New Releases by Carmen Agra Deedy

The story of a Cuban refugee and her joy in an unexpected encounter that connects her beloved home in Havana with her new home in Atlanta Each evening Coqui waits for the familiar cry of the Peanut Man—"¡Mani! Peanuts!”—and watches for him to appear on the street below her window. They always greet each other in their own special way—Coqui tucks her thumbs in her ears and sticks out her tongue at Emilio. And Emilio, to her great amusement, does the same in return. Night after night, the two friends continue their ritual. One evening, Coqui sadly announces, “Nos vamos.” She tells him that they have to leave Cuba. They are going to the United States. Emilio tries to assure her that she will like many things about los Estados Unidos, especially beisbol, her favorite sport. “But don’t forget your friend Emilio,” he says as he walks away. “¡Nunca!” she calls out through tears. She could never forget him. Coqui and her family arrive in Decatur, Georgia, in the dead of winter to snow-covered ground. Her father seals the windows with duct tape and they await the arrival of spring. Coqui watches for the Peanut Man, but he does not appear. Several years pass, she learns wobbly English, and becomes a devoted Atlanta Braves fan. She forgets her beloved Peanut Man. Then one day her father surprises her with the perfect birthday gift—two tickets for a Braves game to see their favorite player Hammerin’ Hank Aaron. As they settle into their seats amid the cheering crowds, Coqui hears a man yelling “Peanuts! Get your peanuts!” The delicious smell of roasted peanuts reaches her and memories of home and Emilio rush into her head. With luminous illustrations by the award-winning artist Raúl Colón, this story of immigration, of being displaced and finding a connection to home, reminds us how much alike we humans are, regardless of culture, color, or creed.

Miss Lotta Scales is a dragon who believes her job is to protect the school's library books from the children, but when she finally realizes that books are meant to be read, she turns into Miss Lotty, librarian and storyteller.

Carmen Agra Deedy, New York Times bestselling author and one of Scholastic’s most talented and cherished storytellers, retells a hilarious folktale set in Havana, Cuba. Illustrated by the brilliant, award-winning artist, Henry Cole. This is the first collaboration by this dynamic duo! The trouble started with a parrot and a bad idea. Pepe the parrot was beak over claws in love . . . with a cat! Until . . . ​​​​​​​ With a gobble and slurp, Carina swallowed that parrot whole! In fact — she ate everyone in her path: A florista and her flowers, the carretaro and his ox, a chivo and his boy — and more! Who will be able to stop this greedy cat? ​​​​​​​ ​​​​​​​​In this wickedly funny, classic folktale infused with vivid color and Cuban spice, Carmen Agra Deedy and Henry Cole have merged their talents to create an inspiring and satisfying picture book that proves it’s the smallest of creatures who sometimes possess the most surprising strength!

A kindhearted wombat offers refuge to a parade of animal friends during an Australian bushfire in a delightful new picture book from New York Times best-selling creators Carmen Agra Deedy and Brian Lies. Australian bushfires roar above Wombat’s home. He is fortunate that his burrow is deep below ground and he is safe. He snuggles under his crazy quilt and drinks his tea. Then, one by one, five uniquely Australian animals – Wallaby, Kookaburra, Platypus, Koala, and Sugar Glider – seek refuge from the fires, and Wombat welcomes them all. When you have the heart of a wombat, there’s always room for one more! Fellowship, empathy, and adorable Australian animals star in this delightfully heartwarming and funny story about help in the time of trouble from author Carmen Agra Deedy (14 Cows for America, The Library Dragon, The Rooster Who Would Not Stay Quiet) and Caldecott Honoree Brian Lies (The Rough Patch, Bats at the Beach). The book will delight children with Deedy’s engaging story and Lies masterfully rendered animals. It is an ideal read-aloud for adults seeking a story with humor and heart. Generosity and kindness provide powerful SEL themes. Older readers will get a glimpse of the unique environmental challenges presented by the country’s annual bushfire season.

Have you ever seen the moon on a clear blue day and wondered why? “...Emotive watercolors...The well-told tale works on multiple levels....” --School Library Journal There once was a time when the sun alone ruled the day, the moon graced the night, and little children were sent to bed before sunset. Then early one dawn, the moon heard sounds of children laughing, and she yearned to see them by daylight. "Certainly not!" snapped the sun. "The day is mine. The night is yours!" But the moon had a clever plan... Carmen Agra Deedy and Jim LaMarche have brilliantly crafted an original pourquoi tale about finding one's place in the universe.

Pura Belpre Honoree Carmen Agra Deedy and Newbery Honor-book author/illustrator Eugene Yelchin have created a powerful tale that celebrates the spirit of freedom. La Paz es un pueblo alegre, pero ruidoso. Un poco de silencio no le vendria nada mal. Asi que la gente del pueblo elige a don Pepe de alcalde para que resuelva el problema del ruido. Muy pronto, se prohibe cantar en cualquier sitio. ¡Y hasta las teteras tienen miedo de pitar! Pero un gallito muy ruidoso, a quien le importa un pito las reglas del alcalde, sigue haciendo lo que los gallos hacen desde que nacen: ¡cantar! La Paz is a happy, but noisy village. A little peace and quiet would make it just right. So the villagers elect the bossy Don Pepe as their mayor. Before long, singing of any kind is outlawed. Even the teakettle is afraid to whistle! But there is one noisy rooster who doesn't give two mangos about this mayor's silly rules. Instead, he does what roosters were born to do.

Have you ever been REALLY mad at your best friend? * "This well-crafted story is an excellent choice for those seeking books featuring conflict-resolution." -- Booklist, starred reviewIn two little houses,on two little hills,lived two best friends...So begins the story of Rita and Ralph. Every day they meet to play beneath the apple tree. It's always fun and games -- until one roundly rotten day when a new game means someone ends up crying. Who knew it could be so hard to say "I'm sorry?"Just when it seems nothing will ever be right again, a surprising thing happens. The old friends try something new, that isn't new at all. Something they've done a hundred times...Carmen Agra Deedy's brilliant storytelling combined with Pete Oswald's spirited illustrations make for a comforting tale of healing and true friendship.

In this playful homage to Charles Dickens, Skilley, an alley cat with an embarrassing secret, longs to escape his street-cat life. Hoping to trade London's damp alleyways for the warmth of ye olde Cheshire Cheese Inn, Skilley strikes a bargain with Pip, an erudite mouse. Skilley will protect the mice who live at the inn, and in turn, the mice will provide Skilley with the thing he desires most. But when Skilley and Pip are drawn into a crisis of monumental proportions, their new friendship is pushed to its limits. The escalating crisis threatens the peace not only of the Cheshire Cheese Inn but the entire British Monarchy! New York Times best-selling author Carmen Agra Deedy and coauthor Randall Wright collaborate on this compelling story set in Victorian England. With the artwork of award-winning illustrator Barry Moser, The Cheshire Cheese Cat is filled with charming characters and strong themes of friendship and loyalty.

Miss Lotta Scales is a dragon who believes her job is to protect the school's library books from the children, but when she finally realizes that books are meant to be read, the dragon turns into Miss Lotty, librarian and storyteller. Read by the author. Simultaneous.

In this witty sequel to the beloved classic The Library Dragon, Miss Lotty is finally checking herself out of the Sunrise Elementary School Library, but not before Lotta Scales makes one final, fiery appearance. After 557 years of faithful service, Miss Lotty is retiring from guarding books. But on her very last day, disaster strikes! Someone has ordered all the books to be removed from the library and replaced with machines! It's enough to make Lotty feel a little...dragon-like. After she bursts into a fiery rage, can anything make her shed her scales again? Best-selling author Carmen Agra Deedy's timely and humorous tale is paired with Michael P. White's lively illustrations to create an unforgettable sequel with an important message for librarians and students alike.

This New York Times bestseller recounts the true story of the touching gift bestowed on the US by the Maasai people in the wake of the September 11 attacks. In June of 2002, a mere nine months since the September 11 attacks, a very unusual ceremony begins in a far-flung village in western Kenya. An American diplomat is surrounded by hundreds of Maasai people. A gift is about to be bestowed upon the American men, women, and children, and he is there to accept it. The gift is as unexpected as it is extraordinary. Hearts are raw as these legendary Maasai warriors offer their gift to a grieving people half a world away. Word of the gift will travel newswires around the globe, and for the heartsick American nation, the gift of fourteen cows emerges from the choking dust and darkness as a soft light of hope―and friendship. With stunning paintings from Thomas Gonzalez, master storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy (in collaboration with Naiyomah) hits all the right notes in this elegant story of generosity that crosses boundaries, nations, and cultures.

Audio disc includes Carmen Deedy telling her own version of the folktale and English and Spanish versions of the story with promts to turn the pages.

A collection of stories by Celestine Sibley about different characters around Christmas time

Deedy retells the story of King Christian X and the Danish resistance to the Nazis during World War II. Full-color illustrations.

A delightful twist on the O. Henry classic "The Gift of the Magi," starring a weaver and six angry, naked geese. From award-winning author and storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy. When children approach Agatha wanting to know the source of the beautiful fabrics in her weaving shop, she always recites a simple verse. "Everything comes from something, Nothing comes from nothing. Just like paper comes from trees, And glass comes from sand, An answer comes from a question. All you have to do is ask." Agatha spins yarn and weaves cloth like no other, and she's worked hard to sell enough wares to buy a brand new feather bed. However, when six angry, naked geese show up to get their feathers back, Agatha must reckon with how precious resources can be. New York Times best-selling author Carmen Agra Deedy puts a delightful twist on the O. Henry story "The Gift of the Magi," reminding us of the delicate balance between our resources and responsibilities.