Bestselling Early Learning Books for 12 Year Olds

Here are the top 30 bestselling early learning books for 12 year olds. Please click Read Review to read book reviews on Amazon. You can also click Find in Library to check book availability at your local library. If the default library is not correct, please follow Change Library to reset it.

1. What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety (What to Do Guides for Kids)

by: Dawn HuebnerBonnie Matthews
Release date: Sep 15, 2005
Number of Pages: 80
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“What to Do When You Worry Too Much” is an interactive self-help book designed to guide 6-12 year olds and their parents through the cognitive-behavioral techniques most often used in the treatment of generalized anxiety. Engaging, encouraging, and easy to follow, this book educates, motivates, and empowers children to work towards change. It includes a note to parents by psychologist and author Dawn Huebner, PhD.
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Health

2. Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women

by: Catherine ThimmeshMelissa Sweet
Release date: Mar 11, 2002
Number of Pages: 64
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In kitchens and living rooms, in garages and labs and basements, even in converted chicken coops, women and girls have invented ingenious innovations that have made our lives simpler and better. Their creations are some of the most enduring (the windshield wiper) and best loved (the chocolate chip cookie). What inspired these women, and just how did they turn their ideas into realities?

Features women inventors Ruth Wakefield, Mary Anderson, Stephanie Kwolek, Bette Nesmith Graham, Patsy O. Sherman, Ann Moore, Grace Murray Hopper, Margaret E. Knight, Jeanne Lee Crews, and Valerie L. Thomas, as well as young inventors ten-year-old Becky Schroeder and eleven-year-old Alexia Abernathy. Illustrated in vibrant collage by Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet.

tags:

Children’s Books > History

3. Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy

by: Matthew Reinhart
Release date: Oct 15, 2007
Number of Pages: 6
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An explosive, interactive, pop off the page book about George Lucas’s STAR WARS movies to celebrate the 30th anniversary!

Matthew Reinhart has created another spectacular pop-up book for George Lucas’s epic STAR WARS movies! Bestselling pop-up artist and engineer Matthew Reinhart has designed a thirtieth anniversary commemorative edition that comes packed with a variety of novelty features — pop-ups, working light sabers, pull tabs, and other interactive looks at the exciting and popular movies. This beautiful book will impress all fans of STAR WARS and gives a whole new perspective to the films.

tags:

Children’s Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy & Magic

4. The Everything Kids’ Giant Book of Jokes, Riddles, and Brain Teasers

by: Michael DahlKathi WagnerWagner AubreyWeintraub Aileen
Release date: Oct 16, 2010
Number of Pages: 304
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Why did the chicken cross the road?

Knock, knock. Who’s there?

What do you get when you…?

As kids guess the answers, they’re sure to get the giggles! With this book, little ones will look forward to sharing the jokes with parents, teachers, and siblings–and even coming up with some variations of their own! In addition to hundreds of rib-tickling jokes, readers will love:

  • Head-scratching brain teasers
  • Funny knock-knock jokes
  • Hysterical puzzles
  • Ridiculous riddles

And much, much more! Amid the jokes, kids also find information on how to deliver the perfect punch line and how their favorite comics got started telling jokes. Every budding comic needs a little help getting started, and this book is the perfect go-to for getting laughs!

tags:

Children’s Books > Activities, Crafts & Games > Games

5. The Little Prince

by: Antoine de Saint-ExupéryRichard Howard
Release date: Jun 01, 2000
Number of Pages: 96
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Few stories are as widely read and as universally cherished by children and adults alike as The Little Prince. Richard Howard’s translation of the beloved classic beautifully reflects Saint-Exupéry’s unique and gifted style. Howard, an acclaimed poet and one of the preeminent translators of our time, has excelled in bringing the English text as close as possible to the French, in language, style, and most important, spirit. The artwork in this edition has been restored to match in detail and in color Saint-Exupéry’s original artwork. Combining Richard Howard’s translation with restored original art, this definitive English-language edition of The Little Prince will capture the hearts of readers of all ages.

This title has been selected as a Common Core Text Exemplar (Grades 4-5, Stories).

tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction

6. The Little Red Hen (Little Golden Book)

by: Diane MuldrowJ.P. Miller
Release date: Feb 01, 2001
Number of Pages: 24
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Beloved illustrator J. P. Miller’s graphic, colorful farm animals seem to jump right off the page—but they aren’t jumping to help the Little Red Hen plant her wheat! Young children will learn a valuable lesson about teamwork from this funny, favorite folktale.
tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Farm Animals

7. The Stars

by: H. A. Rey
Release date: Oct 27, 2008
Number of Pages: 160
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This is a clear, vivid text with charts and maps showing the positions of the constellations the year round.
tags:

Children’s Books > Education & Reference > Reference

8. Another Monster at the End of This Book (Sesame Street Ser.)

by: Jon StoneMichael Smollin
Release date: Dec 31, 1999
Number of Pages: 24
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In this beautifully illustrated sequel to the much-loved classic The Monster at the End of This Book, Grover, now with pal Elmo by his side, has heard that there’s something lurking on the last page of the book. Grover tries his best in all sorts of hilarious ways to stop the reader from turning the pages. But, Elmo, curious as always, slips by every wacky barrier. Toddlers will find it hard to resist turning the pages too.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Short Story Collections

9. Just In Case You Ever Wonder

by: Max Lucado
Release date: Jan 12, 2000
Number of Pages: 32
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Just In Case You Ever Wonder tells of a father’s love for his child.  This perennial best seller from Max Lucado will wrap your child in its tender message of love, comfort, and protection, showing that as they grow and change, you’ll always be there for them.

tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life

10. Games Magazine Junior Kids’ Big Book of Games

by: Karen C. Anderson
Release date: Jan 08, 1990
Number of Pages: 176
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Better for kids than television, these games possess a full share of educational virtues. They stretch the memory, improve language skills, exercise logic, and sharpen visual acumen-without being homework! The games magazine junior kids’ big book of games spills over with eyeball benders, scrambled comics, riddle searches, logic defiers, memory tests, connect-the-dots, out-of-orders, mazes, crisscrosses, rebuses, and more. Grouped into five categories-Picture Puzzles; Word Play; Games & Trivia; Mystery, Logic & Numbers; and a special send-off section appropriately titled Big Bad Toughies-the collection challenges readers with over 125 games (answers included, of course). Ingeniously conceived and delightfully illustrated, the games magazine junior kids’ big book of games promises entertainment for a year of rainy days or interminable drives in the car. And it proves, finally, that kids can never be too smart for their own good. Selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club. Suitable for ages 6-12. 653,000 copies in print.
tags:

Children’s Books > Activities, Crafts & Games > Games

11. Garden Fairies Scratch and Sketch: An Art Activity for Magical Artists and Believers of All Ages (Scratch & Sketch)

by: Martha Day Zschock
Release date: Dec 01, 2006
Number of Pages: 64
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Scratch and sketch your very own gardens of flower fairies!

  • Enjoy verses about your favorite flowers and their fairies as you copy 20 pictures from the land of fantasy.
  • As you scratch away the black coating with the included wooden stylus, you’ll see your artwork blossom on rainbow-swirled and gold, silver, and purple glitter pages!
  • Use the extra sketch pages to draw your own floral designs and tiny friends.
  • Ages 5 and up.
  • This art activity book comes shrink-wrapped.
  • 64 pages.
  • Includes 20 scratch-off, 20 illustrated, 20 sketch pages.
  • 6-3/8 inches wide by 8-1/2 inches high; wire-o bound hardcover.
  • Publisher’s Note: This activity book is best enjoyed by older children who are comfortable copying sketches onto the blank black-coated pages with the stylus. Younger children may have more fun with our Trace-Along Scratch and Sketch books.
  • Warning: Choking hazard — small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Non-toxic: Potential eye irritant. Avoid inhaling particles of scratch coating.
tags:

Children’s Books > Arts, Music & Photography > Art > Drawing

12. Duck & Goose, 1, 2, 3

by: Tad HillsTad Hills
Release date: Aug 12, 2008
Number of Pages: 22
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PRESCHOOLERS WILL CHEER the return of Duck and Goose in their second board book appearance! All the favorite characters, including Bluebird and Thistle, return—this time to introduce basic counting concepts.

One goose. Two ducks. Three friends. As the characters illustrate from numbers 1 to 10, children will love to follow along with the simple text and all-new original art.

A small trim size and Easter egg-colored art makes this the perfect Easter basket stuffer for young children everywhere! And don’t miss other books in the collection, including the picture books Duck & Goose and Duck, Duck, Goose, and the board books What’s Up, Duck? and Duck & Goose Find a Pumpkin!

tags:

Children’s Books > Animals > Ducks & Other Waterfowl

13. One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent: All About Money (Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library)

by: Bonnie WorthAristides Ruiz
Release date: Sep 09, 2008
Number of Pages: 48
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THE CAT IN the Hat puts to rest any notion that money grows on trees in this super simple look at numismatics, the study of money and its history. Beginning with the ancient practice of bartering, the Cat explains various forms of money used in different cultures, from shells, feathers, leather, and jade to metal ingots to coins (including the smallest—the BB-like Indian fanam—and the largest—the 8-foot-wide, ship-sinking limestone ones from the Islands of Yap!), to the current king of currency, paper. Also included is a look at banking, from the use of temples as the first banks to the concept of gaining or paying interest, and a step-by-step guide to minting coins. A fascinating introduction is bound to change young reader’s appreciation for change!
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Money

14. The Fairy Tale Detectives (The Sisters Grimm, Book 1)

by: Michael BuckleyPeter Ferguson
Release date: Apr 01, 2007
Number of Pages: 312
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In paperback for the first time, the Sisters Grimm take readers to a world where fairy tales are fact and not everyone is who they seem!

In book one of this bestselling series, sisters Sabrina and Daphne are sent to live with their mysterious grandmother, Relda Grimm. The sisters learn they are descendants of the Brothers Grimm, whose famous book of fairy tales is actually a collection of case files. The girls are the latest in a long line of fairy-tale detectives, and their new hometown is filled with Everafters (as magical folks like to be called)—some good and some very, very bad. When a mysterious Everafter sets a giant loose on the town, it’s up to the Sisters Grimm to save the day.

tags:

Children’s Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy & Magic

15. The Day My Fart Followed Me To Hockey

by: Sam LawrenceBen Jackson
Release date: Sep 17, 2016
Number of Pages: 42
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Timmy and his best friend the Fart are back again!

If you and your child love to read together, then you are going to love reading along with Timmy and his Fart as they play hockey together!

The Day My Fart Followed Me To Hockey is a beautifully illustrated journey of Timmy and his best friend the Little Fart as they attend Timmy’s first hockey tryouts. Chaos and laughter ensue as the Fart attempts to help out his best friend the only way he knows how.

If you enjoy reading funny books with beautiful illustrations and love having your child read along with you, then make sure you grab The Day My Fart Followed Me To Hockey.

Discover and giggle along with Timmy and his best friend on their exciting day at the hockey arena!

Scroll up and get ready to giggle along with your children!

tags:

Children’s Books > Humor

16. Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood from America’s Presidents (Kid Legends)

by: David StablerDoogie Horner
Release date: Oct 28, 2014
Number of Pages: 224
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Forget the legends. Ignore the tall tales. The kids who grew up to be president weren’t superheroes. They had regular-kid problems just like you. John F. Kennedy hated his big brother. Lyndon Johnson pulled pranks in class. Barack Obama was bothered by bullies. And Bill Clinton was crazy clumsy (he once broke his leg jumping rope). Kid Presidents tells all of their stories and more with full-color cartoon illustrations on every page. History has never been this much fun!
tags:

Children’s Books > History > United States

17. The Old Willis Place

by: Mary Downing Hahn
Release date: Aug 20, 2007
Number of Pages: 208
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Diana and her little brother Georgie have been living in the woods behind the old Willis place, a decaying Victorian mansion, for what already seems like forever. They aren’t allowed to leave the property or show themselves to anyone. But when a new caretaker comes to live there with his young daughter, Lissa, Diana is tempted to break the mysterious rules they live by and reveal herself so she can finally have a friend. Somehow, Diana must get Lissa’s help if she and Georgie ever hope to release themselves from the secret that has bound them to the old Willis place for so long.
   Mary Downing Hahn has written a chilling ghost story in the tradition of her most successful spine-tingling novels. The intriguing characters, frightening secrets, and plot twists will delight her many fans.

tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Siblings

18. The Unusual Suspects (The Sisters Grimm, Book 2) (Bk. 2)

by: Michael BuckleyPeter Ferguson
Release date: Apr 01, 2007
Number of Pages: 320
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In book two of the series, the Sisters Grimm start school at Ferryport Landing Elementary. Daphne’s lucky enough to get Snow White for a teacher—she loves little people—but poor Sabrina’s stuck with Mr. Grumpner and a class of mildly psychotic sixth graders. When Mr. Grumpner is found hanging in a spider’s web, it is up to the Grimms to find the Everafter who did it. If only Sabrina can get over her distrust of all fairy-tale folk. But how can she trust those who just might be responsible for the disappearance of her parents?
tags:

Children’s Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy & Magic

19. Kid Athletes: True Tales of Childhood from Sports Legends (Kid Legends)

by: David StablerDoogie Horner
Release date: Nov 17, 2015
Number of Pages: 208
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Forget the gold medals, the championships, and the undefeated seasons. When all-star athletes were growing up, they had regular-kid problems just like you. Baseball legend Babe Ruth was such a troublemaker, his family sent him to reform school. Race car champion Danica Patrick fended off bullies who told her “girls can’t drive.” And football superstar Peyton Manning was forced to dance the tango in his school play. Kid Athletes tells all of their stories and more with full-color cartoon illustrations on every page. Other subjects include Billie Jean King, Jackie Robinson, Yao Ming, Gabby Douglas, Tiger Woods, Julie Krone, Bruce Lee, Muhammad Ali, Bobby Orr, Lionel Messi, and more!
tags:

Children’s Books > History

20. Prayers for Children (Little Golden Book)

by: Eloise WilkinEloise Wilkin
Release date: Nov 19, 1999
Number of Pages: 24
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Classic children’s prayers are enhanced by beautiful watercolor illustrations that soar off the page, or inspire quiet contemplation.
tags:

Children’s Books > Religions > Christianity > Bible > Reference & Interpretation

21. How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000: Earn! Save! Invest!

by: James McKennaJeannine GlistaMatt Fontaine
Release date: Apr 05, 2016
Number of Pages: 144
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From the creators of Biz Kid$ and Bill Nye the Science Guy, here is a comprehensive guide for kids to the basics of earning, saving, spending, and investing money.

Written in a humorous but informative voice that engages young readers, it’s the book that every parent who wants to raise financially savvy and unspoiled children should buy for their kids. It is packed with lively illustrations to make difficult concepts easy to understand—all as a way of building financial literacy, good decision-making, and the appreciation of a hard-earned dollar.

 

tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Money

22. Kid Artists: True Tales of Childhood from Creative Legends (Kid Legends)

by: David StablerDoogie Horner
Release date: Aug 09, 2016
Number of Pages: 208
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Hilarious childhood biographies and full-color illustrations reveal how Leonardo da Vinci, Beatrix Potter, Keith Haring, and other great artists in history coped with regular kid problems.
 
Every great artist started out as a kid. Forget the awards, the sold-out museum exhibitions, and the timeless masterpieces. When the world’s most celebrated artists were growing up, they had regular-kid problems just like you. Jackson Pollock’s family moved constantly—he lived in eight different cities before he was sixteen years old. Georgia O’Keeffe lived in the shadow of her “perfect” older brother Francis. And Jean-Michel Basquiat triumphed over poverty to become one of the world’s most influential artists. Kid Artists tells their stories and more with full-color cartoon illustrations on nearly every page. Other subjects include Claude MonetJacob LawrenceLeonardo da VinciVincent van GoghPablo PicassoFrida KahloBeatrix PotterYoko OnoDr. SeussEmily CarrKeith HaringCharles Schulz, and Louise Nevelson.
tags:

Children’s Books > Arts, Music & Photography > Art > History

23. Singapore Math Challenge, Grades 5 – 8

by: Frank Schaffer Publications
Release date: Feb 01, 2013
Number of Pages: 352
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Get ready to take the Math Challenge! Singapore Math Challenge will provide fifth grade students with skill-building practice based on the leading math program in the world, Singapore Math! Common Core Standards accelerate math expectations for all students, creating a need for challenging supplementary math practice. Singapore Math Challenge is the ideal solution, with problems, puzzles, and brainteasers that strengthen mathematical thinking. Step-by-step strategies are clearly explained for solving problems at varied levels of difficulty. A complete, worked solution is also provided for each problem.

Singapore Math Challenge includes the tools and practice needed to provide a strong mathematical foundation and ongoing success for your students. The Common Core State Standards cite Singapore math standards as worldwide benchmarks for excellence in mathematics.

tags:

Children’s Books > Education & Reference > Math

24. Garden Fairy Alphabet Coloring Book

by: Darcy May
Release date: Sep 13, 1996
Number of Pages: 32
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Children will love coloring these delightful renderings of fairies frolicking in a rich garden of beautiful flowers. As they do, they’ll also learn to recognize and identify a host of familiar flowers: azalea, bluebells, columbine, daisies, foxglove, lilacs, nasturtiums, tulips, and others. Exquisitely drawn by illustrator Darcy May, the images feature a troupe of enchanting young sprites in a variety of carefree poses — snuggled among the petals of a blossom, relishing the scent of a lilac, swinging from a vine, and more. To help build and reinforce alphabet skills, each illustration incorporates the first letter of the flower’s name.

tags:

Children’s Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Flowers & Plants

25. Sir Cumference and the First Round Table (A Math Adventure)

by: Cindy NeuschwanderWayne Geehan
Release date: Jul 01, 1997
Number of Pages: 32
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King Arthur was a good ruler, but in this math adventure he needs a good ruler. Geometry is explained with humor in SIR CUMFERENCE AND THE FIRST ROUND TABLE, making it fun and accessible for beginners. What would you do if the neighboring kingdom were threatening war? Naturally, you’d call your strongest and bravest knights together to come up with a solution. But when your conference table causes more problems than the threat of your enemy, you need expert help. Enter Sir Cumference, his wife Lady Di of Ameter, and their son Radius. With the help of the carpenter, Geo of Metry, this sharp-minded team designs the perfect table conducive to discussing the perfect peace plan. Thanks to Sir Cumference, even the most hesitant will be romancing math.
tags:

Children’s Books > Education & Reference > Math > Geometry

26. Growing Money: A Complete Investing Guide for Kids

by: Gail KarlitzDebbie Honig
Release date: Sep 23, 2010
Number of Pages: 144
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Never before has there been a time when the economy has been so much a part of our daily lives. TodayÕs young investors want to know the basics of financeÑespecially how to make money grow. This complete guide explains in kid-friendly terms all about savings accounts, bonds, stocks, and even mutual funds!
tags:

Children’s Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Money

27. Old, New, Red, Blue! (Step into Reading) (Cars movie tie in)

by: RH Disney
Release date: Aug 08, 2006
Number of Pages: 32
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Ready, set, GO! Lightning McQueen, the rookie hot-shot race car, is screaming his way down the track on his way to winning the Piston Cup. But when he gets stuck in a slow little town called Radiator Springs, McQueen must learn a valuable lesson about friendship—fast. This beautifully illustrated Read-Aloud Storybook is the complete retelling of Disney presentation of a Pixar film latest computer-animated film, Cars.
tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction > Chapter Books & Readers > Beginner Readers

28. The Toothpaste Millionaire

by: Jean Merrill
Release date: Sep 04, 2006
Number of Pages: 144
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Sixth-grader Rufus Mayflower doesn’t set out to become a millionaire. He just wants to save on toothpaste. Betting he can make a gallon of his own for the same price as one tube from the store, Rufus develops a step-by-step production plan with help from his good friend Kate MacKinstrey. By the time he reaches the eighth grade, Rufus makes more than a gallon — he makes a million! This fun, breezy story set in 1960s Cleveland, Ohio contains many real-life mathematical problems which the characters must solve to succeed in their budding business. Includes black-and-white illustrations by Jan Palmer.

This 35th anniversary edition includes an exclusive author interview and reader’s guide with book summary and discussion questions.

tags:

Children’s Books > Literature & Fiction

29. 70 Must-Know Word Problems, Grade 7 (Singapore Math)

by: Frank Schaffer Publications
Release date: Jun 01, 2009
Number of Pages: 160
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Welcome to Singapore Math––the leading math program in the world! This workbook features math practice and activities for seventh grade students based on the Singapore Math method. An introduction at the front of each book explains Singapore Math and its common problem types. Each unit has learning objectives, which clearly define the skills to be learned in that section, and an answer key with step-by-step worked out solutions that help students see how to work the problems. This book is perfect for students familiar with Singapore Math and for those who just need extra math practice!

Many students struggle with word problems because they typically involve two or more mathematical concepts and require reading, comprehension, and analytical skills to determine the solution. To help overcome this struggle, these Singapore Math workbooks focus on diagrams, number bonds, the “counting on” method, and the “crossing out” method to help students master challenging word problems as well as exercise mental calculation. Perfect as a supplement to classroom work or as a homeschool resource, this series will boost confidence in problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

tags:

Children’s Books > Education & Reference > Math

30. Pat the Christmas Bunny

by: Edith Kunhardt DavisEdith Kunhardt Davis
Release date: Jun 15, 2001
Number of Pages: 8
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The perfect Christmas gift for pat the bunny fans! Children and parents will love all the touch-and-feel elements in this ultra-adorable Christmas story.
tags:

Children’s Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Christmas

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Last updated: Monday, December 5, 2016 9:17 AM