New Releases by Meghan McCarthy

A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Year In this “stunning” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) picture book, award-winning nonfiction creator Meghan McCarthy tells the story of how motion pictures came to be invented and the story of the many people who helped create them. Movies take us on adventures, introduce us to new worlds, and make us feel, but how did they start? In her trademark easy-to-follow narrative voice, this fact-filled picture book tells the story of the evolution of movies and the people who worked hard to create them—both on-screen and behind the scenes. In fascinating detail, she shows how early photography capturing motion became silent films, which led to the first color films and how those building blocks allowed for the inspiring movies of today.

"This picture-book biography of Chester Greenwood explores the invention of the earmuffs and the patenting process"--

Award-winning nonfiction picture book creator Meghan McCarthy tells the story of how an undersized, crooked-legged horse became one of the greatest racing champions of all time. In the late 1930s, times were tough. The United States was in the middle of the Great Depression, and people were desperate for something to believe in. They found their inspiration in Seabiscuit, a rags-to-riches, crooked-legged, overweight horse who ran more like a duck than a champion. Seabiscuit was the descendent of Man O’ War, one of the greatest racing horses in history but he had yet to win a single race. How did this downtrodden horse come to rise through the ranks and face off against Triple Crown champion, War Admiral? In her trademark easy-to-follow narrative voice, Meghan McCarthy brings the ultimate underdog story to life in this fact-filled picture book.

There''s a hawk in the city! New York City is known for its sky-scrapers, subways, and hustle and bustle -- not for its wildlife. So everyone is surprised when a red-tailed hawk is spotted flying over Fifth Avenue, and even more surprised when he decides to settle down on the ledge of one of the Big Apple''s swankiest apartment buildings. The hawk soon draws many admirers. They name him Pale Male and watch as he builds his nest, finds a mate, and teaches his little hawk babies to fly. Based on the true story of Pale Male, City Hawk brings New York City''s favorite hawk to life in a story of family, perseverance, and big-city living.

From award-winning author-illustrator Meghan McCarthy comes an entertaining picture book that explores the training and day-to-day life of being a firefighter as they put out fires and saves lives. Do you have what it takes to be a firefighter? From attending the Firefighter Academy to training with a team, there are many things you have to accomplish before becoming a firefighter! Learn the tools firefighters use, the kinds of trucks firefighters drive, and the dangerous situations they find themselves in as they put their lives on the line to help others in this charming picture book from the author of Pop: The Invention of Bubble Gum.

An ALA Notable Book “The year was 1987 and a ship full of trash was about to become famous…The narrative is immensely readable…A fresh take on a story of old garbage guaranteed to spark conversations and a desire for actions among students. Highly recommended.” —School Library Journal (starred review) A garbage barge that can’t find a place to welcome it sparks a recycling movement in the United States in this smart and smelly picture book from the author of Earmuffs for Everyone. Lowell Harrelson wanted to turn trash into methane gas so he rented a barge called Morbo 4000. His plan was to ship the garbage from New York to North Carolina, but as the barge floated down the coast, no state would let him dock because of smelly waste on board! The barge became a mockery and the butt of many jokes in the media. What started as an attempted business venture turned into quite the predicament for Mr. Harrelson. Mobro 4000 roamed the seas for forty-five days and traveled a distance of 6,000 miles. While awaiting its fate, the trash floated in New York’s harbor, garnering much attention by onlookers. Green Peace activists put up a large banner across the barge that read, “NEXT TIME…TRY RECYCLING.” Even though the garbage barge was a farce, the unintended consequence inspired America to find a new way to deal with its trash.

These poems capture memories of growing up in the Inland Empire in California

"Based on the episode ''Power Ponies'' written by Meghan McCarthy, Charlotte Fullerton & Betsy McGowen."

"Based on the episode ''Hearts and hooves day,'' written by Meghan McCarthy

From the big screen to your book shelf! The Storm King wants more power and his loyal Commander Tempest knows just where to get it... Equestria! And when the worst comes to pass it''ll take Twilight and her friends–with new faces like Captain Celaeno, Capper, Princess Skystar, Songbird Serenade, and more! Plus a whole lot of friendship to bring an end to this storm. Adapting the full-length My Little Pony: The Movie, this graphic novel retelling puts the big screen fun and adventure in your pocket!

Adapting the most beloved My Little Pony animated cartoon episodes to graphic novels! Equestria in danger! When an ancient force turns up in Equestria stealing magic from ponies, even Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Cadence are at a loss. It''s up to Twilight and her friends to restore peace and order to the kingdom! This volume adapts the episodes "Twilight''s Kingdom!" parts 1 & 2.

Do you have what it takes to be an astronaut? Blast off in this fun nonfiction picture book by the author of Pop! The Invention of Bubble Gum to find out! With an appealing text and funny, brightly colored illustrations, Meghan McCarthy transports aspiring space travelers to astronaut school in her young nonfiction picture book. Take a ride on the “Vomit Comet” and learn how it feels to be weightless. Try a bite of astronaut food, such as delicious freeze-dried ice cream. Have your measurements taken—100 of your hand alone—for your very own space suit. Get ready for liftoff! “McCarthy introduces the paraphernalia of rocket travel with a corollary, direct humor that understands and respects its audience.” —Booklist “This appealing book is sure to find a wide audience.” —School Library Journal

The Storm King wants more power and his loyal Commander Tempest knows just where to get it ... Equestria! And when the worst comes to pass it''ll take Twilight and her friends-with new faces like Captain Celaeno, Capper, Princess Skystar, Songbird Serenade, and more! Plus a whole lot of friendship to bring an end to this storm.

The celebrated animated series comes to book shelves! Revisit the habitants of Equestria and learn about the magic that friendship brings in this adaptation of the television series. This volume adapts the two-part "Princess Twilight Sparkle!"

The celebrated animated series comes to book shelves! Revisit the inhabitants of Equestria and learn about the magic that friendship brings in this adaptation of the television series. When the Crystal Empire returns after a thousand years of darkness, Princess Celestia knows there''s only one pony who can help–Twilight Sparkle! But it''ll take a little magic and a lot of help to ensure that Twilight saves the empire... and passes her test! This volume adapts the Season Two finale-event "The Crystal Empire" parts 1 & 2.

From Megan McCarthy the award-winning author of Pop! and Earmuffs for Everyone comes the quirky, fascinating, and inspiring story of perseverance and the importance of sportsmanship set at the 1904 St. Louis Olympic Marathon. It was 1904 and St. Louis was proud to host the World’s Fair and America’s First Olympics. Hundreds of thousands of people came by car, by train, by boat. Part of the Olympics was a wild, wacky marathon. Forty-two racers registered, thirty-two showed up, and of the three racers vying for the finish line: on drove part way, one was helped by his trainers over the line, and one was a postman who travelled from Cuba and ran in street clothes that he cut off to look like shorts. How they ran and who won is a story of twists and turns that only wouldn’t be believed if it weren’t true! And it is! Find out who won in this wacky and well-researched picture book all about the historic Olympic Marathon of 1904.

He could tear phone books in half, bend iron bars into giant Us, and pull a 145,000-pound train with his bare hands. But Charles Atlas wasn''t always one of America''s most famous strong men. Once upon a time, he was a "97-pound weakling" who was picked on by neighborhood bullies.Using her trademark humor, Meghan McCarthy brings to life the story of Charles Atlas, the man who would become "the World''s Most Perfectly Developed Man" and, with his fitness campaign, inspired the entire nation to get in shape, eat right, and take charge of our lives.

Best friends Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack love to have fun! Celebrate holidays, play with their pets, and explore Ponyville with your favorite ponies!

As it stands, there are currently no means to wash clothing aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Astronauts are forced to re-wear their soiled clothes, despite having to exercise over two hours per day. Instead of cleaning their clothing using a formal laundry machine, astronauts simply discard fouled articles after extensive use. This method of wear-and-tear has worked thus far, as the ISS has remained in an orbit reachable by resupply capsules. However, with agencies aiming to travel farther and longer than ever before, this practice seems both wasteful and costly. To address this problem, a terrestrial pedal-powered washing machine has been developed to provide proof-of-concept data for a microgravity iteration. The machine consists of a horizontal drum unit linked to the drivetrain of a bicycle, which has been modified to replicate the ISS CEVIS exercise bike. Using computer simulations, the concept of an axial-running agitator to induce mechanical agitation in space was explored and verified. This project served as the first step towards making clean clothes a reality for astronauts.

Magic comes to bookshelves! Revisit the inhabitants of Equestria and learn about the magic that friendship brings in this comic-book adaptation of the television series. Nothing shows just how special every pony is like a Cutie Mark. At least as far as Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo are concerned. And they''ll try everything to reveal theirs, from baking cupcakes to ziplining. But you can''t rush a Cutie Mark, no matter how hard these fillies try! Includes the episodes "Call of the Cutie" and "The Cute Mark Chronicles."

Meet Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Rarity! These ponies are the best of friends and love spending time with one another. Join them as they tour Ponyville, play with pets, celebrate special days, and explore a brand-new castle.

A riveting picture book biography of Betty Skelton, aviation and auto racing pioneer, from award-winning author/illustrator Megan McCarthy. Includes audio! In the 1930s most girls were happy playing with dolls. But one girl, Betty Skelton, liked playing with airplanes, watching them fly around outside, and even flying airplanes herself! She lived for an adventure—in the air, the water, and on land—and nothing could stop her, especially not being a girl. When Betty Skelton was young there weren’t many women flying airplanes or racing cars, but she wouldn’t let that stop her. She was always ready to take on a challenge, and she loved to have fun. Beetty rode motorcycles, raced cars, jumped out of planes, and flew jets, helicoptors, gliders, and blimps. And by the time she was an adult, Betty was known in the press as the “First Lady of Firsts!” This vibrantly illustrated picture book biography with audio reveals the exciting life of a brave pioneer who followed her dreams and showed the world that women can do anything!

In an effort to regain her stolen crown, Princess Twilight Sparkle steps through a magical mirror into a completely new world where some things have changed, but true friendships remain magical.

Most people know the story of Balto, the world famous dog who led his dogsled team through a blizzard to deliver a lifesaving serum to the stricken people of Nome, Alaska, in 1925. Balto shot to instant stardom—a company named dog food after him, a famous sculptor erected a statue of him that stands in Central Park to this day, and the dog even starred in his own Hollywood movie. But what happened to Balto after the hoopla died down? With a lively, informative text and humorous, vibrant illustrations, Meghan McCarthy captures the extraordinary life of Balto beyond his days as a celebrity.

Join author and longtime Cannon skier Meghan McCarthy McPhaul to learn about the history of this historic mountain that is steeped in legends and lore. Rising at the western edge of New Hampshire''s magnificently beautiful Franconia Notch State Park, the granite-domed mountain has been the playground of skiers since the 1930s. Here, the country''s first down-mountain ski trail was cleared in 1933, the first aerial tramway was built on the mountain and the first professional ski patrol was established. More than a dozen members of the U.S. Ski Hall of Fame--whose contributions to the sport include historic racing feats, the development of ski techniques and designing countless ski areas across the country and around the world--have called Cannon their home hill.

A picture-book account of one of the most famous pieces of radio history! * “Sandwiched between a look at Depression-era radios and a set of fanciful period advertisements, McCarthy delivers a semi-serious account of the 1938 War of the Worlds broadcast, illustrating both passages from the script and briefly told descriptions of widespread panic with smudgy cartoon scenes featuring bug-eyed monsters and equally bug-eyed people. The author closes with a substantial note that analyzes the broadcast’ immediate and long-term effects, points out that the announcers repeatedly admitted that they were presenting a drama during the broadcast, mentions several later revivals here and internationally and notes the response of H.G. Wells himself to the original production. She has also set up an invitingly designed Web site with an array of relevant links.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred An ALA–ALSC Notable Children’s Book A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year An IRA–CBC Children’s Choice A Kirkus Reviews Editor’s Choice A 2006 New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing

Presents the life of fitness legend Charles Atlas. Includes 4 fun exercises.

A secret-agent kid takes off on the mission of a lifetime.