Valeria Docampo

A feisty princess with a garden said to be the most dangerous in the world makes a new friend when a shy prince gives her some rather unusual seeds.

During a fourth-grade field trip to Portwaller History Museum, Penelope fears that she is losing her best friend, Patsy Cline Roberta Watson, and decides to start her own secret museum so that she will never forget anyone important to her.

Blaming The Bad Luck for not being anyone's Favorite, fourth-grader Penelope Crumb hopes to change this situation by becoming the lead artist for the mural her class is painting for the residents of Potwaller's Blessed Home for the Aging.

"After the last brick is laid, a family moves into a brand-new house. As the family grows, the house delights in the sound of laughter echoing in its halls and the pitter-patter of little feet traversing its floors and realizes it is no longer just a house. It has become a home--their home. One day, the family packs up, and with tears in their eyes, they say goodbye. The house doesn't know if it can ever be happy again until a special couple appears...

The toys in the playroom are a lively group of adventurers in this magical picture book story featuring bold illustrations and a strong storyline that kids and parents will both enjoy. It is ideal for beginning readers.

"For the first time, this beloved holiday story is told based on George Balanchine's quintessential production. The storyline mimics the choreography of the famous ballet and the illustrations are inspired by the backdrops and scenery from the actual New York City Ballet production"--

"This lavishly illustrated book follows the storyline, choreography, costumes, and sets of the New York City Ballet's production of The Sleeping Beauty. With beautiful art illustrated by Valeria Docampo, this magnificent retelling is a perfect gift for an aspiring ballerina or any family who wants to add this enchanting fairy tale classic to their library." --

After listing activities that are stereotypically, but not always, attributed to princesses, fairies, pirates, superheroes, and more, encourages the reader to imagine what one could be, despite others' expectations. Includes note to parents.

"Every day of Kwanzaa, a family searches for their missing cat, and finally, on the last day, they find a big surprise. Includes information on Kwanzaa's meaning and traditions."--