John Marco is small. And everyone around him is busy. Too busy to listen to John Marco. John Marco is busy, too—noticing the world around him. Maybe everyone should slow down and listen to John Marco. If they do, they might discover some pretty amazing things. They just need to pay attention. Like John Marco does. Bestselling author Annie Barrows has a singular talent for creating stories that speak directly to young readers. Here, in her first picture book, she celebrates the importance of slowing down as she reminds us that sometimes the smallest people have the biggest things to say.

John Marco is small. And everyone around him is busy. Too busy to listen to John Marco. John Marco is busy, too—noticing the world around him. Maybe everyone should slow down and listen to John Marco. If they do, they might discover some pretty amazing things. They just need to pay attention. Like John Marco does. Bestselling author Annie Barrows has a singular talent for creating stories that speak directly to young readers. Here, in her first picture book, she celebrates the importance of slowing down as she reminds us that sometimes the smallest people have the biggest things to say.

Featuring contributions from Jean Rabe, Fiona Patton, Tanya Huff, and Jody Lynn Nye, this collection of original tales visits a vast array of magical places where armies, comprised of fantastical creatures, secret weapons, and state-of-the art technology, wage war throughout the universe. Original.

A continuation of the Explorers series by award-winning author Sandra Markle, Animals Marco Polo Saw brings to life the amazing, exotic animals Marco Polo encountered during his explorations in Asia, how the animals sometimes affected the outcome of the journey, and even helped the explorer survive!

A nation's fate rests one one man's struggle between loyalty and desire. His enemies call Prince Richius "the Jackal," but he is merely a reluctant warrior for the Emperor in the fight for the strife-ridden borderland of Lucel-Lor. And though the empire's war machines are deadly, when the leader of a fanatical sect sweeps the battlefield with potent magic, Richius's forces are routed. He returns home defeated—but the Emperor will not accept the loss. Soon Richius is given one last chance to pit the empire's science against the enemy's devastating magic, and this time he fights for more than a ruler's mad whim. This time Richius has his own obsessive quest—and where he hesitated to go for an emperor's greed, for love he will plunge headlong into the grasp of the deadliest enemy he has ever encountered. . . .

Marco & Me is a collection of independent short stories based on the journeys and adventures of a real dog. Illustrated with heart-warming photos, this children's book is written in the first person narrated by the dog, Marco. He talks to young readers about his life and asks them questions. This is a lovable and relatable story that expresses the simple joys of an endearing dog. The book is also filled with valuable lessons, activities, and creative storytelling that will enhance your child's awareness, reading, and comprehension. Marco & Me is age appropriate for 3-10 years old: to be read aloud to children approximately 3-6 years old and independently by young readers 7-10 years old.

**A SOURCE FOR MARCO POLO, A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES** Marco Polo's journey from Venice, through Europe and most of Asia, to the court of Kublai Khan in China is one of the most audacious in history. His account of his experiences, known simply as The Travels, uncovered an entirely new world of emperors and concubines, great buildings - 'stately pleasure domes' in Coleridge's dreaming - huge armies and imperial riches. His book shaped the West's understanding of China for hundreds of years. John Man travelled in Marco's footsteps to Xanadu, in search of the truth behind Marco's stories; to separate legend from fact. Drawing on his own journey, archaeology and archival study, John Man paints a vivid picture of the man behind the myth and the true story of the great court of Kublai Khan.

Maurice rides his bike to his shop every day. Lotta rides her bike to collect sticks every day. Both go about their separate routines, unaware of the friendship that awaits them just a few blocks away. But what happens when a branch and a lemon peel get in the way? This delightful falling-in-like story from acclaimed picture book creators Carter Higgins and Zachariah OHora celebrates the power of coincidence to lead us to the friends we're meant to meet all along.

In this warm and tender story by the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Thank You, Omu!, join a mother and daughter on an up-and-down journey that reminds them of what's best about Saturdays: precious time together. Today would be special. Today would be splendid. It was Saturday! But sometimes, the best plans don't work out exactly the way you expect.... In this heartfelt and universal story, a mother and daughter look forward to their special Saturday routine together every single week. But this Saturday, one thing after another goes wrong--ruining storytime, salon time, picnic time, and the puppet show they'd been looking forward to going to all week. Mom is nearing a meltdown...until her loving daughter reminds her that being together is the most important thing of all. Author-artist Oge Mora's highly anticipated follow up to Caldecott Honor Thank You, Omu! features the same magnificently radiant artwork and celebration of sharing so beloved in her debut picture book.

From bestselling author Annie Barrows and Pura Belpré Honor award recipient Leo Espinosa, this funny yet thought-provoking picture book offers a sequence of outlandishly fun compare-and-contrasts that show how humans are much more like each other than we are different. A NEW WAY OF SEEING: The use of comparison and contrast gives readers a new lens through which to see themselves and others. HUMOR WITH HEART: Annie Barrows uses her trademarked humor to get readers laughing and thinking. GREAT READ-ALOUD: The silly and surprising text is the perfect read-aloud for homes and classrooms. Perfect for: Parents Grandparents Gift-givers Educators