Published Books

Boys and girls, mothers and fathers, meet your new best friend! Scoop the Ice Cream Truck doesn’t quite fit in with modern times. He tries to change to make himself more popular just to fit in, only to discover, through friendship, that he is fine just the way he is!

Patricia Keeler's SCOOP THE ICE CREAM TRUCK is the tale of an urban ice-cream truck, SCOOP, who has "seen a lot of summers." His old-fashioned vanilla cones can't compete with newer, trendy trucks that hawk Organic, Flash Frozen, and Dots ice cream in dozens of flavors.

The authors honor the Batoto Yetu dance troupe and celebrate African dance in this uplifting picture book. Julio T. Leitao founded the troupe in 1990. Keeler illustrates children from all over the New York City area arriving at the dance studio where their teacher leads them in songs, drumming and dance. The meanings of the dances are reflected in traditional dress, masks and body paint as they prepare for a show. As the children learn the steps, they also learn history and embrace different cultural traditions

This uplifting picture book honors the Batoto Yetu dance troupe, founded by Julio T. Leitao in 1990, and celebrates African dance, music, and cultural tradition. Through vivid scenes of children preparing for a performance, Keeler and Leitao highlight how students learn movement, history, and heritage through song, drumming, costume, and dance.

When the family car gets dirty, it is time for a trip to the car wash. A young African American girl and her family pile in for a bubbly adventure that turns grime into giggles. The brushes swoosh, the suds fly, and the car gets a spa day while everyone watches from inside. By the end, the car shines so brightly it might need sunglasses, that is until they drive away–directly into a mud puddle.

Be the one to make a difference in your students’ thinking! With more than 100 games to choose from, Brain Food is your one-stop source for exploring the fun in learning. This compilation is filled with new as well as traditional games, and most need little more than paper and pencil to get you started. Each game is classroom tested and tailored toward enhancing the intelligences of your students.

Best-selling author and "angel lady" Doreen Virtue has written her first book for children! Thank You, Angels! introduces young children to the world of angels and teaches them how these heavenly beings can help them in many ways. Kids will learn how to ask an angel for help, how to recognize an angel’s voice, and what signs angels may use to let kids know that they’re there. This book offers children a sense of comfort and peace by showing them that they’re never alone.

Amanda is pretending she is a princess. She declares she will have pickles for breakfast, play leap frog and hunt for dragons. Her Mom and Dad join in the fun until it is time for Amanda to clean up the mess. Amanda says picking up is not a job for a princess. Dad puts on a crown and says if she is a princess, he is king. What will Amanda do?

Secrets of The Universe examines the laws of physics that govern the universe, covering such topics as planetary motion, Newton's three laws of motion, gravity, the behavior of gases, and quantum mechanics. Includes experiments and activities.

Youngsters are encouraged to play with words in this picture book. A full-color photo and a brief phrase on the right side of the page introduce children to animals with specific characteristics. When the page is turned, the two-word rhyming punch line is revealed. For instance, "A swamp croaker is a-/BOG FROG" and "A wet hound is a-/SOGGY DOGGY." The large-print, white text set against colorful backgrounds is easy to read and attractive. Children of different races and ethnicities are represented in the photographs; the animals are shown in barnyards, backyards, homes, and parks. While young listeners may not be able to guess all of the paired words, they will get the clearly delivered concept and will be prompted to create rhymes of their own. Ideal for sharing aloud in a classroom.

Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide for high school students who want to make positive change. Changing Our World offers a wide range of options for action and gives students specific suggestions to help them get organized. It also includes important information about developing effective leadership skills. This book would be a great resource if your school encourages young people to do community or social service.

Renita gets teased for the tasty treasures she brings in her lunchbox, even though her food is far too delicious to be bullied. When her teacher plans an international food day at school, the classroom turns into a happy little buffet of flavors from around the world. The students taste foods from many different countries and discover that new flavors can be wonderful surprises. With help from a caring adult, Renita finds the courage to stand up to the children who have been teasing her. Soon, her classmates learn that kindness pairs beautifully with lunch—and that nobody should judge a meal until they have given it a proper taste. Renita’s lunchbox may be small, but it carries a big lesson with a sprinkle of sweetness on top.

A heartwarming and delightful story about a boy who grows from pre-school to adulthood, learning important lessons through the power of his mother's love. She teaches him how to overcome life's challenges and that anything is possible when he believes in himself. A feel-good story, Michael learns how lovable and special he is, and at the end he gives back in a way that will surely touch any reader's heart.

Did you know that rayon comes from trees? This is a fun and informative nonfiction book that is great for adults to share with children. The photography is excellent, and the descriptions are both clear and educational -- people of all ages will learn something new. The book depicts, through photographic and textual content, how linen is derived from flax plants, how silkworms make silk, the mechanisms for production of synthetic fibers, and the warm fuzzy yarn we get from furry Angora rabbits. Llamas, alpacas, and cashmere goats also have roles in this story, which takes you from old-fashioned spinning wheels to high-tech Kevlar production. McCall and Keeler bring it all to life with vivid, accessible stories and outstanding photos and illustrations. Unraveling Fibers is a great gift for families with inquisitive children.

Lizzie lives in a retro trailer at the beach. Her flip-flops go shuffle shuffle across the rug, smack smack on the floor tiles, and thwap thwap down the stairs. Lizzie takes her blow-up pal, Lou Seal, with her everywhere. Lizzie and Lou Seal race out of her trailer, over the boardwalk, across the sand and down to the water's edge. Lizzie and Lou Seal are off to have seaside adventures, but beach fun turns to beach disaster when Lizzie loses her flip-flops and Lou Seal starts losing air! It’s a sink or swim scenario. What will Lizzie do?