Books with author Leslie Helakoski

Effie dreamed of being a state-fair cow. She loved living on the farm, grazing in the fields, and giving milk every day. But still...she dreamed of being beautiful, of billowing blue ribbons and big, bodacious barns. Petunia the pig gives Effie advice on how to become the most beautiful cow and win a ribbon at the state fair. But what Petunia, the other cows, and the judges learn is that no one can fix Effie! Illustrations rendered in acrylic capture the humor and spirit of the story.

When four big chickens see a wolf sneaking near their coop, they run into the woods to hide. But for a bunch of big chickens, running away from danger isn?t as easy as it looks. As they continue on their way, they wonder: What if they get stuck in a ditch? What if they hit an iceberg in the lake? What if they step into a cow patty? Eewww! Brimming with silliness and the kind of slapstick humor small children love, here?s a rollicking read-aloud with an uplifting message and a very satisfying ending.

Effie dreamed of being a state-fair cow. She loved living on the farm, grazing in the fields, and giving milk every day. But still . . . she dreamed of being beautiful, of billowing blue ribbons and big, bodacious barns. Petunia the pig gives Effie advice on how to become the most beautiful cow and win a ribbon at the state fair. But what Petunia, the other cows, and the judges learn is that no one can fix Effie! Illustrations rendered in acrylic capture the humor and spirit of the story.

Effie dreamed of being a state-fair cow. She loved living on the farm, grazing in the fields, and giving milk every day. But still . . . she dreamed of being beautiful, of billowing blue ribbons and big, bodacious barns. Petunia the pig gives Effie advice on how to become the most beautiful cow and win a ribbon at the state fair. But what Petunia, the other cows, and the judges learn is that no one can fix Effie! Illustrations rendered in acrylic capture the humor and spirit of the story.

Woolbur is a free-spirited, fluffy, one-of-a-kind sheep! He knows the most important accessories are confidence and fearlessness. Woolbur is not like other sheep. He hangs out with wild dogs and even dyes his wool blue."Don't worry!" says Grandpaa when Maa and Paa fret that Woolbur is different. But when they tell their son to follow the flock, the opposite happens—the flock follows him! Soon everyone is copying his wild hairstyles and taking turns on the spinning wheel. Leave it to Woolbur to find a new way to step ahead of the herd. Spunky, funky, and refreshingly distinct, Woolbur will strike a chord with anyone who's ever felt different. And that's all of us! AwardsBook Sense Hot PickGreat Lakes Book Award finalistGift of Literacy Oregon Book ChoiceMichigan Reads! One State, One Picture Book AwardBe sure to join Woolbur’s next adventure in Ready or Not, Woolbur Goes to School!

Dark sky. Wake or doze?Some eyes open. Some eyes close. Some chicks like day, others like night. Some sleep in the dark, and some in the light. Hoot, an adorable owlet, and Honk, a fuzzy gosling, have just hatched—but their eggs got switched and now they’re in the wrong nests. Will they find their way home? Leslie Helakoski’s gentle, lilting verse and irresistible illustrations make the perfect bedtime story as they capture two adorable babies exploring the world for the first time.

Nibbles, Sweet Pea, and Clean Bean each want the coveted title of Biggest Pig. An afternoon of contests will determine who will be the first to squeeze through the garden fence, gobble a row of veggies, and sink to the bottom of the mudhole. Each pig has his talent, and in the end it's clear to their mama that they're all big pigs. But they'll also always be her little piglets. With a wonderful, wry sense of humor, a rhythmic text,and two fun twists in the ending, this is a tale of sibling rivalry that kids will want to read again and again.

Ever wonder what’s going on in the mind of a dog? Here is an entertaining look at life from the point of view of a family pooch—a canine with a tongue-twisting, fun way of talking, and some serious attitude. As the dog’s “people family” grows, so does her dismay at having to share her space with so many new and noisy feet. But as she discovers, making room also brings new joy. With a happy surprise ending and charming illustrations full of humor, this is a heartwarming—and doggone funny—rhyming story that kids will ask for again and again.