Most Popular Books by Helen Lester

A thin-skinned hippo and a bully elephant learn about feelings in this hilarious tale from the author of Hooway for Wodney Wat. Fragility was a solid piece of work. But despite her sturdy exterior, Fragility was fragile. Anything and everything hurt her feelings. In the most benign compliment, Fragility heard an insult. No one could even say she looked nice without evoking images of big, squishy cupcakes—since they are also nice—and causing Fragility to flop on the ground and weep. Fragility''s friends stop speaking to her for fear of another fit, but Rudy, a very rude bully, has other ideas. In the face of real insults, will Fragility finally learn to take a compliment? This e-book includes audio narration. "The punchy story line will keep children laughing, and Munsinger''s characteristic watercolor illustrations bring the tale to life, making Lester''s creatures all the more entertaining and enjoyable."— School Library Journal "Munsinger''s illustrations prop up this...tale with a brace of good cheer and well-tempered comedy."— Kirkus Reviews "Lester enhances the basic story about handling emotions with a satisfying slapstick humor that''s beautifully extended in Munsinger''s hilarious, wildly expressive illustrations."— Booklist, ALA

So begins the story of Helen Lester, author of Tacky the Penguin and many other popular books for children. By sharing her struggles as a child and later as a successful author, she demonstrates that hurdles are part of the process. She even gives writing tips, such as keeping a "fizzle box." Helen Lester uses her unique ability to laugh at her mistakes to create both a guide for young writers and an amusing personal story of the disappointments and triumphs of a writer''s life.

Mousetta, a painfully shy field mouse, must overcome her fears to save her fellow mice from a fox attack.

In this hilarious picture book, bestselling author/illustrator duo Lester and Munsinger ("Tacky the Penguin") shows how Greedy Gruntly learns that sharing just might have its own rewards. Full color.

Tacky the penguin does not fit in with his sleek and graceful companions, but his odd behavior comes in handy when hunters come with maps and traps.

Pinkerton Pig always has to be first -- first to eat, first off the bus -- until, running to be first for a sandwich, he finds himself in trouble with the Sand Witch.

Twitchly Fidget won’t shampoo, eat his cereal, or put on his sneakers. He won’t even go to a parade (what if he got sucked up into a trombone?) or a marshmallow roast (might he get stuck?) or a Fourth of February party (would he be buried in confetti?). In Twitchly’s imagination, each opportunity poses the threat of disaster. So he just sits alone in his dreary, windowless, doorless hut and waits for his fears to be realized. Then one day something does happen: Twitchly’s Aunt Bridget Fidget drops in for a visit, and she can see right away that Twitchly needs a fixin’. But will Aunt Bridget be able to persuade Twitchly to confront his fears?

Spoiled Princess Penelope cannot get her new parrot to talk, even after threatening it and calling it nasty names. But when Prince Percival comes courting, the parrot gets revenge on the greedy princess in a hilarious and fitting conclusion. Featuring bonus audio!

Tacky is not very helpful as Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect plan and prepare for Halloween, turning their igloo into a haunted house and making treats, but while Tacky is finishing his costume something really frightening arrives, and only he can chase it away.

Pookins always manages to get her way until the day she meets a gnome who can grant her every wish.

This resealable package comes with a paperback and a two-sided cassette tape. The professionally narrated audio production includes lively sound eVects and original music. Side one includes page-turn signals; side two features an uninterrupted reading.

Now in paperback--Lester and Munsinger''s humorous tale that celebrates the value of individuality and being true to oneself. Full color.

When accidents happen to Murdley Gurdson, they are usually his own fault, but when a bird lays an egg on Murdley''s head one day, he tries hard to find someone else to blame.

The four Getters and Arf go on a picnic.

A hilarious romp about a bunny who just can''t seem to listen. He is constantly confusing instructions. For example, when his parents ask for a slice of bread, he saws off a piece of his bed. But everything changes when he takes a wrong turn and meets up with Scruffy Varmint.

A porcupine named Fluffy is happier with his name after he meets a similarly misnamed rhinoceros. OThe humor is just absurd enough to make the picture-book set howl along with Hippo and Fluffy."N"The New York Times Book Review." Full color.

"A-huff-and-a-puff-and-a-huff-and-a-puff-and-a-huff-and-a-puff" "WHAT''S HAPPENING?" Tacky the penguin wants to know. The Winter Games, that''s what''s happening. And Tacky and his fellow penguins Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect have to work hard to get in shape so they can represent Team Nice Icy Land in the athletic competitions. After rigorous training, they''re ready - but are the games ready for Tacky? Will his antics keep Team Nice Icy Land from winning a medal? From bobsledless racing and ski jumping to speed skating, Tacky lends his unique, exuberant style to each competition. In laugh-out-loud scenes of Tacky and his fellow penguins'' athletic debacles, Tacky reminds readers of the underlying joy and enthusiasm that propells athletes to greatness. So get ready to cheer for Team Nice Icy Land and let the games begin!

A girl has trouble selecting a pet from the pet store.

The new kid in town is a wombat from Down Under. He’s having a tough time fitting in, so he tries to join the baseball team. They’re excited to see a “Wham-bat” hit, but baseball seems to him like a strange game indeed as his literal interpretations of the lingo, such as “stealing third base,” lead to hilarious, and ultimately victorious, results.

Tacky and his fellow penguins are off to summer camp in Nice Icy Land to enjoy themselves while Rock Hopping, Line Dancing, and playing Capture the Ice Cube. One night, they gather around the campfire to sing, eat s’mores, and tell scary stories. But after going to bed, something straight out of one of their scary stories pays the sleeping penguins a visit. Goodly, Lovely, Angel, Neatly, and Perfect think they should high-tail it out of there, but it is Tacky—with some unexpected heroics—who saves the day. Includes lyrics to the official Camp Whoopihaha song!