Joseph Cowman – illustratör

Noah knew he was different. He could see things that others couldn''t, like the patterns in the dust that floated down on sunbeams.

Noah is different. He sees, hears, feels, and thinks in ways that other people don''t always understand, and he asks a lot of questions along the way. Noah loves science, especially the weather. His books usually provide him with the answers he needs, until one day, there''s one question they don''t answer—and that is where Noah''s windy adventure begins.

Filled with rich, sweeping illustrations, this picture book celebrates the inquisitive nature of all children, including those on the autism spectrum, who cannot stop asking a question until an answer has been unearthed.

The book contains a page of information for parents, caregivers, and educators about the importance of helping children feel good about their differences and know that being different is okay.

Michelle Worthington was born in Brisbane, Queensland, and has lived there all her life. She is much-published author in Australia.

Joseph Cowman lives and paints in the hills and valleys of suburban Idaho. He is a long-standing member of the Society of Children''s Books Writers and Illustrators. He is the illustrator of six other Redleaf Lane books, including most recently, The Amazing Erik and Rita and the Firefighters.

There are so many fun things to do in Mr. Walter''s classroom, but Esteban still misses his mama while she''s at work. One day, after giving Esteban two kisses and a hug (mwah-mwah-mmmm), Mama heads out the door—and forgets to take her gloves with her. As Esteban keeps the gloves safe, they help him remember something important: it can be hard to be apart from his mama, but she always comes back . . . with two kisses and a hug!

The book contains a page of information to help adults connect the story to children''s experiences.

It''s snacktime in Mr. Walter''s classroom, and Evette has something to say. "Only kids with a baby sister can come to my birthday." Not everyone has a little sister—but everyone would like to be invited. Evette and her classmates begin a conversation filled with imagination and discovery. After lots of discussion, Evette knows just what to do to make her party the most fun.

Evette''s Invitation captures the rich, spontaneous, and oftentimes quirky conversations that young children bring to the table.

The book contains a page of information to help adults connect the story to children''s experiences.

Bree doesn''t know anyone who likes to dig as much as she does. What''s more, Bree doesn''t know anyone who likes worms as much as she does. So Bree digs alone, until one day a classmate joins her. Together, the two unearth something even better than worms—a new friendship.

The book contains a page of information to help adults connect the story to children''s experiences.

Playing at the water table is fun. But Erik thinks getting splashed is not fun. When his sleeve gets wet, Erik gets sad, and he can''t imagine ever being happy again. Then, with a classmate by his side, Erik becomes absorbed by a new idea: making the water disappear. As it does, Erik discovers his sadness has vanished and happiness has reappeared, like magic. Airdah-taroo!

The book contains a page of information to help adults connect the story to children''s experiences.

The firefighters are on their way! Michi and Jayden are playing firefighter, and Rita wants to play, too. But how can she join in when they''re too busy putting out fires to notice her? Rita begins to feel left out. But with a can-do attitude and a classmate''s good idea, Rita finds herself in the middle of the fun in no time.

The book contains a page of information to help adults connect the story to children''s experiences.