Books with author Chris Tougas

One morning, six young ninjas are dropped off at Dojo Daycare. As soon as their ninja moms and ninja dads have left: KABOOM! KAPOW! The ninja boys and girls kick, push, punch, and quickly turn the place upside down in a full-blown ninja riot. Try as he might, the hapless master can’t control the children, and the disaster plays out through lunchtime and story time. No one heeds the master’s repeated mantra of honor, kindness, and respect — until one little ninja steps up and rallies his ninja pals to undo all that they have done, just in time for pickup. Digitally rendered ninjas pop off the page in this rowdy tale. Told in rhyming verse with a lively rhythm, comic expressions, and big sound effects, Dojo Daycare makes for an unbeatably riotous read-aloud story.Grade: 1Fountas & Pinnel: JReading Recovery: 17Lexile Measure: AD 760LCommon Core State Standards:CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.2,2b,4,4a,5,5a,5b,5c,6CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.1.1,1a,2,3,4,4a,4b,4cCCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.1,3,4,5,7,10CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.1,3,5,8CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1,1a,1b,1c,2,3,4,5,6

In this delightful tale of the power of the imagination, Art’s supplies come to life in the studio, creating mayhem and magic―and art! Pastels, pencils, paints, crayons, brushes and markers...everything gets in on the act of creating a mess-terpiece of fun. Chris Tougas’s brilliant illustrations and clever text explore the essence of the creative process in a way that children will understand. “Kids will want to grab some colored pencils and get to work themselves.” ―Booklist “This lively title is sure to be a favorite.” ―School Library Journal “Gorgeously colored...Tougas’s great skill at joyous illustration is just icing on the cake.” ―Quill & Quire

Simple rhymes offer gentle reminders to Little Star about where not to tinkle: not in the car, not on a train, not a plane. Not in a sandbox, not on a slide --- and certainly not on Grandpa's knee! And then, of course, there's the golden rule: never tinkle in the pool! While trying so hard not to have an accident, Little Star's mounting distress is evident. Until, finally, relief arrives: the potty. ?Good for you! You've come so far ... Now tinkle, tinkle, Little Star.?Chris Tougas's offbeat, gender-neutral potty-training book is based on the popular nursery rhyme and can be read or sung. Tougas's background in animation for kids is apparent in the laugh-out-loud illustrations that feature Little Star's hilarious facial expressions as the toddler tries desperately to have fun while not tinkling. This somewhat irreverent but absolutely charming picture book brings hilarity and silliness to what can be a stressful time in a child's life. It makes a perfect gift for potty-training children or parents.

When a tornado leaves a farmer with a heap of scrap metal and no animals, his neighbors are sure it's all over for him. But the determined farmer refuses to admit defeat. His plans are big, and when his neighbors dismiss them with the words, ""When pigs fly,"" they grow bigger still. The farmer sets to work to turn that scrap metal into some rather surprising creatures. Mechanimals will help all of us believe in our dreams, despite what the neighbors may say.

When a tornado leaves a farmer with a heap of scrap metal and no animals, his neighbors are sure it's all over for him. But the determined farmer refuses to admit defeat. His plans are big, and when his neighbors dismiss them with the words, "When pigs fly," they grow bigger still. The farmer sets to work to turn that scrap metal into some rather surprising creatures. Mechanimals will help all of us believe in our dreams, despite what the neighbors may say.

The six little ninjas of Dojo Daycare are back and rowdier than ever during a field trip to the farm. From the moment the ninja boys and ninja girls step off their minibus, mayhem ensues.Farm activities like feeding a pig, milking a cow, and plowing a field dissolve into chaos as the master slips into the slop trough, is chased by a bull, and then is dragged through the hay. YIKES! YEE-OW! It’s a barnyard disaster. Meanwhile, the mischievous ninjas run rampant, setting chicks free and splitting fences, until they remember to shape up and honor their creed: Always help someone in need.Chris Tougas’ digitally rendered ninjas pop off the page once again in this laugh-out-loud story. Told in rhyming verse with a playful rhythm, accompanied by hilarious illustrations and big sound effects, Dojo Daytrip makes for a riotous read-aloud with a kindhearted message.

The six little ninjas of Dojo Daycare and Dojo Daytrip are back for a third adventure—this time, planning a surprise birthday party for their master. Stealthy as ever, the ninja girls and ninja boys tiptoe around without a noise (or so they think) as they prepare for the celebration. Meanwhile, the master is spooked by the noises and shadows he senses around him. Is there a dragon over there? It’s a total dojo scare! Master must be more aware. He tells himself: If I use my ears and eyes, I won’t be taken by—SURPRISE! Master gasps, then laughs and cries. He can’t believe his ninja eyes! Streamers, poppers, candles, cake—he’s delighted by the party and by the thoughtfulness of his little ninja charges. There’s even a gift: a dragon-in-the-box who pops out for one last scream.Chris Tougas’s digitally rendered ninjas pop off the page once again in this laugh-out-loud story. Told in rhyming verse with a playful rhythm, accompanied by hilarious illustrations and big sound effects, Dojo Surprise makes for a riotous read-aloud with a kindhearted message.LEVELINGGrade Range: PreK–3Fountas & Pinnell: JReading Recovery: 17Lexile: AD 540LCOMMON CORERF.1.2,3,3a,3c,3f,4,4a,4b,4cSL.1.1,1a,1b,1c,2,3,4,5,6L.1.2,2d,2e,4,4a,4c,5,5c,5d,6RL.1.1,2,3,4,6,7,9,10W.1.3,5,6,7,8

In this delightful tale of the power of the imagination, Art's supplies come to life in the studio, creating mayhem and magic—and art! Pastels, pencils and paints, crayons, brushes and markers, everything gets in on the act of creating a mess-terpiece of fun. Chris Tougas' brilliant illustrations and clever text explore the essence of the creative process in a way that children will understand.

In this delightful tale of the power of the imagination, Art’s supplies come to life in the studio, creating mayhem and magic—and art! Pastels, pencils, paints, crayons, brushes and markers...everything gets in on the act of creating a mess-terpiece of fun. Chris Tougas’s brilliant illustrations and clever text explore the essence of the creative process in a way that children will understand.“Kids will want to grab some colored pencils and get to work themselves.” —Booklist“This lively title is sure to be a favorite.” —School Library Journal“Gorgeously colored...Tougas’s great skill at joyous illustration is just icing on the cake.” —Quill & Quire

When a tornado leaves a farmer with a heap of scrap metal and no animals, his neighbors are sure it's all over for him. But the determined farmer refuses to admit defeat. His plans are big, and when his neighbors dismiss them with the words, "When pigs fly," they grow bigger still. The farmer sets to work to turn that scrap metal into some rather surprising creatures. Mechanimals will help all of us believe in our dreams, despite what the neighbors may say.

Would you recognize your own bum if you didn't know it was yours? How about your dog's bum? Or your baby's bum? This vibrant hint-and-reveal board book from celebrated artist Chris Tougas features everyone's favorite feature! Explore these cushy tushies with your little one and play a fun guessing game as you appreciate the posteriors of a variety of brightly hued animals.