Sally Derby

In a unique narrative, readers meet a diverse group of six children ranging in age from Kindergarten through fifth grade. With nerves and excitement each child gears up for a new school year by hustling in the morning, meeting new teachers and new classmates during the day, and heading home with homework and relief by day's end. Simple, bright illustrations focus on each child and his/her worries, hopes, and successes on the first day of school.

For as far back as Kyle can remember, he spent summers at Gram's cottage on the lake--fishing all day, and hanging out with the whole family. But this year is different. His father has moved out, his grandmother has died, and his mother is selling the cottage because they can't afford the upkeep. Sally Derby takes readers to a small lake in 1970s Michigan, where thirteen-year-old Kyle comes to understand that loss isn't forever, and that people are more complicated than they seem.

A little boy tells his teacher about the tricks of a mischievous wind that made him late for school. But his teacher just won’t believe him. Is he telling the truth or just inventing some outrageous excuses? Listen to the little boy as he tells about his windy “walk” to school and find out. Vincent Nguyen’s unique illustrations using oil paints and digital techniques bring this imaginative tale to a very unexpected conclusion.

A young African American girl describes her favorite playground--the front steps of her home on which she and her friends play and experience the changing seasons