Seven tales from Texas reveal the stories behind wildflowers as they were told by Native Americans, Mexicans, or European settlers. Includes "fun facts" about each flower and notes on the stories.

"The perfect book right now for young readers searching for hope, strength, inspiration — and just a little horticultural havoc."—New York Times The first book in a can't-put-it-down, can't-read-it-fast-enough action-thriller trilogy that's part Hatchet, part Alien! The invasion begins--but not as you'd expect. It begins with rain. Rain that carries seeds. Seeds that sprout--overnight, everywhere. These new plants take over crop fields, twine up houses, and burrow below streets. They bloom--and release toxic pollens. They bloom--and form Venus flytrap-like pods that swallow animals and people. They bloom--everywhere, unstoppable. Or are they? Three kids on a remote island seem immune to the toxic plants. Anaya, Petra, Seth. They each have strange allergies--and yet not to these plants. What's their secret? Can they somehow be the key to beating back this invasion? They'd better figure it out fast, because it's starting to rain again....

After the sudden death of her parents, Stevie, thirteen, is sent to live at a rundown motel, where she charms everyone except her estranged grandfather.

'BLOOMING BOOKS is an exploration of Raymond Brigg's work from the time he left art school and began illustrating other people's texts, right up to his most recent publications. Always extraordinary and unpredictable, often controversial, he is one of most distinguished and best-loved artists working today and has created characters that are now icons for more than one generation of children. He has been honoured twice with the Kate Greenaway Medal (for 'Mother Goose Treasury' and 'Father Christmas') as well as winning many other prestigious awards. Illustrations and extracts from his work - and in some cases complete picture books - are accompanied by commentaries from the well-known journalist, Nicolette Jones, reviewing Raymond's intentions and indicating the underlying philosophy of his themes. This stunning and diverse book makes for a fascinating read.

Slumber parties, swimming pools, boyfriends, lakeside summers, family holidays--Susan Allen Toth has captured it all in this delightful account of growing up in Ames, Iowa, in the 1950's. Charming, wise, funny, poignant, and true, Blooming celebrates an innocent and very American way of life.