Showing results by publisher "Recorded Books" in Literature & Fiction

It’s harder than Ellis thinks to keep a sentient popcorn kernel a secret, because soon her friend and next-door neighbor, Dante, has spotted him. She can trust Dante, though, and it’s good timing, since they’re being tailed by both a bearded American and the owner of Popcorn & Co. It looks like the makers of Bob’s popcorn must want him back....

There was no denying it. Zaria Carter was born to be a boss! After a spa-day treat from dad, Zaria later rejoins her mother, Queen, in binge-watching Shark Tank episodes. Later that night, Zaria becomes a contestant on Shark Tank Junior. Now, all she must do is convince the Sharks of her boss magic! During her pitch for iZight, Zaria is interrupted by her four-legged pup, Zaddy. She wakes up and realizes it was all a dream - or was it? With her vision ingeniously clear, the nine-year-old is determined to build her own empire.

In this Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year, Paula Young Shelton, daughter of Civil Rights activist Andrew Young, brings a child’s unique perspective to an important chapter in America’s history. Paula grew up in the deep south, in a world where Whites had and Blacks did not. With an activist father and a community of leaders surrounding her, including Uncle Martin (Martin Luther King), Paula watched and listened to the struggles, eventually joining in the historic march from Selma to Montgomery.

Ever since her mother's death, Princess Una has suffered through years of loneliness in the royal palace, where girls are treated as an afterthought. She yearns for a different life but is unsure how to make anyone notice her. Then her father announces a special contest: Whoever finds the rare Silva Flower can present it to Una for her 12th birthday and receive a reward. Frustrated by her father's grand but empty gesture, Una decides to take her fate into her own hands.

More than anything else - even more than the best birthday party ever - Becket Branch wants a dog for her 10th birthday. But her twin brother, Nicholas, has secretly been wishing for a cat. Lucky for Becket and Nicholas, their animal-loving parents have an animal-loving surprise for them: They’re going to the local shelter and adopting both a cat and a dog.

Fresh off of heroically saving their city from nightmarish monsters, 12-year-old reformed thieves Arthur and Wally are determined to join the Wardens of Weirdwood, defenders of the border between the Real and Imaginary worlds. Their mission: Defeat the Order of Eldar, a shadowy group that is willing to do whatever it takes to expand their power - even exploit the magical creatures of the Fae. When the Order opens what seems to be a Rift between the worlds of the living and the dead, they set up a menagerie of ghosts to make money off those grieving for their lost loved ones.

Twelve-year-old thieves Arthur and Wally are determined to steal their way up the ranks of the notorious Black Feathers gang. With loan sharks chasing after Arthur’s father and Wally’s brother’s hospital bill due, they’re in need of serious cash. Fast. When Arthur spots some wealthy strangers exiting a seemingly deserted mansion, he smells an opportunity for a big score. Little do the boys realize, they’ve stumbled upon Weirdwood Manor, the headquarters of a magical order who protect the Balance between the Real and Imaginary worlds.

Ever since he was five years old and his father witnessed a terrible crime, Igor and his family have been on the run from the Lizard Man, a foreboding figure bent on revenge. They've lived in so many places, with so many identities, that Igor can't even remember his real name. As the months go by, Igor begins to wonder if the Lizard Man exists only in his father's frightened mind. No one but his dad has ever seen him. But then Igor's little sister tells him she thinks she saw the Lizard Man lurking around the house....

Walter Tipple is looking for adventure. He keeps having a dream that his big brother, Tank, appears before him and says, “Let’s you and me go see my world, little man.” But Tank went to the army and never came home, and Walter doesn’t know how to see the world without him. Then he meets Posey, the brash new girl from next door, and an eccentric man named Banjo, who’s off on a bodacious adventure of his own. What follows is a summer of taking chances, becoming braver, and making friends.

From award-winning Irish author Meg Grehan comes an accessible and beautifully crafted middle-grade novel-in-verse about Stevie, a young girl reckoning with anxiety about the many things she has yet to understand - including her feelings about her friend Chloe.

Franny K. Stein isn't a good baker. But when she sees that the fundraisers for the art and music departments at her school aren't making enough money, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Using her genius mind and kitchen, which is really just another type of laboratory, she sets out to create the most delicious muffin on earth! Sales, of course, go through the roof. But bad things can happen when people become exposed to the best thing they've ever tasted. They can become...overenthusiastic.

In a story of perseverance and determination told with warmth and sparkling with humor, a short winter day finds Samuel and Papa walking a long road on Samuel's first trading trip. Meeting strangers, practicing good manners, and proud to be in Papa's company, Samuel watches and learns as Papa trades up from almost nothing to the milk cow Mama is yearning for. Simple text combines with vivid illustrations for a satisfying tale that will resonate with readers who enjoy an adventure with dad.

The Underworld usually isn't really meant to be a fun place - but tell that to Hades! He loves the dark and the stinky smell of sulfur. However, there is one thing that Hades is not a fan of: dogs. And when Zeus and his fellow Olympians encounter Cerberus - a snarling, three-headed dog - Hades must conquer his fears and tame the hound so everyone can continue into the Underworld and deposit their Titan prisoner, Oceanus, back where he belongs!

Sojourner Truth was born into slavery but possessed a mind and a vision that knew no bounds. So Tall Within traces her life from her painful childhood through her remarkable emancipation to her incredible leadership in the movement for rights for both women and African Americans. Her story is told with lyricism and pathos by Gary D. Schmidt, one of the most celebrated writers for children in the 21st century. This audiobook is just right for introducing this legendary figure to a new generation of children.

In this heartwarming sequel to Laurel Snyder's beginning chapter book Charlie & Mouse, the two brothers enjoy a special visit from their grandpa, Grumpy. Follow along as they discuss being medium, pounce each other, sing the wrong songs, build blanket forts, and more. This touching, funny celebration of imagination and bonding will enchant listeners young and old.

A lovable dog helps his human girl solve a mystery. Kayla and Mason both got mysterious letters, written in code. What does Kayla know? The same person left both letters. It's someone she and Mason both know. The two letters are the same, except for the second word. What does King know? Jillian left the letters. What do the letters say?

A lovable dog helps his human girl solve a mystery. Kayla lost a tooth, but now it's missing! What does Kayla know? Her tooth is not inside the tooth fairy pillow. It's not inside her backpack. It's not inside the car. What does King know? Mason's hand smells like the tooth fairy pillow. How will they solve the mystery?

Can a perky little bird with an eye for neatness and a very messy monster find a way to be friends? Kalinka's a showy little bird with an eye for neatness, but her grumpy neighbor Grakkle doesn't care one bit about cleaning. He just wants to relax in his favorite chair and soak his feet in a cool bucket of pickle juice. "Grakk!" he complains as Kalinka "tidies up" his messes. "You're welcome," she responds. They simply aren't on the same wavelength. Can an unfortunate accident, plus a little humor and empathy, help an odd couple like this see eye to eye?

Barkus is back! With new tricks, new friends, and lots more fun. The lovable Barkus and his lucky young owner romp through this delightful series from Newbery Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan. The simple text told in short chapters is just right for children ready to take their first steps toward listening on their own.

Third grader Max is heading off on a road trip with Mom. With miles to travel, cousins to meet, and a tall roller coaster to ride (maybe), it will be an adventure! But Max always spends weekends with Dad; will Dad be okay if he's left behind? And will Max be brave enough for all the new explorations ahead of him?