Service Alert
Delay in delivery of Direct to Player materials
You may experience a delay in delivery of Direct to Player materials. All requests for materials will be delivered as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.
You may experience a delay in delivery of Direct to Player materials. All requests for materials will be delivered as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.
Showing 1 - 20 of 61 items
By Marie-Andrée Arsenault. 2023
By Khodi Dill. 2022
" WELCOME TO THE CYPHER is a delight to read-a story that will move every part of you to a…
wild and wonderful beat." -Jael Richardson, Author and Executive Director, The Festival of Literary Diversity " WELCOME TO THE CYPHER is a beautiful, rhythmic exploration of the joy of language and self-expression. Our whole family loved how the bright illustrations and the bold words pulled us through this gorgeous book ...We're HUGE fans!" -Bestselling authors, Alice Kuipers (the Polly Diamond series) & Yann Martel ( Life of Pi ) Words burn bright in this joyful celebration of rap, creativity, and self-expression. "Welcome to the cypher! Now huddle up nice and snug. You feel that circle around you? Well, that's a hip hop hug!" Starting with beatboxes and fingersnaps, an exuberant narrator introduces kids in his community to the powerful possibilities of rap, from turning "a simple phrase/into imagery that soars" to proclaiming, "this is a voice that represents me!" As Khodi Dill's rhymes heat up, the diverse crew of kids-illustrated in Awuradwoa Afful's bold, energetic style-gain self-confidence and a sense of freedom in this wonderful picture book debut that is perfect for reading aloudIn March 1807, the British Parliament passed an Act making the trading and transportation of slaves illegal. It was many…
years before slavery, as it was known then, was abolished, and slavery still continues today in different ways, but it was a big step forward towards the empancipation of a people. Malorie Blackman has drawn together some of the finest of today's writers and poets to contribute to this important anthology. Their short stories and poems sit alongside first-hand accounts of slavery from freed slaves, making a fascinating and absorbing collection that remembers and commemorates one of the most brutal and long-lasting inflictions of misery that human beings have inflicted upon other human beings.By Margarita Engle. 2024
In this stirring young adult romance from award-winning author Margarita Engle, love and conservation intertwine as two teens fight to…
protect wildlife and heal from their troubled pasts.Ana and her mother have been living out of their car ever since her militant father became one of the FBI&’s most wanted. Leandro has struggled with debilitating anxiety since his family fled Cuba on a perilous raft. One moonlit night, in a wilderness park in California, Ana and Leandro meet. Their connection is instant—a shared radiance that feels both scientific and magical. Then they discover they are not alone: a huge mountain lion stalks through the trees, one of many wild animals whose habitat has been threatened by humans. Determined to make a difference, Ana and Leandro start a rewilding club at their school, working with scientists to build wildlife crossings that can help mountain lions find one another. If pumas can find their way to a better tomorrow, surely Ana and Leandro can too.By Sally Murphy. 2024
Stand on your head with Sally Murphy, explode some dynamite with Cristy Burne or shoot some hoops with Cheryl Kickett-Tucker.…
Grow a poettree with Meg McKinlay or curl up next to your cat with Amber Moffat and watch a bit of Stink-o-Vision with James Foley. These and loads more poems by Australian poets are there to discover in Right Way Down. With striking illustrations by Briony Stewart, these poems will have you laughing, thinking, and playing with words – whichever way you read them.By William Shakespeare. 2016
‘Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, But bears it out even to the edge of doom’Sonnets are…
for romantics, starry-eyed lovers and ardent hearts. And Shakespeare’s sonnets are the best ever written.But this is why they are also for cynics, for star-crossed lovers and for those who know the anguish of unrequited love. Some of them are written to a young man, some of them to a woman. And although the poems are full of mystery – why did Shakespeare write them, what was his sexuality? – each one speaks to us from across the centuries of love, hate and the intensity of being alive.Includes exclusive content: In the 'Backstory' you can find a short, handy, funny guide to everything you might want to know about Shakespeare and his sonnets.‘This is a crazy, all-consuming, feverish and sweaty love; love, in all its uncut, full-strength intensity; an adolescent love’ Don Paterson, GuardianBy Quentin Blake. 1994
Ever eaten Poodle Strudel? Slain a Jabberwock? Bathed in Irish Stew? Quentin Blake is one of the best loved of…
children’s illustrators. In this brilliant book he has selected and illustrated his favourite comic verse, making it pure entertainment for nonsense-lovers of all ages. His unique style of drawing brings a new perspective to every poem. Classic writers such as Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear are combined with more contemporary talents such as Roger McGough, Margaret Mahy and Russell Hoban. With fifteen wonderfully absurd sections, including Distracting Creatures, Sticky Ends, I Wish I Were a Jelly Fish, A Recipe for Indigestion and Chortling and Galumphing, here is a delightful collection of the topsy-turvy, the fantastical, the anarchic, the illogical and the utterly wonderful."This is an anthology to contemplate, revisit and relish" - LoveReading4Kids'It's time we told our story too. The melanin speaks…
for itself.' - George the PoetPart of a Story That Started Before Me is an extraordinary new collection of poems chosen by acclaimed spoken-word performer and social commentator George the Poet.Taking readers on a thought-provoking poetical journey through Black British history, the anthology brings together some of the most exciting wordsmiths from across the diaspora and fascinating era-by-era notes from historian Dr Christienna Fryar.From Africans in Roman Britannia to the first Black actor to play Othello on stage, from Malcolm X's visit to the West Midlands to highlighting an organizer of the UK's first Gay Pride, this important collection reveals unsun people and events from our past to recognize the intrinsic impact they've had on Britain today.Featuring: Abi Simms, Adesayo Talabi, AFLO. the poet, Amina Jama, Anu Balofin, Ashley Hickson-Lovence, Becksy Becks, Benjamin Zephaniah, Bridget Minamore, Cara Thompson, Casey Bailey, Deanna Rodger, Derek Walcott, Dorothea Smartt, Dzifa Benson, Edward Kamau Brathwaite, Eno Mfon, Evan the Poet, Fred D'Aguiar, FULAANI onda 3s, George The Poet, Grace Nichols, Henry Stone, Highwater Ell aka Elliott Henry, Ife Grillo, Inua Ellams, Irenosen Okojie, Isaiah Hull, Jade LB, Jeffrey Boakye, Jenny Mitchell, Jeremiah Brown, John Agard, Joseph Coelho, Jude Yawson, Kat Francois, Keith Jarrett, Kelechi Okafor, M. NourbeSe Philip, Malika Booker, Michael Groce, Miles Chambers, Muneera Pilgrim, Nick Makoha, Nii Ayikwei Parkes, Nile Faure-Bryan, Olaudah Equiano, Olivette Otele, Patience Agbabi, Peter deGraft-Johnson aka The Repeat Beat Poet, Phillis Wheatley, Priss Nash, Rakaya Fetuga, Raymond Antrobus, Reece Williams, Safiya Kamaria Kinshasha, Samuel King, Sophia Thakur, Stretch the Top Boy, Thembe Mvula, Theresa Lola, Tré Ventour, Vanessa Kisuule, Wretch 32 and Zena Edwards.By Pat Mora. 2018
An inspiring collection of Pat Mora's own glorious poems celebrating a love of words and all the ways we use…
and interact with them: reading, speaking, writing, and singing.Whether we are collecting words, reading favorite books in the library, celebrating holidays, writing poems, sharing secrets, or singing a jazzy duet, words and books can take us on wonderful adventures and bring us joy. Poet Pat Mora has brought together a collection of her poems that celebrates engaging with words and books in all these ways and more. Vivid illustrations by Raúl Colón bring the poems to life and interpret the magic of the language with captivating images in a style influenced by Mexican muralists. Together the poems and illustrations are sure to inspire creative wordplay in readers of all ages. We can read, you and I,see letters become words,and words become books ...You and I read, round and round,bookjoy around the world.By Steven J. Simmons, Clifford R. Simmons. 2024
Ocean animals sleep, just like you! This informative, rhyming picture book dives deep to look at where and how ocean…
animals sleep in the sea.Many ocean animals are active during the day, but where and how do they sleep at night? From sharks to dolphins and sea turtles to octopuses, plus parrotfish and whales and more, discover what these ocean creatures do when it&’s time to go to sleep and the day is through.Where Do Ocean Creatures Sleep at Night? is newest addition to a three-book series, which includes Where Do Creatures Sleep at Night? and Where Do Big Creatures Sleep at Night? "Where Do Ocean Creatures Sleep at Night showcases wondrous watercolor illustrations that capture the allure of the sea. The rhyming rhythm dances through captivating animal facts about water-dwelling creatures before concluding in a cozy child's bedroom. Crafted to be a favorite bedtime read, this book is a must-have for the bookshelves of ocean lovers.&”– Bethany Stahl, Bestselling Author of Save the Ocean&“All mammals and most other animals need sleep, including those living in marine environments. This picture book&’s palette of soft colors and informative rhyme will introduce children to various facts about specific ocean animals and how they rest. Perfect for a bedtime read-aloud, this book will help young listeners and readers cuddle up together in their nice dry bed and sleep as tight as otters.&”– Sara T. Behrman, former librarian and author, The Sea Hides A Seahorse&“A delightful bedtime book! This jaunt into the ocean to learn about how our marine friends sleep will easily become part of your family bedtime routine. The charming illustrations are sure to captivate the imagination of children and inspire a love for the wonders of the sea, while sending them on a happy trip to dreamland.&” – Anne Richardson, Author of Octopuses Have Zero Bones and Chief Experience Officer at The Exploratorium "Scientific, sweet, and salty!"- Karen Romano Young, Deep Sea Diver and Award-winning Author of Whale Quest "This book is an absolute delight- the Dr. Seuss Sleep Book reimagined for the ocean. A beautiful way to unwind while learning a little more about our mysterious watery world. Where Do Ocean Creatures Sleep at Night? will surely inspire a future marine biologist or two!"- Paige Hoel, Ph.D. candidate, Oceanography, UCLA Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences"A gorgeously illustrated children&’s book that will inspire the next generation of marine biologists, conservationists, and animal lovers. The accurate animal facts were a breath of fresh air to find in this genre and will make learning fun for children and adults alike!&”- Kristyn Plancarte, Marine Biologist and animal trainer&“Dive into an underwater world of wonder and imagination. This delightful read features stunning artwork that brings the ocean to life for bedtime. From playful dolphins to sleepy sea turtles, families will climb aboard an informative journey through the sea." - Kendra Nelson, Marine ConservationistBy Lita Judge. 2024
&“Perfect for animal lovers . . . filled with raw emotion and love for a diverse collection of animals who…
unconditionally love us back.&” — Booklist &“Sure to warm the cockles of any pet owner&’s heart.&” — Kirkus ReviewsA celebration of creatures—and one of the last books edited by beloved children&’s poet Lee Bennett Hopkins. In this adorable, often amusing collection, Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Lois Lowry, and twelve other poets give thanks for those who bark, purr, chitter, and slither. The poems feature fourteen different animal companions, including a cat snoozing in her bed, a goldfish dancing in her bowl, and a gerbil nestling in an overall pocket. Illustrated in warm, tender detail by Lita Judge, Bless Our Pets captures the charms—and antics—of pets and the people who love them. From puppies to mice to turtles to ponies, this endearing anthology expresses children&’s gratitude for creatures big and small. Bless Our Pets is the perfect tribute to the friends who bring so much joy into our everyday lives. Poems by… • Ann Whitford Paul • Rebecca Kai Dotlich • Linda Trott Dickman • Eric Ode • Ralph Fletcher • Sarah Grace Tuttle • Kristine O&’Connell George • Darren Sardelli • B.J. Lee • Charles Ghigna • Lois Lowry • Prince Redcloud • Joan Bransfield Graham • Lee Bennett HopkinsBy Gillian Sze. 2023
By Christina Rossetti. 2009
A collectible new Penguin Classics series: stunning, clothbound editions of ten favourite poets, which present each poet's most famous book…
of verse as it was originally published. Designed by the acclaimed Coralie Bickford-Smith and beautifully set, these slim, A format volumes are the ultimate gift editions for poetry lovers. Goblin Market and Other Poems was Christina Rossetti's first full volume of poetry, published in 1862. The collection received widespread critical praise and established Rossetti as the foremost female poet of her time. Tennyson, Hopkins and Swinburne all admired her work. The title poem 'Goblin Market' is arguably her most famous, a fairy tale entwining themes of sisterhood, temptation and sexuality. This collection also includes 'Up-hill', an allegorical dialogue on life and death and 'Maude Clare', a ballad of a woman scorned.By Doctor Who, Nikita Gill. 2023
*Part of the six books for six decades collection*A poem of tragedy and beauty . . .The Weeping Angels are…
an ancient race of terrible power.With the ability to propel their victims backwards in time, their true form is a mystery - they turn to stone on sight. So they wander the universe, cursed never to see one another.But they see everything else: the whole course of time and space - even the journey of their deadliest enemy, the Doctor.In this extraordinary, epic poem, the Weeping Angels sing the story of the years they've battled the Doctor, and everything in between, as - like a Greek Chorus - they tell the world their tragic tale.By Lindsay H. Metcalf. 2024
Discover how both outdoor and indoor farms sustainably grow the food we eat throughout the year in this vibrant, rhyming…
picture book.Outdoor farm, tractors toil.Indoor farm,zero soil.With energetic, enchanting verse and sunshiny, colorful illustrations, discover how the food you eat is grown both outside—and inside! Join two children as they explore the inner workings of an outdoor farm and an indoor farm. You&’ll see how a variety of amazing machinery like tractors and drones along with innovative farming techniques yield the wonderful food we all love to enjoy.By Francisco X. Alarcón. 2005
A bilingual collection of poetry by acclaimed Chicano poet Francisco X. Alarcón celebrating family, community, nature, and the positive power…
of dreams to shape our future.A young boy dreams that "all humans / and all living / beings / come together / as one big family / of the Earth." So begins this delightful bilingual collection of poems by Francisco X. Alarcón. As we travel through the boy's colorful universe, we learn about his family and community working together and caring for each other and the world in which they live. Neighbors help repair adobe homes. The boy and his family share old photographs, tend their garden, and pamper Mamá who "works day and night." Tribute is paid to those who toil in the fields, and to César Chávez. Most of all, we see how dreams can take many forms, from the fantastic imaginary ones that occur while we sleep to the realistic ones that guide our lives and give us inspiration for the endless possibilities of the future. Partly based on Alarcón's own dreams and family memories of growing up in Mexico and California, and vibrantly illustrated by Paula Barragán, these joyous, universal poems will inspire all readers to dream their own dreams for a better, compassionate, and loving world. "Close your eyes / and now get ready / to hop on a dream."By June Cotner, Nancy Tupper Ling. 2024
A beautifully illustrated collection of poems and prayers to help children develop an appreciation for the natural worldBless the Earth,…
our faithful friend,her mountain range and river bend,her forest green and canopy,the hidden world of bended trees. Bless the Earth shows the miracle of our planet Earth through beautiful imagery and delightful poetry, calling all people, young and old, to care for our wonderful world. This sweet and welcoming anthology for children ages 3-7 knits together our common humanity and the natural world in an engaging way that is simple for young readers to understand.Bless the Earth contains approximately sixty selections of original as well as classic poems, divided into five chapters each:Dreams for My WorldEarth and SkyAll Creatures, Big and SmallSeasonsCaring for Our World Bless the Earth calls us again and again to understand how important it is to care for our world, respect our neighbors—humans, plants, and animals alike—and reimagine a world that is healthy and whole.By Suzanne Slade. 2024
Lyrical text and gorgeous illustrations take flight in this exploration of the tiny, gorgeous hummingbirds and its astonishing abilities.Hummingbirds are…
tiny and pretty, so you might find yourself taking them for granted. But these little birds are remarkable, fierce, and talented. In Behold the Hummingbird, readers will learn about species that can hover like a helicopter, fly backwards and upside down, and consume half their body weight in a single day.By Patrick Flores-Scott. 2024
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection"Powerful…. The excellent pacing and heart-wrenching exploration of redemption will sweep readers up." —Kirkus…
Reviews"[A] page-turning, highly readable story." —Booklist"Time-stamped chapters add urgency, intensity, and excitement as the thrilling plot progresses, making for a page-turning story about forgiveness and personal evolution." —Publishers WeeklyIn this tour de force about one teen&’s quest for redemption from the award-winning author of American Road Trip, Antonio is determined to make amends to the people he hurt most—even if it means breaking the terms of his early release from juvenile detention. It&’s Friday morning, and seventeen-year-old Antonio Sullivan is on the verge of earning his early release from Zephyr Woods Youth Detention Center. Having been incarcerated for the last year and a half for a crime he didn&’t directly commit, he&’s now dedicating himself to his education and his sobriety program. What&’s more, Antonio is driven by a deep need to make amends to the two people he hurt the most: his mom and his lifelong best friend, Maya. The conditions of his early release are clear—Antonio can&’t have any contact with his father or miss his first meeting with his parole officer Monday morning. But a lot can happen between Friday and Monday, especially when the odds are against you. Told through time-stamped chapters that race at a fever pitch over the course of a weekend, this absorbing coming-of-age novel explores what it means to right past wrongs in the face of adversity.PRAISE FOR NO GOING BACK "Fast-paced, poignant, and poetic . . . This is a book of unexpected hope." —Sondra Soderborg, author of Sky Ropes "A deep look into the heart of being misunderstood, told with prose you just can't fake. With honest voices, a flow of poetry, and a satisfying conclusion, this book is a gift with a purpose, the kind you hand to a reader that both wants and needs it." —Sean Beaudoin, author of Welcome Thieves and Wise Young Fool "A gripping and heart-wrenching novel about family, friendship and second chances—will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end." —Betty Culley, author of Three Things I Know are True and The Name She Gave Me "Poetry, resilience, unflinching honesty, a steady undercurrent of hope, plus a wild adventure with a ticking clock, this book packs it all in for a three-day turbulent ride that's full of heart." —Kristin Bartley Lenz, author of The Art of Holding On and Letting Go "A powerful story of the push and pull between doing what&’s right and being there for the people we love." —Katherine Higgs-Coulthard, author of Junkyard Dogs and Hanging with My Peeps "Patrick Flores-Scott delivers a beautiful exploration of familial love, the idea of healthy friendships, and the long-term impacts of trauma." —Rita Shah, author of The Meaning of Rehabilitation and Its Impact on ParoleBy Sara Cassidy. 2022
Key Selling Points A 15-year-old boy juggles work, sexual trauma and a new girlfriend in this novel in verse. The…
power of love to heal past wounds is the central theme. The author explores losing and doubting one's voice in an experimental narrative form. The novel is written almost entirely in single-syllable words, to reflect Tuck’s dissociative mental state. This author’s works have been on many award lists, including the Governor General’s Literary Award, BC & Yukon Book Prizes and Forest of Reading.