Books with author Virginia Kroll

“Tsunami! Run!” The bright December day dawns like any other, and the Ramakrishnan family goes about their daily business as usual. Their scruffy yellow dog, Selvakumar, however, feels something strange in the air. Soon, a low rumbling sound fills the village, and Papa climbs on the roof to see a wall of water rushing toward the shore. “Tsunami! Run!” The family scrambles to outrun the huge wave, but seven-year-old Dinakaran misunderstands. He runs toward his house by the shore, where he huddles in a corner for safety—separated from his family. But Selvakumar does not let him stay there. Barking, nudging, and dragging Dinakaran by his shirt, Selvakumar manages to convince the boy to flee from the house toward the hill where Mama and Papa have fled and are waiting, worrying about their eldest son. Award-winning author Virginia Kroll’s true story of a courageous and clever dog who saved a boy’s life during the devastating tsunami of 2004 is sure to touch the hearts of readers of all ages. Lush watercolors by Xiaojun Li bring alive the shores of the South Indian village where the story takes place. While the region is still struggling to recover from the disaster and families rebuild what they have lost, Selvakumar’s amazing story reminds us that, with the power of love and the strength it can provide, any obstacle can be overcome. Shen’s Books is proud to donate a portion of the proceeds from this book to the Tsunami Recovery Fund (see back flap for more information).

Find special mealtime prayers and Thanksgiving activities inside! Grace’s mind was racing. What was that spelling word that meant ‘great generosity in giving’? She squeezed her eyes shut, and it came to her. Bounty. That was the word! Journey back in time with Grace and relive both the hardships and blessings along with her pioneer family. Saying Grace tells the story of one girl and her discovery of the value of mealtime prayer at her family’s first Thanksgiving.

Have a bath, work out, take the car for a spin . . . the busy, lovable mouse in this picture book has one long "To Do" list! But he can't even get started until the family he shares his house with goes to sleep. So he spends the day resting in his mouse hole waiting patiently for the night to come. When it finally does, and the family is tucked in bed, this little mouse goes on one busy adventure! A simple, rhyming text describes the family's busy day and peaceful night, while Fumi Kosaka's clever, playful illustrations let us know what the mouse is up to.