Russell and Shawn call themselves the PS Brothers: P is for "poop, " S is for "scoop, " and "Brothers" is because they're best friends. Scooping poop is the fastest way to earn money to buy a puppy. These two are "crazy" about dogs. And they're sure that once their puppy grows into a tough dog, no one will ever pick on them for being weak or poor again. Unfortunately, getting a puppy is not that easy. Russell and Shawn don't count on uncovering a dog-fighting ring--and that can bust apart a dream faster than a dog can sniff out a bone.

But doing the right thing might still get them what they want--and maybe even more.

"In this witty, wise picture book, Boelts presents a kid's-eye view of a
consumer fad that rages through school at gale force." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)
All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. Though Jeremy's grandma says they don't have room for "want," just "need," when his old shoes fall apart at school, he is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren't much fun, and Jeremy soon sees that the things he has -- warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend -- are worth more than the things he wants.

Beetle gives Stick Insect an attention-grabbing coat for his birthday - but is that what Stick Insect really wants? A delightful story about friends learning to understand each other. It's almost Stick Insect's birthday, and his fashionable friend Beetle can't wait to give him his present - a purple puffy coat! The coat draws a lot of attention and makes Stick Insect really stick out in the crowd. Beetle thinks that's terrific! He takes Stick Insect all over town, happily boasting and bragging (while Stick Insect waits behind a tree, in a pile of leaves, or under a bench). Oh, dear - maybe Stick Insect isn't as happy about the purple puffy coat as Beetle is! What can Beetle do to make Stick Insect feel more comfortable? Charming illustrations bring to life both characters' endearing struggles in this warm and humorous story about friendship and understanding each other.

A story of a girl who is afraid of bees - but ready to meet the hive! Kaia is the brave type. Like hottest-hot-pepper brave. But there is one thing that scares her - BEES! And right now, thousands of bees live on her roof because Kaia's dad is a beekeeper. Her dad says that the world needs bees and that's why they are beekeepers. But only he goes on the roof, not Kaia - unless she can find a way to be the brave girl she always says she is... Against a sunny city setting, author Maribeth Boelts and illustrator Angela Dominguez depict Kaia's small courageous steps - and her tiny insect neighbours - with huge empathy and charm. Buzzing to be read at story time, Kaia and the Bees is an honest and relatable tale about bravery and compassion, as well as the importance of bees to our world.

Explains school safety, including tips on how to stay safe on the school bus, what to do about peer pressure and violence, and what to do about weapons at school.