When voyageurs traversed the Great Lakes, they reached a point in their journey where the only way to safely cross the lake was to hoist light sails on their canoes to carry them through the vast expanse of water. During the sail, they performed a ritual where they honored the "old woman of the wind" by throwing her beads and tobacco. This story describes some of the history and geography of the Great Lakes region.

Illustrated by Bruce Langton

Like most boys growing up in Michigan in the early 1900s, George Gipp enjoyed playing sports. But even as a small boy, his athletic skills set him apart from the others. When he is awarded a baseball scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, his future seems set. An afternoon's horseplay with a football, however, brings George to the attention of assistant football coach Knute Rockne, and Notre Dame football is transformed forever. Setting records and winning fans' hearts, George seems unstoppable -- until cruel fate intervenes. Now, for every young reader who has ever wondered about the phrase "Win one for the Gipper," comes the inspiring story of the legendary George Gipp.

Kathy-jo Wargin has written such bestselling titles as "The Legend of Sleeping Bear, The Legend of the Loon, "and "The Edmund Fitzgerald: Song of the Bell." She is a faculty member of the Bear River Writers Workshop, sponsored by the University of Michigan. She lives with her family in Petoskey, Michigan.

Bruce Langton's unmistakable style and unique ability to capture not only sporting and wildlife scenes, but also contemporary landscapes has won him numerous awards including the 1998 Featured Artist for the Northern Wildlife Art Expo. "Win One for the Gipper "is Bruce's seventh book with Sleeping Bear Press. He lives with his family in Granger, Indiana.

Illustrations and rhyming text introduce people, places, and things associated with the state of Illinois, each accompanied by a more detailed explanation.

Describes the voyage and sinking of the giant transport ship, the Edmund Fitzgerald, which was caught in a raging storm while crossing Lake Superior in November, 1975.

Illustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen

The sixth tale in our Legend series, "The Legend of the Petoskey Stone" focuses on the naming of this unique fossil, found only on the shores of Lake Michigan. From the ancient, warm sea that covered most of the state, through Native American history and the history of the town named after a great chief, "The Legend of the Petoskey Stone" is a welcome addition to the fables so richly told and illustrated by this much-loved and honored children's book team.

Author Kathy-jo Wargin has earned national acclaim through award-winning children's classics such as Michigan's official state book, "The Legend of Sleeping Bear," Children's Choice Award winner "The Legend of the Loon, The Edmund Fitzgerald: Song of the Bell," and many others. Kathy-jo enjoys writing about nature and its effect on all our lives, and is a frequent guest speaker throughout the country. She is also a faculty member of the Bear River Writers Workshop, sponsored by the University of Michigan. She lives in Petoskey, Michigan.

Since the publication of "The Legend of Sleeping Bear," artist Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen has been an established presence in the world of children's book illustration. His many other titles with Sleeping Bear Press include "The Edmund Fitzgerald: Song of the Bell, Adopted by an Owl, Jam & Jelly by Holly & Nellie," and "The Legend of Leelanau." Gijsbert and his family live in Bath, Michigan.

From the author of V is for Viking: A Minnesota Alphabet and North Star Numbers: A Minnesota Number Book comes yet another reason to enjoy learning about this north woods state. Kathy-jo Wargin's poetic puzzles are perfectly paired with dual photos of Minnesota scenery and landmarks. Taken by Great Lakes photographer Ed Wargin, one in each pair of photos has undergone slight changes. Can you spot the differences? This visual treat is a charming way to acquaint beginning readers with the great state of Minnesota and its wonders.

Retells the story of the great turtle Makinauk that enlists the aid of other animals to help create the special place known as Mackinac Island.

The Nobel Prize is awarded each year for accomplishments in science, medicine, literature, and peace. This new biography explores the enduring legacy of the man who established the award and for whom it is named, Alfred Nobel. Illustrations.

A Lesson in Caring and Kindness.Frank's neighbor has puppies, and boy, does Frank want one! But by the time his parents say yes, the puppies are all gone. Will Frank ever get the dog he wants?

A young maiden is entranced by the Spirit Wood, where playful fairies known as the Pukwudjininees live, and wants to keep visiting there despite being forbidden to do so by her family.

Have you seen an otter at play in the water? It's long and it's trim and it knows how to swim. It rolls and it spins. It twists and it grins. What if one day that otter jumps out of the water? Would you ask him to play? What if that otter follows you home? Would he bounce on the chairs? Would he skid down the stairs? The author-illustrator team who created Scare a Bear and Moose on the Loose will once again have readers laughing and guessing. This time the hilarity involves an otter out of water

Illustrated by Katherine Larson

From the oom pah pah of the brass section to the tickle and tease of the keyboard ivories, "M is for Melody" gives a music lesson in alphabet form. Instruments, composers, terms, and even musical styles are examined from A-Z in easy, read-aloud rhymes and expository, accompanied by colorful and engaging artwork. Based on MENC National Standards for Music Education, educators will find this a valuable addition to their classroom material.

Author of numerous best-selling children's titles, Kathy-jo Wargin studied music composition in college until an accident left her hearing impaired. Her transition to writing books was a natural step, and in each story, her goal is to make the words carry a rhythm, just as if they were written for a musical piece. Kathy-jo lives with her family in Petoskey, Michigan.

In addition to being an artist, Katherine Larson is also a Diva, with extensive experience and recognition as an opera singer. She trained for over two years in Italy and continues to do local performances and often incorporates music and singing in her school presentations. Melody is her third book with Sleeping Bear Press. Katherine lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

During the Civil War, it was not uncommon for Army units to have mascots. One of the most famous mascots was Old Abe, a remarkable eagle that became the mascot of the Eighth Regiment of the Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. This is his story. Full color.

Illustrated by: Renee Graef

The intriguing facts and faces, history and places of Wisconsin are revealed to readers young and old in "B is for Badger: A Wisconsin Alphabet." From its leaders in fine arts and architecture (Georgia O'Keefe and Frank Lloyd Wright) to its pioneers in nature conservation (John Muir and Aldo Leopold), Wisconsin has been an influence on major movements in education, industry, and use of natural resources. Brought to life with lyric rhymes and expressive, original artwork, "B is for Badger" showcases for natives and visitors alike the splendors of Wisconsin.

Born in Tower, Minnesota, Kathy-jo Wargin has spent a great deal of time in the upper Midwest. Previously, she teamed up with illustrator Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen on the award-winning Legend series, including "The Legend of the Lady's Slipper "(Upper Midwest Bookseller's Favorite). "B is for Badger" is her fourth state alphabet book. She lives with her family in Petoskey, Michigan.

Renee Graef is new to the Sleeping Bear Press family but is very well known as a children's book illustrator for the "American Girls" collection with Pleasant Company. She has also illustrated for Boyd's Bears and is the illustrator of HarperCollin's "My First Little House" series. Renee attended the University of Wisconsin and the University of Madison; she lives in Milwaukee with her family.

In this retelling of an Ojibwe Indian tale, a mother bear loses sight of her two cubs as they all attempt to escape a forest fire by swimming across Lake Michigan.

After being shown the wonders of nature by Granmother Lom, two children venture out in her boat alone, find themselves in danger, and are rescued by a mysterious bird.

Gerdie, a Swedish woman living in northern Minnesota, discovers Minn in a bushel of cherries from Michigan and invites the little mouse to share the comfort of her cozy cabin in the woods. A series of events separate the pair, and Minn embarks on a journey around the state, trying all the while to find her way home to Gerdie and the cabin. On her travels, Minn meets many new friends, animal and human alike, and her spunky personality will save her from several tight situations.

Now available in a softcover edition, P is for Pumpkin celebrates the wonders of the fall season. With help from the alphabet, preschoolers journey through God s harvest blessings---in the process discovering just how much there is to be thankful for The fun is infectious as they learn to appreciate autumn for its beauty and bounty and more."

The letters of the alphabet are represented by words, set in short rhymes with additional information, relating to the state of Minnesota.

How would you scare a bear out of your cabin? Or out of your fishing boat? Another rhyming read-aloud from the Moose on the Loose team.