The Latest!
PLUM TO THE RESCUE!
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TROUBLE FINDS PLUM!
“A peacock’s kindheartedness and cleverness prove immune to cynicism…Expert plot and character development takes this latest in the series up a notch.” - Kirkus
When raccoons invade the Athensville Zoo, it’s up to Plum and his friends
to save their beloved home!
A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD GOLD STANDARD SELECTION
“A peacock’s kindheartedness and cleverness prove immune to cynicism…Expert plot and character development takes this latest in the series up a notch.” - Kirkus
When raccoons invade the Athensville Zoo, it’s up to Plum and his friends
to save their beloved home!
A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD GOLD STANDARD SELECTION
A SNOW DAY FOR PLUM!
“Lively fun with animal friends.”--Kirkus Reviews
The animals of the Athensville Zoo are thrilled to be visiting a local school to star in a presentation—everyone except for a very nervous peacock named Plum. And then an unexpected blizzard strands the animals at the elementary school overnight—yikes! From award-winning author Matt Phelan, creator of Knights vs. Dinosaurs and its two sequels, this companion to Leave It to Plum! is a highly illustrated young middle grade novel perfect for reluctant readers and animal lovers everywhere.
A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD GOLD STANDARD SELECTION
GOLDEN KITE NOMINEE: BEST MIDDLE GRADE FICTION
SID FLEISCHMAN AWARD FOR HUMOR FINALIST
“Lively fun with animal friends.”--Kirkus Reviews
The animals of the Athensville Zoo are thrilled to be visiting a local school to star in a presentation—everyone except for a very nervous peacock named Plum. And then an unexpected blizzard strands the animals at the elementary school overnight—yikes! From award-winning author Matt Phelan, creator of Knights vs. Dinosaurs and its two sequels, this companion to Leave It to Plum! is a highly illustrated young middle grade novel perfect for reluctant readers and animal lovers everywhere.
A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD GOLD STANDARD SELECTION
GOLDEN KITE NOMINEE: BEST MIDDLE GRADE FICTION
SID FLEISCHMAN AWARD FOR HUMOR FINALIST
The first living creatures ever to ride in a hot-air balloon were a sheep, a rooster, and a duck. But not just any sheep, rooster, or duck. These extraordinary farm animals have been secretly keeping the world safe for years. And now they face their greatest challenge: a plot involving a dastardly villain, sinister secret societies, Benjamin Franklin, the world's first heat ray, and a mild-mannered ten-year-old named Emile. Poor Emile. He has no idea what he's gotten into.
"True to his mission, Plum does indeed delight in this beginning chapter book, and the straightforward, concise storyline is both accessible and goofy, with a cast of amusingly quirky characters and a surprising amount of emotional weight... this will be an instant hit with kids who like to root for the underdog (cat? bird?)" "A bighearted peacock with boundless cheer stars in this lively zoo caper... With occasional grayscale art presented alongside amusingly self-important, cinematically rendered characters, Phelan offers winning animalian antics for chapter book beginners." "A buoyant tale for younger middle grade readers, with a mild dose of danger for spice and an extroverted protagonist on a mission to “mingle, guide, delight.” An Amazon Editor's Pick! |
With short chapters and energetic black-and-white illustrations, award-winning author Matt Phelan’s Leave It to Plum! is a highly illustrated young middle grade novel full of warmth and humor. The first hilarious story in a duology about a young peacock with a big heart, a small mammal with a big ego, and the busy zoo they both live in as a must-have for fans of the Princess in Black and Mercy Watson series.
Acclaimed author-artist Matt Phelan's rhythmic, repetitive text and his warm, expressive watercolor paintings are both humorous and rewarding. Brimming with laughter and love from this large bear family, Sweater Weather is an irresistible choice to curl up with during storytime, no matter what the weather is.
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"Wrangling seven small bears into sweaters is no easy feat, and the gloriously chaotic effort goes on for several pages, punctuated by brief, lively speech bubbles (the book’s only text, and all it needs)... This tribute to the realities of parenting small children (and bears) revels in the humor and joy that can be found when the best-laid plans go awry." An Amazon Editor's Pick! |
Picture Books
"Phelan creates instantly likeable characters and a story that centers parenting seasoned enough to realize that setbacks are inevitable—and that makes space to enjoy the day, and beauty of nature, anyway." "It’s every memorable family trip in a nutshell, filled with moments of tedium, thrills, and, best of all, togetherness." TURTLE WALK
by Matt Phelan Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins |
"This warm, nearly wordless story is a nice choice for young listeners and early readers, who will bask in the light of this sparkling celebration of togetherness, goodwill, and the great outdoors... A seemingly effortless story replete with gentle humor and examples of resilience, helpfulness, and flexibility." PIGNIC
by Matt Phelan Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins |
Chapter Books
"If there's such a thing as catnip for kids, Phelan's produced it with this illustrated novel... Absurdly entertaining."" KNIGHTS VS. DINOSAURS
by Matt Phelan Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins |
With art on nearly every page, including an epic fight scene KNIGHTS VS. THE END (OF EVERYTHING)
by Matt Phelan Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins |
Graphic Novels
"Phelan turns every panel of this masterpiece into a... |
"With uncommon perception and a flair for visual drama, Phelan tracks three intrepid souls’ solo journeys around the world... Three true tales of adventure as grand and admirable in the telling as they were in the doing." |
"A wonderfully evocative story." |
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Short Stories
Illustrated By...
YOU ARE MY FRIEND
The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood
by Aimee Reid
Abrams Books
"A beautifully crafted, heartfelt picture-book biography." — Booklist
"A simply written, thoughtful tribute worthy of the
incomparable Mister Rogers." — Kirkus Reviews
"A graceful, quietly moving biography."
— Publishers Weekly
The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood
by Aimee Reid
Abrams Books
"A beautifully crafted, heartfelt picture-book biography." — Booklist
"A simply written, thoughtful tribute worthy of the
incomparable Mister Rogers." — Kirkus Reviews
"A graceful, quietly moving biography."
— Publishers Weekly
A KITE FOR MOON
by Jane Yolen & Heidi E. Y. Stemple
ZonderKidz/HarperCollins
Book of Year Award, 2019 Northern Lights Awards
"Smooth pacing and narrative clarity combine with an evocative presentation to make this a first choice to celebrate the 50th anniversary of America's moon landing." (School Library Journal)
LITTLE ROBOT ALONE
by Patricia MacLachlan & Emily MacLachlan Charest
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
"Phelan’s gauzy, sunny watercolor-and-pencil drawings set a cheery, energetic mood, and ingenious Little Robot is instantly winning—surprisingly expressive, sweet but never cloying, and in service to a higher and very relatable purpose." (PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review)
by Patricia MacLachlan & Emily MacLachlan Charest
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
"Phelan’s gauzy, sunny watercolor-and-pencil drawings set a cheery, energetic mood, and ingenious Little Robot is instantly winning—surprisingly expressive, sweet but never cloying, and in service to a higher and very relatable purpose." (PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review)
IF WENDELL HAD A WALRUS by Lori Mortensen
Henry Holt
A “stupendiferous, cosmically colossal” good time for all.
(KIRKUS REVIEWS)
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
By Scott Menchin
Illustrated by Matt Phelan
Macmillan/Neal Porter Books
"A quiet, thoughtfully designed picture book with a strong message." (Kirkus Reviews)
"The brisk, sketchy quality of Phelan’s (Marilyn’s Monster) pencil and pastel artwork mirrors the zippiness of the animals’ exchanges, and the answer to the riddle, revealed only after the sun has set, makes the case that some things are worth waiting all day for." (Publishers Weekly)
By Scott Menchin
Illustrated by Matt Phelan
Macmillan/Neal Porter Books
"A quiet, thoughtfully designed picture book with a strong message." (Kirkus Reviews)
"The brisk, sketchy quality of Phelan’s (Marilyn’s Monster) pencil and pastel artwork mirrors the zippiness of the animals’ exchanges, and the answer to the riddle, revealed only after the sun has set, makes the case that some things are worth waiting all day for." (Publishers Weekly)
MARILYN'S MONSTER
By Michele Knudsen
Illustrated by Matt Phelan
Candlewick Press
Some of the kids in Marilyn’s class have monsters. Marilyn doesn’t have hers yet, but she can’t just go out and look for one. Your monster has to find you. That’s just the way it works. Marilyn tries to be patient and the kind of girl no monster can resist, but her monster doesn’t come. Could she go out and search for him herself? Even if that’s not the way it works? From favorite picture-book creators Michelle Knudsen and Matt Phelan comes a story about one little girl and the perfect monster she knows is out there . . . and what happens when she decides she’s waited long enough.
By Michele Knudsen
Illustrated by Matt Phelan
Candlewick Press
Some of the kids in Marilyn’s class have monsters. Marilyn doesn’t have hers yet, but she can’t just go out and look for one. Your monster has to find you. That’s just the way it works. Marilyn tries to be patient and the kind of girl no monster can resist, but her monster doesn’t come. Could she go out and search for him herself? Even if that’s not the way it works? From favorite picture-book creators Michelle Knudsen and Matt Phelan comes a story about one little girl and the perfect monster she knows is out there . . . and what happens when she decides she’s waited long enough.
Miss Emily
by Burleigh Mutén
Illustrated by Matt Phelan
Candlewick Press
When an invitation to join Miss Emily in the garden appears, Mattie, Ned, Sally, and Mac know they're in for some fun because Miss Emily — Emily Dickinson to the rest of us — always has a surprise in store for her young friends. And today's may be the biggest adventure yet.
Teacher's Guide Available!
by Burleigh Mutén
Illustrated by Matt Phelan
Candlewick Press
When an invitation to join Miss Emily in the garden appears, Mattie, Ned, Sally, and Mac know they're in for some fun because Miss Emily — Emily Dickinson to the rest of us — always has a surprise in store for her young friends. And today's may be the biggest adventure yet.
Teacher's Guide Available!
XANDER'S PANDA PARTY
by Linda Sue Park
Illustrated by MattPhelan
Clarion/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Xander wants to throw a panda party at the zoo but
there's just one problem. He's the only panda. What to do?
I'LL BE THERE
by Ann Stott
Illustrated by MattPhelan
Candlewick Press
The mother and son from Always are back but the boy is a few years older now.
He can do many things on his own now but... it's good to know that your mom
will be around if you need her.
by Ann Stott
Illustrated by MattPhelan
Candlewick Press
The mother and son from Always are back but the boy is a few years older now.
He can do many things on his own now but... it's good to know that your mom
will be around if you need her.
FLORA'S VERY WINDY DAY
by Jeanne Birdsall
Clarion/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
When Flora and her pesky little brother, Crispin, are whisked away by a swirling and swooping wind, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to give her brother away. With tempting offers from a dragonfly, the man in the moon, and even the wind itself, she will find it difficult to choose. But Flora would do anything to get rid of Crispin, wouldn’t she?
"This gem of a book will resonate with older siblings everywhere." (School Library Journal)
by Jeanne Birdsall
Clarion/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
When Flora and her pesky little brother, Crispin, are whisked away by a swirling and swooping wind, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to give her brother away. With tempting offers from a dragonfly, the man in the moon, and even the wind itself, she will find it difficult to choose. But Flora would do anything to get rid of Crispin, wouldn’t she?
"This gem of a book will resonate with older siblings everywhere." (School Library Journal)
Spilling Ink: A Young Writer's Handbook
by Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter
Roaring Brook
The authors mix inspirational anecdotes with practical guidance on how to find a voice, develop characters and plot,
make revisions, and overcome writer’s block. Fun writing prompts will help young writers jump-start their own projects, and encouragement throughout will keep them at work.
I can't recommend this book enough for young writers.
Two of a Kind
by Jacqui Robbins
Atheneum/Simon & Schuster
Meet Kayla and Melanie—two of a kind and official first-grade mean girls. This is a new kind of playground bullying. These girls tease, whisper, and get their way all of the time, even when that means turning one friend against another. Anna is too smart to fall for their charms. . . . Well, almost. The allure of the in crowd is strong. But after an early falter, Anna discovers she’s stronger when she stands up for herself and for her friend Julisa. This book is modern, multicultural, and has a message worth sharing— the perfect book to read to a classroom, to a daughter . . . or to a bully!
by Jacqui Robbins
Atheneum/Simon & Schuster
Meet Kayla and Melanie—two of a kind and official first-grade mean girls. This is a new kind of playground bullying. These girls tease, whisper, and get their way all of the time, even when that means turning one friend against another. Anna is too smart to fall for their charms. . . . Well, almost. The allure of the in crowd is strong. But after an early falter, Anna discovers she’s stronger when she stands up for herself and for her friend Julisa. This book is modern, multicultural, and has a message worth sharing— the perfect book to read to a classroom, to a daughter . . . or to a bully!
LUCKY BREAKS
by Susan Patron
Atheneum/Simon & Schuster
On the eve of her eleventh birthday, Lucky wants to let loose and become intrepid; she's ready for life to change. But Hard Pan (population 43) drones on like it always has: Lincoln all tied up in knotty matters, Miles newly diagnosed as a genius but as needy as ever, Brigitte running her Café and trying to figure out what it means to be American.
Lucky's intrepidness is put to the test in this satisfying sequel to the Newbery Award-winningThe Higher Power of Lucky.
by Susan Patron
Atheneum/Simon & Schuster
On the eve of her eleventh birthday, Lucky wants to let loose and become intrepid; she's ready for life to change. But Hard Pan (population 43) drones on like it always has: Lincoln all tied up in knotty matters, Miles newly diagnosed as a genius but as needy as ever, Brigitte running her Café and trying to figure out what it means to be American.
Lucky's intrepidness is put to the test in this satisfying sequel to the Newbery Award-winningThe Higher Power of Lucky.
ALWAYS
by Ann Stott
Candlewick Press
As he goes through a day, a child asks his mother for reassurance with a series of questions. Does she love him when he's gentle? Does she love him when he's not? Does she love him when he jumps in puddles wearing his new sneakers? Simple, charming, and disarming, Ann Stott's story will resonate with little listeners and adults alike. Matt Phelan's funny, poignant drawings capture the child's behavior, both good and bad, and the mother's unconditional love.
by Ann Stott
Candlewick Press
As he goes through a day, a child asks his mother for reassurance with a series of questions. Does she love him when he's gentle? Does she love him when he's not? Does she love him when he jumps in puddles wearing his new sneakers? Simple, charming, and disarming, Ann Stott's story will resonate with little listeners and adults alike. Matt Phelan's funny, poignant drawings capture the child's behavior, both good and bad, and the mother's unconditional love.
BIG GEORGE: HOW A SHY BOY BECAME PRESIDENT WASHINGTON
by Anne Rockwell
Harcourt/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Before he was the face on the dollar bill, George Washington was a shy boy with a hot temper. But George had character and adaptability. He taught himself courage and self-control. At an early age, and without really realizing it, George Washington gathered the qualities he’d need to become one of the greatest leaders America has ever known.
Anne Rockwell’s prose is dignified, Matt Phelan’s illustrations are striking, and the details they reveal about George Washington’s early days are fascinating, sometimes tragic, and always moving.
by Anne Rockwell
Harcourt/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Before he was the face on the dollar bill, George Washington was a shy boy with a hot temper. But George had character and adaptability. He taught himself courage and self-control. At an early age, and without really realizing it, George Washington gathered the qualities he’d need to become one of the greatest leaders America has ever known.
Anne Rockwell’s prose is dignified, Matt Phelan’s illustrations are striking, and the details they reveal about George Washington’s early days are fascinating, sometimes tragic, and always moving.
WHERE I LIVE
by Eileen Spinelli
Dial/Penguin
Diana loves where she lives. She loves the astronomy charts on her walls and the fact that she can wave to her best friend, Rose, from her very own window. And best of all, a wren has recently made its home right by her front door! When her family is forced to move, Diana wonders if she?ll ever find that same grounded and happy feeling again.This gentle and ultimately redeeming story in poems is about those secure and fulfilling friendships that happen naturally and easily when you live right next door, and the struggles of losing the comfort of a familiar place. Matt Phelan's warm and expressive illustrations perfectly complement Eileen Spinelli's tenderhearted and unique tale that reminds us that sometimes a little uprooting and change is necessary for growth.
by Eileen Spinelli
Dial/Penguin
Diana loves where she lives. She loves the astronomy charts on her walls and the fact that she can wave to her best friend, Rose, from her very own window. And best of all, a wren has recently made its home right by her front door! When her family is forced to move, Diana wonders if she?ll ever find that same grounded and happy feeling again.This gentle and ultimately redeeming story in poems is about those secure and fulfilling friendships that happen naturally and easily when you live right next door, and the struggles of losing the comfort of a familiar place. Matt Phelan's warm and expressive illustrations perfectly complement Eileen Spinelli's tenderhearted and unique tale that reminds us that sometimes a little uprooting and change is necessary for growth.
VERY HAIRY BEAR
by Alice Schertle
Harcourt/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
A year in the life of an endearing, hairy bear who spends his days fishing for salmon in the spring and enjoying the sweet tastes of honey and berries in the summer. But when winter comes, his very chilly, not-so-hairy nose is the only thing that stands in the way of a really great nap.
This cozy companion for naptime or bedtime is also a great way to introduce little ones to the four seasons!
by Alice Schertle
Harcourt/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
A year in the life of an endearing, hairy bear who spends his days fishing for salmon in the spring and enjoying the sweet tastes of honey and berries in the summer. But when winter comes, his very chilly, not-so-hairy nose is the only thing that stands in the way of a really great nap.
This cozy companion for naptime or bedtime is also a great way to introduce little ones to the four seasons!
A BOX FULL OF KITTENS
by Sonia Manzano
Atheneum/Simon & Schuster
Ruthie loves Superman. Ruthie wants to be Superman.
And when Ruthie is asked to go spend the afternoon with her aunt, who is about to have a baby any day day now and may need some help., Ruthie seizes the opportunity. It could be her chance to be a hero, should the baby come while she's visiting! But when Ruthie is out fetching a snack for her aunt, she gets so distracted by a box full of kittens in the bodega that she doesn't hear her aunt calling for her. When she realizes what's happened, she's devastated -- she's missed her one chance to be a hero! Or has she?
Sonia Manzano, best known as "Maria" on Sesame Street, once again captures the warmth, love, and adventures of her childhood Bronx neighborhood.
by Sonia Manzano
Atheneum/Simon & Schuster
Ruthie loves Superman. Ruthie wants to be Superman.
And when Ruthie is asked to go spend the afternoon with her aunt, who is about to have a baby any day day now and may need some help., Ruthie seizes the opportunity. It could be her chance to be a hero, should the baby come while she's visiting! But when Ruthie is out fetching a snack for her aunt, she gets so distracted by a box full of kittens in the bodega that she doesn't hear her aunt calling for her. When she realizes what's happened, she's devastated -- she's missed her one chance to be a hero! Or has she?
Sonia Manzano, best known as "Maria" on Sesame Street, once again captures the warmth, love, and adventures of her childhood Bronx neighborhood.
FLORIDIUS BLOOM AND THE PLANET OF GLOOM
by Lorijo Metz
Dial/Penguin
Floridius Bloom has found a source of light on his planet of Gloom and he’s not sharing it with anyone. He’s even built a wall so that no one else can see it! Of course, Floridius is convinced that he needs it for his prize cherriflox to blossom. Not to mention the fact that he’s afraid of the monsters and the wigglyfluffs that lie beyond his wall. But when Floridius meets a curious creature named Zrill who invites him to come out from his self-imposed isolation, Floridius begins to understand that beauty is a thing to be shared . . . and friendship can supply its own kind of light.
by Lorijo Metz
Dial/Penguin
Floridius Bloom has found a source of light on his planet of Gloom and he’s not sharing it with anyone. He’s even built a wall so that no one else can see it! Of course, Floridius is convinced that he needs it for his prize cherriflox to blossom. Not to mention the fact that he’s afraid of the monsters and the wigglyfluffs that lie beyond his wall. But when Floridius meets a curious creature named Zrill who invites him to come out from his self-imposed isolation, Floridius begins to understand that beauty is a thing to be shared . . . and friendship can supply its own kind of light.
THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY
by Susan Patron
Richard Jackson/Simon & Schuster
Winner of the Newbery Medal
Lucky, age ten, can’t wait another day. The meanness gland in her heart and the crevices full of questions in her brain make running away from Hard Pan, California (population 43), the rock-bottom only choice she has.
by Susan Patron
Richard Jackson/Simon & Schuster
Winner of the Newbery Medal
Lucky, age ten, can’t wait another day. The meanness gland in her heart and the crevices full of questions in her brain make running away from Hard Pan, California (population 43), the rock-bottom only choice she has.
ROSA FARM
by Liz Wu
Knopf/Random House
Gallileon, a young rooster, has to crow to the sun on Sunday morning when his father is sent to compete at the county fair. After a few starts and stops, Gallileon manages to wake up the sun and the rest of the farm, but when the geese decide to play a mean trick on him, the sun disappears at high noon. Where did it go? Can Gallileon's irrepressible little sister Pepina save her brother from the ultimate humiliation?
by Liz Wu
Knopf/Random House
Gallileon, a young rooster, has to crow to the sun on Sunday morning when his father is sent to compete at the county fair. After a few starts and stops, Gallileon manages to wake up the sun and the rest of the farm, but when the geese decide to play a mean trick on him, the sun disappears at high noon. Where did it go? Can Gallileon's irrepressible little sister Pepina save her brother from the ultimate humiliation?
THE NEW GIRL... AND ME
by Jacqui Robbins
Richard Jackson/Simon & Schuster
"When the new girl, Shakeeta, introduces herself by telling the class, "I have an iguana," Mia is intrigued. Even so, her shyness holds her back from making overtures; later, though, when a bully bars both Shakeeta and Mia from playing soccer, the pair strike up a conversation about iguanas and the girls become fast friends. Phelan's artwork breathes energy ... populating the multicultural classroom with children who are masterpieces of button noses, play-rumpled grooming, and spot-on body language. Though it's not the point of the book, the girls' interracial friendship (Mia is white; Shakeeta, African American) is a plus." (Booklist, starred review)
by Jacqui Robbins
Richard Jackson/Simon & Schuster
"When the new girl, Shakeeta, introduces herself by telling the class, "I have an iguana," Mia is intrigued. Even so, her shyness holds her back from making overtures; later, though, when a bully bars both Shakeeta and Mia from playing soccer, the pair strike up a conversation about iguanas and the girls become fast friends. Phelan's artwork breathes energy ... populating the multicultural classroom with children who are masterpieces of button noses, play-rumpled grooming, and spot-on body language. Though it's not the point of the book, the girls' interracial friendship (Mia is white; Shakeeta, African American) is a plus." (Booklist, starred review)
THE SEVEN WONDERS OF SASSAFRAS SPRINGS
by Betty G. Birney
Atheneum/Simon & Schuster
Life in Sassafras Springs has always been predictable, boring even, but one afternoon that changes when Eben McAllister's pa challenges him to find Seven Wonders in Sassafras that rival the real Seven Wonders of the World. The reward? An adventure that Eben's been craving -- a trip to Colorado.
Even doesn't think he'll have any luck -- he can't think of one single thing that could be considered wondrous in Sassafras -- but he's willing to try. Little does he know that the Wonders he'll discover among his neighbors, friends, relatives, and family will give him the adventure of a lifetime...without ever leaving his home.
by Betty G. Birney
Atheneum/Simon & Schuster
Life in Sassafras Springs has always been predictable, boring even, but one afternoon that changes when Eben McAllister's pa challenges him to find Seven Wonders in Sassafras that rival the real Seven Wonders of the World. The reward? An adventure that Eben's been craving -- a trip to Colorado.
Even doesn't think he'll have any luck -- he can't think of one single thing that could be considered wondrous in Sassafras -- but he's willing to try. Little does he know that the Wonders he'll discover among his neighbors, friends, relatives, and family will give him the adventure of a lifetime...without ever leaving his home.