Time for Bed, Miyuki


Book Description

Like children everywhere, Miyuki's imagination peaks at bedtime, when she remembers all the things she has to do before she can possibly go to bed: she needs to water the vegetables, gather snails, and prepare for the arrival of the Dragonfly Queen. Her patient grandfather follows along on her adventures, gently encouraging her to go to sleep. In this beautiful story about family, nature, and love, young children and their parents find a welcome companion for their own bedtime journey.




All She was Worth


Book Description

Tokyo's Inspector Shunsake Honma investigates the case of a woman who may have murdered another in order to take her identity. A tale of credit cards and debt and rampant consumerism in today's Japan.




George and His Nighttime Friends


Book Description

Join George and his adorable nighttime friends as they brave the dark together and learn how to overcome personal fears together. Curled up in his warm bed, George cannot go to sleep. The darkness that surrounds him almost chases his dreams away entirely until a little mouse appears. As they walk from room to room, the pair meet other new friends, including a mole in the library who guards the books and a penguin in the bathroom that is terrified of water. After sharing what they're each afraid of, together they help one another overcome their fears, ending the evening with a magical feast! Following her vivid and delicate illustrations for the Miyuki books, Seng Soun Ratanavanh applies the same stunning level of detail in Night Friends, illuminating the night and reminding young readers how important it is to dream.




Shadow Family


Book Description

This is a murder mystery focusing on the dark world of internet chat roomsopulated by people attracted by the chance to be whoever they want to be.olice investigating the murder of a middleaged office worker discover emailsn the victim's computer that indicate he had been a regular participant inn internet chat room. He wrote about a fantasy "family" of which he Isather: the other members of this shadow family being people he had met. Aoman detective is assigned to protect the dead man's real-life teenageaughter Kazumi, who says she's being stalked. The inspector in chargeonvinces his superiors to allow him to conduct a controversial experimenthat involves questioning members of the internet family while Kazumi watchesrom behind a two-way mirror to see if she recognises any of them, either byppearance or voice. During the interview, Kazumi talks about her feelingsowards her parents, and her boyfriend with whom she is in constant emailontact via her cellphone...Excellent detective fiction that keeps youuessing until the end, and exploits Miyabe's skilful characterisation to the




Mrs. Spitzer's Garden


Book Description

With her sure, loving, gardener's touch, Mrs. Spitzer nutures the students in her classroom each year.




Crossfire


Book Description

This is about two women committed to fighting evil with their differentalents: one is a policewoman with a good head and heart, the other a youngoman with the supernatural power to start fire. It is easy to assume thathe unusual ability of the latter would be more effective, but the novelxplores how "powers" actually rob their owners of the freedom to live normalives. Another theme is of the nature of vigilantism, explored provocativelyith irredeemable, violent criminals who manage to evade meaningful legalustice. Crimes include the rape and murder of high school girls by minorsho are given lenient treatment by the law, and women who are victimstalkers and domestic violence. This is where the vigilante group Theuardians step in. However, innocent lives are lost in the crossfire, and theeader is left to decide whether the legal system, despite its imperfections,e left to handle criminals, or are citizens justified in taking the law intoheir own hands? Miyabe presents us with vigilantes with supernatural powers yet they are very human characters.;Ultimately the focus is less on them




Brave Story


Book Description

Wataru Mitani has to grow up fast, and not just in this world but in a magical land called Vision. Young Wataru flees his messed-up life to navigate the magical world of Vision, a land filled with creatures both fierce and friendly. His ultimate destination is the Tower of Destiny where a goddess of fate awaits. Only when he has finished his journey and collected five elusive gemstones will he possess the Demon's Bane--the key that will grant him his most heartfelt wish...the wish to bring his family back together again! Young Wataru flees his messed-up life to navigate the magical world of Vision, a land filled with creatures both fierce and friendly. His ultimate destination is the Tower of Destiny where a goddess of fate awaits. Only when he has finished his journey and collected five elusive gemstones will he possess the Demon's Bane--the key that will grant him his most heartfelt wish...the wish to bring his family back together again!




Patience, Miyuki


Book Description

Anyone with a small child knows that patience is not a virtue easily won. In this magically illustrated story the young girl Miyuki, who we first met in the critically acclaimed Time for Bed, Miyuki, anxiously awaits the opening of one sleepy flower. When, on the first day of spring, the flower still hasn't bloomed, Miyuki begins a frantic search for water to wake it up. Her grandfather gently encourages her to sit and watch with him, as she learns the important lesson that good things come to those who wait.




Books Make Good Friends


Book Description

This new picture book from beloved author-illustrator Jane Mount celebrates the avid reader, demonstrates how books make you better, and reassures anyone who has been anxious or uncertain about facing the real world. Lotti isn't sure she wants to make friends. She's shy, and she doesn't really know how. While everyone around her is playful, outgoing, and loud, Lotti prefers a quiet place and a book to read. Lotti LOVES books. To her, books are full of magic and aren't as scary as new friends. But perhaps Lotti's books can show her how to find magic in everyday moments, and maybe the friends she can share this magic with are closer than she thinks. Iconic Bibliophile creator Jane Mount makes her children's book debut in this imagination-driven story of a shy booklover's attempts to open her mind and find joy with the people around her. This journal-esque narrative—which includes fun recommended reads on each page—explores the process of book discovery for bibliophiles-in-training, and is perfect for enthusiastic and reluctant readers alike! FOR ALL TYPES OF READERS: The story's main character, Lotti, is shy and struggles to make friends, but her imagination and love for reading take her to faraway places and introduce her to new friends. Readers of all tastes will find a relatable character in Lotti and enjoy the diverse books she reads—from fiction and nonfiction to novels and picture books. There's a book for everyone! PROMOTING LITERACY: The concept behind this book is timelessly important: promoting literacy. It is especially helpful for reluctant readers who may need to learn how to navigate resources like libraries and will teach them how to find books in their communities. In each scene, the main character is reading a new book. She visits her school library and her public library and has a tote bag from an independent bookstore. This book encourages kids to literally go out and read, broaden their horizons, and immerse themselves in the rich world of books. INTERACTIVE & VIBRANT: Readers will love discovering new books as they engage with the interactive format of this journal-style picture book, which features book recommendations, book lists and stacks, and lots of bookish commentary and questions in Mount's signature hand-lettering. Her recognizable and vibrant art style achieves a new level of playfulness that will hold endless appeal for young readers. PERFECT FOR FANS OF BIBLIOPHILE: Jane Mount is the creator behind the beloved Bibliophile line of products ranging from journals to stationery to décor for book lovers. Fans will be excited to share this with young ones in their lives! OVERCOMING SHYNESS: Highly autobiographical, this book reveals that Jane was a shy kid, very much like Lotti. She tells her story in the Author's Note. The backmatter also features a stack of all her favorite books, with her charming commentary. ENGAGING RESOURCE TOOL: Aside from being a wonderful tool for excited young readers, this book will be a welcome resource for those who care about making reading more accessible to children—including teachers, librarians, parents, and family members—and fostering connections with young readers. Perfect for: Parents, teachers, and librarians seeking resources for voracious readers and reluctant readers Kids who love reading and enjoy stories about friendship, bookstores, and bookish cats Gift giving for birthday, holiday, graduation, spring break or summer reading Fans of Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany and Bibliophile: Diverse Spines Readers who cherish classic children's books old and new, like Charlotte's Web, Ivy + Bean, Harry Potter, Wonder, The Golden Compass, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, and so many more included on Lotti's shelves Anyone who LOVES books




Provocations for Learning in Early Years Settings


Book Description

Full of practical guidance and easy-to-implement strategies on how to provoke learning and creativity in early years settings, allowing children to freely explore their environment and develop their ability to critically think.