Join the animals and follow the clues in this rollicking, rhyming, nature-inspired whodunit story full of fun collective nouns!

A mischief of mice has gone missing on a blustery fall day. Now a scurry of squirrels is scared, while a band of coyotes howls nearby. Did an unkindness of ravens do something mean? Could a prickle of porcupines possibly help? Luckily, a sleuth of bears comes along to help solve the mystery.

Praise for Tap the Magic Tree:

Although simple in presentation with ample white space, the artwork provides a glorious rendition of the four seasons of a tree. -Booklist

Praise for The Hidden Rainbow:

This book is sweeter than honey. -Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Praise for Bird Watch:

A peaceful look at nature for little ones. -School Library Journal

Praise for Touch the Brightest Star:

This exploration of the world at night should be inviting to even the youngest children . . . -The Horn Book

The acclaimed interactive picture book about the changing seasons. Like Herv Tullet's Press Here, Matheson's Tap the Magic Tree proves you don't need apps for interactivity, praised the New York Times. This board book edition is perfect for little hands.

Every book needs you to turn the pages. But not every book needs you to tap it, shake it, jiggle it, or even blow it a kiss. Innovative and timeless, Tap the Magic Tree asks you to help one lonely tree change with the seasons. Now that's interactive--and magical

It begins with a bare brown tree. But tap that tree, turn the page, and one bright green leaf has sprouted Tap again--one, two, three, four--and four more leaves have grown on the next page. Pat, clap, wiggle, jiggle, and see blossoms bloom, apples grow, and the leaves swirl away with the autumn breeze. The collage-and-watercolor art evokes the bright simplicity of Lois Ehlert and Eric Carle and the interactive concept will delight fans of Pat the Bunny. Combining a playful spirit and a sense of wonder about nature, Christie Matheson has created a new modern classic that is a winner in every season--and every story time

And don't miss the follow-up, Touch the Brightest Star

How do you make a garden grow? In this playful companion to the popular Tap the Magic Tree and Touch the Brightest Star, you will see how tiny seeds bloom into beautiful flowers. And by tapping, clapping, waving, and more, young readers can join in the action! Christie Matheson masterfully combines the wonder of the natural world with the interactivity of reading.

Now available as a board book--perfect for tiny hands.

Beautiful collage-and-watercolor art follows the seed through its entire life cycle, as it grows into a zinnia in a garden full of buzzing bees, curious hummingbirds, and colorful butterflies. Children engage with the book as they wiggle their fingers to water the seeds, clap to make the sun shine after rain, and shoo away a hungry snail. Appropriate for even the youngest child, Plant the Tiny Seed is never the same book twice--no matter how many times you read it!

And for curious young nature lovers, a page of facts about seeds, flowers, and the insects and animals featured in the book is included at the end. Fans of Eric Carle, Lois Ehlert, and Press Herewill find their next favorite book in Plant the Tiny Seed.

From Christie Matheson and Anuska Allepuz comes a radiant picture book with a powerful message: you're never too small to make a difference. Featuring dreamy artwork, this makes for a beautiful gift for kids or graduates!

Mouse feels all alone one dark and dreary night. She wonders if anybody else feels lonely, too. She's not sure if a single person can make a difference, but she decides to try.

Mouse lit one light...

And the result is magical. One by one, others in the neighborhood follow Mouse's lead. With each new spark, the stormy night becomes less gloomy. This luminous story is a brilliant and tender call to action, encouraging readers to spread kindness and create change in the world - one light at a time.

The acclaimed interactive picture book about the changing seasons. Like Herv Tullet's Press Here, Matheson's Tap the Magic Tree proves you don't need apps for interactivity, praised the New York Times.

Every book needs you to turn the pages. But not every book needs you to tap it, shake it, jiggle it, or even blow it a kiss. Innovative and timeless, Tap the Magic Tree asks you to help one lonely tree change with the seasons. Now that's interactive--and magical

It begins with a bare brown tree. But tap that tree, turn the page, and one bright green leaf has sprouted Tap again--one, two, three, four--and four more leaves have grown on the next page. Pat, clap, wiggle, jiggle, and see blossoms bloom, apples grow, and the leaves swirl away with the autumn breeze. The collage-and-watercolor art evokes the bright simplicity of Lois Ehlert and Eric Carle and the interactive concept will delight fans of Pat the Bunny. Combining a playful spirit and a sense of wonder about nature, Christie Matheson has created a new modern classic that is a winner in every season--and every story time

And don't miss the follow-up, Touch the Brightest Star

All the colors of the rainbow are hidden in the garden, but can the little bee find them--with help from the reader? Christie Matheson, author of the popular and acclaimed Tap the Magic Tree, brings a garden to life in this bright, interactive picture book about the natural world--and our place within it.

One little bee peeks out on a world of gray and snow.
She's looking for bright colors and needs you to help them grow.

Bees need a healthy and colorful garden to survive. Luckily, all the colors of the rainbow are hidden in this garden--but the bees need the reader's help to find them. Brush off the camellia tree, tickle the tulips, and even blow a kiss to the lilac tree. With every action and turn of the page, a flower blooms and more bees are drawn to the feast.

Christie Matheson is a master at creating simple picture books that encourage children to engage with the natural world. In The Hidden Rainbow, she introduces the colors of the rainbow, counting, and the basic ecosystem and vocabulary of a garden. Beautiful collage-and-watercolor art captures all the bold colors of a garden throughout the seasons, and the interactive text will captivate young readers at every story time.

This beautifully illustrated nonfiction children's picture book begins with a view of the forest at a distance, then zooms in on its fascinating details, including the amazing trees, bright birds, adorable baby animals, and other wonders of nature that inhabit it. The rhythmic text and inviting watercolor illustrations allow curious young readers to observe, explore, and learn what makes forests so special and vitally important.

An engaging read-aloud that invites questions and conversation, Forest offers an intriguing introduction to the natural world and encourages little ones to develop a connection with the great outdoors that can last a lifetime. Perfect for any time of year and a beautiful way to celebrate spring, Earth Day, Mother's Day, or the arrival of a new baby, this endlessly delightful children's nature book includes additional information about forests and what we can do to care for them.

How do you make a garden grow? In this playful companion to the popular Tap the Magic Tree and Touch the Brightest Star, you will see how tiny seeds bloom into beautiful flowers. And by tapping, clapping, waving, and more, young readers can join in the action Christie Matheson masterfully combines the wonder of the natural world with the interactivity of reading.

Beautiful collage-and-watercolor art follows the seed through its entire life cycle, as it grows into a zinnia in a garden full of buzzing bees, curious hummingbirds, and colorful butterflies. Children engage with the book as they wiggle their fingers to water the seeds, clap to make the sun shine after rain, and shoo away a hungry snail. Appropriate for even the youngest child, Plant the Tiny Seed is never the same book twice--no matter how many times you read it

And for curious young nature lovers, a page of facts about seeds, flowers, and the insects and animals featured in the book is included at the end. Fans of Press Here, Eric Carle, and Lois Ehlert will find their next favorite book in Plant the Tiny Seed.

This interactive bedtime story proves nighttime isn't scary at all. The gentle journey from sunset to sunrise shows even the youngest children the magic of the nighttime sky--and lets them make magic happen A companion to the popular and acclaimed Tap the Magic Tree. This board book edition is the perfect size for little hands.

What happens while you're sleeping? With lush, beautiful watercolors and cut-paper collage, Christie Matheson reveals the magic of the nighttime sky, using the same kinds of toddler-perfect interactive elements as her acclaimed Tap the Magic Tree. Wave good-bye to the sun, gently press the firefly, make a wish on a star, rub the owls on their heads, and . . . shhhh. No two readings of this book will be the same. That along with the gentle, soothing rhythm, makes Touch the Brightest Star a bedtime winner--no matter how many times you and your child read it.

This exploration of the world at night should be inviting to even the very youngest children, who will also enjoy its imagination-fueled and child-powered interactivity.--The Horn Book

A tale of terrific girl power and athleticism. --Kirkus Reviews

Twelve-year-old Alex loves playing soccer, and she's good at it, too. Very good. When her skills land her a free ride to play for Select, an elite soccer club, it feels like a huge opportunity. Joining Select could be the key to a college scholarship and a bright future--one that Alex's family can't promise her.

But as the team gets better and better, her new coach pushes the players harder and harder, until soccer starts to feel more like punishment than fun. And then there comes a point where enough is enough, and Alex and her teammates must take a stand to find a better way to make their soccer dreams come true.

Powerful and inspiring, Select explores the important difference between positive and negative coaching and celebrates the true spirit of sports.

From the author of the acclaimed Tap the Magic Tree

Search for hidden birds and count them, too, in this seek-and-find picture book with a satisfying surprise. Delicate artwork, a focus on counting, and an engaging treasure hunt will entice fans of Janell Cannon's Stellaluna and Steve Light's Have You Seen My Dragon?

There are treasures hiding in the trees Can you find them? From the author of the acclaimed and bestselling Tap the Magic Tree, this stunning picture book merges basic math concepts with elements of a treasure hunt.

With different species of birds and other forest animals hiding in the trees and bushes, there is something new to discover on every page. Patience is rewarded as readers learn to count backward from ten, meet new birds, and learn about the diverse ecosystem of the forest. Beautiful watercolor-and-collage art, a playful counting text, and a search-and-find theme will inspire children and parents to return to Bird Watch again and again.

Thirteen pairs of animal mothers and their babies are presented in this loving nonfiction picture book. From polar bears to alligators to orangutans, this unexpected and deeply tender book reflects the fierce love and natural connection between a mother and her baby. Each animal mother shows a uniquely protective characteristic, providing a snapshot of motherhood and childhood in nature that invites personal connection and reflection. The watercolor portraits mirror the soft text and bring the affection and love to life, further connecting us to our fellow animals. This is the perfect lap-time, bedtime, or snuggle-time read-aloud for mother and child.

Fifth grade can be tough for anyone. There are cliques and mean kids and homework and surprise math tests. But after tragedy strikes her family, almost-eleven-year-old Maya has a painful secret that makes many days feel nearly impossible.

And today might be Maya's toughest yet. Her family is on edge, she needs to travel alone across the city, a bully is out to get her, and Maya has to face this winter's biggest rainstorm without a coat or an umbrella.

But even on the rainiest days, there's hope that the sun will come out soon.

Emotional and compassionate, Shelter looks at homelessness through one girl's eyes and explores the power of empathy, friendship, and love.

A tale of terrific girl power and athleticism. --Kirkus Reviews

Twelve-year-old Alex loves playing soccer, and she's good at it, too. Very good. When her skills land her a free ride to play for Select, an elite soccer club, it feels like a huge opportunity. Joining Select could be the key to a college scholarship and a bright future--one that Alex's family can't promise her.

But as the team gets better and better, her new coach pushes the players harder and harder, until soccer starts to feel more like punishment than fun. And then there comes a point where enough is enough, and Alex and her teammates must take a stand to find a better way to make their soccer dreams come true.

Powerful and inspiring, Select explores the important difference between positive and negative coaching and celebrates the true spirit of sports.

Strauss starts readers off with 20 delicious recipes and all the basic techniques needed to complete any project in the book. Then she offers step-by-step instructions for 24 jaw-dropping designs that can become the centerpiece of any celebration. Projects span the imagination -- from a charming sock monkey, to an MP3 player, to playful hula gingerbread girls and boys -- and will appeal to anyone looking for the perfect way to thrill a child with a delectable, spectacular creation.

More people are flattered into virtue than bullied out of vice.--Robert Smith Surtees

Let Chrisie Matheson show you how a few well-chosen words can elicit smiles, inspire happiness, transform moods, and turn a bad day into a good one.

Compliments are wonderful and powerful, but we don't nearly use them enough. They can strengthen relationships and family ties, nurture romantic love, and improve work situations. Here is a book that can make you better at compliments, and relationships of all kinds. Chapters include:

• Compliments 101
• The secret guide to compliments: listen up
• Working the compliment
• Random acts of compliments
• On insincerity
• Thanks, but no thanks: backhanded compliments
• And much more