QRB Bestsellers for the Week of May 25th

Here are Quail Ridge Books' bestsellers for the week of May 25th:

1. The Night Before First Grade By Natasha Wing, Deborah Zemke (Illustrator)

It's the night before the Big Day—first grade. Penny is excited to start the year with her best friend right beside her in the same classroom. This humorous take on Clement C. Moore's classic tale [The Night Before Christmas] has a perfect twist ending that will surprise readers—as well as the “heroine” of the story—and help all about-to-be first-graders through their own back-to-school jitters.

2. Congratulations, by the way: Some Thoughts on Kindness By George Saunders

Congratulations, by the way is a manual for those who aspire to become more emotionally intelligent. It is the book we need, especially in current times--a transcript of George Saunders’ convocation speech to the Syracuse University class of 2013 about the value of kindness. Saunders breaks down in clear, thoughtful, straightforward language what it means to be truly kind. Not simply nice, in the “I smile and am mildly polite to you” way or the “I won't actively hurt you in word or deed” way, but kind in the genuine “I am extending myself and hope to change another person’s life" way.

The Message: Kindness is one intelligence that everyone needs to cultivate and grow.

3. The Dot (Creatrilogy) By Peter H. Reynolds, Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)

Her teacher smiled. "Just make a mark and see where it takes you."

Art class is over, but Vashti is sitting glued to her chair in front of a blank piece of paper. The words of her teacher are a gentle invitation to express herself. But Vashti can’t draw - she’s no artist. To prove her point, Vashti jabs at a blank sheet of paper to make an unremarkable and angry mark. "There!" she says.

That one little dot marks the beginning of Vashti’s journey of surprise and self-discovery. That special moment is the core of Peter H. Reynolds’s delicate fable about the creative spirit in all of us.

4. A Place for Butterflies (A Place for... Series) By Melissa Stewart, Higgins Bond (Illustrator)

This fact-filled, colorful book looks at the amazing world of butterflies.

Melissa Stewart shares with young readers the basic facts about butterflies and some pointers on how youngsters can help butterflies in their own neighborhood. Bond's realistically detailed illustrations highlight the diversity of the species, from the Schaus swallowtail butterflies in southern Florida to the endangered Mitchell's satyrs. A Place for Butterflies reminds children of the interconnectedness of our world and shows how the actions of one species can inadvertently harm another.

5. The Invisible Boy By Trudy Ludwig, Patrice Barton (Illustrator)

A simple act of kindness can transform an invisible boy into a friend...

Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party . . . until, that is, a new kid comes to class.

When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.

From esteemed author and speaker Trudy Ludwig and acclaimed illustrator Patrice Barton, this gentle story shows how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. Any parent, teacher, or counselor looking for material that sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children will find The Invisible Boy a valuable and important resource. 

Includes backmatter with discussion questions and resources for further reading.

6. Hey, Little Ant By Phillip Hoose, Hannah Hoose, Debbie Tilley (Illustrator)

What would you do if the ant you were about to step on looked up and started talking? Would you stop and listen? What if your friends saw you hesitate? That’s what happens in this funny, thought-provoking book. Originally a song by a father-daughter team, this conversation between two creatures, large and small, is bound to inspire important discussions. It might even answer that classic childhood question: To squish or not to squish?

7. Off to Class: Incredible and Unusual Schools Around the World By Susan Hughes

When North American kids picture a school, odds are they see rows of desks, stacks of textbooks, and linoleum hallways. They probably don't picture caves, boats, or train platforms -- but there are schools in caves, and on boats and on train platforms. There's a whole world of unusual schools out there

But the most amazing thing about these schools isn't their location or what they look like. It's that they provide a place for students who face some of the toughest environmental and cultural challenges, and live some of the most unique lifestyles, to learn. Education is not readily available for kids everywhere, and many communities are strapped for the resources that would make it easier for kids to go to school. In short, it's not always easy getting kids off to class -- but people around the world are finding creative ways to do it.

In Off to Class, readers will travel to dozens of countries to visit some of these incredible schools, and, through personal interviews, meet the students who attend them, too.

8. Fossils (A True Book: Earth Science) By Ann O. Squire

Fossils are one of the most important tools we have for learning about long-extinct wildlife.

A True Book: Earth Science series presents fascinating facts and fun activities that will engage the budding earth scientist, while exploring the fields of geology, meteorology, ecology, and more. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study.

In the 4.6 billion years since Earth was formed, many plant and animal species have come and gone. Readers will discover how fossils are formed, how paleontologists search for them, and what kinds of information they can provide.

9. What Is Pollination? (Big Science Ideas) By Bobbie Kalman

Pollination by insects is a critical function of all land ecosystems. Most orchard fruits, vegetables, and some field crops are pollinated by insects. This book features photographs that focus on the critical fact that protecting pollinators means having food to eat. It helps children look at insects in a different way.

10. A Place for Bats (A Place for... Series) By Melissa Stewart, Higgins Bond (Illustrator)

This fact-filled, colorful look at the amazing world of bats includes a call to action to protect these creatures and their habitats.

Part of the acclaimed series from this author and illustrator team, A Place for Bats uses simple yet informative language to introduce young readers to the ways human action or inaction can affect bat populations. Describing various examples, the text provides an intriguing look at bats, the ecosystems that support their survival, and the efforts of some people to save them. At the end of the book, the award-winning author, Melissa Stewart offers readers suggestions for what they can do to help protect these special creatures in their own communities.