Lenore Look

Have you ever met a second grader who's a superhero at home but completely silent at school? Meet Alvin Ho! He's a boy who's afraid of everything: school, girls, the dark, and even homework. But when he's at home, he turns into Firecracker Man, a fearless hero ready for any adventure. Join Alvin as he navigates the tricky world of second grade. You'll laugh as he tries all sorts of funny ways to deal with his fears, whether it's building a fort under his bed or pretending to be an explorer on a daring mission. With his family, his best friend Flea, and even his new friend Annie, Alvin learns that being brave doesn't mean you're not scared at all. It means trying anyway! This exciting series set follows Alvin through hilarious and heartwarming moments, from school plays to class field trips, and even a new baby brother. Discover how Alvin, a boy with a big imagination, finds his voice and figures out what it means to be truly brave, one giggle-filled adventure at a time. Get ready for a collection of stories that will make you cheer for Alvin!

Jenny's brand new baby brother, Henry, is about to celebrate his one month birthday, an important milestone known as his first moon. Jenny is pretty sure he does not deserve a party yet, considering all he does is sleep, eat, and cry. Despite her doubts, Jenny rolls up her sleeves and helps her grandmother get everything ready for the massive family celebration. Together, they dye eggs a lucky red color and prepare giant pots of traditional ginger soup. It is a lot of hard work for a baby who will not even remember it! But as the day goes on, Jenny realizes that she is playing a very special role in welcoming her brother to the family. This charming story perfectly captures the excitement and slight jealousy of becoming an older sister, wrapped in beautiful Chinese traditions.

Katie loves spending time with her grandmother, GninGnin. They teach each other fun things, from dressing up dolls to making delicious traditional rice dumplings. More than anything, Katie wants to join GninGnin at her job cracking crabs at the busy cannery. One day, Katie finally gets her wish, but the cannery is not what she expected at all. She watches her grandmother swing a heavy mallet from sunrise to sunset in a loud, smelly room, working incredibly hard just to earn bus fare and a simple fish for dinner. That evening, as they share a wonderful meal cooked with love as strong as ginger, Katie gains a deep new understanding of her grandmother. This beautiful and moving story reveals the amazing sacrifices older generations make to give their families a bright and happy future.

Aspen Colorado Kim Chee Lee usually loves writing wild stories about monkeys, elephants, and space aliens. But lately, writing has lost all of its magic. It feels like her imagination has gone on vacation, leaving her staring at blank pages with a terrible case of writer's block. Luckily, her grandparents know exactly how to fix a creative slump. They whisk her away for a surprise trip to the local paint your own pottery studio. Surrounded by colorful paints and blank clay canvases, Aspen has the perfect opportunity to let her mind wander. Will a blank piece of pottery help her find the words she has been missing? This warm and funny story is a wonderful celebration of creativity, family support, and finding inspiration in the most unexpected places.

Alvin is a second grader who is afraid of absolutely everything, and now his ultimate nightmare has come true. He has to go camping. What is a kid like Alvin supposed to do when he is exposed to the terrifying wilderness, complete with bears, pitch black darkness, and terrifying pit toilets? Fortunately, he comes prepared. Armed with his trusty night vision goggles, water purifying tablets, and a super heavy duty flashlight, Alvin is ready to survive the great outdoors. Plus, he has his dad by his side to help him brave the wild. Join Alvin on a hilarious and touching adventure as he faces his biggest fears head on. If you have ever felt nervous about trying something completely new, you will find a brave and funny friend in Alvin.

Most days, the absolute best thing about being Ruby is everything. She loves being the star of her own backyard magic show, delivering important speeches about reflective tape at school assemblies, and riding the city bus all the way to Chinatown to visit her grandparents. But there are also days when being an almost eight year old is incredibly tough. Like when her mother decides she has to attend Chinese school on Saturdays, or when her little brother Oscar completely ruins her best magic tricks. And it is incredibly unfair that her parents think she is too young to drive a car! Step into the wonderful and wacky world of Ruby Lu. Her boundless energy and big imagination will keep you laughing as she navigates the ups and downs of family, school, and growing up true to herself.

Who wants to learn calligraphy when your brush is meant to create magic? Step into the world of Wu Daozi, one of China's greatest ancient painters, in this stunning story about following your true artistic calling. When an old monk tries to teach young Daozi the strict and ancient art of calligraphy, his brush simply refuses to cooperate. Instead of painting traditional characters, Daozi's brush drips with dancing peonies and flying Buddhas. Soon, the entire city is admiring the unbelievable creations he paints on the walls, and one day, his magnificent art actually comes to life. This beautifully illustrated tale introduces you to a legendary artist whose imagination could not be contained. It is a perfect read for anyone who loves art, history, and the power of dreaming big.

Jenny's favorite uncle, Peter, is getting married. The whole family is rushing around with joyous excitement, preparing for the traditional Chinese wedding ceremony. They are making tea, exchanging lucky red envelopes, and helping the bride with her many beautiful dresses. Everyone is incredibly happy except for Jenny. Deep down, Jenny is worried. How can she still be Uncle Peter's number one girl with her new Aunt Stella taking up all his time? She secretly hopes that if she can just stall the day's events, maybe the wedding will not happen at all. Follow along with this feisty and relatable heroine as she navigates her big emotions during a busy family celebration. Along the way, you will discover the wonderful and fascinating traditions that make a Chinese wedding so special.

Third grade is finally here, and Ruby Lu cannot wait to get started. She is ready to join all the fun clubs, learn cursive, and play in the school orchestra. But there is one massive change she did not expect: her father just lost his job. Now her dad is taking care of Ruby and her brother Oscar while her mother goes to work. Money is tighter than ever, and things at home are definitely not all fun and games anymore. But Ruby is determined and resourceful, so she sets a brand new goal to make a million dollars and save the day. As she comes up with wild schemes to get rich quick, Ruby soon discovers that making money is a lot harder than it looks. Along the way, she realizes that having a loving family is truly the most valuable treasure of all.

Meet Alvin, a second grader who is afraid of just about everything. Elevators, dark tunnels, girls, and school are all completely terrifying to him. In fact, he is so nervous about going to school that he never, ever says a single word while he is there. But when Alvin is safe at home, he is a completely different person. He transforms into a very loud superhero named Firecracker Man. He is a fantastic brother to Calvin and Anibelly, and he is learning how to be a true gentleman just like his dad. Can Alvin find a way to take his superhero bravery into the outside world? Find out in this hilarious and touching story about facing your fears, embracing who you are, and finding your voice when it matters most.

To most kids, an invitation to a birthday party is a dream come true. To Alvin Ho, it is a man-made catastrophe. There are so many things that could go wrong! You might show up dressed for bowling when everyone else is at a pool party. You could be mistaken for a piñata. Or worst of all, you could eat so much cake that you throw up. When Alvin gets invited to a party for a girl, his anxiety goes into overdrive. How can a boy who is afraid of almost everything survive a social event this big? Between managing his fears and trying to finish a daunting science project, Alvin's second grade year is becoming a series of hilarious hurdles. This third book in the series is a perfect match for readers who love a good laugh. It explores the very real feelings of social anxiety through the eyes of an unforgettable character, showing that even the most disastrous parties can turn into an adventure if you have a little courage.

Meet Ruby Lu, the Empress of Everything and the star of the best backyard magic show on 20th Avenue South. If you love stories about spunky kids who turn everyday life into a grand adventure, you will want to join Ruby and her family for these three unforgettable books in one collection. Whether she is learning Cantonese, teaching her baby brother magic tricks, or facing the perilous dangers of swimming lessons, Ruby is always brave, true, and ready for whatever comes next. Her hilarious hijinks and boundless imagination make even the most ordinary days feel spectacular. This complete paperback collection includes Ruby Lu Brave and True, Ruby Lu Empress of Everything, and Ruby Lu Star of the Show. Dive into her world and discover why Ruby Lu is a friend you will want to keep forever.

Alvin Ho is a second grader who is afraid of almost everything: elevators, tunnels, and especially girls. But now, he is facing something that feels even bigger than his usual fears. When his GungGung loses his best friend, Alvin is introduced to the world of funerals and the mystery of what happens when someone passes away. Taking a deep breath and gulping down his nerves, Alvin decides to be brave for his grandfather. He volunteers to go to the funeral, a place full of fatal circumstances that would normally make him run for the hills. As he navigates this sensitive new experience, Alvin discovers that even the scariest things in life are easier to handle when you are supporting someone you love. This fourth book in the hilarious series continues Alvin's journey through anxiety with plenty of humor and heart. It is a touching look at how a young boy finds the courage to face the unknown while learning important lessons about family and loss.

Alvin Ho has noticed something strange going on at home. His mother is getting bigger and bigger! At first, he is sure it is just too many mochi cakes, but the truth is even more terrifying: there is a baby on the way. For a boy who is already afraid of everything from burglars to Bumps in the Night, a new sibling is a major catastrophe. Alvin has to prepare for the worst. He tries to learn CPR and worries about the horror of changing diapers. But his biggest fear? The baby might be a girl! The stress is so high that Alvin starts to think he might be pregnant too. Through a series of hilarious misunderstandings, Alvin navigates the bumpy road to becoming a big brother while managing his usual list of anxieties. This fifth installment of the beloved series is a laugh out loud look at growing families. It captures the frantic energy of a second grader trying to make sense of a changing world, offering a warm and funny perspective on sibling relationships and overcoming fear.

Meet Alvin, a second grader who feels like he's allergic to everything new, especially when it comes to facing his fears! Now, get ready for a big adventure as Alvin's family heads to China to introduce brand-new baby Ho to their relatives. But for Alvin, this trip means facing a whole continent of new things. How will he handle towering landmarks like the Great Wall or the magnificent Forbidden Palace when his anxiety is already at fever pitch? Join Alvin on this exciting and often funny journey as he navigates a new country, meets family, and slowly, bravely confronts his worries. You'll discover that even the biggest adventures can start with a little bit of fear, and finding courage often means taking one small step at a time. This heartwarming story is filled with family, culture, and plenty of laughs!

Ruby Lu is back for another incredible summer adventure. When her cousin Flying Duck emigrates all the way from China to live with her family, Ruby is thrilled to have a brand new friend. But things get complicated quickly. Suddenly, no one is speaking English at home, there is strange food on the dinner table, and they have to use chopsticks for every meal. Even trickier, Flying Duck is completely deaf, and Ruby does not know a single word of Chinese Sign Language. On top of everything else, Ruby has to survive the absolute terror of swimming lessons and figure out how to keep a beautiful stray dog that wanders into her yard. Can the Empress of Everything handle all these massive changes at once? Jump into this funny and heartwarming chapter book to see how Ruby tackles her wildest summer yet.