Books in Handled Book and CD series

A great way to introduce children to classical music.America’s first Children's Poet Laureate has written all-new verses to accompany the composer Camille Saint-Saëns’s The Carnival of the Animals, and the illustrator of the Harry Potter books has turned these rollicking rhymes into a picture-book fun fest. Included is a CD of the music and of Jack Prelutsky reading the verses. A note to parents and teachers by Judith Bachleitner, head of the music department at the prestigious Rudolf Steiner School in New York City, suggests ways preschoolers can act out the music—tromp like an elephant, hop like a kangaroo, glide like a swan—or, for older children, be creatively inspired by this joyful work.

Join Francis Scott Key on the choppy waters of the Chesapeake Bay in this stunning picture book that transports readers to one of the most important days in U.S. history. Gorgeous illustrations and a gripping account bring to life the perilous yet triumphant day during the War of 1812 that inspired Mr. Key to pen the words to America's national anthem. The text is brought to life by GRAMMY® nominated country music singer and songwriter Jo De Messina, who lends her powerful voice to the audio recording of the book, as well as The Star-Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, and her personal tribute to the United States Armed Forces, Heaven was Needing a Hero, on the accompanying CD. The story, artwork, and music together will delight and inspire readers of all ages, while reminding us of the sacrifices made throughout history and today to keep America "the land of the free and the home of the brave."

Follow along on a journey of a dad's love for his daughter, from the first time he holds her in his arms, to the day he has to let her go. The gorgeous illustrations combined with the precious text make this the perfect present for any dad or daughter, young or old. The story is brought to life by singer-songwriter Greg Pope, who lends his voice to the text, as well as the original song on the accompanying CD. So, cuddle up with your little princess, and share this sweet story of how every little girl grows up, but no little girl outgrows the need for her daddy.

Hansel and Gretel’s evil stepmother leaves them in the forest with no trail to follow. Hungry and tired, the children are drawn to a house made of sweets. Little do they know a witch waits inside! Will they ever see their home and their loving father again? This classic tale will enchant and charm children everywhere. Bright illustrations, lively text, and the read- and sing-along CD will make reading extra fun. Children will keep coming back for more!

“Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your golden hair.” Rapunzel lets down her long braid, and the handsome prince climbs up. What will happen when the evil witch discovers their secret? This classic tale will enchant and charm children everywhere. Bright illustrations, lively text, and the read- and sing-along CD will make reading extra fun. Children will keep coming back for more!

The town has been overtaken by rats! The mayor is almost out of hope when the Pied Piper comes to the rescue. For a small price, he promises to charm the rats out of town with his enchanting music. But what will happen when the mayor refuses to pay? This classic tale will enchant and charm children everywhere. Bright illustrations, lively text, and the read- and sing-along CD will make reading extra fun. Children will keep coming back for more!

No matter how hard he tries, the prince cannot find a princess to marry. Then, one stormy night, a beautiful girl appears at the castle door. But is she a princess? With the help of a small green pea, the queen intends to find out. This classic tale will enchant and charm children everywhere. Bright illustrations, lively text, and the read- and sing-along CD will make reading extra fun. Children will keep coming back for more!

The little mermaid longs to know the world above the waves. When she falls in love with the prince, she decides to trade her beautiful voice for the sea witch’s potion that will make her human. But what will happen if the prince marries someone else? This classic tale will enchant and charm children everywhere. Bright illustrations, lively text, and the read- and sing-along CD will make reading extra fun. Children will keep coming back for more!

Ordered by the king to spin straw into gold, the miller’s daughter is sure she is doomed. Then, a little man comes to her rescue…or so it seems. What will happen when she cannot keep the promise she made him? This classic tale will enchant and charm children everywhere. Bright illustrations, lively text, and the read- and sing-along CD will make reading extra fun. Children will keep coming back for more!

“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?” When the mirror tells the evil queen that Snow White is most fair, she sends a hunter to kill the beautiful princess. Snow White escapes to a cottage of seven dwarfs. But will the dwarfs be able to protect Snow White? This classic tale will enchant and charm children everywhere. Bright illustrations, lively text, and the read- and sing-along CD will make reading extra fun. Children will keep coming back for more!

When the miller dies, his youngest son is left with only his cat, Puss. The son is certain that he and his cat are going to starve, but Puss has a plan. With a pair of boots, Puss sets out to make his master rich. But will his plan work? This classic tale will enchant and charm children everywhere. Bright illustrations, lively text, and the read- and sing-along CD will make reading extra fun. Children will keep coming back for more!