A modern, summery spin on the classic The House That Jack Built, in which Lola's day at the beach leads to new friends and a giant sandcastle. Lola is building her dream sandcastle--one with a tall, tall tower and sea glass that sends signals to mermaids. But the beach is crowded, and soon enough, a boy steps on her castle. Not to worry! Lola recruits him to build a wall. When a toddler with a bulldozer starts digging too close the walls, Lola decides he can be in charge of digging the moat. As the sandcastle grows, so does Lola's friendly group of helpers. There's only one thing that Lola doesn't want near the sandcastle: a wave! Will the new friends be able to salvage the mermaids' castle when their hard work is washed away?

When children build with blocks, they are both literally and figuratively constructing their knowledge of the world. When we see children's construction play through the lens of architecture, we are able to support and extend children's learning on all four STEM subjects: science, technology, engineering, and math. Young Architects at Play is a guide for both teachers and parents and includes a diverse variety of activities and resources. More than 20 projects involve both traditional classroom materials like unit blocks as well as natural materials, found objects, cardboard, and authentic woodworking materials. Throughout the book, Ann Gadzikowski makes meaningful connections between STEM learning and the power of stories, both the children's own narratives as well as the rich diversity of stories and illustrations from children's literature.

A small but fierce Viking girl, along with her wolverine sidekick, is determined to become a warrior, just like her hero Ingrid the Axe.

A young artist's drawings rebel against her when she tries to put her sketched birds in houses that match how they look, but not how they feel in this hilarious picture book perfect for readers of Julian is a Mermaid and The Big Orange Splot. A young artist has drawn birds and bird houses in corresponding colors. Now it's time to match them up. The blue bird goes in the blue house, the orange bird in the orange house, and so on. But wait! The birds don't agree with the narrator's choices and, much to her distress, are rebelling by swapping houses. Can the narrator make the birds see sense? Or is it possible that you just can't tell a bird by its feathers? "This bighearted picture book delivers a worthwhile message with humor and great respect for young readers."--The Horn Book "A fresh and funny take on an old moral."--Kirkus "Both Maynor’s dialogue text and Juanita’s digital art have a loose, improvisational feel that captures the thrill and frustration of a work in progress—and the value of empathy and flexibility in getting to know others."--Publishers Weekly "Use this to open a discussion on using words rather than assumptions, or as an introduction to the way art can go in unexpected directions."--The Bulletin

Throughout personal essays spiked with humor and natural science, archaeologist R. E. Burrillo widens his range beyond his popular Behind the Bears Ears. After an upstate New York childhood and a bartending stint in New Orleans’ French Quarter, seasonal resort work led R. E. Burrillo to the desert Southwest, whose redrock landscapes were a source of stability through mental and physical illness. In The Backwoods of Everywhere, archaeologist Burrillo excavates his past, examining Indigenous and tourist cultures, the complexities of American archaeology, and what it means to be a local. From the ancient canal systems of Phoenix, Arizona, to the modern Mayan communities of the Yucatan Peninsula, to the depths of the Grand Canyon, Burrillo brings readers on an entertaining romp chock-full of history, ecology, cultural preservation, and personal stories. In the vein of Bill Bryson, Tim Cahill, and Ellen Meloy, Burrillo's is a fresh voice in humor-spiked nature writing and cultural commentary. Running throughout the wide-ranging topics of The Backwoods of Everywhere are themes of place and locality, and how these vary between cultures and individuals. Marrying the intensely personal with the complex and technical, Burrillo's candid voice brings humor, wonder, irony, and wit to each thought-provoking essay.

“From a comedic cast of supporting characters to an emphasis on the importance of community... A vibrant second-chance love story about repairing community and romantic connection." —Kirkus Reviews (STARRED) “It’s a pleasure to watch [Caña's characters] develop over the course of the novel. This is a treat.”—Publishers Weekly (STARRED) Santiago "Saint" Vega gets a second shot at love with Lola León, but when duty to his family forces him to do something she'll never forgive, will everything he's built come crumbling down? Years ago, Saint walked away from the girl he loved to fulfill his duty. Now he’s struggling to build bridges between his drifting family, take on more responsibilities at his uncle’s construction company, figure out why his daughter refuses to talk at school and curtail his mischievous abuelo’s escalating pranks. Then she walks back into his life. Social justice advocate Lola León has returned to Humboldt Park for two reasons: to help care for her dear abuelo and to serve the community center she loved, particularly the shelter for unhoused LGBTQIA+ youths. When she finds out that the Vegas are responsible for endangering both, she is more than ready to go to war—even if the boy she never forgot is standing at the front of the battlefield. Neither of them expects to become allies in saving the shelter, helping Saint’s daughter or ending the decades-long feud between their grandfathers. They definitely don’t expect all of their old feelings to come rushing back. As Saint and Lola enter combat, they can’t help but wonder where the other’s true allegiance lies, and whether they’ll win these battles only to lose each other. Vega Family Love Stories Book 1: A Proposal They Can't Refuse Book 2: A Dish Best Served Hot

Harlequin Presents brings you four full-length stories in one collection! Experience the glamorous lives of royals and billionaires, where passion knows no bounds. Be swept into a world of luxury, wealth and exotic locations. This box set includes: THE GREEK SECRET SHE CARRIES (A Diamond Inheritance novel) by author Pippa Roscoe Months after their passionate fling, rumors bring enigmatic Theron to Summer’s doorstep – to discover a pregnancy as obvious as the still-sizzling desire between them! He will give their child the family unit he lost. But Summer’s trust isn’t so easily won… DESERT KING’S SURPRISE LOVE-CHILD by USA TODAY bestselling author Cathy Williams When King Abbas was forced to assume the role of ruler, he was forced to walk away from Georgie. Chance reunites them, and he learns two things: she’s still utterly enchanting and he’s a father! THE CHRISTMAS SHE MARRIED THE PLAYBOY (A Christmas with a Billionaire novel) by Louise Fuller To save her pristine image from scandal, Santina must marry notorious playboy Louis. But after a past betrayal, it’s not gossip she fears...it’s the burning attraction that will make resisting her convenient husband impossible. THE INNOCENT’S PROTECTOR IN PARADISE by USA TODAY bestselling author Annie West Tycoon Niall is the only person Lola can turn to when her life is threatened. He immediately offers her a hiding place—his private Gold Coast retreat! He’s utterly off-limits, but their fierce desire incinerates any resistance… For more stories filled with passion and drama, look for Harlequin Presents December 2021 Box Set – 1 of 2