Children's

Mimbi, Pimbi and Timbi hope to find a place cooler, a place less crowded, a place safe from eagles! to build their new homes. The handsomely dressed Agama Man watches from the borders as the eagle flies down to flap and clap until he blows a house down. But in a deliciously funny twist, that pesky eagle gets a fine comeuppance!

Bold African patterns and prints fill the stunning borders, but it is the dassies in their bright, colorful dresses and hats that steal the show in this irresistible tale, perfect for reading aloud.

Alec's Primer is based on the true story of Alec Turner (1845-1923), who learned to read and, eventually, just as Zephie predicted, became a free man. Traveling to Vermont where he established his home and became a landowner, Alec kept his cherished primer with him throughout his life. Years later, Alec's daughter Daisy told his dramatic tale of defiance and endurance to the Vermont Folklife Center. Mildred Pitts Walter and Larry Johnson have transformed Alec's powerful story into an engrossing picture book that affords young readers an authentic lens through which to view history.

Amanda Panda has BIG ideas for her first day of school. But when things don't go according to plan, and when a pesky girl in a pink bow decides to be her best friend, she walks out on kindergarten and joins her brother in second grade. It takes an unlikely partner to fix Amanda's terrible day--and to teach her about friendship, tolerance, and how to cope with life's ups and downs.

Amanda Panda perfectly captures the spirit, motivations, and humor of a headstrong five-year-old girl--and will be sure to soothe back-to-school jitters.

a sweet story about the power of kindness and getting past first impressions.--The Washington Post

Empathy and kindness are just as important as ABCs and 123s, and Amanda gives readers a good lesson.--Kirkus

Filled with droll humor that begs to be read aloud, this is an excellent back-to-school purchase and a great fit for storytime.--School Library Journal

With strong dialogue and well-imagined details of wardrobe and play, Ransom writes an original story around the familiar situation: the beginning of school. . . . This wryly amusing picture book offers a fresh take on an old theme.--Booklist