Books published by publisher Little Blue Works

“But it’s my birthday. That isn’t fair! Why should I get punished for my birthday? If I’m going to be punished, it should be on your birthday!” That’s Jackie Riley’s response when she receives a gift of piano lessons on her twelfth birthday. Her father and brother have moved to Wyoming and forgotten all about Jackie. The house is empty and her mother cries more than any mother should. How could piano lessons do anything but make it all worse? But when Jackie starts her lessons with Mrs. Estronsky, some unexpected doors begin to open. One October night, something comes flying through one of those open doors and leaves Jackie reeling in the middle of a whole new world — a world much bigger than the one she knew before. “Trust your own experience, Jackie,” says Mrs. Estronsky. “It’s the only truth that you’ll ever know.” Jackie tries out this new idea by interacting differently with her family and friends. Nothing changes — and everything changes — all at the same time.

In the spirit of "Jonathon Livingston Seagull," and "Watership Down," author John Morano brings us the unforgettable story of Lupe. Lupe believes he is the last Guadalupe Petrel alive and he might be just that. But right now, his biggest problem is that a man-flock has decided to save him by locking him in a cage. Lupe knows that the only way he can save his kind is to find a female so he plots his escape to search for the Islands of Life. Lupes story will make you smile and laugh and leave you with a lasting warmth. And all the while, Morano will take you to strange places, introduce you to wonderful characters and make you think about religion, race, responsibility and the environment. A Wing and A Prayer is, at once, a childrens book for adults and a young adult novel with universal themes. An afternoons read that youll never forget. Features a special introduction by John C. Sawhill, President and CEO of The Nature Conservancy. Cover art by Buster Blue.

Welcome to the inspiring story of Binti, a female octopus who lives in the Makoona coral reef, and Kemar, a Cambodian boy who fishes the reef. As a mollusk without a shell, Binti believes she's missing something... but the reef is a dangerous place to search for anything, let alone the shell that will fulfill her and enable her to communicate with the spirit-fish. Helped by her friends and a psychedelic octopus who speaks in Grateful Dead lyrics, the search is on. Fifteen year old Kemar, a boatperson fleeing the Khmer Rouge, fishes the waters around Makoona where he crosses the path of a strange octopus and befriends both a Vietnam vet and an old American mechanic who claims she was once a world famous aviator. Makoona will make you laugh out loud as it transports you into the world of the coral reef and takes you on an island adventure that never loses sight of environmental concerns, personal fulfillment, friendship, self awareness and the tenets of eco-literature that Morano created in his unforgettable first novel, A Wing and a Prayer. Like Wing, Makoona is a children's book for adults and a young adult novel with universal themes; a story that you can enjoy by yourself or share with the entire family. Featuring a special introduction by Kathryn Fuller, President of the World Wildlife Fund.

Twelve-year-old Bailey Wellcom thinks that life will be Snore City when she and her mother move from Phoenix, Arizona to the little village of Lucien, New Mexico. But when she meets her best friend Stevie Z and a cattlewoman named Melody Callahan, life gets pretty exciting for Bailey and her mom! "I sure as heck didn't get much sleep that night. I kept trying to piece everything together, like it was a giant puzzle. Some things started to make sense to me - like how they looked at each other and how shy they were with each other at first. I started feeling really stupid and nave about it, if you want to know the truth. Why didn't I see it before? The way Melody looked at my mom and how they became friends so fast, the way they held each other after the manure fire, the quiet way they talked together. And now this. Kissing."

Sarah and Pilo are about to save the past. And the future. When 13-year-old Sarah falls in the mud behind her new home in Phoenix, she finds an unusual piece of ancient pottery. Then, after accidentally dying herself red and green, Sarah almost collides with 14-year-old Pilo. The two of them begin looking for traces of the past in the mountains and desert surrounding their homes. During their explorations, they uncover a developer's plot to bulldoze one of the prehistoric sites. With the help of an upset rattlesnake, a neighbor with two peculiar dogs, and a mysterious packet, Sarah and Pilo set out to stop what everyone thinks is unstoppable. Is the only good cow a shoe? Can cattle fly? And what is that colorful thing hidden in Mr. Ugly? Answers to these questions and more are found in A Present From the Past.

While in England, Miss Panda decides to go to France. Why not? It's just a ferry ride away! Mr. Koala flies in to meet her, and their journey begins. From the wonders of Paris, to the splendor of the French Riviera, their trip is unforgettable. Traveling the world to teach children about different countries makes Miss Panda a loveable and delightful companion. She's always ready for new experiences, whether it's visiting the Taj Mahal or a Russian ballet. Where will she take us next?

While reading War and Peace, Miss Panda decides to visit Russia and learn more about it. There are so many places in Russia she's only heard about: Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Siberia. On her trip she makes new friends, and runs into an old one! Traveling the world to teach children about different countries makes the wonderful Miss Panda a loveable and delightful companion. She's always ready for new experiences, whether it's visiting the Taj Mahal or stomping grapes in France. Where will she take us next?