New Releases by Hudson Talbott

The author of the award-winning A Walk in the Words shows readers the joy and challenges of navigating the world as a kid with ADHD. It sure is hard to focus when your curiosity is boundless! That was Hudson Talbott’s story when he was little and easily distracted by everything, his attention bouncing from one shiny object to the next. But eventually he was able to see his curiosity as a gift because shiny objects can spark bright ideas—and he was full of them! Capturing both the challenges and rewards of having a super-active imagination, this empowering story encourages us all—neurodivergent and neurotypical thinkers alike—to embrace our perceived limitations and enjoy the journey of learning how to turn them to our advantage.

It’s All About ME-OW: A Young Cat’s Guide to the Good Life is a vibrant picture books that will delight your youngsters. The format is a cats'' how-to manual for commandeering a household without the humans ever catching on. Buddy, an adult ginger tabby-in-residence, teaches the tricks of the trade to three incoming kittens, sharing how to get everything they want without ever working for it. It’s all in the Catitude. Perfecting skills such as Purr Therapy, Let Me Out Let Me In, and Mastering Hypnotism for Fun and Getting Fed are essential to keeping your humans happy, or at least unaware that you’ve lovingly reversed the roles of master and pet. Buddy saves the most important lesson for last: “Keep your outside mild, but your inside wild.” In other words, never forget that underneath your cuddly ball-of-fur image beats the heart of the unconquerable beast who emerged from the jungle to rescue humans from mice. That message is illustrated with Buddy’s group photo of all the relatives, from tiger to tabby, attending the Cat Family Reunion.

Winner of a Schneider Family Honor! “A beautifully rendered and deeply inspiring book for everyone who has ever read slowly—myself included! Hudson shows us the beauty and magic that can come from taking our time. Brilliant.”—Jacqueline Woodson Hudson Talbott''s inspiring story vividly reveals the challenges--and ultimately the rewards--of being a non-mainstream kind of learner. When Hudson Talbott was a little boy, he loved drawing, and it came naturally to him. But reading? No way! One at a time, words weren''t a problem, but long sentences were a struggle. As his friends moved on to thicker books, he kept his slow reading a secret. But that got harder every year. He felt alone, lost, and afraid in a world of too many words. Fortunately, his love of stories wouldn''t let him give up. He started giving himself permission to read at his own pace, using the words he knew as stepping-stones to help draw him into a story. And he found he wasn''t so alone--in fact, lots of brilliant people were slow readers, too. Learning to accept the fact that everyone does things in their own unique way, and that was okay, freed him up and ultimately helped Hudson thrive and become the fabulous storyteller he is today.

This fascinating look at artist Thomas Cole''s life takes readers from his humble beginnings to his development of a new painting style that became America''s first formal art movement: the Hudson River school of painting. Thomas Cole was always looking for something new to draw. Born in England during the Industrial Revolution, he was fascinated by tales of the American countryside, and was ecstatic to move there in 1818. The life of an artist was difficult at first, however Thomas kept his dream alive by drawing constantly and seeking out other artists. But everything changed for him when he was given a ticket for a boat trip up the Hudson River to see the wilderness of the Catskill Mountains. The haunting beauty of the landscape sparked his imagination and would inspire him for the rest of his life. The majestic paintings that followed struck a chord with the public and drew other artists to follow in his footsteps, in the first art movement born in America. His landscape paintings also started a conversation on how to protect the country''s wild beauty. Hudson Talbott takes readers on a unique journey as he depicts the immigrant artist falling in love with--and fighting to preserve--his new country.

"It''s hard to imagine the child—story-lover or fact-lover, dog-lover or not—who would not be drawn in by this book."—The New York Times Book Review How did dog become man’s best friend? Dogs come in such a variety of shapes, sizes, and breeds, that it is hard to believe that they all have a common ancestor--the wolf! Hudson Talbott takes readers on a fascinating journey through history to see how wolves’ relationships with humans sparked their development into the dogs we know and love today. Striking paintings, from an adorable wolf pup to a wide range of modern-day dog breeds, illustrate this insightful story of teamwork and friendship. Through the eyes of a prehistoric boy and a lone wolf pup, we see how the bond between our ancestors and these wild animals may have developed. Starting as enemies competing for food, the wolf and the boy realize that they’ll eat better and be safer if they team up. Over time, others catch on, and as many of the wolves become more domesticated, the humans breed them for skills like hunting, herding, pulling, and rescuing. And today, there are more breeds of dog than of any other animal, all thanks to this relationship that started so long ago.

Part geography lesson, part introduction ornithology, United Tweets is all fun . . . a feathered pageant matching the 50 state birds--USA Today *INCLUDES* Fun facts, a full map of the United States, all the state capitals, and hilarious illustrations of each state bird! Welcome to the United Tweets Pageant! This colorful parade of state birds competing to be Top Tweet will have readers of all ages laughing aloud. From Alabama''s Yellowhammer to Wyoming''s Western Meadowlark, each bird is a winner, and each bird loves to show off the state it calls home. Hudson Talbott has created an inspired introduction to states and their birds. His vibrant, detailed illustrations infuse the birds'' interactions with energy and humor, making this a great way to spark kids'' interest in United States history, geography, and, of course, wildlife!

What happens when scientists from outer space test a new brain-developing product on dinosaurs, educate them, and drop them off in the middle of New York City''s Thanksgiving Day Parade? "Readers five and up will adore the off-beat humor of this prehistoric tour de force." --Parents Magazine. This is the book on which Steven Spielberg''s movie was based. Lively narration by Fred Berman (The Lion King on Broadway). Narration by Fred Berman (The Lion King on Broadway)

When the young Arthur pulled the sword from the stone and became High King of all Britain, he didn''t realize that an even greater task lay ahead: that of uniting his country behind him. Narration by Christian Coulson (Tom Riddle, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets).

Rex, one of a group of dinosaurs living at the Museum of Natural History, loses his place as the center of attention when a film director invites them all to sunny California. Lively narration by Fred Berman (The Lion King on Broadway)

Nothing, it seems, can harm the valiant Lancelot. The most brilliant warrior to join the Knights of the Round Table, he vanquishes beasts and villains at every turn. But Lancelot''s own pride and conflicts of loyalty threaten to destroy the hero, whose passion and instincts are the source of his greatest strength and gravest danger. In this fourth volume of the Tales of King Arthur picture-book series, Hudson Talbott''s dramatic vision sends readers on an unforgettable adventure. Narration by Christian Coulson (Tom Riddle, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets).

Jaap Penraat can''t understand the Germans'' hatred of his Jewish neighbors in his hometown of Amsterdam. As the restrictions multiply and the violence escalates, Jaap knows he must take action to help his friends. He begins by using his father''s printing press to forge identification cards and papers for Jewish neighbors and refugees, but as the Nazi grasp tightens, he is forced to take a more drastic path--leading twenty Jews on the dangerous first leg of a journey to Paris, the start of the underground pipeline to safety.

Twelve-year-old Carey Monroe has no idea what he''s in for when his wacky aunt Elaine drags him along on an African safari. Soon after arriving in Kenya, Carey meets a Maasai man and his son, who open Carey''s eyes to the ways of their people and the beauty of the African landscape and wildlife. Their adventures turn suspenseful when they encounter an international poaching ring that trades illegally in rhino horns and elephant tusks. Explore the world of the Maasai people at Carey''s side by reading his journal, filled with his vivid accounts, photographs, and illustrations. Hudson Talbott has created an exciting, informative safari story that will fascinate readers of all ages. Exciting narration by Fred Berman (The Lion King on Broadway).

The handwritten diary of a twelve-year-old boy offers readers a perspective on the Yanomami tribe that takes him in when his plane crashes, a story that follows such adventures as Alex''s participation in the rescue of a kidnapped girl. Engaging and exciting narration by Fred Berman (The Lion King on Broadway).

Except for the dragon-shaped constellation that appeared at his birth, there was nothing that suggested Arthur was destined for greatness. Narration by Christian Coulson (Tom Riddle, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets).

As a lad of only sixteen years, Arthur pulled the sword from the stone and thus became High King of all Britain. But scarcely has he begun to arrange his court when twelve of the country''s lesser kings, jealous of Arthur''s glory, declare war on him. In this, the second volume of his Tales of King Arthur series, Hudson Talbott masterfully retells the saga of Arthur''s early days as leader of Britain, his building of Camelot, and the dedication of the Round Table--a unique brotherhood of knights devoted to unity and peace.

The Hudson River has been a source of inspiration and a means of livelihood to all who have lived along its shores. It played a key role in the settling of the New World and the outcome of the Revolutionary War, and was the birthplace of the environmental movement. Now Hudson Talbott pays homage to the river that shares his name in a gorgeously illustrated, fascinating account of the river?s history. Each appealing spread sheds exciting light on the river?s strategic, economic and cultural signifi cance. Packed with facts, timelines and maps, this is a wonderful introduction to a wide range of topics including the Age of Exploration, the Erie Canal, the Industrial Age, American arts and literature and the environment. River of Dreams is truly a book with something for everyone.

The Tony Award-winning musical, now adapted into a lavishly illustrated book. Into the WoodsÓ is the imaginative account of what happens when the lives of new & old fairy-tale characters dramatically & humorously come together. Cinderella, Jack (of bean-stalk fame), Little Red Ridinghood, & the Baker & his Wife set out for the forest on a quest to find happily ever after.Ó Along the way they meet Rapunzel, a Wicked Witch, a lascivious Wolf, vengeful Giants, a couple of charming Princes, & their own destiny. With wit & wisdom, the authors have given us a parable about the loss of innocence, the joys & sorrows of adulthood, & the price paid for getting the things you really want. Full-color illustrations.

Someone has stolen the witch of Crookhaven''s horse, and there will be no peace in the village until it is returned. So bold, brassy Kate O''Sullivan takes matters into her own hands. But instead of saving the day, she manages to land herself--and her family--in trouble with the king. So Kate sets out to save their hides the only way she knows how--with a good story. Filled with imagination, wit, and a healthy helping of good old-fashioned Irish blarney, this is a hilarious tale that will keep readers coming back for more.