An animated conductor and his orchestra of animals let the words move them in this engaging exploration of some beautiful and inspiring musical terms. In this simple introduction to seven musical terms, Robert Heidbreder's rhythmic poetry is paired with Du?an Petri?i?'s exuberant illustrations to perfectly convey the terms' meanings. Each term is first featured on a spread beside an image of a conductor animatedly leading his (unseen) orchestra in alignment with the term. Turn the page, and we find a short line of text that provides a succinct physical definition of the term, along with expressive art showcasing the animal orchestra using movement to interpret the description. For glissando, we find: ?Gently gliding, slipping, sliding, ? with an image of animals flowing across the pages as if rolling on a wave. For fortissimo, the text reads, ?Loudly crashing --- stomping, stamping, ? while the animals are shown with their heads thrown back and their mouths wide open, roaring for all the world to hear. It's a performance so enticing, readers won't be able to resist joining in! This unique picture book provides an engaging and entertaining way for children to understand and remember the meanings of these common musical terms (all Italian and great fun to pronounce). But it is also sure to inspire readers to get up and move, following and mimicking the animals, or, perhaps, playing the conductor. An excellent choice for any unit on music, this book offers an accessible and effective way to learn musical terms as well as a fun opportunity to play with musi

“Clever and effective for the pre- and primary school nature shelves.�—Kirkus  In the vein of Jack Prelutsky and Dennis Lee comes a celebration of the sky with thirty zippy poems that will lift kids’ spirits and let their imaginations soar. What do you see when you look up at the sky? In this “lyrical� picture book (Booklist) for ages 3-8, the award-winning and critically-acclaimed children’s poet, Robert Heidbreder, shares thirty memorable poems that capture the magic and beauty of all the wonderful things kids can see when they gaze at the sky. Gorgeous illustrations by artist and naturalist Emily Dove depict a diverse cast of children playing and cheering under a sky filled with birds and balloons, snow and shooting stars, sunflowers and falling leaves, and helicopters and kites. “A multicultural cast of children are shown reveling in the outdoors. Readers are encouraged to observe and appreciate the natural world around them.� —Booklist

Everybody loves their bed, but it can be tough waking up from fun-filled dreams to go to school. Not anymore 'Shake Awakes' is a startling wake-up call in the form of gruesome poems that wake kids up with a burst of fun.

Children will he excited to see what these silly crocodiles get up to after school is out. Another delightful laugh aloud treat that follows up the popular "Crocodiles say."