Joe And Sparky Go To School

“A humorous, high-interest package . . . a hit.” — The Horn Book (starred review) The endearing and mismatched pals Sparky the turtle and Joe the giraffe accidentally latch on to a big yellow bus and leave the zoo for their first trip to school. There’s a lot to learn, and the goal of the day seems to be to get a star. But just when Joe fears that he may have to go home starless, Sparky reminds him of all the ways that his loyal friend already shines.

When they see a car sitting unoccupied at the cageless zoo where they live, adventurous Joe the giraffe convinces shy Sparky the turtle to go for a ride and soon the two are tearing up the town--visiting a burger joint, going through a car wash, and having the wildest time of the lives!

"Being in on a joke is a treat for young readers, and this little treasure is one that will get passed around." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) When fun-seeking Joe, a giraffe, takes a reluctant Sparky, a turtle, on a wild ride across the famous cageless zoo to see a mysterious box displaying a talent show, the two decide they must compete to be the next famous pair. But what are their talents? Joe can run fast, wiggle his ears, and touch his nose with his tongue (not to mention drive a car). But Sparky doesn’t know what his special skill is. Can the enthusiastic encouragement of Joe the World’s Best Talent Finder help the retiring Sparky become a star?

The ingenious author of 17 Things I'm Not Allowed to Do Anymore and a brilliant illustrator and production designer of the Coraline movie have created a hilarious, touching picture book perfect for young animal lovers. Like the Caldecott Medal-winning Officer Buckle and Gloria, Sparky stars a pet who has more to offer than meets the eye. When our narrator orders a sloth through the mail, the creature that arrives isn't good at tricks or hide-and-seek . . . or much of anything. Still, there's something about Sparky that is irresistible. Winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award

Meet Sticky Burr, his unshakable friends, his prickly foes, and the other inhabitants of Burrwood Forest in this beguiling and delightful graphic storybook. Full color.

“An engaging and humorous tale of two friends whose personality differences lead to growth as well as some fun adventures.” —School Library Journal Frank likes peace and quiet. He likes his tent, his pencil, and writing in his secret notebook. Bean likes noise. He likes his bus, his trumpet, and making music. Loud music. But Bean is missing something: he does not have words. What will happen if Frank shares his words with Bean? With a laugh-out-loud narrative by Jamie Michalak, author of the Joe and Sparky series, and Bob Kolar’s bright, graphic, comical illustrations, this fresh and funny story will go down easy for beginning readers and young listeners alike.

The endearingly mismatched duo has their hands full when a party for a friend goes comically awry. One day Joe, an exuberant giraffe, hears a commotion coming from another part of the famous cageless zoo he calls home. Joined by his small, green, slightly more serious turtle friend, Sparky, Joe discovers the source of the hullabaloo: a group of children — or noisy short people, as Joe and Sparky call them — having a party. Inspired, Joe decides to throw a party for his pet worm, Wiggy. There’s just one problem: Sparky is not entirely sure if Wiggy even exists! What will happen when every animal in the zoo shows up to Wiggy’s party with presents and cake? Worm or no worm, this silly, satisfying tale is sure to leave new readers smiling.

One father-son duo make a pizza so delicious, and so over-the-top with toppings, that it destroys the universe—and will surely melt readers' minds and hearts, like warm mozzarella. It's a tale as old as time: a kid wants to make a pizza with his dad, but not just any pizza . . . he wants a pizza with everything on it. That's right, everything. But as the toppings pile on, this father-son duo accidentally create a pizza so delicious, so extravagant, so over-the-top, that it destroys the universe—and the cosmos go as dark as burnt crust. Will anyone enjoy pizza ever again? At turns heartwarming, hilarious, and completely out of this world, Kyle Scheele and Andy J. Pizza deliver a riotous adventure that will melt readers minds and hearts and leave them calling for a second helping. • FATHER'S DAY GIFTING: This heartwarming and hilarious portrait of a memorable father-son bonding experience is the perfect way to show appreciation to the tough-to-buy-for dad all year round, and especially on Father's Day! • FOOD-THEMED HILARITY: A mouthwatering and laugh-out-loud funny story of culinary catastrophe! This book is for fans of food-themed classics like Green Eggs and Ham, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs. • ELEMENT OF CHAOS: Starting with something as relatable as pizza toppings, and culminating in the destruction of the universe, the escalating silliness is literally out of this world. For anyone who loves books that celebrate the absurd and chaotic, like Dragons Love Tacos or Llama Destroys the World. • TIMELESS QUALITY: A classic family-bonding moment—making pizza—leads to memorable father-son adventure, with a heartwarming and satisfying ending ensuring countless rereads. • PIZZA: Universal and delicious. Perfect for: • Anyone who likes pizza • Fathers looking for a lighthearted book to share with their kids • Fans of the absurd, chaotic, and hilarious • Foodies and their children • Anyone looking for wholesome family stories about family bonding • Fans of Dragons Love Tacos and Llama Destroys the World