“There were joys in having a pet flea the shop clerk didn’t mention.” When an old man who has lived alone for a long time goes to buy a pet, he decides on a flea. The shop clerk tells him that the flea is house-trained and is a... Read More

Elephants and etiquette are a fresh combination in the world of picture books. This unlikely pairing lends liveliness and interest to Levitin’s newest picture book, a descriptive guide to proper party behavior. A girl receives an... Read More

Any child who has ever built sandcastles on the beach can relate to the frustration experienced by the young hero of this book. No matter how carefully Jack builds his castles each morning, the sea washes them away by evening. He is... Read More

The old bear has danced the kookamonga one too many times. Bear’s heady existence as the best friend of a small girl is one that most families will recognize. A child’s best baby, best quilt, or best bear are the ones most likely to... Read More

The Greeks called them “amphibia,” meaning, “living two lives.” Visitors to wetland areas are familiar with frogs, toads, and salamanders, which begin their lives in the water and move to land as adults, and kids have always been... Read More

The idea that a woman’s romantic feelings might be due more to “biological promptings” than to her swain’s sweet talk is just one of the many observations offered in a book that represents women’s sexuality as a masterful... Read More

Like a cross between Daphne du Maurier and V. C. Andrews, Darci Knowles whips up an intriguing tale of repressed memory, hidden identity, suspicion-induced family members, and kind strangers that find themselves in the middle of trouble.... Read More

Twas the night after Christmas an’ poor ole Boudreau, His wife she dun spent mor’ money den he know. Boudreau couldn’t take it anymore. His children were loudly playing with their Christmas toys, his head was hurting, and he wanted... Read More