Books published by publisher Harcourt Children's Books

It's the yearly hootenanny for piggies all across the holler. They're hankerin' for a porky polka rhythm--plus a piggy rigadoon, a piggy roundelay, and, of course, a piggy mosh pit! Energetic illustrations and rhythmic rhymes introduce musical styles and instruments to the youngest readers, and the charming cast of piggies is simply irresistible. This bouncing barn dance is the place to be--so grab your piggy partner and join in!

The British underworld is controlled by gangs. When two of them start a turf war, violence explodes on to the streets. The police need information fast, and James Adams has the contacts to infiltrate the most dangerous gang of all. He works for Cherub. Cherubs are trained professionals, aged between 10 and 17. They exist because criminals never suspect that kids are spying on them. For official purposes, these children do not exist.

This beloved and bestselling book from Audrey and Don Wood has been delighting children--and sending them off to bed with laughter and sweet dreams-for years. The infectious cumulative rhyme of The Napping House has made this book a classic. Now here is the new sturdy edition just right for tiny hands, making them a must for every family's board book collection.

In this rhythmic story, an unsuspecting brother and sister bring a toy skeleton home from the harvest fair. They name it Fred McFee and hang it from a sycamore tree. Soon, eerie things begin to happen: The rooster disappears. The hens won't lay. Most terrifying of all, Fred's bones dance clickety-clack as night winds howl. And then on Halloween night, Fred McFee vanishes! Eve Bunting's gleefully ghoulish tale is sure to become a Halloween classic.

Otis is a little pig with a big problem. He doesn't like mud. His mama and papa are convinced he will someday love the stuff, but Otis isn't so sure. And in the meantime, he's lonely. It's not easy being the only pig in the county who hates getting dirty. Will Otis ever find a friend? • From a winner of the Benjamin Franklin Award for Best Children's Picture Book • Children's Book-of-the-Month Club Selection • In the spirit of "Ferdinand the Bull," introduces an endearing character who does not like the very thing he's supposed to love • Junior Library Guild Selection

Trupp, a young Fuzzhead, decides to venture into the world. With a cheeky raven for a companion, Trupp rambles through the city, going virtually unnoticed by humans--that is, until they are confronted by a homeless woman who sees Trupp for who he really is. Before Trupp can decide whether to stay or run away, this unusual woman realizes that he could use a little help. “Fans of Stellaluna, Cannon’s exceptional debut book, will approach her second with high expectations--and those will be met.”--Publishers Weekly

When an MI5 operation goes disastrously wrong, James Adams needs all of his skills to get out of Russia alive. Meanwhile, his sister Lauren is on her first solo mission, trying to uncover a brutal human trafficking operation. And when James does get home, he finds that his nightmare is just beginning.... Cherub agents have one crucial advantage: Adults never suspect that children are spying on them. For official purposes, these children do not exist.

Mitzi is a witch who likes creepy things. So when she decides to get a pet, she wants the creepiest pet possible. But the bats she tries are too batty, the toad does nothing but eat bugs, and the warthogs . . . well, that’s a whole other story. Mitzi is in despair. She wants a creepy pet that is fun--and that will share her secrets. It seems too much to hope for, until one rainy night when something unexpected scratches on her door. . . . With gentle humor and a touch of magic, Arthur Howard reveals how true friendship sometimes turns up in the most surprising places.

This fresh adaptation of the classic "One Potato, Two Potato" nursery rhyme is a counting adventure and rollicking good time rolled into one. Spunky leader Potato Joe and his nine spuds pals count up to ten and back down again, all while playing games and meeting up with other garden friends. With its playful tone and hilariously expressive potatoes, Potato Joe is a spud-tastically fun read-aloud, and a perfect companion to Keith Baker's previous nursery rhyme interpretations, Big Fat Hen and Hickory Dickory Dock.