Most Popular Books by Chris Barton

The first ever children''s book by music legend Willie Nelson and his sister and bandmate Bobbie Nelson! "We had so little money, but so much love." He was a boy with a guitar. She was a girl with a piano. Raised by loving grandparents in Depression-era rural Texas, their humble beginnings playing local shows to put food on the table started Willie and Bobbie Nelson on a remarkable path to global stardom. In a story filled with details of a childhood in rural Texas—with church socials, general stores, and town dances—Willie and Bobbie weave together an inspiring story of a long-ago time. With triumphs and tragedies, hard work and determination, here is a deeply personal, gorgeously-written, and profoundly moving tale of hope.

A cool idea with a big splash You know the Super Soaker. It’s one of top twenty toys of all time. And it was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for rockets, impressive inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for the iconic toy. A love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity began early in Lonnie Johnson’s life. Growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters, persistence and a passion for problem solving became the cornerstone for a career as an engineer and his work with NASA. But it is his invention of the Super Soaker water gun that has made his most memorable splash with kids and adults.

In this hilarious dog book for kids, New York Times-bestselling author Chris Barton introduces social emotional learning and math concepts in a fun comics-style picture book format. Humor and high-energy abound as a lovable bunch of dogs discover what they have in common during an action-packed day at the dog park. An afternoon of mixing and matching is underway at the dog park as dogs gleefully discover the qualities that make them similar. Some love to play with balls, others prefer chasing squirrels. Some like wet food, others prefer kibble. Some like to wear sweaters, others to destroy them . . . As endless Venn diagrams of connection are shaped and reshaped, the dogs find that they may have more in common than they think! Here''s an entertaining comics-style picture book that will visually introduce kids ages 4 to 8 to math concepts, and encourage them to seek connections with their peers—even if they aren’t immediately visible.

Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and sentence highlighting for an engaging read aloud experience! Every December, The Nutcracker comes to life in theaters all across the United States. But how did this 19th-century Russian ballet become such a big part of the holidays in 21st-century America? Meet Willam, Harold, and Lew Christensen, three small-town Utah boys who caught the ballet bug from an uncle in the early 1900s. They performed alongside elephants and clowns on vaudeville, immersed themselves in the New York City dance scene, and even put on a ballet featuring gangsters at a gas station. Russian immigrants shared the story of The Nutcracker with them, and during World War II—on a shoestring budget and in need of a hit—they staged their own Christmastime production in San Francisco. It was America''s first full-length version and the beginning of a delightful holiday tradition. Follow along and learn how The Nutcracker came to be performed all across the United States from these truly humble beginnings.

Shark VS. Train! WHO WILL WIN?! If you think Superman vs. Batman would be an exciting matchup, wait until you see Shark vs. Train. In this hilarious and wacky picture book, Shark and Train egg each other on for one competition after another, including burping, bowling, Ping Pong, piano playing, pie eating, and many more! Who do YOU think will win, Shark or Train? [star] "This is a genius concept." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review [star] "Lichtenheld''s snarling shark and grimacing train are definitely ready for a fight, and his scenarios gleefully play up the absurdity. The combatants'' expressions are priceless when they lose. A glum train in smoky dejection, or a bewildered, crestfallen shark? It''s hard to choose; both are winners." -- Kirkus, starred review

A discovery that made the world a brighter place! Joe and Bob Switzer were very different brothers. Bob was a studious planner who wanted to grow up to be a doctor. Joe dreamed of making his fortune in show business and loved magic tricks and problem-solving. When an accident left Bob recovering in a darkened basement, the brothers began experimenting with ultraviolet light and fluorescent paints. Together they invented a whole new kind of color, one that glows with an extra-special intensity—Day-Glo. This cover reproduction is not printed with Day-Glo colors. The actual book, however, is printed using three Day-Glo colors: Saturn Yellow, Fire Orange, and Signal Green.

“When Barbara Jordan talked, we listened.” —Former President of the United States, Bill Clinton Congresswoman Barbara Jordan had a big, bold, confident voice—and she knew how to use it! Learn all about her amazing career in this illuminating and inspiring picture book biography of the lawyer, educator, politician, and civil rights leader. Even as a child growing up in the Fifth Ward of Houston, Texas, Barbara Jordan stood out for her big, bold, booming, crisp, clear, confident voice. It was a voice that made people sit up, stand up, and take notice. So what do you do with a voice like that? Barbara took her voice to places few African American women had been in the 1960s: first law school, then the Texas state senate, then up to the United States congress. Throughout her career, she persevered through adversity to give voice to the voiceless and to fight for civil rights, equality, and justice. New York Times bestselling author Chris Barton and Caldecott Honoree Ekua Holmes deliver a remarkable picture book biography about a woman whose struggles and mission continue to inspire today.

From high above on his perch, Hawk searches for his next meal. When he spots a bunny he swoops down and snatches???a carrot!? He decides to try again; because after all, he isn''t a Carrot Hawk. But when Hawk goes for his second attempt he comes up with a cucumber! And the third time he grabs a head of lettuce! How can Hawk be a hawk, if he can''t catch a single bunny? As he surveys the assortment of vegetables in his nest, he gets a great idea for baiting the bunny. But will it work?

Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and sentence highlighting for an engaging read aloud experience! A visually stunning look at innovative and eye-popping measures used to protect ships during World War I. During World War I, British and American ships were painted with bold colors and crazy patterns from bow to stern. Why would anyone put such eye-catching designs on ships? Desperate to protect ships from German torpedo attacks, British lieutenant-commander Norman Wilkinson proposed what became known as dazzle. These stunning patterns and colors were meant to confuse the enemy about a ship''s speed and direction. By the end of the war, more than four thousand ships had been painted with these mesmerizing designs. Author Chris Barton and illustrator Victo Ngai vividly bring to life this little-known story of how the unlikely and the improbable became just plain dazzling. "[A] conversational, compelling, and visually arresting story . . ."—starred, Publishers Weekly "Barton''s lively text is matched by Ngai''s engrossing artwork, which employs dazzle techniques throughout her inventive spreads."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children''s Books New York Public Library Best Books for Kids Children''s Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children''s Book of the Year

The first page has Henry hooked. The second page has him captivated. The third page . . . BBBBRRRRIIIIINNNNNGGGGG! . . . will have to wait. That is, unless Henry ignores the bell, stays put, and keeps on reading the most awesome book. By not springing up with the ringing of the bell, Henry sets off a chain reaction unlike anything his school or town has ever seen. Luckily, Mayor Wise, Governor Bright, and Senator Brilliant know exactly what the situation calls for: A louder bell. MUCH louder. With this hilarious, high-energy satire from bestselling author Chris Barton and illustrator Ashley Spires, readers will be cheering louder still as one of their own continues to just stay put.

"The rhythmic, onomatopoeic text dances across exuberant watercolors with lots of movement. This celebration of a child’s agency in choosing a means of artistic expression strikes just the right note." --Kirkus "A delightful offering for reading aloud, especially during music-themed storytimes." --School Library Journal From New York Times bestselling author Chris Barton and new illustrator Louis Thomas comes a fun, rhythmic picture book about finding the music that is perfect for you! A boy who loves to make noise gets to pick only one instrument (at his parents urging) in a music store, but there is too much to choose from! There’s triangles and sousaphones! There’s guitars and harpsichords! Bagpipes and cellos and trombones! How can he find the one that is just right for him out of all those options?

Can a Fire Truck and a Dragon be friends? Find out in this new companion to the household favorite Shark vs. Train! It''s the wackiest rivalry ever, when the fire-breathing ruler of the skies and the fearless fire truck go head to head in an epic battle of fire vs water! Who will win? But wait, is it actually a competition? Their rivalry takes unexpected turns as these two unlikely friends face off at a campfire, a birthday party, and more with unexpected results. Who will you root for? With playful illustrations and charming text, Fire Truck vs Dragon gives readers an unexpected twist on a would-be rivalry, turned friendship.

Meet activist Alton Yates, an Air Force veteran who dedicated his life to propelling America forward—from space travel to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond—in this inspiring nonfiction picture book. As a child growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, Alton Yates watched Black veterans return home from fighting for their country, only to have that country turn its back on them. After Alton joined the Air Force and risked his life to make spacecraft and airplane flight safer, he returned home to the same Jim Crow laws. Alton now had a new mission: To make a stand against Jim Crow. Based on author Chris Barton’s extensive interviews, witness Alton Yates’s lifelong commitment to his country, as he put his life on the line time and again for science, for civil rights, and for America’s progress.

A profoundly moving nonfiction picture book about tragedy, hope, and healing from award-winning author Chris Barton. Sometimes bad things happen, and you have to tell everyone. Sometimes terrible things happen, and everybody knows. On April 19, 1995, something terrible happened in Oklahoma City: a bomb exploded, and people were hurt and killed. But that was not the end of the story. Those who survived—and those who were forever changed—shared their stories and began to heal. Near the site of the bomb blast, an American elm tree began to heal as well. People took care of the tree just as they took care of each other. The tree and its seedlings now offer solace to people around the world grappling with tragedy and loss. Released to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, this book commemorates what was lost and offers hope for the future. "[A] sensitively written and thoughtfully illustrated resource."—starred, School Library Journal "An affecting story of loss . . ."—starred, Kirkus Reviews

How do you make a picture book? Well, you need an author, an illustrator, and . . . a dog?! Acclaimed author Chris Barton and his trusty pooch Ernie show readers how to make a nonfiction picture book . . . about Ernie! From coming up with ideas, researching, and writing a first draft to finding the perfect illustrator, deciding what goes on the cover, and getting every last wrod—er, word—just right, you''ll see how a book is made from beginning to end. From acquisitions and editing to graphic design and dog treats, find out what''s required to bring a book to life. This title perfectly blends how-to and humor for an informative look at book publishing. And look, this is part of the marketing step!

Fans of How It’s Made will love this fresh, irreverent look at the science and story behind glitter. If you love glitter, this book is for you. If you hate glitter, this book is also for you. Everyone seems to have an opinion about glitter. But how much do you know about the tiny, shiny confetti? What makes glitter glitter? Why does it stick to everything? Who invented it? How is it made? Is glitter bad for the environment? Chris Barton’s informative wit and Chaaya Prabhat''s vibrant art make Glitter Everywhere sparkle as it covers the good, the bad, and shiny of all things glitter.

Clarence was just a muddy pickup. One day, there was a big storm and Lightning zapped the car wash. Now Clarence has a secret: Water turns him into MIGHTY TRUCK! Everyone has a job to do in Axleburg. Stella’s job is to be a news chopper and fly high in the sky to loudly report what she sees. But Stella is loud all the time, and Clarence cannot stand it! Clarence and his friends teach Stella to use her inside voice by speaking wheely softly and only letting her engines purr. Stella learns to use her inside voice, only she uses it outside, too! When Stella is too quiet to report the traffic on the morning rush, there’s only one truck who can turn up the volume and save the day: Mighty Truck! Mighty Truck: Traffic Tie-Up is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

Clarence was just a muddy pickup. One day there was a big storm, and lightning zapped the car wash. Now Clarence has a secret: Water turns him into MIGHTY TRUCK! But even Mighty Truck needs to relax after working wheely hard to save the day every day in Axleburg! When Clarence’s parents ask him to visit the family farm, he can’t wait to romp with the sheep, play with the pigs, and have a good long rest. But Mom and Dad have other plans—they need Clarence to help out! How can Clarence finish all his chores and have a zoomin’ good time at home? Sounds like a job for Mighty Truck! Mighty Truck On the Farm is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.

Clarence was just a muddy pickup. One day there was a big storm, and lightning zapped the car wash. Now Clarence has a secret: Water turns him into MIGHTY TRUCK! Mighty Truck is super strong, super fast . . . and a super fun babysitter! When Hattie’s bulldozer cousins Zip and Beep visit Axleburg, Clarence offers to watch them on his day off. Zip and Beep play tag, kick the can, and jump jumper cables—but no matter how fast they zoom, Zip and Beep just don’t run out of gas! How can Clarence keep up with these wheely energetic youngsters? Sounds like a job for Mighty Truck! Mighty Truck: Zip and Beep is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences.