Books by Eileen Spinelli
Thanksgiving at the Tappletons'
You're invited to Thanksgiving dinner with the Tappletons, the nicest family of wolves you'll ever meet!
But be prepared for a big surprise when it's time to bring out the turkey and trimmings ...
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Feathers: Poems About Birds
Here is a house, dear robin.
The floor and walls are strong.
It's safe from wind
and snug from rain
and yours for just a song.
Birds of all kinds abound in this sprightly collection of feathery friends
How does a pelican say hello, a dipper swim, or a plover find a meal in a crocodile's mouth? Where does a cygnet go when it is frightened? These are some of the many questions explored in Eileen Spinelli's lyrical poems and Lisa McCue's charming pictures.
Whether children are studying birds in the classroom or are just curious about bird antics and behavior, this playful collection makes an ideal choice for all.
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Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch (Stories to Go!)
Mr. Hatch leads a lonely life until one Valentine's Day when the postman delivers a huge, heart-shaped box of candy with a card reading "Somebody loves you." Knowing he has a secret admirer gives Mr. Hatch a bright new perspective on life -- until it turns out there's been a terrible mistake. But Mr. Hatch's new friends rally to show him that a lot of somebodies love Mr. Hatch.
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I Know It's Autumn
I know it's autumn when
we rake the leaves in piles,
when doorstep jack-o'-lanterns
wear their crooked smiles ...
Leaves are falling, geese are flying, and warm coats are -- reluctantly -- being worn to school. That can mean only one thing: It's autumn!
Eileen Spinelli and Nancy Hayashi invite you to enjoy autumn's many delights -- from warm socks worn on chilly mornings to tempting piles of crackly leaves on the lawn -- in this sweet, funny look at fall.
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Hug a Bug
A tiny squeeze is all it takes. With this simple action you can turn a frown into a smile and show that you care. One hug can mean everything, so hug your mom, hug your dad, hug your sister or your brother, and hug your friend.
Eileen Spinelli and Dan Andreasen create a sweet, simple, and poetic picture book about the power of a loving hug that is a sure bet to brighten your day—just like a hug.
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The Best Time of Day
On this busy little farm, day begins with a loud crow at sunup, and then there are flapjacks to be flipped, cows to be milked, piggies to feed . . . and in the blink of an eye, it's nighttime. This joyful rhyming celebration of everyday life is just right for bedtime.
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Thankful
Celebrate everyday blessings, practice thankfulness, and observe the wonderful acts of service that keep us going each and every day. Eileen Spinelli, bestselling and award-winning children's author, charms with rhymes and whimsy in Thankful, perfect for any young reader and their family.
Little ones will snuggle up close as they enjoy this charming, cozy book about being thankful. From the local reporter to the doctor and pastor, children will delight as they explore the people of their town and what they are thankful for.
Thankful is a heartwarming picture book that teaches children ages 4–8 to: Focus on the blessings that we tend to take for granted Appreciate essential workers and what people in our everyday lives provide: “Like the gardener thankful for every green sprout, and the fireman, for putting the fire out.”
Meant to be read aloud, Thankful features: Endearing storytelling with bouncy, rhyming text, creating an engaging, fun read for readers young and old Whimsical illustrations with soft colors and bold lines, perfect for any season Timeless tale of thanksgiving that is perfect for holiday gift giving
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Thankful
Celebrate everyday blessings, practice thankfulness, and observe the wonderful acts of service that keep us going each and every day. Eileen Spinelli, bestselling and award-winning children's author, charms with rhymes and whimsy in Thankful, perfect for any young reader and their family.
“Low-key and gentle; a book to be thankful for.” – Kirkus Reviews
“A must-have for library collections; great for one-on-one reading or for storytimes.” – School Library Journal
Like the gardener thankful for every green sprout, and the fireman, for putting the fire out, readers are encouraged to be thankful for the many blessings they find in their lives. Spinelli exhibits her endearing storytelling with this engaging poem, reminding children how blessed and special they are. Meant to be read aloud, this heartwarming picture book will be a treasured keepsake for parents and children alike.
The gardener’s thankful for every green sprout.
The fireman, for putting the fire out.
The artist is thankful for color and light.
The clown for her costume silly and bright.
Thankful: Reminds readers young and old of the many blessings of everyday life Features rhyming text, making reading fun for readers young and old Features whimsical illustrations with soft colors and bold lines, perfect for any season
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The Perfect Thanksgiving
Enter two families who couldn't be more opposite. Family one seems just perfect―with a plump golden turkey, gorgeous whipped cream swirls atop their pie, and lace napkins on the table. Family two, on the other hand, seems far from it! The turkey burns, the Jell-O wiggles and jiggles right to the floor, and Dad's shirt serves as napkin. What could these two very different families possibly have in common? Full of whimsy, good spirit, and certainly familial love, this laugh-aloud picture book is sure to add spice to any Thanksgiving feast.
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The Perfect Thanksgiving
"Our smoke alarm is wailing.
Our turkey, burnt as toast.
Dad spills the gravy down his shirt-
a less-than-perfect host".
Enter two families who couldn't be more opposite. Family one seems just perfect-with a plump golden turkey, gorgeous whipped cream swirls atop their pie, and lace napkins on the table. Family two, on the other hand, seems far from it! The turkey burns, the Jell-O wiggles and jiggles right to the floor, and Dad's shirt serves as napkin. What could these two very different families possibly have in common?
Full of whimsy, good spirit, and certainly familial love, this laugh-aloud picture book is sure to add spice to any Thanksgiving feast.
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Princess Pig
Princess? Pig? Both? A crown may not be the perfect accessory for an adorable pig.
One day a sash from a local beauty pageant blows across the farm and lands right on Pig, who takes it as a sign. “I must be a princess,” she squeals. Pony disagrees, but all the other animals in the barnyard are happy to recognize her new title. Pig is delighted to learn that princesses are treated to pretty princess pies, decadent bubble baths, fluffy pillows, and soothing bedtime lullabies.
But there is a cost to the grandeur. There are many things that princesses aren’t allowed to do—like sleep late, or roll in the mud, or attend parties in the barn hosted by the common folk. Maybe Pony was right when he said, “It’s a fine thing to be a pig, if a pig is what you are.”
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Cold Snap
Warm up with this charming neighborly tale about a small town determined to beat the deep freeze from a beloved picture-book author and a two-time Caldecott Honor illustrator!
It’s snowy cold in the town of Toby Mills. The thermometer is sinking toward zero, and the icicle hanging from the nose of General Toby’s statue is growing closer to the ground. The newspaper headline reads “COLD SNAP!” The people of the town are losing hope—and the feeling in their toes—until the mayor’s wife saves the day with a toasty treat.
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Cold Snap
Warm up with this charming neighborly tale about a small town determined to beat the deep freeze from a beloved picture-book author and a two-time Caldecott Honor illustrator!
It’s snowy cold in the town of Toby Mills. The thermometer is sinking toward zero, and the icicle hanging from the nose of General Toby’s statue is growing closer to the ground. The newspaper headline reads “COLD SNAP!” The people of the town are losing hope—and the feeling in their toes—until the mayor’s wife saves the day with a toasty treat.
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Today I Will: A Year of Quotes, Notes, and Promises to Myself
by Jerry Spinelli, Eileen Spinelli
Reassuring advice for every day of the year
From an esteemed husband-and-wife team comes a book of daily advice and insight. In dated entries meant to be read one per day, the Spinellis open with a brief quote from children’s literature, write a paragraph of lively advice inspired by that quote, and end with a “Today I will . . .” promise. The entries range from the broad (self-esteem, the environment, gratitude, and openmindedness) to the simple and specific (Today I will call a grandparent . . . smile at a new kid . . . take a walk . . . and send a snail-mail letter.).
With wide appeal to fans of both children’s literature and advice books, this cozy page-a-day volume (with black-and-white spot art) offers inspiring quotes, gentle guidance, and 366 “Today I will . . .” promises to thoughtful readers everywhere.
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Summerhouse Time
Every year a rented pink cottage full of family, swapping stories, and riding waves mean Summerhouse Time for Sophie. Best of all is sharing a room with her favorite cousin and laughing and trading secrets like two happy peas in a cousin pod. Sophie can't wait! But when she asks the now-a-teenager Colleen if she's looking forward to their time together, Colleen just says "I guess so."
What? It's the best time of the year, the time they both love. In just a little bit, they will all be together in the cottage on the beach. Will this year be just as wonderful, just like always?
Accompanied by charming black-and-white illustrations, classic growingup experiences radiate throughout the pages of this sunny, anytime story.
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Summerhouse Time
Every year a rented pink cottage full of family, swapping stories, and riding waves mean Summerhouse Time for Sophie. Best of all is sharing a room with her favorite cousin and laughing and trading secrets like two happy peas in a cousin pod. Sophie can't wait! But when she asks the now-a-teenager Colleen if she's looking forward to their time together, Colleen just says "I guess so."
What? It's the best time of the year, the time they both love. In just a little bit, they will all be together in the cottage on the beach. Will this year be just as wonderful, just like always?
Accompanied by charming black-and-white illustrations, classic growingup experiences radiate throughout the pages of this sunny, anytime story.
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The Dancing Pancake
DELICIOUS PANCAKES!!
FREE!!
ALL YOU CAN EAT!!
COME TO OUR
NEW GRAND OPENING!
The grand opening of the Dancing Pancake isn't the only new thing in Bindi's life: new friends, a new apartment, maybe even a cute new crush? But there are other changes, like her dad's move to a new city, that have left Bindi confused and wondering: What will happen to my family? Will this new life ever feel normal? Among the unlikely bunch of regulars who form a makeshift community at the diner, Bindi will try to figure out how to be a new version of herself, one pancake and one silly elephant joke (her uncle's specialty) at a time.
With plenty of surprises, milk shakes, fake spiders, and real feelings, readers are sure to flip for the sweet mix of humor and heart in The Dancing Pancake.
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Another Day as Emily
"Taut, fast-paced, economical, devoid of sham, Spinelli’s book echoes Dickinson’s own deceptive simplicity."--The New York Times Book Review
Eleven-year-old Suzy just can't win. Her brother is a local hero for calling 911 after seeing their elderly neighbor collapse, and only her best friend was able to win a role in the play they both auditioned for. Feeling cast aside from all angles, Suzy sees a kindred spirit in Emily Dickinson, the subject of her summer project. Suzy decides to escape from her disappointments by emulating the poet's life of solitude: no visitors or phone calls (only letters delivered through her window), no friends (except her goldfish, Ottilie), and no outings (except church, but only if she can wear her long white Emily dress).
But being a recluse is harder than Suzy predicted. Will she find a way to fold Emily into her life while also remaining true to herself?
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When Mama Comes Home Tonight
When Mama arrives home, she and her child enjoy a series of activities together before bedtime, in a tender book that celebrates the unique relationship between a working parent and a child. Reprint.
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Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch (paperback)
One wintry day, a postman delivers a mysterious package with a big pink bow to a lonely man named Mr. Hatch.
“Somebody loves you,” the note says.
“Somebody loves me!” Mr. Hatch sings as he dusts his living room.
“Somebody loves me!” Mr. Hatch whistles as he does his errands in town.
“But who,” Mr. Hatch wonders, “could that somebody be?”
After some time, Mr. Hatch discovers just who his secret admirer is and, in doing so, enjoys the biggest surprise of his life!
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Sophie's Masterpiece: Sophie's Masterpiece
Sophie's no ordinary house spider. She's an artist; and every web she spins is more wondrous than the one before. But don't mention that to the guests at Beekman's Boardinghouse, because they don't like spiders. No one there wants anything to do with Sophie or her magnificent creations -- no one except the woman on the third floor. She's a new mother "weaving" something herself; and when she runs out of yarn, Sophie knows the time has finally come to create the masterpiece of a lifetime.
Eileen Spinelli and Jane Dyer, the award-winning duo who created the best-selling When Mama Comes Home Tonight, team up once again to tell the charming and bittersweet tale of an exceptionally gifted spider and the lengths she's willing to go to share her gifts with those around her.
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In Our Backyard Garden
As one season passes into the next, the backyard garden transforms and different family events are held there, in a colorfully illustrated collection of poems by the author of When Mama Comes Home Tonight.
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When You Are Happy
When you are afraid
I will take your hand
and not let go--
In this delightful and lyrical text by renowned children's author Eileen Spinelli, a young girl finds reassurance from all of her family members and learns that love complements every mood. Coupled with dazzling art by illustrator Geraldo Valério, her words become a beautiful reminder of the care and comforts of unconditional love.
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Do You Have a Hat?
A fancy hat. A hat that's plain.
A hat for keeping off the rain.
A glowing hat. A hat with fruit.
A hat for that new dress or suit.
All herein have hats, it's true --
fantastic, magnificent hats!
Do you?
What do Spanish painter Francisco de Goya, Russian-American composer Igor Stravinsky, South American entertainer Carmen Miranda, African-American cowboy Nat Love, and President Abraham Lincoln have in common?
HATS! Unique, distinctive, wonderful hats! And this bright and cheerful picture book from best-selling author Eileen Spinelli and colorful newcomer Geraldo Valério will have you thinking twice before going outside without yours!
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Esta noche cuando mamá regrese a casa (When Mama Comes Home Tonight) (Classic Board Books) (Spanish Edition)
When Mama arrives home, she and her child enjoy a series of activities together before bedtime.
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Sophie's Masterpiece: A Spider's Tale
Sophie is an artist who wants to spin beautiful creations all day long and, someday, a masterpiece. As a spider, though, Sophie has a hard time finding a welcoming place in which she can be free to live and spin. She's shooed and shuffled all over Beekman's Boardinghouse until one day she finally finds the warm, comfortable, safe home for which she always yearned -- and the inspiration for the masterpiece of her lifetime.
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When Mama Comes Home Tonight (Classic Board Books)
No other bedtime book addresses working families as effectively as When Mama Comes Home Tonight.
Now available as A Classic Board Book edition, it is sure to become a favorite of both mothers and children.
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While You Are Away
Lyrical, patriotic text and uplifting illustrations depicting military families combine to create a reassuring book about separation and reunion.
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Where I Live
Diana loves where she lives. She loves the astronomy charts on her walls and the fact that she can wave to her best friend, Rose, from her very own window. And best of all, a wren has recently made its home right by her front door! When her family is forced to move, Diana wonders if she?ll ever find that same grounded and happy feeling again.
This gentle and ultimately redeeming story in poems is about those secure and fulfilling friendships that happen naturally and easily when you live right next door, and the struggles of losing the comfort of a familiar place. Matt Phelan's warm and expressive illustrations perfectly complement Eileen Spinelli's tenderhearted and unique tale that reminds us that sometimes a little uprooting and change is necessary for growth.
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The Best Story
The best story is one that comes from the heart.
The library is having a contest for the best story, and the quirky narrator of this book just has to win that rollercoaster ride with her favorite author! But what makes a story the best?
Her brother Tim says the best stories have lots of action. Her father thinks the best stories are the funniest. And Aunt Jane tells her that the best stories have to make people cry. A story that does all these things doesn't seem quite right, though, and the one thing the whole family can agree on is that the best story has to be your own.
Anne Wilsdorf's hilarious illustrations perfectly capture this colorful family and their outrageous stories in Eileen Spinelli's heartfelt tale about creativity and finding your own voice.
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$18.99
Someday
by Eileen Spinelli, Alison McGhee
Someday
I am going to be
a great artist.
Today
I am off to help my dad
paint the shed.
Its hard to be content with the present moment when you are little. The future has infinitely more possibilities!
Here, the prolific and poetic Eileen Spinelli offers us the opportunity to truly enter the mind and heart of a little girl whose dreams reach well beyond today. With Spinellis gift for capturing the authentic experience of a child and Rosie Winsteads utterly accessible and adorable artwork, this is sure to be a book that will inspire kids to think about what their own plans are for someday.
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Someday
by Eileen Spinelli, Alison McGhee
A mother's love leads to a mother's dream -- every mother's dream -- for her child to live life to its fullest.
A deceptively simple, powerful ode to the potential of love and the potential in life, Someday is the book you'll want to share with someone else...today. The perfect gift for Mother's Day, Graduation Day or Any Day - share a copy with every special person in your life.
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Someday
by Eileen Spinelli, Alison McGhee
Alison McGhee and Peter H. Reynolds’s #1 New York Times bestselling and beloved story of a mother’s love and dreams for her child is now available in a beautiful keepsake edition.
One day I counted your fingers and kissed each one...
Sometimes, when you sleep, I watch you dream, and I dream too—
That someday you will dive into the cool clear water of a lake...
Someday I will watch you brushing your child’s hair...
Someday...
A deceptively simple, powerful ode to the potential of love and the potential in life, Someday is the story of what every mother wishes for her child: a chance to live life at its fullest—to experience great joys, to stretch, to grow, to understand sorrow, to have a future…to have a someday. This shimmering, achingly beautiful, and poignant tale—created by two great talents—takes this idea and turns it into something that will touch every reader. Someday, now available in a gorgeous keepsake edition, is a story you’ll want to share with a special someone today and every day.
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When No One is Watching
When no one is watching, it's easy to be brave -- to dance and sing, growl and cheer. But when everyone's watching, this book's shy young narrator finds it far easier to hide. With her best friend, Loretta, though, she doesn't feel shy, embarrassed, awkward, or odd -- not one bit. Together they're like two peas in a pod, whether anyone's watching or not.
Any readers who have felt shy will certainly recognize themselves within the pages of this adorable book, which will encourage even the most timid of audiences with its celebration of the value of a good friend.
Watch the trailer:
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The Perfect Christmas
Family one: exquisite pastries, a beautifully trimmed tree, and festive cello music.
Family two: an artificial tree, rock hard candy, and custom kazoo carols.
Full of silly humor, this cheerful picture book proves that no matter how you celebrate Christmas, it's the spirit of the holiday that counts the most.
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Miss Fox's Class Shapes Up
Miss Fox's class is back, and this time the students are lethargic and cranky until they learn to eat better, exercise, and get more sleep. "This class is going to get fit!" Miss Fox says. "So we can be ready for Field Day?" asks Frog. "Not just Field Day," says Miss Fox. "For every day!"
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Miss Fox's Class Goes Green
When Miss Fox shows up at school riding her bicycle, Mouse asks, "Do you have a flat tire?" "No," Miss Fox tells her students. "I am going green!" Soon everyone in the class is working to keep the earth healthy. Mouse takes shorter showers (and does her singing after!); Bunny brings a cloth bag to the supermarket; and Possum turns the lights off when he goes out. And Miss Fox's simple act has ripples even beyond her own students... the principal starts riding his bike, too, and soon the whole school is going green! As in Peace Week in Miss Fox's Class, Eileen Spinelli and Anne Kennedy have combined their talents to make a serious subject both funny and inspiring.Book Details:Format: HardcoverPublication Date: 9/1/2009Pages: 32Reading Level: Age 6 and Up
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Miss Fox's Class Goes Green
2010 Green Prize for Sustainable Literature Youth Picture Book
2010 Green Earth Book Award
When Miss Fox shows up at school riding her bicycle, Mouse asks, "Do you have a flat tire?" "No," Miss Fox tells her students. "I am going green!" Soon everyone in the class is working to keep the earth healthy. Mouse takes shorter showers (and does her singing after!); Bunny brings a cloth bag to the supermarket; and Possum turns the lights off when he goes out. And Miss Fox's simple act has ripples even beyond her own students...soon the whole school starts riding their bikes―including the principal.
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Miss Fox's Class Earns a Field Trip
Miss Fox's class wants to go to Roller Coaster Planet―but they have to earn their way to the park. When their fund-raising attempts go awry, the class discovers their earnings are going down, not up! This fun picture book introduces kids to budgeting.
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Miss Fox's Class Gets it Wrong
When Miss Fox's class sees Officer Blue leading Miss Fox into the police station, they think their beloved teacher has been arrested! When Miss Fox's mysterious behavior leads them to believe she's preparing to run away from the law, her students confront her. But she wasn't planning to run away. She and Offer Blue are preparing to get married and go on their honeymoon! Boy, oh boy, did Miss Fox's class get it wrong!
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Peace Week in Miss Fox's Class
Miss Fox is tired of hearing her young students quarrel. So she announces Peace Week―no more squabbling for one whole week! The children chime in with their own rules: no fighting, don't say mean things, and help others. Throughout the week each of the little animals gets a chance to practice this new behavior. When Polecat teases Bunny for wearing a bright yellow sweater, instead of poking fun back at Polecat, Bunny admires his sweater. Soon, to their surprise, the animals are finding that it's easy to help others, take turns, and say nice things, even when someone is grumpy to them. Wouldn't it be nice, Squirrel says, if every week could be Peace Week?
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Together at Christmas
It's Christmas Eve, and a family of ten mice shivers in the snow. One by one, each mouse finds a place to stay warm, only to discover that they'd rather huddle together on this holiday night. With gently rhyming text and charming illustrations, this picture book is a wonderful readaloud at Christmastime.
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Love My Shoes!
A celebration in verse of little girls' love of all kinds and colors of footwear.
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When Christmas Came
As snow drifts higher and higher, the pastor of a small country church worries that no one will attend Christmas Eve services, but soon an unusual congregation gathers and shares the spirit of the season.
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When Papa Comes Home Tonight
When Papa comes home tonight, dear child,
(I promise - not too late)
you'll hear me whistling up the road.
You'll meet me at the gate.
It can be hard waiting for Papa to come home, but it'll be worth it because you'll both have so much fun when he does! From singing songs and making dinner to playing all the way until bedtime, just hanging with Papa is one of the most joyous ways to end the day.
Eileen Spinelli's highly anticipated follow-up to the bestselling When Mama Comes Home Tonight, complete with gorgeous illustrations from David McPhail, is a soothing celebrtion of simple moments shared between parent and child.
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Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch
One wintry day, a postman delivers a mysterious package with a big pink bow to a lonely man named Mr. Hatch.
“Somebody loves you,” the note says.
“Somebody loves me!” Mr. Hatch sings as he dusts his living room.
“Somebody loves me!” Mr. Hatch whistles as he does his errands in town.
“But who,” Mr. Hatch wonders, “could that somebody be?”
When Mr. Hatch discovers just who his secret admirer is, the answer is even better than he could have guessed!
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$9.99
One Earth
Celebrate our planet and discover easy ways to take care of it with this picture book that's perfect for budding environmentalists and nature lovers.
Kids can count reasons to love the planet and ways to protect it in the pages of this conservation-themed book. Gentle verse reminds the reader of Earth's beauties--starting with "one wide sweeping sky, two honey bees" and continuing all the way to "ten fields to plow." The text then starts counting backwards, listing simple ways children can help, such as reducing waste and reusing items. The conclusion takes us back to number one with the book's key message: "One Earth so beautiful. Remember--only one." At once celebration and challenge, this book will encourage children to take better care of the planet.
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I Am Kind to Myself I Am Kind to Myself (Highlights Books of Kindness) Teach Social Emotional Skills, Learn About Kindness and Build Self-Confidence for Kids 2-5
With vibrant illustrations and age-appropriate language, this 26-page self-confidence book for kids offers preschoolers and kindergartners effective affirmations to manage difficult emotions.
Packed with positivity, I Am Kind to Myself is a thoughtful and engaging addition to the growing library of books of kindness, offering a fun read-aloud experience that children will adore.
There is no better time than preschool and kindergarten for children to learn how to be kind to themselves in challenging moments. This social emotional storybook is a great tool to spark conversations at home or in the classroom. Showcasing a diverse cast of children, this storybook is designed to encourage empathy, emotional inclusion, and respect for children’s feelings while also teaching them how to react to difficult situations and express their emotions in a constructive way.
Featuring durable cardstock pages and approachable, kid-friendly language, Highlights kindness books are crafted by childhood experts to promote strong social emotional skills and build positive associations with reading.
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