Showing results by publisher "Phoenix Books" in Animals & Nature

"...there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." So says Rat, as he welcomes the lonely Mole to the community of the River. Whether messing about in boats, touring in Toad's motorcar, or simply relaxing at home, Mole, Rat, Otter, Toad, and Badger demonstrate the honorable human characteristics of kindness, patience, and tolerance toward all that have made this classic tale beloved by generations since it was first published in 1908.

Academy Award-winning actor and author Alan Arkin tells a brilliant tale in this young-adult novel, The Lemming Condition. The story is an allegory on conformity, as Bubber, a lemming, is faced with following his entire race to self-induced extinction. Bubber struggles to decide if he should participate in what appears to be an insane death walk, only to constantly be told by family and friends that this is just the way things are. The story provides a superb lesson on conformity, free thinking and personal accountability.

Young and older listeners alike will treasure this collection of Beatrix Potter's beloved animal stories, narrated by Football Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw and legendary actress, singer, dancer, and comedian Carol Channing, with musical accompaniment. Stories include tales about the adventures of four little bunnies named Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter; a terrier and a ginger cat who own a shop; a naughty squirrel who loses his tail; and two mischievous mice and a doll house.

Young listeners will adore these two inspirational children's stories that are accompanied by original music. The History of Christmas: In this charming metaphor about the discovery of self-worth and the following of one's destiny, a grandfather tells the story of Jesus' birth and how he found his star. The Smallest Mouse in Town convinces himself that he is a giant, and in the end, he proves that the most important thing is to be who you are no matter what. After all, liking yourself is one of life's most important lessons.

A naughty white kitten, Sagwa, comes from a long line of royal Chinese cats. Her mischief changes the spirit of a cruel magistrate and helps shape the future for her ancestors. This beautiful story illustrates why Siamese cats are really Chinese cats and why their faces, ears, paws, and tails turn darker as they grow up.

Children will love these four original stories of heroism and courage brought to life by four immense talents...Jack Lemmon, Burt Reynolds, Martin Short, and Jean Smart.

It is business as usual down at the Digby, Wisconsin fire house until the day that eight year old Matty, the fire dog, gives birth to seven beautiful puppies. Six of the puppies are perfect in every way, but the seventh has a bad leg. As the chief says, "That poor old dog. It looks like he's got a bad digit" And that's how Digit got his name.

Each little sea pig is confident that his house is the strongest. But the real question is, whose will survive the big, bad sea wolf? This classic tale will capture children's interest and spark their imagination.

The Ugly Duckling tells the tale of a duckling abandoned and deserted because he was different. Despite trying to make friends, the ugly duckling is laughed at and rejected by just about everyone he meets. Then one day the ugly duckling comes across a number of beautiful razorbills swimming in the ocean. It is here that he discovers his real identity, seeing his own reflection in the water. He had grown into a beautiful razorbill, too, and had never been an ugly duckling after all.

The Selfish Giant focuses on a garden surrounding a castle occupied by a giant octopus. While the giant octopus is off visiting his friend the Squid Ogre, young fish play in the garden; when he returns, he chases them away and builds a high wall around the garden to keep out all trespassers. Winter comes to call, and a perpetual bleak chill settles on the garden. The giant octopus grows increasingly lonely until the young fish find their way back in, and break the spell that keeps spring out.

Abigail (the woodmouse), Russell (the hedgehog), Edgar (the mole), and Michelle (the badger)—known to their teacher as the Furlings—come face-to-face with dangers unintentionally brought to their forest world by the human pursuit of "progress." These woodland friends race against time to and work together as a team to help a friend in need. This exciting audio tale is based on the children's film Once Upon a Forest, produced by Hanna-Barbera studios.

When Yellow Dog saved a boy from drowning, he became a canine hero. But now dog and boy are in danger again, alone in the wilderness after a boat trip separates them from the boy's father and leaves them stranded in the Canadian wilderness. This time, it's the boy's turn to become a hero, and with a little help from this former stray dog, he uses his best judgment in a brave attempt to get home. In this compelling story of loyalty and adventure—as read by actress Mimi Rogers, who appears in the film version—the boy and Yellow Dog become partners in survival and friends for life.