Animals

After Chester, a cricket, arrives in the Times Square subway station via a picnic basket from his native Connecticut, he takes up residence in the Bellinis' newsstand. There, the tiny creature is lucky enough to find three good friends: a little boy named Mario whose parents run the unsuccessful newsstand, a fast-talking Broadway mouse named Tucker and his pal, Harry the Cat. Throughout their escapades and their ups and downs in New York City, together they somehow manage to bring success to the almost bankrupt newsstand.

Emma loves her human, George, but he can be so difficult! This time he has a visitor, who won't let go of his hand. Worse, she's brought along her dog, Hankie, and they've taken over Emma's spot next to George on the couch. What's a desperate dog to do? Emma hurries off to the library to write to her favorite canine columnist for advice. But this may be one problem that even Dear Queenie can't solve. Will Emma's happy home ever be the same again?

For many animals, danger lurks in every corner of the rainforest. From brightly colored poison-dart frogs, whose poison is used by hunters to tip their arrows, to snakes and spiders with venomous fangs that inflict instant death, Poisoners and Pretenders shows how nature has provided many of these animals with bright warning colors and camouflaged skin to help protect them from other hungry animals.

Nature ensures that new generations of animals are born to replace those that die in the rainforest. Partners and Parents features spectacular photos and illustrations along with clear, simple text that explains the elegant courtship rituals carried out by butterflies, birds, and mammals, why insects live together in huge colonies, how frogs grow up in tree-top nurseries, and how monkeys and apes like to troop through the forest in peaceful family groups.

Get ready ­ a spectacular adventure awaits you in the jungles of the Amazonian rainforest. Your journey begins now! RAINFOREST EXPLORER is packed with information about the world¹s most complex ecosystem.

Charles Perrault's Puss in Boots has been an irresistible magnet for countless illustrators ever since this classic French tale was first published in 1697. So the question arises: Do we really need another edition of Puss? Presented with Fred Marcellino's magnificent interpretation of this nimble new translation of the authentic text, book lovers young and old are apt to decide that this Puss in Boots belongs on their shelf of special favorites.

Raven, the trickster, wants to give people the gift of light. But can he find out where Sky Chief keeps it? And if he does, will he be able to escape without being discovered? His dream seems impossible, but if anyone can find a way to bring light to the world, wise and clever Raven can!

For over one hundred years The Ugly Duckling has been a childhood favorite, and Jerry Pinkney's spectacular new adaptation brings it triumphantly to new generations of readers. With keen emotion and fresh vision, the acclaimed artist captures the essence of the tale's timeless appeal: The journey of the awkward little bird -- marching bravely through hecklers, hunters, and cruel seasons -- is an unforgettable survival story; this blooming into a graceful swan is a reminder of the patience often necessary to discover true happiness.