Tilda Balsley

Dear Turkeys, We're planning a big lunch on Thursday. Please come early. It wouldn't be any fun without you. Love, Mr. and Mrs. Chris P. Byrd Of course the hungry birds accept politely! Ten turkeys stuffed with personality set off for the gathering. With each step closer, questions arise--are they to be guests at the table--or on it? Through a repetitive counting chorus, they drop out one by one as they each get a hunch about lunch. Didn't they just see a carved pumpkin last month? Could this month be Thanksgiving? As half of the birds disappear, the remaining number wonder if lunch might be a trap. Will there be foul play? Will any of the turkeys make it to lunch? Silly puns, comic illustrations, and singsong rhymes combine in this counting story with a happy ending.

Crabbing is a story about young boys learning from their grandfather about the coastal tradition of catching crabs during an eventful day on a saltwater creek. Tilda Balsley's realistic yet poetic depictions coupled with Monica Wyrick's beautiful watercolor illustrations provide a glimpse into the diversity of life along the backwaters of the lowcountry. Crabbing is an intriguing ""how-to"" for children and evokes nostalgic reminders for readersof any age who have enjoyed the challenge of catching blue crabs.Following the story, additional material providesparents and teachers with educational information about blue crabs as well as other lowcountry wildlife including pelicans, cordgrass, dolphins, grasshoppers, and Spanish moss and about habitat protection. To round out the blue crab experience, a delicious crab cake recipe, simple enough for children to make, is included as well.

Grover and Big Bird are in a hurry to get to the Passover seder, but--uh, oh --there are many delays. Moishe Oofnik comes to the rescue in his tumbledown truck, but will they arrive in time to ask the Four Questions?