Flying High: The Story of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles is a picture book biography of the world's greatest gymnast.
Before she was a record-breaking gymnast competing on the world stage, Simone Biles spent time in foster care as a young child. When she was six years old, Simone's family took shape in a different way. Her grandparents Ron and Nellie Biles adopted Simone and her sister Adria. Ron and Nellie became their parents. Simone was also introduced to gymnastics that same year, launching a lifelong passion fueled by remarkable talent, sacrifice, and the undying support of her family. From her athletic early childhood to the height of her success as an Olympic champion, this is the story of the world's greatest gymnast.
Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins is a picture book biography of the first black prima ballerina with the Metropolitan Opera House.
★“Collins’s story is told masterfully…This book radiates with the joy of dance.”
– School Library Journal
* A Junior Library Guild Selection
* Starred review, School Library Journal & Shelf Awareness
* New York Public Library Best Books for Kids of 2019
* Best Children's Books of the Year, Bank Street College of Education
* Women Who Lead award, Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Organization, Delaware
* South Carolina Picture Book Award Nominee
* 2020 Notable Social Studies Trade Books List
* Wisconsin State Reading Association 2020 Recommended Reading List
* Honor Book, 2020 Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award, Beginning Nonfiction
* Kentucky Bluegrass Award Nominee
Janet Collins wanted to be a ballerina in the 1930s and '40s, a time when racial segregation was widespread in the United States. Janet pursued dance with a passion, seeking private lessons after being excluded from discriminatory dance schools. She was accepted into the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo as a teenager -- on the condition that she paint her skin white in order to blend in with the other dancers onstage for performances. Janet said no, cried about it...and kept on dancing. This is the story of a remarkable pioneer.
The Super Bugs buzz around town--saving insects all day long.
"Emergent readers will enjoy the colorful illustrations and lyrical refrain in this rhyming picture book." - School Library Journal
Use the SUPER BUGS Teacher's Guide
Fun rhymes, animals in pajamas, and a cool train!
"The enjoyable rhyming text provides the perfect platform for the wonderful illustrations that accompany it...." - School Library Journal
* Los Angeles Times Reading List
* Nominee, South Carolina Picture Book Award
* Nominee, New Hampshire Ladybug Picture Book Award
* Children's Book of the Year, Under Five Category, Bank Street College of Education
Use the HIBERNATION STATION Teacher's Guide
The piggies are back! Playing, dancing, and building forts--will they ever get to sleep?
“The illustrations are playful and soft...This book presents a theme that is universal, and children will relate to the siblings enjoying some of their best fun at bedtime." – School Library Journal
Adorable pigs sneak into the kitchen for a special surprise!
"Meadows’ syncopated, rhyming text of piggie party planning will get toes atapping and prompt participation from storytime audiences.” – Kirkus Reviews
Use the PIGGIES IN THE KITCHEN Teacher's Guide
The Pups are back as motorcycle police--keeping the roads safe for everyone.
"A lively follow-up to Pilot Pups. Meadows' rhymes offer plenty of energy for this tale of motion." – School Library Journal
Use the TRAFFIC PUPS Teacher's Guide
Fearless pups take off on a search and rescue mission.
"Two adorable stuffed puppies take off...a perfectly scanned rhyme scheme recounts their adventure...The book has the right elements for very young children..." - Booklist
Itsy Bitsy Baby Mouse has lost his way. Will he ever find his way home?
"Simple, rhyming text relates baby mouse's almost tragic foray into the wide world inside the house...another appealing mouse hero likely to tickle toddlers embarking on their own adventures." – Kirkus Reviews
Use the ITSY BITSY BABY MOUSE Teacher's Guide
This comforting story turns a booming storm into a lullaby.
"When thunderstorms strike, dogs have basements to run to. And small children, who can be just as terrified by sudden, sky-high banging, flashing, and crashing, now have Michelle Meadows's cozy first picture book...Bright colors and simple shapes keep the illustrations as reassuring as the words." –The Washington Post
* Recommended book, Bank Street College Library's Diversity List for Children
* Recommended resource, website of Peep and the Big, Wide World
Use THE WAY THE STORM STOPS Teacher's Guide