Best Selling Books by Dina Anastasio

Who HQ rolls out the red carpet for Where Is Hollywood?--the film capital of the world. Developed in the 1880s by Midwesterners looking for a sunny winter getaway, Hollywood was a small housing development outside still-small Los Angeles. But everything changed in the early 1900s when filmmakers from New York flocked to the area, where they could make movies without having to pay Thomas Edison's patent fee. It didn't hurt that the weather was perfect, too. Readers will take a journey from the Golden Age of Hollywood to the present-day film industry, learning all about what turned lush farmland into Tinseltown.

Could the ancient carving on the cave wall really be Maria's twin? Tia's day goes from bad to worse when she breaks Mr. Morgan's flowerpots. What will happen next?

An illustrated history of the Super Bowl, explaining what it is and the rules of the game, and including highlights of the Super Bowl's most memorable moments.

Shortly after moving to a small town in Minnesota, a young girl's curiosity is aroused by four carved dolls resembling her great-grandfather's family.

By popular demand, the 100th Who Was...? subject is Steve Irwin! Steve Irwin did not have a typical childhood. Born in Melbourne, Australia, on February 22, 1962, he was raised on the wildlife park his parents owned. He cared for the animals and especially loved reptiles--he got a python for his sixth birthday! At nine years old, Steve was already helping his father wrestle small crocodiles. He became a crocodile trapper after graduating high school, catching the creatures before dangerous poachers could. Steve met his wife, Terri, at his family's park, and instead of a honeymoon, the pair filmed a wildlife documentary that led to the creation of the well-known series The Crocodile Hunter. Tragically, Steve was killed on September 4, 2006 while filming a documentary when a stingray attacked, piercing his heart. He was forty-four years old. However, his life's work obviously still strikes a chord with kids who voted him the winner of the 100th Who Was...? title.

Linda wants to be a great writer. How will her efforts get her into trouble with her friends? What will she learn from the experience? Jalissa wants the grand finale for her show to really bring the house down. Will she learn patience and perseverance? Read these stories to find out.

Sam's enjoying the Madame Olivia concert when she and her dad are presented with a mystery. Did her favorite singer steal the number-one song on the pop charts? When Sam's dad reunites with a retired guitar-playing rock star at an auction, things soon get exciting—and mysterious. Who took the valuable guitar that's disappeared? Read these mysteries to find out.

A classic Disney Little Golden Book, starring Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy, in their own version of the fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk. Mickey Mouse stars as a peasant who finds some magic beans in Walt Disney's classic fairy tale Mickey and the Beanstalk. This Little Golden Book is based on the animated movie originally released in 1947 as one of the two stories in the film Fun and Fancy Free. Now this delightful full-color Little Golden Book, first published 30 years ago, is back to delight a new generation of boys and girls ages 2 to 5--as well as collectors of all ages!

This book is about how to play the Magic Square game that originated in China.

Cai finds a key ring with a big skeleton key and a little gold whistle on it. What does the key open? Why is his dog Tucker the only one to respond to the whistle? Brooke is fed up with the Oak Street kids' goofy behavior and joins up with some more mature girls. Will switching friends make her happier? Read these stories to find out.

This book is about the different types of masks that are made around the world.

This story is about the Magic Square game that originated in China.

Linda and her friends decide to have a race to the cave, but no one wins. What has distracted them? Luke's report on 19th Century settlers is due tomorrow, but the computer has crashed. What will he and the Oak Street kids do? Read this book to find out.

What is that scary noise coming from the cave? Will any of the kids vacationing at this rocky beach be brave enough to go inside? How will the Oak Street kids keep Jamal's secret from Ms. Tilly?

An injured swallow leads Juliet to expose an international drug smuggling ring. Ages 10 and up.

Discover the history and culture of one of the most famous waterways in the world: the mighty Mississippi! The most famous river in America runs like a spine between the eastern and western parts of the country, flowing through ten states before it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The mighty Miss also flows through the history of America, giving rise to great stories about the people who lived on it and used it as a watery highway, from Native Americans and European explorers to skillful riverboat captains and colorful gamblers traveling on luxurious steamboats. And of course it was the first truly American writer, Mark Twain, who grew up along its banks and made the Mississippi River famous around the world. This book, part of the New York Times best-selling series, is enhanced by eighty illustrations and a detachable fold-out map complete with four photographs on the back.

Cai likes to play board games; Jake likes to shoot hoops. Neither boy is good at his friend's favorite activity. Will this jeopardize the friendship? Jamal may have to give up his dog Buff. The Oak Street kids have to do something fast. How does Luke's behavior lead them to their solution? Read these stories to find out.

The Little family frees a trapped bear.

Jake convinces Linda, Maria, and Cai to be in a band, but he can't sing or play an instrument. Jalissa, Jamal, Luke and Tia don't follow Brooke's instructions for a home-improvement project. How will Jake and Brooke handle these situations? Read this book to find out.

Five bedtime stories-- "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," "The City Mouse and the Country Mouse," "Little Red Riding Hood," "The Little Red Hen," and "The Three Little Pigs"-- are accompanied by illustrations.

Geared toward the lesser-skilled reader, this book presents five mini mysteries filled with intrigue. From recovering stolen treasure to saving a pro basketball team, young readers will solve each case with fun and pride.

Jake wants to help prepare for the Fourth of July clambake, but he can't find a way to be useful. How will Jake's knowledge of the tides help him save the day? Luke can change his failing grade in science to a B by helping the visiting insect expert. Will he succeed, or will he bug his idol? Read these stories to find out.

A fly trap plant, a seemingly innocent birthday present from Aunt Sarah, becomes a problem when it develops a craving for larger forms of life.

The Sesame Street characters explore different modes of transportation using stories, crafts, and other things to do. They travel by car, train, bus, plane, helicopter, etc.

Learn about the Eiffel Tower, beloved and iconic symbol of Paris, France, and one of the most recognizable structures in the world! When the plans for the Eiffel Tower were first announced, many people hated the design of the future landmark, calling it ungainly and out of step with the beautiful stone buildings of the city. But once it went up for the World's Fair in 1889, the people of Paris quickly fell in love with the tower. Today it seems impossible to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, which greets millions of visitors each year who climb up its wrought-iron stairs, ride its glass elevators, and enjoy the wonderful views of the city spread out below it. This book, part of the New York Times best-selling series, is enhanced by eighty illustrations and a detachable fold-out map complete with four photographs on the back.

After the wreck of the circus train, Kissyfur and his dad find a new home where they are truly free.

Describes the life of a pirate, the codes by which pirate crews lived and how they operated, and mentions famous pirates and their lost treasures.

Introduces the letters of the alphabet as the various characters from Romper Room get ready for a birthday party.

Introduces a type of ball that was originally manufactured only for the insides of tennis balls but became popular itself.

Baby Piggy's imaginary ride in a big bubble takes her to a circus, a soccer game, a bird's nest, and an encounter with a bumble bee.