New Releases by Harriet Ziefert

Everybody has a lot to do before school starts, and so does Harry. He has to go for a checkup, visit the dentist, get a haircut--and that''s only the beginning!

Meet Really Bird, a small bird who lives in a large city park with his friends Cat, Pup, Mouse, and Rabbit. In each story, Really Bird finds himself really wanting something – to be bigger, to have his fair share, or to be the leader – to be really silly, funny, strong, cool, happy, or brave. And when he feels something, he really feels it. Each story is an entertaining, character-driven caper based on relatable social/emotional themes, delivered with surprise twists, high drama, and expert comic timing. Along the way, lessons are learned about qualities such as teamwork and compassion. The emphasis is on character growth and development through creative problem-solving. Friendship and emotional engagement are at the heart of every story. In I Really Want to Be First!, Really Bird is usually in line behind his two best friends, Cat and Pup. He wants to be first for a change, so he thinks up a scheme to become the leader of the group. Along the way, Really Bird discovers that being the leader involves more than being first.

The sequel to the bestselling Sleepy Dog! In this Step 1 Step into Reading Reader, Sleepy Dog does not want to wake up! The sun is up, the cat is up—wake up, Sleepy Dog! Every sleepy child will laugh with Sleepy Dog as he shakes off his snooziness and finally gets out of bed, all ready to play. Fans of the original Sleepy Dog will be excited to join in Sleepy Dog’s fun morning. Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words for children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. Rhyme and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story.

These are the words kids have to know by sight--the words that they should be able to read without sounding them out first.

George and Lily are not happy when their father goes away on a business trip, but telephone calls, e-mail, a calendar, and special activities with their mother help make the time pass quickly.

A little mouse looks for the perfect gift for her father.

A young boys gets a new winter coat, boots, gloves and a hat and the waits eagerly for it to snow.

As he gets up in the morning and goes to school, a boy alternates between saying "Yes" and "No" to everything he is asked.

Me! Me! ABC is a one-of-a-kind, action alphabet book. Seven hip new characters from ingri are sure to be a hit as they animate the alphabet in a variety of activities from A to Z. Answer me ... Buckle me ... Count with me ... enthusiastic readers will follow all seven handmade, vinyl characters as they make their way through the alphabet. Me! Me! ABC is a visually appealing and fun way to teach kids about action verbs.Ages 4-8

Three friends share their lunches and a lesson in fairness.

Easy words with a rhyming refrain describe the strange antics of a variety of animals.

Two cats, Tic and Tac, play hide-and-seek in a tree.

Scooter the Pig, first introduced in What''s Polite? and What''s Pretend? returns in this happy holiday tale. Come along with him as he visits Grandma, and open the many flaps throughout to find out what surprises lie beneath. It''s perfect in the Christmas stocking or under the tree--and for youngsters to read and share with their grandparents.

When the prince complains that he cannot eat because he has a loose tooth, everyone rallies to help him make it come out.

From hairstylist to chief financial officer, a wife plays so many roles--and this delightfully humorous collection honors every one of them. With fun full-page drawings and an appealing gift format, this adorable little hardcover is perfect for Mother''s Day, holidays, birthdays, or any day at all. Throughout, wives do just what they do best: substitute for a thermometer with a hand on the forehead; provide ballast for a canoe by sitting at the edge; double as a travel pillow as hubby rests his head on her shoulder; and have a sexy time walking the home runway as a lingerie model. The friendly, eye-catching format and engaging look will have this book flying off the shelves and into wives'' arms everywhere.

A little witch and a little warlock have a booing contest to determine which of them can scare the moon.

Although Sarah''s visit with her grandmother is cut short before her special woolly afghan is finished, Grandma comes to Sarah''s home for a visit months later and brings the afghan--plus an extra surprise.

Every summer Emma spends a month in the country with Grandpa. Emma enjoys her grandpa and the big tree that lives on his farm. She plays under it, swings from its branches, and climbs up high. One day the tree is struck by lightning and is badly damaged. Emma is heartbroken. Will she ever be able to play in her tree again? Together, she and Grandpa find a way to save the best part of the tree. Robert Wurzburg''s evocative illustrations beautifully portray the compelling relationship that exists between Emma and her grandpa.

In two reassuring rhymed stories, Buzzy''s Bath and Buzzy''s Bedtime, Harriet Ziefert addresses two universal childhood fears: getting sucked down the drain and being left alone in the dark. Buzzy gets bathed and put to bed with the help of Mommy and Daddy. The warm and loving family works together to help Buzzy overcome his fears.Move over Maisy! Young readers will immediately identify with this lovable little donkey, his triumphs and his woes. The adorable artwork in bright colours features a unique character that is sure to steal hearts.

When Jessica visits her artist grandpa they make a painting together.

Between the pond and the farm house some of Mother Duck''s new babies get lost.

Young Rosa lives with her grandmother in Mexico while her mother works in the United States. Peppered with Spanish words, this unique Christmas story is drawn from actual events. Full color.

It''s the Fourth of July and everyone in the town of Chatham can''t wait to see the parade--especially the big fireworks display afterward. Full-color illustrations.

It’s fun to play hide-and-seek with a brother, or build a fort, or jump in puddles. You can make a brother laugh, play baseball together, and keep each other company when Mom and Dad go out. A brother is a lifelong friend. Sisters and brothers alike will enjoy lifting the flaps of this adorably illustrated book, brimming with cheerful, colorful art, to see all the ways a brother is special.

George only likes things that are square like himself until a dream reminds him of how nice round can be.

Puffin Easy-to-Read Level 2.

Spending time with Grandma is so much fun! She knows all about butterflies, snails, and computers. And she has great ideas for new adventures. Grandma will play dress-up with you, and she''ll show you pictures of your mom when she was a little girl. This adorable lift-the-flap book is perfect for young children to read with Grandma when she comes to visit.

When Mrs. Mouse''s many children tell her what they would like to give Santa for Christmas instead of making a wish list for themselves, they have a happy surprise.

Presents a guide to proper behavior for the child fortunate enough to catch a ride through the night with the moon.

Daddies do so many terrific things. A daddy always gives you the best seat at the parade, he reads you bedtime stories, and he tries his best to fix your toys when they break (even if he doesn''t always succeed). Filled with soft, beautiful watercolor artwork and lilting text, this lift-the-flap book about all the great things fathers do is perfect for young children.