Susan Hughes is the author of numerous children's books. She also works as a freelance editor and story coach, supporting writers in their craft.
Thirteen-year-old Polly and her friends embark on an ambitious journey to start a matchmaking business in middle school. As they navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, they quickly realize that success requires more than just good intentions. This engaging novel explores themes of friendship, teamwork, and the complexities of young relationships, making it a relatable and entertaining read for middle-grade audiences.
From fledgling editor to sought-after professional
The book explores the unpredictable nature of freelancing, highlighting the common experience of having an abundance of work at times and a scarcity at others. It addresses the challenges freelancers face in managing their workload and the regret of turning down opportunities during busy periods. Through this lens, it offers insights and strategies for navigating the highs and lows of freelance life.
Travel around the globe to visit some of the world's most incredible schools, and meet the students who attend them, in this award-winning nonfiction pick for ages 9 to 12. This edition of a bestselling favorite is newly updated and re-released in 2022.When North American kids picture a school, odds are they see rows of desks, stacks of textbooks, and linoleum hallways. But there are schools in caves, on boats, and on train platforms; there are green schools, mobile schools, and even treehouse schools. There’s a whole world of unusual schools out there! But the most amazing thing about them isn’t their location or what they look like. It’s that many of these schools have been able to provide safe learning environments for students who have unique lifestyles and who face tough environmental and cultural challenges.Education is not readily available for kids everywhere, and many communities lack the resources that would make it easier for kids to go to school—but people around the world are finding creative ways to make education happen. In Off to Class, readers will travel around the globe to visit some of these incredible schools and, through personal interviews, meet the students who attend them, too. Their stories aren’t just inspiring—they’ll also get you to think about school and the world in a whole new way!
A joyful celebration of trucks and teamworkIt’s time for the hardworking trucks at the construction site to get cleaned up! But when the narrator tries to round up the muddy machines, they dig in their wheels and refuse to be led away. They don’t want to waste time being soaked and lathered, scrubbed high and low―they want to flatten soil, haul dirt, carry bricks, and lift beams. They want to WORK!When the trucks discover that washing away the grime means they get to keep loading and lifting, they snap into action. It turns out that getting clean actually is work! Together, the trucks sponge and scrub until they sparkle. As they revel in their newfound gleam, the narrator reveals they’re cleaning up for an extra special purpose―a truck parade! The shiny machines roll down the street to the cheers of a diverse group of truck fans.With charming, expressive illustrations and playful rhyming text, this book brings the construction site to life in an energetic tale that will have readers shouting, “Hooray for trucks!”
Delve into the diverse lifestyles of children globally, highlighting their unique experiences while emphasizing the universal needs that connect them. This exploration fosters understanding and empathy, showcasing the similarities in hopes, dreams, and challenges faced by kids from different cultures. Through vivid illustrations and engaging narratives, readers are invited to appreciate the rich tapestry of childhood across various societies.
Focusing on the innovative designs of Antoni Gaudí, this book showcases his unique ability to blend architecture with nature. It highlights his joyful approach to creating structures that reflect organic forms and vibrant colors, emphasizing the harmony between human-made environments and the natural world. Through stunning imagery and insightful commentary, readers are invited to explore Gaudí's visionary contributions and the lasting impact of his work on architecture and design.
A charming and captivating exploration of the science of light. Where does light come from? How does it work? What is it made of? A girl and her cat find answers to these questions on a summertime journey of scientific discovery. The pair identify loads of examples of light, while exploring many fascinating topics: natural and artificial light; uses of light; opaque, translucent and transparent objects; absorbed, reflected and refracted light; and how the eye sees light. It’s a gentle yet comprehensive introduction to light and all its mysteries. From stars in the sky to fireworks over a lake, our inquisitive guides shine a light on … light!
A young boy finds a way to help his sister go to school. Victor and his twin sister, Linesi, are close. Only, now that they are eight years old, she is no longer able to go to school with him. Linesi, like the other older girls in their community, must walk to the river to get water five times a day to help their mother farm. But Victor is learning about equality in school. He’s beginning to realize how boys and girls are not treated equally. And that’s not fair to his sister. So Victor comes up with a plan to help. Can one boy make a difference in an unequal world? It turns out, he can!
A comprehensive exploration of sound for young children that’s friendly, fun and easy to digest. From a cat’s purr to a thunderstorm’s clap, from a friend’s voice to a school bell’s clang, sounds can lull us, entice us or call us to action. But how does sound happen? How do we hear it? What makes some sounds loud and some soft? Some high pitched and some low pitched? How do humans and animals use sound to communicate? Which sounds happen naturally, and which are created for a specific purpose? This charming picture book explores all of these questions in child-friendly language, offering readers a gentle introduction to how sound works that will encourage them to stop and listen. In this highly original book, Susan Hughes uses appealing and inviting text that speaks directly to young children to explain the physics of sound. From describing how sounds are made by the vibrations of air, to identifying and considering the different sources of sound and its properties (pitch, tone, volume), this book is an excellent curriculum-based tool for physical science that strongly supports the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for kindergarten and first grade. Ellen Rooney’s sweet, playful illustrations colorfully illuminate the concepts, incorporating the same character and his dog on every spread. Easy-to-understand decibel and hertz charts are included. There is also a fun activity and a glossary.
Exploring diverse cultural practices, this book delves into the various methods of carrying children around the globe. It highlights unique techniques, traditions, and the emotional connections fostered through these practices. Readers will discover how different societies nurture and bond with their little ones, offering insights into parenting and the significance of physical closeness. The narrative celebrates the universal experience of parenthood while showcasing the rich tapestry of global customs.