Books in Candlewick Sparks series

A chatty little girl and her patient older brother share an easy bond in a charming early chapter book filled with warmth and wry humor. Annie and Simon: little sister and big, big brother. Annie likes to talk a lot about what she s going to be when she grows up, about the clouds and rain and umbrellas, about picnics in the park and meteors, about loons and canoes and turtles. And Simon is a very good listener. He knows a lot about the stars and the weather, how to fix bee stings, and where to look for loons. He knows a lot about being the kind of big brother that keeps a little sister smiling. Whether they are poking around the garden or paddling through a marsh, curious Annie and patient Simon are siblings who are clearly happy in each other s company."

The subtle dance of friendship - from holding your tongue to knowing what to say - is played out in three sweetly humorous tales about an unlikely, likable pair. Catina wants to be a famous writer. Houndsley is an excellent cook. Catina thinks Houndsley is a wonder. Houndsley thinks Catina is a very good friend. So what should Houndsley say about Catina's seventy-four-chapter memoir? And can Catina find the right words of comfort for Houndsley after the big cooking contest fiasco? James Howe's funny and endearing world of ginger tea, no-bean chili, and firefly watching is brought to life in cozy watercolors by Marie-Louise Gay in this tender chapter book about what it means to be friends.

Now in paperback, this Candlewick Sparks title offers newly independent readers the chance to experience early fiction from one of today's most talented author-illustrators. Annie and Simon: little sister and big, big brother. Annie likes to talk--a lot--about what she's going to be when she grows up, about rain and umbrellas, about picnics and meteors, about loons and canoes and turtles. And Simon is a very good listener. He knows a lot about the stars and the weather, how to fix bee stings, and where to look for loons. But most of all, he knows a lot about being the kind of big brother who likes to keep his little sister smiling.

Laura McGee Kvasnosky's newest trio of stories is an entertaining and genuine look at the ups and downs of sisterhood. The fabulous fox sisters return in three fresh, funny stories perfect for beginning readers. Whether Zelda and Ivy are combating the injustice of cucumber sandwiches for lunch, deciding what to leave the children of the future in their time capsule, or solving Zelda's writer's block, they are sure to tickle the funny bones of both new and returning fans.

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. 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.