Claude Ponti

Confident, bristly-haired Meeselphe tumbles headfirst into a whimsical world of riddles, monsters, and magical landscapes - celebrated French children's book author-illustrator Claude Ponti's latest adventure Leaning out of her treehouse window, Meeselphe wonders what it's like way down on the ground, a place she's never been - but she's certain there are many unfamiliar, delightful, and curious things to discover. So she jumps Landing on the forest floor and striding fearlessly into the wackanana landscape of chocolate rabbits and Penrose quinces beyond, bristly-haired Meeselphe encounters friends and feckless foes. Malivicious monsters stand in her way and nothing is as it seems in this whimsical and sometimes unfriendly world, but Meeselphe isn't fazed: she has an answer for every riddle and a red paintbrush for every self-conscious ladybug. In the final showdown, scheduled for pages 38 and 39, our bushy-haired heroine makes a triumphant stand against the malivicious monsters. In detailed illustrations and Claude Ponti's trademark wordplay, cleverly rendered in this inventive translation by Alyson Waters and Margot Kerlidou, young readers will experience the thrill of adventure and the pleasure of coming home again.

From one of France's most celebrated children's writers, the story of an "ugly duckling" who leaves his family to journey through a fantastical world. A tender and playful portrait of what it means to be unique. When he is born, Hiznobyuti is not exactly handsome. In fact, his parents and siblings say, "He's no beauty " They say it so often, Hiznobyuti assumes it is his name. Wherever he goes, only embarrassment and shame await him. Hiznobyuti hides himself away, working on his inventions, until one day he receives a message from the stars. After a fight with his family, Hiznobyuti decides to run away. On a beautiful adventure by himself, he learns the secrets of the universe: how to communicate with trees and birds, how to wake up the sun, and how to see himself for who he truly is - a hero When he returns from his journey, Hiznobyuti family rejoices and apologizes for not understanding how beautiful and important he was to them all along.

? "Readers, particularly the newly independent ones at whom this is aimed, will delightedly join the outing."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review"Spectacular weirdness…imaginative odyssey…memorable as it is bizarre."—Wall Street Journal's Best New Children's BooksWhere can young readers experience boundless imagination? In the sandbox, of course, as they follow Adele on her discovery of a barefoot king, a cloud of fluffy chicks, and a dessert island (YUM!). With this wild playground adventure, it’s easy to see why star French cartoonist Claude Ponti is one of the world’s most beloved children’s book authors.

In My Valley, Claude Ponti leads us on a journey through an enchanted world inhabited by "Touims" (tiny, adorable, monkey-like creatures), secret tree dwellings, flying buildings, and sad giants. Clever language and beautifully detailed maps of imaginary landscapes will delight children and adults alike. Ponti himself has said, "My stories are like fairytales, always situated in the marvelous, speaking to the interior life and emotions of children. That way each child can get what they want out of the images: the characters and dreams are their own."

Chick and Chickie love to play in their very own way, whether scaring each other silly or tickling the letter A. Full of witty side jokes and hilarious details, this charmingly drawn tale will delight young readers.

A guided tour of sun-drenched DeZert Isle, where Jules lives with the other Zerts and his best friend, Ned the Nail, enjoying many things and detesting only three.