Visions in Poetry is an exciting and unique series of classic poems illustrated by outstanding contemporary artists in stunning hardcover editions. Casey at the Bat, the fourth book in the series, is more than a poem about a proud and mighty slugger who strikes out during the big game. It is a slice of baseball lore, as much a part of the game as hot dogs and the seventh-inning stretch. Illustrator Joe Morse sets the poem on gritty urban streets with a multiracial cast of characters. It’s a startlingly fresh approach that not only revives the poem for a new generation, but also brings it new richness and depth. Written by Ernest L. Thayer. Hardcover, 4-color, 5 1/2 x 9 1/4 in., 48 pages.

Scaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It’s way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he’s well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel’s emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute.Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day … his worst nightmare comes true! Scaredy suddenly finds himself out of his tree, where germs, poison ivy and sharks lurk. But as Scaredy Squirrel leaps into the unknown, he discovers something really uplifting … Written and Illustrated by Mélanie Watt. Hardcover, 4-color, 8 x 8 in., 40 pages.

Did you know that dogs can outrun an Olympic sprinter and “speak” three languages? Or that they can tell when storms are coming and even predict earthquakes before they happen? These are just a few of the doggone fascinating facts to discover in this ultimate companion book for young dog owners and admirers. World-renowned dog expert and author Dr. Stanley Coren knows our four-legged friends better than anyone, and this book is jam-packed with stories and photographs to engage and delight children. Hardcover, 4-color, 6 x 9 in., 64 pages.

The first title in the exciting new Planet Girl series features 17 injeanious projects that transform old jeans into stylish and functional new clothes and stuff. Not only are these projects bank-account friendly — they’re environmentally friendly, too! Dreary denim is reborn as skirts, halter tops, slippers, purses, carry-all bags, wallets or bolsters. Illustrated step-by-step instructions for these and many other projects show girls how to make their jeans look better the second time around. How injeanious is that? Written by Ellen Warwick and Illustrated by Bernice Lum. Hardcover, 4-color , 7 x 7 in., 80 pages.

Written by Linda Hendry and coming out early 2006, this book is filled with photos, illustrations and step-by-step instructions for crafts projects that feature horses as the theme. Some of the patterns in the book can be used for more than one project. Projects include pasture pillows, pony pins, CD stables, paddock mirrors, pony pencil pals and a sock horse.

Written by Judy Ann Sadler and coming out early 2006, this book teaches kids how to make useful knotted goods, such as a guitar strap, rope swing, braided dog leash, basketball net and a sports bag.  The book has step-by-step instructions and illustrations and introduces kids to a variety of knots that they can use to make other projects, too. 40 pages, hardcover.

Elizabeth MacLeod teaches children how to bake everything from S-more Gorps to Silly Salami, all of which include the yummy ingredient: chocolate. The easy to understand illustrations are provided by June Bradford.

Written by Susan Hughes and illustrated by Stéphane Poulin, this touching story describes a new girl in town and how her far out world affects her young friend, the narrator of the story, Ray. Audrey, the new girl, has a vivid imagination which is contagious.

Renée Schwarz shares with children step by step, how to make a multitude of differently shaped birdfeeders out of everyday household items. Simple to follow pictures share with children how to turn items like flowerpot saucers and a tomato cage in to a three-footed booby birdfeeder. Parents may need to help out on a few of the creations.

With illustration by Wallace Edwards and verses by Kenyon Cox, "Mixed Beasts" includes a rhyme and a detailed, brightly illustrated drawing of everything from a kangarooster to a bumblebeaver. The drawings depict other wonderous creatures hiding in the background, like a dandylion, spider monkey and fly ball. Adults will enjoy this book as much as their children.