Books published by publisher Horizon Press

Stan is a young turtle who loved to go to school every day. Then something bad happened at a nearby school: strangers got into the school and a lot of other little turtles like Stan got hurt. Stan is scared that the same thing may happen to him, so he retreats into his shell and becomes afraid of everything from the dark to going to school to getting kidnapped. However, with the help of his mom and dad, as well as his doctor, Stan learns that it's okay to be afraid, but that he can't let fear rule his life. Sometimes bad things happen: people get hurt or the lights go out, and Stan knows he must warn the other turtles when he spots strangers in his school. Stan is no longer a timid turtle, but a brave turtle. An important message of strength in the face of fear, Stan the Timid Turtle will help small children scared by the recent tragedies in Newtown and Boston find strength in themselves.

There's a new student in Calvin's class, a boy named Owen. Mrs. Gilson, their teacher, asks Cal to show Owen around. Cal is curious about Owen, because he overheard Owen's mother telling Mrs. Gilson that Owen has burgers and drum. Where could Owen be keeping his burgers and drum? Are they in his backpack?Owen tapes the classroom rules to his desk, speaks too loudly and steals the ball when the students try to play soccer at recess. Cal can't figure out if Owen wants to be friends or not and he still hasn't found Owen's burgers and drum. Cal tells his mom about Owen. She explains that Owen has something called Asperger's Syndrome, which gives him a different learning style but he still could become a good friend.Owen Has Burgers and Drum is a fun story addressing the difficulties and rewards of befriending a child with Asperger's Syndrome. At the end of the book, the authors provide tips and suggestions to help parents and educators talk with children about Asperger's Syndrome and to help children better understand kids with an autism spectrum disorder.

Zoe, a Puggle, and her owner, Kate, are best friends. They share everything, even their food. After visiting the veterinarian, the doctor informs Zoe and Kate that Zoe is overweight for a puppy. “Fat Zoe” needs to go on a diet or else she will be at risk for health issues in the future. Upon learning this, Kate gets upset and confesses to her mom that the kids at school call her “Fatso” too and do not want to be her friend. Kate and her mom decide to tell the teacher, Mrs. Lopez, about Kate’s situation. With Mrs. Lopez’s help and the doctor’s suggestions for a healthy eating and exercise plan, Kate and her family, Zoe, and friends begin to live healthier, happier lives.Dr. Don Martin, Dr. Magy Martin and Dr. Paige Krabill create a fun story through the viewpoint of a loveable puppy that confronts the difficulties of childhood obesity. At the end of the book, the authors provide suggestions and activities for children, parents and school administrators to help live wholesome lifestyles and prevent obesity.

Maddy Patti is a young girl who goes to her grandfather's farm every summer to spend time with him and all of his animals. Maddy's grandfather, Pop-Pop, is a retired country doctor. During her visit to the farm, her friend Gideon Green tells her he has a disease called diabetes. Since Maddy Patti has the gift of being able to communicate with animals, they help her understand diabetes. Pop-Pop discusses diabetes with Gideon and explains that with proper care and a healthy diet Gideon can play, work, and have fun just like any other child. When one of Pop-Pop's goats gets into trouble, Gideon saves the day. Children who have friends suffering from diabetes, or who themselves confront the disease, learn more about their own and other's symptoms and problems, treatments, and prospering despite living with the disease.

Siggy is a mockingbird with only one wing, but he has learned to march instead of fly and celebrate his unique self. Even though the mean blue jay twins, Vickie and Ickie, tease Siggy for being unable to fly, he’s too busy helping his friends appreciate their own differences to notice. On national "I Like Me!" Day, Siggy stages a parade for all of his friends to celebrate their unique disabilities too! He recruits Ruthie the Raccoon, who uses a shiny wheelchair, Tall Paul, a bear who is taller and skinnier than his brothers, and Penelope Pig, who wears hearing aides in her giant pink ears. With Siggy's help, they each learn to be proud of themselves for who they are and what makes them diverse. The message in this inspiring tale is one of acceptance and understanding and useful tips and suggestions help children learn ways to embrace their own unique selves.

In this insightful and winsome story, Robin, a seven-year-old girl, sees Bobby, the new kind in the neighborhood, being teased and bullied by other kids. Bobby dresses differently and is very small for his age. Robin wants to help Bobby, but doesn't know how, so she asks her parents for help.After witnessing firsthand the teasing that Bobby has to endure, Robin's mother talks to Bobby and Robin's teacher, Ms. Wells. Ms. Wells develops a clever class activity to teach the children that everyone is different, but these differences should not be grounds for bullying. Using puppets, the children come to see the good in everyone, no matter how different. This informative book is a must read for all parents of young children who may be or are dealing with bullies and teasing.

Cassandra loves to smile. Unfortunately Cassandra also loves to eat candy, but doesn't love to brush her teeth. One day, Cassandra discovers ugly brown spots on her teeth. No matter how much she brushes, the ugly spots will not go away. Cassandra's mother tells Cassandra she has to go to the dentist to have her teeth cleaned and X-rayed. However, Cassandra is afraid to go to the dentist. What will the dentist do?This delightfully illustrated story will help explain to children what to expect from a trip to the dentist, helping to eliminate fears, as well as teaching the importance of good oral hygiene.

Aesop was an African storyteller who lived in ancient Greece. He used tales about animals and nature to teach important life lessons and morals. These stories are now known around the world.This book contains 101 of Aesop’s best fables, accompanied by over fifty world-class illustrations. As you’ll see, these fables are written for children, but these lessons are relevant for all ages!Aesop’s Fables are both universal and timeless, making this book a perfect centerpiece for families (and classrooms!) to enjoy while you share in reading and have fun talking together about these lively stories and lessons.“Aesop’s Fables are stories that describe relationships between animals, humans, and nature. These fables center on themes of fairness, humility, kindness, courage, cooperation, and dozens of other important values.”– Dr. Sujan Dass, Book Editor

One of the most important attributes of successful people is persistence, especially when working to achieve a goal that proves to be elusive, difficult, demanding and just plain hard. The Tale of the Teeny, Tiny Black Ant, the latest addition to the successful “Let's Talk Series”, introduces young readers to Ace, a tiny black ant who is determined to secure a beautiful blue jay feather for his Queen. Children join Ace getting involved in his heroic struggles and meet an interesting array of creatures along the way who offer Ace both support and pessimism. Undaunted, Ace persists, but will he ultimately be successful?The Tale of the Teeny, Tiny Black Ant is a beautifully illustrated tale that teaches children the importance of sticking to difficult chores, labors and tasks in order to achieve important goals. Peristence imparts positive attitudes about themselves and others to make the world a better place as they grow up.

“I am terribly sorry to bother you", says the captivating little star, Alkaid, “But I seem to have fallen out of the sky and really need to go home”. So begins the adventure of Joni and the Fallen Star. Experience firsthand with Joni, who with the aid of her classmates combine their individual special talents: building, math, painting, etc. to help the little star back into the heavens. Will their teamwork be successful, and what have the children learned in their efforts?Joni and the Fallen Star is a heartwarming, luminously illustrated addition to the successful “Let’s Talk Series”, that is destined to become a family favorite, promoting social skills, utilizing creativity and fostering teamwork that are important skills for young children on their pathway to becoming tomorrow leaders.