Books in Reading Rainbow series

When Ambrosia gives her Uncle Nacho a new hat, he tries to get rid of his old one, but to no avail. No matter what he does, the pesky hat keeps coming back to him. This classic folktale from the Puppet Workshop of Nicaraguan National Television, vividly illustrated by Mira Reisberg and presented in a bilingual edition, is a parable about the difficulties of making changes and shaking off old habits. The book includes an account of the origins of the story.

This wordless picture book captures the beauty and wonder of a brother and sister's joyous experiences in the rain. Come along as they explore their neighborhood, splash through puddles, see where the animals hide, and make footprints in the mud. From the first small drops of rain to the clear blue sky of a bright new morning, Peter Spier's Rain will delight parents and children again and again.

Every year, in the fall, Gabrielle gets a new coat. And every year her coat looks the same -- navy blue with two rows of buttons and a half belt in the back. But this year Gabrielle wants something different -- a purple coat. "Purple?" Mama laughs. But Gabrielle is quite serious. Alone with Grampa in his cozy tailor shop, Gabrielle does some fast talking. Still, even Grampa is dubious. His solution makes The Purple Coat a very special book, just right for every child who has ever wanted to try something different.

Celebrating Earth's most precious resource, this handsome volume introduces not only the many forms and almost-magical properties of water, but also the vital role that water plays in the life of our planet. In vivid words and stunning color photographs, the book explores how water moves from the earth's surface to the air and back again; how pounding waves, rushing rivers, and slow-moving glaciers change the face of the earth; and why people of all nations must strive to conserve our planet's water supply and keep it free of pollution. A Reading Rainbow selection

In an old farmhouse, bathed in the light of a full moon, a young boy creeps to his bedroom window and looks outside. Was that a voice he just heard, or the hooting of an owl? There it is again: Come a little closer...Come a little closer...Listen to the night...There's music in the air...Beckoned by the voice, the boy sneaks downstairs, out the door, and walks toward the barn. As he gets closer he hears the sweet sound of a country fiddler and the rhythmic thumping of dancing feet. But who could possibly be having a barn dance in the middle of the night?