Growing Green

Little Mouse has chosen a wish from his wish box. It says "beach day with your family". When Grumpy the Iguana, the Green Parrot, Mr. Squirrel, and Little Mouse arrive at the beach, they all notice the strange-shaped area blocked off by poles and yellow tape. It is a baby sea turtle nest, Green Parrot explains to Little Mouse. What starts out as a fun beach day turns into a day of great importance and a promise that all of the friends make to help someone in need.

Little Mouse has many fears. His biggest fear is the big black cat that lives in the park. He has other fears, too, like being alone and not being part of a family. He wants to feel safe and cared for. He is, after all, just a little mouse trying to survive the dangers that come from being vulnerable in this great big world. Enter Grumpy the Iguana, the Green Parrot, and Mr. Squirrel, who have decided to make Little Mouse a part of their family and present him with a very special gift called the Wish Box.

Gary the Giraffe is finally six years old, which means he is old enough to reach the leaves on the trees all by himself! Except...he tries and tries, but simply can't reach on his own. With a little guidance from his friends, Gray learns that it's okay to ask for help.

Cam can hardly wait for her school's Green Day assembly. That's when she and her fellow students will learn how many dollars they have harvested in their recycling campaign. But when all their hard-earned money disappears without a trace, Cam determines to use her photographic memory to solve this baffling mystery. Young listeners will also enjoy Cam Jansen and the Secret Service Mystery.

Farah is the new girl at school and the dupatta covering her head makes her just a little different from the other students. Because she hasn't learned the English language yet, she knows that some people might not be very friendly. The class takes a field trip to an apple orchard. Farah sees that some of the children want to become friends with her on the hay ride. When it comes time to make the apple cider, however, other classmates protest as she drops the only green apple into a vat full of ripe red ones.

A cute story with a great and important message. Today I'm a Monster explains that angry feelings come and go; doing bad things doesn't make you bad; a story is a good way to help children first recognize feelings; learn to treat each other better as well as be more tolerating; teaches us all that love and understanding make the difference; and showers the power of a mother's love. It will deeply touch a mother's heart, and the fun, rhyming text is spot-on. Quickly captures children's attention.