Books published by publisher Michael Neugebauer (North South Books)

One day Mole caught a cold. He felt terrible, shivering and sneezing one minute, burning with fever and all stuffed up the next. As he snuggles into bed, he thinks about his dream of traveling the world, and before he knows it, that's just what he does! Strangely enough, Mole's cold symptoms are reflected in his journey through underground tunnels to the frigid North Pole, the sweltering desert, the tallest mountains where the air is think and dry, the deep jungle, so steamy and humid. By journey's end, Mole's cold is cured and he has discovered that there's no place like home -- especially when it's filled with good friends.

Once upon a time, when the world was "new-and-all," Man turned to the animals for help--to the horse for carrying, the dog for fetching, the ox for plowing. But the camel refused to do a lick of work, haughtily replying "Humpf!" to all requests. The other animals complained of the inequity to the Djinn of all the Deserts, who used his powerful magic to punish the lazy camel. Rudyard Kipling's beloved story of how the camel got his hump is a comical tale of justice delivered that's filled with fanciful wordplay and illustrated with wit and great charm by the incomparable Lisbeth Zwerger.

The comical tale of the rise and fall of Bobby, the blue-footed dancing Booby offers proof positive that fame may be fleeting, fans may be fickle, but the love of a true friend lasts forever.Bobby Booby, a remarkable bird with the most amazing heavenly-blue feet, wants to dance. The astonished director of the music hall lets Bobby audition and hires him on the spot. Bobby Booby becomes an overnight sensation. Reporters flock for interviews, fans besiege him for autographs, and Bobby Booby plays three shows a day before packed and cheering audiences. But all too soon the novelty wears off. Suddenly the crowd’s cheers turn to laughter -- jeering laughter at the silly-looking bird and his absurd blue feet. Humiliated, Bobby Booby announces he will retire from show business. But a true fan, a wise and caring little duck, has a plan. Will it work? Will Bobby Booby prove to be a flash in the pan, or can he stage a triumphant comeback?

A frog sits peacefully on a rock in a meadow, smelling a flower. Suddenly, an umbrella-wielding mouse digs his way out of the ground and for no apparent reason attacks, stealing the frog's flower. The frog gives chase, seizing the mouse's umbrella. All too soon, the hostilities escalate into a full-fledged war. This cautionary tale, though wordless, speaks volumes about the absurdity of aggression and the inevitable consequences of violence. Full color.

Oliver and his mother are very poor. Oliver has never had a visit from Santa Claus. Wasn't I good? wonders Oliver. Or maybe Santa never brought him a present because Oliver never wished for anything. When his friend brings him a red balloon from the fair, Oliver decides to let the wonderful balloon fly away, hoping it will carry his letter to Santa. Poor Oliver! The balloon never reaches the North Pole. It lands in grumpy old Nicholas's garden, which leads to a surprising, deeply satisfying outcome.

Felipa's beloved grandmother, Abuelita, has died. Felipa misses her terribly and is very sad. Her parents try to comfort Felipa. They tell her that the souls of the dead live on forever. So Felipa decides to find Abuelita's soul. But where is it? She asks her grandmother's donkey, her pig, and her Ilamas for help. She treks many miles to the highest mountain, but grandmother's soul is nowhere to be found. Then, months later, the entire village is bustling with preparations for the Day of the Dead. Felipa joins in the celebrations honoring loved ones who have died, and in the process finally finds Abuelita's soul. Birte Muller's sweet story captures the essence of this special holiday, which is celebrated throughout Latin America and in parts of the United States. She celebrates the universal spirit of remembrance, where sorrow and loss are coupled with joy as people commemorate and commune with loved ones who have died.

One day Sam decides he does not want to go to school. He comes up with the idea of sending his stuffed monkey in his place. As he dresses the monkey in his own school clothes, tells him how to behave, and describes kindergarten, Sam realizes how bored he'll be at home. Sam decides that htye will both go to school today. Whether it's first-day jitters or middle-of-term blahs, here's the perfect solution for children who don't want to go to school.