New Releases by Linda Ashman

Sometimes love happens in an instant. From their first meeting, a kid and his dog become best friends. As the years go by, their bond grows deeper as they play games, go on adventures, learn new tricks, comfort each other, and celebrate milestones together. But when it’s time to say goodbye, there’s heartache and empty spaces everywhere. Despite the sadness, love remembers . . . and never goes away.

Kids discover animal extremes through playful poems and fascinating facts. Who’s tops in the animal world? Readers get to find out, as they play a guessing game that uses delightful persona poems to introduce 19 animals who are the best in some way. Each poem offers hints about the identity of an animal and what makes it so amazing. Included are popular categories, such as Biggest Animal Ever (blue whale) and Fastest Short-Distance Runner (cheetah), as well as more unexpected ones, such as Best Engineer (North American beaver) and Longest Tongue (giant anteater). It’s a lively, fun way to learn - for animal lovers of every stripe!

This tender and humorous picture book is an ode to all dogs do, from the extraordinary to the everyday. THEY’RE WONDER DOGS! They catch and carry, Search and save, Inspect and guide— They’re smart and brave! Next to these amazing dogs, everyday pooches like Butters might not look like much—he drools, he sheds, he hogs the bed. But he also listens close, and keeps us warm, and offers comfort in a storm. He’s a wonder dog, too, and his superpower is loving you!

ALSC Notable Children''s Book • Kirkus Reviews Best Book FOUR STARRED REVIEWS! ★ Booklist ★ Kirkus ★ PW ★ SLJ Perfect for fans of firefighters and fire trucks, this energetic rhyming picture book shows how a fire chief and her crew keep their community safe. . . . lights begin flashing, and—CLANG!—the bells blast. They leap into action— they need to move FAST! If a puppy is in danger or a café is on fire, Fire Chief Fran is ready to help! Featuring a strong female role model, a huge fire truck, and an action-packed story, this read-aloud is a dynamic introduction to a day in the life of a firefighter. Follow along as Fire Chief Fran and her team respond not only to fires, but also to injuries, blocked roads, and more. With an irresistible rhyming text, acclaimed author Linda Ashman celebrates the many ways that firefighters help their communities. The book concludes with an author’s note that is packed with further fascinating information about firefighters, their equipment, their fire trucks, their training, and more.

From acclaimed author Linda Ashman and illustrator Eve Coy comes this joyful picture book about making new friends and finding common ground We’re opposites! / You’re right—we are. Like big and small. / Like near and far. But even when we disagree / I like you, and you like me. A rhyming friendship story told in two voices, this picture book follows two children as they try to discover what they have in common, from favorite toys to shaggy dogs to pizza toppings. With its gentle message and dynamic illustrations, this sweet story is sure to resonate with young readers.

Abby is anxious to host the perfect tea party for a friend she idolizes, but life serves up a sweet taste of the fun to be had when perfection is off the table. Have you met Phoebe—Miss Phoebe Dupree? Phoebe’s as perfect as perfect can be. To Abby, her friend Phoebe can do no wrong. Phoebe is speedy. Phoebe is smart. She’s equally brilliant at science and art. So when the budding hostess invites Phoebe over for a tea party, everything from the sugary treats on the menu to Abby’s dog, Louie, must be, well . . . perfect. But when life—and possibly Louie—send a clear message to let loose, the girls indulge in a perfectly imperfect playdate. Linda Ashman’s vivacious rhyme and Alea Marley’s inviting illustrations serve up a classic tale of enduring friendship at a tea party that will leave readers wanting to pull up a chair.

En medio de una ajetreada mudanza, ¡Elefanta se cuela en la casa! Nadie se da cuenta, a excepción de una pequeña niña que acoge con cariño a sunueva amiga. Los distraídos adultos no prestan atención cuando les cuenta sobre su invitada, y la confunden con la hija de los vecinos... Ele...¿quién? Elefanta. Un pequeño y divertido malentendido. La niña y Elefanta ayudan en casa, juegan,hacen una fiesta y se empapan juntas... hasta que llega la noticia de que hay una bebé elefanta perdida. Una emotiva historia que nos habla de hacer nuevos amigos y, a veces, dejarlos ir.

Ways to Welcomes is a sweet, timely picture book from writer Linda Ashman and illustrator Joey Chou about kindness and connection, ideal for schools and classrooms. A welcome can be warm Or cold, Shy and quiet, Big and bold. An offering, A smiling face, That lights an unfamiliar place. There’s lots of ways to show we care and welcome friends from everywhere! When everyone knows they’re welcome, the world is a better place—and you might just make a new friend. This sweet, timeless picture book about small acts of kindness in a big world is one that kids and parents are sure to reach for again and again.

A storm and its sunny aftermath come to life through gorgeous art and lyrical text. What do you do when the clouds roll in, When the wind chimes clang and the weather vanes spin? When stormy skies threaten, people stock up on supplies, bring in their outside toys, and check the news for updates. And during the storm, if the power goes out, they can play games and tell stories by candlelight. But what do animals do? They watch and listen, look for a cozy den or some other sheltered spot, and hunker down to wait. After the storm, while the people are cleaning up their yards, making repairs, and checking on the neighbors, the animals emerge from their hiding places and shake off the rain. And everyone is happy to be out in the sunshine again, grateful for better weather and the company of friends.

A celebration of fathers and their sons and daughters.

Del ilustrador ganador del premio Caldecott por Last Stop on Market Street, este libro de tablero bilingüe es una historia perfecta para un viaje, ¡llueva o haga sol! En un día lluvioso, una ciudad cobra vida cuando un niño con gorro de rana verde chapotea contento en los charcos mientras un anciano maldice los "condenados charcos". ¿Podrá la felicidad del niño convertir el ceño fruncido del gruñón en sonrisa? Con maravillosas ilustraciones de papel cortado y colores llamativos, ¡Lluvia! / Rain! —un libro de tablero bilingüe con un reparto diverso de personajes— es un viaje extraordinariamente simple pero a la vez sofisticado desde la tristeza y melancolía hacia la felicidad y alegría. From the Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator of Last Stop on Market Street, this bilingual board book is perfect for on-the-go storytime—rain or shine! A rainy-day city comes to life when a boy in his green frog hat splashes in puddles—“Hoppy, hoppy, hoppy!”—while an old man curses the “dang puddles.” Can the boy''s smile turn the grumpy man''s frown upside down? With brilliant cut-paper art and bold colors, ¡Lluvia/Rain! —a bilingual board book featuring a diverse cast of characters—is an extraordinarily simple yet sophisticated journey from feeling sad and gloomy to radiating happiness and joy.

Wouldn''t it be fun to bring your pet to school? Now imagine if EVERYONE brought their pet to school! That''s exactly what happens in this hilarious picture book! A lighthearted, perfect read for back to school--no matter what that looks like! When pets show up with their kids at Maple View Elementary, it''s total chaos! These animals have no respect for school rules, and every class quickly gets out of hand. But why did they show up in the first place? Who said they could come? Could it have been...the pets themselves? It turns out they just wanted in on the fun! Now, if they want to stay, they''ll just have to behave.... Linda Ashman''s bouncy, rhyming text lends itself perfectly to an exuberant classroom read-aloud, and Suzanne Kaufman''s playful art is full of hilarious details. A great way to generate enthusiasm for school, this book will easily find a place in pet lovers'' hearts.

William and his animal friends have had the whole winter to nap. Now it''s time for them to wake up and welcome a very special guest. There''s lots to do to get ready, from scrubbing the floors to decorating the house to baking a tasty treat. But it''s so hard to leave a cozy bed. . . . Will everyone get up in time to do their part? This book''s gentle rhymes and humorous illustrations full of signs of spring will make it a little easier to wait for the first warm days of the season.

A joyous glimpse into different cultures Children living in different parts of the world see very different things when they gaze out of their windows. One child looks out over a boulevard lined with palm trees, another sees a train whistling past snow-capped mountains, and another waves to her father as he tends to their garden. But while their lives may seem different, there’s something important that they all share. This beautiful book will spark readers’ curiosity and imaginau00adtion with its celebration of global diversity.

Just when William is ready to fall asleep in his cozy cabin, there is a tap on his window. A chilly chipmunk asks to stay, and Will scooches over in bed. "There''s room for two -- I''m sure we''ll fit." The chipmunk is just the first in a parade of mammals, each bigger than the last, until the bed is full. Then a note is slipped beneath the door: "Do you have room for just one more?" William tugs the door to see who''s there . . . only to find a great big BEAR! Is there enough space to spare? Will the other animals be willing to share? Kids will delight at each new guest''s arrival and enjoy counting along as the animals keep scooching over to fit in William''s bed. Linda Ashman''s clever rhymes set up each page turn with suspense and humor, and the expressions on Chuck Groenink''s characters are perfect. This is must reading for the dark time of year when everyone wants to hibernate!

Good attitude can chase away the blues at any age! Now in a board book format for more rainy day reading.

New York Times bestselling artist Jane Dyer and acclaimed author Linda Ashman collaborate on this tender story of a mother’s unconditional love for her child. A seed knows how to sprout. A lamb knows how to bleat. A bee knows where the nectar is to make the honey sweet. Stars shine, seasons change, and waves rise and fall. Invoking the majestic beauty of the natural world, a mother affectionately explains that some things just come naturally—like a parent’s love. With poignant illustrations and a timeless theme, All We Know celebrates discovery, new life, and above all, the love between parent and child.

More games, more races, more tickles, more books—little Henry can’t get enough! When a toddler is armed with that useful word and the world is full of brand-new things, his family just doesn’t stand a chance. Follow Henry on his exhausting and all-too-familiar day filled with play . . . and a lot of love! Buoyant rhymes and charming illustrations strike a heartwarming note that will ring true with families of energetic little ones.

Turning a beloved lullaby on its head, this wonderful read-aloud pairs playful text and enchanting paintings to create a rollicking escapade with a clever premise and a cozy conclusion. “Rock-a-bye, Baby, in the treetop. How did you ever get so high up?” That’s a good question—and this delightful book weaves a gentle fantasy around the baby who finds himself in that very predicament! A marvelous adventure ensues, taking Baby from the tree branches to a farm full of animals to a ride down the river, and finally on a flight through the night sky into the safety of Mama’s arms.

In this delightful love letter to a growing child, Linda Ashman and You Byun celebrate the magic of those fleeting days of early childhood. Their lively read-aloud shows the delight to be found in the world of a toddler. Every day brings new milestones and adventure—and little Buttercup is eager to reach out and experience it all, while her mother is always eager to reach out with a hug. Rhyming text captures a mother and baby''s joy in their shared time, and charming paintings make all the moments—both quiet and boisterous—shine.

Simple rhyming text encourages children to set aside anger and irritation and find peace within themselves, and with the world.

From the author of "Babies on the Go" comes an intergenerational story of howa good attitude can chase away the blues at any age. Full color.

An ideal book for animal lovers, "No Dogs Allowed!" offers a satisfying message about acceptance in spite of differences. Full color.

A look at life in a medieval castle from the viewpoints of its manyy inhabitants.

A large family gets into an increasingly complicated home repair situation when the doorknob falls off a door.

A young boy describes how he is no longer "king" now that there is a new baby in the house, but then his family helps him enjoy the change.

A rhyme for each letter of the alphabet describes the misbehavior of a child, from Angry Abby to Zany Zelda.

The family dog describes her life in a series of rhymes.

Illustrations and rhyming text show how different animals carry their babies when they are on the move.

In rhyming text, mothers and their babies are described sharing in a variety of activities, from playing at the ocean to reading books and taking a bath.