New Releases by David McPhail

Truffle, a dedicated farm dog who loved his work but struggled with cats, embarks on a journey to find what’s missing in his life. This is the story of a little dog who had difficulties with cats, until the day that everything changed. Truffle, a small dog, was born and raised on a farm, where he was put in charge of keeping the rats out of the barn, and the badgers out of the fields. Truffle enjoyed his work, and he took pride in doing it well. The only difficulty he had was with cats. Nothing irritated Truffle more than the sight of a cat sleeping on the job while the mice ate their fill in the corncrib. Truffle would howl loudly, waking the cat, which then would dash off with Truffle close behind! He never actually caught the cat, and he would not harm it if he did. It was all about the chase. Truffle enjoyed his work, but he felt that something was missing in his life. So, he left the farm to search for those missing pieces.

Thunder cracks. Lightning flashes. The lights go out. But Mommy, Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa help a young girl feel safe. What makes you feel safe? The storm is very scary! Then Grandma lights candles, Grandpa plays his guitar, Mommy makes cocoa, Daddy brings out some biscuits . . . and hugs are shared by all. But where are the cats, Frankie and JoJo? Have they run out of the house and into the storm?. The family searches high and low and in and out. When hope is gone, the cats emerge from their hiding place. All are safe. The last sentence in the book asks, “What makes YOU feel safe?” inviting caregivers and children to a conversation about coping with fears. David McPhail is a beloved author-illustrator of best-selling children''s books and winner of a New York Times Best Illustrated Award. Pouring his heart and soul into the illustrations for this book, David McPhail has created a dozen ink-and-watercolor mini-masterpieces in jewel-like tones. The character in this story was inspired by David McPhail’s stepchild, whom he has always wanted to keep safe.

David McPhail''s The Lost Little Bird is a funny and affirming picture book about a little bird who goes on an adventure to discover who he is. When a little bird bumps his head one day, he loses his memory. He can''t even remember what kind of bird he is! Determined to find out, he sets off on a great journey. Along the way, he meets many new birds—including some scary crows, an inquisitive owl, and two helpful chickens—but none who are quite like him. Where is his bird of a feather? Sweet and heartfelt, The Lost Little Bird is a story about accepting yourself as you are.

The boy in this book is growing and changing-- but that isn''t a bad thing. A sweet Level C story that teaches kids that it''s okay to change. I am too big for my crib. I am too big for my shirt. Celebrate growth and self-acceptance in this simple, sweetly illustrated story about a bunny who is getting too big for baby things-- but who is just right all the same. The boy in this book is too big for his crib, his shoes, and his tricycle. And he is too big for Grandpa to pick up. But he is just right for his big-boy bed, his new shirt, and his bicycle. And he is just right for a hug from Grandpa, for his sister, and for this book. David McPhail''s simple story and softly colored, warm illustrations create a book that''s just right for preschoolers and kindergarteners, who are growing up themselves. It''s just right to share with the little ones in your life. For readers who have mastered basic sight words, Level C books feature slightly longer sentences and awider range of high-frequency words than Level B books. Level C books are suitable for mid-to-latekindergarten readers. When Level C is mastered, follow up with Level D. The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based uponFountas and Pinnell standards. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, TheodorSeuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors—create original, high quality illustrations that supportcomprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own!

For the very newest readers, a funny story with charming illustrations--about friendship, animals, and jumping!--by a beloved author-illustrator. I can jump. She can jump. A bug, a cow (over the moon, of course) . . . even a hippo can jump. Delightful illustrations by David McPhail and simple text will have new readers jumping for joy!

Sometimes brothers are different. Sometimes they''re alike. Some days brothers get along. Other days they don''t! But on this they agree: brothers stick together. Always. A veces los hermanos son distintos. A veces se parecen. Hay días que se llevan bien. ¡Y otros días no! Pero sí están de acuerdo en algo: Los hermanos permanecen juntos. Siempre. A sweet and humorous English/Spanish bilingual edition of David McPhail''s Brothers, a celebration of the lasting bond between siblings.

"What''s a promise?" When Baby Bear asks Mother Bear this important question, she promises her cub that she will feed him, play with him, and do everything she can to keep him safe. But Baby Bear has more questions: What happens if you break a promise? Can his mother promise that he will always be happy? In this sweetly poignant story from celebrated artist David McPhail, a loving parent has just the right words for explaining that some things in life simply can''t be promised--but family love is forever.

Sisters can be different in so many ways, but there is one heartfelt way in which they are most alike—they love each other so very much. David McPhail''s celebration of the joys—and trials—of sisterhood has been a favorite with sisters of all ages for almost twenty years. Now available in a bilingual edition featuring Spanish and English text set in two colors for easy readability, a new generation of sisters will love to read this treasure . . . together.

A companion to Ben Loves Bear, Bella Loves Bunny, and Peter Loves Penguin, Olivia Loves Owl features a little girl and her beloved stuffed owl. Olivia and Owl pick apples and frolic through piles of colorful leaves. After enjoying a perfect fall day, they go inside to wish upon a star and hoot at the moon. The youngest readers will relate to the loving bond between a child and her favorite stuffed animal and how this sweet friendship makes each day special.

Morning, noon, and night, Budgie and Boo work in their gardens, have adventures, and solve problems for each other—from fixing a leaky roof to fixing breakfast—because that’s what best friends are for. Together they learn that even if they lose their way, friendship is all they need to get through the day.

Chronicles the life of children''s illustrator and author Beatrix Potter, examining how art influenced her young life.

The classic children’s book celebrating the joys and challenges of sisterhood—with the author’s illustrations newly hand-colored. Sisters are different in so many ways, and alike in many more. But there is one heartfelt way in which they are most alike—they love each other so very much. David McPhail''s classic tale chronicles the ups and down that bring two young sisters closer than ever before. A favorite with sisters of all ages for more than thirty years, this edition features McPhail’s original pen-and-ink illustrations newly hand-colored by John O’Connor.

"Board book adaption of the clothing words vocabulary from David McPhail''s My Mother Goose"--

"An adaptation of the action words vocabulary from David McPhail''s My Mother Goose"--

Peter and Penguin wake up to snow on the ground and immediately get bundled up to play outside. After making snowballs and a snowman and enjoying the perfect winter day together, they return inside to warm up and share some cocoa. In this companion to Ben Loves Bear and Bella Loves Bunny, the youngest readers will relate to the loving bond between a little boy and his favorite stuffed animal, and how this sweet friendship makes each day special.

Although two brothers are different in many ways, they are alike, too--most importantly, in their love for each other.

The New York Times–bestselling illustrator of Budgie & Boo presents a cuddly raccoon in a tender tale of love and friendship. Waddles the raccoon loves to eat. In fact, he eats so much that his usual walk has turned into a waddle! He also loves to spend time with his best friend, Emily the duck. One day, Emily asks Waddles to sit on her unhatched eggs so she can go for a swim, and the very cuddly Waddles is happy to help. But he gets a big surprise when the ducklings begin to hatch! Waddles soon finds himself very attached to the new family of ducklings, so when it’s time for them to fly south for the winter, Waddles wonders if he will ever see his friends again . . . Tenderly crafted and illustrated, Waddles introduces readers to a delightful new character who learns that love and friendship are the only things that make someone truly “full.” Praise for Waddles “McPhail celebrates interspecies camaraderie in another picture book divided into four short chapters. . . . McPhail’s ink-and-watercolor illustrations elevate the familiar story of mismatched, devoted friends, coaxing expertly drawn emotion from his endearing characters. A tender, year-round reminder of the sustaining power of friendship.” —Booklist

Loving friendships and caring for loved ones are the subjects of this poignant, easy-to-read picture book. When Boy gets sick, family and friends try to help him get well. Mom brings soup. Dog brings a bone, and Bird brings pizza. Though he declines the bone and the pizza, Boy gets well. But now his friends are sick. And now Boy has a chance to help his friends recover. Simple text and expressive illustrations tell a story of love and friendship that holds great meaning for young readers. An I Like to Read® book, Guided Reading Level D.

A companion board book to Ben Loves Bear, Bella Loves Bunny shares the sweet story of friendship between a little girl and her beloved stuffed bunny rabbit, from morning till night. Bella and Bunny do everything together. In the morning, they play piano and dance (and hop!). In the afternoon, Bella has lunch and Bunny has carrot cake. At night, they pick out Bella’s favorite pajamas and snuggle close until they fall asleep. McPhail’s simple text and heartwarming illustrations come together to make an irresistible book that young readers will fall in love with.

How a small boy with a stammer ended up on the stage, becoming one of New Zealand''s best loved comedians. In The Years Before My Death, renowned and much loved actor-director and comedy show writer David McPhail recounts his early life and what led him to pioneer the satirical TV programmes (including A Week of It and McPhail and Gadsby) for which he is famous, what drove him to perform comedy, and what was behind his desire to make New Zealanders laugh. He tells of his creative friendships with the likes of A.K. Grant, Bruce Ansley and Jon Gadsby; his encounters with former Prime Minister Robert Muldoon, the comic genius Dudley Moore, and the television networks of the day. As one would expect, every anecdote is told with insight, perfect timing and a glint in the eye.

After an ordinary puppyhood, Weezer develops extraordinary skills that make him a major influence in the world.

Learn famous lullabies to sing to your children.

Water Boy.

An excited Bear mistakenly believes that Rat has given him a boat for his birthday.

A teddy bear, lost by the little boy who loves him, still feels loved after being rescued by a homeless man.

Green Light Readers Level 2.

When a sheep arrives on the far, the other animals compare themselves to the newcomer.

A boy describes all the things that he does not like about having a younger brother--and the things he does like.

Jack, the rabbit, tries to make his friend Rick, a sick bear, feel better.