With this book I want to take you on a journey into my mind, and at the end of the book I may or may not let you back out. I have lots of observations in my poems, and at times you may recognise your family members, friends, or even yourself in some of them. Some might scare you and give you nightmares. Others may cause you to experience tears of laughter. Your emotions will be battered and bruised into submission by my unique storytelling style. I guarantee it's like nothing you have ever...

Derek's poems are varied and tackle a wide array of themes. His ability to combine poetry with both real and fictional stories evokes a range of emotions – provocative, nostalgic, funny, and sad. Each poem offers something unique, waiting to be discovered as you read. He hopes readers will see themselves in his poetry, which is why he titled his first book Hopes, Dreams, and Fears. The emotional rollercoaster Derek takes you on with his unique blend of poetry will make you want to read thi...

There's no stopping Raymond in this beloved Step 2 reader! He likes to do everything fast!From brushing his teeth, to racing to school, to making new friends—there's no one speedier than Raymond. In three easy-to-read stories by award-winning, bestselling creators Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Derek Anderson readers get to follow Raymond on a typical super-fast day, see him meet his future best friend, Roxy, and run a race!Step 2 Readers use b...

Over the river Mama, Papa, and Baby Turkey embark for their vegetarian Thanksgiving Feast. But when a hungry boy and his dog start sniffing around, the turkeys have got to think fast before they become the main course!Acclaimed artist Derek Anderson's glorious autumn artwork adds heaps of holiday humor to Lydia Maria Child's classic Thanksgiving song. And readers of all ages will be wondering who gobbles up whom until the dessert finale.

Welcome to Ballyhoo Bay, where Mira Bella the artist teaches painting and sculpture to grannies and kids. Sun, sea, sand, and sky - what could be more fun?Until one gray day a billboard goes up, announcing a high-rise building and all kinds of stuff. No more sand or seashells or painting or fun. And absolutely no children and wildlife allowed.Mira Bella is not one to take this plan lightly. But despite Mira Bella's conviction, can art save Ballyhoo Bay?Mom's Choice ...

The early reader series from the dynamic duo of Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord and New York Times bestselling illustrator Derek Anderson now features Hot Rod Hamster in his spookiest adventure yet!It's Halloween and Hot Rod Hamster is going to a party! But first, he must come up with a costume that's fun and spooky enough to win the contest. Can you help him?With the same bouncing rhythms, fun choice rhymes, and daredevil antics that made the picture books so popular, this origi...

What would you do if a shark followed you home? In this story designed to engage early readers, charming characters combine with simple text, lively illustrations, and laugh-out-loud humor to help boost kids' confidence and create lifelong readers!Mr. Fitzgerald said sharks like to circle their food while they decide if it looks tasty.I must have left my scooter in the yard. The shark started riding it around our house. And around. And ...

For fans of Elephant & Piggie and Frog & Toad comes an easy-to-read series about another unlikely pair: Croc and Ally. These two best friends don't always see things the same way, but there's one thing they do agree on--their friendship comes first!Croc is grumpy. Ally is happy. Croc sees a problem. Ally finds a solution. In A Lot to Like!, the best friends discuss their favorite color, shape, and number. Then they try to find a new favorite food for Ally,...

Croc and Ally are two best friends who don't always see things the same way, but there's one thing they do agree on--their friendship comes first! In this story designed to engage early readers, charming characters combine with simple text, lively illustrations, and laugh-out-loud humor to help boost kids' confidence and create lifelong readers!Croc is grumpy. Ally is happy. Croc sees a problem. Ally finds a solution. In The Best in the World, Ally asks Cr...

The puppies are coming! This Step 2 is perfect for readers age 4 to 6 and captures the anticipation of waiting for your best friend's dog to have puppies. Will Raymond get to keep one?Raymond and Roxy love playing together—and so do their pets! One day, Raymond learns that Roxy's dog, Flo, is going to have puppies! Raymond does everything fast so he can hardly wait. How long will it take those puppies to be born? And will his parents say yes to a puppy of his very ...

It's the last day of school! Raymond and his friend Roxy are excited to spend their first day of summer vacation at an amusement park! This Step 2 reader captures all the excitement and anticipation!Raymond and Roxy are going to Wild World Park! They try all sorts of rides. But Raymond loves speed and pony rides aren't fast enough. He tries the Wild Cat Racer but it's still not fast enough. Will Raymond be able to find the perfect ride before the day is ov...

Do you have a birthday coming up? Raymond does and he can't wait! This Step 2 early reader captures all the excitement and anticipation that children experience in the lead-up to their special day!Raymond likes to do everything fast! It's almost his birthday and he wants time to fly! He plays outside. He helps Papa wash the car. He even goes to bed early, but his birthday can't come soon enough! Maybe his friend Roxy can help him enjoy the wait...and celeb...