This clever picture book introduces the concept of animal characteristics by highlighting how there can be both differences and similarities within a group. For example, the zebra gallops, the bumblebee flies, the lemur leaps and the tiger prowls --- But look closer now ... We all have STRIPES! And so it goes. Again and again, readers will be surprised to find that a group of four seemingly different animals all have one trait in common --- whiskers, horns, shells and the like --- for a total of thirteen traits in all. Observant children will notice that one of the animals from each group also appears on the following spread with three new animals that have a different characteristic in common. Finally, all forty of the featured animals are shown together, and readers are asked to search for those with specific characteristics not already covered in the book --- for example, those with spots, those who live in the ocean or those with six or more legs. Author Heather Tekavec has discovered a fun and interactive approach to helping young children begin to explore the ways animals are classified. Pippa Curnick's playful and engaging illustrations of the animals in their habitats are all scientifically accurate, keeping the experience both enjoyable and informative. The searching activity also works to enhance visual literacy. With a detailed glossary included, this is an ideal book for introducing early lessons on the characteristics of living things and for starting discussions on the ways all creatures are like and unlike one another.

An innovative and fun guessing game book about sports balls and the physics behind how they move!

In this one-of-a-kind informational picture book, cleverly tongue-twisting descriptions introduce twelve different types of sports balls, and readers are encouraged to guess what they are. An accompanying block of text provides the answer and explains the science behind how the balls do what they do (hint: the fuzz on tennis balls is there for a reason!) and what makes them so much fun! The balls are listed in ascending order by size, from a tiny marble, a clinking, plinking, bumping ball, to a person-sized Zorb ball, a slip-and-slide-inside ball. Entertaining, playful and loads of fun to read aloud, this is a perfect STEAM pick for classrooms, and a great mashup of sports and science.

Bestselling author Heather Tekavec combines a high-interest topic, fascinating science and silly-sounding text to create the kind of book that young children will want to spend time with. Suharu Ogawa's irreverent, offbeat art is full of clever little details readers will delight in discovering. This book is a great accompaniment to primary grade science lessons on physics topics such as matter, motion, forces and inventions. The back matter contains explanations of the essential physics of balls and ball-related trivia questions.

This clever picture book introduces the concept of animal characteristics by highlighting how there can be both differences and similarities within a group. For example, the zebra gallops, the bumblebee flies, the lemur leaps and the tiger prowls -- But look closer now ... We all have STRIPES! And so it goes. Again and again, readers will be surprised to find that a group of four seemingly different animals all have one trait in common -- whiskers, horns, shells and the like -- for a total of thirteen traits in all. Observant children will notice that one of the animals from each group also appears on the following spread with three new animals that have a different characteristic in common. Finally, all forty of the featured animals are shown together, and readers are asked to search for those with specific characteristics not already covered in the book -- for example, those with spots, those who live in the ocean or those with six or more legs.

Author Heather Tekavec has discovered a fun and interactive approach to helping young children begin to explore the ways animals are classified. Pippa Curnick's playful and engaging illustrations of the animals in their habitats are all scientifically accurate, keeping the experience both enjoyable and informative. The searching activity also works to enhance visual literacy. With a detailed glossary included, this is an ideal book for introducing early lessons on the characteristics of living things and for starting discussions on the ways all creatures are like and unlike one another.

When the old farmer warns that a storm is coming, Dog spreads the word and leads all of the animals to shelter. Huddled together, they wait anxiously for Storm to come. But who is this frightening creature named Storm, and what will happen when he arrives? When the rain starts pelting the roof and lightning fills the sky, the animals are relieved. The sky must be trying to protect them by scaring Storm away But when everything stops and the sky is quiet, the animals hear the thump, thump of someone coming toward the barn. Could it be storm?

The old zookeeper has no idea how much trouble it will cause when she moves the monkeys into a cage near the picnic and play areas. Now the monkeys can watch the children up close, and they find the children so fascinating that before long, they start behaving just like them! Mother Monkey is not amused. When she sees her little monkeys chewing with their mouths closed, she demands to know what's going on. We are using good manners, they say. Manners are not for monkeys, Mother tells them. But it's no use. In fact, her little monkeys won't do any monkey things anymore --- no more swinging all at once from the branches, screeching or tossing their banana peels on the ground. Is there anything Mother Monkey can do to get them to behave like good little monkeys again? This funny picture book by Heather Tekavec turns the topic of manners and behavior on its head and offers a clever, non-preachy way to begin discussions with preschoolers and kindergartners about social skills and self-control --- key skills for school readiness. The expressive faces of both the monkeys and the children speak volumes in the lively, detailed illustrations by David Huyck, adding to the fun. This book makes a wonderful choice for a pre-reader storytime.

Nice guys finish first in this endearing story about a humble kid in a family of superheroes who discovers his superpower may not be what everyone (even him!) is expecting.

Though Arnold works in the family superhero business, he isn't exactly a superhero. Unlike all his relatives, Arnold has no superpower. Everyone expects it will show up any day. Arnold believes that the only thing he's good at is taking phone messages. Then, one day, a call from a girl in distress comes in to superhero headquarters, and no one else is around. Arnold has to respond to the call. Determined to succeed, Arnold helps all kinds of people along the way. And that's before he even finds the caller! He does so many good deeds, in fact, he's identified as a masked man helping the good guys. Wait, could being nice be a superpower?

Award-winning author Heather Tekavec's endearing and funny underdog story is sure to spark a following for a new kind of superhero: Super Nice Guy. Guillaume Perreault's colorful, highly entertaining illustrations in comic book style panels are packed with amusing details that add layers of humor to the text. This delightful book, with its earnest and humble hero, highlights the idea that everyone has a purpose in the world, and it's important to be true to yourself. It makes an excellent choice for character education lessons on kindness and courage.

Think animals are all well-behaved? Think again. These thirteen play dirty. But they're about to get caught!

A fish who deceives her prey with a light dangling in front of her mouth? A bird who leaves her eggs in another bird's nest to be raised? A monkey who shouts Danger to scare away the others from the fruit? Meet some of the animal kingdom's most wanted criminals! Slippery Slick, Queenie the Meanie, Lil' Cupid -- they're all here in this hilarious book of animal case files that include rap sheets, mug shots, reports of criminal activity and more. All thirteen animals stand accused of playing dirty, but now that Detective X is hot on their trail, their criminal days may soon be behind them!

Author Heather Tekavec offers an original approach to investigating animal behavior, with a fun storyline built on hardcore facts. Paired with Susan Batori's cheeky illustrations, this is a laugh-out-loud read that explores fascinating animal science. Each animal criminal gets a spread that's filled with facts about the animal's characteristics, including distinguishing features, diet, life span, habitat and more, as well as a description of the animal's bad behavior and the reason behind it. This book offers direct STEAM links to life science curriculum, particularly lessons on the characteristics of living things. The underlying premise of the book also offers the opportunity for discussions on what it means to play fair in the world.

Max, said the farmer to his dog one day, can you catch a thief? Of course! He can catch anything! And Max eagerly sets off on a quest to find the culprit who has been stealing the farmer's fruits and vegetables. Within moments, the dog is confident he has spotted the thief --- a tiny blue bug, working on a carrot top. Stop, thief! Max cries as the bug flies away. Undaunted, Max chases after the bug, from the carrots to the berries to the beans and the cherries, until, eventually, Max watches in satisfaction as the bug flies away over the farm fence. What Max totally misunderstands in his enthusiasm, however --- and what youngsters will figure out right away --- is that the tiny blue bug isn't the thief at all. The real thieves are hiding in plain sight, right under his nose! Author Heather Tekavec has created a perfect storytime choice in this fun and funny picture book, as the kid appeal of being in the know while the lovable dog remains clueless will surely invite repeated readings. This story provides an excellent opportunity for discussions about jumping to conclusions and blaming others, or even about life on a farm. It also offers terrific lessons for building early literacy skills, such as moving beyond what is strictly presented in the text and critically thinking about what can be observed in the exuberant and friendly artwork by illustrator Pierre Pratt.