Reading & Literature

When Bridget the alligator arrives in the mail, she's only the size of a key chain! But after Zack soaks her in water, she grows into a real live alligator. Bridget wrestles the garden hose and swings from the monkey bars. And what other alligator can do cartwheels? 64 pages. Ages 4-8 Learn More

Return to the days of the Norman invasion of England and fight alongside a nobleman serving the last of England's Anglo-Saxon monarchs. Wulf of Steyning, a Saxon thane loyal to King Harold Godwinson, boldly captures a castle in the Welsh wars, risks his life to rescue his shipwrecked sovereign, and combats Norsemen at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Wulf and his comrades resolutely stand by King Harold in a series of adventures that climax at the Battle of Hastings. Generations of readers have thrilled to this tale of loyalty and courage in eleventh-century Britain and Normandy. Author G. A. Henty created it in conjunction with his popular series of storybooks in which young characters, inspired by their encounters with real-life figures, perform heroic deeds. Historical fiction at its very best, Wulf the Saxon offers boys and girls an exciting adventure in the medieval world. Reprint of the Scribner's, New York, 1894 edition. Softcover. Ages 10 and up.

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In this spirited tale of adventure, Vincent Wingfield, who is not yet sixteen, returns home to Virginia after four years of school in England to find conditions in America greatly unsettled. When war breaks out in 1861, Vincent staunchly supports the rights of slaves but joins Lee's cavalry to fight for the Confederacy. G.A. Henty's gripping story, written several decades after the war, weaves the spirited teenager's adventures with real life events, while providing an acute glimpse of the conflict from a Southern Perspective. A Dover Publication. Softcover. 328 pages.

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ABOUT WINNIE-THE-POOH: CLASSIC GIFT EDITION

Happy 90th birthday, to one of the world’s most beloved icons of children’s literature, Winnie-the-Pooh!

Since 1926, Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends—Piglet, Owl, Tigger, and the ever doleful Eeyore—have endured as the unforgettable creations of A.A. Milne, who wrote this book for his son, Christopher Robin, and Ernest H. Shepard, who lovingly gave Pooh and his companions shape.

These characters and their stories are timeless treasures of childhood that continue to speak to all of us with the kind of freshness and heart that distinguishes true storytelling.

“Winnie-the-Pooh is a joy; full of solemn idiocies and the sort of jokes one weeps over helplessly, not even knowing why they are so funny, and with it all the real wit and tenderness which alone could create a priceless little masterpiece.” Saturday Review, 1926

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Follow Pooh as he ventures out into the Hundred Acre Woods with his beloved companions: Eeyore, Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga, Roo, and of course, Christopher Robin. This engaging comprehension guide includes questions for each chapter and activities such as making Woozle prints, sewing your own bear, cooking yummy honey oat bars, and much more!

This guide is recommended for 2nd grade imagineers.

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Wind in the Willows By KENNETH GRAHAME

The much-loved classic tales of Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad. When Mole goes boating with Ratty instead of doing his spring-cleaning, he discovers a whole new world. As well as adventures on the river and in the Wild Wood, there are high jinks on the open road with that reckless ruffian, Mr Toad of Toad Hall. Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad become the firmest of friends, but after Toad’s latest escapade, can they join together and beat the wretched weasels once and for all?

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame is one of the twenty wonderful classic stories being relaunched in Puffin Classics in March 2015

Paperback | Published by Puffin Books Mar 27, 2008 | 288 Pages | Middle Grade (Ages 8-12)

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ABOUT WILL YOU SIGN HERE, JOHN HANCOCK?

Little-known facts are highlighted in this fun book about this historical figure, by Newbery Honor-winning author Jean Fritz. “The book is a most enjoyable view of history . . . The delightful illustrations exactly suit the times and the extraordinary character of John Hancock.”—The Horn Book

Everyone knows that John Hancock was one of the first signers of the Declaration of Independence. But not many know that he signed his name so large to show how mad he was about how the colonists had been treated.

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Part of the Childhood of Famous Americans fictionalized biography series. One of the most popular series ever published for young Americans, these classics have been praised alike by parents, teachers, and librarians. With these lively, inspiring, fictionalized biographies - easily read by children 8 and up - today's youngster is swept right into history. Paperback. ages 8-12. 192 pages. Learn More

Winner of Caldecott Medal in 1976 and the Brooklyn Art Books for Children Award in 1977. In this Caldecott Medal winner, Mosquito tells a story that causes a jungle disaster. 32 pages. Ages 5-8. Learn More

ABOUT WHY DON’T YOU GET A HORSE, SAM ADAMS?

This lively biography, by Newbery Honor-winning author Jean Fritz, is a nice, personal look at a leader and his times. In early America, when all the men wore ruffled shirts and rode grandly on horseback, one man refused to follow suit. He was the rebel leader Sam Adams, a plainspoken gent who scorned ruffles, refused to ride a horse, and had little regard for the King.

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ABOUT WHO’S THAT STEPPING ON PLYMOUTH ROCK?

The history of Plymouth Rock comes alive in this book by Newbery Honor-winning author, Jean Fritz!

For years, Plymouth Rock lived a quiet life. Then in 1741, the people decided to make a fuss because the Pilgrims must have stepped on it when they arrived in America. And that’s when the adventures began. This entertaining book tells about Plymouth Rock’s humble origins before it rose to a place of historic prominence.

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ABOUT WHO WAS QUEEN ELIZABETH? A teenager imprisoned in the dreaded Tower of London An admirer of William Shakespeare A beloved ruler known as “Good Queen Bess” Our bestselling series is fit for a queen! The life of Queen Elizabeth I was dramatic and dangerous: cast out of her father?s court at the age of three and imprisoned at nineteen, Elizabeth was crowned queen in 1558, when she was only twenty-five. A tough, intelligent woman who spoke five languages, Elizabeth ruled for over forty years and led England through one of its most prosperous periods in history. Over 80 illustrations bring ?Gloriana? and her court to life. Learn More

ABOUT WHERE WAS PATRICK HENRY ON THE 29TH OF MAY?

Newbery Honor author Jean Fritz makes Patrick Henry’s history come alive!

Patrick Henry wasn’t particularly well spoken. As a lawyer, he mumbled through some of his early cases. But when the issue was freedom, Patrick Henry was transformed into a natural orator. Jean Fritz makes history come alive as she chronicles the life of a man who moved a nation.

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Let the wild rumpus with Max and all the wild things continue as this classic comes to life as never before with new reproductions of Maurice Sendak's artwork. Astonishing state-of-the-art technology faithfully captures the color and detail of the original illustrations. Sendak himself enthusiastically endorsed this impressive new interpretation of his art before his death in May 2012. Winner of the 1964 Caldecott Medal for the Most Distinguished Picture Book of the Year, Where the Wild Things Are became an iconic book that has inspired a movie, an opera, and the imagination of generations. It continues to be one of the best loved books of all time the world over, by the one and only Maurice Sendak. Supports the Common Core State Standards Learn More

For fans of Old Yeller and Shiloh, Where the Red Fern Grows is a beloved classic that captures the powerful bond between man and man’s best friend. This edition also includes a special note to readers from Newbery Medal winner and Printz Honor winner Clare Vanderpool. Billy has long dreamt of owning not one, but two, dogs. So when he’s finally able to save up enough money for two pups to call his own—Old Dan and Little Ann—he’s ecstatic. It doesn’t matter that times are tough; together they’ll roam the hills of the Ozarks. Soon Billy and his hounds become the finest hunting team in the valley. Stories of their great achievements spread throughout the region, and the combination of Old Dan’s brawn, Little Ann’s brains, and Billy’s sheer will seems unbeatable. But tragedy awaits these determined hunters—now friends—and Billy learns that hope can grow out of despair, and that the seeds of the future can come from the scars of the past. Ages 8-12. 272 pages. Learn More

ABOUT WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU’RE GOING, CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS?

Newbery Honor author Jean Fritz takes us on a historic tour of Christopher Colubus! ”In a simple, short biography of Columbus she has been extraordinarily successful in extracting the essence of the man.”—The Horn Book

Christopher Columbus thought he knew where he was going. He had planned to be the first to cross the ocean and reach the rich lands of the Indies. And when he returned to Spain, he insisted to everyone who would listen that he’d succeeded. But that wasn’t exactly true. Little did Columbus know that his mistake would come to be known as America!

“Fritz’s unconventional look at the great explorer who accidently discovered the New World reveals the navigator’s obstinate as well as his visionary side.”—School Library Journal

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ABOUT WHEN WE WERE VERY YOUNG

Celebrate the 90th birthday of one of the world’s most beloved icons of children’s literature, Winnie-the-Pooh!

A classic celebration of childhood, A. A. Milne’s When We Were Very Young is a collection of poems that have touched the hearts of readers for more than 90 years. His verses sing with a playful innocence, weaving together the worlds of reality and enchanting make-believe.

Published two years before Winnie-the-Pooh, careful readers will also discover the very first appearance of the Best Bear in All the World. These treasured poems are perfectly matched by Ernest Shepard’s whimsical illustrations, which have delighted countless readers.

These poems have been read and re-read to generations of children, and today, they can still find a cherished place on every bookshelf.

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When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit By JUDITH KERR

Based on the gripping real-life story of the author, this poignant, suspenseful middle-grade novel has been a favorite for over forty years. Perfect for Holocaust Remembrance Month. Anna is not sure who Hitler is, but she sees his face on posters all over Berlin. Then one morning, Anna and her brother awake to find her father gone! Her mother explains that their father has had to leave and soon they will secretly join him. Anna just doesn’t understand. Why do their parents keep insisting that Germany is no longer safe for Jews like them? Because of Hitler, Anna must leave everything behind.

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ABOUT WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA, BEN FRANKLIN?

A fun historic tale by Newbery Honor-winning author, Jean Fritz! No matter how busy he was, Ben Franklin always found time to try out new ideas: a remote-control lock (so he could lock his door without getting out of bed), a rocking chair with a fan over it (to keep flies away), and a windmill (to turn his roast meat on its spit). Aside from being a mad of ideas, he was an ambassador to England, a printer, an almanac maker, a politician, and even a vegetarian (for a time, anyway).

“This biography is distinguished by its humanizing detail [and] amusing tone.” – School Library Journal

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ABOUT WHAT WAS THE GOLD RUSH?

Which of these facts are true?

Bedbug, Hangtown, and Murderer’s Gulch were mining camps

People poured into California to get rich quick

The largest nugget weighed 195 pounds In 1848, gold was discovered in California, attracting over 300,000 people from all over the world, some who struck it rich and many more who didn’t.

Hear the stories about the gold-seeking "forty-niners!"

With black-and white illustrations and sixteen pages of photos, a nugget from history is brought to life!

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What Katy Did By SUSAN COOLIDGE Introduction by Cathy Cassidy.

What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge is a classic much loved by adults and children alike. Katy Carr intends to be beautiful and beloved and as sweet as an angel one day. For now, though, her hair is forever in a tangle, her dress is always torn and she doesn’t care at all for being called ‘good’. But then a terrible accident happens and Katy must find the courage to remember her daydreams and the delightful plans she once schemed; for when she is grown up she wants to do something grand . . . A wonderful, family story, with an inspiring introduction from the hugely popular Cathy Cassidy.

***PLUS a behind-the-scenes journey, including an author profile, a guide to who’s who, activities and more . . .

*** Susan Coolidge (1835-1905) was born Sarah Chauncey Woolsey in Ohio, USA. She worked as a nurse during the American Civil War, after which she started to write. She is best known for her classic children’s novel What Katy Did , which was modelled on her own family, and its four sequels: What Katy Did at School, What Katy Did Next, Clover and In the High Valley.

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On a blustery afternoon in 1902, Jimmy and Clara Blair observe a strange kite in the North Carolina sky over Kitty Hawk Peninsula. They soon meet the kite's flyers, a pair of bicycle mechanics from Ohio named Orville and Wilbur Wright, and assist the inventors in realizing their dream of human flight.

The We Were There series brings history to life for young readers with engaging, action-packed entertainment. These illustrated tales combine fictional and real-life characters in settings of landmark events from the past. All of the books are reviewed for accuracy and approved by expert historical consultants.

Reprint of the Grosset & Dunlop, New York, 1960 edition.

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Travel back to the 1860s to witness the dramatic track-laying contest between the Union and Central Pacific Railroads. Join Irish immigrants Sheamus and Nora Cullen and their children, Mike and Feena, as the family travels westward by freight car and riverboat to begin a new life on the American frontier.

The We Were There series brings history to life for young readers with engaging, action-packed entertainment. These illustrated tales combine fictional and real-life characters in settings of landmark events from the past. All of the books are reviewed for accuracy and approved by expert historical consultants.

Reprint of the Grosset & Dunlap, New York, 1960 edition.

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New England is ripe for revolution in the fall of 1773, and young Jeremy and Deliverance Winthrop are eager to play their part. The brother-and-sister duo join the conspiracy against the red-coated British "lobsterbacks," carrying messages from Sam Adams, Paul Revere, and other patriots to set the stage for the famous event in Boston Harbor.

The We Were There series brings history to life for young readers with engaging, action-packed entertainment. These illustrated tales combine fictional and real-life characters in settings of landmark events from the past. All of the books are reviewed for accuracy and approved by expert historical consultants.

Reprint of the Grosset & Dunlap, New York, 1956 edition.

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