New Release Books by Kathy-jo Wargin

Presents alphabetically arranged entries on topics related to the Nordic countries, from "F" for fjords, to "L" for lingonberries, to "R" for rosemaling.

Following the alphabet this book uses poetry and expository text to explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is located along the northwest coast of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Named for its famed dunes, this national part was designated the "Most Beautiful Place in America" in 2011 on ABC''s Good Morning America show. Topics include the park''s many natural features such as its dune formations, beaches, and forests, as well as its numerous cultural attractions, including an 1871 lighthouse.

Have you seen an otter at play in the water? It''s long and it''s trim and it knows how to swim. It rolls and it spins. It twists and it grins. What if one day that otter jumps out of the water? Would you ask him to play? What if that otter follows you home? Would he bounce on the chairs? Would he skid down the stairs? The author-illustrator team who created Scare a Bear and Moose on the Loose will once again have readers laughing and guessing. This time the hilarity involves an otter out of water!

The great Gitchee Manitou has sent Nanabush the Giant Hare to the new north country to give the first animals their names and special markings. But trickster that he is, Nanabush prefers to play silly games. When Ahmik the Giant Beaver lures Nanabush into a chase across the newly formed land and water, their game etches out a beautiful wonderland of islands and ponds and lakes. Readers young and old will enjoy the legend behind the creation of the state whose very name Wisk-on-sin means "place of the beaver."Kathy-jo Wargin''s most recent picture book honoring the spirit of Wisconsin is The Legend of Old Abe: A Civil War Eagle. Her other books include B is for Badger: AWisconsin Alphabet and The Legend of the Lady''s Slipper (Upper Midwest Bookseller''s Favorite). Afrequent speaker throughout the country, Kathy-jo lives with her family in Petoskey, Michigan. David Geister also collaborated with Kathy-jo Wargin on The Legend of Minnesota and The Voyageur''s Paddle. David is a popular visitor at schools with his costumed portrayals of historic characters. A Wisconsin native, he now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

A beautiful tale of the painted turtle Makinauk, his animal friends, and their discovery of new lands and long-lasting friendship.

The young maiden Leelinau is forbidden from going into the Spirit Wood. But Leelinau so enjoys her time spent there with the Pukwudjinees (the tiny fairies of the forest) that she risks playing with them time and time again. The legend explores the resistance many of us harbor of entering adulthood. This is the fifth title written by Kathy-jo Wargin and illustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen in our Legend series which currently has 400,000 copies in print. The Legend of the Sleeping Bear, the title that began the series, is the official State of Michigan childrens''s book. "Leelinau was so happy to be in the Spirit Wood once again that she began to dance all around. Then she sat down amidst a mess of large tree roots that fit like a chair made just for her. But this time, as she sat there to rest, she heard strange whispers. At first, Leelinau thought it sounded like baby robins trying to catch their first breaths, or ferns being tossed back and forth in the wind. But Leelinau wasn''t quite sure, so she listened more carefully. She heard more whispers, and then voices. Leelinau became frightened. Her heart pounded like a large drum in her chest, and her throat felt tight and narrow."

Mitt, as young white-footed mouse, lives happily in a wool mitten deep in the forest until a boy happens by with his rather large dog that snatches Mitt''s beloved home. Mitt embarks on a journey across Michigan to retrieve his warm and cozy mitten, seeing many sights and having many adventures. Mitt, the Michigan Mouse is the first book in a chapter book series of four stories about a family of mice and their journeys throughout the Great Lakes states. Mitt, the Michigan mouse, lives in the woods of northern Michigan near Cheboygan. When his beloved mitten home is lost, he embarks on a journey to try to find it. At the same time in Minnesota, a raven snatches spunky little Minn from the cabin where she lives with her human friend Gerdie. She, too, will face many challenges as she attempts to find her wayhome.

Presents rhyming sentences for each letter of the alphabet that remind the reader of God''s blessings in winter.

What would you do with a moose on the loose? Would you chase him, or race him, or stand up to face him? What would you do with a moose on the loose? What would you do with a moose in your yard? Or in your house? How about in your room? Or in your tub? Would you give him two boats? Would you see if he floats? What would you do? Colorful, comic artwork highlights the hilarity that ensues when wildlife wanders indoors. Can boy best beast? By story''s end, young readers will know exactly what to do when a moose goes on the loose! Kathy-jo Wargin is the bestselling author of more than 30 books for children. Among her many awards for her work are an IRA Children''s Choice Award for The Legend of the Loon and an IRA Teachers'' Choice Award for Win One for the Gipper. Kathy-jo lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota. John Bendall-Brunello began drawing at quite a young age, and especially loves illustrating animals and children, capturing movement and life within simple and bold compositions. He has illustrated over 60 children''s books. John lives part of the year in Cambridge, England, and part in Cannes in the south of France.

The fantastic Legend team of Kathy-jo Wargin and Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen have another beautiful book to add to the Sleeping Bear and Mackinac Island stories. A Grandmother''s love for her grandchildren is magically portrayed in "The Legend of the Loon". A perfect addition to your collection, this book remains true to the heartwarming qualities you''ve come to expect from these legendary storytellers.

It started with a mother''s love... Fleeing from a forest fire, a mother bear urges her two cubs into the watery shelter of a vast body of water. Though it will be difficult, she knows if they can swim across to the opposite shore, they will be safe. With calls of encouragement and steadfast love, Mother Bear guides her cubs across the great lake, Lake Michigan. And the story of what happens once Mother Bear reaches the far shore becomes the legend behind the natural wonder known as Sleeping Bear Dune. In 1998 writer Kathy-jo Wargin and nature artist Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen combined their talents to bring The Legend of Sleeping Bear to life. Published to wide acclaim, the book was soon named the Official Children''s Book of Michigan.

The sixth tale in our Legend series, The Legend of the Petoskey Stone focuses on the naming of this unique fossil, found only on the shores of Lake Michigan. From the ancient, warm sea that covered most of the state, through Native American history and the history of the town named after a great chief, The Legend of the Petoskey Stone is a welcome addition to the fables so richly told and illustrated by this much-loved and honored children''s book team.Author Kathy-jo Wargin has earned national acclaim through award-winning children''s classics such as Michigan''s official state book, The Legend of Sleeping Bear, Children''s Choice Award winner The Legend of the Loon, The Edmund Fitzgerald: Song of the Bell, and many others. Kathy-jo enjoys writing about nature and its effect on all our lives, and is a frequent guest speaker throughout the country. She is also a faculty member of the Bear River Writers Workshop, sponsored by the University of Michigan. She lives in Petoskey, Michigan. Since the publication of The Legend of Sleeping Bear, artist Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen has been an established presence in the world of children''s book illustration. His many other titles with Sleeping Bear Press include The Edmund Fitzgerald: Song of the Bell, Adopted by an Owl, Jam & Jelly by Holly & Nellie, and The Legend of Leelanau. Gijsbert and his family live in Bath, Michigan.

The Legend of the Lady''s Slipper is a suspenseful tale of a young maiden''s run through the forest in an attempt to save the people of her village. Dashing through the forest, with starlight at her heels," Running Flower is a testament of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice. You will remember her story whenever you see delicate pink and white lady''s slippers carpeting the ground of a northern forest. Add The Legend of the Lady''s Slipper to your collection and let it enchant you for years to come. Kathy-jo Wargin aims to help young readers notice the most intricate details of a story by adding the nuances that create magic and wonder in a good tale. Kathy-jo Wargin (Nelson) was born in Tower, Minnesota and moved to Grand Rapids at the age of seven. She studied music composition at University of Minnesota-Duluth. Her transition to writing books was a natural step. As well, her love for children and her desire to expose them to vivid written descriptions, inspire her to write with great attention to the nuances of a story, opening their minds to see all the possibilities in a scene or situation. Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen captures his lifelong connection to nature and wildlife. His talent for mural painting can be seen in several museums, including Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Born in the Netherlands, Gijsbert studied at the Royal Academy of Arts in Holland and immigrated to the United States in 1976. In 1993, after 17 years as the Art Director for the Michigan Natural Resources Magazine, he ventured out on his own. His highest professional achievement comes from being selected numerous times into the internationally renowned Leigh Yawkey Woodson Birds in Art exhibition, held in Wisconsin. Gijsbert and his wife Robbyn, give nature tours at their home outside Lansing, Michigan where they live with their two daughters, Kelly and Heather.

Voyageur is the French word for "traveler," but in the Great Lakes region during the seventeenth century it described those men who made their living trading furs and goods along water routes. Traveling by canoe, these voyageurs helped to establish north woods trading posts and settlements, opening up the West to future exploration. Young Jacques''s father is such a voyageur. He works long hours in bitterly cold weather, absent from home for weeks at a time. As he awaits his father''s return from a season of trading, Jacques dreams of the day he will hold the canoe paddle and join the ranks of voyageurs.Author Kathy-jo Wargin is known for her many stories celebrating Great Lakes lore and north woods history including the 2001 IRA Children''s Choice Award winner, The Legend of the Loon. She lives with her family in Petoskey, Michigan. David Geister''s body of work with Sleeping Bear Press continues to grow and includes The Legend of Minnesota, also written by Kathy-jo Wargin. He specializes in historic art and has a background in commercial art. David lives with his family in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

From the oom pah pah of the brass section to the tickle and tease of the keyboard ivories, "M is for Melody" gives a music lesson in alphabet form. Instruments, composers, terms, and even musical styles are examined from A-Z in easy, read-aloud rhymes and expository, accompanied by colorful and engaging artwork. Based on MENC National Standards for Music Education, educators will find this a valuable addition to their classroom material.

Leaving port from Superior, Wisconsin on a sunny November day, the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald is looking forward to a routine crossing of deep Lake Superior. Heading for a port in Cleveland, the giant transport ship is loaded with ore that will be used to build cars. But disaster is building in the wind as a gale storm begins to track after the great ship. This suspenseful retelling of the last hours of the doomed vessel pays homage to all sailors who traverse deep waters, in fair skies and foul. Atmospheric paintings from award-winning artist Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen bring the story to life.The author of the best-selling books The Legend of Sleeping Bear and The Legend of Mackinac Island, Kathy-jo Wargin aims to help young readers notice the most intricate details of a story by adding the nuances that create magic and wonder in a good tale. She lives in the woods of northern Michigan with her family. The Edmund Fitzgerald is her 10th book with Sleeping Bear Press. Born in the Netherlands, Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen, or "Nick" as he prefers to be known, studied at the Royal Academy of Arts in Holland. He immigrated to the United States in 1976. The Edmund Fitzgerald is Nick''s 13th children''s book with Sleeping Bear Press. The Legend of Sleeping Bear was Nick''s first book and has sold more than 200,000 copies.

State birds, flowers, trees, and animals brought to board book form for the youngest book lovers. Toddlers will delight in these books filled with rhyming riddles framed by brightly painted clues, introducing elements that make each state so special.

“God made the Fireflies light up the night, A flash and a flicker—His love is so bright!” Explore God’s warmest, wonder-filled season from A to Z. Build sandcastles, share picnics with others, and gaze at the starlit summer sky. And all the while, know that God delights in us and our summertime fun, too.

“For God made the Earth—He made everything! He makes all the wonders each season will bring. He changes the colors on leaves big and small, red, brown and yellow to tell us it’s Fall. He turns the fields into ribbons of Gold, sparkling with frost as the autumn grows cold.” Destined to become a family keepsake, this unique, jacketed hardcover celebrates the wonders of an entire season. With help from the alphabet, preschoolers journey through God’s harvest blessings—in the process discovering just how much there is to be thankful for! The fun is infectious as they learn to appreciate autumn for its beauty and bounty, opportunities to celebrate with friends and family, and traditions like barn dances, corn mazes, pumpkin carving, and more.

As soft April showers make our hearts sing, let’s find the sweetness of God’s gentle spring. Discover both God’s world and the alphabet through the refreshing newness of springtime experiences. Beautiful illustrations and playful poetry fill this book with everything spring from A to Z. From the first April shower to flying kites and playing in puddles, young readers will delight in the uplifting seasonal message and will grow in their appreciation of the spring season and the miracle of new beginnings.

Mary misses her life and friends in Ireland and is sad that her family cannot celebrate Thanksgiving Day the way their New England neighbors do, until her parents share a story of the Pilgrims'' first harvest festival.

State birds, flowers, trees, and animals brought to board book form for the youngest book lovers. Toddlers will delight in these books filled with rhyming riddles framed by brightly painted clues, introducing elements that make each state so special.

Almost everyone has heard of the Nobel Prize, a collection of prizes awarded for accomplishments in science, medicine, literature, and peace. But few people know about the man who established the award and for whom it is named, Alfred Nobel. Alfred Nobel was born in Sweden in 1833. A quick and curious mind, combined with a love of science and chemistry, drove him to invent numerous technological devices throughout his long life. But he is perhaps most well known for his invention of dynamite. Intending it to help safely advance road and bridge construction, Nobel saw his most famous invention used in the development of military weaponry. After a newspaper headline mistakenly announces his death, Nobel was inspired to leave a legacy of another sort. The Man Behind the Peace Prize tells the story of the enduring legacy of Alfred Nobel.Kathy-jo Wargin is the bestselling author of more than 30 books for children. Among her many awards for her work are an International Reading Association Children''s Choice Award for The Legend of the Loon and an IRA Teachers'' Choice Award for Win One for the Gipper. She lives in the Great Lakes area. Zachary Pullen''s character-oriented picture book illustrations have won awards and garnered starred reviews. He has been honored several times with acceptance into the prestigious Society of Illustrators juried shows and Communication Arts Illustration Annual of the best in current illustration. Zachary lives in Wyoming.

From its primeval Itasca State Park to the sophistication of its Twin Cities, the state of Minnesota is a study of contrasts and long-held traditions. Birthplace to many famous personalities and inventions, including Garrison Keillor and the Bundt Pan, V is for Viking presents the state whose name means sky-tinted waters.

The home of one of America''s most revered Presidents is also home to American icons such as the Ferris wheel, Montgomery Ward stores, and John Deere tractors. This latest offering from the award-winning team of author Kathy-jo Wargin and illustrator Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen is sure to be a must-have for every "Illini." Teachers, students and parents will enjoy the clever poems, rich illustrations and revealing text of L is for Lincoln: An Illinois Alphabet.

The intriguing facts and faces, history and places of Wisconsin are revealed to readers young and old in B is for Badger: A Wisconsin Alphabet. From its leaders in fine arts and architecture (Georgia O''Keefe and Frank Lloyd Wright) to its pioneers in nature conservation (John Muir and Aldo Leopold), Wisconsin has been an influence on major movements in education, industry, and use of natural resources. Brought to life with lyric rhymes and expressive, original artwork, B is for Badger showcases for natives and visitors alike the splendors of Wisconsin.Born in Tower, Minnesota, Kathy-jo Wargin has spent a great deal of time in the upper Midwest. Previously, she teamed up with illustrator Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen on the award-winning Legend series, including The Legend of the Lady''s Slipper (Upper Midwest Bookseller''s Favorite). B is for Badger is her fourth state alphabet book. She lives with her family in Petoskey, Michigan.Renee Graef is new to the Sleeping Bear Press family but is very well known as a children''s book illustrator for the American Girls collection with Pleasant Company. She has also illustrated for Boyd''s Bears and is the illustrator of HarperCollin''s My First Little House series. Renee attended the University of Wisconsin and the University of Madison; she lives in Milwaukee with her family.

A Lesson in Caring and Kindness. Frank’s neighbor has puppies, and boy, does Frank want one! But by the time his parents say yes, the puppies are all gone. Will Frank ever get the dog he wants? This is a Level Two I Can Read! book, which means it’s perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. It aligns with guided reading level J and will be of interest to children Pre-K to 3rd grade.

Do you know how to scare a bear? Would you bang pots and pans? Would you rattle some cans? Would you shout? Would you yell? Would you ring a loud bell? Do you know how to scare a bear? How would you scare a bear out of your cabin? Or out of your fishing boat? How about away from your campfire? And what if he climbed in your bunk? Would the bed go kerplunk? From the author-illustrator team who created Moose on the Loose comes yet another example of the high jinks and hilarity that happens when wildlife wanders indoors. In this contest of wills, who will win? And once again, by story''s end, young campers will know exactly how to scare a bear!

This level 2 I Can Read book written by Kathy-jo Wargin is a must-have for early readers! Teaching a lesson in knowing God is always present, readers follow young animal-lover Frank, in a fun adventure. While camping alone with his dog Beans, Frank begins to hear sounds that make him question whether or not he should go back into the house.

While trying to make the best of a rainy day indoors, Frank and Beans, his dog, are taught about patience by S''more the cat.