New Releases by Patricia C. McKissack

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year! A Chicago Tribune Best Children''s Book of the Year! Weak, sick, and hungry, a tabby cat seeks shelter in an old barn, where the mice take pity on her and make her a warm, cozy bed in the straw. . . But as soon as she feels better, Marmalade the cat begins doing what cats do: chasing the mice! When Smart Mouse stumbles across an old bell, the mice hatch a plan to make sure Marmalade can never sneak up on them again... but who will be able to get the collar onto the cat? Retold by a master storyteller, this well-known fable is brought to life by bold, luminous illustrations of gentle mice, cozy barn corners, and of course, the magnificent feline rage of Marmalade on the hunt. A perfect read-aloud for winter days.

CORETTA SCOTT KING – JOHN STEPTOE ILLUSTRATOR AWARD FOR NEW TALENT WINNER This final, magnificent picture book from three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and Newbery Honor author Patricia McKissack is a poignant and uplifting celebration of the joy of giving. "Misery loves company,"" Mama says to James Otis. It''s been a rough couple of months for them, but Mama says as long as they have their health and strength, they''re blessed. One Sunday before Valentine''s Day, Reverend Dennis makes an announcement during the service-- the Temples have lost everything in a fire, and the church is collecting anything that might be useful to them. James thinks hard about what he can add to the Temple''s ""love box,"" but what does he have worth giving? With her extraordinary gift for storytelling, McKissack--with stunning illustrations by Harrison--delivers a touching, powerful tale of compassion and reminds us all that what is given from the heart, reaches the heart.

Clotee is a slave in a Virginia plantation. To her, freedom is the greatest word in the world. In the slave quarters, people pray for freedom, or as they call it ''heaven''. But when will it come?

In this eerie ghost story, a cruel and greedy man is pursued by an unseen stalker. He can hear the hooves of the specter''s horseclippity-cloppity, clippity-cloppity. The faster he rides, the faster the ghost follows, until at last he arrives home. Is he safe at last, or is Ol'' Clip-Clop gonna SWALLOW HIM WHOLE?!!!!!

A stirring tribute to the human drama, legendary heroes, infamous owners, low pay, and long bus rides that were the Negro Leagues. A 1995 Coretta Scott King Honor Book.

Newbery Honor–winning author McKissack and Caldecott Medal–winning illustrator Pinkney have outdone themselves in this heart-warming picture book infused with humor and the true spirit of Christmas. Christmas always comes to Nella’s house, but Santa Claus brings gifts only once in a while. That’s because it’s the Depression and Nella’s family is poor. Even so, Nella’s hoping that this year she and her two sisters will get a beautiful Baby Betty doll. On Christmas morning, the girls are beside themselves with excitement! There is Baby Betty, in all her eyelash-fluttering magnificence. “Mine!” Nella shouts, and claims the doll for herself. But soon she discovers that Baby Betty isn’t nearly as much fun as her sisters. Would it be more fun to share this very best gift with them after all?

A 2012 Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book This gorgeous picture book by Newbery Honor winner Patricia C. McKissack and two-time Caldecott Medal-winning husband-and-wife team Leo and Diane Dillon is sure to become a treasured keepsake for African American families. Set in West Africa, this a lyrical story-in-verse is about a young black boy who is kidnapped and sold into slavery, and his father who is left behind to mourn the loss of his son. Here''s a beautiful, powerful, truly unforgettable story about family, memory, and freedom. "Forceful and iconic," raves Publishers Weekly in a starred review.

Bessey finally cleans up her messy room.

Because she is the oldest, Carolyn assumes she is loved the best. But she has doubts when her mom spoils Carolyn''s little sister when she''s sick and posts her brother''s perfect math quiz on the fridge. Illustrations.

From Coretta Scott King Award–winning author Patricia C. McKissack comes a humorous and poignant picture book about the right time to tell the truth. “Tell the truth and shame the devil,” Libby’s mama has told her. So whatever is Libby doing wrong? Ever since she started telling only the truth, the whole world seems to be mad at her. First, it’s her best friend, Ruthie Mae, who gets upset when Libby tells all their friends that Ruthie Mae has a hole in her sock. Then Willie gives her an ugly look when she tells the teacher he hasn’t done his homework. It seems that telling the truth isn’t always so simple. Can Libby figure out what it really means to be truthful and make amends?

Tippy Lemmey, the neighborhood dog, is a nuisance and sworn enemy to the local children, but when Tippy gets in trouble, only Leanne, Paul, and Jeannie can help him.

Messy Bessey discovers that with proper care her garden will flourish.

Using simple text and photographs, this volume briefly examines the life and work of American poet Langston Hughes.

Messy Bessey learns a lesson about sharing when she cleans out her closet.

Set in the 1880s in a little-known period of black and Native American history, this riveting novel tells the story of a young Apache boy who escapes a train taking him to a reservation, only to become a special part of a young black girl''s family.

Dr. Rabbit joins the children''s dental play.

In this rich and unique collection, Tennessee history is made real in stories which children love to read or hear. Drawn from different historical periods and ethnic groups, four engaging tales capture major episodes in the lives of famous people in Tennessee''s history. Color illustrations.

Mark Twain Award Nominee 1994-95.

A boy learns that the truth is often stretched on the Bayou Clapateaux, and gets the chance to tell his own version of a bayou tale when he goes fishing.

Mark Twain Award Nominee 1994-95.

This excellent beginning-to-read series will score easily with early readers.

Discusses, in simple text and illustrations, the meaning of life and death and God''s promise of eternal life.

Simple text and illustrations of a variety of insects introduce the numbers one through five.

This excellent beginning-to-read series will score easily with early readers.