Mark Hoffmann

A tomato tries to convince his fellow companions that he belongs in the fruit bowl too, but his efforts prove "fruitless" and will require the authorative voice of Old Man Produce to settle the debate.

"In this fun and funny celebration of literacy, kids of all ages will discover that the act of reading is a daring adventure that can take you anywhere! You can read at the playground, under the sea, at the opera and even in outer space! It turns out you can read everywhere! And when you do, you open yourself to a universe of adventure. Presented in light-hearted, rib-tickling verse that's perfect for reading aloud, You Can Read sings it loud and...

"Kilmer Watts makes his living teaching piano lessons, but when automatic pianos arrive in town, he realizes he's out of a job. He spots a "Help Wanted" sign at the poem factory and decides to investigate -- he's always been curious about how poems are made. The foreman explains that machines and assembly lines are used for poetry these days. So Kilmer learns how to operate the "meter meter" and empty the "cliché bins." He assembles a poem by picking...

"Big Bill the dollar loves his one-derful life of tippin', payin', and donatin' at restaurants, farmers markets, and collection jars...until Hundred pays a visit, telling tales of large bills living in the lap of luxury. Then Bill's dreams turn to mega mansions, fancy cars, and superstars. With the magical help of his friend Penny, Bill's wish for wealth comes true. Suddenly he's a ten thousand dollar bill--one of the biggest bills in history! But...

"Pennies, worthless? Non-cents! Hot off the minting press, Penny feels like a million bucks. But as other coins and bills are spent while she sits forgotten, she begins to doubt her value. She is too small to slot-surf with Quarter. Even penny candy sells for a dime! Refusing to be short-changed, she sets out to find her purpose at any cost. Readers will laugh at a wealth of money puns, learn a basic lesson on US currency, and discover that self-worth...

"Poop. Poop. Poop. It's so much fun to say--especially at all the wrong times and much to your polite friend's dismay. Until...oops, you drop your ice cream scoop. Poop." -- Page [4] cover.