Books published by publisher Holiday House (P)

Cocoa, tan, rose, and almond—people come in lots of shades, even in the same family. A perfect resource for starting conversations about race with young children, Shades of People celebrates the diversity of everyday life. This beautiful picture book and its board book edition, All Kinds of People, pair simple text and vibrant photographs to explore one of our most notable physical traits. At school, at the beach, and in the city, diverse groups of children invite young readers both to take notice and to look beyond the obvious. Combining lively action shots and candid portraits, Shelley Rotner's photographs showcase a wide variety of kids and families—many shades, and many bright smiles. For even younger readers, this title has also been adapted as a board book, All Kinds of People. An ALA Notable Book.

Welcome to Nissera, land of three kingdoms and home to spectacular magic. Bristal, a sixteen-year-old kitchen maid, finds herself in a gritty fairy tale gone wrong when she discovers she has magic in her blood. She's descended from an ancient line of immortal sorcerers called elicromancers—a race that has all but died out in her world, but only two remain in Nissera after a bloody civil war. Bristal joins their ranks without knowing that one of them has a dark secret . . . Tamarice is plotting a quest to overthrow the realm's nobility and take charge herself. Together, Bristal and Brack must guard the three kingdoms of Nissera against Tamarice's black elicromancy. There are princesses to protect, royal alliances to forge, and fierce monsters to battle—all with the hope of preserving peace. With clever homages to Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, Hannah West makes a fast-paced, exciting, and wholly original debut. The Nissera Chronicles begin here and continue with Fields of Fire, a short story set against the events of Kingdom of Ash and Briars, and Realm of Ruins, a gripping companion novel. "One of the best books I've ever read."—C.J. Redwine, New York Times best-selling author of The Shadow Queen "A world both terrifying and wonderful."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Separating truth from tall tales, this easy-to-read biography details the life of a great American frontiersman. Legends say Davy Crockett weighed two hundred pounds when he was born, and leapt right out of his cradle ready to fight. Though those stories are an exagerration, Crockett's life was anything but boring. Farmer, soldier, sharp-shooter and politician, he was a well-known figure in the early 1800s—and even after his death, his reputation as an American folk hero grew and grew. In this illustrated biography, David Adler retells the true story of David Crockett's life—from his birth in Tennessee to his death at the Alamo. Using contemporary primary sources, Adler distinguishes between fact and legend, providing details about Crockett's family life and political career, as well as a note about the historical origins of many of the famed tall tales. A timeline of important dates is included. For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s “expert mixtures of facts and personality” (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book reports.

Dive into the world's oceans to explore the adventurous lives of one of the oldest living animals.Descended from enormous prehistoric creatures, sea turtles are fascinating. Hatched from eggs smaller than a baseball, some can grow to weigh over a thousand pounds. Once adults, they can live to be around 100 years old. And when it's time to nest, they migrate more than 1,000 miles. With colorful, clear illustrations and straightforward text, Gail Gibbons introduces the eight kinds of sea turtles living in the ocean today. Learn the similarities and differences with labeled diagrams and experience the hatching of the tiny turtle babies with detailed illustrations. This updated edition now includes the most up-to-date information about these beloved reptiles, as reviewed by an expert vetter in the field of herpetology.Sea Turtles also gives young readers an accessible overview of how the lives of these large reptiles have become threatened and discusses the conservation efforts currently taking place. Ideal for aspiring oceanographers, this brightly-illustrated book is a perfect introduction to the subject.

Big Cat likes to nap—but his family has other ideas in this Guided Reading Level A story, simple enough for young readers to understand on their own! A pair of rowdy siblings wake their furry friend up to play, and proceed to carry him around the house—no matter how the cat feels about it. They love Big Cat, and it's clear Big Cat loves them, too. . . . even if he doesn't love flying or playing dress-up. His cartoonishly exagerrated expressions are sure to charm. With five words or less per page, this story is simple enough to be the first book a child reads on their own—and funny enough to become a favorite. Geisel Medalist Ethan Long's illustrations of the big-bellied feline and his enthusiastic human pals bring Big Cat's adventures to life. Big Cat can be fun—and reading can be fun, too! The award-winning I Like to Read® series focuses on guided reading levels A through G, based upon Fountas and Pinnell standards. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors—create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own! Level A books, suitable for early kindergarten, are ideal first books for kids to read on their own. One short sentence repeats on every page with one word change per spread. Simple plots are heavily supported by the detailed illustrations. When Level A is mastered, follow up with Level B.

Perseverance (and a little help from a friend) pay off for an aspiring young gymnast in this winning entry in the I Like to Read® series. Ella is in awe of Jan, the star of her gymnastics class. Jan can spin and leap on the balance beam. Can Ella? Her first attempt is a failure, and Ella is ready to give up. But Jan is a star at friendship too; and with her encouragement, Ella tries again--and succeeds! This is the perfect book for girls learning to read. The adorable, leotard-clad young gymnasts fill the pages with action; and the story offers valuable, age-appropriate lessons in kindness, sportsmanship, and how important it is to try, try again. An I Like to Read(R) book. Guided Reading Level D.

Perseverance (and a little help from a friend) pay off for an aspiring young gymnast in this winning entry in the I Like to Read® series. Ella is in awe of Jan, the star of her gymnastics class. Jan can spin and leap on the balance beam. Can Ella? Her first attempt is a failure, and Ella is ready to give up. But Jan is a star at friendship too; and with her encouragement, Ella tries again--and succeeds! This is the perfect book for girls learning to read. The adorable, leotard-clad young gymnasts fill the pages with action; and the story offers valuable, age-appropriate lessons in kindness, sportsmanship, and how important it is to try, try again. An I Like to Read(R) book. Guided Reading Level D.