This holiday is a salute to the men and women who have served in the United States military, both in times of war and times of peace. It is a day to express thanks for their willingness to wear the uniform. Through this book, kids will deepen their respect for and understanding of the armed forces.

In this story, various "characters," which happen to be menu items for a traditional Thanksgiving meal (turkey, sweet potato, cranberry, gravy, pumpkin pie, etc.), at first display various shortcomings such as self-importance and jealousy. But in the end, they work together to make a delicious Thanksgiving meal as a team as they reflect on what they are thankful for. The main messages brought out in this story are to be considerate, to work with others,...

Valerie Hart sheds light on overcrowded animal shelters in new coloring book: Television show host teaches children about shelter animals in CaliClaus and the Christmas Contraption MOUNT DORA, Fla. Valerie Hart, author of The New Tradition Cookbook and The Bounty of Central Florida, has been a community activist and food and travel journalist for 35 years. Her 10-year popular television show, The Back of the House, featured chef-owners of independent...

To the Parents of the Readers, I hope you enjoy this story as much as I believe your child will. As I wrote "The Big top Birthday", I saw throughout the story a focus on bonds of friendship and trust; as well as on commonality in the midst of difference. In this story, a common bond of friendship is formed between all of the boys and girls invited to Kiki's party. There are some other, more subtle learnings in all of the "My Friends and I" stories...

Ame, Celia, Felix, and Libbie sail their boat to a deserted island for a summer camping trip. They come from the city and this is a completely new environment for them, with strange encounters and some mysteries to solve. Meanwhile, a pirate called Captain Aliquis is fighting among the outer planets. Two interleaved stories, small and large challenges, and a developing friendship.

Everyone loves celebrating Labor Day weekend-it's the "last hurrah" of summer, with parades and picnics and fun. But on the first Monday of September, we remember the true meaning of the holiday: to celebrate and honor all the workers in our American labor force, especially those who fight for safe work places and fair pay.

Readers meet some colorful characters who enjoy a festive luau, complete with grass skirts and dancing. Books of the Neighborhood Readers Program build early literacy skills, introduce important content-area language, and help develop speaking and writing skills. They can be integrated into any existing language arts or core reading programs.

Describes how the Chinese New Year with costumes, food, visiting, gifts, and other rituals.

The olive harvest in Israel is a special time. See how the tiny spring flowers blossom into green fruit, then ripen into shiny black olives. Watch the olives as they're gathered, sorted, and pressed into oil. Then celebrate Hanukkah with an Israeli family, as they use the oil to light their Hanukkah menorah. Come and enjoy the harvest of light.

Beginning readers will enjoy learning how to compose numbers 11-19 with this brightly illustrated book. With vibrant images and easy-to-read text, this full-color text uses a real-world example of building and decorating a gingerbread house to teach math concepts. Students will develop their math and reading skills and be introduced to early STEM themes as they count the candy used to decorate a gingerbread house. The Math Talk section includes questions...