Carson Ellis

What does "home" mean to you? Is it a cozy kitchen, a towering castle, or maybe a giant shoe? Join author and artist Carson Ellis on a beautiful journey around the world and beyond to discover all the different kinds of homes people, animals, and fantastical creatures live in. You'll get to peek inside a bustling city apartment, a quiet house on the moon, and even explore homes for busy bees or brave knights! With wonderful, detailed illustrations on every page, you'll want to look closely and imagine your own perfect place. This book is a feast for your eyes and imagination! It's a gentle reminder that home can be anywhere and it’s always a special place. Get ready to wonder about all the amazing places people, animals, and even magical beings call home.

Step inside a very unusual place where absolutely everything is split right down the middle. Under the glow of a half moon, you will discover a half chair, a half cat, and even a pair of half shoes. It might seem strange at first, but in this quiet room, half things are just as wonderful as whole things. The peaceful evening shifts when there is half a knock on half a door, bringing a surprising visitor into the mix. This calming and wonderfully weird story explores the clever idea of halves and wholes. The velvety paintings and fun textures make it feel like you are walking through a dream. It is a gentle, thought-provoking journey that will completely change the way you look at ordinary objects around you.

A tiny green shoot pokes up from the dirt, catching the attention of two curious damselflies. They ask each other a very important question in their own special bug language: Du iz tak? As the mysterious plant grows taller and sprouts large leaves, a busy community of backyard beetles and a pill bug named Icky gather around to investigate. Together, they use teamwork and imagination to transform the towering plant into a magnificent tree fort. But life in the wild is full of surprises, and they must watch out for a swooping bird looking for a quick snack! You get to decode the insects conversations by following the detailed, expressive illustrations. This clever and beautifully painted story invites you to look closely at the tiny, dramatic world hiding right in your own backyard.

As the sun sets on the shortest day of the year, the long night begins. Long ago, early people gathered together to prepare for the darkness. They built warm fires, lit glowing candles, and played music to bring their own light to the shadows. They wondered if the sun would ever rise again, holding onto hope and tradition. This beautiful celebration of the winter solstice captures the magic behind the returning of the light. It explores the deep yearning for traditions that connect us with generations of the past, and the hope for peace that we carry into the future. With rich, striking illustrations that span centuries of human history, this poetic journey evokes the joy and community found in the ongoing mystery of life. Welcome Yule, and celebrate light, thankfulness, and festivity at a time of rebirth.

When a hungry, scared little kitten is heard meowing outside, you might think this book is just about rescuing an animal. But it is actually about so much more. It starts with a dog who hears the sad sound, then the woman and child walking the dog stop to help. Soon, more people gather around. One friend brings a safe cardboard box, while another person hurries over with a dish of milk. Piece by piece, the people in the neighborhood come together to make sure the tiny creature is safe and loved. This beautiful, heartwarming tale shows exactly how kindness spreads from one person to another. It is a gentle reminder that when a community works as a team, they can bring hope and comfort to those who need it most.

Have you ever wondered what love actually is? When a young boy asks his grandmother this very big question, she tells him that she cannot simply give him the answer. Instead, she sends him out into the wide world to discover it for himself. You will journey with the boy as he travels far from home, meeting a colorful cast of characters along the way. He asks a fisherman, an actor, a carpenter, and many others, but everyone gives him a completely different answer. The fisherman thinks love is a fish, while the actor thinks it is applause. The boy listens carefully to all of them, but the true meaning remains a mystery. It is only when his long quest leads him all the way back to the place he started that he finally understands. This gentle, beautiful story explores the deepest human emotion through the curious eyes of a child.

There is terrible news inside the symphony hall today. The composer has been found dead, and everyone in the orchestra is suddenly a suspect. If you have ever listened to musicians play, you already know that they are usually guilty of something. You will join the clever Inspector as he marches across the stage to interrogate the instruments to find out exactly where they were on the night in question. You must listen closely as the violins offer their excuses and the trumpets protest a little too loudly. Everyone seems to have a solid alibi, and everyone has a secret motive. This deeply amusing mystery introduces you to the different sections of an orchestra in a highly entertaining way. It is a witty and musical adventure that invites you to carefully examine the clues and see if you can solve the crime yourself.

Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities? When this peculiar advertisement appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mind-bending tests. But only four succeed: Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance. They have been selected by the eccentric Mr. Benedict for a highly dangerous mission. An unexplained blackout is sweeping through Stonetown, and the clues point straight to the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened. The only way to uncover the truth is for the four children to go undercover as students. Together, they form the Mysterious Benedict Society. But the institute is run by the sinister Mr. Curtain, and his plans are far more dangerous than anyone imagined. To save their city and their families, these four brilliant misfits must rely on their unique talents, solve complex puzzles, and learn to trust one another. Dive into this classic chapter book where intellect and friendship are the ultimate weapons against evil. Will you pass the test?