New Releases by Diane Degroat

A comic-book superhero climbs off the page and into the real world. When they get into trouble, his biggest fan is there to save the day. Imagine you could meet your favorite comic-book hero in the real world. What kinds of questions would you ask? Would you go on new and exciting adventures? While heroes might seem larger than life, everyone can use some help from a friend. Follow two intersecting stories set in the real world and inside a comic book as a real-life kid finds the courage to cope with his anxiety with the help of Robo-Kid, a comic superhero with his own vulnerabilities. With two distinctive art styles blending comic book and traditional picture book formats, Diane deGroat’s The Adventures of Robo-Kid is an inspiring tale about what it takes to be a hero. Diane deGroat has been writing and illustrating picture books for more than thirty years. For the last ten years she has been illustrating the highly popular Charlie the Ranch Dog series with blogger, author, food-writer, and television personality Ree Drummond, also known as the Pioneer Woman. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

This Valentine''s Day favorite read-aloud will prompt lots of giggles, as well as discussions on kindness and forgiveness. Gilbert is all set to write fifteen friendly valentine cards to his classmates. But how can he write a nice poem for the boy who tweaked his nose, or the girl who made fun of his glasses? Instead, Gilbert writes two not-so-nice valentines...and signs the wrong name on both! When his classmates read his poems, their feelings are hurt, and Gilbert''s prank quickly turns into pandemonium. But with the help of a friend and an honest apology, there''s always time for a change of heart on Valentine''s Day.

Meet Lola, the younger sister of Gilbert, star of Diane deGroat’s popular picture-book series. Lola has a special dress-up box, filled with wonderful things that help her celebrate every holiday in style. Lola’s adventures will entertain and amuse readers again and again. Lola secretly delivers valentines to everyone she loves-even Gilbert. But the biggest surprise of all is addressed to Lola herself!

Meet Lola, the younger sister of Gilbert, star of Diane deGroat’s popular picture-book series. With a hat and sack from her dress-up box, Lola decides to be an elf and help everyone get ready for Christmas - with hilarious results.

During a class trip to the supermarket, Annie Pitts almost puts an end to her acting career before it even gets off the ground when she throws a dead fish at her enemy Matthew. As punishment, she''s served up the least appetizing part in the school play on nutrition: the artichoke. But Annie proves that the show must go on, even when the actors forget their lines...or fall flat on their backs!

Annie Pitts puts her artichoke costume to good use once again when she lands the part of the swamp monster in a high school student''s low-budget horror movie. Could this finally be her big break? But, as usual, things don''t work out as planned for the spunky redheaded heroine when the outtakes end up as a submission for America''s Funniest Halloween Bloopers! Bloopers!

With her insatiable appetite for amusing antics, the future actress extraordinaire has it her way in the third book in the Annie Pitts series, now available in paperback. Annie wants nothing more than to be chosen as the new Burger Barn poster kid, and she can''t wait until the auditions on the day after Thanksgiving. Winning the contest would certainly impress her snooty cousin, Mercedes, and her pesky classmate, Matthew. But first she has to make it through a harrowing Thanksgiving dinner with both Matthew and Mercedes at the table!

Who lost a tooth? Gilbert''s tooth is wiggly and loose all through spelling and lunch. Then he scores a run in kickball and—BAM!—his tooth is knocked right out of his mouth! Gilbert is so excited that the tooth fairy will be visiting. But Lewis is jealous of Gilbert''s lost tooth and comes up with a sneaky plan. Will the tooth fairy fall for Lewis''s trick?

Gilbert is back—no fooling! Diane deGroat''s delightful story and fun-filled illustrations will enchant readers, especially when they discover the surprises in many of the illustrations... This sweet and funny April Fools'' Day book is a good choice to share at home or in the classroom. It''s April Fools'' Day, and Gilbert is looking forward to playing tricks on his friends. Unfortunately he''s the one getting tricked by everyone else, including Mrs. Byrd! But the worst prankster is Lewis the bully. Can Gilbert finally outwit Lewis with the best trick of all?

Here comes Surfer Dude! Gilbert and his family are going to the beach, and everyone''s very excited. It seems like this is going to be a perfect day . . . until Lola is afraid of the water and Gilbert forgets his bathing suit! At the store, Gilbert finds a big bathing suit that says Surfer Dude on it. Gilbert looks cool, but he soon discovers that being a surfer dude is harder than it looks. Lola gets her feet wet, but will Gilbert sink or swim in this fun-filled day at the beach? Join Gilbert, the beloved opossum, as he has an exciting adventure in his first I Can Read book.

Gilbert wants to do something special for his mother on Mother''s Day, but first he must stop his sister, Lola, from being the center of attention.

When Gilbert and Lola''s cousin Wally comes to visit for Easter, he learns a lesson about being greedy during the annual Easter egg hunt.

It''s the last day of school! Gilbert is excited about summer vacation, but first there''s the class party, and Mrs. Byrd will give out the end-of-the-year awards. But will Gilbert even get one? Patty''s the best speller. Philip''s the best reader. What is Gilbert best at? Humorous and reassuring, this story by Diane deGroat perfectly captures the bittersweet emotions of the last day of school. As Gilbert''s class says good-bye to Mrs. Byrd, she reminds each of them how special they really are. And that she will miss them very, very much!

Gilbert is nervous about portraying George Washington in front of the class, and he feels even worse when he cannot find his main prop.

Gilbert is excited about staying overnight at Camp Hi-Dee-Ho, until he hears about the legendary camp ghost.

Gilbert the opossum gets stuck with a tattletale "buddy" on a class trip to Pilgrim Town.

Gilbert wants to be a Martian Space Pilot at the school costume parade, but a mix-up leaves him with nothing but his little sister''s ballerina tutu to wear! In this hilarious follow-up to the best-selling Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink, everyone''s favorite porcupine learns all about the ups and downs of being different. Here is a madcap masquerade that will leave school-age children in stitches.