New Releases by Stephanie Simpson McLellan

Two Tales of Twenty-Six is an exciting new early reader in a flip book format. Early Readers offer deliberate repetition and illustrations designed to support comprehension while still sharing great stories. In the spirit of Arnold Lobel's "Frog and Toad" books, Red Deer's first Early Reader, Two Tales of Twenty-Six is two stories written for ages 4-8, designed into a "flip-book" format. In "Walter and the World," meet Walter, the mouse who conquers twenty-six cats in order to reach the outside world; and then, when readers turn the book upside-down and back-to-front, they will encounter "Liam and the Letters" -- a parallel story of a boy who conquers the twenty-six letters of the alphabet so he can then read Walter's adventure. A project about learning to read for children who are facing that challenge for themselves, Two Tales of Twenty-Six offers encouragement along with a look into the lives of two vibrant characters. This new early reader showcases captivating text from Stephanie McLellan combined with illustrator Mike Deas's fun and clever color illustrations.

13 year old Sullivan Brewster's wavering self-esteem is as plain as the nose on his face. This is kind of a problem given that his nose is not where it should be at all. In fact, when Sully looks in the mirror on his first day of grade 9, his nose isn't the only thing that's out of place. With his eyes now clinging to either side of his chin, his lips on his forehead, and one of his ears squatting in the middle of his face, he looks like a frightened Picasso or deranged Mr. Potato Head. While no one (except a crazy bag lady) can see what's happened to him, within the first week of school alone Sully encounters an old man who appears to be channeling Sully's destiny through the McDonald's figurines he displays on his fence post, and then learns he has to do an oral presentation on an embarrassing topic in front of his Sex Ed class. Worse, Sully falls under the scrutiny of school thug, Tank, who is about to choose a victim for his ritual Naked Niner hazing. Determined to fly under Tank's radar, Sully goes out of his way to avoid his supportive, but odd ball friends: intelligent, flamboyant and outspoken Blossom who tattoos vivid gardens all over her face and is obsessed with The Lady of Shalott, and relaxed and self-aware Morty who dresses all in black and insists on being called Morsixx. Preoccupied as he is with self-preservation, Sully fails to see that one of his friends is in far more serious trouble than he is, and must ultimately choose between his own self-esteem and his friend's life.

An impulsive little boy experiences the power of unconditional love

On Christmas Eve, a homeless single mother, her daughter and baby seek refuge in a barn, where they are befriended by the curmudgeonly widowed farmer. Together they embrace the spirit of the holidays where a future of peace and happiness may await as the star filled night turns to snow and a white Christmas.

Pumpkin was the first. Hoogie came next. Tweezle is the baby. But babies grow up, and Tweezle is ready to be a big boy now - and he knows just how to prove it. For some reason, Mom isn't thrilled when he helps with the dishes (Splash! Crash!). Dad isn't delighted when he hunts through the closet (Blam! Slam!). Pumpkin and Hoogie say he's way too little to touch their stuff. But when an even smaller friend needs help, Tweezle's big idea might just save the day. The endearing monster family introduced in Hoogie in the Middle returns in a story that will warm the hearts of youngest children - and their families. Stephanie McLellan's text delights once again with its creative turns of phrase, while Dean Griffiths' colourful art continues to enchant.

Hoogie discovers it is not easy being the middle monster in the family.

Humble Leon is an old frog who accepts his shortcomings. He longs only to sing beautifully. But when his friends are in danger, the old frog's bravery reveals a great talent that brings him more fame than he's ever dreamt about.

Raised by a chicken who longs to fly, Merlin the kitten learns to spread his wings after being adopted by a young African American girl.

The hero of this farmyard fantasy, Merlin, is not a typical kitten. No one knows who his natural mother is, but Guinevere, the oldest hen in the barn, is perfectly willing to take the frail kitten under her wing. Despite the genuine love that Guinevere showers on him, though, Merlin can't grow and thrive on seeds and grains. When a little girl visits the farm, Guinevere grasps at the chance to give Merlin a home where he will be safe and cared for as a cat should be. Merlin never forgets the love Guinevere gave him and the debt he owes her. He longs to see her again and give her something in return. And when he finally returns to the farm, he is able to help Guinevere realize her dreams.