Books in Michael Di Capua Books series

Once upon a time a poor unfortunate man lived with his mother, his wife, and his six children in a one-room hut.Because they were so crowded, the children often fought and the man and his wife argued. When the poor man was unable to stand it any longer, he ran to the Rabbi for help.As he follows the Rabbi's unlikely advice, the poor man's life goes from bad to worse, with increasingly uproarious results. In his little hut, silly calamity follows foolish catastrophe, all memorably depicted in full-color illustrations that are both funnier and lovelier than any this distinguished artist has done in the past.It Could Always Be Worse is a 1977 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year, and a 1978 Caldecott Honor Book.

Now planned as a Broadway musical from the Tony Award-winning producer of “Hamilton” and “Rent”!From the Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, playwright, screenwriter, and illustrator of The Phantom Tollbooth, Jules Feiffer, comes a witty story about following your dreams.Jimmy is bad at sports and not much better at school, but he sure can draw terrific cartoons. And his dream, like that of his Uncle Lester who writes flop Broadway musicals, is to be recognized for what he loves doing most.“Wickedly funny… reminiscent of Roald Dahl's edgy lampoons." —ALA Booklist (starred review)“A witty story that combines a comfortably oldfangled tone with up-to-the-minute characterizations and a playful use of graphics.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Here, in the great tradition of Sylvester and the Magic Pebble and Caleb and Kate, is another tale of magical transformation from William Steig, the creator of Shrek. Its hero, young Solomon, is an ordinary rabbit--well, ordinary in every respect but one. Whenever he scratches his nose and wiggles his toes at exactly the same time, he turns into a rusty nail. To turn back into a rabbit, all he has to do is think: "I'm no nail, I'm a rabbit!"This unusual talent enables Solomon to play some gratifying practical jokes, but it also leads to serious trouble when he's waylaid by a one-eyed cat who plans to turn him into Hasenpfeffer. Solomon promptly becomes a rusty nail and steadfastly refuses to change back, even after Ambrose, the cat, and his wife, Clorinda, lock him up in a cage in their guest room. Sooner or later, they figure, they'll be dining no bunny stew. How can Solomon possibly find a way out of this dilemma? Praise for Solomon the Rusty Nail:“Steig combines a tale of uncanny transformation with his distinctively animated illustrations...Children will love this bizarre tale with its humorous drawings and lively sense of fun.” ―Pointer, Kirkus Reviews“Beautifully written and illustrated by paintings reflecting the sunny colors of spring...A classic by a peerless artist.” ―Publishers Weekly

Once upon a time a poor unfortunate man lived with his mother, his wife, and his six children in a one-room hut.Because they were so crowded, the children often fought and the man and his wife argued. When the poor man was unable to stand it any longer, he ran to the Rabbi for help.As he follows the Rabbi's unlikely advice, the poor man's life goes from bad to worse, with increasingly uproarious results. In his little hut, silly calamity follows foolish catastrophe, all memorably depicted in full-color illustrations that are both funnier and lovelier than any this distinguished artist has done in the past. It Could Always Be Worse is a 1977 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year, and a 1978 Caldecott Honor Book.