New Releases by Nina Laden

From award-winning, bestselling author Nina Laden comes a poetic picture book about having the courage and resilience to plant "seeds" that will improve ourselves and our community. Sow seeds of strength, Ride out the storm. Sow seeds of compassion, Make hearts warm. After seeing an area in her local, Madagascar community devastated from drought, a young girl gets inspired. She should plant a garden—what could be more perfect? She gathers her friends, cooperates to make a plan, and gets to work. But when things go devastatingly wrong, what can they do? It takes a lot of courage, but with the support of her whole community on her side, this girl won''t give up. One way or another, she''ll sow the seeds of change she''s been dreaming of. With sweet, lush art from Sawyer Cloud, this lyrical picture book about making the effort to invest in the future of ourselves and our community teaches an invaluable lesson about having the patience to see that, in time, effort will blossom into a more peaceful, loving, and accepting world.

A sparkling and tender picture book about all the things that are bright and loving in the world and fill our lives with joy. From caring to hoping to peace to sharing, there are many ways to find joy in the everyday. Celebrate the things that make life wonderful and each day special. With stunning artwork, readers of all ages will find moments to treasure.

In rhyming text, children cheer on the most colorful train ever--from its red engine to its violet caboose.

A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year Celebrate the wonder of the world in this reassuring picture book about the joy, love, and beauty found in each and every day that is a “visually stunning ode to the beauty of nature” (School Library Journal, starred review). From the treasure of flowers to the mystery of insects, this lyrical book encourages children to explore the natural world around them and to be grateful for all that surrounds them. With jewel-like artwork, every page is a treasure for children just born or exploring the world full of possibilities we all share.

It is not the destination, but the journey. Inspired by this timeless adage, You Are a Beautiful Beginning combines lyrical storytelling and lovely art, blossoming into a celebration of self-love, friendship, and community. With beautiful simplicity and hidden depth, this meditative and magical picture book encourages readers old and young to discover their own endless potential. Kelsey Garrity-Riley''s inviting, gently magical art pairs beautifully with a lyrical, deceptively simple text by Nina Laden to create a picture book that is equal parts inspirational story and peaceful lullaby. It is not wishing to be different. It is learning to love being you. It is not the end of your story. It is a beautiful beginning, too. This is another uplifting and original book from bestseller Nina Laden, the creator of Peek-A-Who and the author of If I Had a Little Dream and Yellow Kayak.

This set of 5 sturdy stroller cards features colorful pictures, lively guessing rhymes, and a mylar mirror—perfect for curious babies and toddlers on the go! Attach the ring to a stroller, high chair, car seat, or diaper bag, then guess, giggle, repeat!

A child and his beloved best friend go on a grand sea adventure in this magical picture book by the author and artist who created If I Had a Little Dream. You just never know what a new day will hold if you are brave enough to find out. On one quiet afternoon, a boy and his special friend’s unexpected adventure bring joy and excitement and sights never imagined. And the best part of any adventure is returning home with stories to tell and you best friend at your side.

Loved by millions of children, these classic peekaboo books are now gathered together in a boxed set that''s ideal for gift giving—and for giving story time an extra dose of fun! Showcasing animals, vehicles, and more, each book in this wildly popular series features colorful pictures and lively, rhyming text that help children predict what is peeking through die-cut windows. Includes Peek-a Who?, Peek-a Zoo!, and Peek-a Choo-Choo!.

This latest entry in the bestselling series invites young readers on a trip to the farm! From a cow to a rooster to the surprise ending, the lively text and colorful pictures help children predict what is peeking through die-cut windows. Read the clue . . . guess the rhyme . . . giggle wildly . . . and repeat!

“Making an auspicious entry into children’s books, Laden provides a stylish, droll answer to the riddle of what dogs do while their owners sleep.” —Publishers Weekly “I have a dog. Nothing exotic or special, just an ordinary dog.” Or so this little boy thinks—until one morning, when he opens the door a little early and sees his dog jump out of a limousine. That night, he decides to follow his dog, and that’s when the fun starts, in a nighttime romp around town where he learns what adventures dogs get up to while their humans are fast asleep. A terrific read-aloud and true “comedic gem,” Nina Laden’s story will have everyone captivated by the coolest dog around (Parents’ Choice). “Laden’s dog characters are especially keenly drawn . . . A whimsical book.” —Kirkus Reviews “Sophisticated enough for older children and silly enough for younger listeners, this boy-and-his-dog book has a clever text, great illustrations and strong appeal.” —School Library Journal

A Spring 2017 Indie Next Selection Nina Laden’s warm and lyrical picture book sees and appreciates through a child’s eyes how fortunate we are to live in the world we do. Celebrate the wonder of the world in this reassuring picture book about the joy, love, and beauty that is part of each and every day. Our world is full of possibilities if you look for them.

In this fourth title in Nina Laden''s Peek-a series, young readers play the classic game of peekaboo with vehicles! Colorful pictures and lively, rhyming text—featuring trains, planes, and a bonanza of boats—help children predict what is peeking through die-cut windows. Read the clue... guess the rhyme...giggle wildly...and repeat!

We''ve all been there. Or more accurately, we''ve all been with kids in the backseat clamoring (over and over!) "Are we there yet?" In this genius of a picture book, bestselling author Nina Laden combines forces with dynamic illustrator Adam McCauley to turn that dilemma on its head. Fun for kids and adults, the book is filled with details that readers will want to hunt for (over and over!). Buckle up and enjoy the ride! Plus, this is the fixed-format version, which looks almost identical to the print edition!

In this third title in Nina Laden''s Peek-a series, the classic game of peekaboo becomes spookily fun! Colorful pictures and lively, rhyming text—featuring bats, jack-o''-lanterns, and ghosts galore—help children predict what is peeking through die-cut windows. Read the clue...guess the rhyme...giggle wildly...and repeat!

When Pigasso met Mootisse, what begins as a neighborly overture escalates into a mess. Before you can say paint-by-numbers, the two artists become fierce rivals, calling each other names and ultimately building a fence between them. But when the two painters paint opposite sides of the fence that divides them, they unknowingly create a modern art masterpiece, and learn it is their friendship that is the true work of art. Nina Laden''s wacky illustrations complement this funny story that non only introduces children to two of the world''s most extraordinary modern artists, but teaches a very important lesson—how to creatively resolve a conflict—in a most unusual way.

Read the clue . . . guess the animal . . . giggle wildly . . . and repeat! At long last, board book virtuoso Nina Laden has created a companion to her beloved classic Peek-a Who? (one of Scholastic magazine''s 100 Greatest Books for Kids with more than 800,000 copies sold). Colorful pictures and a lively, rhyming text help children predict what animal is peeking through die-cut windows. The anticipation of what''s hiding on the next page and the bright, engaging illustrations will keep youngsters laughing and learning all the way to the surprise ending.

From Nina Laden, bestselling author of Peek-a Who and Peek-a Zoo! Every daddy is different—and here''s the proof! Featuring Nina Laden''s colorful artwork and trademark humor, this interactive format will delight the youngest readers (and their fathers) as they mix and match the split pages to create a bevy of daddies that are part hairy, part scaly . . . and wholly fun.

From bestselling author Nina Laden and bestselling illustrator Renata Liwska comes an enchanting, imaginative story for fans of They All Saw a Cat. Does a feather remember it once was a bird? Does a book remember it once was a word? A boy is swept away to a world where fantasy and reality come together in surprising and playful ways. From the cake that once was grain to the ocean that once was rain, whimsical before and after scenes offer readers a peek at the world as seen through the eyes of a curious child. Nina Laden''s poetic and cleverly woven text is perfectly paired with artist Renata Liwska''s captivating illustrations.

Author-artist Nina Laden has taken her trademark wit and applied it to one of Shakespeare''s best-loved plays. Adults familiar with the classic love story will delight in the many references to the original play, all of which make this a rarity: a children''s book they want to read again and again. And young children who know nothing of the Bard will be riveted by this funny yet touching tale about Romeow the cat and Drooliet the dog, two star-crossed lovers who meet by chance, marry in secret, and are kept apart by a snarling rottweiler, appalled owners, and the animal control warden. The clever details throughout the book belie the careful research behind this homage to true love won and lostand in the case of this book won againproving once and for all that dogs and cats can be friends.

Ever since he was a wee mite (a termite, that is), Roberto has wanted to be an architect. Discouraged by his wood-eating family and friends, he decides to follow his dream to the big, bug city. There he meets a slew of not-so-creepy, crawly characters who spark in him the courage to build a community for them all. With stunning collage illustrations and witty text, the creator of the bestselling The Night I Followed the Dog, Private I. Guana, and When Pigasso Met Mootisse brings to life a funny and inspirational story that will encourage readers of any age to build their dreams.

Colorful pictures and simple rhyming texts help children guess what''s peeking through the windows in these two fun books. The anticipation of what''s hiding on the next page and the bright, engaging illustrations will keep youngsters guessing and giggling all the way to the suprise endings.

Learning to get dressed is a snap! With laces, a zipper, a snap, a Velcro closure and—of course!—a button, this playful cloth book lets toddlers practice getting dressed with help from a menagerie of adorable animal friends.

From the author and illustrator of Peek-a-Who?, Ready, Set, Go!, and Grow Up! (with combined sales of nearly 300,000 copies) comes another irresistible board book. With peek-a-boo windows and a mirror, this engaging booklets youngsters see themselves as adorable animal characters. The mirror is sure to grab and hold toddlers'' attention, and the vibrant colors and playful text will capture their imagination.

Presents a children''s story of love between Romeow the cat and Drooliet the dog, inspired by Shakespeare''s tale of Romeo and Juliet.

Rhymes tell what some babies grow up to be.

When clowns go on vacation, the whole world is a circus. When the circus is over, After the standing ovation, What do clowns do When they go on vacation? They make us laugh until our sides ache, but these hardworking clowns just need a break. Now that the Big Top is folded and their bags are all packed, the Clownmans are taking a rest from their act. Whether they''re climbing a mountain or digging for treasure, they always seem to have a nose for adventure. Wherever they go, whatever they do, they are always clowns through and through. Nina Laden skillfully and seamlessly combines photomontage with vibrant gouache paintings to create a picture book chock-full of verbal and visual humor that will delight audiences of all ages.

The reader can look through die-cut pages for a visual clue to complete a game of peek-a-boo.