It's the early half of the 19th century in coastal Nova Scotia, and almost-ten-year-old Ellie is adjusting to the recent death of her mother. But just when she finally begins to feel happy again, Ellie and her father move to remote Sable Island, a tiny, windblown crescent of grass and sand in the Atlantic. While her father works, Ellie explores the island, feeling alone and furious with her pa for making them leave their beloved home. Even meeting a spirited island girl named Sarah does little to dispel her anger and grief. Then one afternoon, Ellie encounters a wild stallion grazing on the dunes, and slowly forges a secret connection with the beautiful horse she names Orchid. But Ellie soon learns that Orchid and his family are threatened, and it may be up to her to save them. Based on historical fact, this early chapter book is a touching exploration of loss and loneliness and the redemptive power of love and friendship. Launch date: Spring 2012.

Graeme knows every inch of his fishing community. What's left for a future marine biologist to discover? But when Graeme's dad catches a gargantuan lobster with antennae the size of bicycle spokes, Graeme is fascinated. Graeme is even more excited when his dad promises to put the creature up for auction at the town's annual lobster festival and, if it gets the highest bid, use the prize money to take Graeme to a marine research aquarium. But what if the right thing would be to set the lobster free? Lower the Trap is the first book in the Lobster Chronicles, a trilogy about what happens in a small coastal town when a giant lobster is caught. Each installment describes the same events through a different boy's eyes, and the result is three suspenseful, believable stories and an engrossing reading experience. Launch date: Spring 2012.

At last, it's Jasper John Dooley's turn to be Star of the Week at school. Unfortunately, nothing turns out as planned. His Show and Tell falls flat. A new baby at his friend Ori's house steals his spotlight. And worst of all, the new baby has only-child Jasper wondering if his own family is too small. When Jasper decides to build himself a brother (named Earl) out of wood, Earl's schoolyard shenanigans send Jasper to the principal's office! But with a little help from family and friends, things turn around for Jasper. And by the time Friday arrives, he is once again sure that he has what it takes to be a star. Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week is the first in a series of chapter books featuring a charismatic and funny central character. An only child with active, loving parents (and a most impressive lint collection), Jasper John Dooley is a true original. Launch date: Spring 2012.

Vanessa's sister, Virginia, is in a "wolfish" mood — growling, howling and acting very strange. It's a funk so fierce, the whole household feels topsy-turvy. Vanessa tries everything she can think of to cheer her up, but nothing seems to work. Then Virginia tells Vanessa about an imaginary, perfect place called Bloomsberry. Armed with an idea, Vanessa begins to paint Bloomsberry on the bedroom walls, transforming them into a beautiful garden complete with a ladder and swing "so that what was down could climb up." Before long, Virginia, too, has picked up a brush and undergoes a surprising transformation of her own. Loosely based on the relationship between author Virginia Woolf and her sister, painter Vanessa Bell, Virginia Wolf is an uplifting story for readers of all ages. Launch date: Spring 2012.

No one believes Larf exists, and he likes it that way. Larf, you see, is a sasquatch, the only sasquatch in the world (or so it seems). He has a very pleasant, and very private, life in the woods, where on any given day he might be found jogging, gardening or walking Eric, his pet bunny. But everything changes one morning when Larf discovers that another sasquatch is scheduled to make an appearance in the nearby city of Hunderfitz. What?! That must mean he's not the only sasquatch in the world! Excited by the prospect of having a friend to share hair grooming tips with (and let's face it, teeter-tottering alone is no fun), Larf disguises himself as a city slicker and heads for Hunderfitz — where he's in for a couple enormous surprises. Ashley Spires once again shows her chops for creating irresistible, quirky characters and laugh-aloud stories and illustrations. Readers with little feet and big feet will fall head over heels for Larf. Launch date: Spring 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

This kid-friendly exploration of faith provides a superb overview of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. Young readers will learn about different aspects of each religion, including historical origins and beliefs, holy texts, religious clothing and places of worship. They will also find out about the values, customs and symbols all five religions share, such as the golden rule, charity, prayer and candles. Straightforward, simple text makes the content interesting and accessible, as do the vivid photos of children around the world. Parents and teachers will find Faith an invaluable tool for teaching youngsters tolerance and respect for people of different beliefs. Launch date: Spring 2012.

When Shaina finds a magnificent hen, she knows that Izzy Pippik, the hen's owner, is sure to return for her. In the meantime, Shaina decides she will care for the animal. But when dozens of eggs hatch and rowdy chickens scatter throughout the village, Shaina must fight the entire town if she has any hope of protecting the birds. Inspired by Jewish and Islamic traditional texts, this is a beautiful tale about doing the right thing, even in the face of adversity. Launch date: Spring 2012.

One-eyed alien Frazzle recounts his flying adventures in a new journal (in alien vernacular, of course). He bighearts his little Model 7, but as time passes, it starts making strange sounds, and Frazzle — pressured by friends and co-workers — wonders if he should trade it in. One day, when it goes CLUNK in the middle of the flyway, it's clear something must be done. Youngsters will love the out-of-this-world illustrations depicting worlds rife with all manner of alien life. Even more irresistible: an unexpected ending sure to delight careful readers. Launch date: Spring 2012.

Armed with Get Outside, a kid will never say, "I'm bored!" again. This book is a key to the world of fun beyond the front door. Activities are divided into four categories (Nature Lover, Outdoor Fun and Games, Cozy Inside and Look to the Sky), where readers will find instructions for making things like sundials, bird feeders and kites, as well as rules for games such as 500 Up, Spud and Shinny. Accompanying these descriptions are fun facts and scientific, historic and cultural context. The passage on playing jacks, for example, includes a sidebar about a similar game played by the ancient Greeks. Children in Northern climes will love learning to play traditional First Nations winter games and be thrilled to find out how to create a backyard ice rink. It's a wealth of fun and fascination that will captivate any young person — who won't mind ditching the video game for the great outdoors. Launch date: Spring 2012.

NINJAGO The Challenge of Samukai! Greg Farshtey, writer; Paulo Henrique, artist. The Masters of Spinjitzu come to Papercutz graphic novels. Sensei Wu has trained Cole, Zane, Jay, and Kai to be Masters of Spinjitzu, and together they defend the world of Ninjago from the dark forces of the Underworld. But when the leader of the skeleton army, Samukai, boasts to the evil Lord Garmadon that he can defeat Sensei Wu and his four young ninja, Garmadon takes him up on his bet! Who will prevail in this battle between good and evil? 6 x 9, 64 pp. Launch date: November 2011.

Sticker Farm Sticker Books are keepsake quality sticker albums for storing and playing with a child's sticker collection. These  large sticker albums have reusable specially-coated pages for repeated positioning and repositioning of stickers, plenty of sticker space, a designated trading page and even a built-in pouch for storing extra stickers. Thoughtfully designed and engagingly illustrated by up and coming illustrators. Launch date: May 2011.

Sticker Book – Kids can collect and share all their stickers in this fun, full color 12-page sticker book. Stickers are removable so they can experience the fun over and over again. Stickers are sold separately. MSRP - $6, Age 4 and up. Stickers – These sweet stickers are full color and great to save and trade with friends. One sticker per pack.  MSRP - $1.50, Age 4 and up. Launch date: January 2012.

It's all about you in this 96-page, fun-filled activity book. Covers flip from one colorful image to another. "Along with the lenticular covers these activity books are creative and hip," Jennifer Kamen, general manager of Iscream, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012.

Fun picture cards that introduce more than 30 signs using America Sign language (ASL) and Signing Exact English (SEE). Contains signs for everyday words, family members, manners, letters of the alphabet and much more. Includes a Parent Card with helpful suggestions on fun ways to use the cards with children. Contains 36 cards.

Fun picture cards that introduce Spanish and English words and associates each language's word with a matching picture. Contains over 50 words including colors, numbers, favorite objects, action words and familiar phrases. Includes a Parent Card with helpful suggestions on fun ways to use the. Contains 36 cards.

Fun picture cards that introduce different musical instruments, styles of music, musical notes, and much more. Includes a Parent Card with helpful suggestions on fun ways to use the cards. Contains 36 cards.

Fun picture cards that feature color mixing, textures, art tools, and much more. Includes a Parent Card with helpful suggestions on fun ways to use the cards with your child. Contains 36 cards.

Fun picture cards that introduce the alphabet A-Z. Includes a Parent Card with helpful suggestions on fun ways to use the cards with children. Contains 36 cards.

Fun picture cards that feature amazing animals and fun facts. Includes a Parent Card with helpful suggestions on fun ways to use the cards with your child. Contains 36 cards.

Fun picture cards that feature 11 shapes and 12 colors. Includes a Parent Card with helpful suggestions on fun ways to use the cards with your child. Contains 36 cards.

Talking Hands® introduces young children to words using American Sign Language (ASL) and Signing Exact English (SEE). Pictures of children and descriptive text show how to make each sign. Sturdy cardboard material makes this a long-lasting board book. Large Format version (10W x 8H). Contains 16 cardboard pages of large, colorful images: 14 content pages plus cover.

Introduces Spanish words and phrases using both the Spanish and English words, plus the Spanish pronunciation. Sturdy cardboard material makes this a long-lasting board book. Large Format version (10W x 8H). Contains 16 cardboard pages of large, colorful images: 14 content pages plus cover.

A colorful board book that introduces music concepts like types of instruments and dances and fun facts. Sturdy cardboard material makes this a long-lasting board book. Large Format version (10W x 8H). Contains 16 cardboard pages of large, colorful images:14 content pages plus cover.

Introduces fundamentals of art including color, texture, patterns, lines and more. Sturdy cardboard material makes this a long-lasting board book. Large Format version (10W x 8H). Contains 16 cardboard pages of large, colorful images: 14 content pages plus cover.

Introduces numbers 1-20 using real world objects that help with number recognition and counting. Real life colorful images, associated with a number, makes this item a child's favorite. Large Format version (10W x 8H). Contains 16 heavy, cardboard pages: 14 pages plus cover. Photos and illustrations of large, colorful images on every page.