Pearl loves to dance! But will she love preschool, too? Pearl loves attending dance classes at her mother’s ballet school. Even though Pearl is the youngest and smallest ballerina, she knows how to count her poses and follow along. When her mom suggests that Pearl try going to preschool, Pearl has a lot of questions: What will she learn? Will there be dancing? A sweet and reassuring story about trying something new that’s perfect for young children with separation anxiety — or who just love to dance!

A young child has a fun-filled day with her parents at the big parade.

"What if I want to be a pirate and sail away on a pirate ship?" Danny asks his mom. She will be sad; but if Danny doesn't like it and wants to go home, she will come to the rescue, even if she has to ride on a dolphin, battle sea monsters, and wield a bottle of pirate-shrinking spray to do it! Young readers will love this adventurous and ultimately reassuring tale of a mother's love.

Originally published in a slightly different form by Beach Lane Books in 2011.

A gently reassuring picture book about the milestone of a first sleepover, for fans of The Invisible String by Patrice Karst and Wemberly Worries by Kevin Henkes. Every night at home, Darcy brushes her teeth with strawberry toothpaste; she snuggles in bed with Little Cat; and she falls asleep to the sound of her dad washing the dishes. But tonight, Darcy is having her very first sleepover! Even though it’s at her cousin Kayla’s house, it still feels a little daunting. Kayla has peppermint toothpaste, a baby bear named Charlotte, and howling winds outside her window. Darcy misses her dad and her own cozy bedroom. Should she ask her aunt to take her home? This rewarding tale celebrates the excitement of new experiences and the power of quiet growth. Backmatter also included shedding light on steps parents can take when helping kids prepare for their first sleepover! Christy Ottaviano Books

Lily likes to wear the cat mask that her father bought for her, but she isn't allowed to wear it in school until her class has a costume party, where she makes a new friend.

Brownie & Pearl get ready for bed in this snuggly Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read story. What sorts of things do Brownie and her cat, Pearl, have to do before they’re ready to hit the hay? First they take a bath and put on pajamas. (Well, Brownie puts on pajamas!) Then it’s time for a snack and a story—about a cat, of course. And then it’s upstairs for a good night’s sleep snuggled up together in a warm, cozy bed! This adorable ready-for-bed story, originally published as a picture book, is now a Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read that’s perfect for beginning readers.

Carlos Abredo is scared to start kindergarten, but a special teacher with an amazing hat helps give him the confidence to start the school year with a smile. "A practically perfect first-experience story, especially for anxious hearts and gentle spirits." Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW "Jewel-toned pictures echo the sweet simplicity of Lawler and Rodriguez's tribute to an intuitive teacher." Publishers Weekly Carlos Abredo loves building forts, playing soccer, vrooming cars, and gardening. But after moving to a new town, he's nervous to start his first day of kindergarten. What if the bus gets lost? What if he can't make friends? What if he can't find his teacher?! Starting school can be intimidating for anyone, but when you're also the new kid, it can be downright scary. When Carlos gets a letter from his new teacher, he starts to feel a little better. He picks out a gift for her, and after a much-needed hug from Mom, he sets off for his first day. But when his present is accidentally ruined, Carlos has to get creative to save the day.

It’s a hot summer day, and Brownie and Pearl are off to take a dip in their small blue backyard pool. They grab their bathing suits, their beach ball, and their super-chic sunglasses and get ready to soak. But when—oops!—Pearl takes a surprise spill into the water, will Brownie be able to revive her pal’s sopping-wet spirits? Complete with lemonade and sunbathing, this Brownie & Pearl story subtly models conflict resolution—and is incredibly refreshing!

Gerald tells of the very unusual animals he would add to the zoo, if he were in charge.