After a hot day in South Africa's Mpumalanga bushveld, Noko, a young crested porcupine with a big heart, scurries out of his burrow to meet up with his many friends at night school. But just before he leaves, his parents summon him back with exciting news. He's going to be a big brother! Unfortunately, Noko isn't nearly as thrilled as his mother and father. Noko is the baby of the family, and he thinks it should stay that way. Feeling sad and dejected, Noko dashes off into the darkness before his parents can say another word. As Noko struggles to come to terms with his emotions, a friend overhears his plight and attempts to offer him help. Instead, Noko accidentally hurts him-a mistake that causes the young porcupine even more sadness. Meanwhile, his buddies aren't sure what's going on- but they know they must approach Noko with kindness if they ever hope to help him. A charming story of friendship and compassion, "Noko the Knight" is the perfect tale for young readers who are learning how to express their budding emotions.

The first generation of American television programmers had few choices of Saturday morning children's offerings. That changed dramatically in 1963 when a Japanese animated television series called Tetsuan Atom was acquired for distribution by NBC. Fred Ladd adapted the show for American television and--rechristened Astro Boy--it was an overnight sensation. Astro Boy's popularity sparked a new industry importing animated television from Japan. Ladd went on to adapt numerous Japanese animated imports, and here provides an insider's view of the creation of an ongoing cultural and media phenomenon.

The definitive biography of the Scottish singer-songwriter and leader of the Associates—with a new foreword by Björk. A first-rate charmer with a devilish twinkle in his eye, Billy MacKenzie was a maverick figure within the music industry. At the same time, his wild and mischievous spirit may have done him more harm than good. As frontman of the Associates, gifted with an otherwordly, octave-scaling operatic voice, MacKenzie, rose to Top Twenty chart success in 1982. Then, at the height of their success, the Associates split up. Over the ensuing years, MacKenzie gained a reputation for his unhinged career tactics, generous spirit and knack for squandering large amounts of record-company money. Born in Dundee in 1957, he was the eldest son in a large Catholic family. He was bullied at school and sought refuge in music. He was a schemer and dreamer, a breeder of whippet dogs and a bisexual who kept quiet about his private life. During his lifetime, his unique vocal gift attracted the attention of Shirley Bassey, Annie Lennox and Bjork. However, in the tradition of Scott Walker, Syd Barrett and Nick Drake, MacKenzie's tale is one of thwarted talent and, ultimately, tragedy.

Rebecca loves everything about summer camp, but making friends turns out to be harder than she expected. What secret is her bunkmate hiding and why? When camp pranks start getting out of hand and a girl goes missing, Rebecca is determined to find out what's really going on.