Animals & Nature

Publisher's Summary Soon to be a major motion picture! Winner of the Newbery Medal and a number one New York Times best seller This stirring and unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendships. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this novel is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. This acclaimed middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 6, especially during homeschooling. It’s a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom.  Having spent 27 years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.  The One and Only Ivan was hailed as a best book of the year by Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Amazon, demonstrating it is a true classic in the making.  In the tradition of timeless stories like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan's unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope. An author's note depicts the differences between the fictional story and true events.  Plus don't miss The One and Only Bob , Katherine Applegate's return to the world of Ivan, Bob, and Ruby!  ©2012 Katherine Applegate (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers

Publisher's Summary The Adventures of Angus the Mouse is about a mouse that loves to adventure and despite his passion to discover new and exciting things he battles with everyday situations we all face in life. As in fitting in and being accepted by others and most importantly his siblings. When Angus faces his biggest fears on his journey he learns valuable lessons along the way that teach him the true meaning of family and friendship. ©2012 Montice Harmon (P)2017 Montice Harmon

Publisher's Summary Newbery Medal Winner, 1972 This delightfully imaginative tale is always a popular favorite among children. Mrs. Frisby, a field mouse who lives in a garden, must move her family before the farmer begins plowing. Will the rats of NIMH - a group of highly intelligent laboratory rats - help her find a solution to her dilemma? ©1971 Robert C. O’Brien (P)1993 Recorded Books, LLC

Publisher's Summary With millions of copies of his Redwall series in print, Brian Jacques is one of the most popular authors in the world. A New York Times best seller, Mariel of Redwall serves up generous helpings of everything Jacques' countless fans love: rousing escapades, mouthwatering feats, and endearing characters from deep in the woods of Mossflower country. Mousemaid Mariel and her bellmaker father are besieged and tossed into the sea by vicious pirate rat Gabool and his thugs. Washed ashore, Mariel is taken in by the kind animals of Redwall Abbey. But Mariel cannot find her father and is certain he has lost his life. With a motley band of adventurers, she swears revenge and begins a perilous quest straight into the heart of Gabool's stronghold, where a few surprises await. Longtime fans of the world Mossflower will find everything they love in this exhilarating tale, while newcomers will have no trouble jumping straight in and getting lost in a magical, marvelous world. Don't miss any of Brian Jacques' Redwall series. ©1991 Redwall Abbey Company Ltd. (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC

The local animal shelter might be closing - and it's up to Hope Roberts to save it! Meet Hope Roberts. She's 11 years old, and she wants to be an astrophysicist. She loves swimming, Galaxy Girl comic books, and her two rescue dogs. Hope believes it's always a good day to champion a cause, defend an underdog, and save the future. And most of all, she believes in dreaming big. But though Hope seems super strong on the outside, there's another side of her, too. She's just a regular girl trying to survive middle school. In the second book in Alyssa Milano's funny and relatable middle grade series, Hope decides to do whatever it takes to stop the local animal shelter from closing down. It's where she found her two furry best friends - it has to stay open so the other animals there can find their fur-ever homes, too! But can Hope get the support she needs in time to keep the shelter doors open? Hope's relatability, kindness, empathy, and can-do attitude will inspire a generation of do-gooders. This new series is a response to the very palpable feeling that not only can young people save the world - they will!

Publisher's Summary Blackstone Audiobooks presents, from the unabridged collection A.A. Milne's Pooh Classics , the 35 poems and verses from Now We Are Six performed by Peter Dennis. This is the only reading of these delightful verses authorized by A.A. Milne's son, Christopher Robin. The verses here, along with the verses in When We Were Very Young and the stories in Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner , have endeared themselves to so many readers that it is painful to try to imagine what the world would be like without them. The perfect audiobook for that all-important birthday, Now We Are Six is much more than a worthy successor to When We Were Young ; it is a modern classic in its own right. ©1927 E.P. Dutton & Co Inc., renewed 1955 A.A. Milne. All material Copyright under the Berne Convention. Recorded by permission of The Trustees of the Pooh Properties. (P)2004 Bother! LA Productions

Publisher's Summary Louis is a Trumpeter Swan, but he has no voice. Though he is frightened when his father explains to him that he is different from the other cygnets, Louis is resourceful and determined. Leaving his wild and beautiful home, he finds a young human friend, Sam Beaver, who helps him learn to read and write. When he returns to the lake, Louis discovers his education isn't enough: the beautiful swan he loves, Serena, can't read his declarations of love, and he can't trumpet them. Louis' resolution to win the swan of his desire launches him on an adventure that will take him far from home and lead where fate and love have a few surprises in store. With humor and lyric beauty, E.B. White tells a timeless tale of love, courage, and freedom that will capture the imagination of every listener. ©1970 E.B. White (P)1992 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Publisher's Summary The classic novel - now available in audio! The Browns are going on holiday to France, and Paddington is in charge of the "eyetinnery". He has the whole trip planned down to the last marmalade sandwich, but somehow he takes the family far off the beaten path. With Paddington in charge, one should always plan on the unexpected! First published in 1961, Paddington Abroad is the fourth novel by Michael Bond chronicling the adventures of this classic character. Paddington has warmed the hearts of generations of fans with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures. ©2015 Michael Bond (P)2015 HarperCollins Publishers

Publisher's Summary From rags to riches...When Pete the Barncat offers to trade good, juicy steak scraps for a couple of old corncobs, Hank the Cowdog smells a rat. Why would Pete want to trade - unless the cobs are worth a fortune? So, armed with his Incredible PricelessCorncobs, Hank sets out to plan his early retirement. But retirement and the life of luxury don't come as easily as Hank expects. It seems as though everyone is after his treasure - even his faithful sidekick, Drover! Can Hank save his fortune without losing his friends, or will he have to give up his riches for the sakeof the ranch? You'll hear two great new songs, "I'm Rich!" and "My Heart Goes Wild for You", in this hilarious adventure for the whole family. Hot dog: Don't miss out on any of Hank the Cowdog 's adventures. ©1986 John R. Erickson (P)1986 John R. Erickson