Author's read alouds bring books to life!

Patience, Patches! Tells what happens when a new baby joins the family – from the dog’s perspective. Patches believes himself to be very good at waiting, but a whole new level of patience is called for when that milky-smelling blanket-bundle shows up. Luckily, some things are worth waiting for!

"Farmer Earl has had enough—his home is too crowded!  So, he visits the wise woman in town for help.  She tells him to bring all his ducks in the house.  Then all his horses. And all his goats too!  How will there be more room with all these animals?" 

Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s body books (The Foot Book, etc.)—and compared favorably with them!—The Butt Book, winner of the Reuben Award, pays homage to an unsung body part that keeps both kids and grown-ups giggling with glee. It earned Artie Bennett the nickname “the Dr. Seuss of your caboose”!

This rhythmic picture book showcases dances from all over the world and features children of diverse backgrounds and abilities tapping, spinning, and boogying away! From the kuku of West Africa to the cha-cha of Cuba to the stepdancing of Ireland, dancing is everywhere you go.

Cookie is a genius―Milk, a daredevil. Cookie loves math and science. Milk loves sports and adrenaline. They are opposites. But they’re best friends. Without Milk, Cookie couldn’t imagine her best inventions. And without Cookie, Milk couldn’t do the cool stuff that she loves to do. Cookie & Milk breaks stereotypes and celebrates diversity in friendship and multi-racial families. 

Maya and Alita collect seashells to make treasures for the people of their village. When Alita discards broken shells, Maya remembers grandmother’s words, “Even the tiniest nub is beautiful. Just find the magic." Maya turns broken shells into something magical–proving value and beauty are where you least expect it.    

Much like us, dinosaurs love to have fun. In Dino Pajama Party, dinosaurs gather to play instruments, dance, and sing before bedtime. But soon the dinosaurs grow tired and need their rest. This rhyming picture book is sure to have kids following the dinos’ lead and ready to go to sleep. 

The little pug keeps hoping she will find her forever home but every time she thinks she has found she is adopted by a new family. She is finally happy when a new puppy comes to live with them and ruins everything. A charming tale to be enjoyed by all.  

In DON’T CALL ME FUZZYBUTT!, Bear isn’t the only one who turns grizzly and says some not-so-nice words that shouldn’t be repeated. The book shows children in a gentle way the hurt that results from name-calling and gossip. It also helps them build empathy while developing positive communication, social, and conflict resolution skills.

Woof! Woof!

If you are a puppy lover like me, this is the place for you! Welcome to the world of Biscuit… the small yellow puppy who always wants one more hug!

When I wrote my very first Biscuit book, I never imagined that I’d be able to share so many Biscuit adventures with my readers. I love creating new stories about this silly, little puppy, and I’m thrilled that so many of you are enjoying reading all about Biscuit.

In Gigi and Ojiiji, Gigi, a biracial six-year-old girl, learns about her Japanese culture from her grandfather when he comes to visit.  Gigi can’t wait for her Ojiji—Japanese grandpa—to move in. Gigi plans lots of things to do with him, like playing tag, reading books, and teaching Roscoe, the family dog, new tricks.

But her plans don’t work out quite the way she’d hoped. And her grandpa doesn’t seem to like Roscoe. Will Gigi find a way to connect with her Ojiji?

This book is perfect for social emotional learning. There is a glossary of some Japanese words at the end. It's a great way to expose kids to a bit of Japanese culture and language.

An Unlikely Ballerina tells the inspiring story of young Lilian Marks (renamed Alicia Markova by the Russian impresario Serge Diaghilev), born small and sickly in 1910, who overcame the disabilities of her early childhood to become the first Jewish and first British prima ballerina, celebrated until her death in 2004. 

 Fab Four Friends introduces the next generation of music lovers to John, Paul, George and Ringo with a spotlight on the Beatles’ earliest years, showing how four ordinary boys from Liverpool became the bestselling band in history. From skiffle group to world stage, it’s the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll story.   

My Pet Wants a Pet is the story of a boy desperate for something to take care of, something of his very own. When he persuades his mother to get him a puppy, life is wonderful... until the puppy decides that he too wants a pet, and chaos ensues.  This title was chosen as Parents Magazine best picture book of the year in 2018 and it’s a fun read-aloud with a diverse cast of characters.