New Releases by Gene Barretta

Celebrate the defining moments of a great American painter''s journey to creating his own voice in this stunning portrait of Andrew Wyeth. Andrew Wyeth is one of the greatest American painters of the twentieth century. Before he found his creative voice, he was a boy growing up in an artistic family, spending his time in rural Pennsylvania and Maine. Andy, as he was called by his family, was trained by his father, renowned artist N.C. Wyeth, but they didn''t always see eye to eye. Pa wanted his son to work in bold, bright colors, and to fill his compositions with exciting characters and places. But to Andy, the most exciting stories to paint were the ones he lived every day, that featured the familiar people and places he loved most. Here''s a portrait of a masterful American painter whose childhood shaped the painter he would become. It showcases Andrew Wyeth''s unique world. The back matter includes six reproductions of celebrated Wyeth paintings. The project has been fully endorsed by the Wyeth Foundation for American Art.

The inspirational story of George Washington Carver and his childhood secret garden is brought to life in this picture book biography by the author-illustrator team behind Muhammad Ali: A Champion Is Born. When George Washington Carver was just a young child, he had a secret: a garden of his own. Here, he rolled dirt between his fingers to check if plants needed more rain or sun. He protected roots through harsh winters, so plants could be reborn in the spring. He trimmed flowers, spread soil, studied life cycles. And it was in this very place that George''s love of nature sprouted into something so much more--his future. Gene Barretta''s moving words and Frank Morrison''s beautiful paintings tell the inspiring life and history of George Washington Carver, from a baby born into slavery to celebrated botanist, scientist, and inventor. His passion and determination are the seeds to this lasting story about triumph over hardship--a tale that begins in a secret garden. * A Texas Bluebonnet Award Book of the Year *

"A picture book biography of Steven Spielberg, the celebrated filmmaker"--

A reissue of the companion book to "Dear Deer: A Book of Homophones" and "The Bat Can Bat: A Book of True Homonyms" that focuses on language and word play. Full color.

Playing a variety of sports, an assortment of animals introduces words that sound and are spelled the same but have different meanings, such as "bat," a flying mammal, and "bat," an implement for hitting a baseball. Full color.

In this picture book biography of Muhammad Ali, author Gene Barretta and illustrator Frank Morrison tell the unforgettable childhood story of this legendary boxing champion and how one pivotal moment set him on his path to become the Greatest of All Time. The Louisville Lip. The Greatest. The People’s Champion. Muhammad Ali had many nicknames. But before he became one of the most recognizable faces in the world, before the nicknames and the championships, before he converted to Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali, he was twelve-year-old Cassius Clay riding a brand-new red-and-white bicycle through the streets of Louisville, Kentucky. One fateful day, this proud and bold young boy had that bike stolen, his prized possession, and he wouldn’t let it go. Not without a fight. This would be the day he discovered boxing. And a champion was born. Back matter includes biographical overview, photos, bibliography, and more resources.

President Abraham Lincoln grew up in a one-room log cabin. President John F. Kennedy was raised in the lap of luxury. One was a Republican and one a Democrat. They lived and served a hundred years apart. Yet they had a number of things in common. Some were coincidental: having seven letters in their last names. Some were monumental: Lincoln''s support for the abolitionist movement and Kennedy''s support for the civil rights movement. They both lost a son while in office. And, of course, both were assassinated. In this illuminating book, Gene Barretta offers an insightful portrait of two of our country''s most famous presidents.

A companion to Gene Barretta''s books on famous inventors.

Playing a variety of musical instruments, an all-animal touring concert group introduces words that are spelled the same but sound differently and have different meanings, such as "tear" (to cry) and "tear" (to rip). Full color.

Looks at Leonardo da Vinci love of nature and how it inspired many of his ideas.

A mysterious villain is tripping the poor, innocent students at Dizzie Day Elementary School.They''re tripping; they''re flipping; they''re flying through the air! Worst of all, they''re losing their homework as they fall.The whole town is in a frenzy searching for the boot-wearing culprit ...until one student makes a startling confession.With vivid illustrations-and plenty of clues for readers to do their own detective work-Gene Barretta has created a hilarious, creepy tale about the perils (and sometime rewards!) of following the crowd.

What would you do if you lived in a community without a library, hospital, post office, or fire department ? If you were Benjamin Franklin, you''d set up these organizations yourself. Franklin also designed the lightning rod, suggested the idea of daylight saving time, and invented bifocals and the odometer - all inspired by his common sense and intelligence.

When clever Aunt Ant moves to the zoo, she describes the quirky animal behavior she observes by speaking in homophones, from the moose who loved mousse to the fox who blew blue bubbles.

The inventions and inspiration of Benjamin Franklin and how they''ve stood the test of time What would you do if you lived in a community without a library, hospital, post office, or fire department? If you were Benjamin Franklin, you''d set up these organizations yourself. Franklin also designed the lightning rod, suggested the idea of daylight savings time, and invented bifocals-all inspired by his common sense and intelligence. In this informative book, Gene Barretta brings Benjamin Franklin''s genius to life, deepening our appreciation for one of the most influential figures in American history. Now & Ben is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children''s Book of the Year.