose, children are transported to the parade route, enchanted by the magical sights and scenes of the season. 

Excitement fills every page! Tractors honk to the crowds as they pass, pulling the floats all Mardi Gras long. As beads fly through the air and crowds cheer, “Throw me something, mister!” drums boom and dance teams twirl. The best of a young reveler’s favorite Carnival parades are all found here. Join in the fun as the floats roll all through the town!

The rhythmic flow of the verse and colorful illustrations immerse readers in the joyous and culturally rich experience of Mardi Gras. Perfect for read-aloud sessions and interactive story times, this whimsical yet educational introduction to the Carnival celebration is an ideal addition to preschools, library shelves, and home collections. 

It is time for nap at Sassy’s house. But she is wide awake! Young readers will follow along as Sassy travels the state of Louisiana, enjoying music in New Orleans, picking strawberries in Ponchatoula, and touring the swamps. Wait, was she sleeping and dreaming the whole time?

Ghost stories from Bay City have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to the spooky streets of Bay City, Michigan!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know a sinister Victorian lady terrorizes those who visit the Bay City Antiques Center? Or that the ghost of a little girl browses the bookshelves at Sage Library? Can you believe the former caretaker of the USS Edson still lovingly tends the ship… even from beyond the grave? 

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Bay City forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from The Couve have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to the spooky streets of Vancouver!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that ghostly figures walk Vancouver’s bridges, only to disappear into the mist? Or that phantom mules, once used for army transport, still wander near their old barn on Fifth Street? Can you believe the scene of a fiery plane crash from more than fifty years ago...sometimes looks as if it has just happened?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Vancouver forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from the Cascade Mountain region have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to the spooky streets of Leavenworth and the Cascade Foothills!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that spirits of early pioneers still roam Leavenworth's streets and surrounding hills? Or that on moonlit nights, ghostly cries echo from inside the Thorp Cemetery? Can you believe the Tumwater Inn is home to a haunted piano?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Leavenworth and the Cascade Foothills forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Nantucket ghost stories have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to the spooky shores of Nantucket!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that a ghostly sea captain with a whale-oil lantern wanders the waterfront on foggy nights? Or that a two-hundred-year-old pastor still calls an island church home? Can you believe that locals love living on Nantucket so much...some of them never leave?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Nantucket forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

I scream, you scream . . .

Vermont has always been Phil’s favorite place in the whole world. From maple syrup farms, to shimmering Lake Champlain, to Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, what’s not to love? So when Phil’s family heads to Burlington for the Fourth, he is thrilled! That is, until the twins, Fia and James, tell him about all the people who have vanished in the lake . . . and the terrifying beast said to lurk below its surface.

Phil isn’t about to let some silly old legend ruin his summer—or his ice cream. But when a creature in the water nearly attacks him, Phil and his friends will have to team up to take down the lake beast once and for all—unless it gets them first!  

Ghost stories from Florida's Ocala National Forest have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to spooky Ocala National Forest!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that not far from the happiest place on earth, ghosts roam the swamps and woodlands of Central Florida? Or that eerie children ask passing cars for rides along the famously haunted Tiger Trail Road in Dunnellon? Can you believe a mysterious wanderer stalks the streets of Astor at night? 

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Ocala National Forest forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from Central New York have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! 

Welcome to the spooky streets of Central New York!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that Liberty Hall in Westernville is famously haunted? Or that a ghost doctor still walks the halls of the charming Oneida Lake House, once a local asylum? Can you believe the spirited performers at the Stanley Theater in Utica might actually be ghosts?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Central New York forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Let the GHOUL times roll!

Henry can’t wait for his field trip to the French Quarter, New Orleans’ oldest—and spookiest!—neighborhood. Not only will he and his best friend, Lily, find some cool facts for their local history project, they’ll get to eat delicious beignets while they’re at it. (Yum, y’all.) 

But inside historic Meredith Mansion, they find way more than they bargained for—including paintings that move, a possibly haunted music box, and one VERY grumpy ghost! Along with their friends, Henry and Lily will have to follow the creepy clues, explore mystical signs and symbols, and uncover an old family secret that someone may still be guarding, even from beyond the grave! And if they can’t . . . it could be the last field trip any of them ever take.

Derived from a patriotic Grammy-nominated spoken word album recorded by The Duke in 1973.

Now, in  An American Boy Grows Up, we can join Little Duke on his journey through this great land and learn about true American values of love, freedom, compassion, honesty, family, unity, hope, liberty & justice, honor and peace.

Derived from a patriotic Grammy-nominated spoken word album recorded by The Duke in 1973.

Now, in The People, we can join Little Duke on his journey through this great land and learn about true American values of love, freedom, compassion, honesty, family, unity, hope, liberty & justice, honor and peace.

Derived from a patriotic Grammy-nominated spoken word album recorded by The Duke in 1973.

Now, in America, Why I Love Her, we can join Little Duke on his journey through this great land and learn about true American values of love, freedom, compassion, honesty, family, unity, hope, liberty & justice, honor and peace.

In this middle-grade adaptation of Shark Attacks of the Jersey Shore, author Patricia Heyer dives into the history and lore of shark attacks along New Jersey’s coast. Every summer, thousands of people flock to the boardwalks and beaches of the Jersey Shore looking for fun and relaxation. But some come face to face with much more. A boy paid a gruesome price for teasing a trapped shark in the first recorded attack in 1842. Three bloody attacks of 1960 left one man’s limb amputated. The horrific summer of 1916 included seven attacks within two weeks, sparking the man-eating reputation that sharks still have today. These stories and more have been adapted for younger readers brave enough to dive in to our shark-infested waters.

After her chicks drift off to sleep, Mother Pelican takes flight. From Shreveport to New Orleans, she visits many of the places that make Louisiana special. All the while, she thinks about her babies sleeping peacefully in their nest. Mother Pelican knows that we carry the ones we love in our hearts, no matter where we go.

The sky is dark and grey, but Florida youngsters can while away a rainy day with this colorful board book touring sodden beaches, happy plants, and key lime pie!

From dazzling beaches to the roar of fan-filled stadiums, babies in the Sunshine State will surely recognize all the signs of a sunny day in Florida in this exciting board book!

Quotes from the pen of America's Beloved Author Louisa May Alcott

This elegant pocket-sized hardcover gift book, part of Applewood's Quotations of Great Americans series, contains nearly one hundred quotes from the beloved author of Little Women, Louisa May Alcott.

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.

Stumpy and his brothers Bumpy and Lumpy are born deep in the marsh in this bayou retelling of “The Three Little Pigs.” However, this threesome’s fearsome foe is not a wolf with large lung capacity but the big bad winds from the Gulf of Mexico. Stumpy knows that his brother’s sawgrass nest won’t withstand a stiff breeze, much less the storm approaching from the south. As a hurricane rushes in and makes fast work of their first home, Stumpy can’t help but open his big mouth and tease his older brothers. “I told you so!” he shouts as the wind rips and roils around them, tearing them from one nest after another. The storm taunts them with clever rhyme, throws them out of home after home, surges, and purges. But it also teaches them about respecting the forces of nature. Stumpy, Bumpy, and Lumpy learn to stay inside and throw themselves a little hurricane party in true Gulf States fashion.

           With sassy Southern humor and silly illustrated fun, Stumpy and his brothers weather the storm. Now if only Stumpy could learn to keep his big mouth closed when the waters rise and the winds come howling.

Welcome to best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock's Hello! board book series for children. In Hello, Auntie! readers explore the special relationship between a child and her aunt during an adventure-filled day. For ages 0 to 3.

Ghost stories from America's Valley of the Sun have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky streets of Phoenix, Arizona!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know that the booming, modern metropolis of Phoenix is a city filled with ghosts? Like the spirits who haunt the Smurthwaite House, which sits on the grounds of Phoenix's oldest cemetery? Or the restless souls who linger within the walls of Phoenix’s Mystery Castle, old train depots, and eerie historic mansions? Can you believe the mysterious Hohokam tribe, whose people once inhabited the Pueblo Grande Ruins and later vanished, may not have vanished after all?  

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Phoenix forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from the Capital of Silicon Valley have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know a ghostly bride stalks the corridors of the Sainte Claire Hotel? Or that a spectral janitor still carries out his duties at Overfelt High School? Can you believe that at the La Forêt Restaurant, long-dead miners from the New Almaden are rumored to appear in rooms they once called home? 

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see San Jose forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Ghost stories from the City of Gardens have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery!

Welcome to the spooky streets of Rockford, Illinois!

Stay alert! Ghosts lurk around every corner. Even the most unexpected places might be haunted by wandering phantoms.

Did you know the Burpee Museum is haunted by the ghosts of years past? Or that if you take a cruise down Blood Point Road, you may be chased by haunted hounds and a pickup truck determined to run you off the road? Have you heard the of the witch who kidnapped children as an act of vengeance?

Pulled right from history, these ghostly tales will change the way you see Rockford forever, and have you sleeping with the lights on!

Bursting with delightful colors and bright illustrations, Local Baby: Florida engages babies’ attention and encourages families to explore what makes their state so great.

Collect seashells in St. Pete Beach and go fishing in Destin. Dive into St. Augustine's history and launch into the Kennedy Space Center's future! Kiteboard, pick oranges, and see the gators and manatees along the coast. Explore Florida with this joyfully grabbable and wonderfully local board book that is sure to bring generations together.

Playful, bouncing rhymes and bright, colorful illustrations guide young readers as they eat their way through the peachiest state in the nation. Pecan pie, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, okra, collard greens, BBQ, and every Georgia treat a child can desire fuel imaginations in this region-by-region tour of the Goober State. (Did you know a goober is a peanut?) During their exploration, children encounter history, landmarks, geography, and more. So sit back with a juicy peach and bag of hot boiled peanuts and get to know the greatest state around.

If it’s May in Louisiana, the termites are swarming! This counting book will make toddlers and their families laugh—and squirm—as they recognize this annual buggy invasion.

In this board book, Huey the pelican is learning his Louisiana colors. Come fly with him and see how colorful our state can be, with blue in the heron, red in the peppers, yellow in the sunshine, and so much more!

It’s time to make gumbo, but Greta’s dad needs groceries and her baby brother is fussy. As her frazzled dad shops for gumbo ingredients, he doesn’t notice when Greta, determined to calm her brother, summons the help of a hyperactive monkey, a curious rabbit, and a frozen penguin. The baby laughs. But when a grunting elephant and a lumbering bear cause chaos, the baby wails. Yikes! Can Greta calm the baby and help Dad get groceries for Greta’s gumbo? Imagination rules in this fun story for young readers.

Bourque's entertaining and captivating story brilliantly showcases the importance of having supportive friends who encourage and uplift each other through life's ups and downs. Their teamwork, kindness, and positive attitudes are not only admirable but also inspiring. -- The Children's Book Review

READERS' FAVORITE 5-STAR REVIEW!

It's Sunday, the day before the school week begins, and Alycat is nervous. She just knows that Monday is going to be the Mondayest Monday ever! On the playground, Alycat realizes she isn't the only one suffering from the Sunday Scaries. It's hard to ride a bike. What if Kit falls? The treehouse is so high. Will Spotty make it safely back down? The kittens band together to overcome their fears, but can they turn the Sunday Scaries into a Sunday Funday? The themes of the books in the Alycat Series all reflect a reliance on friendships, imagination, and creativity towards problem solving. Fans of Alycat and her friends will enjoy spotting references to the kittens' daily adventures within these pages. Tips for a successful lemonade stand are included

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The Alycat Series features: Alycat and the Thursday Dessert Day, Alycat and the Monday Blues, Alycat and the Friendship Friday, Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, Alycat and the Cattywampus Wednesday, Alycat and the Sleepover Saturday, and Alycat and the Sunday Scaries. The books in this series have won more than 17 awards, including the NYC Big Book Award, the Mom's Choice Awards, and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards; have been featured in Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly; and have appeared in the Oscars celebrity swag bag and the Grammy Awards gift bag. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, featured Bourque and her life-size mascot, Alycat, on her popular YouTube channel Little Red News.

A Rocky Mountain Twist on the classic Christmas poem!

The Rocky Mountains come alive on a cold Christmas Eve as a cowboy makes his way home. Upon arrival, he spies a big, fat red feller on the rooftop of his cabin and lassoes the suspected cattle rustler. Ordinarily, fate would have dictated dire consequences, but childhood memories reveal the stranger as Santa Claus and the two reunite.

The pair bask in the warmth of the cabin as the cowboy tells of his Rocky Mountain days. He lives a hard life on the Western frontier but would never consider anything else. When Santa takes flight to continue his journey, he leaves behind a package to ease his new friend’s troubles along with a wish: May your trail be easy and your burden be light!

Counting down to bedtime at Easter has never been so fun!

With beautiful illustrations on each page, in Dreaming of Easter we'll learn to count down from 10 to 1 while celebrating springtime, family, and all the treats and fun that come with Easter! From visiting the Easter bunny and hunting for beautiful eggs to enjoying spring flowers and petting sweet baby animals, there's so much to see—won't you join me?

In this board book for young readers, we'll learn to count down from 10 to 1 while discovering the breathtaking parks and sites in the Colorado Plateau. Hike the trails in the Grand Canyon, count amazing geological formations in Bryce Canyon National Park, and see the wildlife that calls this amazing part of our country home—all before bedtime! From Arches to Zion, there's so much to see—won't you join me?

Kelsi Fairgate, a fourth grader and only child living on a ranch in the middle of Texas, awaits the end of the school year. When her parents bring in an orphan lamb from a pasture, her prospects for the summer look up. Kelsi and her friend, Ampara, run into some serious rattlesnake trouble one day. The lamb saves Kelsi, but then it is the girls’ turn to try to save the lamb!

Based on a song from author and illustrator Johnette Downing’s album Boogie Woogie Bugs, the singsong rhyming text introduces babies and youngsters to the wonderful world of bugs.

Illustrated with Johnette’s bold, bright foam and paper collages, the bugs seem to hop, skip, fly, and jump right off the board book pages and into the hearts of little listeners in this entertaining and educational counting adventure!

From the dynamic duo behind The Lake I Love and I Met a Moose in Maine One Day comes a moving and unforgettable tail of mindfulness, friendship, and discovering the magic of letting yourself just be.

Leo the lizard spends his days relaxing in the desert sand, gazing at the sky, and basking in the sun. The other desert animals think Leo is lazy, but the roadrunner isn't so sure . . . could it be that Leo has learned something the others have not? Perhaps there is more to this lazy-looking lizard than truly meets the eye?

With its playfully melodic rhymes and stunning desert illustrations, Leo the Lazy Lizard invites readers of all ages to discover the beauty of quiet moments - to smell every scent, feel every breeze, and love how they feel 'cause they feel so at ease! A true celebration of mindfulness, connection, and learning to appreciate the things that make us all so wonderfully unique, Leo the Lazy Lizard will delight families for generations to come!

Originally published in 1913, this is a lovely reproduction of the first American Girl Scout Handbook.

Author W.J. Hoxie—a naturalist—included tips and tricks for provisioning a camp, tying knots, tending the injured, and telling time by the stars. In 1916, How Girls Can Help Their Country was adapted by Juliette Low into a newer version of the Girl Scout Handbook.  The ranks of the American Girl Scouts have grown from the original eighteen members to the millions of members still active today. Through the decades, each Girl Scout has used some edition of the handbook to learn about everything from camping and first-aid, to housewifery and patriotism. Although the roles of women have changed over the years, the importance of the handbook has not.   Complete with photographs and diagrams, this centennial edition serves as a reference for life in the times of the great-, great-great-, or even great-great-great-grandmothers of today's Scouts.