A Birthday for Bear 978-0-7636-6861-7 by Bonny Becker, illus. by Kady MacDonald Denton

Bear is perfectly content (or so he thinks) to spend his birthday alone. But Mouse, small and gray and bright-eyed, has other ideas.

Annie and Simon 978-0-7636-6877-8written and illustrated by Catharine O’Neill

Little sister, big big brother, and (mostly) good friends—Annie and Simon share an easy bond in charming stories filled with warmth and wry humor.

Houndsley and Catina 978-0-7636-6638-5

Houndsley and Catina and the Birthday Surprise 978-0-7636-6639-2

Houndsley and Catina and the Quiet Time 978-0-7636-6863-1

Houndsley and Catina Plink and Plunk 978-0-7636-6640-8 by James Howe, illus. by Marie-Louise Gay

Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels 978-0-7636-6641-5

Joe and Sparky, Superstars! 978-0-7636-6642-2

Joe and Sparky Go to School 978-0-7636-7181-5 (June 2014)by Jamie Michalak, illus. by Frank Remkiewicz

These seriously funny misadventures starring unlikely friends—Joe, a giraffe who likes to stretch his neck and see the world, and Sparky, a turtle who likes to stay inside his shell—are guaranteed to have young readers rolling with laughter.

In the spirit of Frog and Toad, these beginning chapter books speak to the very special virtues and values of friendship, even between the most unlikely of friends.

Ant and Honey Bee: A Pair of Friends at Halloween 978-0-7636-6864-8

Ant and Honey Bee: A Pair of Friends in Winter 978-0-7636-6862-4 (August 2014) by Megan McDonald, illus. by G. Brian Karas

Whether concocting a Halloween costume or trying to settle in for the long winter, this pair of insect friends can weather whatever comes their way.

• Series within the brand allow readers to join their favorite characters on multiple adventures

• Perfect bridge for readers transitioning from beginning readers to chapter books

• Fit Common Core Reading Literature strands for grades K–3

CANDLEWICK SPARKS are perfect for the newly independent reader:

• Award-winning stories by top authors and illustrators, such as Megan McDonald, James Howe, Bob Graham, and G. Brian Karas

• Short, engaging chapters• Vibrant illustrations• Rich vocabulary

Experience true friendship through all four seasons with the endearing Houndsley and Catina.

WWW.CANDLEWICK.COM | WWW.PINTEREST.COM/CWPCOMMONCORE

Monkey and Elephant 978-0-7636-6261-5

Monkey and Elephant Get Better 978-0-7636-7180-8 (August 2014) by Carole Lexa Schaefer, illus. by Galia Bernstein

Lush with funny adjectives and action words, these fresh takes on the concept of unlikely pals, brightened with playful, graphic illustrations, are pitch-perfect for newly independent readers.

Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover 978-0-7636-6875-4(Geisel Honor for distinguished books for beginning readers)written and illustrated by Cece Bell

New readers who like silly stories will race through this funny adventure about a rabbit who likes to be in control and an obliging robot who calmly keeps their friendship humming.

Squirrel’s World 978-0-7636-6644-6 by Lisa Moser, illus. by Valeri Gorbachev

Prepare to fall in love with the utterly endearing—and undeniably exhausting—Squirrel and his ever-patient friends in a medley of stories perfectly suited for reading alone or aloud.

Tales from the Waterhole 978-0-7636-6876-1 written and illustrated by Bob Graham

The whimsical waterhole gang pays tribute to the merriment and mishaps of young friendships everywhere in four funny chapters.

Zelda and Ivy 978-0-7636-6878-5

Zelda and Ivy and the Boy Next Door 978-0-7636-7182-2 (August 2014)

Zelda and Ivy One Christmas 978-0-7636-6865-5

Zelda and Ivy: Keeping Secrets 978-0-7636-6636-1

Zelda and Ivy: The Big Picture 978-0-7636-6637-8

Zelda and Ivy: The Runaways 978-0-7636-6635-4(Geisel Award for most distinguished book for beginning readers)

written and illustrated by Laura McGee Kvasnosky

Zelda and Ivy are fox sisters with a flair for the dramatic. Fresh and funny, full of sugar and sass, these tales about everyday life with siblings and friends are sure to strike a chord with young readers everywhere.

CANDLEWICK SPARKS AGES 5–9 • KINDERGARTEN–GRADE 3

6 x 9 • $3.99 ($4.75 CAN)

WWW.CANDLEWICK.COM | WWW.PINTEREST.COM/CWPCOMMONCORE

The Monster in the Backpack 978-0-7636-6643-9 by Lisa Moser, illus. by Noah Z. Jones

With a perfectly tuned sense of comic timing, a young girl’s annoyance turns to affection for a funky and disarmingly open-hearted monster.