Blossom & Root Early Years Language Arts

by Jarrett Pumphrey; illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey

by Robert McCloskey

Seventy-five years ago, a family of ducks waddled off the page and into the hearts of readers everywhere.  The brilliantly illustrated tale of mallards on the move received the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished picture book of the year, and has been a favourite of generations of readers.

Mrs. Mallard was sure that the pond in the Boston Public Gardens would be a perfect place for her and her eight ducklings to live.  The problem was how to get them there through the busy streets of Boston.  But with a little help from the Boston police, Mrs. Mallard and Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack arive safely at their new home.  This brilliantly illustrated, amusingly observed tale of Mallards on the move has won the hearts of generations of readers.  Awarded the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children in 1941, it has since become a favourite of millions.

Recommended for young readers aged 3-7 years old.

Hardcover, 72 pages.

Viking Press.

About the Author

Robert McCloskey (1914-2003) wrote and illustrated some of the most honoured and enduring children's books ever published.  He grew up in Hamilton, Ohio, and spent time in Boston, New York, and ultimately Maine, where he and his wife raised their two daughters.  The first ever two-time Caldecott Medal winner, for Make Way for Ducklings and Time of Wonder, McCloskey was also awarded Caldecott Honors for Blueberries for Sal, One Morning in Maine, and Journey Cake, Ho! by Ruth Sawyer.  He was declared a Living Legend by the Library of Congress in 2000.  You can see some of his best-loved characters immortalized as statues in Boston's Public Garden and Lentil Park in Hamilton, Ohio.

by Ezra Jack Keats

The magic and wonder of winter’s first snowfall is perfectly captured in Ezra Jack Keat’s Caldecott Medal-winning picture book.  This celebrated classic has been shared by generations of readers and listeners, a must-have for every child’s bookshelf and a perfect gift for the holiday season.
 
New York Public Library's #1 book on the list of “Top Check Outs of All Time”

In 1962, a little boy named Peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. The Snowy Day transformed children's literature with its pioneering portrayal of an African-American child and the charming story and artwork that won it the Caldecott Medal. Fifty years later, Viking proudly celebrates Peter's adventure in this very special edition. Featuring eight pages of bonus material and a festive cover, this oversized edition of Keats's beloved book is a must-have.

Ezra Jack Keats was also the creator of such classics as Goggles, A Letter to Amy, Pet Show!, Peter’s Chair, and A Whistle for Willie.

Recommended for young readers 2 - 8 years old.

Hardcover, 40 pages.

Viking Books for Young Readers.

Praise

New York Public Library's #1 book on the list of “Top Check Outs of All Time”

“Keats made Peter’s world so inviting that it beckons us. Perhaps the busyness of daily life in the 21st century makes us appreciate Peter even more—a kid who has the luxury of a whole day to just be outside, surrounded by snow that’s begging to be enjoyed.”  — The Atlantic

"Ezra Jack Keats's classic The Snowy Day, winner of the 1963 Caldecott Medal, pays homage to the wonder and pure pleasure a child experiences when the world is blanketed in snow." — Publisher's Weekly

About the Author

Ezra Jack Keats (1916–1983) is the Caldecott Medal-winning author of The Snowy Day, which broke ground in 1962 as one of the first picture books for young children to portray a realistic, multicultural urban setting. Since its initial publication, The Snowy Day has come to be regarded as both a children’s classic and one of the most important picture books ever written/illustrated. Ezra Jack Keats’ legacy lives on in the popularity of his most famous character, Peter—the star of The Snowy Day, Whistle for Willie, Peter's Chair, A Letter to Amy, Goggles, and others. Visit the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation online at www.ezra-jack-keats.org

Author Kashmira Sheth; Illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi

An Indian grandmother and her American granddaughter explore culture, imagination, and individuality through a sari.

Every day, Rupa's grandmother wears a beautiful Indian sari.  Some are made of cotton and others of fine silk.  Each is brightly colored and very pretty.  "Don’t you ever want to wear a green dress like me?" Rupa asks.  But Dadima prefers to wear her traditional saris.
 
Dadima shares all the wonderful things that saris can do—from becoming an umbrella in a rainstorm to providing a deep pouch to carry seashells.  Soon Rupa's own imagination is sparked as she envisions saris protecting her in the scary Gir Jungle, bandaging up an injured knee, and holding a special secret for her and Dadima to share.
 
Inspired by Kashmira Sheth's American-born daughters' curiosity, My Dadima Wears a Sari introduces readers to this wardrobe staple from the Indian subcontinent, the different styles and ways it can be worn, and its beauty and benefits.  Yoshiko Jaeggi's graceful, fabric-inspired watercolor illustrations offer readers a glimpse into the culture and customs of India, while reinforcing universal themes of love and the importance of family.  An author's note explores Sheth's childhood memories of wearing her first saris and back matter photos display the process of wrapping and wearing one.

Recommended for readers 4-8 years old.

Softcover, 32 pages.

Peachtree.