Books published by publisher Silver Whistle

One little, red rubber ball sits all alone while the rest of the world seems to go on about its business. Bees buzz, birds fly, squirrels hoard, but no one pays the little toy any lasting attention. At least, not at first. Lee Bennett Hopkins Award winner Constance Levy has created subtle, infectious verse that tells the story of a small thing that makes a big difference. Hiroe Nakata paints a bustling world where animals play, the sun rises and sets, and children make friends. Rich with colorful characters and detail, The Story of Red Rubber Ball is a surprising--and charming--backyard adventure.

Deviant. Rebellious. Abnormal. The Elders say Gemm 16884 is all these things, and that he is a threat to the utopian society in which he lives. The Elders give him one chance to save himself: He must undergo the mysterious and painful “cure,” or he and his twin sister, Gemma, will be automatically recycled. Gemm chooses “the cure” and finds himself in the year 1348, at the onset of the Black Death. He is now Johannes, sixteen, living in Strasbourg--a town beset by anti-Semitism. Johannes struggles to hold on to his faith and family, his love for Margarite, his passion for music, and his belief in the goodness of human beings. But can the will of one boy change the world? Award-winning author Sonia Levitin weaves a chilling tale of a futuristic society colliding with the past--and delivers an unforgettable message about the recurring nature of history.

It’s winter. The ground is blanketed in snow. Who’s behind it all? Old Man Winter wakes up in a bad mood, as usual. Soon snow, ice, and freezing rain are everywhere. He has taken care of winter once more, but who is taking care of him? Young readers will warm to Caldecott Medalist Stephen Gammell’s distinctive illustrations and unique story no matter what the season.

Cinderella SkeletonWas everything a ghoul should be:Her nails were yellow; her teeth were green-Foulest in the land was she.Poor Cinderella Skeleton! Her evil stepsisters treat her with scorn and work her from dawn till dusk. But when Prince Charnel hosts his famous Halloween Ball, Cindy finally gets her chance to shine. With the help of a good witch, Cinderella Skeleton is transformed into the belle of the ball and steals the prince's heart. Then just as the sun peeks over the horizon, she must dash away! Will Prince Charnel ever find his true love again?Master storyteller Robert D. San Souci and award-winning illustrator David Catrow have dreamed up a hilarious fractured fairy tale about the most dreadful darling you've ever seen.

Twigboy has everything a twig could wish for. . . except a best friend. Then one morning, when a rolling rock saves Twigboy from a gang of menacing bullies, he finds the friend he has always wanted. Together Twigboy and Rockwell have a fine time, visiting Granma and Granpa, and dining on Mud Pebble Pie. But when trouble strikes, watch out--with a friend, anything is possible! •From the recipient of a Caldecott Medal and two Caldecott Honors •Energetic artwork in the artist's signature style creates a lively friendship and adventure story

It's getting toward Christmas at the Bing Cherry Hotel, and Auntie Claus is preparing for her annual "business trip." Just before she is ready to leave, her favorite nephew, Christopher Kringle, begins to have doubts about the family business. To settle the matter, Auntie Claus summons Chris for tea, but like any self-respecting Kringle, Chris decides to take matters into his own hands: He plans to get on the Bad-Boys-and-Girls List on purpose! Even after his older sister, Sophie, reveals that their great-aunt, Auntie Claus, is really Santa's sister, Chris needs to see for himself, in order to believe. In this companion to the much loved Auntie Claus, come along on a magical journey with Sophie Kringle's little brother, Chris, to a place you may have seen only in your dreams. And discover that anything is possible, when you have the key to Christmas!

Biblical stories of valorous women--from Eve to Yael--have helped shape the human character and spirit. Rarely, though, has the essence of these heroines been revealed as poignantly as it is in Daughters of Fire. Fran Manushkin’s sensitive retellings of stories from the Bible and Jewish tradition portray strength and honor, but also jealousy and fear, and Caldecott Medalist Uri Shulevitz’s heroic illustrations highlight the bold, passionate essence of each woman and her world. The result is a collection of tales with heroines who are, above all, human.

There's no better way to start any day than by whipping up a batch of everyone's favorite breakfast treat. Three kids and their helpful dog have taken over the kitchen for some early morning pancake fun. Just a few flips, splatters, and oozing toppings later, the children dig into the yummiest stack of flapjacks ever. Talented newcomer Tamson Weston and award-winning illustrator Stephen Gammell have teamed up to create a mouthwatering and fun book that's sure to send all kids--and their parents--straight to the kitchen for a heaping stack of their own! Features a tasty recipe for "Grandma's Pancakes."

Bright Cameron has always been taught that freedom is a person's most precious right. After all, Papa came to America as a poor indentured worker from Scotland and he toiled for years until his friend Marcus, a slave, helped him to freedom. But for Bright, slavery has always been something she has only heard about. Then she discovers that Mama and Papa are hiding runaway slaves in a hidden compartment of Papa's wagon and boarding them in the barn. Soon Bright, too, becomes involved in her family's secret world. One night, when Papa falls ill, Bright discovers how dear freedom truly is--and what price it exacts from those who must struggle for it.

Look up. Have you ever wondered about the clouds that roam the skies?Cloud Dance takes readers on a journey up to the heavens, through thick cumulus clouds that bring snow, wispy cirrus clouds that flutter in the wind, and wide stratus clouds that blanket the sky. Basic scientific information sheds light on the altitude, shape, and color of clouds, and Thomas Locker's luminous paintings and poetic text create an inspiring and enlightening book for everyone to enjoy.

Everything in nature grows up--just like you and me! It's springtime, and the local pond is bursting with new life. Shiny black pollywogs are growing into fat frogs, and baby robins hatch from pale blue eggs. The blackberry bushes are full of sweet, juicy berries, and new monarch butterflies emerge from their cocoons. Listen closely, and you can hear the cheeping ducklings announcing, "Spring is here!" Anne Rockwell and Holly Keller, two beloved children's book creators, team up to celebrate this season of growth.