A Big Halloween Surprise

You are invited to a Halloween party!

Josie, the perky little Yorkshire Terrier, is going, but she has so much to do. Will she be ready in time? She must call her friend Blackie, a black cat who prefers to stay home on Halloween. But will he help her?

In A Big Halloween Surprise, author Alyson J. Pearl weaves a delightful story about Halloween, but with a twist! Not everyone has to like Halloween and all the excitement that goes along with it, but young readers will learn about something even more important than pumpkins and costumes—how to be a good friend. See you at the party!

Mr. Higgins Comforts a Family

A loving family finally adopts Mr. Higgins. As Thelma, his adopted sister, succumbs to illness, Mr. Higgins learns how his big feelings of loss can bring him closer to his new family. Mr. Higgins Comforts a Family is about consoling individuals in need.Also available:A Home for Mr. HigginsMr. Higgins Takes a StandMr. Higgins to the RescueAbout Mr. Higgins:In 2014, authors David Preece and Jim Webber adopted a shy, nervous, and slightly suspicious mid-life black Scottish terrier. “Mr. Higgins”—the dignified name he arrived with—slowly blossomed in his new forever home. Though still cautious with strangers, he grew into a loyal, affectionate companion who returned love in his own steadfast way, all while keeping his dads on a strict daily routine.Not one for pats on the head, Higgins prefers a gentle touch along his sides and the comfort of burrowing into a cozy space. He delights in walks, other dogs, treats, and—as a natural-born outfielder—an enthusiastic game of fetch. His quirks, courage, and quiet resilience inspired the stories that now bear his name.

You Don’t Have to Be a Kangaroo to Clean Up

You Don’t Have to Be a Kangaroo to Clean Up introduces a charming, yet frustrated marsupial who doesn’t quite understand why she is always left to manage cleanup after playdates with her friends, Tuck Turtle and Wally Koala. A visit to Grandma Kangaroo results in a clever fix to her problem and a fun solution for Kaylie and her pals. This warm-hearted story highlights fairness and the value of teamwork as the best cleanup crew in the forest comes together.

Ladybug's Spots

In this whimsical Clarke Fable, a young ladybug wonders about the spots on her back and learns that each one is a reminder of who she has become. She soon finds that who she is all started with love. Be sure to look for the name of the featured flower that appears in each of the illustrations.

SHEB: The Woolly Mammoth

SHEB: The Woolly Mammoth describes silly theories about how mammoth bones got to the island of Capri.

One “scholar” proposed mammoths arrived via Noah’s Ark. Another theorized that Capri mammoths weren’t woolly at all; rather, they swam over since they were covered with down and had webbed feet. And a third scholar proposed a “Dumboesque” theory, envisioning that mammoths flew by flapping oversized ears.

Given the ending developed by the two children, the story could possibly be categorized as “historical fiction.” Mammoth bones were discovered on Capri early in the 20th century, and the accepted theory matches the one offered by the children.