How big would you choose to be if you could be ANY size or shape? Would you choose to be as compact as a matchbox, or perhaps as gigantic as a coliseum? Exquisite, clever illustrations entice readers to share the wondrous musings of a child who--inspired by a pet goldfish--ponders such questions as: "What size is best?" "How might my size influence my behavior and choices?" The message-rich text has rhyme and cadence. Oh, by the way, the goldfish sings. (Readers will identify with the child, whose gender and race are not specified in either the text or the illustrations.)

"The Wondrous Autobiography of Leaf, Erik's Son," is a beautifully illustrated story narrated by the central character, Leaf (Erik the Red Maple's Son). Leaf tells his story in the manner of a comforting lullaby, taking the reader on a wondrous journey from his father's roots, through the seasons, and finally to his own place in the world apart from his father. Younger children will enjoy this tender adventure story that introduces the concepts of science, time and cycles (minutes, days, weeks, months, seasons and years). Older children and adults will appreciate the deeper philosophical aspects of the story, as Leaf introduces larger topics such as purpose, usefulness, community, the cycles of life, service and acceptance. The book contains ten pages packed with non-fiction back matter (essentially a second book) called "Back Matter for your Gray Matter." It is an engaging tool for integrated learning, which cleverly connects Leaf's story with branches of history, language (Norse and English), science (photosynthesis), geography and math into a strong, deep-rooted knowledge tree. This generation-spanning book will quickly become a favorite in your family library.

More than 90 stunning nature illustrations bring to life this coming-of-age story about Great Blue Heron siblings, Halley and Ursa. The sisters have very different interests, perspectives and dreams. Follow them as they grow up, venture away from the nest and make (sometimes unusual) friends. The story themes include: making choices, building confidence, travelling, observing and finding one's place in the world. This book celebrates earth's natural surroundings and its non-human inhabitants. Listeners of all ages will enjoy the story and illustrations; it is especially suitable for readers between the ages of 6 and 10.

Bright, bold humorous illustrations will capture the reader's attention, and guide them through this amusing story of a noisy day in the life of a big, old dog. In the end, the dog learns that many things that bark loudly do not bite. The large, clear text has repetitive qualities and a vocabulary level that is geared to the beginning reader. Pre-readers will learn about reactions and associated facial expressions by looking at the pictures of the endearing dog. The book highlights adjectives that begin with the letter "S" to describe the big, old dog's responses to the noises. The dog is: speedy, silly, scared, skeptical, skittish, shaky, saggy, stunned, surprised, sleepy, snoring and most of all, sweet. An appendix offers additional activities for the reader, such as: listing their own doggy description words and drawing associated expressions. Teachers will find the appendix to be a helpful learning guide. Young and old will enjoy this story, and will want to read it again and again.

"A petite, polite pig, especially one with startling large blue eyes, will have a difficult time of it, no doubt you can sympathize." Exquisitely illustrated, the tongue-in-cheek wit of "Blue-Eyed Runt" targets readers ages 7-12, although all ages will enjoy listening to the contemporary fable of Sarah the blue-eyed piglet. Young listeners will be drawn to the cadence of the rhyming narrative, and older readers will be amused and enlightened by the subtleties of phrase and vocabulary. All will be charmed by the delightful artwork that accompanies the message-rich text. The story offers an entertaining and memorable pathway to exploring behavioral topics, such as: bullying, self-confidence, introspection, acceptance and civility.

Big Al rules the night with an iron claw. Truth is, Big Al isn't big at all. Stretched up high, back to the wall, he stands just shy of four inches tall. In addition to his insecurity with his stature, this tiny owl has an embarrassing secret and a very large chip on his shoulder! The story is told in a creative, catchy, cleverly rhyming cadence, and loaded with compellingly striking illustrations. It will quickly become a favorite of both readers and listeners. This is not a heavy-handed, moralizing narrative that force-feeds an all-is-well ending, but rather a story that leads the reader's mind to the concepts of individual responsibility and making wise choices.

Flash! Light! What do YOU see in a flash of light? There are so many amazing things to observe in the briefest moments of illumination. Yes, there is more to a flash of light than meets the eye! Let the exquisite illustrations and rhythmic narrative of this clever book light your way to unique adventures in awareness as you learn to see the wonders around you in a new light.

"Forgive Me?" is an exquisitely illustrated book about admitting mistakes and asking for forgiveness. The featured character, an endearing old black dog, makes eye contact with the reader on every page. Children will enjoy looking at the appealing pictures and reading the the story. The book has a secondary market for adults who will use it in greeting card fashion as a proxy to say "I'm sorry."