Audrey Vernick Books

An irresistible picture book about a boy and his classmates who long for a class pet, but discover the joys and rewards of nurturing a class plant.Room 107 has a cockatiel. Room 108 has a chinchilla. Even the Art Room has a bearded dragon. But in Room 109, Arlo's classroom, there is a plant. A mostly green, hardly growing, never moving plant. Even though it doesn't squeak, whistle, or whimper, Arlo's teacher says the plant is "more than enough excitement for us." But what could possibly be exciting about a plant?One day, Arlo decides to name the plant Jerry. Something about naming the plant makes it more exciting. As the class learns to take care of Jerry, he starts to grow . . . greener and longer and twistier. And before long it's clear that something amazing has taken root in Arlo's classroom.

Meet Bibsy Cross, the precocious, regular-pegular eight-year-old who daydreams of winning her library's bike-a-thon fundraiser in the second installment of this charming chapter book series. Most things are easy-peasy, regular-pegular for Bibsy Cross. She loves her parents, her cat, her best friend, Natia. She loves school and the library. And she loves riding her bike. Sometimes, she pretends it's her chariot. Bibsy's library is hosting a bike-a-thon to raise money to buy books. And Bibsy is determined to earn the most donations. That way she can WIN the fundraiser! But has Bibsy been spinning her wheels with the wrong intentions?

Larry Doby's journey as the first Black baseball player in the American League unfolds against the backdrop of a segregated America. The narrative explores his challenges and triumphs, highlighting his resilience and the impact he had on the sport and society. Through personal anecdotes and historical context, the book delves into Doby's experiences both on and off the field, showcasing his role in breaking racial barriers and paving the way for future generations of athletes.

"A wonderful picture book biography. Little girls will be inspired."* 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. Effa always loved baseball. As a young woman, she would go to Yankee Stadium just to see Babe Ruth's mighty swing. But she never dreamed she would someday own a baseball team. Or be the first--and only--woman ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. From her childhood in Philadelphia to her groundbreaking role as business manager and owner of the Newark Eagles, Effa Manley always fought for what was right. And she always swung for the fences. From author Audrey Vernick and illustrator Don Tate comes the remarkable story of an all-star of a woman. *Brightly.com

This simple, profound, Caldecott Honor story is now available as a Classic Board Book. All the world is here. It is there. It is everywhere. All the world is right where you are. Now. Following a circle of family and friends through the course of a day from morning until night, this book affirms the importance of all things great and small in our world, from the tiniest shell on the beach, to the warmth of family connections, to the widest sunset sky. Now available as a Classic Board Book, this Caldecott Honor picture book written by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Marla Frazee is perfect for the youngest of readers.

Exploring themes of social justice and the beauty of blended families, this middle grade novel offers a heartfelt narrative that resonates with readers in grades 5 to 6. With a focus on unconventional family dynamics, it serves as an engaging and entertaining choice for tweens, making it ideal for both classroom and homeschooling settings. Fans of Rita Williams-Garcia, Lisa Graff, and Sara Pennypacker will find this story particularly appealing.

"Once in your life, sometime after your first memory but before you can drive a car, something is going to happen to you that doesn't happen to anyone else you know. It might be something good. It might be something bad, or special, or funny, or shocking. For Millie, it's something really sad. Lolo, her neighbors' infant daughter, dies--unexpectedly, suddenly, inexplicably--on the night Millie babysits. There's nothing she could have done. There's nothing she can do now. So how does she go on? She does what you'll do. She finds her way. This poignant and profound coming-of-age story portrays a tragic experience of responsibility and its poisonous flip side: guilt. Cathartic and important, it's an honest and empathetic portrait of a girl at her most vulnerable--a mess of grief, love, and ultimately acceptance--who must reckon with those most difficult of demons: death ... and life."-- Provided by publisher

This lyrical, gorgeously illustrated picture book in verse follows a litter of baby wolf pups in the wild through their first full lunar cycle. Deep in the forest, Mama Wolf gives birth to an adorable litter of pups under a sky full of moon. Over the next month, the pups will open their eyes, stretch out their tiny paws, and playfully explore the world around them—all under the watchful eyes of Mama Wolf and the rest of the pack. And before long, these pups will be big enough to yip at the full moon themselves! With stunning artwork and a gently rhyming text full of fascinating wolf facts, this ideal bedtime or storytime read is perfect for anyone who has ever heard the call of the wild.

Left reeling after her thoughtless mistake causes a terrible accident, 12-year-old Army Morand channels her grief to protect someone in need. Army Morand feels like her life has been blown to bits when the worst thing imaginable happens--her beloved dog dies. It was an accident, but it was also Army's fault. She can't seem to stop hiding from everything and everybody including her best friend JennaLouise. But then Army sees Madison, the little girl who moved in across the way, climbing a tree and walking down the street unsupervised. Her family is not neglectful, just overwhelmed. Army finds herself overcome with the need to help Madison's family to make sure another worst thing doesn't happen--which becomes even more challenging when a big storm threatens her town. After the Worst Thing Happens is a bittersweet story about a girl surprised by the force of a growing need inside her to reach out and lend a hand while trying to escape the swirling sadness of her own sudden loss. In the end, it is about finding love and hope and friendship in very surprising places.

Meet Bibsy Cross, the precocious eight-year-old heroine of this charming chapter book series, as she navigates a relationship with a teacher who thinks that Bibsy is just too much. Most things are easy-peasy, regular-pegular for Bibsy Cross. She loves her parents, her cat, her best friend, Natia. And she loves going to school. She might just love that most of all! This year, Bibsy has Mrs. Stumper for a teacher... and Mrs. Stumper doesn't seem too keen on Bibsy. She thinks Bibsy talks too much--especially about her science fair project. But one day, when Bibsy talks a little too much, and goes a stone too far, Mrs. Stumper punishes her by punching a hole in her paper apple that hangs in the classroom. And Bibsy is devastated. How can she make the best science fair project when she feels so rotten?