Books in The X Ray Picture Book series

“Ma! there’s nothing to do here!” complains the precocious protagonist of this rhyming tale set entirely in utero. It’s not exactly a scintillating experience spending nine months in your mother’s womb. You’re just stuck there at the end of that dumb bungee cord (a.k.a. the umbilical cord), with nothing whatsoever to do but slosh around. But, oh, the endless joys you have to look forward to as you listen to the tick-tock of ma’s happy heart clock and await that happy day when you finally come out to play.

A lyrical story about how looking back is helpful when you start looking forward. . . .A young girl thoughtfully considers her family tree and the vibrant ancestors who populate it. As each family member’s story is revealed, her quiet meditation—about what kind of person she’ll be when she grows up—transforms into a testament to the importance of sharing family stories. The simple, elegant narrative combined with Sean Qualls’s evocative art makes for a wonderful read-aloud experience.

The little boy from The Best Place to Read can now read by himself, and he's looking for an audience. But everyone--his parents, siblings, grandparents, even his dog!--is too busy to hear a story in this fun and lively tale. When our young reader finally settles in to read to his toys, he gets a surprise visit and learns that the best time to read is whenever you have loved ones to listen! With catchy, rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, this is the perfect read-aloud--anytime!From the Hardcover edition.

A cautionary tale for mice reminiscent of Carroll’s Jabberwocky!Out in the open, in the clear,Where any wisenmouse would fear,Jam licks his paw, he grooms an ear,And never hears approaching hisssss . . .What will happen to the brave mouse Jam when he breaks the rules and goes for a moonlit adventure against the advice of the elder mice?Award-winning illustrator Barry Moser has created a dark and vivid mouse world to complement this cautionary tale full of clever nonsense words and rhyming prose that will keep kids on the edge of their seats.

The little boy from The Best Place to Read can now read by himself, and he's looking for an audience. But everyone--his parents, siblings, grandparents, even his dog!--is too busy to hear a story in this fun and lively tale. When our young reader finally settles in to read to his toys, he gets a surprise visit and learns that the best time to read is whenever you have loved ones to listen! With catchy, rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, this is the perfect read-aloud--anytime!

In a little house on the top of a hill lives a happy little guy named Hugo. When Hugo sees a mysterious red string, he just knows he’s going to find something wonderful at the end of it! Hugo’s journey takes him across the river, underground, and throughout town—all while gathering curious new friends along the way! What does Hugo finally find at the end of the mysterious red string? An embarrassing, hilarious, wonderful surprise! A rhyming refrain and Bob Boyle’s signature animated, geometric art style will entertain readers as they learn about what happens when new friends work toward a common goal.