Books in First Flight Level 4 series

Sam is not looking forward to the upcoming summer vacation until he meets Simon, the new boy at school. Together they form a club, The Bats, and work together to create secret signals, rituals and everything else a proper secret society requires. They also set up a system of booby traps to keep the neighbourhood bully Ted and his gang, The Gorillas, from getting into the new clubhouse. But Sam and Simon catch more than they bargained for in their trap and become the city's newest heroes. This Level 4 First Flight Chapter Book portrays two young boys that newly-confident readers will be able to identify with as they follow Sam and Simon's summer plans into an exciting adventure.

Omar loves drawing pictures and wishes he could be as good at it as his classmate Elsie. But his teacher, Ms. Fudge, can never figure out what Omar's pictures are- no matter how hard she tries. When the whole class goes ice skating, however, Omar's true talent emerges. He shows Elsie how he can glide and whirl and spin. After all, it's easy when you don't worry and just have fun. And the whole class discovers with Omar that there is more than one way to draw pictures. Shortlisted for the Mr. Christie's Book Award honouring Canada's Best Children's Books for 1999 TD Canadian Children's Grade One Book

Omar loves drawing pictures and wishes he could be as good at it as his classmate Elsie. But his teacher, Ms. Fudge, can never figure out what Omar's pictures are- no matter how hard she tries. When the whole class goes ice skating, however, Omar's true talent emerges. He shows Elsie how he can glide and whirl and spin. After all, it's easy when you don't worry and just have fun. And the whole class discovers with Omar that there is more than one way to draw pictures. Shortlisted for the Mr. Christie's Book Award honouring Canada's Best Children's Books for 1999 TD Canadian Children's Grade One Book

Even the most observant scientist can botch up a theory or two. Alexandra Bointon dreams about becoming a scientist. When her school has their annual science fair, she always pairs up with her best friend, who is happy to let Alex take over and call all the shots. But this year is different. Her best friend teams up with someone else, and Alex ends up with the new kid, Keith. Reluctant to accept the situation, Alex tries to squirm out of it until Keith tells her his Aunt Karen is a famous scientist, who will be visiting him soon. Alex is excited at the prospect of meeting her idol; maybe teaming up with Keith won't be such a bad deal after all. But an observant scientist has to pay attention to details, and it isn't long before Alex starts to puzzle over the new kid. Why does Keith always cover up his work when she walks by? Why are there always flecks of paint on his clothes and dirt under his nails? And more important, why does his famous Aunt never seem to show up? He is good at science, and he is a great partner, but what is Keith hiding? A foolproof, scientific method of reasoning is sure to lead Alex to the answer. But by the time she is ready to reach her conclusion, does Alex really want to know? A fun story with an unexpected ending, The Not-Quite World Famous Scientist is perfect for readers, scientific or otherwise, who are ready for chapter books.

Someone left the back door open, and Dad thought he saw the tip of a tail. "Andrew!" Dad yelled. "Catch that cat!" Join Andrew as a simple search for a missing cat turns into a wild adventure -- and turns the neighbourhood upside down. From wet cement to buttercream frosting, you'll laugh at the mess and you'll love Andrew's clever clean-up solution.

The two charter members of the Bat Club (Bats and Burglars and Bats out the Window) have to make some money fast. Sam and Simon aren't about to walk dogs or put up a lemonade stand. So the two friends embark on a unique enterprise instead - compost tea! All they need is their backyard compost bins, a shovel and some jars. Add some boiling water and the boys have the perfect product for indoor plant lovers everywhere. Once they set up business at the weekly market in town, the money comes rolling in. But after a big day at the market, the boys discover that their moneybox is empty. Somebody has stolen the proceeds! It isn't long before Sam and Simon figure out who is responsible - Mrs. Hook, their crazy neighbour who dresses like a pirate to scare kids off her yard. She was hanging around the market, and their compost tea stand all day. An evening of close surveillance of Mrs. Hook's activities confirms the boys' suspicions. And they discover that the old woman has more than just their compost-tea money. The boys are eager to expose the thief; after all, they've foiled crooks and been heroes before. This time, however, Sam and Simon are going to have to come up with a plan that will not only expose their enemy but will recover all the missing money. Will our intrepid heroes prevail? A fun and fast-paced story for young readers ready for chapter books, Bats in the Garbage is a great stand-alone adventure as well as a solid follow-up to Bats and Burglars and Bats Out the Window.

David McPhail has done it again - Fox and Rabbit are the newest characters to join his irresistible menagerie. These three simple stories of fun and friendship are told with all the warmth, charm and humour we've come to expect from this acclaimed author. John O'Conner's whimsical illustrations successfully introduce the two friends, Fox and Rabbit, to the minds of the youngest readers.

Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice, 2007 Matthew loves his art class, but he hates trying to find a way home without running into the neighbourhood bully, Big Mike. Later, as Matthew watches his favourite wrestling show, he sees a tag team dressed like artists. It gets him thinking. Maybe, if he drinks enough milk, he'll be strong enough to become a wrestler one day. But later, as Matthew drifts off to sleep, he becomes convinced that muscles alone won't do it - he needs a good costume! Then he can take care of Big Mike. Before he knows it, Matthew is in the middle of another midnight adventure. He meets up with Tooloose the Wrecker, a wrestler who is looking for a partner. Before he knows it Matthew is now called Slap Dash the Masher, and he is about to enter the ring in his first tag team fight. This is no ordinary wrestling match. All the wrestlers are artists, and they have the craziest costumes. But during the main event, Matthew has to face the Masked Marvel, who looks suspiciously like someone Matthew knows. Another wild and imaginative adventure that could only happen after bedtime, Matthew and the Midnight Wrestlers is a fun and fast-paced story for beginner readers who are ready for an early chapter book.