book
beat
S is for
succe ss
By Stephanie E. Ponder
AN OJIBWA INDIAN LEGEND tells of two develop a complete library of children’s boo ks.
bear cubs that drown while trying to escape First, Sleeping Bear Press tapped into Michi-a Wisconsin forest fire. As the mother bear gan’s sense of state pride and released M
waits on the Lake Michigan shore, the Great Is for Mitten in 1999, an alphabet book
Spirit takes pity on her and raises her cubs up that introduces children to Michigan and
from the depths, forming Michigan’s North educates them about the state.
and South Manitou Islands. This book, too, was a hit. Sensing
When Heather Hughes, editorial and pub- that other states might also like their own
lishing director of Sleeping Bear Press, first books, the publisher produced titles for
heard the legend, she knew it had to be the Illinois and Ohio. By 2000, Sleeping
publisher’s first children’s book. Until that Bear Press had a full-fledged children’s
point, Sleeping Bear Press published golf and division. It also had a vision: to create
regional books that reflected its Chelsea, Discover America State by State—A-to-Z
Michigan, location. alphabet books for each of the 50 states,
Published in 1998, The Legend of Sleeping plus the District of Columbia.
Bear became an instant success, and was even- Once the first few books were finished, ex-tually named the official state children’s book plains Hughes, Sleeping Bear published books
for Michigan. for the bigger states to further fund the series.
The publisher built upon that success to And instead of having to find authors, inter-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 34
SLEEPING BEAR PRESS
Learning=Living
Available early February
Created more than 60 years ago, Curious George
is the silly monkey who continues to win the hearts
of children everywhere. The minute the Man
with the Yellow Hat leaves the house,
there’s bound to be trouble. Read along
with George’s adventures as you listen to
an accompanying CD.
Available now
HOUGH TON MIFFLIN COMPANY / Paperback with CD
After dancer Elaine Petrone suffered a career-ending injury to her back, she
healed herself through her unique therapy program. Now there is relief for
everyone who suffers from pain with The Miracle Ball Method.
WORKMAN PUBLISHING / Kit
Learn how creatures such as
scorpions and hornets have
inspired the design of modern-day robots. Fun kits come
complete with an educational
and instructional book that
will teach you how to build
your own creature that
actually moves! Discover the
fascinating world of scorpions,
hornets and more.
Available early February
Moving tabs on every page reveal hidden
surprises in lovable books
for little readers. Learn
interactive nursery rhymes,
count to 10 while you sail
the high seas with fearsome
pirates, play an alphabet
game with royalty and more!
PARFAI T PRESS / Board book
Available mid-February
SILVER DOLPHIN / Kit
Available early February
Encourage the joy of learning in young
readers with the Scholastic Reader
Collection Series. Each book features four
different stories in one great collection.
Choose from Funny Animals, Friends
Forever, I Spy and many more!
SCHOLAS TIC, INC. / Hardcover
Scholastic, Inc. Scholastic and associated designs are
trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Scholastic Inc.
= available at most warehouses
