This author crafts fiction for young adults and children, finding joy in connecting directly with readers through virtual visits and school events. Beyond this, their creative output extends to adult audiences in the form of songs, plays, poems, and essays. They also engage in private instruction, offering lessons both online and in person.
Cat has a passion for painting. When she sees an advertisement to join an art club, she jumps at the chance to find painting partners―other cats like her. However when she arrives at the club, it is filled with barking dogs. What will panicked Cat do to turn this into a purr-fect place to paint?
In a thrilling climax, Albert, the Star Striker of the Zeenods, leads his alien teammates into the decisive match of the interplanetary soccer tournament. They must overcome not only their opponents but also the powerful empire determined to crush their hopes of victory. The story blends sports action with themes of teamwork and resilience as they strive to triumph against overwhelming odds.
Albert and the Zeenods are back in this second book in the thrilling Star Striker series about unlikely friendships and interstellar soccer. Albert and his Zeenod teammates might not be the best soccer players in the universe but there's nothing Albert would rather do--and no one he'd rather play with. Plus at least they made it to the second round of the big interplanetary tournament. When their coach is wrongly arrested by an intergalatic police force, Albert and the Zeenods must work to clear their coach's name and stay in the tournament. But Albert can't keep his head in the game, putting the whole team's win in jeopardy. Can Albert come through for his friends and find justice for their coach? Action-packed, yet filled with humor and heart, Star Striker is the second book in a series that combines a sports friendship story with an exploration of social justice and the importance of compassion for others.
Join Albert and a group of ragtag aliens as they dribble, cross, and score across the galaxy in this soccer-themed story of unlikely friendships. The day that aliens abducted 13-year-old Albert Kinney was the day he was hoping to make the school soccer team.But that's the way life works sometimes, especially for Albert. Astonishingly the Zeenods, don't want to harm Albert, they want him to play soccer. And so, Albert jumps at the chance to join the Zeenods. Yet just as he's making friends and getting used to the high-tech gear, he faces a series of direct threats to his life. Does someone have a mysterious vendetta against Albert? Or does their first opponent, the ruthless team from Planet Tev, want to guarantee that they win? Action-packed, yet filled with humor and heart, Star Striker is the first book in a series that combines a sports friendship story with an exploration of social justice and the importance of compassion for others.
Fourth grader Lucy McGee's ukulele is missing--and if she doesn't find it soon, she'll be kicked out of the Songwriting Club! Lucy McGee is determined to track down her beloved instrument, but she can't let anyone catch on--even best friend Phillip. When Lucy learns that YouTube songwriting stars Ben & Bee are playing a show on Saturday and they're giving away a free ukulele, it seems like the perfect solution. If only it wasn't the most in-demand, expensive concert ever. Soon frenemy Scarlett announces that she has an extra ticket to the show, prompting everyone in the Songwriting Club to try to win her over. Lucy McGee will have to get extra creative to find out what happened to her uke and to charm the always-scheming Scarlett in this humorous but heartfelt chapter book. The third book in Mary Amato's charming Lucy McGee series features artwork on every page as well as song lyrics for aspiring musicians to try out on their own.
Riot Brother Rule #1: Make something exciting happen every day It's no easy task, but Wilbur and Orville Riot are up to the challenge. Whether it's catching a bank robber, finding hidden treasure while cleaning the house, or overthrowing a wicked king, the Riot brothers are clever, resourceful, and just plain funny. They sing songs, make up games, and always come out on top in the end—in spite of a few bumps along the way. The inventive, energetic brothers have a warm sibling relationship (even when they're trying to make each other snarf milk out of their noses), and though they get called into the Principal's office now and then, the trouble they make is always in good fun. Plus, she's their mom, so she always gives them a ride home. Not a bad end to an exciting day. The short chapters make great bedtime reads—though beware! You might be tempted to stay up all night playing Underfoodle or the Frying-Pan Game. And with lots of puns and just the right amount of gross-out humor, this updated edition contains three stories about the Riot Brothers, plus lists, lists, and more lists—including the Riot Brother Rules, all their games, and the extra-special Riot Brother Top Ten List of Important Things To Be Able To Do With Your Face . . . plus, a preview of the Riot Brothers sequel, Drooling and Dangerous.
Tomorrow is April Fool's day, the best holiday of all, and the Riot Brothers have only one goal: FOOL MOM! This April Fool's day they're determined to finally do it—but Mom isn't an easy mark. If fake rats don't do the trick, what will? And what happens when Mom fools them first? Always inventive and energetic, the Riot Brothers are back and pun-nier than ever. Can they save a damsel in distress by employing Operation Armpit? And how do you become a mad scientist, anyway? One thing is certain—the Riot Brothers are always up to something, and it's always something great. This new hardcover edition features an updated paper over board cover (with extra shiny stink clouds!) as well as a list of the Riot Brothers' new games, rules, songs, and sayings... And hark! A goodly guide to talking like a Riot Knight. Plus, a sneak peek of Riot Brothers #4: Take the Mummy and Run
A chance to be on TV brings out the worst in fourth grader Lucy McGee--and now her friends want her out of the Songwriting Club!Lucy McGee and Phillip Lee are invited to perform a song on their school's morning show--this is their big break! First, they agree to keep it a secret from spotlight-stealing classmate Scarlett Tandy.But what about the other members of the Songwriting Club? Lucy forgets to tell them, setting off a chain of hurt feelings, a disastrous secret party, a runaway brother, and much more. The loveable but impulsive Lucy will have to write a lot of apology letters before everything can go back to normal.The delightful Lucy McGee series features a diverse cast of fourth and fifth grade characters who all love to sing and play the ukulele in the Songwriting Club; funny and sweet illustrations on every page; and song lyrics for aspiring musicians to try out on their own. Called "Ramona-esque" by the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books , Lucy McGee is sure to be a reader favorite.
When the coolest girl in the class invites you to her exclusive after-school club, how can you say no? Even if it means skipping out on Songwriting Club? Even if she's always been too popular to give you the time of day? Even if she asks you to paint the walls and serve the tea...? Soon Lucy McGee realizes she's been tricked into becoming mean girl Scarlett Tandy's errand girl—and she's getting in trouble for skipping her after-school activities. Things get complicated as she tries to balance school, friends, frenemies, songwriting, and family expectations. Clearly Lucy has to strike back! But it turns out that singing and playing your ukulele—and having loads of fun doing it—are the best revenge. In this new series from state-award favorite Mary Amato, a spunky heroine matches wits with a mean girl and learns that middle school can be a balancing act—so you can't lose sight of what's important. This heavily-illustrated chapter book features a durable paper-over-board cover, three of Lucy's songs, and a sneak peek of Book Two, Sing With Me, Lucy McGee!
When a talent show brings out cutthroat tendencies in her classmates, aspiring singer, songwriter, and ukulele player Lucy has to fight for what's fair and avoid falling for mean girl Scarlett's ploys yet again in the second book in the generously illustrated Lucy McGee series. Feisty and gullible Lucy McGee has a lot to learn-- but'll have a blast doing it in this fun-filled chapter book with over 100 illustrations, a sequel to News From Me, Lucy McGee. Lucy and Philip are fuming when they find out that Scarlet is trying to exclude them from the songwriting club's ukulele and singing act at the talent show. Soon Lucy is in the doghouse again after her plan to get back at Scarlet backfires. So, Lucy calls a truce, but Scarlet only pretends to stop her antics. She locks Lucy and her friends in a janitor's closet during the show. It's up to Lucy to help the club members escape yet keep her own integrity. Characters dance across the pages in this heavily illustrated book. Backmatter includes lyrics to songs written by the kids of the songwriting group and ukulele chords to encourage readers to play along and improvise.