Amanda Hall Books

Amanda Hall Books

“And what is the use of a book,” thought Alice, “without pictures or conversation?”

Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

 

Books are wonderful things, a timeless legacy in this fast-moving world. These books below – some written by Amanda, some by other writers – are to be shared with loved ones, and to be read alone. They transport those who turn the pages to worlds far and wide, to other lands and times. They offer insight and hope, fun and fantasy.

Song of the Raven

Written by Amanda Hall

“This picture book “with stylised illustrations that beautifully convey the colors and textures of the frozen North.”
— Washington Parent

“Hall’s vivid illustrations are gorgeous, bold and evocative, rich with details that will keep young readers searching the pictures over and over for new discoveries.”
—NAPRA Review

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Publisher: Wisdom Tales, 2024

Type and extent of book: 36-page fiction picture book

In-print: Yes

Rights Available: Audio, merchandising and performance rights.

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9781957670041

Previously called The Stolen Sun:

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9780711218080

Paperback ISBN: 

  • 9780711218447

Foreign Co-editions: 

  • Eerdmans Books (US)
  • Forlaget Sesam (Denmark)
  • Korea Dewey (Korea)
  • Korea Dewey (Korea)
  • Weldon Owen Education Ltd (New Zealand)

Video Link: Watch Online

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

Little Bear

Retold by Dawn Casey, Foreword by Kelly Berthelsen

“Rooted in an Inuit folktale from Greenland, this picture book celebrates the reciprocal relationship between humans and nature. When a lonely old woman finds a bear cub freezing on the ice, she adopts him as her own. He grows up in the village, becoming beloved by all as he plays with the children and helps the men hunt. When he is attacked by hunters from another village, the old woman heals his wounds—and comes to realize that it is time to let go.”

— Forward Reviews, Children’s Spotlight Section/ Danielle Ballantyne

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Publisher:  Wisdom Tales, Jan 2022

Type and extent of book: 36-page fiction picture book

In-print: Yes

Rights Available: Audio, Performance, Merchandising

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9781937786915

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

Awards and Selections: 

  • Winner of the Interior Design Category: Midwest Book Awards 2022
  • Distinguished Favorite Award for Picture Book and Book Cover Design: NYC Big Book Awards 2023

Out of This World: The Surreal Art of Leonora Carrington

Written by Michelle Markel

“A gorgeously illustrated picture book biography about the fascinating life of surrealist artist Leonora Carrington, from Michelle Markel and Amanda Hall, the acclaimed team behind The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau…Out of This World is the powerful, stunningly told story of Leonora Carrington, a girl who made art out of her imagination and created some of the most enigmatic and startling works of the last eighty years.”
— Amazon

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Publisher:  Balzer & Bray / an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2019

Type and extent of book: 40-page nonfiction picture book

Recommended Age Range: 4 – 8 years

In-print: Yes

Rights Available: Foreign, performance and merchandising

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9780062441096

Foreign Co-editions: 

  • Editorial Trillas (Mexico, still active)

Awards and Selections:

  • Named as one of Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year 2020.
  • Included in 2020 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List, USA (Early readers – NonFiction Section)
  • Included in CCBC Choices 2020: Cooperative Children’s Book Center of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA (Books about The Arts Section)
  • The Society of Illustrators “The Original Art”  Annual Exhibition 2019 Featured Artist’s section
  • Named as one of Amazon’s Best Nonfiction Books for January 2019

Book Launch: Watch Online

Book Interview: Watch Online

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

Babushka

Written by Dawn Casey

“Dawn Casey’s retelling of the Babushka story is truly a wonderful piece of storytelling… There is kindness and wisdom there. The addition of a cat is brilliant…The combination of Casey’s story telling with Hall’s artwork reminds one of the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials… Like the writing, there are wonderful details in the illustration – from the three wise men, to the sleigh, to the townsfolk. It’s a wonderful book.”
— Goodreads

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Publisher:  Lion Children’s Books, 2015

Type and extent of book: 32-page fiction picture book

In-print: Yes

Rights Available: Merchandising

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9780745965222

Paperback ISBN: 

  • 9780745976914
  • 9780745979847

Foreign Co-editions: 

  • Good Books (US, still active)
  • Good Books (US, still active)
  • Éditions LLB (France, still active)

Video Link: Watch Online

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau

Written by Michelle Markel

“Rousseau’s spirit has inspired Amanda Hall: this book is a captivating homage to a lavish, playful, painterly world… Meanwhile, Markel tells his story, and lets us know how art eventually won out against establishment ridicule. – this book is the freshest of breezes.”
— The Observer/ Kate Kellaway

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Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2012

Type and extent of book: 34-page nonfiction picture book

Recommended Age Range: 5 – 9 years

In-print: Yes

Rights Available: Foreign, audio, performance & merchandising rights available.

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9780802853646

Paperback ISBN: 

  • 9780802855237

Foreign Co-editions: 

  • Rikuyosha Children & YA Books (Japan, still active)
  • Yuan-Liou Publishers (Taiwan, still active)
  • Pa’amon Books in Yan Hamelach (Israel, still active)
  • Bear Books Inc. (Korea, still active)

Awards and Selections:

  • Winner of the Art Category: Northern Lights Book Awards 2020
  • Winner of the PEN/Steven Kroll Award for Picture Book Writing for an exceptional story illustrated in a picture book published in 2012
  • Winner of the Parents’ Choice Gold Award Spring 2013 Picture Books
  • Storytelling World Resource Awards: Stories for Pre-Adolescent Listeners honors selection 2014
  • Vermont Red Clover Award Nominee 2013 – 2014
  • Capitol Choices 2013
  • Bank Street College Best Children’s Books of 2013
  • Society of Illustrators “The Original Art” Annual Exhibition 2012
  • New York Public Library: Children’s Books 2012: 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
  • Junior Library Guild selection 2012
  • com: Best Illustrated Children’s Books of the Year 2012
  • Fuse # 8: 100 Magnificent Children’s Books for 2012
  • Booklist: Top Ten Arts Books for Youth
  • The Scottish Book Trust: Featured book in Ten Artistic Reads

Video Link: Watch Online

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

Tales from India

Written by Jamila Gavin

“Come on a journey with renowned storyteller Jamila Gavin as she writes of great floods, legendary romances, and epic battles between good and evil. This new collection of Hindu tales, including the birth of the gods, tales of creation, and the arrival of humans, is illuminated by Amanda Hall’s exquisite artwork, which reflects the influence of both classical and contemporary Indian art.”
— The School Librarian

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Publisher: Templar Publishing, 2011

Type and extent of book: 96-page story collection

In-print: Yes

Rights Available: No

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9781848772021

Paperback ISBN: 

  • 9781787410886

Foreign Co-editions: 

  • Candlewick Press (US, still active)

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

The Lion Classic Aesop’s Fables

Retold by Margaret McAllister

“28 fables retold with wit and warmth alongside stunning illustrations that jump off the page. Presented with a dust jacket, this classic edition will delight all story lovers”
— Gardners Books Ltd

“Lion Hudson produce some beautiful keepsake books and this is another one to treasure. Heavy shiny paper shows off the lovely illustrations to their best advantage… A lovely book to give as a gift.”
— Parents in Touch

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Publisher: Lion Children’s Books, 2011

Type and extent of book: 126-page story collection

In-print: Yes

Rights Available: No

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9780745962009

Foreign Co-editions: 

  • Il Pozzo di Giacobbe (Italy, still active)
  • Rock House Publishers (China, still active)
  • Editorial Trillas (Mexico, still active)

Awards and Selections:

  • Highly Commended in the Junior Design Awards best classic picture book 2012

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

The Barefoot Book of Animal Tales

Retold by Naomi Adler

“Storyteller Adler retells nine animal tales from around the world, including a Cherokee story from North America, an African pourquoi tale, and an old favorite from Germany, “The Musicians from Bremen.” Each tale in this entertaining and varied collection is beautifully illustrated with lighthearted, colorful pictures that add just the right visual touches without overwhelming the story. A lovely collection that will appeal to listeners and readers alike.”
— Booklist

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Publisher: Barefoot Books, 1996

Type and extent of book: 80-page story collection

In-print: Yes

Rights Available: No

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9780803720637
  • 9781898000824
  • 9781841489417

Paperback ISBN:

  • 9781782853961
  • 9781841489425
  • 978184686013X

Foreign Co-editions: 

  • Dial Books (US, still active)
  • Herder (Germany, still active)
  • Gyldendal (Denmark, still active)
  • Ammos Publishing (Greece, still active)
  • Livros Horizonte (Portugal, still active)
  • Elfos Edicions (Spain, still active)
  • Elfos Edicions (Catalonia, still active)
  • Better Books (Korea, still active)
  • Martins Fontes (Brazil, still active)

Awards and Selections:

  • International Reading Initiative short-list 2003

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

 

How The Sea Came To Be: And All the Creatures In It

Written by Jennifer Berne

“An ode to undersea life with visuals that beg to be animated, just as the text begs to be sung.”
—Kirkus * Starred Review

“The ocean–and life on this planet–takes shape in stunning verse and vivid imagery during a journey through the evolution of the sea.”
—Shelf Awareness * Starred Review

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Publisher:  Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Type and extent of book: 56-page nonfiction picture book

Recommended Age Range: 6 – 10 years

In-print: Yes

Rights Available: Audio, performance and merchandising

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9780802854780

Video Link: Watch Online

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

Interview: Read Interview Online

Free Activity Kit: Access here

Awards and Selections: 

Prince of the Birds

Adapted by Amanda Hall

“Sparkling fantasy featuring a Moorish prince and a beautiful princess, a magic horse and a dusty rug and a dove, an owl and a parrot.”
— lovereading4kids

“The decorative, polished art in refined and subtle colors suggests the vibrant multicultural era when medieval Spain was partially ruled by Muslims.”
— Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

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Publisher: Frances Lincoln, 2005

Type and extent of book: 32-page fiction picture book

In-print: No

Rights Available: Book and merchandising

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9781845071026

Paperback ISBN:

  • 9781845072810

Foreign Co-editions: 

  • Elfos (Spain)
  • Elfos (Catalonia)
  • Hjulet (Sweden)
  • Hjulet (Denmark)
  • Great Books (Korea)
  • Great Books (Korea)

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

Robi Dobi: The Marvellous Adventures of an Indian Elephant

Written by Madhur Jaffrey

“A sparkling, imaginative tale in the Indian tradition”
—The Times

“It’s Hall’s delicious illustrations, both colour and black and white, that breathe life into these characters.”
—Publishers Weekly

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Publisher: Pavilion Books, 1997

Type and extent of book: 80-page illustrated story

In-print: No

Rights Available: Merchandising

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9781851454098

Paperback ISBN: 

  • 9781862051607

Foreign Co-editions:

  • Dial Books (US)

Awards and Selections:

  • Winner of the Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Award 1997 ‘A 1997 Illustrated Book Honor’

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

The Hard to Swallow Tale of Jonah and the Whale

Written by Joyce Denham

“The story of Jonah is full of ingredients that children love: a dangerous mission; a man on the run; danger at sea; an incredible whale rescue; and a grand finale about forgiveness. Amanda Hall and Joyce Denham give this classic tale their own special twist. The beautiful illustrations and dramatic story line make this a great read.”
— Amazon

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Publisher: Lion Children’s Books, 2000

Type and extent of book: 32-page fiction picture book

In-print: Yes

Rights Available: Merchandising

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9780745945031

Paperback ISBN: 

  • 9780745965840

Foreign Co-editions: 

  • Religious Education Resource Centre (China, still active)

Video Link: Watch Online

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

The Barefoot Book of Jewish Tales

Written by Shoshana Boyd Gelfand

“Eight popular Jewish stories get a fun new voice in this print and audio retelling…
Mixed-media illustrations by Hall (The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau) accompany the collection and help bring it to vivid life. Actress Debra Messing provides audio narration on an accompanying CD that might be especially welcome at bedtime. Children and adults of all faiths will enjoy reading these stories and appreciate the universal lifelong lessons within.”
Publisher’s Weekly

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Publisher: Barefoot Books, 2013

Type and extent of book: 80-page story collection

In-print: Yes

Rights Available: No

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9781846868849

Paperback ISBN: 

  • 9781782853541

Awards and Selections:

  • The 2014 Sydney Taylor Book Awards: Notable Books for Older Readers

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

Brother Giovanni’s Little Reward: How the Pretzel Was Born

Written by Anna Egan Smucker

“Brother Giovanni’s Little Reward” is a sweet retelling of the legend of the first pretzel — in this version, as a reward for children learning their prayers in anticipation of a visit by the bishop…The vibrant, expressive illustrations by Amanda Hall are a nice compliment to the text. The book also includes a historical footnote and pretzel recipe at the end.”
– LibraryThing 

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Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2015

Type and extent of book: 34-page fiction picture book

In-print: Yes

Rights Available: Audio, performance & merchandising rights available.

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9780802854209

Recommended Age Range: 4 – 8

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

The Barefoot Book of Stories from the Sea

Compiled by James Riordan

“A sumptuously illustrated anthology.”
— London Parents’ Guide

“This beautifully illustrated anthology captures all the magic of the traditional folk tales that should be part of every childhood. A book to treasure.”
— Books for Children

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Publisher: Barefoot Books, 1996

Type and extent of book: 80-page story collection

In-print: No

Rights Available: Merchandising

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9781898000093

Paperback ISBN: 

  • 978190523600X

Foreign Co-editions: 

  • Abbeville (US )
  • La Colonie Des Griffons (France)
  • Elfos Ediciones(Spain)
  • Elfos Ediciones(Catalonia)
  • Kookminbooks (Korea)
  • Martin Fontes (Brazil)

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

In Andal’s House

Written by Gloria Whelan

“Hall’s illustrations echo traditional Indian folk art, while Whelan deftly explains that the persistence of the caste system is mostly because of older individuals who won’t change. This book raises big questions about society and its norms that will challenge readers’ intellectual curiosity.”
— Booklist Online / Amina Chaudhri

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Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press, 2013

Type and extent of book: 40-page fiction picture book

In-print: Yes

Rights Available: No

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9781585366033

Recommended Age Range: 7 – 10

Awards and Selections:

  • Storytelling World Resource Awards: Stories for Pre-Adolescent Listeners honors selection 2014
  • Bank Street College Best Children and Young Adult Books of 2014. 
  • Highly Commended Book title for the 2014 South Asia Book Award (SABA) for Children’s and Young Adult Literature.
  • Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, Winner, 2014.
     

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

Lion’s Precious Gift

Written by Barbara Bennett

“Lion is very proud of his magnificent crown. But when Lioness tells him that the world is full of more precious things, he declares that whoever should find such a precious gift will receive his crown as a prize…”

“Lion and his crown have a golden gleam in pictures.”
The Horn Book Guide 

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Publisher: Little Tiger Press, 2002

Type and extent of book: 32-page fiction picture book

In-print: Yes

Rights Available: No

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9781854308130

Paperback ISBN: 

  • 9781848693548

Foreign Co-editions: 

  • Barron’s Educational (US, still active)
  • Libarary Grund (France, still active)
  • de Vries – Brouwers (Holland, still active)
  • Glenndoman (Korea, still active)

 

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

How the Camel got his Hump

Written by Rudyard Kipling

“This is the story of how the lazy camel found himself with a hump – which was first called humph, but ‘we call it “hump” now, not to hurt his feelings’ – and is told with the lively humour and simple moral that has made these immortal tales so popular.”
— Publisher’s description

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Publisher: Pavilion Books, 1994

Type and extent of book: 32-page fiction picture book

In-print: No

Rights Available: Book and merchandising

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9781857932420

How the Leopard got his Spots

Written by Rudyard Kipling

“This is the story of how the leopard – ‘greyish-yellowish catty-shaped kind of beast’ – had black spots painted on his yellow coat, so that he could disguise himself and catch his breakfast in the speckly-spickly shadows of the forest’.”
— Publisher’s description

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Publisher: Pavilion Books, 1994

Type and extent of book: 32-page fiction picture book

In-print: No

Rights Available: Book and merchandising

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9781857932471

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

Giant Tales

Retold by Fiona Waters

“Myths and legends of giants appear in many different cultures, and acclaimed anthologist Fiona Waters has gathered together a selection of her favorites here: giants friendly and frightening, bumbling and brave, male and female-and the inevitable escapades and adventures that ensue. From Cornwall to Jamaica, Italy to North America, and many places in between, giants stride across the world and leave huge legends behind them. Amanda Hall’s stunning artwork is highly decorative and carefully researched.”
— WorldCat

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Publisher: Chrysalis Children’s Books, 2004

Type and extent of book: 94-page story collection

In-print: No

Rights Available: Book and merchandising

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9781843650177

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

 

Children Just Like Me: Our Favourite Stories

Written by Jamila Gavin

“A multicultural anthology of traditional stories is complemented by beautiful full-color artwork and introductions by ten youngsters representing diverse world cultures.”
— Good Reads

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Publisher: Dorling Kindersley, 1997

Type and extent of book: 48-page story collection

In-print: No

Rights Available: Merchandising

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9780751355917

Foreign Co-editions: 

  • Editorial La Isla (Argentina )
  • Editora Atica SA (Brazil)
  • Fenn Publishing (Canada)
  • Gallimard Jeunesse (France)
  • Loewe Verlag (Germany)
  • Lambrakis Press SA (Greece)
  • Bosch and Keuning (Holland)
  • Bertelmen (Korea)
  • Art Blume (Mexico)
  • Civilizacao (Portugal)
  • Art Blume/ Naturart ( Spain)
  • Art Blume/ Naturart ( Cataolnia)
  • Chase Publishing Company (Tiwain)

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

All My Shining Silver

Written by Barbara Baumgartner

“A collection of six stories from around the world includes silver as a running theme and teaches a moral at the end.”
— Amazon online description

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Publisher: Dorling Kindersley, 2000

Type and extent of book: 48-page story collection

In-print: No

Rights Available: Merchandising

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9780751328383

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

Good as Gold

Written by Barbara Baumgartner

“Library’s and parents alike will benefit from buying this retelling of famous folk and fairy tales! The stories and the pictures will capture the child’s mind and fascination!”
— Amazon online review

“…richly colored illustrations…”
— African Sun Times

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Publisher: Dorling Kindersley, 1998

Type and extent of book: 48-page story collection

In-print: No

Rights Available: Merchandising

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9780751371653

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

The Storytelling Star: Tales of the Sun, Moon and Stars

Written by James Riordan

“These unusual and alluring tales will familiarize children with the stars, constellations, sun, and moon as well as introduce them to the storytelling traditions of the world¹s ancient cultures. James Riordan has spent many years researching these myths and legends, discovering that, from China to South America, the stars and planets have inspired the earliest storytellers… This marvelous collection is enhanced with the splendid illustrations of Amanda Hall.”
— Publisher’s description

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Publisher: Pavilion Books, 1999

Type and extent of book: 64-page story collection

In-print: No

Rights Available: Merchandising

Hardcover ISBN:

  • 9781862052026

Paperback ISBN: 

  • 9781862053898

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

Never Too Quiet

Written by Barbara Diamond Goldin

“Reb Pinchas is overwhelmed by the constant stream of visitors to his house, who leave him no private time to study, pray and think.
He puts up a sign “ABSOLUTELY NO VISITORS!”, and things get quiet…”
— Amazon online description

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Publisher: P J Library, 2016

Type and extent of book: 24-page fiction picture book

In-print: Yes

Rights Available: No

Paperback ISBN: N/A

Reviews: Read Reviews Online

Coyote Girl

Written by Rosalind Kerven

“Coyote Girl is from the Cambridge Reading genre strand Stories from a Range of Cultures. Coyote Girl, written by Rosalind Kerven and illustrated by Amanda Hall, comes from the Hopi people of Arizona, USA. It tells the story of how the spiteful Yellow Corn Maiden uses a magic spell to turn the Blue Corn Maiden into a coyote.”
— Book Depository’s description

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge Reading, 1996

Type and extent of book: 32-page educational story

In-print: No

Rights Available: No

Paperback ISBN: 

  • 9780521468779

Ibis and Jaguar’s Dinner

Written by Isabel Campoy

“Rigby on Our Way to English: Unit 8 Small Book”
— Amazon online description

“In this retelling of an old story, Ibis and Jaguar find how wonderful it is to have a friend that invites you for dinner, if it wasn’t a bit tricky to get to it! The story presents a choice and its consequence.”
— Author’s online description

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Publisher: Rigby, 2004

Type and extent of book: 24-page educational story

In-print: No

Rights Available: No

Paperback ISBN: 

  • 9780757814280

Bugs Run

Written by Emma Rose

“Saxon Grade K, Fluency Reader.”
— Publisher’s description

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Publisher: Saxon Publishers Inc., Phonics and Spelling, 2001

Type and extent of book: 8-page nonfiction educational book

In-print: No

Rights Available: No

Paperback ISBN: 

  • 9781565775244

Birds, Birds, Birds

Written by Kathryn Lewis

“Saxon Grade I, Fluency Reader.”
— Publisher’s description

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Publisher: Saxon Publishers Inc., Phonics and Spelling, 2001

Type and extent of book: 8-page nonfiction educational book

In-print: No

Rights Available: No

Paperback ISBN: 

  • 9781565776658