A squirrel's antics and entertaining photographs enliven a book for the newest reader at Guided Reading Level A.

I can run. I can hop. I can jump. A simple text for the newest readers and fascinating photographs follow a captivating squirrel as he runs just for fun--and also to escape a scary hawk.

When a housebound dog spies a cat, a bird, and other animals outside a glass door, he is excited: I see a cat. I see a bird. I see a squirrel. When the dog's beloved boy comes home from school, the two pals dash outside determined to get up close and personal with all the backyard wildlife


A Junior Library Guild Selection

A hapless dog frolics in the sun and sand on a perfect beach day. It's fun in the sand, but now there's sand in his lunch and sand in his suit. Time for a dip in the water The dog splishes, splashes, and rides the waves; it's fun in the water too. As the sun goes down, he flies a kite with new friends. Fun in the sky But did he remember sunscreen?

David Catrow's zany illustrations make this dog's day in the sun anything but ordinary.

Geisel-medalist Ethan Long's newest easy reader is for true beginners, offering laughs, a lovable and patient cat, and the simplest vocabulary possible.

Two rowdy siblings love playing with their oversized kitty. They wake him up from a nap so he can fly and dance around the room while being smothered with hugs. But as Big Cat endures his final humiliation--being dressed in a wig, hat, and high heels--it's apparent that despite the discomfort, Big Cat loves his family.

Long's long-suffering, big-bellied, feline is sure to charm readers. His understated text and...

Poor Pig He just wants to take a nap, but his barnyard pals are making a terrible racket. Cow gabs on her cell phone, Cat pops balloons, and Hen saws. Pig hatches a plan to block all the noise. In a surprise ending, Pig learns that his friends have been planning a birthday party just for him. So much for napping

Hilarious illustrations, a fun story line, and an easily decodable text make for a real treat for new readers.

When Sally informs her mom that there is a hippo in the yard, Sally's mother is dismissive. "I don't think so, dear," she tells her daughter, barely looking up from her lunch. "I will give it some lettuce," Sally says, grabbing a leaf from her mom's bowl. Hippo is happy, but now the tiger in the tree is hungry. Sally's father is also disbelieving, so Sally just feeds the big cat some tuna. As with her parents, Sally's sister is unmoved by her tale of zebras in the garage, and even Nana refuses to set her knitting aside when Sally tells her about bears in the hammock. Meanwhile, the phone...

Writing at Guided Reading Level A, beloved author-illustrator David McPhail reminds new readers about all the huggable things we encounter every day.

I hug my cat. I hug my dog. I hug my rock.
There are so many things to hug, each and every day. They include pets, family members, and cherished objects, from special rocks to fluffy pillows.
With darling illustrations and a simple text listing several embrace-worthy items, celebrated author-illustrator David McPhail encourages young readers to give in to the urge to embrace the world around them.

Introducing Horse and Buggy, the hilarious new characters from Theodor Seuss Geisel Medalist Ethan Long Horse and Buggy are best friends, but they don't always see eye to eye. When Buggy sees Horse dancing, he asks, "What are you doing?" "I am dancing," Horse replies. "I am the best dancer. I have the best dances " "You are not dancing. You are just moving around." Can Horse convince the reluctant Buggy to lighten up and join in? YES In this side-splitting story about friendship, Horse and Buggy learn that doing something together makes it twice as fun.