Books published by publisher Crabtree Publishing Company, 2011

Puny? Poky? Clumsy? Shy? A lighthearted look at the surprising traits that help some animals survive.Written with a lively, playful voice, Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers introduces young readers to a variety of “animal underdogs” and explains how characteristics that might seem like weaknesses are critical for finding food and staying safe in an eat-or-be-eaten world.Award-winning author Melissa Stewart offers readers a humorous and informative nonfiction picture book with a gentle message of understanding and celebrating differences. Stephanie Laberis’s bright, bold―and scientifically accurate―illustrations add to the fun.

In this quirky twist on the fable The Boy Who Cried Wolf, a boy’s outrageous excuses turn out to have an unexpected element of truth.Tim witnesses some strange happenings around his house, but no one believes his explanations. In fact, no matter what Tim says, his parents just punish him with chores. To save himself, he hatches a clever plan to expose the truth. Will it work, or will Tim have to spend the rest of his life raking the yard?Bubbling with wit and humor from start to finish, author-illustrator Alex Latimer’s debut picture book with wacky characters like ninjas, pirates, crocodiles, and time-traveling monkeys, will have readers of all ages laughing out loud.

This beginner’s guide offers a first glimpse into the natural world of birds.In this addition to the acclaimed About… series, educator and author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what birds are, what they do, and how they live. With beautifully detailed, realistic paintings, noted wildlife illustrator John Sill introduces readers to the diverse and natural world of birds. An afterword provides further details on the birds featured and inspires young readers to learn more.

Adorable animals make room in their den for sleepy friends.Deep in the den, ten sleepy, cuddly animals snuggle up together for the night. But as the animal friends roll over to make more room, one animal after another gently tumbles out of the cozy den…until Little Mouse is left all alone. But Little Mouse misses his friends, so he comes up with the perfect solution to his problem.John Butler’s charming version of a children’s favorite countdown to bedtime features a simple but playful text and soft, pastel-colored illustrations of bright-eyed baby animals. The result is an irresistible read-aloud story that will invite delighted responses from young children.

Claude is no ordinary dog―he leads an extraordinary life!When Mr. and Mrs. Shinyshoes leave for the day, Claude and his best friend Sir Bobblysock take a walk in the park. Suddenly, a woman calls for help, and they find themselves rescuing a runaway baby carriage―with the baby still inside! To reward their heroism, The Amazing Alan invites them to watch his circus. They arrive early, and, as he’s been on a cleaning frenzy lately, Claude decides to tidy up the big top. In the process, he accidentally sabotages the performers’ equipment. But the show must go on―even if Claude and Sir Bobblysock have to put on the entire thing themselves!Quirky, delightfully odd, and positively surreal, Alex T. Smith’s illustrated early chapter book series promises giggle-filled bedtime reading and a laugh-out-loud option for readers transitioning from picture books to chapter books.