Lon Otto was born in Marshall, Missouri, in 1948, and for a number of years wrote almost nothing but poetry. Otto now writes mostly fiction and says, "The major influence in my development as a writer seems to have been the chain-drive, pneumatic-tire bicycle. For instance, it was during several months spent running a bicycle shop in Manhattan that I discovered a strangeness in the world that could only be borne in fiction. Later, I had a brief career as a bicycle racer, devoid of glory. Several of my stories in A Nest of Hooks involve bicycles, and almost all were written in sight of an old poster on which a naked woman clings serenely to a parrot-winged bicycle.

A beautifully illustrated picture book introducing young children to the concept of forces. Bird is building her nest. She pushes and pulls twigs into place until she's made a cosy cup, ready and waiting ... can you guess what for? This beautiful picture book is the perfect introduction to forces and the concept of pushing and pulling, and is the third in the Science Story Book series from Walker Books. Bird Builds a Nest is illustrated by up-and-coming talent Richard Jones and written by author Martin Jenkins, the award-winning author of Can We Save the Tiger? and Ape. The third book in Walker's Science Story Book series, introducing scientific concepts to young children. The main narrative tells the story of a bird building her nest. The smaller captions point out and explain the scientific concepts behind the story - forces, pushing, pulling, weight, strength and gravity. Complete with an index and an experiment to get children thinking about the science behind the story

“The Nest leaves a lasting mark on the memory.” —The New York Times Book Review Steve just wants to save his baby brother—but what will he lose in the bargain? Kenneth Oppel’s (Silverwing, The Boundless) haunting gothic tale for fans of Coraline, is one of the most acclaimed books of the year, receiving six starred reviews. Illustrations from Caldecott Medalist Jon Klassen. For some kids summer is a sun-soaked season of fun. But for Steve, it’s just another season of worries. Worries about his sick newborn baby brother who is fighting to survive, worries about his parents who are struggling to cope, even worries about the wasp’s nest looming ominously from the eaves. So when a mysterious wasp queen invades his dreams, offering to “fix” the baby, Steve thinks his prayers have been answered. All he has to do is say “Yes.” But “yes” is a powerful word. It is also a dangerous one. And once it is uttered, can it be taken back? Celebrated author Kenneth Oppel creates an eerie masterpiece in this compelling story that explores disability and diversity, fears and dreams, and what ultimately makes a family. Includes illustrations from celebrated artist Jon Klassen.

By Mary Eleanor Wilkins Freeman is a collection of children's poetry with a historical and classic touch. Freeman's verses capture the charm and innocence of childhood, making it a delightful choice for readers of all ages who appreciate historical and children's poetry.

Ruby, a little duckling, learns to flourish in her own time.

From tongue-in-cheek sonnets to lyrical free verse, this collection of poems explores the many kinds of home animals make for themselves. Readers will meet better-known animal dwellings like the spiderweb and the bird's nest as well as the more unusual: a fawn's thicket bed, a hare's bowl-shaped ground nest, and a sea anemone's ever-changing tide pool home. Readers experience different habitats—desert, grasslands, shoreline, wetland, and woodland—and the animals that build their dwellings there. Jamie Hogan's expressive line art complements this clever anthology. Back matter provides more information on the highlighted habitats, poetic forms, and the writing process.