It is time for first grade, and Amanda Pig is so excited. This year she won't have to take naps, she'll get to play on the big playground, and best of all, she will know how to read! But something is wrong, because when Amanda looks at her books, she recognizes the letters but not the words. Will she ever be able to read?

In this funny installment of the award-winning Oliver and Amanda series, Amanda and her best friend, Lollipop, overcome nerves to discover what makes first grade so much fun.

"Amanda and her friends glow in a series of soft colored pencil and watercolor illustrations….While intended for independent reading, the message of perseverance in the face of new experiences is one that may also be shared aloud."
-School Library Journal

Rebecca's papa has wandering feet. He is following his dream and taking the family west on the Oregon Trail, across prairies, rivers, and mountains. Along the way, Rebecca begins collecting pieces of cloth. In their new home, Mama will help her use these scraps to sew a quilt that will become a keepsake of their amazing, courageous journey.

Quilts have a wonderful way of holding history, and Jean Van Leeuwen's warmly engaging story was inspired by the "wandering foot" quilt pattern that was popular during pioneer days. With sparkling illustrations by Rebecca Bond, this is a moving account of an early American girl and her cheerful optimism as her family makes a historic journey, and finally arrives at the place they will call home.

"The smooth first-person narrative, appealing dialogue, and sunny artwork vividly capture a child's experience in the early days of the United States."
-School Library Journal

There's a little newcomer at Benny's house, and it looks as if she's here to stay. All the relatives have come to visit, and everyone oohs and ahhs about how beautiful she is.

Everyone except Benny.

What's all the big fuss about, he wonders. This new baby cries too much. She takes away from his special time with Mom and Dad. And can Baby Delilah do a tumblesault like Benny can? No, she can't. Still, Mom and Dad aren't keen on returning her to where she came from. (Benny asked).

Then one night Baby Delilah really won't stop crying. And this time, it's her big brother Benny who comes up with a silly, perfect way to make her smile. This funny, sweet tale about warming up to a new baby has just the right touch to make every sibling cheer for Benny. Turns out, it's nice having a baby sister, after all.

"Fellow new siblings will appreciate the honest yet sympathetic portrayal of Benny's—and their—experience and feel relieved that these feelings are typical. Pham keeps the illustrations bright and cheerful. A fresh addition to the genre."
-Kirkus Reviews

School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, 2006

Oliver wants to build the biggest, tallest, strongest, best fort ever. It will be so cool. But first there are a few problems. What can he use to build it? Mother and Father will be angry if he uses father's tomato poles or mother's picnic table from the backyard. And who's going to help him?

Not his little sister, Amanda. No girls are allowed in Oliver's fort!

Luckily for Oliver, his good pals James and Albert are excited to join in. They have some stuff to share too. It's a big job. Find out in four funny chapters just how they do it.

"… the book has likable characters, gentle humor, and expressive pencil-and-watercolor illustrations. Old fans and new ones will enjoy a day in the life of this wonderfully childlike pig."
-ALA Booklist

It is the hottest day of the summer, and Amanda has never been so hot in her life. Her knees, her nose, even her hair ribbons are hot and droopy!

It's not easy, but Amanda is determined to beat the heat. She tries everything. Some help, but some make it even worse—including sticky purple ice pops that drip!

These four funny chapters are filled with simple words and adorable illustrations. Readers will giggle over Amanda's troubles, and cheer for her when she outwits her older brother, Oliver.

It's a delightful story that is as satisfying as a cool breeze on a hot sunny day!

"These amusing vignettes are accompanied by illustrations that charmingly portray a loving family and happy home…Will be popular with young readers."
-ALA Booklist

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award Honor Book, 2006
ALA Notable Book, 2006

It is the year 1803, and Daniel and Will have come with their father to settle in the rich forest land of the new state of Ohio. After building a rough cabin, Pa sets off back East to fetch the rest of the family, leaving the boys to finish the cabin. He plans to return within five or six weeks.

But six weeks and more go by, with no sign of Pa. The leaves begin to fall, and the weather grows colder each day. Something must have gone terribly wrong, fears twelve-year-old Daniel. Now the boys must survive a harsh winter with only an axe, two knives, a sack of cornmeal, and—most important of all—their ability to invent and improvise.

Inspired by a true incident in Ohio history, this is a story of pioneer courage and survival.

A Junior Library Guild Selection

"Van Leeuwen brings the excitement and danger of life on the frontier vibrantly to life….From an action-packed beginning to the challenges of a difficult winter, the suspense builds consistently…Not only a relevant tie-in to frontier studies, but also a good story."
-School Library Journal

Sunshine State Young Reader's Award
Master List, 2007-08 (FL)
Iowa Children's Choice Award Master List, 2006-07
Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee, 2006-7 (IN)
Pennsylvania Young Adult Top Forty List, 2005
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award Master List, 2005-06 (VT)
Mark Twain Award Nominee, 2006-07 (MO)
Ohioana Book Award Nominee, 2006
William Allen White Award Master List, 2006-07 (KS)
South Dakota Children's Book Award Nominee, 2006-07