Publisher: Project Gutenberg
The story is narrated in the first person as an autobiographical memoir told by a horse named Black Beauty—beginning with his carefree days as a colt on an English farm, to his difficult life pulling cabs in London, to his happy retirement in the country. Along the way, he meets with many hardships and recounts many tales of cruelty and kindness.
An inspiring biography of an Indigenous girl who survived a terrible illness—and grew up to create pottery shown in the Smithsonian and other major museums. At age ten, Maria Montoya Martinez was stricken with smallpox. Near death, she lay limply in her mother’s arms, unable even to swallow the herbal teas offered her. All the attempts to revive her seemed to have failed. Trying one last remedy, her aunt and mother filled the hearth with thick green cedar boughs and smoked the room, waving the fumes towards the sick little girl. Maria’s mother desperately prayed to Santo Nino, the children’s saint, promising that if Maria lived, she would send her on a pilgrimage to see him. Maria lived to make the pilgrimage—and enjoy a long life. But she was forever marked by this event. Her pilgrimage to the Santuario in Chimayo, New Mexico, becomes a symbol of her life. It is a journey toward humility, hard work, and perfection. She feels special since she was favored to live. And so she constantly strives to create the most worthy pots she can, always keeping in mind Old Grandmother’s prowess with clay. The clay connects her to the earth, and the clay links her to her future husband, Julian, who becomes a painter of her pots. Through the years, she is blessed and blesses her whole pueblo with money and, more importantly, love. Maria Montoya Martinez: Master Potter is the biography of a very sick little girl who grew to be a strong and talented woman—written by a prize-winning author who was one of Maria’s personal friends.Show book
A golden retriever learns to cope with the anxieties of moving house in this charming picture book. Boomer’s ready for his morning walk. Here’s his leash. There’s the door. But try as he might, he can’t get anyone to pay attention to him. The humans in the house don’t rush out the door after breakfast as they normally do. And, most confusing of all, strangers arrive to pack all the things in Boomer’s house into boxes. There’s definitely something unusual going on . . . The simple text and heartwarming pictures charmingly depict Boomer’s confusion, anxiety, concern, and ultimate delight on this day familiar to all: moving day. “Humorously sympathizing with the tribulations of moving, this endearing picture book will soothe the anxieties of children facing a move.” —BooklistShow book
Ruby wants first prize at the fifth grade science fair—and she thinks her quirky, creative, Rube Goldberg–esque invention is just the way to get it! Rife with “depth and charm,” this story is peppered with engaging science facts and insights (Publishers Weekly).Ten-year-old Ruby Goldberg is determined to win her school science fair and beat her nemesis Dominic Robinson. She’s snagged second place for the last two years, and she’s set on claiming first prize. The only trouble is that Ruby has no ideas. When her grandfather’s beloved basset hound dies, Ruby thinks of the perfect thing that will cheer him up and win her first place—an innovative, state-of-the-art, not-to-be-duplicated Ruby Goldberg invention!Before long Ruby is so busy working on her idea that she ignores everything else in her life, including her best friend, Penny. And what started out as simple turns into something much more complicated! Can Ruby get her priorities—and her project—in order before it’s too late?Show book
“An illustrated songbook is always welcome for storytimes, especially one with easy collages to copy for potential flannel-board use.” —School Library Journal “Kids will love Kadair’s bold, collage-style illustrations, and a handy glossary will help them learn about the best of Louisiana fare.” —NOLA Baby magazine Award-winning singer and songwriter Johnette Downing teams up with illustrator Deborah Ousley Kadair for another perfect storybook, which celebrates life in Louisiana and introduces young readers to the spice of Southern culture and food. To the tune of the traditional song “Aiken Drum,” Downing puts together quintessential Cajun ingredients to make the ultimate Creole man. With legs made of French bread and hair made of rice, Chef Creole comprises all of the South’s most-favorite foods and teaches children about the many flavors of Louisiana. Chef Creole includes a glossary of Louisiana fare, including boudin, cayenne pepper, and beignets. Kadair’s collage-style illustrations make it easy for children to interact with the book and point out the foods that help build Chef Creole himself.Show book
Can you imagine being almost invisible? Well, that's exactly what Gecko felt he was, so decided to set out on an adventure to find some new friends like him. Join Gecko on his journey and you will be amazed at the fantastic creatures he meets. Have fun trying to find them in this magical story.Show book
The New York Times–bestselling co-authors of Island Realm continue their YA fantasy adventure as Gwen and Vic face their magical enemies underwater. Fourteen-year-old cousins Gwen and Vic are still celebrating their victory in the battle with the merlons when they learn that Vic’s father has finally made it through the crystal doors to the magical island of Elantya. However, their victory is short-lived when they and their friends are kidnapped by their enemies. Taken deep beneath the sea, they soon learn of a scheme that could bring Elantya to ruins. Now they must escape their underwater captivity in time to save the island from destruction?Show book
