Books published by publisher Boxer Books, 2008

Sometimes, growing up is hard—but it can be satisfying, too, as the adorable Ducky, Bunny, and Piggy have all learned. Now it’s Lambkin’s turn, in this wonderful new entry in the popular No More! series.Although little Lambkin has lots of toys, all she really wants is her small, soft, but very dirty comfort blanket. She never lets it go—until Ducky comes over for a play date and gently helps Lambkin give up her beloved blankie and join in the fun.As always, Bernette Ford and Sam Williams have created a sweet and marvelously illustrated story of friendship that entertains, teaches by example, and encourages children to approach big transitions on their own terms.

A humorous fantasy story of greed set in a small Indian village, stunningly illustrated and retold by award-winning artist Jane Ray. Jasmine’s garden has the most delicious fruit in the village—but someone is eating all her beautiful apples and apricots, kiwis and kumquats, papayas and peaches. Determined to discover the thief’s identity, Jasmine waits . . . and waits. Little does she imagine that when he arrives, he’ll lead her on a magical journey through the skies. Using vibrant collage artwork with jewel-like colors, Jane Ray has outdone herself by creating a beautiful new style.

Ballet Kitty wakes up in the pink—ballerina pink, of course—until she realizes she can’t find her slippers anywhere. Suddenly her leaps aren’t as lighthearted or her pirouettes as pretty. Where could they be? she mumbles and grumbles. How can she dance in her clunky old sneakers? But very quickly Kitty discovers that as long as she’s doing her most perfect plies and cutest curtsies, she’ll always be happy right from her head to the tips of her little pointed toes!Bernette Ford’s delightful dance-loving story and Sam Williams’s charming pas de deux of pussycats will inspire every little ballerina!

Bernette Ford and Sam Williams, the creators of No More Diapers for Ducky!, No More Bottles for Bunny!, and the other “No More” books, are back with another sweet entry in their popular series.It's Billy Goat's first day at school, and he feels lost and lonely. Even though he really wants to join in the fun and games, he just doesn't know how. Billy Goat gets so frustrated that he even bites Piggy, Lambkin, and Bunny! But with a little gentle guidance from sympathetic Ducky, he learns that teeth are for biting food—not your friends.

The scrumptious story about a tiny mouse and his very large, very tempting cupcake is now in a board book! When one small mouse finds one BIG cupcake (a chocolate chip, raspberry cream cupcake!), he wonders how to get it home. It's much too heavy for him to carry. So, one by one, Little Mouse asks his animal friends to help. They all say “yes”—but only after taking a nibble of the yummy treat. Will there be any cake left for the hungry Mouse? Thomas Taylor and Jill Barton have whipped up a tasty story of friendship and sharing . . . with a deliciously satisfying ending!

Britta Teckentrup, the talented author and artist of Big Smelly Bear, once again creates an unforgettable, heartwarming animal that kids will love. Poor Cat! All the other kitties in the neighborhood don’t ask him to come play. He just seems so…grumpy. But really, he wants to join in the fun; he just doesn’t know how. Then, one night, in a terrible rainstorm, everything changes: out of nowhere, Cat hears a plaintive “meow” and finds a drenched little kitten taking shelter between his paws. And no matter what Grumpy Cat does, she’s determined to stick by him….The endearing art, expressive characters, and gentle storytelling send children the comforting message that there’s a special friend for everyone.

Bernette Ford and Sam Williams offer a delightful sequel to their highly acclaimed No More Diapers for Ducky!—and it too deals with a rite of passage that every child goes through. Adorable Pig and Ducky return with a new friend: Bunny, who sucks on his bottle at mealtime, naptime, and playtime. But now Bunny has an invitation to Piggy’s lovely tea party…and no one drinks tea from a bottle! Will Bunny grow up and start using a cup? Once again Ford and Williams teach their lesson gently, with subtle, graceful writing and thoroughly charming characters.A Main Selection of the Children’s Book of the Month Club.

Every child adores getting twirled and tossed by Mommy and Daddy. Again! Again, they squeal. That’s the rapturous joy Nicola Smee captures, in simple rhythmic text and charming pictures. One after the other, a group of barnyard friends climb aboard Mr. Horse for a ride. Faster, they beg faster! But will “faster” lead to disaster? No just a satisfying ending that toddlers will love. Best-selling Nicola Smee has written and illustrated many children’ books. Her Three Little Finger Puppet series has sold more than 800,000 copies.

Grandma, what big TEETH you have! When Little Red Riding Hood sets off through the woods with a basket of goodies for Grandma, who should she run into but a big, bad wicked wolf? The dilly-dallying girl says goodbye thinking that's the last she'll see of him—but she's in for a big surprise. Bestselling author Bernette Ford (No More Diapers for Ducky!) has created a charming retelling of a timeless favorite, especially designed for reading to young children, with simple language and appealing, amusing illustrations.