Timmy and Tammy love to play with toy trains and hear train stories, and when their parents take them on a real train ride the experience is everything they imagined it could be.

For use in schools and libraries only. Five children pay the fare, pass through the gates, and zip through the tunnels of subway stations in ten cities around the globe. The trip around the world underscores how travel and cultural connections create community.

Fresh, fun ideas for children's storytime fill this book. The author, a long-time storytime facilitator, has put together 52 weekly themes plus additional plans for holidays, all with detailed instructions for talking about the theme and choosing the books, crafts, songs, poems, games and snacks. Each storytime idea is illustrated with photographs of a suggested craft and snack for easy reference. Libraries, bookstores, preschools and parents alike can use this book to offer themed storytimes that include discussion, literature, art, music, movement and food. Options are provided for each storytime, so the ideas can be used year after year.

Explore the first English children’s picture book on how fireworks and gunpowder were created! This action-packed adventure features amazing illustrations which make history come alive. This is the second adventure in our series on cool inventions created in Asia. The cute red panda Dao transports the kids Emma and Ethan back in time to learn how fantastic creations came to be! This exciting journey investigates fireworks and gunpowder. It is like Globe Trekker meeting Back to the Future! The trio begins their trip 2,000 years ago in China! Alchemists discovered the secret formula for explosive powder and ancient dynasties used it.... even in war. Witness the evolution from flamethrower and bomb to gun and missile. However, fireworks also spread across the globe! Zip through the centuries to see how scientific advancements made new colors and shapes. Now everyone can celebrate happy occasions with dazzling light shows in the sky. Adults and children will enjoy this sequel to The Discovery of Ramen. This story vividly introduces interesting facts (even chemistry) with globe trotting. Readers will learn lessons never taught in school, plus see how these creations made possible modern pyrotechnics for festivals and holidays, from the Fourth of July to New Year’s. Discover more amazing inventions from The Asian Hall of Fame in the future! Teachers and librarians will appreciate how students eagerly absorb history, culture, and key words. Fans of comics and graphic novels will delight in the dynamic artwork, scenes so spectacular that you can see the sparkles and smell the smoke coming off the printed pages. - - - "We found this absolutely fascinating from both the perspective of enjoying a slice of Chinese history that made a huge contribution to something that people all around the world can enjoy at different times of the year, but also from the technical perspective of learning some of the intricate secrets of how fireworks actually do their thing. With a simple yet brilliantly explained set of facts worked into the story, and some really gorgeous illustrations, we'll be keeping an eye on Immedium's fabulous publications from now on." - Read it Daddy “The story carries a good balance between science and entertainment. Education, history and folktales blend to make a fun and engaging children’s book. The storytelling style intrigues readers to turn the page. It is a great read for children to encourage curiosity and adventure.” - Sampan “an immediate and enduringly popular addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections.” - Midwest Book Review

Hannah is a spirited horse who has a lot riding on her! This feisty filly’s amazing journey celebrates the new year and kids’ can-do attitudes. 2014 is The Year of the Horse! Hannah is a foal who has a talented family and yearns to have special skills too. She befriends the boy Tom. Together can they bring his art teacher's important painting to the capital faraway? Hannah jumps at the chance to show that a little horse can have a lot of courage. When others think she’s too young, can Hannah prove her unbridled spirit can blaze its own trail? Illustrating expressive characters and vibrant action, artist Jennifer Wood creates an inviting new world for readers to explore. Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is a popular annual children’s book series showcasing the twelve charming animals that embody the Chinese New Year. Hannah’s rousing quest to discover her true nature will delight children and adults alike. Kids love identifying with how each animal embarks on a unique quest to discover his or her own character: Bright and dynamic illustrations will appeal to parents, those interested in Asian culture, and, of course, horse lovers. Teachers appreciate how Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is the only English series on each of the animals of the Chinese lunar calendar. Librarians like how it one of the longest-running children's book series featuring Asian American themes. Now readers everywhere can enjoy these entertaining and original tales. - - - "...each lunar year gets an energetic, giggle-inducing welcome with [the] Tales from the Chinese Zodiac... As she did in The Year of the Dragon and The Year of the Snake, illustrator Jennifer Wood continues to provide the same delightfully equitable page time for all the zodiac animals, adding another engaging level of ‘hide-and-seek’ for younger readers. Author Chin again introduces rollicking exploits to inspire and entertain, all the while celebrating the Asian culture that infuses our daily American lives." - BookDragon, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center blog “[An] imaginative menagerie of endearing characters, whose stories embody the chief characteristics of each animal of the Chinese Zodiac in turn. These are also tales of friendship and finding a place in the world.” - Paper Tigers “The bright illustrations reflect the illustrator Jennifer Wood's animation background and highlight the Chinese landscape, wildlife and architecture." - Sampan

Learn about the most popular game in human history! The Discovery of Chess is the first English children's book on how chess came to be. Dao is an adorable red panda who can travel back in time and place! He befriends the curious kids Ethan and Emma and transports them in the blink of an eye to Asia. Together they (and appreciative readers) have fun discovering how some very cool creations were invented there. If only every school field trip was like this! In their latest adventure, the trio teleport to India to see how chess was created! Using the traditional parts of the ancient Indian army, rajas strategized, using a board as a battlefield. This battle of wits traveled west along the Silk Road and across empires. Pieces and play evolved into Europe, influenced by royalty, religion, and the Renaissance. Through travel and media, chess conquered the world of recreation! ------------------------------------------------------ “... this informative and fascinating tale will also entertain chess players of all ages. Young readers will enjoy the illustrations just as much as the narrative, and families and friends will appreciate having this book to share their knowledge about the history of chess. The authors have filled a significant void in chess literature for children.” - Ray Linville, Chess.com

Suzie wants to prove to everyone that snakes have what it takes! This helpful serpent’s misison to rewrite social stereotypes celebrates the new year. Suzie is a young serpent who seeks high-flying adventure. The girl Lily befriends the snake, much to her grandparents' chagrin. However, Suzie aims to shed others' negative perceptions of snakes. Can she prove her versatility to Lily's family and the neighboring animals? And what will Suzie do when the wisest choice is to lie low? 2013 was The Year of the Snake. When others doubt her, can Suzie show that an adaptable attitude can overcome all obstacles? Illustrating expressive characters and vibrant action, artist Jennifer Wood creates an inviting new world for readers to explore. Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is a popular annual children’s book series showcasing the twelve charming animals that embody the Chinese New Year. Suzie’s rollercoaster ride to discover her true nature will delight children and adults alike. Kids love identifying with how each animal embarks on a unique quest to discover his or her own character: Bright and dynamic illustrations will appeal to parents, those interested in Asian culture, and, of course, lovers of serpents and dragons. Teachers appreciate how Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is the only English series on each of the animals of the Chinese lunar calendar. Librarians like how it one of the longest-running children's book series featuring Asian American themes. Now readers everywhere can enjoy these entertaining and original tales. - - - "The book is gorgeously illustrated by Jennifer Wood in lush pastels... The heartwarming story about overcoming misconceptions resounds in any culture. It also doesn’t hurt that the heroine is playful and enjoys being a little girl’s jump rope. Despite the scales and fangs, Suzie is a snake with a heart of gold". - Sampan "In The Year of the Snake, Chin has managed to weave an adventurous story of friendship and acceptance into an important cultural lesson about the Chinese Zodiac... As a Teacher Librarian, I am continually searching for books that have a positive message as well as captivating illustrations, and The Year of the Snake is just that! - Julie Griffin, Palo Alto Unified School District, CA

Sydney is a bold lamb with a keen nose for adventure. Her breathtaking journey celebrates the new year. 2015 was The Year of the Sheep. Sydney may walk to the beat of a different drummer. However, after a storm strikes and causes a problem for everyone, can Sydney show them how valuable a sheep's qualities can be? Befriending people and the other zodiac animals, Sydney shows the best traits of people born in The Year of the Sheep, Illustrating expressive characters and vibrant action, artist Alina Chau creates an inviting new world for readers to explore. Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is a popular annual children’s book series showcasing the twelve charming animals that embody the Chinese New Year. Sydney’s stirring travels to discover her real nature will delight children and adults alike. Kids love identifying with how each animal embarks on a unique quest to discover his or her own character: Bright and dynamic illustrations will appeal to parents, those interested in Asian culture, and, of course, animal lovers. Teachers appreciate how Tales from the Chinese Zodiac is the only English series on each of the animals of the Chinese lunar calendar. Librarians like how it one of the longest-running children's book series featuring Asian American themes. Now readers everywhere can enjoy these entertaining and original tales. - - - "Oliver Chin’s Tales from the Chinese Zodiac delight the eyes and heart.... The Year of the Sheep is no exception, with beautiful artwork and an inspirational message." - Sampan “With themes that include cooperation, friendship, creativity and even a dose of engineering, this delightful picture book is an excellent choice to share with young children. The soft watercolor illustrations by Alina Chau are a perfect fit for the story.” - Baltimore County Public Library "Combined with Chau’s stylized illustrations in a rainbow of colors, the prose in The Year of the Sheep demonstrates the personality of one particular little lamb Sydney, the story’s main character....Parents will enjoy sharing this picture book about the rewards of being a team player." - Good Reads with Ronna

Olivia the ox learns what her best qualities really are when her friend Mei needs help as a flood threatens their village. Lists the birth years and characteristics of individuals born in the Chinese Year of the Ox.

Enjoy the first English children’s picture book on how Japan’s ramen noodles were created! Amazingly illustrated, this storybook features a glossary of Japanese terms. This is the first adventure in our series on cool inventions created in Asia. The cute red panda Dao makes history come alive by transporting the kids Emma and Ethan back in time. Together they learn how fantastic creations came to be and zip back to the future! This dynamic journey explores the invention of ramen. This quest is like Chef’s Table meets Back to the Future! The trio begins their trip in 1800’s Japan. They travel from the unpaved streets where pushcart vendors cooked to the growing capital of Tokyo. They witness the rise of instant ramen, Momofuku Ando’s Nissin cup of noodles, and now four star restaurants and celebrity chefs. Along the way, Dao and the kids visit ramen factories and museums and even zoom to outer space! Kids and educators will appreciate the story’s comprehensive scope and Japanese glossary. Since nearly every city has a ramen restaurant, adults and kids will enjoy learning how their favorite noodles are made! Readers will discover how chefs use different broths and ingredients to boost the special flavor of umami (the savory fifth taste) to make delicious noodle soups. Along the way, teachers and librarians will appreciate how students eagerly absorb Japanese food history, culinary culture, and key words. Fans of cooking shows and home cooks will delight in the dynamic artwork which render tasty dishes in mouthwatering color to the point where you can smell the aroma coming off the printed pages. - - - “Perhaps no dish says more about our hunger for Asian food today than ramen. This delightful tale shares the story of how this iconic noodle journeyed from China to worldwide acclaim as both comfort food and instant grub, beloved by bellies of all ages. Thanks for spreading awareness of Asian culture through its delicious cuisine!” — Danielle Chang, Founder of Luckyrice (www.luckyrice.com) and Creator of PBS TV series Lucky Chow “For youngsters, adults and noodle enthusiasts alike, this tale is not to be missed... Whatever your age, The Discovery of Ramen is an experience to whet your appetite with a subject worth savoring.” - Sampan “Travel across the world and back in time with Emma and Ethan as they learn all about the history and tradition of ramen from Dao, an adorable red panda who just happens to be an expert on Asian culture, cuisine, and, of course, all things ramen. Amusing anime-style illustrations show the magical, wide-eyed trio flying over China and Japan, tiptoeing past Taiwan, and floating into outer space on a fun, informative, and savory adventure.” - Foreword magazine “I really enjoyed reading about the history of ramen, and I suspect that whether your kids are already fans of these curly noodles in their various forms or not, this is a book that will definitely tempt their taste buds. I made them for my Kiddo when she was very young, and she’s been a ramen fan ever since.” - Randomly Reading