New Releases by Clyde Robert Bulla

The opera cycle, The Ring of the Nibelung, by Richard Wagner, stands as one of the greatest achievements in the history of music. Wagner based his Ring cycle on tales from Norse and German mythology after studying ancient legends of gods, demigods, and earthly beings. He spent years writing and shaping his material, the result was an epic story, heroic and exalted, told through his stirring music. Clyde Robert Bulla tells the stories that make up The Ring of the Nibelung cycle: The Rhinegold, The Valkyrie, Siegfried, The Dusk of the Gods. Magical and mysterious, they are larger than life, yet based on human emotions. He brings Wagner''s epic tale of love, hate, greed, and goodness, to life simply but dramatically. Bulla includes musical themes from the four operas, and writes of Wagner''s life and his struggles to break with tradition, creating a new form of opera-the music drama. Readers who love lore and legends, and readers who admire Wagner''s music will welcome the simple beauty of Bulla''s powerful tales. Strikingly illustrated with woodcuts by Clare and John Ross.

A classroom favorite about the power of art and creativity. A new neighborhood. A new school. A lonely birthday. Life isn’t easy for nine-year-old Gregory. Then he finds an abandoned chalk factory behind his house. It’s a secret place, just for him! Now he can draw anything he imagines on the dark brick walls. What amazing thing will Gregory draw first? Two beloved classics—The Chalk Box Kid and The Paint Brush Kid—get a vibrant new look!

First published in 1960, this classic text about how trees grow from seeds is reissued with new art and activities that readers can join in with.

Join Frank, Ellen, and the whole Davis family on their adventure west during the Gold Rush of 1849. This exciting chronicle has the same appeal as Laura Ingalls Wilder''s Little House books.

Young and orphaned, Tom Pippin has just been sold by his greedy uncle to the captain of a great sailing ship bound for America. Although Tom has been sold into slavery, no one can buy or sell his unwavering spirit. Tom longs to be free on the shores of America, but when a pirate''s ship captures his boat, the young boy''s life changes forever. Pirate Captain Land and his motley crew of men reveal to Tom all of the secrets—and dangers—of the pirate''s life. Peter Burchard''s black and white drawings throughout illustrate Tom''s journey.

Best-selling author Clyde Robert Bulla''s classic, finely-crafted Arthurian tale with its sword fights, dark and dangerous dungeon, roguish knaves, action-packed showdowns and tales of dangerous feats, will appeal to emerging readers who are ready for chapter books and reluctant tween readers alike. In the days of King Arthur there stood a mighty oak tree within the walls of a castle. Peace reigned in the castle until the fearsome night when Lionel, long-lost brother of Lord Weldon, returned to cause trouble and unhappiness. It was then that Shan, the son of Lord Weldon, took on the duties of a knight and hid the sword in the hollow of the giant oak. The days that followed were filled with adventures that tried the courage of the young boy. Shan was surprised by bearded robbers in the woods. He met noble knights in plumed helmets, and eventually he even made a trip to high-towered Camelot. His story is filled with the pageantry and color of England in King Arthur''s time. It creates a vivid picture of the Knights of the Round Table and the wisdom of King Arthur himself.

Who ever heard of a shoeshine girl? The last thing Sarah Ida wants to do is spend the summer with her Aunt Claudia. But when her parents send her away because of problems at home, that is exactly what she has to do. With no allowance and no fun to be had, Sarah Ida decides to look for a job. But who will hire a ten year old? Al, the shoeshine man, will! Sarah loves her job, even if it means getting knee-deep in shoe polish everyday. Then something terrible happens and it looks like the shoeshine stand will have to close forever. If Sarah Ida wants to keep it open, she''ll have to learn a few lessons about growing up along the way ...

The Paintbrush Kid

Relates the history and describes the customs of this holiday from its beginning in Roman times to the present. Includes directions for making a paper valentine and sugar cookies.

Nine-year-old Gregory paints pictures representing the life of the Mexican American old man known as Uncle Pancho and attempts to save him from losing his house.

When you run, your shadow runs. But you can never catch it! What makes a shadow? Where does it come from? When the sun is shining, everything has its own shadow -- trees, houses, cars, even clouds and planes way up in the sky. You have a shadow, too. As the sun sets, all shadows become part of a much larger one -- the night! With simple words and charming illustrations, Clyde Robert Bulla and June Otani explain how shadows are produced. Young readers will discover what makes the shadows they see and will be introduced to the fun of making shadows of their own.

Claudine''s father creates an angel that looks like her dead mother and then a series of angel sculptures that take on a special significance for her when she goes to live with her aunt after her father''s death.

When the cruel cousin he has been working for refuses to let him leave at the end of the summer, a young Navajo boy runs away to rejoin his family and go to school.

When you run, your shadow runs. But you can never catch it! What makes a shadow? Where does it come from? When the sun is shining, everything has its own shadow -- trees, houses, cars, even clouds and planes way up in the sky. You have a shadow, too. As the sun sets, all shadows become part of a much larger one -- the night! With simple words and charming illustrations, Clyde Robert Bulla and June Otani explain how shadows are produced. Young readers will discover what makes the shadows they see and will be introduced to the fun of making shadows of their own.

A boy finds himself the owner of a mule that likes children but is very hostile to adults. To the parents'' dismay and the boy''s delight, all attempts to sell the animal fail.

A collection of children''s books on the subject of Valentine''s Day.

A poor, friendless English boy, shipped to America as an indentured servant in the early eighteenth century, runs away from a cruel master and dreams of building a house of his own.

Two brothers who squabble all the time cause their mother great despair, until a common purpose unites them in working unselfishly together--enabling them to give their mother her dearest wish for Christmas.

Left on their own in seventeenth-century London, three impoverished children draw upon all their resources to stay together and make their way to the Virginia colony in search of their father.

The life of an eleven-year-old farm boy is changed when he meets an enchanting young stranger from the city, the princess with the cardboard crown.

For use in schools and libraries only. An Indian goes to London with some of the first English explorers, is sold into slavery in Spain, and finally returns to America where he befriends the Pilgrims when they land.

When a poor orphan is found by his rich uncle, the boy''s life changes dramatically.

A boy living in an almost deserted town is distressed to hear that his family will have to give up their store and move into the city, but when friends visit, bringing an old diary, he hopes to find gold that will keep the town from being a ghost town.

A lonely prince forms a satisfying though dangerous friendship with a monster.

An old woman, so stubborn she won''t leave her house and farm which are crumbling into the river, meets an equally stubborn little girl who wants her to leave.

Monica doesn''t particularly like the new girl at school, but when she receives a mysterious note stating that Rhoda is in danger she must make a decision whether to help or not.

Thirteen-year-old Marco''s vague memories of a brother take on reality in a terrifying way.

The youngest in the family, Allen seems to be always running after his ever-active sister and brothers until he discovers the satisfaction of just being quiet and observing things around him.