Books published by publisher Bright Works Press

The daughter of a Presbyterian minister in Brownsville, Henrietta lived on a houseboat when it was nearly rammed by steamboat captain Richard King. The experienced frontiersman and prim seventeen-year-old schoolteacher married four years later and moved to a hut made of mud on King’s newly claimed land. As the ranch grew, Henrietta dealt with every threat known to the frontier— Indians, lawless men, violent weather— and the Civil War. When her husband died in 1885, Henrietta took over the management of the ranch. In widow’s black, she continued to care for the health and education of the Mexican ranch hands. With the help of her son-in-law Robert Kleberg she expanded the ranch’s holdings to more than one million acres and developed a new breed of cattle that could withstand Texas heat. Henrietta was a major influence in the development of South Texas as she donated churches, schools and land for railroads. At her funeral, two hundred cowboys from the King Ranch rode around her grave in salute to "La Patrona."

"Artie watched the trees. When they saw children misbehave, a fine mist flowed from their branches. When touched by this mist, children stopped bickering, babies stopped crying, and parents started smiling. "What's that coming from your branches?" asked Artie. "That's Christmas Spirit…" Artie is delighted when a family selects him to be their Christmas tree. But, because he's not a real tree, he doubts he has enough Christmas Spirit to bring the children the hope, joy, love and peace they need. Who can help Artie believe in himself? No one knows more about Christmas Spirit than Santa. That jolly old elf soon sets Artie straight. Any tree―just like any person―has an infinite amount of Christmas Spirit to share, if it comes from the heart. Artie: The First Artificial Christmas Tree shows children how important it is to share Christmas Spirit. Artie's struggle to feel worthy of the special work of the evergreens will encourage young readers facing their own obstacles and help them to understand the importance of developing their own special talents. Timeless watercolors capture the enduring magic of the Christmas season and will inspire readers to spread cheer through the holidays―and beyond. Artie's story shows that with Christmas trees, just like with people, it's what's inside that matters!"

Meet Henrietta King, the strong woman who ran the most legendary ranch in America. From her beginnings as a preacher’s daughter on a houseboat to her role as La Patrona of the legendary King Ranch, Henrietta King defined herself through strength of character. Here is the story of the remarkable woman whose tenacity, fortitude and faith in the face of the Civil War and her husband’s death guided the ranch that developed the first cattle breed in the United States, bred

A charming, cautionary tale for children about the perils of going to bed with gum in their mouths, Wanda and the Oblahlahs tells what happened to Wanda when she doesn't heed her mother. Diligent about throwing her gum away when her mother and father remind her, Wanda, left to her own devices with the babysitter when Mother puts on a red dress and goes out to dinner, leaves her gum in her mouth and suffers the consequences. The Oblahlahs, a curious group of little party animals, come to life in her mouth and take her voice, leaving her only able to say, Oblahlah, Oblahlah, until even her faithful dog Moldy won't play with her anymore. When the doctor can't save Wanda's voice, her mother, father, brother, and even Moldy do what they can to help, but it's up to Wanda to learn to do what's right with her gum and get her voice back.

Colonel David Stern Crockett was a celebrated 19th-century American folk hero, frontiersman, soldier and politician. He represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives, served in the Texas Revolution, and died at the age of 49 at the Battle of the Alamo. Crockett’s early years were filled with adventure, hardship, and traveling. Shortly after being sent to school, he ran away from home. He did not return until his 16th birthday. Crockett was twice elected to the United States House of Representatives. In 1835, Crockett left Tennessee for Texas. When William B. Travis, commander in charge at the siege at the Alamo, appealed for help against the Mexican forces, Crockett responded. The Texians were far outnumbered by the Mexican army, but Travis and his brave men refused to surrender. Crockett died a hero’s death in the Alamo, but the legends about his skills as an outdoorsman, a maverick statesman and a warrior continued to grow. Today, Davy Crockett is considered an integral part of the American folklore, and all the stories and legends spring from the life of this real man.

When Danielle wonders how strawberries get their brilliant red color, her mother decides to take her to Mr. McDerwood's Strawberry Farm to pick some berries and perhaps find an answer. After driving through luxuriant fields of wildflowers, they arrive at the farm, and Danielle and her little dog, Oscar, set off with a wicker basket perfect for holding juicy berries. As the sun casts a golden glow over the fields and the sweet, tart fragrance of ripe strawberries fills the air, she begins her search. What she discovers is an enchanting world of tiny fairies eager to share their secret and the surprising answer to her question. Danielle and the Strawberry Fairies is lovingly illustrated in exquisitely detailed, glorious watercolors. It includes a disc of original music, so young readers can sing along with the fairies as they work. A delicious treat for the senses, this delightful tale celebrates the power of a child's imagination and its connection to a magic that never fades.

This accessible biography for K-2 readers introduces the woman whose acumen and tenacity enabled the King Ranch to become a legend, and whose foresight and generosity is responsible for much of the civilization in South Texas. Rancher and philanthropist, and the only child of Maria and Hiram Chamberlain, Henrietta was born in 1832 in Boonville, Missouri. Her mother died in 1835 and her father's missionary work around Missouri and in Tennessee made for a lonely childhood. She became self-reliant and had strong, sometimes unconventional, ideas. Henrietta and her husband Richard King established their home on the Santa Gertrudis ranch, and built ranch to 1,173,000 acres by 1925. The cattle developed on the ranch were a boon to the Texas cattle industry because of their resistance to disease and heat. King was also interested in the settlement of the region between Corpus Christi and Brownsville, investing her money to improve towns, establish churches, and stabilize the companies pro

The world can seem so serious, and sometimes people just can’t think of a reason to smile. Silly Shoes, a collection of whimsical, endearing poems, gives kids just the tickle that’s needed. Life is good, and Silly Shoes reminds us of the color and fun that surrounds us, if we’re willing to look. No matter what’s going on, Lawson Gow proves that there are always things to smile about if you just put on your silly shoes and tie them up tight!

Douwlina's story began with great sadness when she lost her mother to poachers, but it has a happy ending. From the time Douwlina was rescued, loving people”and even animals”have stepped forward to care for her. In Africa, where Douwlina lives, there were once over 100,000 of these smart, magnificent animals. Now, there are less than 20,000 on the entire continent, and one is poached every day in the Kruger Park alone. Rhino are killed illegally for their horn, because people believe it has power in traditional medicine and rituals. The cost for an ounce of horn can be as high as five times the price of gold. This tender story shows how each animal and human who has been part of her life has helped her. It highlights the bonds between people and animals and reminds us of the importance of being good stewards of the animals who share the planet with us.

Mocha, the real doctor, resides in Dr. Susan's veterinary clinic and sleeps by day, but when night has come and the staff has gone home, leaving the many sick and hurting animals to convalesce, it is time for Mocha to make his rounds. Up Mocha springs, straightens his tail, and sets to attentively visiting each patient. Gently, he sings, purrs, and coaxes every one to health. All his healing work done and having made his usual lordly daybreak stroll through Dr. Susan's flower beds, Mocha has his breakfast and settles down in his cozy basket. This book is a modern myth of healing, meaningful for any sick child or for any child concerned for an ailing pet.

From his humble beginnings in east Tennessee to his valiant stand at the Alamo, this biography introduces middle readers to the real person behind the larger-than-life image of David Crockett. The narrative skillfully separates fact from fiction as readers learn that Crockett did not really wear a coonskin cap and that he was never known as Davy Crockett. Young readers will appreciate the information on Crockett's turbulent and adventurous early years, such as when he ran away from home as a child and did not return until his sixteenth birthday. Much more than a rough-and-tumble frontiersman, David Crockett was also a successful businessman, a U.S. congressman, and a freedom fighter whose many accomplishments are detailed in this fascinating biography of this iconic American folk hero. Web links for teacher activity resources are also included.