Most Popular Books by Mary Quattlebaum

Fred the ghost is perfectly happy haunting his ramshackle New Orleans house until Pierre and his daughter Marie move in and turn the house into a restaurant.

"Little ones will delight in the similarities lion, turtle, and even bee siblings have with human brothers and sisters in this charming read-aloud book. It opens with 10 kinds of animal siblings and segues naturally into young human brothers and sisters. The children reprise the animal actions, from leaping and pouncing to splashing and bouncing, and finally snuggling down to sleep. Interesting facts about each featured animal are provided for further learning"--

True stories of animals and the people who love them.

Basketball-loving Jackson Jones never wanted any part of Rooter’s, the community garden where his mother got him his very own plot for his 10th birthday. But he made the best of it, even planting a thorny rosebush. Now, after months of watering, weeding, and waiting, red roses have finally bloomed. So when Jackson learns that big city developers want to bulldoze Rooter’s, he can’t believe it. The garden means something to him, and he likes hanging out with the neighbors who tend their own plots. But what can Jackson do? With unasked-for help from well-meaning friends—and going to great lengths to avoid a fearsome bully who loves to taunt him—Jackson sets out to save Rooter’s. But coming up with a winning strategy isn’t so easy.

Bad Bart is the biggest, burliest boy pirate in the Atlantic. Mean Mo is the maddest, mightiest girl pirate in the Pacific. When they meet in the middle, it''s a no-holds-barred contest to see who is the best pirate in the world. They test who is brave enough to swim with sharks, who is strong enough to throw a cannonball, who can eat the most hard tack, and who has collected the most treasure. Again and again their respective crews proclaim, "Tie!" Bad Bart and Mean Mo stare each other down and . . . fall head over heads in love! This epic tale of the union of two pirate captains is told in seadog lingo and illustrated with of knockout oceanic battles.

Fifteen poems tell chronologically of a young girl''s experiences at her family''s week-long reunion.

Ben Watson has been shuffled from foster home to foster home since he was 5 years old. Seven homes in six years. He’s gotten used to blanking folks out, leaving them behind, and waiting for the day when he can leave foster care forever. Now, at the age of 11, Ben’s just arrived at home number eight. But he’s finding it hard to blank out the Torgles, his new foster parents, and their house full of strays: the 7-year-old twins, Kate and Jango, and the baby, Grover G. Graham. Grover’s just over a year old and always getting into trouble, but Ben can’t help liking the little guy — especially since Grover was abandoned by his teenage mother, just like Ben was. The only difference is that Grover’s mother, Tracey, is still trying to get custody of her child. But Ben is convinced Tracey will abandon Grover again. So when he gets the chance to escape from the system, Ben takes it. And he takes Grover with him.

Nothing but a big mess of trouble and weeds.. That''s what Jackson Jones thinks of the garden plot his mother gives him for his tenth birthday. What happened to the basketball he''s hoped and prayed for all year? When Jackson comes up with a moneymaking scheme for the garden, it doesn''t seem so bad after all. He even cuts his friends in on the action. But before long, Jackson finds out that friends and business don''t always mix. When the neighborhood bully calls him "Bouquet Jones," Jackson is ready to give up. Maybe gardens don''t belong in cities after all.... Winner of the first annual Marguerite de Angeli Prize.

It''s all in a days work for man''s best friend! Hero Dogs! presents three heartwarming stories of courageous canines. You''ll meet Glory, the bloodhound who helps track down lost pets, friendly terriers who play with orphaned hippos, and one amazing firehouse pup. Follow along on their adventures as they save lives and change the world.

Travel around the world to meet the cutest animals on Earth! Learn all about fennec foxes, owls, wombats, monkeys, frogs, penguins, wild cats and more in this wide-ranging Level 2 reader from the National Geographic Kids leveled reader series, now with more than 200 books, from Pre-reader to Level 3. Explore deserts, grasslands, rainforests, the ocean, and even your own backyard to discover the most aww-inducing creatures on the planet. Dance with little fairy penguins, bob with bobtail squids, waddle with wombats, and so much more. Learn about their habitats, their behaviors, and just what makes these animals so absolutely adorable. National Geographic Readers'' combination of expert-vetted text, brilliant images, and a fun approach to reading have proved to be a winning formula with kids, parents, and educators. This Level 2 text provides accessible information for animal-loving kids beginning to read independently, perfect to encourage the scientists and explorers of tomorrow! About the series: This high-interest, educationally vetted readers series features magnificent National Geographic images accompanied by text written by experienced, skilled children''s book authors. Each reader includes a glossary and interactive features in which kids get to use what they''ve learned in the book. Level 1 readers reinforce the content of the book with a kinesthetic learning activity. Level 2 readers feature slightly higher-level text and additional vocabulary words. Level 3 readers have more layers of information to challenge more proficient readers. For emerging readers, the Pre-reader level introduces vocabulary and concepts, and the Co-reader level provides a collaborative reading experience. Praise for National Geographic Readers:"Reliable in format and solid in execution, this series works well to introduce children of varying levels of reading comfort to nonfiction and research formats."

Jackson Jones can''t get away from roses. First his mother got him a plot at Rooter''s, a community garden, where Jackson planted a rosebush of thorns and no blooms. Now Mr. K., a fellow gardener, enlists Jackson''s help to rustle up some hardier, prettier, sweeter-smelling old-time roses. The kind that grow in cemeteries! But no sooner do Jackson and his good friend, Reuben, take the rose cutting home than Reuben''s gloom-and-doom talk of curses seems real. Broken bones. Poison ivy. Stinging bees. Jackson doesn''t want to believe that anyone who comes in contact with the cemetery roses or cut twig suffers any of these consequences. But could it be that by taking the cutting, Jackson places his friends, Rooter''s, and even himself--gulp!--under the curse of the outlaw rose?

A fluffy chicken and a pup on wheels? A goat and a donkey who are inseparable? Puppy and cheetah best friends? This new chapter book features all kinds of heartwarming, awwwww-inspiring—and completely true—stories about animal friendships. It''s so funny, sweet, and filled with engaging photos, fast facts, and fascinating sidebars, that you can''t help but want to cuddle up and read about these unlikely pairings and animal best buddies.

Nine-year-old Calvin''s dream of having a pet of his own is partially fulfilled when his neighbor Jenny gets a hamster named Pizzazz for her magic act.

ALL HAIL THE QUEEN! Visit castles, meet princes and princesses, attend a royal wedding, and travel the world through the story of Queen Elizabeth II of England. This Level 3 Reader tells the true story of a girl who never thought she would be queen. Readers meet Princess Elizabeth as a child playing with her favorite corgis and pony and follow the young woman who assumes the throne at age 25 and becomes one of the most famous, and longest reigning, queens in history. National Geographic Readers have been a hit in the leveled reader category, and this book follows upon that success with the same combination of careful text, brilliant photographs, and fun approach to the high-interest biographies that has proved to be a winning formula with kids. The level 3 text provides accessible yet wide-ranging information for independent readers. In this real-life fairy tale, explore the early life, coronation, and years of service and achievements of one of the world''s most loved and respected monarchs. Key features include: Expert-vetted text appropriate for ages 7 to 9 Beautiful and engaging photos Fun approach to high-interest biographies Praise for National Geographic Readers: "Reliable in format and solid in execution, this series works well to introduce children of varying levels of reading comfort to nonfiction and research formats." — Maggie Reagan, Booklist Explore more National Geographic Readers Biographies: National Geographic Readers: Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Level 3) National Geographic Readers: Buzz Aldrin (Level 3) National Geographic Readers: Alexander Hamilton (Level 3) National Geographic Readers: Cleopatra (Level 3)

In this jaunty, read-aloud journey, readers can follow the route of the train underground, as well as what''s going on above ground. Illustrations.

Rhymes about everyday life in the city through the four seasons.

Mama doesn''t want a big fuss on her birthday. But her daughter knows better and enlists the help of her two disorganized aunts to plan a surprise party. Illustrations.

Old MacDonald had a - garden? Yes Sing along with young Jo MacDonald as she grows healthy food for people and wild creatures. Find out how butterflies, bumblebees, and birds help a garden to thrive - and how you can help them too.

In this version of the classic song "Old MacDonald Had a Farm," the farmer''s granddaughter discovers the creatures living at a pond. End notes present facts, outdoor activities, and games related to this lively ecosystem.

"Although considered by some to be pests, moles are highly beneficial animals, very strong and remarkable in many ways. This picture book presents the fictional, yet scientifically accurate story of a mole. Back material presents educational activities for children and background information for parents and teachers"--

"In this version of the classic song "Old MacDonald Had a Farm," the farmer''s granddaughter discovers the creatures living at a nearby woods. End notes present facts, outdoor activities, and games related to this lively ecosystem"--

Calling all rabbit fanatics! Hop into these three true tales of bunny mischief, magic, and fun. Meet Xavier, a little bunny who gets into big trouble; Pippin, a real-life magician''s rabbit; and Paper Planes, the competitive rabbit-hopping star. These heartwarming, silly, and totally true multi-chapter stories are perfect for animal lovers and fans of lively, narrative writing. National Geographic Kids Chapter books pick up where the best-selling National Geographic Readers series leaves off, offering young readers who are ready for short chapters, incredible adventures and exciting, full-color true stories just right to carry in their backpack, share with friends, and read under the covers at night.

Is it a porcupine? A pine cone with a face? No! It''s a hedgehog! Learn all about hedgehogs in this engaging Level 1 reader from National Geographic Kids, now with more than 200 books from Pre-reader to Level 3 in the series. Packed with adorable photos of spiky, roly-poly hedgehogs, this book teaches kids all about these fascinating creatures, including their amazing features, behaviors, and habitats all over the world. Get an up-close look at a hedgie''s spines; learn about its snout, claws, and fur; and follow baby hoglets as they grow. Explore cozy hedgehog homes, trail along as they forage for fruits and insects, and so much more. National Geographic Readers'' combination of expert-vetted text, brilliant images, and a fun approach to reading have proved to be a winning formula with kids, parents, and educators. This level 1 text provides accessible information for animal-loving kids just beginning to read on their own, perfect to encourage the scientists and explorers of tomorrow! About the series: This high-interest, educationally vetted readers series features magnificent National Geographic images accompanied by text written by experienced, skilled children''s book authors. Each reader includes a glossary and interactive features in which kids get to use what they''ve learned in the book. Level 1 readers reinforce the content of the book with a kinesthetic learning activity. Level 2 readers feature slightly higher-level text and additional vocabulary words. Level 3 readers have more layers of information to challenge more proficient readers. For emerging readers, the Pre-reader level introduces vocabulary and concepts, and the Co-reader level provides a collaborative reading experience. Praise for National Geographic Readers: "Reliable in format and solid in execution, this series works well to introduce children of varying levels of reading comfort to nonfiction and research formats." —Maggie Reagan, Booklist

Celebrate the good times in winter through these delightful poems.

For Calvin Hastings, days after school at Alfred Ludlott''s house are the pits. Alfred has a big lawn and a dachshund, but Calvin''s gifted younger brother, Monk, and his bossy, overachieving neighbor, Jenny, are getting on his nerves! No wonder Calvin jumps at the chance to visit the local humane shelter with Alfred''s neighbor, Dr. Jamar. Calvin falls for Train, a big, loud, friendly dog with "great potential." Train needs a home--but Calvin''s apartment building won''t allow dogs or cats, Dr. Jamar is already fostering a pet, and Alfred Ludlott has Fitz. Calvin''s ready to give up when he finds out that Train isn''t the only one with "great potential."

During the hard times of 1932, a poor shoe shine man gives a child his cap, gloves, and an angel made from a spool, then receives a wonderful gift in return.

Calling all dog lovers! Join the adventure as National Geographic Kids Chapters presents a trio of true stories about incredible acts of canine heroism. From Glory the bloodhound, who saves lost pets, to terriers who help raise orphaned hippos, these brave pups are sure to inspire young animal lovers.

This short verse describes the beds and resting places for birds, whales, monkeys, cats, and the speaker.

"Hop into three true tales of bunny mischief, magic, and fun. Meet Xavier, a little bunny who gets into big trouble; Pippin and Miss Molly, real-life magician''s rabbits; and Paper Planes, a competitive rabbit hopping wonder. These heartwarming, silly, engaging stories are perfect for rabbit fanatics and animal lovers of all ages"--Back cover.