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.

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 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 K3

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.

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

Annie and Simon

978-0-7636-6877-8

by James Howe, illus. by Marie-Louise Gay Experience true friendship through all four seasons with the endearing Houndsley and Catina.

written and illustrated by Catharine ONeill Little sister, big big brother, and (mostly) good friendsAnnie and Simon share an easy bond in charming stories lled with warmth and wry humor.

Joe and Sparky Get New Wheels

978-0-7636-6641-5

Ant and Honey Bee: A Pair of Friends at Halloween

978-0-7636-6864-8

Joe and Sparky, Superstars!

978-0-7636-6642-2

Ant and Honey Bee: A Pair of Friends in Winter

978-0-7636-6862-4 (August 2014)

Joe and Sparky Go to School

978-0-7636-7181-5 (June 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.

by Jamie Michalak, illus. by Frank Remkiewicz These seriously funny misadventures starring unlikely friendsJoe, a giraffe who likes to stretch his neck and see the world, and Sparky, a turtle who likes to stay inside his shellare guaranteed to have young readers rolling with laughter.

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CANDLEWICK SPARKS AGES 59 KINDERGARTENGRADE 3 6 x 9 $3.99 ($4.75 CAN)

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 girls annoyance turns to affection for a funky and disarmingly open-hearted monster.

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.

Zelda and Ivy Squirrels World

978-0-7636-6644-6 978-0-7636-6878-5

Zelda and Ivy and the Boy Next Door

978-0-7636-7182-2 (August 2014)

by Lisa Moser, illus. by Valeri Gorbachev Prepare to fall in love with the utterly endearingand undeniably exhaustingSquirrel and his ever-patient friends in a medley of stories perfectly suited for reading alone or aloud.

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 Tales from the Waterhole

978-0-7636-6876-1 978-0-7636-6635-4 (Geisel Award for most distinguished book for beginning readers)

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.

written and illustrated by Laura McGee Kvasnosky Zelda and Ivy are fox sisters with a air 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.

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