New Releases by Cynthia Rylant

Hornbeam and his friends embark on three enterprising and entertaining new adventures in the second book in the Hornbeam series, from the creators of the Gooseberry Park, Motor Mouse, and Mr. Putter and Tabby books! Hornbeam the moose, Eureka the goose, Cuddy the bull, and Adorabelle the skunk are the best of friends through thick and thin. And when a problem needs solving, you can always count on your friends to help get the job done! In “March Worries,” Hornbeam is worried that the spring winds will blow away his blueberry bush and all the sweet treats he’s planning to make. When his overblown solution gets out of control, his pal Eureka is there to lend a hand. In “Food-Shopping,” Hornbeam and his good friend Cuddy like to food-shop together every Monday. But the deliciously distracting baked goods right beside the front door get in the way of their plans. Can they find a way to outsmart the enticing cupcake display? In “Game Night,” Eureka hosts a monthly game night for the group, where each of the friends shows up in their favorite outfits, and everyone goes home a winner!

From Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant comes a vibrantly illustrated, poetic picture book tribute to the beauty and magic of a rainy day. There is a softness and a quiet before the rain comes… When rain is on its way, some people and animals hurry home and get cozy inside. But others stay out to soak up the glorious showers! Wet drops bounce on leaves and roofs, creeks fill up, trees take a shower, cats have a show, and everyone relishes the rain. With lyrical words by award-winning author Cynthia Rylant and vibrant pictures by celebrated artist Lisa Congdon, this evocative picture book shows that rain is good for everyone.

Illustrations and text celebrate the many things--both big and small--that make a place feel like home.

Kona the labrador, Gwendolyn the hermit crab, and Murray the bat help a lost bobcat kitten find his family after being swept down the mountain from the rain.

Poppleton has great adventures every day! He stargazes with his friend Hudson. He goes shopping for a new bed. And he even goes sailing with his friend Fillmore!

Originally published: New York: Blue Sky Press, 1997.

Five guppies love their life in a little girl''s fish tank until some new additions shake things up.

Life is beautiful--ever changing, sometimes not easy--but it''s always worth waking up in the morning to see what might happen.

This lovely book illuminates all the possibilities a day offers—the opportunities and chances that won’t ever come again—and also delivers a gentle message of good stewardship of our planet. Newbery Medal winner Cynthia Rylant’s poetic text, alongside Nikki McClure’s stunning, meticulously crafted cut-paper art, makes this book not only timeless but appealing to all ages, from one to one hundred.

"The creation story illustrated in a folk-art style"--

Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant brings the peaceful sounds, sights, and characters of the coast vividly to life in the fourth book of the Lighthouse Family series, in which the family rescues a trapped turtle. A thick fog has found its way up north to the lighthouse family, surrounding the cliffs and waters below. Always ready to lend a hand, the lighthouse siblings Whistler and Lila help Seabold guide small ships to land. As they overlook the foggy waters, they hear a distant voice echoing from the rocks below. Who could it be? Using only a rope and their hearts to guide them, Seabold, Lila, and Whistler make their way down the side of the cliff. And what they discover will help them weather even the thickest fog—a new friend.

Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant brings the peaceful sounds, sights, and characters of the coast vividly to life in the sixth book of the Lighthouse Family series, in which the family assists an otter in need. On a lovely summer day, the lighthouse family hears the bell on the fog buoy ringing. It is an otter, whose sister is trapped in an old fishing net! With the help of some friendly dolphins and sawfish, the lighthouse family devises a plan to free the trapped otter—and makes two new friends along the way.

“Gently humorous and with underlying messages of friendship and sharing, this is a good addition to the series.”—School Library Journal Mrs. Teaberry has persuaded Mr. Putter to sign up for the seniors’ marathon. First prize is golf clubs, but second prize is…a train set! Mr. Putter really wants that train set. Never mind that he can’t even touch his toes. Somehow, he has got to find a way to place second. But now, someone else is running the race—with four legs… “Winsome and warmhearted, these books could become instant favorites.”—Publishers Weekly

Stumpy the Squirrel and friends team up to save the day in this charming standalone companion to the beloved Gooseberry Park, from Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant and illustrator Arthur Howard. There has been no rain for months, and all of the animals in Gooseberry Park are in danger. Can the crew of dear friends come up with a brilliant solution in time to save the day? Absolutely! Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant’s first novel in more than a decade has all the wit and charm of the first adventure of the Gooseberry Park gang, as she “ unspools a quietly magical tale of cooperation and kindness” (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

“It’s a grand experience, this set of poems, this rumination on the cat and the human condition” (School Library Journal). Boris is a big gray cat who loves sleeping and playing and exploring and hunting. And his owner loves him for all of his simple cat ways. But Boris, typical as he may be, is part of a much larger story in this moving exploration of love, longing, compassion, and most of all, the continuous give-and-take of companionship. Newbery Medal recipient Cynthia Rylant’s powerful collection of poems is sure to find its place in the hearts of readers of all ages, especially those who have been lucky enough to experience the many joys and hardships that come with true friendship. “Makes a great introduction for readers not comfortable with poetry. The poems tell an accessible, compelling story . . . Warm and tender.” —The Horn Book “With characteristic sensitivity, Rylant addresses one of her cats in a set of conversational free-verse poems—recalling the day she brought him and his sister home from the humane shelter, warning him about predatory eagles, congratulating him on bonding rather than battling with a new neighbor’s cat and on surviving a solitary jaunt into the surrounding woods.” —Kirkus Reviews “This can be appreciated for the sway of the writing or for its celebration of cats.” —Booklist

When Mr. Putter and Tabby take Mrs. Teaberry to the Conservatory for her birthday, Zeke tries his best to stay out of trouble, but one of the trees is irresistible.

A little girl and her cat enjoy preparing for bed with a bath, snack, and bedtime story.

This critically acclaimed winner of the Newbery Medal joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!Ever since May, Summer''s aunt and good-as-a-mother for the past six years, died in the garden among her pole beans and carrots, life for Summer and her Uncle Ob has been as bleak as winter. Ob doesn''t want to create his beautiful whirligigs anymore, and he and Summer have slipped into a sadness that they can''t shake off. They need May in whatever form they can have her -- a message, a whisper, a sign that will tell them what to do next. When that sign comes, Summer with discover that she and Ob can keep missing May but still go on with their lives.

A beautifully illustrated version of the classic fairy tale about a tin soldier’s adventure and his love for a ballerina, retold with a twist. With her signature warmth and lyricism, Newbery winner Cynthia Rylant has crafted a new version of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale about a tin soldier who falls in love with a ballerina. As in the original story, the tin soldier’s love for the beautiful ballerina is thwarted by a goblin. The tin soldier is separated from the other toys and washed down a sewer, where he encounters a rat and gets swallowed by a fish, but somehow, against all odds, he manages to end up back home only to be cast into the nursery fire. Rylant adds her own twist to the end of the tale, however, for in this version, the tin soldier and the ballerina are melded to each other, rather than melted, in the heat of the fire, so they’ll never be parted again. Rylant’s expert storytelling paired with Corace’s stunning illustrations create a beautiful, unforgettable tale of everlasting love. Praise for The Steadfast Tin Soldier “Gracefully written. . . . The book’s large format gives plenty of scope for Corace’s distinctive illustrations, precise ink drawings brightened with watercolor, gouache, and acrylic paints. Sometimes brilliantly colorful and sometimes more subdued, the scenes can be crowded with dozens of toys or other visual elements, but they show up well from a distance. The subtle depictions of the goblin and his shadow are particularly fine. A softened vision of the literary fairy tale.” —Booklist “Text and illustrations weave seamlessly to create an involving, fast-paced update of a much-loved tale. Rylant''s retelling is abridged, yet sprightly, and Corace’s watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and pen-and-ink illustrations add nuance and whimsy to Andersen''s original.” —School Library Journal

Annie convinces Henry to join a summer book club in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read by the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award–winning creators of Henry and Mudge. When Annie hears about the Book Bugs club at the library, she wants to join right away, but her cousin Henry isn’t so sure. He likes to do outside things with his dog, Mudge, and Annie’s bunny, Snowball. Reading is an inside thing, right? Henry is surprised to learn you can read anywhere: on the porch steps, on the swings, under the maple tree, or even in the maple tree! And after a wonderful summer of reading, Annie and Henry discover the best part is yet to come: They get to bring Snowball and Mudge to a Book Bugs picnic!

In this seventh book in the Henry and Mudge series, first Henry has a cold, and then Mudge gets sick, too. What can Henry do to help Mudge feel better?

Annie is the star of a school play in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read story from the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award–winning creators of Henry and Mudge! Annie is excited for her school play. She gets to be a star and wear a costume that sparkles and shines! Annie practices and practices in front of her cousin, Henry, and his big dog, Mudge, to prepare. But when the big night comes, Annie is nervous and scared. Can Annie’s family and pet bunny, Snowball, help to calm her before the show begins?

Brownie and Pearl are off to see the sights! Join them as they bundle up and head outside to explore their vibrant neighborhood on a beautiful snowy day. They visit all their favorite spots, like the shoe shop and the hat shop, before discovering the city’s sweetest sight of all. Mmm… cupcakes, anyone? With its lovable characters, delicious storyline, and irresistible illustrations, this third installment in the Brownie & Pearl series is full of holiday heart and flair.

In this 10th book in the Henry and Mudge series, Henry''s big dog Mudge does not know what these words mean: Heel. Sit. Stay. Mudge needs to go to school!

A comforting and playful exploration of a beloved dog''s journey after a happy life on Earth. In Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant''s classic bestseller, the author comforts readers young and old who have lost a dog. Recommended highly by pet lovers around the world, Dog Heaven not only comforts but also brings a tear to anyone who is devoted to a pet. From expansive fields where dogs can run and run to delicious biscuits no dog can resist, Rylant paints a warm and affectionate picture of the ideal place God would, of course, create for man''s best friend. The first picture book illustrated by the author, Dog Heaven is enhanced by Rylant''s bright, bold paintings that perfectly capture an afterlife sure to bring solace to anyone who is grieving.

This joyous celebration of a cat’s journey after a happy life on Earth by the Newbery Medalist “will kindle sighs even from the feline-indifferent” (Kirkus Reviews). “The way to Cat Heaven is a field of sweet grass, where crickets and butterflies play!” With a gentle, playful rhyme, Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant explores all the ways our beloved cats enjoy Cat Heaven, as she did for dogs in the–bestselling companion book, Dog Heaven. Her shining artwork illustrates a world of peace for cats in Heaven, where no tree is too tall for exploring, where there is no lack of angels’ laps for sleeping. If your child wonders where his or her kitty goes after a happy life on Earth, they can rest assured that all cats “know where the angel cats fly. They’ll run past the stars and the moon and the sun . . . to curl up with God in the sky.” “The visual impact of the book is stunning . . . Whether read as a story to younger children or used in a discussion of the nature of heaven with older ones, this deceptively simple, sweet book is rewarding.” —School Library Journal

Retells the myths about Pandora, Persephone, Orpheus, Pygmalion, Narcissus, and Psyche.

an amazing year Ellie Farley''s father, Okey, drinks too much, mostly because he hasn''t been able to work since he was injured in a mining accident. He hasn''t been able to hunt, either, so it''s strange when he brings home a hunting dog, a beagle named Bullet. But Bullet is only the first odd thing that happens to Ellie the year she''s eleven. She sees a favorite uncle go off to war; a boy in her class has a fit in the middle of geography and another is accidentally killed while target shooting; and Okey drives his Chevy pickup off the mountain, with near-tragic consequences. But still Ellie manages the ordinary pleasures of making a best friend and getting kissed for the first time -- it''s no wonder she confides to Bullet on her twelfth birthday, "Some year."

Celebrates the beauty of a snowfall and its happy effects on children.