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. Featuring a charming crew of animals and two children who believe in magic, this sweet and funny picture book teaches children to combat loneliness with creativity, persistence, and a little imagination. Filled with the lovely watercolor illustrations of Katia Wish, Amy Dixon’s Sophie’s Animal Parade takes children on a journey toward friendship. Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readers—picture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Roscoe Raccoon was rude. He treated his friends very badly until they had a meeting and decided to teach him the universal golden rule. Timmy Turkey was frightened whenever summer changed to fall. But he’s able to survive another holiday season with the help of his clever farm friends. My stories are written to allow the readers to exercise their imaginations and creativity as they become the illustrators for all ten animal stories.

From leading authorities, this volume presents a unique evidence-based group intervention for the 10–15% of children who are challenged by peer difficulties in elementary school. The book features 145 engaging full-color reproducible handouts, posters, and other tools. In addition to teaching core social skills (participation, communication, cooperation, good sportsmanship, conflict resolution), Friendship Group promotes emotional understanding and empathy, self-control, and effective coping with social stressors. Two complete sets of sessions are provided (grades K–2 and 3–5), including step-by-step implementation guidelines. The large-size format facilitates photocopying; purchasers also get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials. See also the authors' Fast Track Program for Children at Risk: Preventing Antisocial Behavior, which describes the landmark study that used Friendship Group in tandem with other school- and family-based interventions.

Please update SAGE UK and SAGE INDIA addresses on imprint page.

Do children really need over-the-top birthday parties with pony rides, bounce houses, corporate movie characters, food trucks, and themed decorations? Or destination parties that require renting nail salons, skating rinks, restaurants, and video arcades? Over-the-top parties can lead to more stress, despite parents’ urge to outsource party planning. In Best Buddies Birthdays, mother-daughter authors Sally Butzin and Charlotte Beal offer a detailed and specific guide on how to plan and host a fabulous party--without all the craziness--that will bring joy and satisfaction to the five- to ten-year-old child. It covers planning, sending invitations, buying prizes, offering refreshments, and writing thank-you notes. But its centerpiece is 50 clearly explained, child-tested party games and activities to choose from. This guide emphasizes the important life lessons children learn through Best Buddies Birthdays, including empathy, hospitality, graciousness, appreciation, sportsmanship, and kindness. Field-tested with real kids, Best Buddies Birthdays can bring back the joy and innocence of childhood, while instilling positive values and saving money. It takes a step away from the norm of over-the-top parties and embraces a more down-to-earth approach to giving children a special day.