Red Comet Press – serie

Mama and Papa Bear are waiting for a special delivery, which finally arrives from the heavens above, but the bear cub they receive is not quite what they—and the rest of the forest animals—were expectingInspired by parents who adopted a child with a debilitating genetic disease, A Surprise in the Wood exalts the love that makes a family strong despite the surprises that sometimes come its way. This powerful allegory will resonate with any parent who expected a bear cub and instead received a goldfish. It teaches to cherish the fish and immerse oneself in another’s world, whether they breathe water or air. It also celebrates the value of community, especially when they learn to embrace difference. A Surprise in the Wood is a remarkable tale that delivers a moving and relatable story packed with emotional resonance and ultimately advocates for unconditional love and acceptance as a path through adversity. A donation from sales of the book will be made to the MCT8–AHDS Foundation, which inspired the story.

A keepsake volume of poetry marking the key moments in a baby’s first year, with space to record your baby’s milestonesMy Book of Firsts is a delightful collection of poems about the milestones experienced by babies in their first year. From a baby’s first toy to its first tooth, from first book to first word, first haircut, and first birthday party, My Book of Firsts provides lilting poetry to share with babies as they progress through that first year of life. All illustrated with the warm and inviting drawings of Bruno Brogna. The book features a section in the back with spaces for parents to record their baby’s milestones as they reach them. My Book of Firsts will ultimately become a keepsake and record to return to in the future. It is a perfect baby shower gift, a sibling gift, and a great book for day care centers with infant/toddler programs.

​● California Reading Association Silver Award Winner​● A 2026 Notable Social Studies Trade Books Award WinnerA mouthwatering exploration of the history of kids’ favorite foods from around the worldFrom pizza to pasta and ice cream to French fries, some of our favorite foods have a surprising history, and many of them have traveled far from where they originated!Did you know many well-known dishes are food immigrants? The Al Pastor Taco traveled from Lebanon to Puebla, Mexico... French fries originated in Belgium... And pasta arrived in Italy long before Marco Polo visited China.This fascinating nonfiction book featuring rhyming text takes the reader on travels around the world to celebrate foods, their history, and surprising origins. Join Mia Wenjen for a fact-packed journey of discovery that will make your mouth water as you travel the unexpected road of some of our favorite foods.

● A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the YearJoin Emmie, a clever inventor living in her attic kingdom, as she battles a mischievous interloper with her ingenious creations, discovering that true friendship can emerge from even the most unexpected challenges. The Rube Goldberg-meets-David Macaulay art style brings a lively energy to this comic cat-and-mouse caper.In the enchanting world of Emmie, the attic is more than just a storage space—it’s her kingdom! Surrounded by dusty forgotten treasures, Emmie is a clever inventor who transforms ordinary objects into extraordinary machines, each one a testament to her creativity and engineering prowess.But when a mischievous black-and-white cat intrudes upon her realm, Emmie must put her skills to the test. Determined to reclaim her domain, she devises increasingly inventive contraptions to outsmart her furry foe.As she navigates this playful battle, Emmie discovers that sometimes the best solutions come from unexpected friendships. With stunning illustrations reminiscent of Rube Goldberg and David Macaulay, Emmie Builds Something New is a captivating tale that celebrates innovation, resilience, and the power of kindness.This delightful story not only entertains but also inspires young readers, especially girls with a passion for STEM. Join Emmie on her roller-coaster journey of discovery, where every challenge is an opportunity to create, learn, and ultimately build a bridge of understanding with her newfound companion. Ultimately Emmie finds a way to coexist with the cat and discovers that empathy is the pathway to peace and friendship.

A 2026 KIDS FAVORITE! –Children's Book Council* A SHELF AWARENESS BEST GIFT BOOK OF 2025 *Join Charley Mouse during her busy week as she visits some familiar fairytale characters whose houses are in need of her talents in this beautifully illustrated picture book packed with tiny details cleverly hidden in the artCharley Mouse loves cleanliness and order. Her bed linens smell of lavender and her drawers are filled with clean socks. Even the cheese crusts in her cupboard are organized by variety and size! Keeping the house in order is not difficult for her. She’s actually a real professional: she works as a house cleaner. And there is nothing that makes her happier than to help her neighbors to keep their homes clean, too. It’s Monday, and Charley has a busy week ahead and a long list of folks to visit. She can’t wait to get to work! Let’s see where her working week will take her. Meet the residents of both the Wild Wood and the Magical Forest and discover how everyone lives in the land of fairytales as Charley cleans up each house. Charley needs your help to count and find the missing keys, the dirty socks, the witch’s broomsticks, red dragon eggs, and a host of other treasures hidden throughout the book. Every page is a rich visual feast, packed with humor and details to explore which transport the reader to a curiously familiar and magical fairytale land providing hours of seek-and-find fun.

A Booklist Editors' ChoiceA Capitol Choices BookA Best Middle-Grade Book of the Year – Kirkus Reviews★ "Beautiful, remarkable, amazing, and wonderful in every way"–Kirkus Reviews, starred review★ "An absolute delight . . . An exceptional story that will have young readers longing for the sea.” —Booklist, starred review★ Publishers Weekly, starred review​Dive below the waves to where the real adventure begins. Hector lives with his family at the Marina in an Italian coastal town where they organize tourist expeditions to explore the many wonders of the sea. Hector’s dream is to become a deep-sea diver, just like his father.Then, one day, an unscrupulous entrepreneur opens a much newer center next door, forcing them to close their business. This man has a single purpose, to find the legendary Pearl in order to sell it and make money. Hector decides to find a way to thwart the plan and save what matters most to him: the sea, his family, and his dream.

A fascinating tour of some of the most amazing museums around the worldFrom Bilbao to Beijing, from New York to the Netherlands, explore the wonders of 13 extraordinary museums in this “great big” oversized book for readers 8 to 108. Whether you’re visiting Mexico City’s Frida Kahlo Museum, Paris’s treasured Louvre, or New York City’s American Museum of Natural History, you’ll be accompanied by the very best guides: curators, architects, landscape designers, artists . . . but also some more unexpected guests, like the beloved cats of St. Petersburg’s Hermitage, or the guardian of Rome’s Vatican Museums who carries hundreds of keys while making his rounds through the Sistine Chapel and beyond!Each of the 13 museums is splashed across two colorful double-page spreads: the first is a vivacious illustration of the museum's architecture by the French artist Benjamin Chaud, bursting with quirky details and inside jokes. A second spread gives life to each museum with abundant, charming illustrations and fascinating, fact-filled captions of history, mystery, and more. This beautiful book by French author Éva Bensard bubbles over with world-renowned masterpieces; a glimpse into the lives and works of dozens of artists, scientists, and other luminaries; intriguing portraits of expert employees; and insider tips for visitors . . . museums have never seemed so vibrant and exciting.The featured museums include: - The Vatican Museums (Rome, Italy)- The Smithsonian Institution (Washington, D.C., United States)- The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (Bilbao, Spain)- The Mucem (Marseille, France)- The Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)- The Louvre (Paris, France)- The Oceanographic Museum (Monaco)- The State Hermitage (St. Petersburg, Russia)- The Palace Museum (Beijing, China)- The National Museum of Fine Arts (Algiers, Algeria)- The Frida Kahlo Museum (Mexico City, Mexico)- The American Museum of Natural History (New York, United States)- The Quai Branly Museum (Paris, France)

​● California Reading Association Gold Award Winner● A 2026 Notable Social Studies Trade Books Award WinnerPortraits of Indigenous children and their communities from around the world in a stunning presentation emphasizing community and a connection to the land and the environment We are all one. We all inhabit the same planet, and we all have a common human origin.This is the core theme of this important book. Each double-page spread presents a contemporary and fascinating look at more than 20 Indigenous peoples from across the globe. These first nations were the first humans to inhabit their territories, which are under threat today from “civilization” that seeks to profit from them and their lands.In these societies, a sense of community life prevails, based on reciprocity, solidarity, mutual aid, avoiding excess, and honoring what nature provides. Indigenous peoples are also the guardians of 80 percent of terrestrial biodiversity—they are the first conservationists of the natural environment.Franco-Uruguayan author Nat Cardozo has created a unique book with beautiful illustrations that blur the lines between humans and their environment and present a wide variety of ways of life from little-known cultures. In addition to collecting 22 first-person stories, this informative book is about the past and present of Indigenous peoples, recounting a long history of struggle and resistance and of defense—not only of their territories but also of their languages and traditional ways of life.This book provides a unique opportunity to acknowledge our common origin and reflect on how we might create a new unity for humanity to reconnect us to living things and bind us together again as one.Native tribes featured in the book are from all five continents and include: !Kung, Orang Rimba, Inuit, Tuareg, Moken, Anangu, Bijago, Evenki, Bribri, Cherokee, Mosuo, Uru Chipaya, Tz'utujil, Ngati Hau, Wayuu, Q'ero, Sami, Mbuti, Juchiteca, Gitxsan, Dongria Kondh, Yanomami

★ “An essential tool for parents and teachers alike" –School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW★ "Lovely reassurance that preschool will indeed be joyous. . . this one’s a must-have.” –Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW★ “Offers up a consistent what-to-expect scaffolding for preschoolers-to-be.”–Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEWA reassuring introduction for those precious first days of school by a teacher who yearned for a book like this to share with her studentsThe time to start preschool is a huge transition for young learners—emotionally, socially, and psychologically. Many children suffer from the separation anxiety of leaving their caregivers, fear of the unknown, and nervousness about making friends, and they find the social setting of a classroom extremely intimidating.The core message of this comforting book is that “the day flies by when you are having fun, learning with friends . . . and before you know it, it’s time to return to your family.”The book is also a celebration of this brief-but-sweet moment in a child’s life; it highlights the important work that educators do in preparing children to transition to the next phase in their educational careers; all too soon it is “time to go” and move on to a more formal school setting. Featuring inviting crayon illustrations, children will feel reassured by the rhythmic text and repetitive phrases, reflecting the predictable schedule of each new day.The reassuring message communicated in this book is sure to be embraced by parents, caregivers, and preschool teachers alike. Educator and artist Kathryn Wanless has created a book she wished she had to use with her students facing this giant step in their lives.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Selection★ “The art is a wonder in both style and effectiveness. . . This is an exemplary use of illustrations to convey the biological processes that are often unseeable to humans. R*" – Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksAn exquisitely presented account of the life cycle of a Pacific salmon that is sure to entice young naturalists with its accessible design and inviting and informative text She begins as a tiny orange egg . . . smaller than a pea! Salmon Run follows a Pacific coho salmon as she begins her journey in the freshwater rivers of Washington State, travels to the vast Pacific Ocean, and finally returns to the place of her birth to spawn and begin the cycle of life once again.During this arduous adventure that spans hundreds of miles, she will grow and change through five distinct stages of life: egg, alevin, fry, smolt, and adult. From river to estuary to ocean, she will hide from predators, search for food, and encounter a range of marine environments.With a careful balance of scientific accuracy and luminous illustrations, Salmon Run invites young readers to explore the remarkable life of this keystone species in the North Pacific ecosystem—and the magic of its journey home.

An emotional picture book tale of heartwarming tenderness and unconditional love between a mother and child that readers will find touching and dear.A little mouse searches and searches the forest for the most wonderful gift for his mother. What can he give his mother to show her how much he loves her? Perhaps a pine cone full of pine nuts? Or a beautiful flower? Or an eye-catching feather?But when the day of the birthday arrives, nothing turns out as he expects. . . . How will the little mouse show his love?Cuddle with your little mouse when sharing this charming picture book.

★ "A must-purchase for elementary poetry collections"–School Library Journal, Starred ReviewCelebrate the seasons with this delightful collection of 50 haiku that illuminate the wonders of the natural world and brief moments in time.Time for Haiku invites young readers on a poetic journey through the seasons. Arranged from fall to winter and then spring to summer, this charming collection of haiku captures the small, fleeting sensory wonders of the natural world: the hush of falling snow, the rhythm of ocean waves, the shimmer of sun on golden sand, and the sound of waves in a seashell.Each poem serves as a gentle bridge between language and science, making the traditional Japanese haiku form both accessible and enriching for elementary students. Luciano Lozano’s Japanese art–inspired illustrations, with their minimalist brushstrokes and dynamic perspectives, bring each seasonal moment to life with warmth and whimsy.Back matter includes a brief history of haiku and a guide to writing them, encouraging young poets to create their own reflections on the world around them.Hey, Mr. Snowman!How come there are no footprintsstretching behind you?

★ “Visually captivating, inspiring, and informative all at once.”–Kirkus, Starred ReviewA lyrical tribute to changemakers past and present, Run. Sing. Dream. empowers young readers to discover their own courage, raise their voices, and shape a brighter futureFrom Rosa Parks to Greta Thunberg, from James Baldwin to Malala Yousafzai, the world has been shaped by those who found the courage to stand, speak, sing, and dream. In Run. Sing. Dream., Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park brings together a stirring collection of voices—activists, artists, leaders, and visionaries—who refused to be silent in the face of injustice. With spare, poetic text and vibrant illustrations, this inspiring book celebrates the many forms bravery can take: a quiet act of resistance, a powerful song, a determined march, or a single dream carried forward. At once a moving tribute to history’s changemakers and a call to action for readers of today, this book invites children everywhere to ask themselves one vital question: What will you do to be brave?

A heartwarming first-day-of-school story that transforms fear into friendship, showing young readers that even the biggest changes can lead to wonderful new beginningsIn Hello, School! by Rosemary Wells, moving to a new house means starting at a brand-new school—and for Eva, that feels both exciting and scary. With the help of her kind neighbor Milo and a welcoming classroom, Eva explores Sunnyside School—from the library and science lab to music, maker’s space, and the playground. By the end of the day, what once felt overwhelming becomes full of possibility, as Eva discovers that the very best part of school is finding new friends.

When Tova discovers she’s allergic to her favorite bakery treats, she and her loving family whip up a recipe for resilience, creativity, and the sweetest kind of love.A Junior Library Guild Gold Selection TitleTova’s Sweet Solution is a heartfelt and deliciously sweet story about creativity, resilience, and the magic of family. Tova loves everything about her family’s bakery—the warmth, the smells, the cinnalove scones.But when a painful tummy ache leads to an unexpected allergy diagnosis, Tova learns she can no longer enjoy her favorite treats made with honeygrain. Crushed but determined, Tova’s family rallies around her with hugs, songs, and a whole lot of “bakestorming.”But none of their new recipes taste quite right . . . until Tova and her squirrel sidekick, Biscuit, stumble upon a surprise ingredient that leads to the Toviest Tova-size idea ever! Bursting with playful language, cozy charm, and a dash of culinary creativity, this story celebrates perseverance, problem-solving, and the loving support of a family that always bakes together—no matter what.Perfect for readers who love baking, bold ideas, and stories that fill both the heart and tummy with joy.

A luminous coming-of-age story of belonging, courage, and the quiet power of seeing beyond fear when it matters mostIn a small Italian hilltop village where life follows the steady rhythm of the olive harvest, ten-year-old Daniele has always known where he belongs. Then Livia arrives—slight, pale, and impossible to ignore—living in a crumbling house beneath a crooked olive tree that has never borne fruit. At first, she is only a curiosity. But when the harvest begins to fail, whispers take root and fear spreads, and Livia’s differences make her an easy target. Drawn to her quiet strength yet afraid of standing apart, Daniele must find the courage to see beyond what others believe—and decide for himself what is true. Lyrical, evocative, and deeply affecting, Livia and the Crooked Tree is a powerful story of friendship, belonging, and the moment a child begins to understand that what is fragile is not always weak—and that truly seeing can change everything.

A story-loving gargoyle springs to life to save his beloved library—and reminds a community that books are where the magic beginsHigh above a grand library in France, the stone gargoyles come alive each night—but while the others roar and romp, the littlest gargoyle, Grayson, would rather read. When he overhears that fewer visitors are coming and the library may close, Grayson knows he must act. Turning to the stories he loves for inspiration, he hatches a clever plan to bring the community back through the doors. At first, the crowds come for the spectacle—but soon they rediscover the magic waiting on the shelves. Warm, whimsical, and full of heart, Grayson the Library Guardian is a joyful celebration of libraries, imagination, and the power of stories to bring people together.

A lyrical, rollicking voyage with one little boat, a loving family, and the sea creatures of AlaskaFrom the bestselling team that brought us All Aboard the Alaska Train and The Littlest Airplane, One Little Fishing Boat is a rhythmic, cumulative picture book that takes readers on a lively voyage across the sea.A small skiff sets out with a family aboard, nets ready for the day’s catch. Along the way, the boat encounters puffins, otters, seals, belugas, and even a mighty orca—all searching for snacks in the wide, blue sea. As clouds gather and storms roll in, the family huddles close and holds steady, showing that even the smallest boat can be safe and strong.With playful, repeating refrains, lyrical rhyme, and dynamic illustrations, this book captures the wonder of Alaska’s waters and the creatures that live there. Complete with engaging back matter on fishing traditions and marine life, One Little Fishing Boat is both a joyful read-aloud and an educational introduction to sustainable fishing practices.Perfect for fans of nautical adventures, books about nature, and family bonding at sea.

A board book edition of the holiday classic with a message for all that highlights the spirit of gifts and givingOne morning, Little Hare wakes up to a thud on her roof. When she goes outside to investigate, she finds a gift-wrapped package has landed on top her house.So starts a search to find the owner. She drags the package all over the forest on the back of her sled, but no one knows whose it is, until she bumps into a large figure dressed in red and white with a long white beard and glasses.This charming story follows the unfolding adventure as Little Hare helps to avoid a disaster and save Christmas for all the forest friends. And, for all her efforts, Little Hare is rewarded for her generosity and selflessness with her own special gift.With delightful pastel art, Oleksandr Shatokhin has penned a tale that wonderfully embodies the spirit of the gifting season.

A story of courage, sacrifice, and an unbreakable spirit—Noor Inayat Khan’s true journey proves that even the gentlest light can defy the darknessA powerful and moving picture book biography of Noor Inayat Khan—the unlikely spy whose quiet courage helped change the course of World War II. Born into a Muslim family rooted in Sufi teachings of peace, love, and nonviolence, Noor was a gentle child who cherished stories, music, and writing. But as war swept across Europe and injustice spread, she knew she could not stand by. Leaving behind everything she loved, Noor joined the British war effort and became the first female radio operator sent into Nazi-occupied France. Working in constant danger, she transmitted critical messages for the Resistance, evading capture again and again—even as her network was dismantled around her. With lyrical text and evocative, atmospheric illustrations, A Gentle Light illuminates the extraordinary true story of a young woman who defied expectations, risked everything, and proved that bravery does not always roar—sometimes, it shines.

A heartfelt celebration of what makes every family unique—and the love that holds us togetherA heartfelt and beautifully inclusive picture book about what it truly means to be a family. In Our Family celebrates what makes us unique, shares our happiest moments and hardest days, making mistakes, lifting each other up, and always finding our way back to one another—because family isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection, belonging, and love. With gentle, lyrical text and warm, expressive illustrations, this touching story captures the everyday moments and big emotions that shape who we are, from laughter and messes to distance and togetherness, honoring the many ways families grow, change, and stay connected no matter what. Perfect for reading together at home or in the classroom, In Our Family is a reassuring and empowering reminder that every family is different, and every family belongs.

An excavator’s first day takes a sweet, unexpected turn in this charming story about courage, confidence, and finding your purposeOn his very first day on the job, Scoop the excavator is ready to do what he was built for—scoop, lift, crush, and dump. But as his engine rumbles to life, so do his nerves. What if he isn’t good enough? But Scoop is determined to do his best. It’s not rocks and boulders he wants to lift . . . Scoop wants to work at an ice-cream shop instead! Scoop is thrown into a world of cones, toppings, and very eager customers. With each careful scoop—and a messy mistake along the way—Scoop realizes that making people happy and being true to himself is the perfect combination. Warm, playful, and full of heart, Scoop! is a delightful picture book that blends vehicle fun with a reassuring social-emotional message about resilience, self-confidence, and defying expectations. Perfect for fans of construction trucks and sweet treats alike, this story will inspire young readers to embrace the unexpected and believe in themselves—one scoop at a time.

A mischievous stray cat’s wild, wish-gone-wrong adventure proves that sometimes what you want isn’t what you need—and friendship is the greatest treasure of allMeet Calico—a clever, curious stray with a knack for getting into trouble. When a misstep sends her tumbling into the city’s murky sewers, she stumbles upon a glowing, crown-wearing “Golden Mouse” who promises to grant her three wishes. But Calico quickly discovers that wishes aren’t always what they seem: the “most delicious food” turns out to be broccoli, a mountain of fish hides terrifying surprises, and a treasure hoard is nothing but glittering junk. With each hilarious misfire, Calico learns that getting exactly what you ask for can lead to unexpected chaos—and that sometimes, what matters most isn’t food or fortune, but friendship. Bursting with bold, graphic illustrations and comic timing, Calico: Cat Caper#1: Twisted Wishes is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud tale with a warm, satisfying heart.

Celebrate the 15th anniversary of this critically acclaimed, award-winning favorite—a shelter cat’s unforgettable journey to home, told in irresistible haikuMarking its 15th anniversary, this award-winning and critically acclaimed picture-book classic returns to captivate a new generation of readers. Told through a sequence of witty, emotionally astute haiku, a shelter cat chronicles his journey from cautious observer to confident companion, capturing the universal longing to belong. A standout upon its original publication, Won Ton earned multiple honors and widespread critical praise, and remains a favorite for classroom read-alouds and poetry units. With humor, heart, and a distinctive voice, this timeless story—paired with expressive, elegant illustrations—offers a fresh and deeply engaging exploration of adoption, identity, and the quiet, transformative power of love.

* NEA Read Across America 2025-2026 selection* NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Recommended* A Center for Multicultural Literature Best Book of the YearA young Persian boy extends a welcoming invitation to a friend to visit his home in the hopes of finding friendship and acceptanceA young boy invites a new friend to visit his house by writing a letter describing what to expect during the visit. As readers, we learn of the customs, foods, and traditions of this Persian family.The boy is clearly hoping for friendship and acceptance in this charming story in which he describes his family, games they will play, crafts they will do, and foods they will eat.This welcoming picture book provides a wonderful opportunity for reflection about our own lives and the lives of others we may know and promote friendship between people with different cultural backgrounds.