Books in Candlewick Sparks series

Harold’s quiet detective skills back up Pigsticks’ braggadocio when key items go missing before the big Butterfly Ball.The Butterfly Ball is tomorrow, and all of Tuptown awaits an exciting day full of cake, games, and amazing butterflies. Everyone has a job to do—even Harold. He's making the Spirit of Tuptown prize! But when the prize statue goes missing, a confident Pigsticks volunteers to solve the case (with the help of Harold's careful note-taking, of course). With more and more things disappearing, and everyone in Tuptown a suspect, who can track down the mysterious thief? Comical illustrations belie a deadpan story in this second charming adventure starring a grandiose pig and his undersung sidekick.

“Portraying human and animal characters empathetically, the narrative features moments of humor as well as insight. . . . Highly satisfying.” — BooklistMaggie loves introducing her new horse, Bramble, to the neighborhood, the beach, and the backyard. Bramble has fun too, once she is cajoled into participating by a well-timed carrot or two. But when Maggie has to go to school, Bramble is bored and lonely and gets into some trouble. This charming and funny early reader flows at just the right pace for kids who are learning that others don’t always do exactly what you want, but that friends find a way to give and take.

This Candlewick Sparks title offers newly independent readers the chance to experience early fiction from one of today’s most talented author-and-illustrator teams.Houndsley loves to canoe. Catina loves to ride bikes. But when Houndsley takes Catina out canoeing, she chatters the whole time, drowning out the sounds Houndsley loves, like the call of birds or the plink and plunk of the paddles. And when Catina wants to go biking, Houndsley balks at going. What is wrong with Catina? And what is wrong with Houndsley? From the creators of the E. B. White Read Aloud winner Houndsley and Catina comes another adventure about a charming pair of friends.

"Published in beginning-reader format, this gentle story will appeal to children’s compassion as well as their sense of humor." — BooklistHoundsley is sad. Not because it’s raining or because there are holes in his sweater, but because he doesn’t know when his birthday is. And now Catina is sad, too. But friends are good at cheering each other up, and Houndsley and Catina are the best of friends. So it won’t be long before they each discover, in a most surprising way, how a first-rate friend can brighten even the saddest days.

Having trouble with your backpack zipper? Maybe there’s a monster inside! A little girl slowly warms up to her unexpected guest in this funny story.When Annie unzips her backpack and finds a monster inside, it’s hard to say who is more shocked. "AAAAHHHH!" yells the monster. "EEEEEEKKKK!" yells Annie. Then the monster proceeds to gobble up Annie’s sandwich, put gum in her boot, and tear up her homework to use as confetti for an "Annie is great" parade during class. With perfect comic timing, this charming story depicts a young girl’s shift from annoyance to affection as a disarming monster makes an untimely appearance.

“The winning stars of A Visitor for Bear make a return engagement.” — School Library JournalBear does not like birthdays. He doesn’t like parties or balloons, cards or candles. In fact, Bear does not like anything to do with birthdays at all. He would much rather spend his birthday alone cleaning his house, but Mouse, small and gray and bright-eyed, has other ideas. With a perfectly paced story by Bonny Becker paired with Kady MacDonald Denton’s slapstick visual comedy, A Birthday for Bear welcomes young listeners to the party with artwork ideal for sharing.Candlewick Sparks are perfect for the newly independent reader:* Award-winning stories by top authors & illustrators* Short, engaging chapters* Vibrant illustrations* Welcoming design* Rich vocabulary

“Children needn’t be horse lovers to enjoy this gentle story in which each character overcomes fears with a little help from her friend.” — BooklistIn their third adventure, Bramble and Maggie explore a new season together — fall! Leaves crunch underfoot. Acorns ping off rooftops. It all makes Bramble feel wonderfully spooky. But Bramble’s frisky-pretend-scary gait makes Maggie jumpy, and soon Bramble really is nervous. When Maggie takes a fall, will she want to get back in the saddle? And when Halloween comes, can Maggie trust Bramble to brave the tricks and lead them both safely to the treats?

“Fully suits newly independent readers.” — Kirkus ReviewsThe first snow of winter has fallen, and Houndsley is very happy, as he loves the quiet time. Catina does not like the quiet time, however, and she does not enjoy being snowed in. What about all her plans for the day? What if their evening concert has to be canceled? With a bit of pretending, a few books and board games, a flourish of creativity, and some time to dream, Houndsley helps Catina let go of her worries and enjoy the snowy day, wherever it might take them.Candlewick Sparks are perfect for the newly independent reader:* Award-winning stories by top authors & illustrators* Short, engaging chapters* Vibrant illustrations* Welcoming design* Rich vocabulary

“A fun and pleasing friendship story for young readers learning that three doesn’t have to be a crowd.” — School Library JournalRabbit is excited. He is going to surprise his good friend Robot at home! But Robot is already engrossed in a game of checkers with another friend, Ribbit. Now Rabbit is the one who is surprised, and a bit jealous. While Robot thinks everything Ribbit says is funny, all Rabbit hears is “ribbit.” And Ribbit eats flies with her popcorn. Gross! When Rabbit and Ribbit get mad because they both want to be Cowboy Jack Rabbit, Robot’s Emotion Decoder overheats, leaving him out of commission. Can Rabbit and Ribbit find a way to work together to revive their friend?

Come along for a spirited ride as Bramble — a horse with interesting "little ways" — and her devoted girl, Maggie, make their debut in this inviting early reader.Maggie wants a pony to ride and take care of, and to prepare she's been reading a big book on horse care. Meanwhile, Bramble is bored with giving riding lessons and walking in circles. She's looking for just the right person to take her away from her routine. Is it a perfect match? Maggie loves Bramble as soon as she sees her, but there are some things Bramble has to be sure of. Will Maggie let Bramble venture into new places? Will she protect Bramble from strange objects in the yard? Will she, most importantly, know when Bramble needs her undivided attention? This charming and funny early reader is an ideal match for young animal lovers and anyone who has ever longed for a friend who truly understands.