New Releases by Patricia Polacco

A heartwarming story of family, love, and celebrating what makes us special, from master storyteller Patricia Polacco, author of Thank You, Mr. Falker. Marmee, Meema, and the kids are just like any other family on the block. In their cozy home, they cook dinner together, they laugh together, they dance and play together. But one family doesn''t accept them. Maybe because they think they are different: How can a family have two moms and no dad? But Marmee and Meema''s house is full of love. And they teach their children that different doesn''t mean wrong. No matter how many moms or dads they have, they are everything a family is meant to be. Now with questions at the back of the book to help guide readers through discussions about the ideas featured in the story, this kindness edition of In Our Mothers'' House brings celebrated author-illustrator Patricia Polacco''s work to a new audience of young readers who can be inspired by its message of a wonderful family living by its own rules, held together by a very special love.

As war erupts around them, a family of sunflower farmers must leave their beloved home in Cherinovska, Ukraine and start over in America.

A heartwarming story of friendship and celebrating our differences--and the teachers who help us shine--from master storyteller Patricia Polacco, author of Thank You, Mr. Falker. In this story based on the author-illustrator''s own childhood, Patricia Polacco once again celebrates the power teachers have to help us discover the potential we each hold. Young Trisha is devastated when she finds out that her class at her new school is known as the junkyard. It is a special class, and she had moved from where she used to live so she wouldn’t be in a special class anymore! But then she meets her teacher, the amazing Mrs. Peterson, and her classmates, an oddly brilliant group of misfit kids, whom the other kids in school call the junkyard kids. Much to her own surprise, it is here in the junkyard that Trisha discovers the true meaning of genius, and that this group of misfits are, in fact, Junkyard Wonders, each and every one of them. Now with questions at the back of the book to help guide readers through discussions about the ideas featured in the story, this kindness edition of The Junkyard Wonders brings celebrated author-illustrator Patricia Polacco''s work to a new audience of young readers who can be inspired by its message.

From beloved storyteller Patricia Polacco comes a picture book based on her childhood about how a very special librarian and town library made her life happier after moving to a new state in elementary school. When young Patricia’s family moves to Battle Creek, Michigan, she finds it hard to believe this new place will ever feel like home. But soon she meets the kind librarian Mrs. Creavy and discovers the library’s doors are always open. Now, Patricia has a place to explore and study books about the birds that she loves. Mrs. Creavy even introduces her to the books of John James Audubon and helps Patricia introduce her classmates to the joy of birds by becoming the first member of the Audubon Bird Club of Freemont Elementary.

“Inspirational and tinged with nostalgia, this will please fans.” —Kirkus Reviews “A well-intentioned tale full of expressive scenes…heartfelt.”— School Library Journal From New York Times bestselling author and master storyteller Patricia Polacco comes the uplifting tale of three inseparable friends who pursue their talents and stop at nothing to achieve their dreams. Based on her own childhood memory, author Patricia Polacco shares the pivotal story of one year in elementary school. On the first day of school, she breaks out in a rash and is called “Cootie” by her classmates. It seems like the year will be a disaster for Patricia until she meets Thom and Ravenne. Each of the friends have their own talent. Thom, with his long legs and graceful manner, loves to dance ballet earning him the name “Sissy Boy.” Ravenne makes kits and paints on fabric, but she’s shy that people call her “Her Ugliness.” Thom, Ravenne, and Patricia are bullied by their classmates causing the three friends to band together for support. For years after that fateful year, encourage each other to stay true to themselves and achieve success in their passions. This endearing and timely story celebrates uniqueness and proves that no matter what challenges stand in your way it’s your differences that make you who you are.

Miss Eula is back! In this heartwarming companion to Chicken Sunday, young Trisha is devastated when her grandmother passes away, but finds joy in bonds with a new friend, her new California neighborhood—and the invincible Miss Eula. There will never be anyone like her grandmother, Patricia Polacco thinks, when her grandmother passes away. But when she and her family move to California—in the middle of a drought—she meets a new friend, the irrepressible Stewart, and his amazing grandmother, Miss Eula, who not only takes Trisha under her wing, but, with Trisha and Stewart, steps up to lead their entire extraordinarily diverse neighborhood to help a hurting neighbor—and her once lush garden—survive the drought. Trisha''s grandmother''s old saying about the stars being Holes in the Sky turns out to be Miss Eula''s, too, convincing Trisha that she has miraculously discovered another unforgettable grandmother.

The touching story of an unforgettable school principal who truly empowers his students, from master storyteller Patricia Polacco, author of Thank You, Mr. Falker. This Kindness Edition features discussion questions at the back of the book to help guide readers through conversations about its story and message! Perfect for classrooms and more! Mr. Lincoln is the coolest principal ever! He knows how to do everything, from jumping rope to leading nature walks. Everyone loves him . . . except for Eugene Esterhause. "Mean Gene" hates everyone who''s different. He''s a bully, a bad student, and he calls people awful, racist names. But Mr. Lincoln knows that Eugene isn''t really bad--he''s just repeating things he''s heard at home. Can the principal find a way to get through to "Mean Gene" and show him that the differences between people are what make them special? Now with questions at the back of the book to help guide readers through discussions about the ideas featured in the story, this Kindness Edition of Mr. Lincoln''s Way brings celebrated author-illustrator Patricia Polacco''s work to a new audience of young readers who can be inspired by its message.

From critically acclaimed author Patricia Polacco comes a heartwarming story about a girl named Annie, her lucky Thursdays, and a special cat who comes into her life just in time to make everything right. Thursdays have always been lucky for Annie Fetlock. She was born on a Thursday. She won her first cooking contest at the age of eight on a Thursday. She met the love of her life, Mario, on a Thursday. They were married on a bright Thursday afternoon and their two children were both born on a Thursday. Annie is known far and wide for her Poke Pasta Salad and has the most popular restaurant for miles around. When Mario suddenly passes away, Annie’s joy and love of cooking disappears. Before too long, a little kitty appears and Annie takes the kitty in, and, of course, calls it Thursday. Annie is back making Poke Salad in no time. Thursday the cat is known for amazing twirls and tricks and one day his twirls land him in Annie’s draining rigatoni, causing the pot of hot oil, garlic, and peppers to spill into the pasta! Then the entire container of Parmesan cheese overturned into the mix. The customers were horrified until they noticed that what looked like a big mess had the most amazing aroma and turned out to be the most delicious pasta dish ever created! Ugly Pasta—the dish that would make Annie famous for miles around—was born. And of course it was a Thursday!

How did Patricia Polacco become a writer? A perfect companion to the classic Thank You, Mr. Falker, The Art of Miss Chew, and Mr. Wayne’s Masterpiece, this book celebrates a teacher who inspired a young Patricia Polacco to become the writer and storyteller she is today. Trisha is nervous about being chosen for Miss Keller’s writing class. “Killer Keller” demands that her students dazzle her with their writing, and rumor has it that she has never given an A. The rumors turn out to be all too true—there’s just no pleasing Miss Keller. Then an unexpected loss leaves Trisha heartbroken. Thoughts of teachers and grades forgotten, she pours out her soul in a personal narrative. And when Miss Keller reads it, she tells Trisha, “You’ve given your words wings.”

An Irish family stays together with the help of Fiona’s talent for making one-of-a-kind lace in this heartwarming immigration story from the New York Times bestselling creator of The Keeping Quilt. Many years ago, times were hard in all of Ireland, so when passage to America becomes available, Fiona and her family travel to Chicago. They find work in domestic service to pay back their passage, and at night Fiona turns tangles of thread into a fine, glorious lace. Then when the family is separated, it is the lace that Fiona’s parents follow to find her and her sister and bring the family back together. And it is the lace that will always provide Fiona with memories of Ireland and of her mother’s words: “In your heart your true home resides, and it will always be with you as long as you remember those you love.” This generational story from the family of Patricia Polacco’s Irish father brims with the same warmth and heart as the classic The Keeping Quilt and The Blessing Cup, which Kirkus Reviews called “deeply affecting” in a starred review, and embraces the comfort of family commitment and togetherness that Patricia Polacco’s books are known for.

In this inspiring true story, beloved artist Patricia Polacco conquers her fear of public speaking, allowing her to discover her remarkable voice. A wonderful companion to Thank You, Mr. Falker and The Art of Miss Chew, it celebrates the lifelong impact of a great teacher. Speaking in front of an audience terrifies Trisha. Ending up in Mr. Wayne’s drama class is the last thing she wants! But Mr. Wayne gives her a backstage role painting scenery for the winter play. As she paints, she listens to the cast rehearse, memorizing their lines without even realizing it. Then, days before opening night, the lead actress suddenly moves away, and Trisha is the only other person who knows her part. Will the play have to be canceled? It won’t be an easy road—when Trisha tries to recite the lines in front of the cast, nothing comes out! But Mr. Wayne won’t let her give up, and with his coaching, Trisha is able to become one of his true masterpieces.

Trisha loves the eight days of Hanukkah, when her mother stays home from work, her Babushka makes delicious potato latkes, and her Grampa carves wonderful animals out of wood as gifts for Trisha and her brother. In the middle of her family''s preparation for the festival of lights, Trisha visits her closest neighbors, expecting to find them decorating their house for Christmas. Instead they are all bedridden with scarlet fever. Trisha''s family is one of the few who has been spared from the epidemic. It is difficult for them to enjoy their Hanukkah feast when they know that their neighbors won''t be able to celebrate their holiday. Then Grampa has an inspiration: they will cut down trees, decorate them, and secretly deliver them to the neighbors, "But what can we decorate them with?" Babushka asks. Although it is a sacrifice, Trisha realizes that Grampa''s carved animals are the perfect answer. Soon her living room is filled with trees -- but that is only the first miracle of many during an incredible holiday season. Based on a long cherished childhood memory, this story celebrates the miracle of true friendship.

"Anything special happening today, Daddy?" Patricia asked, hoping it would help him remember. "Nope, honey. Today''s about the same as any other day, I''d say." Some birthday! Where was the cake with all the candles, the brightly wrapped present, and the family singing "happy birthday" all together? Not only had the festivities apparently been forgotten, but Dad suggests a trip to one of the scariest places on earth -- home of the Clay Pit Bottoms Monster! With a sparkle of mischief, Patricia Polacco''s bold, expressive pictures tell how a certain little girl has the spookiest, most exciting, funniest, and best birthday ever.

Patricia Polacco takes on cliques and online bullying Lyla finds a great friend in Jamie on her first day of school, but when Lyla makes the cheerleading squad and a clique of popular girls invites her to join them, Jamie is left behind. Lyla knows bullying when she sees it, though, and when she sees the girls viciously teasing classmates on Facebook, including Jamie, she is smart enough to get out. But no one dumps these girls, and now they''re out for revenge. Patricia Polacco has taken up the cause against bullies ever since Thank You, Mr. Falker, and her passion shines through in this powerful story of a girl who stands up for a friend.

The real-life, classic story of a dyslexic girl and the teacher who would not let her fail. A perfect gift for teachers and for reading students of any age. Patricia Polacco is now one of America''s most loved children''s book creators, but once upon a time, she was a little girl named Trisha starting school. Trisha could paint and draw beautifully, but when she looked at words on a page, all she could see was jumble. It took a very special teacher to recognize little Trisha''s dyslexia: Mr. Falker, who encouraged her to overcome her reading disability. Patricia Polacco will never forget him, and neither will we. This inspiring story is available in a deluxe slipcased edition, complete with a personal letter to readers from Patricia Polacco herself. Thank You, Mr. Falker will make a beautiful gift for the special child who needs encouragement&150or any special teacher who has made a difference in the child''s life.

After spending the summer with her artist grandmother, Trisha knows she wants to be an artist, too. She''s thrilled when her sketches get her into Miss Chew''s special art class at the high school. A substitute teacher tells her she''s wasting time on art when she should be studying - but fortunately, this is one battle that Miss Chew and Trisha are up for! This true story shows just how important a teacher can be in a child''s life - and celebrates the power of art itself.

Paige loves cuddling with Gramma and all of Gramma''s pets in the Old Blue Chair. And when Gramma makes her Bun Bun Button, an adorable homemade stuffed bunny with a button nose, this special time becomes even more cozy. Then a balloon carries the little bunny away. Bun Bun braves honking geese and a wide night sky, until luck - or love - magically brings her back home to the little girl who loves her. This heartwarming story celebrates the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, and is perfect for children who imagine their toys have secret adventures when no one''s watching.

Two kids. One mysterious doorway to the Civil War. Michael and Derek don’t expect the adventure of a lifetime while visiting a Civil War museum with their grandmother. But when the mysterious museum keeper invites them to play a special history game, they suddenly find themselves walking through a door into a very realistic depiction of 1862. It’s only the beginning of their journey as they are whisked away by a carriage to nearby Antietam only days after a violent battle. There, they see for themselves the tragic aftermath of war and come face-to-face with Abraham Lincoln. Suddenly, the boys begin to wonder—is this all real? Patricia Polacco brings history to vibrant life and uses facts and primary sources to open a doorway through time into a pivotal moment of the Civil War.

When a leak ruins the sacristy wall in his father’s church, Jonathan Jefferson Weeks thinks Christmas Eve service will be ruined. Luckily he and his father find a beautiful tapestry, perfect for covering the damaged wall and giving the church a festive look! But then, an old Jewish woman recognizes the beautiful cloth. Her discovery leads to a real miracle on Christmas Eve.

Virginia Vincent Folsum, better known as Ginger, is a very elegant lady. An accomplished pianist, socially active—and what style! “You are what you wear” is her motto. But Ginger’s greatest passion is her pet pig, Petunia, whom she pampers endlessly. When Ginger is called out of town for a performance, Petunia is left on her own. Donning Ginger’s stunning gowns, Petunia poses as Ginger and conducts business as usual, with no one the wiser. Hilarity ensues as Petunia becomes the toast of the town, proving Ginger’s motto that you really are what you wear.

There''s something about Hensley''s! No matter what you need, that general store is sure to have it. It''s almost magical the way the manager, Old John, seems to know what the townsfolk need before they do! But then a new family moves to town. The youngest child, Molly, has asthma—but her mother doesn''t have money to treat her, or for anything else. But leave it to Old John to find a way to use Hensley''s to give the family exactly what it needs, even if it can''t be boxed or bagged. A true—and truly moving—story about an unforgettable general store and about the extraordinary power one person''s acts of kindness can have on another.

Letter by letter, meet cart-pulling goats; clothes-munching goats; head-butting, hill-climbing, tail-wagging goats! Cats, chicks, dogs, and bunnies play along with these friendly goats, joining in the fun. From A is for Apple to Z is for Zoe, these rascally animals just won’t stop until they’ve romped through the whole alphabet. Patricia Polacco, beloved author and proud owner and friend of many goats, has created another wonderful book to be treasured by all.

Al principio la escuela le gusta mucho a Trisha, pero su dificultad al aprender a leer la hace sentirse tonta, hasta que, en el quinto grado, un nuevo profesor le ayuda a comprender y a superar su problema.

Animals make many different noises, but when they make too much noise their mommies quiet them down.

The famous Polacco goats are back! In this playful interactive chant, three mischievous little goats find their way out of the gate (squeak, squeak, squeak!), over a bridge (click, click, click!) through some mud (squish, squish, squish!), onto a carousel (um pah pah pah, um pah pah!)...and right into the path of an angry ogre! Of course, they are happy to turn right around and run straight back over the path they traveled, until at last they are back home gain, safe and sound. Patricia Polacco''s color palette is bright and springlike in her second goat adventure for very young readers.

Santa! He''s not even real! It''s not easy being Welcome Comfort-a foster child always moving from home to home and getting picked on by the kids at school. Even Christmas, the most wondrous time of the year, isn''t so wondrous for Welcome, since he has no family, no presents, and no Santa Claus. But when Welcome meets Mr. Hamp, the school custodian, he finally finds a friend. And when Christmas comes around, Welcome is taken on an extraordinary adventure that changes his life forever. "Sentimental but appealing, the story of a special inheritance is illustrated with lively pictures wrapped up in cheerful Christmas colors."

Nothing surprises Monique since the Nazis marched into her small French village. Until she meets Sevrine, a young girl who has been hiding from the Nazis in Monique''s basement. Playing upstairs after dark, the two become friends until, in a terrifying moment, they are discovered, sending both of their families into a nighttime flight. Full color.

Say Curtis describes his meeting with Pinkus Aylee, a black soldier, during the Civil War, and their capture by Southern troops. Based on a true story about the author''s great-great-grandfather.

Old Babushka, known throughout all of Moskva for her beautifully painted eggs, is preparing her eggs for the Easter Festival when she takes in an injured goose. She names the goose Rechenka, and they live happily together until one day when Rechenka accidentally overturns a basket, breaking all of Babushka''s lovingly crafted eggs. But the next morning Babushka has a surprise awaiting her in the basket. She cries: "A miracle!" It is one of many in this charmingly told tale of friendship and caring. With vibrant illustrations, Patricia Polacco has joyously re-created the flavor of Old Moscow and its festivals. The eggs, stunningly colored and intricately designed, are authentic reproductions of eggs painted in the Ukrainian style. Rechenka''s Eggs is a timeless story of classic beauty.