Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey meets Dog Heaven in this profoundly beautiful book about the special relationship between kids and dogs, the importance of language, and finding the meaning of life even in its final days. Poignant, hopeful, and lovingly told, this dog's journey—told by the dog himself in his own unique words—proves that love abides beyond a lifetime, out of sight but never far away. As a dog and his little girl go on their final walk together, he experiences the sights, smells, and wonders of this world one last time before peacefully passing on. But for such a good boy (oh yes, he is!) and his foreverfriend, that doesn't mean it's the end. Offering a unique and noteworthy take on death, this book balances the somber topic with a dog's ever-optimistic viewpoint, all woven together with its unconventional yet fitting approach to language. Family members, librarians, art-lovers, and educators alike will use this book as an accessible and comforting introduction to the ever-difficult topic of death, discussed and related in a new way with hopeful, uplifting, innovative language. THE PERFECT BOOK TO TALK ABOUT LOSS: The perennial themes of grief, fear, and death are always relevant and classic discussion topics even in families not yet dealing with death. The perfect answer to kids' big questions about what happens when we die, this book will be a standard in every home library. CREATIVE USE OF LANGUAGE: The words in this book are incredibly special, with phrases that conjure how the dog sees the world. The enjoyable challenge of matching up "letsgoboy" to a walk or "pufftails" to rabbits will make for meaningful discussions on a parent's lap or in a classroom reading circle. TEACHES CHILDREN EMPATHY: Reading this story from the dog's perspective is the perfect way for young readers to understand that the way another character thinks and perceives the world is different from their own experience. A BEAUTIFUL DOG STORY: Ideal for readers who love dogs, want dogs, or are going through a grieving process for their family dog, this book celebrates all that is most magical about these animals who are always by our side. A COMFORTING MESSAGE: It's rare for a book about death to extend beyond the moment of dying. The continuation of the dog's story past this point makes it special and especially comforting. Perfect for: parents and caregivers, dog lovers, educators

Green Eggs and Ham meets Everyone Poops in this laugh-out-loud story that asks—and answers—the burning question in every kid's life. Does a scarecrow have a butt? Yep, you stuff him with a straw one. And does a crayon have a butt? Nope, but it can surely draw one. This silly, funny, clever book will be the most quoted text in all of elementary school. Over the course of a long walk across a city, one curious kid needs to know: "Does it have a butt?" Everything from sheep to ghosts to dinosaurs is subjected to this all-important question, and Dad is a never-ending source of answers. On a laugh-out-loud father-child ramble, we come to see that every butt, from a bullfrog's to a zombie's, has its own distinctive, and distinctively hilarious, quality. LAUGH-OUT-LOUD FUNNY: It's impossible to find a kid who doesn't giggle at the word "butt." The repetition of the word, the varied assortment of butts, and the clever rhymes make this a book that both parents and children will return to over and over again. A SNEAKY WAY TO TEACH ABOUT CONTEXT: The book isn't simply a repetition of one joke or word. Instead, it offers a crafty way of talking about what things mean in different contexts. SILLY AND SWEET, NOT GROSS: Butt jokes can potentially cross a line and become offensive or insensitive, but the tone and choices throughout this book are sweet and innocent, making it a unique, accessible option for parents and educators who want to normalize the asking of difficult questions. COUNT THE BUTTS! This book will change how you see the world: Not only will you start wondering about all inanimate objects' butts, you'll start seeing them everywhere! There are nearly 200 butts in the illustrations that aren't even mentioned in the text. Keen-eyed young readers will delight in the most hilarious seek-and-find they could ever imagine! Perfect for: • Parents • Grandparents • Educators and librarians • Fans of funny books

The Bear and the Moon is a picture book that follows what happens when the gift of a balloon floats into Bear's life. The two companions embark on a journey—a magical tale that encompasses the joys of friendship and discovery. This is a gentle book filled with humor, while tackling complex topics like the transcendence of loss and forgiveness. • Filled with emotive text and radiant illustrations • Simply told and profoundly felt • Award winning author-illustrator team The Bear and the Moon is a compassionate tale that honors the small but profound world of the very young. This sweet book teaches social and emotional skills to kids, and offers a clever way to soothe some of our most difficult feelings: loss and guilt. • Just as ideal for gently soothing young readers to sleep as it is for encouraging a contemplative break from an energetic day • Great for parents, grandparents, and caregivers looking for a beautiful friendship or bedtime story • Perfect for children ages 3 to 5 years old • You'll love this book if you love books like Waiting by Kevin Henkes, Emily's Balloon by Komako Sakai, and Stellaluna by Janell Cannon.

What do you do when no one can see your monsters but you? At first, Molly runs from them. But they follow her down the sidewalk, getting in the way when she tries to make a new friend, popping up unexpectedly out of shadows, and multiplying. Until finally...Molly faces her fears. Author-illustrator Brooke Boynton-Hughes delivers a modern classic in this moving adventure that honors everyday acts of bravery and the power of friendship to banish the monsters that haunt us.

2015 Schneider Family Book Award Winner * "A candid and deeply resonant account of a hard-fought battle against societal stigma, and an embrace of one's true talent and calling." —Publisher's Weekly, starred review Speaking for the animals he loves gives one boy’s life hope, purpose, and truth in this gorgeous picture book autobiography. Alan loves animals, but the great cat house at the Bronx Zoo makes him sad. Why are they all alone in empty cages? Are they being punished? More than anything, he wants to be their champion—their voice—but he stutters uncontrollably. Except when he talks to animals…then he is fluent. Follow the life of the man Time Magazine calls, "the Indiana Jones of wildlife conservation" as he searches for his voice and fulfills a promise to speak for animals, and people, who cannot speak for themselves. This real-life story with tender illustrations by Catia Chien explores truths not defined by the spoken word. Publishers Weekly Best Book Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2015 Winner of the 2015 Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award 2015 Green Earth Book Honor book

Barkus is back! With new tricks. New friends. And lots more fun. The lovable Barkus and his lucky young owner romp through the pages of this delightful series from Newbery Medal–winning author Patricia MacLachlan. The simple text told in short chapters is just right for children ready to take their first steps toward reading on their own.

It's puppy love! This latest continuation of the award-winning Charlie & Mouse early chapter book series will delight newly independent readers. Lost and Found is full of relatable trials (a lost blanket), surprises (a lost dog), and delights (a new puppy!) and overflows with the series' signature humor and heart. Charlie and Mouse are finding surprises in all sorts of unexpected places. After Mouse's beloved blanket is lost and then found, they find a lost dog (and eventually her owner), seek out some ice cream, and discover a new puppy friend to take home at last. BROTHERS ARE THE BEST: The Charlie & Mouse books show a sibling friendship and a family dynamic that is kind as well as playful. AN ANIMAL LOVER'S DELIGHT: Featuring not one but two dogs—one very big and one very small—this fifth book in the Charlie & Mouse series makes a wonderful gift for any canine-loving kid! From going on walks to snuggling up together at the end of a long day, the furry friends in these sweet and silly stories are sure to enchant young animal enthusiasts. IDEAL FOR NEWLY INDEPENDENT READERS: The interconnected but distinct short stories in this book offer an accessible transition for readers who are just moving into longer books, especially for reluctant readers. HUMOR WITH HEART: The Charlie & Mouse books bring a fresh, humorous, and heartwarming approach to central themes to which readers of all ages can relate: imagination, creativity, play, and family are fondly celebrated in each of these stories. WE NEED DIVERSE BOOKS: Charlie and Mouse are mixed-race Japanese characters growing up in Hawaii, a setting inspired by the childhood of up-and-coming Asian-American artist Emily Hughes. Every book of this early chapter book series offers an opportunity for young children of many different backgrounds to see themselves reflected in the stories they love. Perfect for: • Newly independent readers • Parents • Dog lovers