Linda Ashman

How to deal with anger, conflict, injury, disappointment and other sorts of frustrations among preschoolers? Try "Peace, Baby!"

Themes: conflict resolution, emotions, peace

From the editor's desk:
We've all seen someone walking down the street with a furrowed brow or a brisk, angry walk that makes us give them a wide berth. Or, conversely, we've been affected positively by someone with a cheerful smile or sunny demeanor. That's what this book is about: the power of people's energy and what happens when different perspectives collide. I hope that within these pages you'll enjoy the transformative power of a smile--pass it on! -- Kate O'Sullivan, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Samantha can't wait to try out her new roller skates, but Mama's too busy too help her. What's a girl to do? Well, this girl isn't waiting. While Mama tends to other things, Sammy straps on the skates. She’s doing great -- until she finds herself cresting Hawthorn Hill.

Now Samantha is on a roll!

This is no ordinary alphabet book. Inside these pages you'll find twenty-six delightfully naughty children eager to make mischief. The wickedly witty wordplay is paired with fiendishly fresh artwork, making M is for Mischief a rollicking, riotous read.

Filled with hilarious moments, this clever rhyming book takes a look at life in a medieval castle through the eyes of its many different inhabitants: the richest, poorest, silliest, and--yes--the smelliest, too!

Inside . . . outside . . . fast . . . or slow . . .Babies are most definitely on the move in this exuberant celebration of the amazing ways animal parents love to carry their little ones. And as for those babies? They're delighted to go along for the ride!

Many places can make a home--a silent cave, a secret den, a silky web, even a sticky honeycomb. Each one is safe and snug and just right for the families who live there. Told in lilting rhyme and gorgeous illustrations, this cozy book shows how different--yet alike--homes can be.

It's a perfect day for swimming, building sand castles, and flying kites. But will this wacky family ever make it to the beach? The rollicking, rhyming text, paired with hilarious illustrations, will strike a chord with any family whose travel plans have gone wildly awry.

With its simple rhyming verse and gentle illustrations, this book celebrates the loving bond of mamas and children throughout the day, and in all sorts of places--at the seashore, a city street, a bustling market, or quietly sharing a book in a creaky rocking chair.

Come spend Christmas in Colorado with Sophie, where she'll see bustling cities, sprawling ranches, ancient ruins, ghost towns, and even giant sand dunes. Oh, and lots of mountains--big ones! From a bunting in a spruce tree to five golden nuggets to twelve skiers swooshing, it's a mile-high spirited visit.

Beep! Beep! Beep! A daring girl and her trusty orange jeep are off on an exciting safari. There are giraffes to watch, rhinos to race, and wily crocodiles to avoid. And when a roaring lion crosses her path, she knows exactly what to do: roar back! Action packed from beginning to end, this rhyming adventure will keep young readers on the edge of their seats.

What underwater wonders can you see when you're in a bright orange submarine? Stealthy manta rays, silky seals, blimpy blowfish--and all sorts of other amazing ocean animals. So pull on your favorite swimsuit and dive into this rhyming young fantasy. Just watch out for the shark!

Say you're sailing in the south, or hiking in the east.
Your holiday's delightful--till you meet a pesky beast.
What now? Should you ignore it?
Offer presents? Run and hide?
Don't make a costly blunder--
Take this handy monster guide!

Cuddle up with this warm and loving tale of a feisty little girl and a mother who understands her daughter's reluctance to go to bed. After all, who wants to sleep when there are so many adventures ahead?

Ever wonder what a dog thinks about? Stella is about to tell you! This opinionated pup has plenty to say--off the leash--about cats, kids, and kibble, as well as silly dog names, the indignities of dress-up, her dreams of Hollywood stardom, and her much-loved (if sometimes puzzling) family. The clever poems and warm-hearted illustrations are perfect for sharing with dog-lovers of all ages.

Welcoming new siblings isn't the easiest thing to do. But if you give them a chance, you might discover how much fun they are--and how very grown up you've become! Linda Ashman and David McPhail share the creative spotlight in this humorous and charming tale of adjusting to a new baby in the house.

Full of chaos and fun, this exuberant tale of a big, boisterous family and their beloved home will hit the nail on the head for any reader who has ever embarked on a home renovation project, big or small.

Long, long ago, your papa ruled the world from a fabulous castle, and your mama chased pirates through the wildest seas. When they met and married, the adventures continued. Oh, their lives were exciting! But, still, they yearned for something more. What could be better than all the riches and adventure in the world? You! And with your arrival, they began the greatest adventure of all.

Can you make a piggy giggle if you tell a silly riddle? What if you polka, flap and fiddle, waddle, yodel, stomp and riddle, tumble, grumble, twirl and wriggle? A chick might snicker, a calf might laugh, a duck might chuckle. . . But this piggy? He's a tough audience! Preschoolers will giggle plenty at the exuberant animal antics in this book with wonderful wordplay.

Desmond is a sweet boy, usually. But it's hard to be good when the Naughtybugs show up--and you just never know when they might appear. On Monday morning, the Sloggies slow him down with Dawdle Dust. On Tuesday, a Pesky order him to topple a pile of apples at the grocery store. On Wednesday, the Squirmies appear with their spritzers full of Fidgey Mist. How will Desmond and his parents survive the week?

When a bumbling magician entertains at Louise's birthday party, the birthday girl is turned into a rock, her father into a broom, and the guests into animals. It takes Max's young nephew, Alex, to save the day. The lively rhyme, coupled with hilarious illustrations, will have kids (and grownups) laughing out loud. This is one birthday party you'll never forget.

The day begins as many do:
I find myself inside a zoo. . . .

So begins a typical day, as seen through the eyes of a young boy. After he escapes the wild animals in his bedroom, he tiptoes past giants (his sleeping parents), rappels down a mountainside (the staircase), and shares a snack with a hungry beast (the dog)--and that's just the beginning of his adventures! Join him on his voyage through the exciting world of make-believe.

In this fantastic bedtime tale, a hectic day is put to bed, and a peaceful starry night fills the sky so everyone can rest. Linda Ashman and Tricia Tusa have created a magical world in which the sun and the moon cooperate with a resourceful young girl who is ready to put her busy day behind her and settle down to a good night's sleep -- so she can wake up to another exciting day tomorrow!

Like all dogs, Wagmore Gently can't help wagging his tail when he's happy. But Wagmore's tail is so big that one swish can clear the table, and one thump is like an earthquake! Mr. Gently warns him that if he doesn't keep his tail in check, Wagmore will have to miss the annual Trail Trekkers hike. Wagmore decides to control his tail by thinking only miserable thoughts. But it's hard to be miserable when you're on your favorite hike with your favorite boy. Just when Wagmore loses the battle with his tail, he saves the day and wins new appreciation from his family.