Sophia wants to fast for Ramadan this year. She tries to keep busy throughout the day so she won’t think about food. But when the smell of cookies is too much, she breaks her fast early. How can she be part of the festivities now? -- publisher
"A story about spunky and adventurous Muslim girls? Yes please! Roda and Bushra are twins. They are nearly identical, but there is one big difference between them: their hair! Neither Bushra nor Roda is very happy about that. When they decide to change their appearances before heading to school one morning, a world of hilarious confusion follows them wherever they go! Will the chaos help the twins appreciate how God created them after all?" -- publisher
"The Hike is a plucky and sweet adventure story about three intrepid young female explorers set out to conquer the outdoors in their local forest. Here is the best and worst of any hike: from picnics to puffing and panting, deer-sighting to detours. This spirited picture book is filled with lyrical language that captures the majesty of the natural world, coupled with a fun narrative throughout." -- publisher
"What do you think a two-legged carrot would taste like? What about a crabby-faced apple? Jay makes some surprising discoveries after he plants and cares for a garden with his mother. Jay learns that naturally grown food can grow to look different than what he is used to buying at the grocery store. He is delighted to discover the hilarious, misshapen fruits and vegetables. To his amazement, they all taste the same, maybe better even! What a waste it would be to throw them out. It seems foolish to throw away an absurd amount of food because it looks a little different -- especially when children love those funny shaped foods!" -- publisher
"Audrey has the worst case of 'imaginitis' her teachers have ever seen! While other children paint their families, Audrey paints the ogre who lives under her bed drinking tea. Instead of singing about a black sheep, she writes her own song about a desk with legs that runs away. Her alphabet turns into soup. It's clear that her 'imaginitis' is incurable. What's worse, her condition is contagious and soon the other kids in her class start showing symptoms of an equally incurable imagination! As 'imaginitis' spreads, the teachers are horrified and the parents begin to protest too. But perhaps imagination isn't such a bad disease after all? It might even be useful if it makes learning more fun." -- publisher
"Betty can’t wait to be a first-grade witch. But on the first day of school, her classmates start calling her “Itty Bitty” because she’s small and still uses her kinder-broom. Betty doesn’t like the nickname—or how it makes her feel itty-bitty inside. So she comes up with a BIG idea to prove herself: winning the Halloween Dash." -- publisher
"Sonny devotes his weekend to helping his neighbours and fellow Travellers with a variety of tasks. He uses many skills, from telling a story at a wedding, to restoring a caravan. In fact, the only thing he doesn’t do over the weekend is his homework – his workbook is missing!"--publisher
While visiting the beach, Ellie meets a new friend and enjoys some amazing adventures in an old blue boat that has been abandoned in the sand.
French edition -- Le bateau magique -- available in Bates catalog.
After the shepherds leave and while Joseph sleeps, Mary holds her baby boy, Jesus, rejoicing and marveling over her role in his nativity.
"A reluctant camper discovers that the (not-so) great outdoors can be just as exciting as screens and skyscrapers in this playful picture book celebration of the pleasures of unplugging and embracing nature. What’s so great about the “great outdoors”? A grumpy urban kid begrudgingly accompanies her family on a summer camping trip, missing all the sublime sights right under her nose as she longs for the lights and stimulation of the city. But as she explores forests, lakes and mountains, and encounters bears, beavers and caribou, she slowly comes to realize that the simpler things are just as sparkly, that the sky is its own majestic light show, and the symphony is all around. The Not-So Great Outdoors is a humorous and richly imagined reminder of the beauty and magic that can be found away from the city and our screens." -- publisher
