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Books published by publisher Holiday House

  • The Boston Tea Party

    Russell Freedman, Peter Malone

    Paperback (Holiday House, Sept. 1, 2013)
    Follow a crowd of disguised protestors through the quiet streets of colonial Boston as they defend their right to control their own destinies. Russell Freedman's engaging narrative, incorporating meticulous research and quotes from contemporary accounts, follows the rising tensions between the citizens of Boston and representatives of the British Crown. From the controversial, unpopular taxes on tea through the defiant act of dumping hundreds of chests of British cargo into the harbor, this exciting retelling puts readers in the middle of this historic event. Detailed watercolor illustrations bring this story of early American protest to life, artfully depicting the colonial era and the charged atmosphere of Boston in the weeks leading up to the Boston Tea Party. Informational backmatter includes a bibliography, index, and historic map of Boston. A perfect introduction to a pivotal moment in American history for young readers.
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  • Alligators and Crocodiles

    Gail Gibbons

    Paperback (Holiday House, Jan. 1, 2011)
    Do you know the difference between alligators and crocodiles...?Alligators and crocodiles are the world's largest reptiles and the closest living relatives of dinosaurs. In this extremely interesting nonfiction picture book, Gibbons compares the two reptiles by giving facts about both--their physical differences, what they eat, where they are found, how fast they swim how they raise their young, and more.Kids will want to read this book again and again to learn all about these crocodilians that have been around for millions of years. A great read-alound for the interested child or non-fiction resource for older children.Drawings are labeled throughout with additional information.
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  • Anansi and the Talking Melon

    Eric A. Kimmel, Janet Stevens

    Paperback (Holiday House, Jan. 1, 1994)
    When Anansi the Spider gets stuck in a melon, he decides to pass his time by doing what he's best at—tricking the other animals around him. When his melon begins talking, Elephant is so impressed he decides to take it to show the king. But Anansi can't resist the opportunity to make jokes at the expense of everyone they meet. Even the King loses his temper over Anansi's bold remarks—but how will the Spider free himself? Anansi's quick thinking will delight readers who love to watch a master trickster at work, and the bold illustrations of the animals' frustrated faces are sure to make kids laugh. Based on tales originating in West Africa and familiar in Caribbean culture, the five-book Anansi the Trickster series is full of slapstick humor and mischief. Eric A. Kimmel’s imaginative retellings combined with Janet Stevens’ expressive illustrations create the perfect silly stories for fun-loving kids.
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  • 8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel Ă· 1 Dog = Chaos

    Vivian Vande Velde, Steve Björkman

    Paperback (Holiday House, June 1, 2012)
    Running into the school to escape a hungry owl was easy. But with the door locked and an angry dog chasing him, how will Twitch the squirrel get back out? He'll need a hand, of course. . . . and maybe a paw, a fin, and a wing, too. Can the classroom pets—including Sweetie the library rat, a snake named Angel, and the first graders' Green Eggs and Hamster—help Twitch get back to his cozy home in the trees? Each chapter is told in the voice of a different animal as the squirrel works his way through the school, visiting each classroom and trying to stay one step ahead of the principal's menacing dog, Cuddles. The different perspectives make this a perfect introduction to narrative point-of-view—and an extra-funny read-aloud. Lively black and white illustrations add to the humor, depicting Twitch's mad dash through the school and the chaos created by a band of class pets on the loose. With short, funny chapters, young readers will race through this novel to find out what the pets do next. For more of Twitch's adventures, check out Squirrel in the House and Squirrel in the Museum.
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  • Owls

    Gail Gibbons

    Paperback (Holiday House, March 1, 2006)
    On silent wings a bird sweeps down in the moonlight... With their striking appearance and distinctive hoot, hoot, owls are one of the most recognizable birds in the world. But did you know there are more than 140 types of owls living in the world? Gail Gibbons' Owls celebrates the similarities and differences in the many species of owls, from large to small, living in diverse environments and making many different kinds of nests. The book covers basics of owl behavior, information on how they hunt, and the many factors that have led some types of owls to become endangered. The boldly colored illustrations feature clear labeling, and all new words are defined and reinforced with clear, simple language, appropriate for young readers. The book also features a page of intriguing owl trivia. Gail Gibbons “has taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children’s writer-illustrator.” Ms. Gibbons is the author of more than 100 acclaimed books for young readers, including the bestselling titles From Seed to Plant and Monarch Butterflies. Her many honors include the Washington Post/Children’s Book Guild Nonfiction Award and the NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book Award.
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  • The Good Samaritan and Other Parables

    Tomie dePaola

    Hardcover (Holiday House, Oct. 17, 2017)
    Back in print, a collection of seventeen well-loved parables of Jesus, from the bestselling author-illustrator of Quiet, Strega Nona, and many more. In simple, lyrical language, appropriate for young readers, Tomie dePaola introduces the best-known parables of Jesus, including the Mustard Seed, the Prodigal Son, and the Lost Sheep. Illustrated with bold, jewel-toned paintings inspired by early Christian art of the Romanesque period, this collection is perfect to share with families or classrooms as an introduction to these familiar Biblical tales. Originally published as The Parables of Jesus, this new edition features a graceful new design.
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  • Perimeter, Area, and Volume: A Monster Book of Dimensions

    David A. Adler, Edward Miller

    Paperback (Holiday House, Jan. 1, 2013)
    Grab your jumbo popcorn—you're invited to the premiere of a 3-D movie, all about those three dimensions!Trusted math picture book duo David A. Adler and Ed Miller tackle the differences between two- and three-dimensional objects in their signature bright and kid-friendly way. Explaining length, width, and height-- and all the different ways we represent those figures-- Adler shows how changing the dimensions of an object affects its size. . . . with some help from a cast of funny, friendly movie monsters. Explaining key vocabulary in simple text and offering numerous concrete examples and sample math problems with included solutions, Perimeter, Area, and Volume is a perfect introduction to two- and three-dimensional geometry. The star-studded cast of monsters will help you calculate the perimeter of the set, the area of the movie screen, and the volume of your box of popcorn.Learning about dimensions has never been so entertaining!
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  • Freedom Walkers: The Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott Grades 6-8

    Russell Freedman

    Paperback (Holiday House, Jan. 15, 2009)
    A riveting account of the civil rights boycott that changed history by the foremost author of history for young people. Now a classic, Freedman’s book tells the dramatic stories of the heroes who stood up against segregation and Jim Crow laws in 1950s Alabama. A master of succinct historical narratives, Freeman explains the contributions of and sacrifices made by Rosa Parks and Claudette Colvin, who refused give up their seats, to Jo Ann Robinson, who began the boycott, to Martin Luther King, Jr., whose leadership was instrumental is carrying it through, and others. Full of eye-witness reports, iconic photographs from the era, and crucial primary sources, this work brings the narratives alive for contemporary readers. A map, source notes, a bibliography, and other backmatter make is a valuable classroom resource. Recipient of an Orbis Pictus Honor, the Flora Stieglitz Straus Award, and the Jane Addams Peace Association Honor Book Award, Freedom Walkers received five starred reviews.
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  • The Tortoise and the Hare: An Aesop Fable

    Janet Stevens

    Paperback (Holiday House, Sept. 1, 1984)
    With illustrations as timeless as the tale, this edition of a classic will delight both parents and children. Once upon a time, there was a tortoise and the hare. Tortoise was friendly and quiet. He did everything slowly. Hare was flashy and rude. He did everything quickly. Janet Steven’s signature style adds color, light, and humor to this classic fable. Parents will love revisiting this story as much as children will love reading it, as its always a good time to be rereminded slow and steady wins the race!
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  • Big Red

    Jim Kjelgaard, Bob Kuhn

    Hardcover (Holiday House, Jan. 21, 2020)
    A devoted, courageous dog always stands by the boy who loves him in this genuine classic, in print for 75 years."A timeless, not-to-be-missed classic." --Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award winning author of The One and Only Ivan Before Old Yeller or Where the Red Fern Grows, there was Big Red, the classic boy-and-dog story of adventure and friendship in the wild mountains of Pennsylvania. Danny knows at a glance that Red, the big Irish setter, is the dog he has always dreamed of. But Red is a champion, and Danny is only a trapper's son who lives in a cabin on the mountain. Still, their bond is undeniable. Red is fast and strong, smart and noble, and incredibly loyal--when Danny twists his ankle and can't get home, Red stays by him all night, keeping a wildcat at bay. Soon Danny and Red are meeting nature on their own terms, enduring a blizzard and even facing down a wolverine. But can Danny and Red take on the enemy that threatens everyone on the mountain--the savage bear they call Old Majesty? This special hardcover anniversary edition has a printed case featuring the original artwork from the 1945 first edition, and includes an interview with the author, Jim Kjelgaard. The original woodcut endpapers are reproduced in the back of the book. A biography of famed wildlife illustrator Bob Kuhn, whose black-and-white artwork brought Big Red to life, is also included, as well as an appreciation by National Book Award winner Pete Hautman. Beloved by readers for seventy-five years, this classic adventure tale is beautifully presented for a new generation of readers.
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  • The Tooth Book: A Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums

    Edward Miller

    Paperback (Holiday House, March 5, 2009)
    Every child studies dental care in school and this lively picture book makes learning how to care for your teeth fun.Taking good care of your teeth and gums is an important part of maintaining overall health. After all, you need your pearly whites to eat, smile, and talk. But what should you expect when you go to the dentist? What should you do if you lose a tooth? Full of straightforward advice and animated, colorful art, as well as some bite-sized bits of history and lore, this guide provides accessible information about taking care of your teeth. The much-needed dental advice in this book is both timely and accessible to today's children.The "Monster Health Book", companion title to "The Tooth Book", was named a Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year and earned shining reviews.
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  • Ladybugs

    Gail Gibbons

    Paperback (Holiday House, Jan. 1, 2013)
    Everything you ever wanted to know about ladybugs— and why they're crucial to our environment. When you think of a ladybug, you might picture a little red beetle with seven black spots on its back—but did you know there are thousands of types of ladybugs, spread across the world? With her signature combination of simple text, clear illustrations, and simple diagrams, Gail Gibbons explores the world of ladybugs. These small beetles live on six of the seven continents, ranging in size, markings, and coloration. Follow a ladybug through the four stages of its development from egg to adult, and learn about its behavior and habitat—plus, how little ladybugs help protect crops by eating harmful insects. Bright illustrations and an easy-to-read text make this ideal for young readers studying the natural world. A page of quick ladybug facts and resources for learning more are included.
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