Waldorf Grade 5

by Donna Barba Higuera

Winner of the John Newbery Medal

Winner of the Pura Belpre Award

From Pura Belpre Award winner and Newbery Medalist, Donna Barba Higuera-a brilliant journey through the stars, to the very heart of what makes us human.

Habia una vez . . .

There lived a girl named Petra Pena, who wanted nothing more than to be a storyteller, like her abuelita.

But Petra's world is ending. Earth has been destroyed by a comet, and only a few hundred scientists and their children - among them Petra and her family - have been chosen to journey to a new planet. They are the ones who must carry on the human race.

Hundreds of years later, Petra wakes to this new planet - and the discovery that she is the only person who remembers Earth. A sinister Collective has taken over the ship during its journey, bent on erasing the sins of humanity's past. They have systematically purged the memories of all aboard - or purged them altogether.

Petra alone now carries the stories of our past, and with them, any hope for our future. Can she make them live again?

Recommended for readers ages 10-14 years.

Softcover, 352 pages.

Lantern Paperbacks.

TIME 's Best Books of the Year
Wall Street Journal 's Best of the Year
Minneapolis Star Tribune 's Best of the Year
Boston Globe 's Best of the Year
BookPage 's Best of the Year
Publishers Weekly 's Best of the Year
School Library Journal 's Best of the Year
Kirkus Reviews ' Best of the Year
Bank Street's Best of the Year
Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best
New York Public Library Best of the Year
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Cybils Award Finalist

Gripping in its twists and turns, and moving in its themes - truly a beautiful cuento."- New York Times

"Clever and compelling . . . wonderfully subversive."- The Wall Street Journal

★ "This tale packs a wallop. Exquisite."- Kirkus Reviews (starred)

★ "Gripping, euphonious, and full of storytelling magic."- Publishers Weekly (starred)

★ "A strong, heroic character, fighting incredible odds to survive and protect others."- School Library Journal (starred)

An Activity Journal for Young Explorers

by Mary Richards

This gorgeous series makes a perfect gift for creative children."
- Frances Morris, Director, Tate Modern Museum

With this fun-filled book as their guide, children don’t need to go further than their own front door to discover new things!   Crammed with activities that encourage them to explore their home, jot down their ideas and draw what they see, it’s also bursting with facts about homes throughout history; architecture and design; the way things work; and the writers whose stories are inspired by houses and homes.

Take Me Home is filled with activities that encourage children to explore the place where they live, jot down their ideas and draw what they see.  As they discover new facts, make lists, and answer questions they are prompted to look at their own home in new ways - observing its different spaces and the objects that fill it.

Crammed with facts, lively illustrations and inspiring activities, this fun-filled book is perfect for spending creative time at home - just the thing for homeschool groups, or for parents looking for interesting after-school and rainy-day activities. With Take Me Home as their guide, children don't need to go further than their own front door to discover new things!

This book is the perfect gift for curious and creative children.

Recommended for ages 8-12 years.

Softcover with flaps, 96 pages.  6.2 x 8".

Agnes & Aubrey publisher.  Printed in China.

Writer and illustrator Mary Richards is author of The Modern Art Journal (Tate Publishing), Splat: The Most Exciting Artists of All Time (Thames & Hudson) and co-author of ArtSongs, a set of songs about art and artists (with David Schweitzer) for Tate. Mary was Art Publisher at the Hayward Gallery and a Project Editor at Tate Publishing. She lives in London with four children, two cats and a large collection of Lego.

“Long days at home getting you down? Children will see their home through fresh eyes with this clever journal.”  --Marianne Levy, “30 Best Books for Christmas 2020”, ipaper

"This book has stunning illustrations and is best designed as very cheerful. It helped me think about my home from a whole new perspective."  --Gabrielle, 11, Kookie magazine, December 2020 

Retold and illustrated by Marcia Williams

"Even reluctant readers (let alone closet classicists) will be drawn to pore over these entrancing pages. — School Library Journal

Greek myths are among the most exciting stories ever told. In this collection, Marcia Williams offers a fun but faithful retelling of eight myths using simple language and her signature comic-strip format. Panels and spreads brimming with color, decorative detail, and nonstop action make each tale a pleasure to look at, and speech bubbles add modern humor. This indispensable collection is the perfect way to introduce young readers to the power of myth.

Recommended by the publisher for readers ages 5-9 years.  Recommended by Nest for ages 9-11 years.

Softcover, 40 pages.

Printed in Humen, Dongguan, China by Candlewick Press.

Retold and Illustrated by Marcia Williams

In this retelling of nine tales of ancient Egypt, Marcia Williams uses her signature comicstrip style to capture the rich mythology and early history of this great civilization. Rami, Ra’s beloved cat, highlights Egypt’s many cultural and technological advances along the way.  An instantly engaging, accessible introduction to an ancient civilization, this collection of stories is sure to fascinate and inspire young Egyptologists.

Softcover, 48 pages.

Printed in Humen, Dongguan, China by Candlewick Press.

Reviews

About the Author

Architecture Around the World

by Marie Kraus & Tom Velčovský

Explore the fascinating world of architecture, from ancient monuments to modern structures, and decode architectural styles and history in this engaging non-fiction book

This non-fiction compendium takes readers on a global tour of architectural wonders, from ancient monuments that have withstood the test of time to the new streamlined modern structures that define our contemporary landscape. Explore iconic buildings by uncovering the intricate secrets of architectural styles and the rich histories they represent. From the timeworn exterior of the Great Pyramid of Giza to the smooth sleek lines of the White House, this book offers an immersive explorationof architectural diversity, offering readers a lens through which to decipher the architectural language of the structures that surround us.

Aimed at adolescents ages 10-14, this book transcends age barriers, offering a window into the world of architecture for all. Through vivid content and imagery, it offers an exciting journey through history and design. Young readers seeking a deeper understanding of architecture will gain deep insights into the world's architectural legacy. It's not just a book; it's a key to unlocking architectural secrets, an educational resource, and a visual delight. Whether for personal enrichmentor education, this invaluable guide will deepen your appreciation for our shared global architectural heritage.

Hardcover, 80 pages.  9.5 x 12.6 inches.

Albatros. Printed in China.

The Young Explorer's Guide to Every Vacation in the World

by Mary Richards

This innovative, interactive book is divided into five 'adventure' chapters.  Children start a new adventure at the beginning of each holiday.  Within each chapter, there's space for them to plan and research their trip, document the journey and record memorable days out.  As they complete lists, draw pictures and answer questions they'll discover more about the places they're visiting - and learn a little more about themselves, too. 

Quirky, easy to navigate and brimming with interesting holiday facts, this book is a brilliant engagement and record for any trip.

Winner, Best Children's Book 5+, Junior Design Awards 2019 (UK).
The judges said: "Perfect for inspiring wanderlust and creating a lovely holiday keepsake to look back on.  We all loved the fact that this book adds another creative and exciting dimension to going on holiday.  The illustrations are gorgeous and with five sections to devote to separate adventures, it is a journal that can be brought out year after year."

"This gorgeous series makes a perfect gift for creative children."
- Frances Morris, Director, Tate Modern Museum

Take Me On Vacation is essential packing for any creative child's suitcase - whether they're going to a relative's house for the weekend or taking a trip to a far-flung corner of the world. 

Please note that the North American version has the cover title 'Take me on Vacation' rather than 'Take me on a holiday'.

Recommended for children ages 8-12 years.

Softcover, 96 pages.  6.2 x 8 inches.

Published by Agnes & Aubrey.

A Nature Journal for Young Explorers

by Mary Richards

Packed full of facts, exciting activities and gorgeous illustrations, Take Me Outdoors is the perfect book to encourage children to get outside and explore the natural world around them, and a great keepsake to record all of their adventures. 

Each of the five chapters helps children to engage with their surroundings, from their own back garden or local park, to a beach, forest or lakeside. As they complete lists, draw pictures and answer questions, they will be thinking carefully about the environment and nature as they experience it – what they can see, hear and feel, and how they can look after it. 

Bursting with details about our planet and the creatures that inhabit it, the explorers who have shaped our understanding of it, and the artists, writers and musicians who have been inspired by it, this book is a must for children curious about the incredible world they live in. 

Recommended for children ages 8-12 years.

Softcover, 96 pages.  203 x 158 mm.  (6.2 x 8 inches).

Published by Agnes & Aubrey.

SILVER, Best Designed/Illustrated Book For Children, Junior Design Awards, 2021

--"A book to make going outside an inspiring adventure. It really should make young people see and think differently about the natural world around them, and packs in a great deal of information and stimulation.”  ~ Andrea Reece, LoveReading4Kids