Playbook

In January, Lily receives a box of fresh oranges from her grandmother in California. In February, Lily sends her grandmother maple syrup from the trees on her family farm in Maine. And so the year goes on through the pages of this warmly illustrated picture book--a calendar of the months, seasons, and holidays seen through the lens of things planted and harvested in Lily's garden.

The Study of Plants in a Whole New Light “Matt Candeias succeeds in evoking the wonder of plants with wit and wisdom.” ―James T. Costa, PhD, executive director, Highlands Biological Station and author of Darwin's Backyard #1 New Release in Nature & Ecology, Plants, Botany, Horticulture, Trees, Biological Sciences, and Nature Writing & Essays In his debut book, internationally-recognized blogger and podcaster Matt Candeias celebrates the nature of plants and the extraordinary world of plant organisms. A botanist’s defense. Since his early days of plant restoration, this amateur plant scientist has been enchanted with flora and the greater environmental ecology of the planet. Now, he looks at the study of plants through the lens of his ever-growing houseplant collection. Using gardening, houseplants, and examples of plants around you, In Defense of Plants changes your relationship with the world from the comfort of your windowsill. The ruthless, horny, and wonderful nature of plants. Understand how plants evolve and live on Earth with a never-before-seen look into their daily drama. Inside, Candeias explores the incredible ways plants live, fight, have sex, and conquer new territory. Whether a blossoming botanist or a professional plant scientist, In Defense of Plants is for anyone who sees plants as more than just static backdrops to more charismatic life forms. In this easily accessible introduction to the incredible world of plants, you’ll find: • Fantastic botanical histories and plant symbolism • Passionate stories of flora diversity and scientific names of plant organisms • Personal tales of plantsman discovery through the study of plants If you enjoyed books like The Botany of Desire, What a Plant Knows, or The Soul of an Octopus, then you’ll love In Defense of Plants.

Gracing the grounds from mid-spring until late autumn, lilies are dramatic and striking. The beautifully presented reference guide features more than 50 well-loved and unusual varieties of lily. Find out how to care for your lilies, with practical tips for all kinds of gardens, containers and balconies.

Sophie discovers a surprising truth about teamwork in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read edition of the sixth book in the 7 Habits of Happy Kids series from Sean Covey and Stacy Curtis. Ms. Hoot has assigned the class to write a poem, and everyone has to work with a partner. When Sophie is partnered with Biff, she is sure it’s going to be a disaster because Biff is mean! But as they work together, they find they have more in common than they thought. Each of the Level 2 Ready-to-Reads in this winning series focuses on one of the 7 Habits of Happy Kids.

Learn to look for a win-win scenario with the 7 Oaks gang in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read edition of the fourth book in the 7 Habits of Happy Kids series from Sean Covey and Stacy Curtis. Sammy wishes his sister Sophie didn’t do everything so perfectly. He can’t stop seeing her successes as taking away from his own accomplishments. And when Sophie gets the bigger piece of pie—that is the last straw! That is, until Sammy’s mother explains that there is always enough to go around. Each of the Level 2 Ready-to-Reads in this winning series focuses on one habit.

When Lily learns about a lottery for land plots to grow Victory Gardens, she tries to apply. But when the garden club president tells her she's too young to participate, Lily refuses to give up. She knows where there's a house with a big yard. The Bishops live in the largest house in town. It also has the largest yard. But the Bishops' son was the first soldier from the town to die in the war. Now Mrs. Bishop has hidden herself away in their house. When Lily asks Mr. Bishop for the use of a small plot within his yard, his grudging approval comes with the stern warning, "No bothering Mrs. Bishop." As Lily nurtures her garden, she discovers that the human heart is its own garden, with the same needs for attention and love. A former librarian, Helen L. Wilbur now works on the electronic side of the publishing world. Lily's Victory Garden was inspired by family stories of life on the home front during WWII. Helen also authored M is for Meow: A Cat Alphabet. She lives in New York City. Robert Gantt Steele has illustrated many projects and books about the American experience. He is particularly interested in military and WWII history. Robert lives in northern California.