In the previously published work, I’m Awful Glad I’m Not A Bug, we met (8) characters who now have stories of their own to be told. In this story Vi, a Maine chickadee, shares the ups and downs of Libby Lou Ladybug who bullies everyone but learns to be a good friend. Soon to come Vi will share the adventures of a very special mouse.

Libby the ladybug wanted to play with other ladybugs but was rejected for not having spots, Feeling sad she met a girl who painted spots on her, Excited, Libby showed the other ladybugs, but the spots washed off, leading to more ridicule. Ruby befriended Libby, who learned patience from a butterfly and acceptance from a beetle. Libby eventually finds her spots, was accepted by the ladybugs and became friends with Ruby. The story emphasizes acceptance and patience.c

Libby the Ladybug is a sweet and loving little ladybug who wonders why she does not have any spots on her back like the rest of her ladybug friends. She tries to earn spots, but doesn't quite get it right. The funny thing is, when Libby doesn't try so hard, amazing things happen! Enjoy the adventures of Libby the Ladybug and see the wonderful lesson of helpfulness that she learns along the way.

Libby's great aunt, Lobo, is from Mexico, but the United States has been her home for many years, and she wants to become a U.S. citizen. At the end of the week, Lobo will say the Pledge of Allegiance at a special ceremony. Libby is also learning the Pledge this week, at school—at the end of the week, she will stand up in front of everyone and lead the class in the Pledge. Libby and Lobo practice together—asking questions and sharing stories and memories—until they both stand tall and proud, with their hands over their hearts.

Elizabeth Cotten was only a little girl when she picked up a guitar for the first time. It wasn't hers (it was her big brother's), and it wasn't strung right for her (she was left-handed). But she flipped that guitar upside down and backwards and taught herself how to play it anyway. By age eleven, she'd written "Freight Train," one of the most famous folk songs of the twentieth century. And by the end of her life, people everywhere—from the sunny beaches of California to the rolling hills of England—knew her music. This lyrical, loving picture book from popular singer-songwriter Laura Veirs and debut illustrator Tatyana Fazlalizadeh tells the story of the determined, gifted, daring Elizabeth Cotten—one of the most celebrated American folk musicians of all time.

The amazing true story of a herd of elephants, the man who saved them, and the miracle of love that brought them home. One day in 1999, Lawrence Anthony and Françoise Malby hear that a herd of wild African elephants need a new home. They welcome the elephants to their wildlife sanctuary—Thula Thula—with open arms. But the elephants are much less sure they want to stay. How will Lawrence prove to them that they are safe and loved? What follows is a gorgeously illustrated real-life story of a friendship . . . and the story of the miraculous way that love given freely will return—greater and more wonderful than it began. • TOUCHING ANIMAL FRIENDSHIPS: Owen and Mzee, Tarra and Bella, Rescue and Jessica . . . touching true stories of the emotional bonds possible between species are charming, and speak to the limitlessness of love. • ELEPHANT APPEAL: Elephants are one of the most fascinating and charming wild animals in all of nature. This heartwarming true story will intrigue and inspire children, and turn even the most reluctant readers into elephant enthusiasts. • CONSERVATION THEME: This book tells the true story of caring for one of the world's most beloved endangered animals: the African elephant. This book is a great, upbeat jumping-off point for discussions of the importance of preserving endangered species and their environments. • ENGAGING NONFICTION: There's no better way to get readers hooked on factual books than to offer them real-life stories with heart and meaning. • STRONG CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) emphasize learning about animal habitats/biomes in K–2 curriculums, while later grades address topics like conservation and endangered species. With a depth of research and an engaging, highly visual narrative, this book is an excellent resource for librarians and primary school educators. Perfect for: • Kindergarten and elementary school teachers • Parents and grandparents • Librarians • Lovers of animals, wildlife, and the natural world • Zoo and natural history museumgoers

This Is Owl is a bright and cheerful interactive picture book with lots of flaps and accompanying actions that make it loads of fun to read together! Meet Owl. Oh wait, it's daytime. Meet Owl now, at night, when he's most active -- even if he isn't the most graceful. When the act of sneaking up on Beetle goes awry, it's up to readers to help Owl flap his wings and right himself. But when Owl is determined to make his own way, readers are taken on a journey, first to find Owl and then meet his budding family!

Using your imagination is so much fun! It can take you on new and exciting adventures. I wrote this poem, when I was 17, for an assignment for English class. Thirty years later, I turned it into a book called I’m Awful Glad I’m Not A Bug. It has now been remastered with the illustrations done by my daughter, Zoe McMann.

As "deputy librarian" to her Aunt Nora, Libby is so serious about protecting books that she chases away other book lovers, until she sees that a librarian's real job is to connect books with readers.