New Releases by Hudson Talbott

Winner of a Schneider Family Honor! “A beautifully rendered and deeply inspiring book for everyone who has ever read slowly—myself included! Hudson shows us the beauty and magic that can come from taking our time. Brilliant.”—Jacqueline Woodson Hudson Talbott''s inspiring story vividly reveals the challenges--and ultimately the rewards--of being a non-mainstream kind of learner. When Hudson Talbott was a little boy, he loved drawing, and it came naturally to him. But reading? No way! One at a time, words weren''t a problem, but long sentences were a struggle. As his friends moved on to thicker books, he kept his slow reading a secret. But that got harder every year. He felt alone, lost, and afraid in a world of too many words. Fortunately, his love of stories wouldn''t let him give up. He started giving himself permission to read at his own pace, using the words he knew as stepping-stones to help draw him into a story. And he found he wasn''t so alone--in fact, lots of brilliant people were slow readers, too. Learning to accept the fact that everyone does things in their own unique way, and that was okay, freed him up and ultimately helped Hudson thrive and become the fabulous storyteller he is today.

This fascinating look at artist Thomas Cole''s life takes readers from his humble beginnings to his development of a new painting style that became America''s first formal art movement: the Hudson River school of painting. Thomas Cole was always looking for something new to draw. Born in England during the Industrial Revolution, he was fascinated by tales of the American countryside, and was ecstatic to move there in 1818. The life of an artist was difficult at first, however Thomas kept his dream alive by drawing constantly and seeking out other artists. But everything changed for him when he was given a ticket for a boat trip up the Hudson River to see the wilderness of the Catskill Mountains. The haunting beauty of the landscape sparked his imagination and would inspire him for the rest of his life. The majestic paintings that followed struck a chord with the public and drew other artists to follow in his footsteps, in the first art movement born in America. His landscape paintings also started a conversation on how to protect the country''s wild beauty. Hudson Talbott takes readers on a unique journey as he depicts the immigrant artist falling in love with--and fighting to preserve--his new country.

Beginning with two orphans--a prehistoric boy and a wolf cub-- imagines how the bond between man and wolf might have formed and looks at how it changed through their shared history as wolves became domesticated and diversified into more than 400 breeds of dog.

Part geography lesson, part introduction ornithology, United Tweets is all fun . . . a feathered pageant matching the 50 state birds--USA Today *INCLUDES* Fun facts, a full map of the United States, all the state capitals, and hilarious illustrations of each state bird! Welcome to the United Tweets Pageant! This colorful parade of state birds competing to be Top Tweet will have readers of all ages laughing aloud. From Alabama''s Yellowhammer to Wyoming''s Western Meadowlark, each bird is a winner, and each bird loves to show off the state it calls home. Hudson Talbott has created an inspired introduction to states and their birds. His vibrant, detailed illustrations infuse the birds'' interactions with energy and humor, making this a great way to spark kids'' interest in United States history, geography, and, of course, wildlife!

Experience an African safari as you follow the smart and spunky twelve-year-old Carey Monroe and his new friend, Pilot, on their exciting adventures in Kenya.

What happens when scientists from outer space test a new brain-developing product on dinosaurs, educate them, and drop them off in the middle of New York City''s Thanksgiving Day Parade? "Readers five and up will adore the off-beat humor of this prehistoric tour de force." --Parents Magazine. This is the book on which Steven Spielberg''s movie was based. Lively narration by Fred Berman (The Lion King on Broadway). Narration by Fred Berman (The Lion King on Broadway)

Jaap Penraat can''t understand the Germans'' hatred of his Jewish neighbors in his hometown of Amsterdam. As the restrictions multiply and the violence escalates, Jaap knows he must take action to help his friends. He begins by using his father''s printing press to forge identification cards and papers for Jewish neighbors and refugees, but as the Nazi grasp tightens, he is forced to take a more drastic path--leading twenty Jews on the dangerous first leg of a journey to Paris, the start of the underground pipeline to safety.

The handwritten diary of a twelve-year-old boy offers readers a perspective on the Yanomami tribe that takes him in when his plane crashes, a story that follows such adventures as Alex''s participation in the rescue of a kidnapped girl. Engaging and exciting narration by Fred Berman (The Lion King on Broadway).

The Hudson River has been a source of inspiration and a means of livelihood to all who have lived along its shores. It played a key role in the settling of the New World and the outcome of the Revolutionary War, and was the birthplace of the environmental movement. Now Hudson Talbott pays homage to the river that shares his name in a gorgeously illustrated, fascinating account of the river?s history. Each appealing spread sheds exciting light on the river?s strategic, economic and cultural signifi cance. Packed with facts, timelines and maps, this is a wonderful introduction to a wide range of topics including the Age of Exploration, the Erie Canal, the Industrial Age, American arts and literature and the environment. River of Dreams is truly a book with something for everyone.

Someone has stolen the witch of Crookhaven''s horse, and there will be no peace in the village until it is returned. So bold, brassy Kate O''Sullivan takes matters into her own hands. But instead of saving the day, she manages to land herself--and her family--in trouble with the king. So Kate sets out to save their hides the only way she knows how--with a good story. Filled with imagination, wit, and a healthy helping of good old-fashioned Irish blarney, this is a hilarious tale that will keep readers coming back for more.