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Don't Smile
Being a mother and a teacher, I sometimes find myself having to do a lot of work just to get my children and students to smile. This is a story about a little boy who does not want to smile for pictures. He likes the straight line of his mouth because it looks like the trunk of a tree, the body of a butterfly, and the stick of a lollipop. He starts to get defeated when the reader points out that the branches of the trees, the wings of a butterfly, and the candy of the lollipop are all curved lines like a smile. He finally thinks he came up with the best thing that is ALL straight lines, a book, but discovers that he loves books and that they make him smile. In the end, he realizes that it feels really good to smile. This book contains beautiful hand painted illustrations that go along with the engaging text.
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Bo, the Baked Potato: A Story About Being Brave
Want to share a story of embracing bravery and self-love with your young reader, and through a universally loved character across kids and adults? Then this picture book is perfect for you!
Bo, the Baked Potato is a vetted rhyme-based children's picture book about friendship, bravery, and self-love. Designed for read-alouds and early readers, this story celebrates imagination and encourages children ages 3-7 (Preschool-Grade 2) to embrace what makes them unique.
This book about Bo, the Baked Potato:
- was vetted by a network of 50+ teachers and educators, child psychologists from the leading institutions of Stanford and Harvard University, and of course, older kids to ensure each page, and each character tells a powerful story that actually resonates deeper with your young reader
- contains colorful illustrations that all started with hand-drawn sketch drawings detailing imaginative lands like Pancake Landing, Gravy Volcanoes, and Butter Lake in a potato town called Taterville
- adopts an easy rhyming storyline for young readers who are transitioning beyond board-books
- helps children learn about friendship and self-love in a whimsical way through the stories connected to our favorite fun food group - potatoes!
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What do parents and kids think about this book?
"We've read this four times already today! We are big fans. She loved the whole town of Taterville!" - Alissa, mother of a 3 year old daughter
"Just read it to my son before his nap and he asked "can you read Bo again when I wake up?" - Chris, father of a 3 year old son
"My son was captivated the entire time which is shocking for his age!" - Dani, mother of a 2 year old son
"Bo's message about being yourself and sharing your creativity is very important for young minds at this age" - UC Berkeley trained child psychologist
"By age three, children aren't just learning words. They're forming beliefs about who they are. It's important to share stories that help shape those beliefs toward courage, belonging, and resilience." - Dr. Angela Duckworth, PhD, Harvard, Oxford (best-selling author on grit).
This book was especially designed for this as you raise brave and courageous kids.
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More about the characters:
Bo is a creative baked potato who loves to make colorful clothes like ketchup scarves, cheese hats, and lettuce robes! Bo lives in Taterville, a lively town full of potatoes of every shape and style, alongside Bo's best friends Tye the tater tot and Max the mashed potato.
When Bo wishes to be different, the potato trio set off on a curious adventure beyond Taterville in search of the Elder, a magical and wise potato said to grant wishes. Along the way, they travel through Pancake Landing, Butter Lake, and the bubbling Gravy Volcano, where Bo's creativity and courage help them face each challenge together.
When they finally meet the Elder, Bo discovers an important truth: belonging comes from loving who you are.
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Ocean of Stars
From Azita Ardakani and acclaimed artist Rebecca Rebouché comes a timeless story about how everything comes to be--and how, in the making of the world, we are made by both stardust and one another.
Before there was the world we know, there was only silence and shimmer--a great dark ocean of matter and possibility. Ocean of Stars follows the unfolding of creation: light forming from fire, water gathering from stars, and life arising from their meeting--until the living world begins to know itself through us.
Told in lyrical prose and brought to life through Rebecca Rebouché's breathtaking illustrations, this picture book invites readers into a cosmic meditation on connection: how the stars became water, how water became life, and how all living things are threads in the same luminous web.
Part poem and part lullaby, Ocean of Stars offers children and adults alike a gentle way to contemplate existence--how every being, from the smallest seed to the farthest star, carries the memory of creation within. This is a story to be read aloud, wondered over, and kept close for a lifetime.
Ocean of Stars may be the biggest, little story ever told.
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Shy: A Picture Book
From New York Times bestselling mother-daughter duo Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton and bestselling illustrator Eva Byrne comes an empowering tale of finding your voice--starring a shy puppy who discovers the magic of music
Shy is the smallest and quietest pup at the shelter. The world feels big, loud, and a bit scary to her sweet and gentle soul.
But when a man with kind eyes brings her home, she feels safe with her new best friend--and keeps him company while he practices at his piano. Beautiful, unfamiliar sounds dance in the air when the piano man plays, and something inside her begins to stir. The piano man has an important performance ahead--but it may be a performance no one, especially the piano man, ever expected.
Inspired by Julie Andrews's real-life "singing" dog, this uplifting picture book invites readers to find their voice and share their talents with the world.
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Pup That Never Gives Up (Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie)
Get ready for some PAW-some action! Join Nickelodeon's PAW Patrol in this Little Golden Book based on The Dino Movie--in theaters summer 2026.Sold out -
Riddle of Eels
From the author of the Sibert Medal-winning The Mona Lisa Vanishes and the illustrator of the Caldecott Honor book Mel Fell comes a slippery, wondrous exploration of a mysterious misfit: the eel. Often misunderstood, the eel has baffled scientists and befuddled philosophers for centuries. You'd think a book about eels would tell you everything you need to know about eels: where they're born, how they grow, where they live, where they die. But the truth is far stranger: the more we think we know about eels, the more the mysterious creature wriggles away, leaving even experts scratching their heads. And maybe this book tells you a few things about Eels. We know, for instance, that they are fish even though they look like snakes. But how can we ever know if we've got the complete picture on anything? Why are we so certain of our knowledge...till we're not? With humor and expressive, bright illustrations, this book blends science and history to illuminate a real-life mystery that has puzzled great minds from Aristotle to Freud. Perfect for inquisitive readers and fans of weird-but-true stories, here is a celebration of curiosity and the unknown by a Sibert Medalist and a Caldecott Honoree--it reminds us that some questions are more magical when they don't have simple answers. -
Danny Go's Silly Spooky Party: A Lift-The-Flap Book
A Halloween lift-the-flap adventure filled with fun, movement, and a little mystery--from hit children's YouTube stars Danny Go!
Hey there! I'm Danny Go, and I'm getting ready to have a big, silly, spooky party! Would you like to come with me?
Danny's house is all decked out for a fun Halloween party! But when his friends arrive, someone's missing . . . Where could Bearhead be hiding?
Join Danny and his friends as they follow a trail of candy down the street, across the playground, and through the woods to solve the mystery. Learn to dance the "Creepy Crawl" and lift the flaps to reveal spooky surprises In this interactive tale from beloved children's entertainers and YouTube sensation Danny Go!
Also Available:
Danny Go's Volcano Adventure
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Roar-Some Friends (Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie)
Get ready for some PAW-some action! Join Nickelodeon's PAW Patrol in this tabbed board book based on The Dino Movie--in theaters summer 2026.Sold out -
Superman's Good Guy Gang: Follow the Leader
Are there other super-kids out there? The Good Guy Gang is about to find out! Now that Superman, Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern have formed their super flashy club, Superman naturally declares himself the leader of the gang. Wait a minute! Who does this kid think he is? Every child, grown-up, grandparent, and runaway grizzly knows that Green Lantern should be in charge. Excuse me. Is that so? Puh-lease! Hawkgirl is the oldest and wisest of the three, so she should be the club president. What's this? There's a new super-powered kid in town who calls himself Mister Terrific and claims he's even more powerful than the other three?! Well, looks like the only way to choose a leader is to have a superhero competition! Four super-powered kids go toe-to-toe in writer and artist Rob Justus's hilarious and heartfelt sequel to the fan-favorite graphic novel Superman's Good Guy Gang! This group of friends is about to risk everything to prove who's the best superhero... what could possibly go wrong? Let the games begin!Sold out -
Ziggy McBop and the Toy Swap
Ziggy McBop and the Toy Swap invites young readers to leave behind their screens and embark on an imaginative adventure that brings the world of play to life. Written in playful anapestic tetrameter and illustrated with whimsical artwork by Christopher Fowler, this delightful story introduces the magic of Ziggy McBop, a zany character who can turn any ordinary moment into a fantastical experience.
When two young boys, Arthur and Harrison, become too absorbed in their tablets, Ziggy uses his magical kazoo to break the spell and invite them into a world beyond their screens. With a loud KAZOOO! the boys are whisked away on a whirlwind journey. On the back of Dino-Dog, a lovable and adventure seeking new best friend, they soar through vibrant skies and land in the fantastical Fungle the Jungle where the adventure really takes off.
Their journey continues as they face challenges, including a rumble with the formidable King Magoodah-a mighty bearacuda who rules the jungle with a furry ferocious paw. With bravery and teamwork, Harrison transforms into his heroic alter ego, Tumo the Sumo, and Arthur coaches him up ringside as Tumo the Sumo takes on King Magoodah in an epic showdown.
Next, they stumble upon a hidden gem mine and find themselves becoming trillionaires as their curiosity and courage lead them to unimaginable treasures. As their adventure comes to an end, Ziggy reminds them that the true magic lies within their imagination, and they don't need a tablet to spark creativity and have fun.
Back in the real world, Arthur and Harrison return from their dreamlike adventure, inspired to swap their tablets for toys that represent their newfound love for play and imagination. Ziggy McBop and the Toy Swap is a heartwarming story that encourages children to engage with the world around them, embrace their creativity, and discover the joy of imaginative play.
Filled with catchy rhymes, vibrant illustrations, and a message about the importance of using one's imagination, this book is the perfect read for children ages 2-8. A fun and engaging experience for parents and children alike, it reminds us all that the best adventures happen when we step away from our screens.
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Waiting on a Miracle: A Twisted Tale
What if Mirabel and her sisters had to leave the Encanto? A magical addition to the New York Times bestselling Twisted Tale series about Disney's Encanto. Mirabel's worst fear is confirmed--she is responsible for the faltering powers of the Familia Madrigal. Guilt-ridden and feuding with her sisters, Mirabel decides to save the magic herself. Sure, she may be the only gift-less member of her family, but she knows she can put their crumbling pieces back together again. Unfortunately, Mirabel's youngest cousin, Antonio, beats her to it. He overhears Tío Bruno's vision and does the unthinkable--leaves the Encanto to find a solution. Terrified of what could happen outside the safety of their home, Mirabel has no other choice but recruit Strong Luisa and Perfect Isabela to help find their baby cousin. But what starts as a rescue mission turns into a magical quest with a band of brothers whose family has a deep secret connection to theirs. And soon, Mirabel learns that missing cousins and disappearing gifts may be just the beginning of their problems.... -
Our Strange Duet: Inspired by Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera
A reimagining of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, spotlighting Christine Daaé as she rises to fame while torn between love, ambition, and the haunting secrets of the opera house from #1 New York Times bestselling author Erin A. Craig. This gorgeous hardcover edition of Our Strange Duet features stunning sprayed edges, custom character endpapers, a foil-stamped case, and a ribbon! She was never just the voice he shaped . . . A rising soprano with a gift she is only just learning to embrace, Christine Daaé has moved through the glittering world of the Opera Populaire longing to find her purpose. Instead, she finds herself caught between two men who refuse to let her slip quietly into the chorus. One is Raoul, her childhood friend turned devoted admirer, offering her a future filled with warmth, safety, and a love that feels like sunlight. The other is a mysterious masked figure who lurks beneath the Opera House: The Phantom. His brilliance, obsession, and dangerous devotion to nurturing Christine's talents ignites a dark and complicated passion in her heart. As Christine's star ascends, so does the tension between Raoul and the Phantom. She must decide who she is when the curtain falls--and what she's willing to risk for the life she wants. Set against the sweeping, romantic world of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, Our Strange Duet allows Christine Daaé to take center stage to tell her own story: fierce, emotional, and unforgettable. -
Bluey's Big World
Calling all Bluey fans! Find all of the most important moments, games, facts, and maps from the world of Bluey in one place in this must-have guidebook, perfect for fans of the wildly successful animated series Bluey, as seen on Disney+. What's the name of the Heeler family car? What's a pavlova? And what do we know about each of Bluey's toys? This illustrated guidebook is chock-full of fun facts, characters, maps, and more from the world of Bluey. It's perfect for superfans who want to know all about Bluey! -
Cooking with Max
Max and the Grinch mix up a sweet suprise for Santa Claus in this Step 1 reader! This rhymed story is perfect for beginning readers who know their ABCs, and includes a recipe for a sweet holiday treat. Up on Mount Crumpet,
Through a white fog...
It was Christmas Eve
For the Grinch and his dog. It's Christmas Eve and the Grinch is fast asleep when Max realizes they didn't put out a snack for Santa! The friends work together to whip up a delicious treat in the kitchen--but will they finish in time before Santa arrives? Find out in this sweet doggie tale about friendship and festive traditions, featuring the beloved characters from Dr. Seuss's classic story How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This rhymed story is an ideal choice for children learning to read, young foodies, and, of course, Dr. Seuss fans. Early readers and aspiring chefs can even cook a recipe for a sweet holiday treat with Max and the Grinch! Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words for children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. Rhyme and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story. Look for all these books featuring classic Dr. Seuss characters:- Cooking with the Cat
- Cooking with the Grinch
- Cooking with Cindy-Lou Who
- and more!
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Ollie the Kindness Guardian
Have you ever felt like you didn't quite belong-like there was something about you the world just couldn't understand?
Ollie, a unique Catamus Cat, wants to be seen for his true and gentle nature, but it feels like others only recognize his differences. He longs to share the river's beauty with his friends, but instead, the other creatures whisper and chant:
"Catamus, Catamus, not like us-Catamus, Catamus, just a bust!"
Ollie will need to go on a journey to discover who he really is-and maybe even save the day along the way.
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Gods Will Sing Our Song
In this sweeping WWII historical romance threaded with magic and myth, two star-crossed Japanese American teenagers find a love more powerful than the gods--inspired by the author's true family history of internment and resilience. A divine favor can change everything. 1942. War rumbles across the world, gods stir in the wind, and two lives are set on a collision course that will change them forever. Seventeen-year-old Ren Hamada has always been defined by his troubled past, while Violet Aratani has only ever worried about keeping her straight-A grades and helping her parents run their beloved print shop. The two have little in common beyond the old magic that thrums in their worn family relics--and the fact that they're Japanese American in a country determined to cast them as the enemy. Forced out of their homes and into ramshackle wooden barracks in the California desert by the US government, Ren and Violet collide. In a barbed wire world where everything they thought they knew is upside-down, the magnetic pull between them is the only thing that makes sense. But there's more than just desert dust swirling in the air. A god walks among them, his mortal form tethered to the camp, and only Violet and Ren hold the key to freeing him--an act that would earn them an immeasurable reward. Yet with tensions rising and their lives on the line, is even a divine favor powerful enough to save them?