Nation by Terry Pratchett

From chapters.ca:
Alone on a desert island — everything and everyone he knows and loves has been washed away in a storm — Mau is the last surviving member of his nation. He’s completely alone — or so he thinks until he finds the ghost girl. She has no toes, wears strange lacy trousers like the grandfather bird, and gives him a stick that can make fire. Daphne, sole survivor of the wreck of the Sweet Judy, almost immediately regrets trying to shoot the native boy. Thank goodness the powder was wet and the gun only produced a spark. She’s certain her father, distant cousin of the Royal family, will come and rescue her but it seems, for now, that all she has for company is the boy and the foul- mouthed ship’s parrot, until other survivors arrive to take refuge on the island. Together, Mau and Daphne discover some remarkable things (including how to milk a pig, and why spitting in beer is a good thing), and start to forge a new nation.

Mechanimals by Chris Tougas

From chapters.ca:
When a tornado leaves a farmer with a heap of scrap metal and no animals, his neighbours are sure it's all over for him. But the determined farmer refuses to admit defeat. His plans are big, and when his neighbours dismiss them with the words, "When pigs fly," they grow bigger still. The farmer sets to work to turn that scrap metal into some rather surprising creatures. Mechanimals will help all of us believe in our dreams, despite what the neighbours may say.

The Story of the Mole who Knew it was None of his Business by Werner Halzworth and Wolf Erlbruch

From chapters.ca:
The story of the Little Mole is a tale loved by children and their parents all around the world with more than a million copies sold! And now you can play along with compelling pop- ups, tabs to pull, and flaps to lift! A terrible catastrophe befalls the little mole one bright, sunny morning. When he looks out of his hole — PLOP! Something that looks just like a sausage lands on his head. Whodunit? Our little hero sets out to find who has left their business on his head. In the end, with the help of some flies, Little Mole gets his revenge. Now a new generation of readers will enjoy this one- of- a- kind, stinky, and delightful story.

Thump, Quack, Moo: A Whacky Adventure by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin

From chapters.ca:
It's time for the annual Corn Maze Festival. The farm is bursting with activity. Cluck Whack! The chickens build a fence around the cornfield. Moo Thwack! The cows give the barn a fresh coat of paint. Thump. Quack! Duck builds the ticket booth for the hot- air balloon ride. Everyone is excited. Well, Duck is not excited exactly. But he has a plan. As Farmer Brown designs the corn maze for the festival, Duck does some designing of his own. Guess who's in for a big surprise? The always- creative, always- hilarious, always- champions- of- corn- mazes pair who brought you Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type and Dooby Dooby Moo have planned a terrific event. Step right up, folks.

Buttercup's Lovely Day by Carolyn Beck, illustrated by Andrea Beck

From chapters.ca:
In poetry that winds and wends like a creek through a farmer's field, we journey through one lovely day in Buttercup's life. Whether she is ruminating on the mud beneath her feet or the moon and the stars in the blue- black sky, she draws us deep into her rich and wonderful world.

Daisy and the Beastie by Jane Simmons

From chapters.ca:
When Daisy the duckling and her little brother, Pip, visit Grandpa on his farm, he tells them about a mysterious "Beastie". Daisy and Pip search the chicken coop, the pigsty, and even the orchard, but they cannot find the Beastie anywhere. Then they hear "Eeooow!" coming from the shed. Could it be the Beastie? Filled with fun barnyard sounds, this read- aloud story has a reassuring end.

Time Warp Trio Graphic Novels by Jon Scieszka

For fans of the fantastic and funny historical fiction series The Time Warp Trio, check out this new graphic novel version!

Otto's Orange Day by Frank Cammuso and Jay Lynch

From chapters.ca:
When Otto the cat meets a magical genie, he knows just what to wish for: he makes the whole world orange! At first, this new, bright world seems like a lot of fun, but when his mom serves orange spinach for lunch, Otto realizes that his favourite colour isn't the best colour for everything. Fixing this mixed- up world won't be easy, though, because Otto already used up his only wish. To save the day, Otto will need his family's help, some quick thinking, and... a pizza? Otto is the creation of two master cartoonists who bring all the fun and magic comics can offer to early readers.

Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale

From chapters.ca:
Once upon a time, in a land you only think you know, lived a little girl and her mother... or the woman she "thought" was her mother. Every day, when the little girl played in her pretty garden, she grew more curious about what lay on the other side of the garden wall... a rather enormous garden wall. And every year, as she grew older, things seemed weirder and weirder, until the day she finally climbed to the top of the wall and looked over into the mines and desert beyond. Newbery Honor-winning author Shannon Hale teams up with husband Dean Hale and brilliant artist Nathan Hale (no relation) to bring readers a swashbuckling and hilarious twist on the classic story as you've never seen it before. Watch as Rapunzel and her amazing hair team up with Jack (of beanstalk fame) to gallop around the wild and western landscape, changing lives, righting wrongs, and bringing joy to every soul they encounter.

Which Would you Rather Be? by William Steig, illustrated by Harry Bliss

From chapters.ca:
Both simple and profound, Which Would You Rather Be? was celebrated author/artist William Steig's recent triumph of humour and creativity – a charming, game– like picture book illustrated by the renowned illustrator Harry Bliss. The duo could not have been more perfectly matched! Bliss' warm, accessible art and Steig's winning way with words make this book a treasure for any child.

How Many Ways can you Catch a Fly? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

From chapters.ca:
A fascinating look at ways different animals have adapted to solve the same problem. Flies are fast! They can hover, walk upside down, and use their lightning- quick reflexes to escape predators. But rainbow trout, slender lorises, and assassin bugs can catch them. Chimney swifts can, too. How do such diverse creatures manage to capture the same prey? Similar in structure to What Do You Do with a Tail Like This?, this eye- popping picture book introduces readers to a menagerie of animals that approach the same challenges in very different ways.

Bees, Snails, and Peacock Tails by Betsy Franko, illustrated by Steve Jenkins

From chapters.ca:
Come explore the hidden shapes and patterns in nature. The peacock's flashy tail is a masterpiece of colour and shape. A buzzing beehive is built of tiny hexagons. Even a snake's skin is patterned with diamonds. Poet Betsy Franco and Caldecott Honor winner Steve Jenkins bring geometry to life in this lively, lyrical look at the shapes and patterns that can be found in the most unexpected places.

Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett

From chapters.ca:
Tiffany Aching is a trainee witch — now working for the seriously scary Miss Treason. But when Tiffany witnesses the Dark Dance — the crossover from summer to winter — she does what no one has ever done before and leaps into the dance. Into the oldest story there ever was. And draws the attention of the wintersmith himself.
Can Tiffany deal with the consequences of her actions? Even with the help of Granny Weatherwax and the Nac Mac Feegle — the fightin’, thievin’ pictsies who are prepared to lay down their lives for their "big wee hag."

Wintersmith is the third title in an exuberant series crackling with energy and humour.

A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett

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Tiffany Aching, a hag from a long line of hags, is trying out her witchy talents again as she is plunged into yet another adventure when she leaves home and is apprenticed to a "real" witch. This time, will the thievin’, fightin’ and drinkin’ skills of the Nac Mac Feegle — the Wee Free Men — be of use, or must Tiffany rely on her own abilities?

The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett

From chapters.ca:
Up on the chalk downs known as The Wold, witches are banned - ever since the Baron’s son vanished in the woods. Anyway, as all witches know, chalk is no good for magic. Nine- year- old Tiffany Aching thinks her Granny Aching - a wise shepherd - might have been a witch, but now Granny Aching is dead and it’s up to Tiffany to work it all out when strange things begin happening. There’s a fairy- tale monster in the stream, a headless horseman and, strangest of all, the tiny blue men in kilts, the Wee Free Men, who have come looking for the new "hag". These are the Nac Mac Feegles, the pictsies, who like nothing better than thievin’, fightin’ and drinkin’. When Tiffany’s young brother goes missing, Tiffany and the Wee Free Men must join forces to save him from the Queen of the Fairies.

How Elephants Lost their Wings by Lesly Sims, illustrated by Katie Lovell

A simple retelling of a myth about when elephants could fly.

Eliot Jones, Midnight Superhero by Anne Cottringer and Alex T. Smith

From chapters.ca:
By day, Eliot is a quiet boy who likes to read and play with his toys. But when the clock strikes midnight, Eliot is transformed into a hero! When he's not showing off his super swimming skills or working the crowds with his expert- lion taming, you can find him assisting the Queen. But one day Eliot receives an urgent message from the world's most important scientists: a giant meteor is hurtling toward earth. Will Eliot be able to rise to the challenge and save the world from destruction in the nick of time? A quirky, laugh- out- loud adventure; perfect entertainment for aspiring little heroes!

The Cardboard Piano by Lynne Rae Perkins

From chapters.ca:
When Debbie gives Tina a cardboard piano, she is sure that Tina will love it. After all, Debbie spent a long time making it, and it looks just like a real piano. Now Tina can learn to play, too. It will be so amazing. But just because you are friends with somebody, and just because you are the same in most ways, doesn't mean that you will always see eye to eye. Friendship can be tricky. Really, really tricky. Even for true best friends. Even for Debbie and Tina.

In a Blue Room by Jim Averbeck

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Young Alice can only sleep in a blue room. She soon discovers bedtime can be full of magic - especially if there is a blue moon nearby.

Adele and Simon in America by Barbara McClintock

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Adele and her younger brother, Simon, have just arrived in New York City to visit their Aunt Cecile and prepare for a grand train trip around America. "Please try not to lose anything on our trip," Adele tells her brother with a sigh. But how can Simon remember to keep an eye on his belongings when there are so many wonderful distractions and astounding sights to take in? The endearing team from
Adele & Simon returns in a cross continental adventure that reflects the vitality of early twentieth- century America, from the Boston Public Garden to San Francisco's Chinatown. Stunning pen- and- ink - and water colour illustrations are filled with innumerable hidden treasures, and end papers featuring a period map of America extend the fun.

Just Tricking by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton

Practical joking can get you into a lot of trouble...especially if you manage to convince your parents that you are dead.

You Can't go to School Naked by Dianne Billstrom, illustrated by Dn Kilpatrick, III

From chapters.ca:
Lots of kids like to run around naked and here's a funny book to remind them why it's best to keep their clothes on, particularly at school. Just think about it... could you go down the slide? Steal second base? This little guy's parents warn him of many dangers he'd face if he went to school without clothes on, and eventually he sees their point. But if he has to wear something, it's going to be what he chooses (and it's only slightly better than going naked). Kids will giggle and squirm at the silly scenarios this little guy imagines and cheer his unique solution.

My Name is Yoon by Helen Recorvits, illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska

From chapters.ca:
Yoon's name means Shining Wisdom, and when she writes it in Korean, it looks happy, like dancing figures. But her father tells her that she must learn to write it in English. In English, all the lines and circles stand alone, which is just how Yoon feels in the United States. Yoon isn't sure that she wants to be YOON. At her new school, she tries out different names - maybe CAT or BIRD. Maybe CUPCAKE!
Helen Recorvits's spare and inspiring story about a little girl finding her place in a new country is given luminous pictures filled with surprising vistas and dream scapes by Gabi Swiatkowska.

Peter and the Wolf retold by Chris Raschka

From chapters.ca:
Sergei Prokofiev composed his Peter and the Wolf in 1936 with the hope of introducing children to the instruments of the orchestra. It happens that he also devised a wonderfully dramatic story. The characters - boy, bird, duck, cat, grandfather, wolf, hunters - and their doings have been beloved by young and old for decades. Writer, artist, musician, and Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka has given the original story a new setting: a stage performance. Here you will relish language inspired music; enjoy mischief, suspense, and triumph in the theatre; and delight in a surprise (and an additional character) Prokofiev''s merry tale didn't provide. Please do not turn immediately to the last page.

Madeline and the Cats of Rome by John Bemelmans Marchiano

From chapters.ca:
The Paris skies are grey, so Miss Clavel and the twelve little girls are leaving for brighter weather - spring in Rome. Rome has wonderful sights to see and delicious things to eat, but Madeline also finds an unexpected adventure, involving a thief, a chase, and many, many cats. The first all- new Madeline book in close to fifty years combines a lively story with luminous watercolour illustrations. Beloved Madeline returns, as brave and irrepressible as ever.

Ghosts in the House by Kazuno Kohara

From chapters.ca:
At the edge of town lives a clever girl with a spooky problem: Her house is haunted! Luckily, she happens to be a witch and knows a little something about taking care of ghosts. She catches them, puts them in the washing machine, airs them out to dry, and gives them new lives as sofa covers, table cloths, and, of course, bed sheets to cozy up under. Fresh and charming illustrations in dynamic orange, black and white bring this resourceful heroine and these spooky ghosts to life.

A strange book.

Masterpiece by Elise Broach

From chapters.ca:
Marvin lives with his family under the kitchen sink in the Pompadays' apartment. He is very much a beetle. James Pompaday lives with his family in New York City. He is very much an eleven- year- old boy.After James gets a pen- and- ink set for his birthday, Marvin surprises him by creating an elaborate miniature drawing. James gets all the credit for the picture and before these unlikely friends know it they are caught up in a staged art heist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that could help recover a famous drawing by Albrecht Durer. But James can't go through with the plan without Marvin's help. And that's where things get really complicated (and interesting). This fast- paced mystery will have young readers on the edge of their seats as they root for boy and beetle.

A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

From chapters.ca:
Willie loved to write - words gave him freedom and peace. But he also knew that he needed to earn a living, so when he grew up he went off to medical school and became a doctor - one of the busiest men in town, yet he never stopped writing. In this picture book biography of poet William Carlos Williams, Jen Bryant's engaging prose and Melissa Sweet's stunning mixed- media illustrations celebrate the amazing man whose poems about ordinary, everyday things will inspire young readers to create poems of their own.

No Girls Allowed by Suan Hughes, illustrated by Willow Dawson

From chapters.ca:
A female pharaoh? A woman general in the Kahn's army? A female Viking raider? No way, you say? Look again. Appearances can be deceiving... Based on legends, poems, letters, and first- hand accounts, these seven biographical tales tell of women who disguised themselves as men. From ancient Egypt through the Middle Ages to the 19th century, this historically accurate graphic treatment is perfect to transport readers back to bygone eras. The lives of these daring women were often filled with danger and the fear of discovery. However, for the sake of freedom, ambition, love or adventure, these women risked everything. No Girls Allowed brings a contemporary edge to a part of history largely untold - until now.

13 Ghosts of Halloween by Robin Muller, illustratedby Patricia Storms

From chapters.ca:
On the first stroke of midnight, ten children, two dogs and a cat enter a haunted fun house. On their journey through the rooms, they encounter bats and witches and goblins. As the clock strikes, the children bravely sing, "Oh, nothing frightens me!" and one by one they disappear. By the twelfth stroke of midnight, only one brave child is left and he's about to get a big surprise! This Halloween story is spooky and fun, and just right for young readers.

Food for Thought: The Complete Book of Concepts for Growing Minds by Saxton Freymann

From chapters.ca:
The authors of Baby Food serve up a cornucopia of concepts in this big book for brilliant babies. Shapes: Is that a carrot, or a triangle? Colours: Watch for peppers in every range of the rainbow. Numbers: A zero- to- ten zoo! ABCs: A full produce section of sculptures acts out the alphabet. And Opposites: You've never seen Up/Down and Big/Little like this before! Every time we think Saxton Freymann can do no more with bok choy or broccoli, he astonishes us all over again. And this book is one- stop shopping for all parents' early- childhood education needs.

Five Little Firefighters by Tom Graham

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Five little firefighters are about to eat dinner when the alarm bell sounds. Off they go, racing through the streets to put out a fire. Soon everyone's safe... But where's Cleo the cat?

Nobody Here but Me by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Christine Davenier

From chapters.ca:
It's a little after four o'clock, and everyone's busy. Mom's on the phone, Dad's checking e-mail, and Katie's playing games with a friend. But there's one other person in the house, and no matter what he does - from painting a blue heart on the wall to turning the kitchen into a catastrophe - none of his distracted family members come to stop him. What does a person have to do to get noticed around here? This laugh- out- loud story by best- selling author Judith Viorst, accompanied by Christine Davenier's charming illustrations, perfectly captures how lonely it can feel even when the house is full of people - and just what it takes to get some attention.

Chalk and Cheese by Tim Warnes

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From the illustrator of Rise and Shine comes the tale of a limitless friendship between a New York City dog and an English country mouse.

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

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The city of Ember was built as a last refuge for the human race. Two hundred years later, the great lamps that light the city are beginning to flicker. When Lina finds part of an ancient message, she’s sure it holds a secret that will save the city. She and her friend Doon must decipher the message before the lights go out on Ember forever! This stunning debut novel offers refreshingly clear writing and fascinating, original characters.

Janey Junkfood's Fresh Adventure! Making Good Eating Great Fun by

From the back of the book:
Follow ace food detective, Tobe Fis, as she discovers the missing ingredient to Janey's juggling success - healthy eating habits. Kids will learn how to get off the junk food track and make healthy eating a fun-filled fresh adventure!

Includes recipe cards.

123 Draw Dogs: A Step- by- Step Gide by Freddie Levin

From chapters.ca:
In this enticing collection of easy- to- follow, step- by- step lessons, Freddie Levin introduces budding artists to the diverse world of dogs. Using a picture- book illustration style and encouraging instructions, this fun guide includes a variety of wild and domestic breeds, from wolves to chihuahuas to great danes and more. Additionally, she includes working dogs such as circus dogs and seeing- eye dogs .

Sadie's Sore Throat by Charlotte Cowan, MD, illustrated by katy Bratun

From chapters.ca:
In her story, Dr. Cowan empathizes with small children who are often confused about being sick and scared of going to the doctor. She writes with gentle humour and encouragement, showing children that there is nothing to be afraid of. Her story is as educational as it is entertaining and will provide comfort to both parent and child.

The Shark in the Dark by Peter Bently, illustrated by Ben Gort

From chapters.ca:Sharks eat smaller fish...but there is no need to bully they first! This shark needs to be taught a lesson.

The Cats in Krasinski Square by Karen Hesse, illustrated by Wendy Watson

From chapters.ca:
A stunning story of life in the Warsaw Ghetto by a Newbery Medalist, who based this story on a short article about cats outfoxing the Gestapo at the train station in Warsaw during WWII. The result is this stirring account of a Jewish girl's involvement in the Resistance.

Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth by E. L. Konigsburg

From chapters.ca:
Elizabeth is an only child, new in town, and the shortest kid in her class. She’s also pretty lonely, until she meets Jennifer. Jennifer is... well, different. She’s read Macbeth. She never wears jeans or shorts. She never says "please" or "thank you." And she says she is a witch. It’s not always easy being friends with a witch, but it’s never boring. At first an apprentice and then a journeyman witch, Elizabeth learns to eat raw ends and how to cast small spells. And she and Jennifer collaborate on cooking up an ointment that will enable them to fly. That’s when a marvelous toad, Hilary Ezra, enters their lives. And that’s when trouble starts to brew.

Candle Light Stories

Candle Light Stories provides short audio books that you can listen to as well as you tube stories, and other fun things to do.

Dish: Stirring it Up by Diane Muldrow

From chapters.ca:
To Molly and Amanda, cooking classes with their friends Shawn and Peichi seem like the key ingredient for a super summer. That is, until their arch- nemesis, Natasha, shows up. But when tragedy strikes a local family, the girls decide to put their cooking skills to good use and make some meals for them. The meals hit the spot, plus the girls feel good about helping out. Maybe they can turn their hobby into something more?

Too Many Toys by David Shannon

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Spencer has too many toys. He has robots, puzzles, board games, stuffed animals, and plastic action figures. Toys spill out of every drawer and closet and clutter the floor of every room. Have you ever tried to get to your kitchen and tripped over a race car? Spencer's house has become hazardous. Something has to be done!

Edwina: The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know she was Extinct by Mo Willems

From chapters.ca:
Everyone in town knows Edwina. She is the dinosaur who plays with the kids. She is the dinosaur who helps little old ladies cross the street. And best of all, she bakes yummy chocolate- chip cookies. Everyone loves Edwina except for Reginald Von Hoobie- Doobie. Reginald knows dinosaurs are extinct and is ready to prove it. But will anyone listen? And if they do, what will happen to Edwina?

Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the UDERGROUND Railroad by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

From chapters.ca:
Henry dreams of a world where his life belongs to him. And when his family is sold, he risks everything for what he knows is right. With the strength and conviction of the best kind of hero, Henry hides in a wooden crate and mails himself to freedom! In this powerful story, Ellen Levine weaves together the extraordinary events of Henry "Box" Brown’s life with poignancy and grace. Kadir Nelson’s luminous paintings shine their light into the soul of each character. Here is a story that must be shared with children for generations to come.

Dirt on my Shirt by Jeff Foxworthy, illustrated by Steve Bjorkman

From chapters.ca:
In this hilarious collection of poems, comedian Jeff Foxworthy creates a neighbourhood filled with fun, family, friends, and more. Here you'll meet Cousin Lizzy, Uncle Ed and Aunt Foo Foo, cows with horns that don't go beep, dads in sweaters, also sheep. From the thrill of flying to the imaginary planet Woosocket to bonding with a friend over a shared hatred of spinach, these poems capture the very essence of being a kid. Filled with sly humour and always affectionate, Dirt on My Shirt is sure to delight kids, big and little, everywhere.

Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears by Emily Gravett

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Everyones afraid of something... Young children will identify with the little mouse who uses the pages of this book to document his fears from loud noises and the dark, to being sucked down the plughole. Packed with details and novelty elements including flaps, die- cuts and even a hilarious fold- out map, this is an extraordinary picture book.

Into the Volcano by Don Wood

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Sumno and Duffy Pugg are told they must travel to a volcanic island to help an aunt they have never met. When they arrive on the island, they soon discover that their mysterious auntie is up to no good. They are sent on an expedition that take them on a wild boat ride straight into an erupting volcano. Facing extreme danger, they hike inside the volcano and eventually escape. Here is an action adventure that will immediately hook young readers.

A Really Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

From chapters.ca:
Bill Bryson’s own fascination with science began with a battered old school book he had when he was about ten or eleven years old. It had an illustration that captivated him – a diagram showing Earth’s interior as it would look if you cut into it with a large knife and removed about a quarter of its bulk. The idea of lots of startled cars and people falling off the edge of that sudden cliff (and 4,000 miles is a pretty long way to fall) was what grabbed him in the beginning, but gradually his attention turned to what the picture was trying to teach him: namely that Earth’s interior is made up of several different layers of materials, and at the very centre is a glowing sphere of iron and nickel, as hot as the Sun’s surface, according to the caption. And he very clearly remembers thinking: "How do they know that?" Bill’s storytelling skill makes the "How?" and, just as importantly, the "Who?" of scientific discovery entertaining and accessible for all ages. He covers the wonder and mystery of time and space, the frequently bizarre and often obsessive scientists and the methods they used, and the mind- boggling fact that, somehow, the universe exists and against all odds, life came to be on this wondrous planet we call home.