Children's Books Catalog

Things are going just swimmingly for EllRay. He's finally getting along with most of the kids at school. He's even getting along with his family. But then everything comes screeching to a halt when his younger sister accidently overfeeds the classroom goldfish EllRay was supposed to be taking care of over Spring vacation. What is EllRay going to tell his teacher and the kids in his third-grade class? Fortunately, most of them are sympathetic. But not bossy Cynthia. She sees this as an opportunity to blame EllRay for her own mess-ups. Must EllRay now walk the plank for stuff that he didn't do?

There's a new game in town—basketball! Or in Ellray's case, pre-basketball. Coach Havens has all the third graders dribbling, passing, and shooting, and he's quick to compliment EllRay's skills. No one else seems to notice them, however, and as 'the shortest kid in the class,' EllRay is still chosen last for teams at recess. What's a short guy gotta do to get noticed?? When EllRay comes up with a plan that involves the off-limits teacher's lounge, everyone does a double take!

EllRay Jakes is tired of being bullied by fellow classmate Jared Matthews. But when EllRay tries to defend himself, he winds up in trouble. Then his dad offers him a deal: If he stays out of trouble for one week, they'll go to Disneyland! EllRay says he can do it. But saying it and doing it are two very different things.

All the boys in EllRay's third-grade class have something they can brag about. Corey's on the swim team, Kevin is super tall, Jared's dad has an ATV. But EllRay's dad is a geologist - not much to brag about. After all, rocks are boring. Then EllRay sees the crystals in his dad's office, and they are really cool looking. If EllRay just "borrows" them to show his classmates, he knows they'd be impressed. And his dad will never have to know. It's a perfect plan . . . until things go awry.

EllRay Jakes may be the shortest kid in his class, and he may get into trouble from time to time, but he can always count on his best friends Kevin and Corey. But lately, Kevin has been skateboarding with the meanest boy in class. Could EllRay be losing one of his friends?

Not giving up without a fight, EllRay asks his older neighbor to show him a few jaw-dropping skateboard moves—like ollies and kickflips. EllRay must learn as many tricks as he can before the secret boys-only third grade skate-off. But will it be enough?

This joyful and heartfelt sequel to the NAACP Image Award-winning Cookies & Milk is a story of fame, self-confidence, and second chances, based on author Shawn Amos’s memories of growing up the son of Wally “Famous” Amos.
 
After the overnight mega success of his dad's cookie store, twelve-year-old Ellis Johnson is on top of the world. He’s met celebrities, strangers stop “the Cookie Kid” on the street, and he’s even headed to NYC to be in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with his dad. Ellis is ready for his star turn, playing harmonica on national television—until his big break turns into the most embarrassing moment of his life.
 
Ellis is sure everyone at home is judging him, and he can barely stand to show his face in school. To make matters worse, his dad is going gaga for a new girlfriend, and DJ Wishbone goes from being pushed out of his radio station ... to taking over Ellis's place in the store. Ellis's only bright spot is the loyal friends who have stayed by his side—and who, along with some new faces, might just be able to help Ellis with a daring plan to get his groove back. 

This charming, semi-autobiographical novel proves that anything is possible with good music, good friends, loving family, and great cookies. 

Ellie Ultra is a leader. As a superhero, she kind of has to be. So when the opportunity to become class president comes up, it's a no-brainer that Ellie will run. The only downside is that devious Dex Diggs, her arch nemesis in the school, is going to run too. After an Ultra Genie wish machine gets into Dex's hands, Ellie gets a glimpse of what the world will be like if Dex takes over. She has to do everything she can to make the world a better place and undo evil wishes, even if she isn't president.

Ellie can't wait for the school spelling bee―she's a super-speller and is sure she'll be crowned queen of the bee! But when her best friend Hannah makes the cut for the spelling bee instead, Ellie discovers that being super doesn't mean she shouldn't study. When it's revealed that the substitute librarian in charge of the bee has a villainous plan, it's up to Ellie to save the day―and her friendship.

Eight-year-old EllRay is down to one-and-a-half best friends, and his little sister points out the obvious: he needs more! So EllRay decides to audition other boys for the part, the way his sister is auditioning for the lead role in her day care’s spring play. Now, EllRay has to come up with fun things to do at recess, because when he’s the Recess King, everyone will want to be his friend!

It’s almost Christmas and school is going great for EllRay. He’s “blending in” just the way he likes. So when his father tells him he should be proud to be part of the African-American “community,” EllRay isn’t so sure he wants to call attention to his differences. After all, he’s only one of two boys in his class with brown skin. And then, totally by accident, he insults the other boy—one of his best friends—and all at once EllRay’s back to being the center of attention. And not exactly for good reasons.
 
With Sally Warner’s trademark sense of humor and spot-on dialogue, EllRay confronts questions about race and how it impacts both himself and everyone around him.
 

Does EllRay have a talent to put on show for the entire school?

When EllRay and his friends hear about the school talent show, they’re not impressed. They’re too old for that stuff. But their teacher, Mrs. Sanchez, isn’t so quick to let her students off the hook. Five students absolutely must try-out, and EllRay somehow ends up being one of them. Now he has to figure out something he’s talented at….like, maybe magic?

But now the pressure’s on. It’s up to EllRay to take the stage and show his classmates and the whole school that he’s not only talented but magic.

EllRay Jakes may be the smallest kid in his class at Oak Glen Primary School, but he’s also his sister Alfie’s big brother. So when it looks like Alfie is being bossed around by a dragon-like girl at her school, EllRay feels responsible. As her older (and wiser!) brother, shouldn’t he show her that she should stand up for herself? 

But little sisters and four year old dragons are a bit more complicated than he thought. . . . 

Join EllRay and his friends in two laugh-out-loud adventures in the EllRay Jakes series—two books in one! “Kids of all stripes will identify with EllRay and his unwittingly hilarious antics.” —BooklistEllRay Jakes Is Not a Chicken!

EllRay Jakes is tired of being bullied by fellow classmate Jared Matthews. But when EllRay tries to defend himself, he winds up in trouble. Then his dad offers him a deal: if he stays out of trouble for one week, they'll go to Disneyland! EllRay says he can do it. But saying it and doing it are two very different things.

EllRay Jakes Is a Rock Star!

All the boys in EllRay's third-grade class have something they can brag about. Corey's on the swim team; Kevin is super tall; Jared's dad has an ATV. But EllRay's dad is a geologist—not much to brag about. After all, rocks are boring. Then EllRay sees the crystals in his dad's office, and they are really cool-looking. If EllRay just "borrows" them to show his classmates, he knows they'd be impressed. And his dad will never have to know. It's a perfect plan . . . until things go awry.

When her teacher assigns a new team project for Earth Day, Ellie can't wait to pair up with her best friend Hannah. After all, as a superhero, it's Ellie's job to save stuff―including the planet! When the project becomes more than her super-skills can handle, Ellie uses one of her parents' super inventions to create a copy of herself. But when Ellie #2 threatens to take over the project, it's up to the real Ellie to bring the project back down to earth.

As a superhero, Ellie can stop almost any foe―except for boredom. When all her friends are busy, Ellie has a brilliant idea: she'll use her parents' lastest invention―the Ultra Animator― to bring Super Fluffy, her favorite stuffed animal, to life. But when the Ultra Animator also animates Doomsday, the super-villain from Ellie's favorite comic book, she has bigger problems to deal with. Can Ellie save Winkopolis from destruction, or does this spell D-O-O-M for her hometown?

Ellie Ultra has a lot of responsibilities as a superhero. So when the chance to become Hamster Helper for the class's hamster, Squeak, comes around, Ellie isn't so sure she wants to add another thing to her list. But her name is picked and now it's up to Ellie to make sure Squeak is taken care of. All is fine until a mishap in the lab happens and suddenly Ellie's not so big any more--literally! A tousle with the Ultra Shrinker makes Ellie three-inches-tall. Now she has to take care of Squeak AND grow herself big again before it's too late! And as Ellie soon finds out--it's not easy being small.

In this heartwarming story of love and family, a community comes together to help a young girl find the courage to lift her mighty voice.

Sundays are June’s favorite days because she gets to spend it with Mommy, Daddy, and her brother, Troy. Next Sunday is more special than most, because she will be leading the youth choir in front of her entire church.

June loves to sing. She sings loud, silly songs with Daddy, she sings to herself in front of the bedroom mirror, but performing in front of the entire congregation is another thing altogether. As her special moment approaches, June leans on the support of her whole community to conquer her fear of singing in front of the congregation.

As I cradle you, look in your eyes,
your gaze says softly,
I want to know everything.
I promise to show you all that I can.

This love letter from mother to daughter inspires young girls to follow their dreams, no matter what challenges life may bring. Young readers will be reminded that love and support from home will follow them as they venture out into the world.