martin + sampson collection
new + next
COMING 6 | 11 | 24
COMING 4 | 23 | 24
RELEASED 10 | 10 | 23
RELEASED 4 | 25 | 23
RELEASED 10 | 25 | 22
RELEASED 4 | 26 | 22
series + sets
classics illustrated by eric carle
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The Brown Bear & Friends Board Book Gift Set includes all four collectible books in this classic series!
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) 2016; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, *Michael Sampson (ghost); Illustrator: Eric Carle; Available Formats: Board Book Set - Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? + Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You See? + Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? + Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?
[* Sampson co-authored Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? and Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See?]
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“The contemporary classic . . . perfect for sharing with a group of preschoolers.” ―The Horn Book Guide
“A picture book full of rhyme and repetition that will appeal to preschoolers. Carle's large collages bursting with color are perfect for the text.” ―Booklist -
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | INDIEBOUND | WALMART | TARGET
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Featuring some of the most endangered species, the book introduces young readers to the importance of wildlife conservation.
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) 2003; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson (ghost); Illustrator: Eric Carle; Available Formats: Hardcover + Board Book + Audio + eBook
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“Another standout from the creators of a line of perennial favorites.” —Publishers Weekly
“The bright collage images and lilting language bring the animals to life on the page” —School Library Journal
“Carle's use of negative space and of sculptural line conveys not only the essence of each animal but also the energy of its movement. A fine read-aloud with a subtle, yet clear, message.” —Booklist -
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | INDIEBOUND | WALMART | TARGET
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The delightful final book in the beloved series focuses on the special bond between Baby Bear and Mama.
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) 2007; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson (ghost); Illustrator: Eric Carle; Available Formats: Hardcover + Board Book + Audio + eBook
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“The elegant balance of art, text, emotion and exposition is a Martin and Carle hallmark; they have crafted a lovely finale to an enduring series.” —Publishers Weekly
“A winning formula for keying new and pre-readers into colors, sequences and nature.” —Kirkus Reviews -
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | INDIEBOUND | WALMART | TARGET
chicka chicka collection
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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 are now available in a handsome boxed set!
Publisher: Beach Lane Books 2013; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, *Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Lois Ehlert; Available Formats: Hardcover Box Set - Chicka Chicka Boom Boom + Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3
[* Sampson co-authored Chicka Chicka 1,2,3]
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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
INTERNATIONAL LITERACY ASSOCIATION + CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL CHILDREN’S CHOICES AWARD
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD
PARENTS’ CHOICE AWARD
BOSTON GLOBE/HORN BOOK AWARD HONOREE
KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS AWARD
BIENNIAL OF ILLUSTRATIONS BRATISLAVA
Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3
OPPENHEIM TOY PORTFOLIO GOLD AWARD
PARENTING MAGAZINE’S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2004
BILL MARTIN JR. PICTURE BOOK AWARD NOMINEE
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One hundred and one numbers climb the apple tree in this joyous rhyme that inspires kids to count, laugh, and play.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 2004; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Lois Ehlert; Available Formats: Hardcover + Board Book + Audio + eBook
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OPPENHEIM TOY PORTFOLIO GOLD AWARD
PARENTING MAGAZINE’S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2004
BILL MARTIN JR. PICTURE BOOK AWARD NOMINEE
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AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | INDIEBOUND | WALMART | TARGET
kitty cat, kitty cat collection
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Instead of getting ready, Kitty Cat is practicing her purr and more; will she make it to school on time?
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish 2008; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Laura J. Bryant; Available Formats: Hardcover + Paperback + Board Book + eBook
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“The ilustrations, rendered in watercolor and colored pencil, are playful, light, and absolutely adorable. This book is perfect for sharing one-on-one, preferably while snuggling.” —School Library Journal
“In many households, getting children out of bed, dressed, fed, and ready for school is an action-packed daily drama, filled with unexpected glitches and strange twists of direction. This delightfully comic rhyming book sets the struggle in a cat household, with one adorably recalcitrant kitten reenacting actions that engender the parental response, how can this be taking so long? Children should enjoy this recasting of their own getting-ready sagas.” —Booklist -
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Instead of getting ready to go to sleep, Kitty Cat is playing peekaboo and more; will she be able get to bed on time?
Publisher: Two Lions 2011; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Laura J. Bryant; Available Formats: Hardcover + Paperback + eBook
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“Martin and Sampson’s call-and-response verse is upbeat, even while the action simmers down as bedtime approaches. Those who similarly postpone the inevitable will relate to the feline s playful protest, and close-up images of Kitty Cat curled in a cozy pile of patterned blankets will have even adamant bedtime-naysayers stifling yawns.” —Publishers Weekly
“The soft palette and simple details have the perfect calming effect. This bedtime choice is best shared with cuddles and be ready to start the day with the companion title, Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, Are You Waking Up?” —School Library Journal -
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In the series finale, Kitty Cat discovers that there are lots of things to enjoy during her first day of school!
Publisher: Two Lions 2013; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Laura J. Bryant; Available Formats: Hardcover + Paperback + eBook
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“Adorable pictures, and an easy reader for beginners. Love it!” —Amazon Reviews
“Reminiscent of classic Martin books but differentiated by its other contributors, Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, Are You Going to School? is a jubilant story of a kitten's day-long school experience. The colorful illustrations will delight young readers.” —Goodreads Reviews -
bible stories collection
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With catchy rhymes and colorful depictions, this Bible-based story engages young readers.
Publisher: Thomas Nelson 2000; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Melissa Iwai; Available Formats: Hardcover + Board Book + eBook
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“Adapting the structure and rhythms of Martin's classic Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? to Christian themes, Martin and Sampson offer young children a friendly, age-appropriate introduction to biblical figures and concepts. In just a few words, they encapsulate and allude to the Bible's most dramatic moments, leaving plenty of room for discussion and leading readers to the biblical verses that serve as sources.” —Publishers Weekly
“This one is a kid-pleaser and introduces children to some great Biblical heroes.” —Goodreads Reviews -
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This vibrant book introduces little ones to beloved Bible heroes through a captivating, rhythmic story.
Publisher: Thomas Nelson 2017; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Melissa Iwai; Available Formats: Board Book
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“I'd highly recommend Noah, Noah, What Do You See? to help teach your children some important Bible stories.” —Barnes & Noble Reviews
“Touching on all the memorable stories from the Old and New Testament, your child will be reading along and smiling big at all the wonderful illustrations.” —Goodreads Reviews -
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | INDIEBOUND | WALMART | TARGET
current releases
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Sleepy little monkeys everywhere will clap, stomp, shake, and cheer while chanting this rhythmic, energetic dance song based on a popular playground game. And as they move their heads, hands, hips, and feet―everyone will be bursting with clapping energy―and ready to start a new day!
Publisher: Scholastic 2017; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Brian Won; Available Formats: Hardcover + Paperback + Audio + eBook
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2017 GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD NOMINEE FOR PICTURE BOOKS
2018 CLEL BELL PICTURE BOOK AWARDS NOMINEE FOR SING
“An infectious, rhythmic dancing game, complete with clapping, stomping, and shaking. It's nearly impossible to resist joining in, and possibly even more difficult to get the rhyming song out of one's head once the book is through ...With simple, lyrical repetition, this is a fantastic book for young children and one that can easily be adapted for young elementary-age kids." —School Library Journal
"Will make any fan of the Martin and Sampson books feel at home." —Publishers Weekly
"A great way to get the wiggles out, young readers can't help but join this energetic monkey as he stomps, claps, and cheers his way through the pages and into the day." —Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor -
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | INDIEBOUND | WALMART | TARGET
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A celebration of the animals all around us! Big, small, black, brown—all kinds of animals make their home in our world. From the jungle to the mountains to your own backyard, listen and you just might hear the sounds they make.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books 2016; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Melissa Sweet; Available Formats: Hardcover + eBook
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“This book is so visually rich that children will quickly be searching the pages for words to shout. A delightful introduction to the variety of environments that make up the world we live in. Highly recommended.” —School Library Journal
“Readers see families of Gila monsters, bald eagles, kangaroos, elephants, whales, and more, all shown where they live, all making noises to listen for. At last, the tale comes full circle as a mother bids her child good night. Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet’s artwork has a primitive, folk-art feel in line with her earlier books, with dreamy, subdued shades of green and blue throughout.” —Publishers Weekly
“Readers of all ages will be charmed by the warmth of Melissa Sweet’s illustrations in this celebration of our world. End notes include the habitat for each creature mentioned and a short, interesting fact. There is so much of interest here that lucky listeners will want to experience it again and again before sleep.” —Booklist -
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | INDIEBOUND | WALMART | TARGET
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Ryan and Ben were intrigued when Mr. Kramer, their middle school science teacher, told them that time travel was possible. That evening they stood in front of a 150 year-old mirror, and their lives were forever changed. Can the mirror that took them back in time return them to the present?
Publisher: CreateSpace 2016; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Floyd Cooper; Available Formats: Paperback + eBook
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“Excellent content to teach history 1850s...Great for high interest!” —Goodreads Reviews
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Once upon a time there was a little squeegy bug. No one knew where he came from. He wasn’t an ant. He wasn’t a cricket. And he certainly wasn’t a flea. What was he? Follow along with this lovable bug that tries to discover his true identity.
Publisher: Two Lions, 2012; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Patrick Corrigan; Available Formats: Hardcover + Paperback + Audio + eBook
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“A sparkling, shorter version of Martin's first book, The Little Squeegy Bug is a warm story about identity and belonging, originally published 51 years ago. Newcomer Patrick Corrigan contributes appealingly stylized, digitally prepared art in which luminous hues light up the pages.” —Publishers Weekly
“It's about nonviolence, persistence, and the importance of having an identity and a purpose … And the pictures are wonderful. Children will be fascinated by unusual perspectives and imaginative details.” —School Library Journal
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Years in the making, this definitive anthology of children's poetry contains nearly 200 poems, all of them handpicked by Bill Martin Jr. Traditional children's poems are presented alongside contemporary pieces, and the collection is capped off with tributes by Eric Carle and Steven Kellog.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 2008; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Multiple Artists; Available Formats: Hardcover
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“This grand and varied anthology contains an impressive number of old favorites and newer selections. Grouped by theme, such as animals, nature, feelings, school, family, and nonsense, the poems represent an appealing range of humor, pathos, and meditative wonder. This finely crafted, accessible collection should resonate with a wide audience of readers; it deserves a place in most schools and libraries.” —School Library Journal
“The almost 200 selections in this big handsome anthology, created by Martin Jr. and published posthumously with Sampson’s help, have a singing beat that will turn even young kids on to what Steven Kellogg calls the ‘music of language.’ The collection brings together poems from Robert Frost, Christina Rossetti, Langston Hughes, Nikki Grimes, Aliki, Jack Prelutsky, and many other well-known poets. Accompanying the poems are pictures from many of the best picture-book illustrators, whose work, often in the artists’ signature styles, extends the words' lyrical rhythms and playfulness. The pages are spaciously designed and organized into thematic sections, such as animals, people and places, school, nonsense, family, and feelings, closing with a big final group of Mother Goose rhymes. This is a great gift book as well as a strong library and classroom anthology for browsing and reading aloud. Adults, in particular, will enjoy Eric Carle’s moving introduction.” —Booklist -
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | INDIEBOUND | WALMART | TARGET
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Readers explore our home in this joyous tribute to the environment through poetic celebration of Earth's colors, climates, and seasons. Panoramic photographs capture the majesty of nature from swirling deserts to curling ocean waves.
Publisher: Charlesbridge 2009; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Photographer: Dan Lipow; Available Formats: Hardcover + Paperback
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PLEASE TOUCH MUSEUM’S BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD
“A wee paean to the glories of nature, in an accessible format. Ecology for the very young!” —Booklist
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Chicken Chuck, the rooster, who has set himself up as boss of the barnyard by virtue of the special blue feather in the middle of his forehead, finds his authority undermined by a circus horse with two blue feathers.
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish 2005; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Bernard Martin, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Steven Salerno; Available Formats: Hardcover + Paperback
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“Chicken Chuck is truly a delightful story to read to the special children in your life. The illustrations are spectacular, filled with explosive colors that capture a child's imagination. Reading this story book to your child is a gift in itself.” —Amazon Reviews
“This whimsical charmer hearkens back to the Golden Age of children's books. The story is simple yet involving with a barnyard-full of engaging characters.” —Amazon Reviews -
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Children in the United States have been reciting the Pledge of Allegiance since 1892 — and for about that long, they've found its big words confusing. This delightful book gives children a hand to better understand and celebrate the patriotic poem.
Publisher: Candlewick 2004; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Chris Raschka; Available Formats: Hardcover + Paperback
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AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD
2002 BOOKLINK EDITOR’S BEST AWARD
CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY’S BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS HONOREE
"Finally, here's a picture book that helps young children move beyond rote recitation of the Pledge to find meaning in its language. This is the book parents and teachers have been waiting for." —Booklist
"Simple without being simplistic, this cleverly designed volume spells out the concrete meaning behind the words in the Pledge of Allegiance while deftly communicating the democratic spirit and principles that inspired it." —Publishers Weekly -
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | INDIEBOUND | WALMART | TARGET
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After a successful trick-or-treat trip through his apartment building, a young boy's bag of goodies is turned into a crazy collection of unusual items after his encounter with a wizard on the top floor.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 2002; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Paul Meisel; Available Formats: Hardcover + Paperback
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“Counting and word games result when a trick-or-treater makes the rounds of his 10-story apartment building. On his way upstairs, the junior Dracula gets Licorice Twists, Chocolate Sticks and so forth, but, on the top floor, a gleeful neighbor in Merlin guise sends him ‘WackBards!’ The boy proceeds in reverse, receiving Stocolate Chicks, Twicorice Lists, etc. Meisel gamely draws a crateful of chicks, elaborately scrawled lists, etc., and Martin and Sampson's expertly cadenced inside-out wordplay could prove habit-forming.” —Publishers Weekly
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In this heartwarming story, Jennifer barely has time to get to know the stray dog she has taken in before she runs off, only to be discovered many miles away on a golf course. The lovable blue heeler is taken in by two boys who name her Caddie and grow to love her as one of the family.
Publisher: Walker Childrens 2002; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Floyd Cooper; Available Formats: Hardcover + Paperback
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“The emotions described will resonate with children, especially the sadness of having to give up a beloved animal. Cooper's distinctive oil-wash style creates softly focused illustrations that complement this gentle tale. An animal story with lots of heart.” —School Library Journal
“This collaborative effort from two award-winning authors is a tender story about the strong affection between pets and their people; its warmth is beautifully reflected in Cooper's large, expressive illustrations, which capture a broad range of emotions on the faces of both Caddie and the folks who care for and love her.” —Booklist -
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The numbers are having a party in the vegetable garden! Bouncy rhymes and bold, bright art make for a lively and delicious introduction to counting. In Rock It, Sock It, Number Line, the co-authors make numbers fun and relatable for the youngest readers.
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) 2001; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Heather Cahoon; Available Formats: Hardcover + Paperback
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“Rather than admonish children to eat their vegetables, Martin and Sampson urge youngsters to give this food group a listen. Cahoon's characters embody a winning, retro cheekiness; her vegetables and numerals burst with joie de vivre.” —Publishers Weekly
“This picture book is quite enjoyable. The refrain is catchy and could certainly be enjoyed in a program about numbers, gardens, or even soup.” —School Library Journal -
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Meet Granny Whiteoak, once a star quarterback in her youth, who magically jumps off the sidelines to help her favorite team win the big game. Hilarious and delightfully rhythmic, readers will be cheering for Granny.
Publisher: Boyd Mills Press 2001; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Michael Chesworth; Available Formats: Hardcover
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“Martin has coupled his notorious sense of humor with his favorite sport to come up with a quirky little picture book. While many young readers may be unfamiliar with the football terms, such as ‘snap from the center,’ they will immediately get the rhythm and the playfulness of the words. Everyone will be cheering for Granny.” —School Library Journal
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In this fast-paced book about girls' basketball, the Cardinals and Bluejays are in the championship game of the playoffs. The tension builds as the clock ticks away, and with one second left, the score is tied at 44/44 . . . who will win the game?
Publisher: Square Fish 2000; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Michael Chesworth; Available Formats: Hardcover + Paperback
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“With rhythmic text and dynamic art, Swish! draws readers into the final minute of a hotly contested game between two girls’ basketball teams … A bright and cheery choice for reading aloud to budding basketball enthusiasts." —School Library Journal
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Sharing the tale of Si Won, a young Korean child who has to prove he belongs in American culture, this is a moving, sensitive story of two children who reach out in friendship and love.
Publisher: Celebration Press 1997; Authors: Bill Martin Jr, Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Floyd Cooper; Available Formats: Paperback
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more to explore
In addition to his work with Martin, Sampson has written books independently and in collaboration with other authors; take a look at his upcoming and current releases!
new + next
RELEASED 8 | 8 | 23
RELEASED 12 | 13 | 22
current releases
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Using the classic cumulative pattern of This Is the House That Jack Built, The Football that Won takes readers from the kickoff to the winning touchdown of a very big game.
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) 1996; Author: Michael Sampson; Illustrator: Ted Rand; Available Formats: Hardcover + Paperback
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"Young football fans will delight in this story about a Super Bowl game. Even youngsters who aren't followers of football will enjoy the story's familiar cadence." ―School Library Journal
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Join Marvelous Mouse, Cannonball Cat, and a whole cast of circus animals as each proclaims himself or herself the star of the circus. The satisfying conclusion to the story shows all of the animals banding together to realize they are all stars of the circus.
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) 1997; Authors: Michael Sampson, Mary Beth Sampson; Illustrator: Jose Aruego; Available Formats: Hardcover + Paperback
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“A delightful story with a recurring pattern, told in only 28 words. Eight animals with alliterative names (Zany Zebra, Marvelous Mouse, Crazy Kangaroo, etc.) vie for circus stardom. In fact, each creature announces himself as the ‘star of the circus’ only to be driven off the stage by a bigger and fiercer animal who claims the spot. In a clever and surprising conclusion, the smaller characters band together into a fearsome shadow creature and frighten Elegant Elephant off his pedestal. Readers will join in the exuberant laughter that follows his plea for help, and even Elegant Elephant sports a small smile when he realizes the trick. ‘We're all stars of the circus!’ shout the animals in a very satisfying ending. Aruego and Dewey's characteristic vibrant pen-and-ink and gouache illustrations capture the spirit of the story and add to the pleasure. Each animal wiggles with personality in these pictures. The book will be fun to share with groups and will make a nice addition to the pattern books that are so important to beginning readers.” ―School Library Journal
“Just as dazzling, zany, and jazzy as the characters' names is the artwork, which features simple line drawings electrified with vibrant color combinations. The climax of the story happens in the illustrations, not in the text, a rare occurrence even in such a visual medium. Children will recognize the repeated sentiment from their own experiences with establishing pecking order. Although teachers and parents may see this as an antidote for one-up-manship among the younger crowd, preschoolers will appreciate it most as an appealing collaboration of words and text.” ―Booklist -