Alison Jackson

A school bus full of monsters can't wait to celebrate Halloween in this spooktacular picture book adaptation of a classic nursery rhyme. When Halloween tricksters gather after dusk, they sing "The Wheels on the Bus" in order to cause a fright. Featuring a cast of silly monsters who aren't quite what they seem--including witches who scream where's my broom , ghosts who shout boo , and skeleton bones that go clankety clank --this spooky-fun reimagining of the beloved nursery rhyme will have little ones squealing with delight as they chant all around the town

Twelve-year-old Evie Carson lives with her mom. In an apartment across the lake, Evie's celebrity-chef dad is starting a new life with his young second wife, Angie, who's expecting twins. To make matters worse, Evie's dad has custody of the beloved family dog. Navigating her new family situation is difficult, and Evie turns to her love of cooking as a way to stay connected to her father. Through cooking classes, Evie finds an unexpected friend in Corey, whose eccentric aunt Shanti might be able to make everyone a little happier. Evie learns to look outside herself, help others, and make friends where she never thought she could (she also learns to make a pretty darn good souffl ).

Desert Rose tells the story of pig farmer Rose, who finds herself in a bit of a quandary when she can't get her sure-to-be-prize-winning hog over the creek in time to win first prize at the state fair. She tries to enlist the help of all sorts of varmints, including a coyote, a rattlesnake and a cowboy, but to no avail. It's only after Rose very nicely asks an armadillo that a chain of events is set in motion that's sure to leave everyone happy!

I know an old lady who swallowed a pie, a Thanksgiving pie, which was really too dry. And with that the feast begins After the pie the old lady swallows a whole squash, all of the salad, and the entire turkey As Mother and Father watch in shock, the two children are delighted to see the old lady growing fatter and fatter. And, in the end, the old lady makes a surprising and humorous contribution to the holiday festivities. Jackson draws on some traditional Thanksgiving foods to give a familiar rhyme new zing. Schachner's exuberant, cartoon-style illustrations . . . catch the comedy splendidly --BooklistSchachner's watercolor illustrations are absolutely delightful. Children will find lots to examine and enjoy in these expressive pictures, particularly the repeated appearances of the woman's fluffy white cat. --School Library Journal

Children have binged on this riotous takeoff on the popular "I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly" for the last decade. This delicious romp by the author of The Ballad of Valentine and the illustrator who created Skippyjon Jones would make a unique and unforgettable hostess gift.