New Releases by Laurie Elmquist

Mud puddles, speckled eggs and cozy sheep''s wool...It''s a day in the country for mom and baby. It starts when we pull on rubber boots. Then we''re ready to splash in puddles, pet the cozy sheep''s wool and explore the sounds and sights of the farm. When we''re all done, we go inside to hang socks to dry, take a warm bubble bath and snuggle up in bed under the stars. Meditative, simple and sweet, Country Baby gives us a fun farm adventure that is a joy to read together.

★ “While the spare text is developmentally perfect for children, the illustrations elevate this offering with entrancing collages in a vivid palette. A first purchase for all libraries.”—School Library Journal, starred review Bustling streets, lively squares and busy restaurants are baby’s playground when they are in the big city. So much to see and do as baby’s stroller navigates the crowded avenues or baby takes a break in a quiet park to blow bubbles and chase pigeons. Ashley Barron’s paper-collage illustrations are a joy to behold, bringing energy and life to this delightful board book. Rhyming verse from Laurie Elmquist takes the reader on a journey through a festive big city.

Reece''s new dog, Ruckus, tears through life like a Tyrannosaurus rex. He bites everything that moves and drives Reece''s mom nuts. The puppy was Dad''s idea, to make things easier for Reece after his parents'' separation, but Ruckus is not easy at all and Mom is getting fed up. When her diamond earrings go missing, it sends the family into a tailspin. What happens when a dog swallows something precious? Reece is about to find out. But they can''t give up on this little Jack Russell terror, can they? He''s family, after all. We first met Reece and his family in the Orca Echoes title Where''s Burgess? by Laurie Elmquist.

A forest-filled journey for baby.

Reece Hansen is missing two things: his father and his frog. Reece''s parents are newly separated, and his dad is now living in another city, fighting forest fires. Reece struggles to get used to daily life without him. When he loses his pet frog, Burgess, Reece puts posters up around the neighborhood. But frogs are difficult to find. It takes an unusual classmate, the boy who wears a bathrobe to school, to pull Reece''s attention away from Burgess. Through his new friend and a camping trip with his mom, Reece learns that friends can come in human form and families are resilient even when things change. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

A gentle, poetic lullaby for baby, filled with memories from a perfect day playing on the beach. Castles, sand dollars, seals peering out of the waves and the beat of the ocean become sweet reminders of all the magical things that await baby tomorrow. A lyrical celebration of natural beauty and a soft, reassuring reminder for little ones being tucked into bed that fun and adventure will return with a new day. Elly MacKay’s paper-theater worlds are a delight to behold and infuse the story with a sense of magic and wonder. Beautiful verse from Laurie Elmquist sets a calm and serene tone. A breathtaking board book that will be treasured and make a wonderful gift.