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Penny loves the sermon on Sunday because she loves to think about big things. But when preaching from the front porch to her friends doesn’t turn out quite as she expected, Penny wonders if she was wrong to want to teach others about God.
"Penny Preaches is an absolute delight! God has given little Penny a love for God's Word, a deep mind, and a heart to proclaim—who will give her the microphone? This is a book to inspire children, but it may have the unexpected effect of inspiring some parents and caregivers (like me) to imagine and dream about bigger and better things for the church today."
- Nijay Gupta, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, author of Tell Her Story, and parent of three
Annie B. Made For TV
For every kid who’s ever come in second place, this is a middle grade story about chasing your dreams.
Inspired by As Seen on TV commercials, Annie likes to invent products and write clever sales pitches to go along with them. So when an opportunity arises to audition for a local web show called The Cat’s Meow, Annie knows her future is set. She’s going to wow those producers with her fabulous writing and made-for-TV announcer voice.
But when Annie’s almost-always best friend Savannah accidentally crashes the audition, Annie worries that she might lose the opportunity she’s been training for her whole life, and her best friend.
"When it comes to imagination and creative wordplay, Annie has no match."
―Publishers Weekly
"Annie's first-person narration is hilariously astute.... Readers graduating from Junie B. to lengthier stories will find a new book-friend in Annie B."
―Kirkus Reviews
"Annie's narration is so irrepressible, genuine, and laugh-out-loud funny that she's sure to carve out an audience with young readers.... Hand to fans of the Dork Diaries."
―Booklist
Maurice the Unbeastly
Beasts roar! Beasts destroy! But not Maurice.
This frightfully unbeastly tale about staying true to yourself is for everyone who’s just a little bit different.
With his melodious voice, fondness for kale, and unfailing politeness, Maurice isn’t quite like other beasts. So his concerned Mama and Papa send their ridiculously photogenic beastie to the Abominable Academy for Brutish Beasts to learn how to behave badly. Will Maurice master growling, scowling, snarling, and howling? Or will he prove that being different is a good thing after all?
"Dixon’s effervescent writing delivers a message about individuality with a light touch and Mountford’s illustrations bring an appropriately creepy-cute atmosphere
to the pages."
― Publishers Weekly
“ . . . an assortment of reds, yellow, and greens are the only colors used, yet they beautifully set the tone for a book that’s as wonderfully oddball as Maurice himself. VERDICT A gentle and welcoming read-aloud addition to any collection.”
—School Library Journal
Sophie’s Animal Parade
Mama calls it Sophie’s imagination, but Sophie calls it magic. Everything Sophie draws comes to life, and one day when Sophie feels lonely, she decides to draw a friend. But the polar bear cub isn’t very happy in Sophie’s room, where it is much too warm. So Sophie tries again. But the duck wants to swim in a pool full of water. And the giraffe is too tall for the tiny room! It isn’t long after the elephant shows up that things begin to get a little too wild and Sophie must demand that everyone go outside. In the backyard, with all her new friends, Sophie meets someone new–someone who happens to be an expert lion trainer. It looks like Sophie’s magic may have worked after all.
"Sophie's drawings, whether of cupcakes or polar bear cubs, tend to spring to life. Is it magic or Sophie's imagination at work? Dixon (Marathon Mouse) isn't telling, but it's clear that this sort of power isn't easy to manage. Lonely, Sophie summons one animal after another... but it isn't until she meets a boy who loves animals as much as she does that her desire for friendship is sated. Newcomer Wish's watercolors have an appealing retro cuteness...and for all that Dixon's story revels in imaginary (or magical) fun, the takeaway is that real relationships are what matter."
― Publishers Weekly
Marathon Mouse
The mice of New York City dread the day of the New York City Marathon more than any other—the crowds, the large shoes, the noise. All of them, that is, except for Preston. He and his family live underneath the starting line on the Verrazano Bridge and every year Preston has dreamed of joining all the other runners in the marathon. This year, Preston is determined to make his dream come true, even though his family tells him that mice are not fit to run marathons. He trains hard leading up to the big day and when the race starts, he successfully dodges sneakers and crosses the finish line, showing his family that mice can do much more than just scurry.
"Above all, though, children will like this story for its underdog hero. They will empathize with his desire to do something special, and cheer him on in his endeavors. Marathon Mouse is an uplifting, inspiring story that kids will want to hear again and again and that adults will be happy to read. Highly recommended!"
― Susanna Leonard Hill, children's author
