It's Christmas Eve and Spark Elf has the very important job of keeping Santa Claus on schedule as he travels the globe in 24 hours delivering presents. Small in stature with pointy ears and stopwatch in hand, Spark lets Santa know it's time to go. He programs the GPS while the other elves secure the toy bag and check the Nice list. Little known fact: We don't even bring the Naughty list with us. Six hours into the trip Santa, sleigh and crew begin to fall behind--so many cuddly doggies to pet and extra cookies to eat. The jolly group makes up time in Brazil and soon find themselves back at the North Pole. Their work is done. But wait, there's something left in the bag--but it isn't a present at all--it's a family dog Well known fact: Santa gives things away. He does not take things Momma Claus comes to the rescue with a plan to get the dog back to his family. Can Santa return the family's beloved pooch in time to keep their Christmas merry?

When assorted intruders invade his personal space and bowl, Goldfish is put out, to say the least. But time away from his new companions gives him a chance to rethink the pros and cons of a solitary life. Full color.

Written by the son of a career officer, this book explores the branches of the Armed Services and speaks from the heart about the honor, privileges and sacrifices of military families everywhere. Children will discover why drill sergeants have to be so tough, what it means to be patriotic and why we need Special Forces such as the Navy SEALS, the Green Berets and the Army Rangers. H is for Honor also explains why the annual Army/Navy football game is more than just a game, how much letters from home mean to soldiers, how often military families have to move and what life on base is like. With an underlying message of courage and commitment that every child can relate to, the book will be especially meaningful to those whose parents, siblings or other relatives serve in the Armed Forces.

Illustrated by Doug Bowles

Nicknamed the "world's breadbasket," the contributions from the great state of Kansas reverberate far beyond its borders. Kansas has given us leaders in politics (Dwight D. Eisenhower), aviation (Amelia Earhart); and sports (Wilt Chamberlain); leads our nation in wheat production; and fuels our Hollywood image of the wild West (Dodge City). From A-Z, S is for Sunflower explores the broad plain of history and people that make up the state of Kansas.

Born a few miles and a few months apart, Corey and Devin Scillian would meet 17 years later at Junction City Senior High School. Both graduates of the University of Kansas, Corey is a ceramic artist and Devin anchors the news for the NBC affiliate in Detroit. Devin's other children's books include "Cosmo's Moon, P is for Passport: A World Alphabet, "and the national bestseller" A is for America: An American Alphabet. "The authors live in Michigan with their four children.

A graduate of the Columbus College of Art & Design in Columbus, Ohio, Doug Bowles has been a freelance illustrator for 20 years. In addition to Doug's illustrations for children, he enjoys working with a wide range of clients in the advertising, corporate, and editorial communities. His work has been selected many times in the Society of Illustrators West competition, and he has had several gallery showings. Doug lives in Leawood, Kansas, with his wife and two children.

As the companion title to A is for America, One Nation uses numbers to further explore the history, geography, and people that have shaped the country of the United States.

Night 1 / My life is perfect. / I have a bowl full of seeds, a cozy pile of wood shavings, and room to run. / I'm never leaving here. / Question: Who's the luckiest hamster in the world? / Answer: ME Seymour the hamster has the perfect life. He has a spacious cage, a constant food supply, and a FuzzyBoy 360 exercise wheel that lets him run to his heart's content. Life could not be better. Or could it? When Pearl the cat tells Seymour of the goodies beyond the safe confines of his cage, he starts to think he's missing out. And out is the new in It's only after Seymour is out of his cage that he begins to fully appreciate his safe and cozy home.