New Releases by Michelle Markel

Benjamin Lay’s remarkable life story can be a lesson in courage and hope for us all. Fearless Benjamin tells the story of a courageous little person, only four feet tall, who fought slavery at a time when almost everyone else accepted it. A shepherd, a sailor, and a Quaker, Benjamin Lay insisted that all people, of all nations and races around the world, were equal. Every human being—rich and poor, men and women, Black and white—deserved respect, love, and freedom. After he protested against his fellow Quakers for enslaving others in violation of the golden rule, “do to others as you would have them do to you,” they banished him from the Quaker meeting. When they ridiculed his small body, he stood up to their prejudice and proclaimed the truth of human decency. He boycotted all products made by the labor of enslaved people. He spoke out bravely against cruelty and oppression. He lived a life of peace, tolerance, and brotherly love. A man far ahead of his time, he proved to be right in the long run, as Quakers and others eventually joined him in opposing human bondage.

From the acclaimed author of Brave Girl comes an inspiring story of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt''s journey to use her voice through helping others find their own. Before she became First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt was a girl trying to find her voice. As a young orphan, she was shy and made to feel like a failure. But every night, Eleanor would read her father''s letters, full of love and belief in her, and she used his words to help her face her fears. She took them to school across the sea, where she excelled at her studies and helped other girls with theirs. And back to New York, where she volunteered in immigrant communities. Using her voice to help others gave her courage. Eleanor began speaking out in bigger ways. When her husband, Franklin, became president, she worked with--and learned from--leaders of marginalized groups, using her standing to fight for workers, women, and people of color. Every victory, big and small, drove Eleanor to do more.

Henri Rousseau wanted to be an artist. Henri Rousseau wanted to be an artist. No one ever said he had talent. He was a bill collector, and he was already forty years old. Nevertheless, he went out and bought some canvases, paints and brushes. And that''s how he started to paint. Henri Rousseau Henri Rousseau loved nature and often wandered in the beautiful sunlight and under the towering trees of Paris. He wanted to capture it all, so he taught himself to paint. Then he kept painting until the exotic jungles and animals he imagined came to life on the canvas. Rousseau endured many harsh criticisms, but continued to create brilliant paintings. Author Michele Marquet''s vivid text and the way in which she writes are a perfect match for the author''s work. The vivid words of author Michelle Marquet and the vibrant drawings of artist Amanda Holl are a perfect complement to each other. The lively text by Michelle Mackay and the vibrant drawings by Amanda Hall skillfully introduce readers to this beloved painter.

FIVE STARRED REVIEWS! "Exuberant."―Horn Book Magazine, starred review "Excellent."—Booklist, starred review "Storytelling at its best."—Kirkus, starred review "Enduringly appealing."—School Library Journal, starred review "[A] lively portrait."—Publishers Weekly, starred review Meet Randolph Caldecott, the artist who revolutionized picture book illustration and for whom the prestigious Caldecott medal is named! From acclaimed picture book creators Michelle Markel and Barbara McClintock comes a lively, humorous, and energetically informative biography that celebrates the spirit of storytelling in art. Quick! If you don’t move fast, you’ll miss him—there he goes—Randolph Caldecott, future famous illustrator. His sketchbook is full of hurly-burly: wild weather, frisky animals, and people so sprightly they can barely hold onto the pages. But in the 1850s, there were no children’s books like that. Not yet. Many books are published, but their pictures look stiff, full of pretty poses and cluttered scenery. No one has imagined how much fun an illustrated book could be because the future hero of children’s book illustration is still just a lad. Join Michelle Markel and Barbara McClintock for a riotous adventure through the seminal history of children''s books—their art, their joy, and the man who changed them for good. [Tomfoolery noun: silliness, shenanigans, buffoonery, skylarking, or pranks] FASCINATING TRUE STORY: This picture book biography introduces readers to the man who redefined children''s books, transforming the reading experience of people all around the world! Anyone who loves history, biographies, or books for children will find themselves charmed by this lively look at the life of Randolph Caldecott. WHIMSICAL AND ENGAGING: Full of verve and fun, humor and dynamic vocabulary, this book is history with pure delight, sure to engage even the most reluctant readers! FUN AND INSPIRING GIFT BOOK: With compelling visual storytelling and an inspiring role model for aspiring writers, illustrators, and creatives, this picture book makes a great gift for any giving occasion. PERFECT FOR MOCK CALDECOTTS: Teachers and librarians who introduce the Caldecott Medal and its voting process to kids will find this invaluable as an introduction to looking at, thinking about, and celebrating art. Perfect for: Anyone who loves or wants to learn more about kids'' books and children''s book illustration Librarians, educators, and parents of kids who love history and nonfiction Aspiring picture book writers and illustrators of any age Fans of true stories, biographies, and fascinating facts Special occasion or thank you gift for teachers and librarians

A mischievous modern manners primer for kids Inspired by the classic Tiffany’s primer on manners for teens and featuring a familiar cast of characters, Terrific Table Manners is a modern take on table etiquette that follows the course of a proper dinner-party meal. Young readers will learn essential amenities such as sending the invite and RSVP, the use for all of those different forks, how to politely sip soup and engage in delightful (not dreadful) conversation, and writing thank-you notes. Sharing a meal has never been this exciting and funny.

A modern multiplication workbook that follows the terrors of a typical school year 5 X _ is 5 A roach--and it''s alive! 5 X 2 is _ Mystery meat again. 5 X _ is 15 My nose has grown a bean. This terrific multiplication workbook, adapted from the book Terrible Times Tables, is a modern primer for learning one''s multiplication tables, from numbers 2 through 9. Featuring elementary school themes, a reluctant narrator, and a few unwitting critters, learning math has never been so fun or funny. Just follow the narrative prompts and fill in the numeric answers!

A modern multiplication primer that tackles the terrors of a typical school year. Learning math has never been this much fun! Inspired by a Victorian math primer, Terrible Times Tables is a modern take on learning one’s multiplication tables, from numbers 2 to 10, featuring elementary school themes of homeroom, field trips, cafeteria food, holidays, and recitals. Featuring a reluctant narrator and a few unwitting critters, learning math has never been so much fun or amusing.

A gorgeously illustrated picture book biography about the fascinating life of surrealist artist Leonora Carrington, from Michelle Markel and Amanda Hall, the acclaimed team behind The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau. Ever since she was a little girl, Leonora Carrington loved to draw on walls, in books, on paper—and she loved the fantastic tales her grandmother told that took her to worlds that shimmered beyond this one, where legends became real. Leonora’s parents wanted her to become a proper English lady, but there was only one thing she wanted, even if it was unsuitable: to be an artist. In London, she discovered a group of artists called surrealists, who were stunning the world with their mysterious creations. This was the kind of art she had to make. This was the kind of person she had to be. From life in Paris creating art alongside Max Ernst, to Mexico where she met Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, Leonora’s life became intertwined with powerful events and people that shaped the twentieth century. Out of This World is the powerful, stunningly told story of Leonora Carrington, a girl who made art out of her imagination and created some of the most enigmatic and startling works of the last eighty years.

The holiday season is a busy time, with people bustling about. And it''s a busy time for Edgar, a cabdriver who conveys passengers around the city. All day long Edgar drives his cab; many people going to many different places. At the end of one busy day, Edgar is so tired he climbs into the backseat of his cab to take a nap. But he discovers he is not alone. A little hamster has somehow been left behind from one of the many fares Edgar has driven. Edgar dutifully reports the hamster to the cab company''s Lost and Found department, but in the meantime the little creature needs to be taken care of. Edgar brings the hamster to his apartment, making it a bed, feeding it, and even giving it a name, Chickpea. As Edgar starts his Hanukah observance, with no family nearby to share in it, the little hamster becomes more than a casual companion to the lonely man. But what happens when Chickpea''s owner is found?

AThis rollicking and fascinating picture book biography chronicles the life of the first pioneer of children''s books--John Newbery himself. While most children''s books in the 18th century contained lessons and rules, John Newbery imagined them overflowing with entertaining stories, science, and games. He believed that every book should be made for the reader''s enjoyment. Newbery--for whom the prestigious Newbery Medal is named--became a celebrated author and publisher, changing the world of children''s books forever. This book about his life and legacy is as full of energy and delight as any young reader could wish.

In the spirit of Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope and Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride comes an inspiring portrait of Hillary Rodham Clinton, the first female presidential nominee in United States history: a girl who fought to make a difference—and paved the way for women everywhere—from Michelle Markel and LeUyen Pham. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 4 to 6. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children. In the 1950s, it was a man’s world. Girls weren’t supposed to act smart, tough, or ambitious. Even though, deep inside, they may have felt that way. And then along came Hillary. Brave, brilliant, and unstoppable, she was out to change the world. They said a woman couldn’t be a mother and a lawyer. Hillary was both. They said a woman shouldn’t be too strong or too smart. Hillary was fearlessly herself. It didn’t matter what people said—she was born to lead. With illustrations packed full of historical figures and details, this gorgeous and informative picture book biography is perfect for every budding leader. Includes a timeline, artist’s note, and bibliography.

The true story of the young immigrant who led the largest strike of women workers in U.S. history. This picture book biography about Ukrainian immigrant Clara Lemlich tackles topics like activism and the U.S. garment industry. The art, by Caldecott Honor winner Melissa Sweet, beautifully incorporates stitching and fabric. A bibliography and an author''s note on the garment industry are included. When Clara arrived in America, she couldn''t speak English. She didn''t know that young women had to go to work, that they traded an education for long hours of labor, that she was expected to grow up fast. But that didn''t stop Clara. She went to night school, spent hours studying English, and helped support her family by sewing in a shirtwaist factory. Clara never quit, and she never accepted that girls should be treated poorly and paid little. Fed up with the mistreatment of her fellow laborers, Clara led the largest walkout of women workers the country had seen. From her short time in America, Clara learned that everyone deserved a fair chance. That you had to stand together and fight for what you wanted. And, most importantly, that you could do anything you put your mind to. This picture book biography about the plight of immigrants in America in the early 1900s and the timeless fight for equality and justice should not be missed.

A child''s biography of French artist Henri Rousseau, who spent his life as a toll collector, but created unheralded masterpieces in his spare time.

T-Math, a dinosaur, introduces such mathematical concepts as addition, multiplication, counting, and estimations, with examples of adding a herd of triceratops, multiplying the legs of ankylosaurs, and estimating the distance across a gulch.

Sofia, an immigrant from Mexico who knows no English, finds herself unable to keep up in class until her teacher uses a poster of a shark to help her learn English during a class unit on marine life.

One snowy day, Nana tells her grandson about the magical town of her childhood, where there were giant dogs and hats, witch houses, and miniature kingdoms of flowers that floated down the street. Includes an author''s note about the history of Los Angelesarchitecture and photographs of some of the buildings referenced in the book.

Chronicles the life of Marc Chagall, a celebrated twentieth-century artist who was born in Russia.

Examines a variety of dolls throughout the world, discussing how they have been used at different times and how they reflect the cultures that created them.

At first, a young girl does not like her new babysitter, Rosa, but after getting to know her and learning some Spanish language and customs, she is sad when Rosa returns to her family in Guatemala.