Books in Reading Rainbow Book series

A Reading Rainbow Book! This zany alligator with a love for footwear is guaranteed to make you laugh—no ifs, and, or boots about it. Alvin the alligator loves to watch people—more specifically, their shoes. But his interest leads to fun and a bit of trouble when he spends the night locked in a shoe store trying on the merchandise! "It's funny immediately."—The Seattle Post-Intelligencer "Dorros [has] a genuine, offhand comic talent."—Kirkus Reviews "In this zany story, the surprise ending carries an artfully-hidden message."—The Weekly Washington

Every year, in the fall, Gabrielle gets a new coat. And every year her coat looks the same -- navy blue with two rows of buttons and a half belt in the back. But this year Gabrielle wants something different -- a purple coat. "Purple?" Mama laughs. But Gabrielle is quite serious. Alone with Grampa in his cozy tailor shop, Gabrielle does some fast talking. Still, even Grampa is dubious. His solution makes The Purple Coat a very special book, just right for every child who has ever wanted to try something different.

Celebrating Earth's most precious resource, this handsome volume introduces not only the many forms and almost-magical properties of water, but also the vital role that water plays in the life of our planet. In vivid words and stunning color photographs, the book explores how water moves from the earth's surface to the air and back again; how pounding waves, rushing rivers, and slow-moving glaciers change the face of the earth; and why people of all nations must strive to conserve our planet's water supply and keep it free of pollution. A Reading Rainbow selection

In an old farmhouse, bathed in the light of a full moon, a young boy creeps to his bedroom window and looks outside. Was that a voice he just heard, or the hooting of an owl? There it is again: Come a little closer...Come a little closer...Listen to the night...There's music in the air...Beckoned by the voice, the boy sneaks downstairs, out the door, and walks toward the barn. As he gets closer he hears the sweet sound of a country fiddler and the rhythmic thumping of dancing feet. But who could possibly be having a barn dance in the middle of the night?

Appelemando loves to dream! The villagers think he will never amount to much, but his friends know better. They can see his dreams drift up from the top of his head and float into the sky.Then, one rainy day, Appelemando's dreams are blown onto all the wet walls and roofs of the town, covering the houses and stores with fantastic pictures. The villagers are astonished and angry: How could the children do such a thing! Not until Appelemando and his friends lose their way in the forest do the villagers recognize the wonder and value of Appelemando's special gift.With her vibrant folk-art illustrations, Patricia Polacco draws young readers into Appelemando's magical world, where they will discover the importance of dreaming and the power of true friendship.