A goofy and lonely denizen of the jungle has just one talent — scaring other creatures with his big, scary teeth! What would he do without them? Deep in the jungle lurks Alan the alligator, descended from a long line of very scary alligators. He prepares carefully — polishing his scales, brushing each of his big, scary teeth, and practicing his frightening faces — then sneaks into the jungle to terrorize the jungle critters. (“I’m big, scary Alan! Fear my razor-sharp teeth!”) But after a long day of scaring, Alan likes nothing better than to enjoy the crossword, run a warm mud bath, and take out his teeth, which nobody else knows are false. Until one morning, when Alan wakes up and finds that his teeth are gone! Without those teeth, he’s just not very scary, and scaring is the only thing he knows how to do. Or is it? Witty, charming, and playful storytelling will have preschoolers cheering for Alan as he discovers a new way to fit in.

A goofy and lonely denizen of the jungle has just one talent -- scaring other creatures with his big, scary teeth! What would he do without them? Deep in the jungle lurks Alan the alligator, descended from a long line of very scary alligators. He prepares carefully -- polishing his scales, brushing each of his big, scary teeth, and practicing his frightening faces -- then sneaks into the jungle to terrorize the jungle critters. ("I'm big, scary Alan! Fear my razor-sharp teeth!") But after a long day of scaring, Alan likes nothing better than to enjoy the crossword, run a warm mud bath, and take out his teeth, which nobody else knows are false. Until one morning, when Alan wakes up and finds that his teeth are gone! Without those teeth, he's just not very scary, and scaring is the only thing he knows how to do. Or is it? Witty, charming, and playful storytelling will have preschoolers cheering for Alan as he discovers a new way to fit in.

"Alan is very scary. He says things like 'I'm big, scary Alan! Fear my razor-sharp teeth!' But all is not as it seems. Alan, you see, has a very BIG (not-so-scary) secret"--Front jacket flap.

Picture-book maven Jarvis brings his subtle wit and charm to the chapter-book realm with this set of stories about a most endearing pair. Bear didn’t really like the painting. I mean, look at it. But he liked Bird a lot, and it would remind him of her . . . Bear and Bird are best friends, and they spend a lot of time together. They don’t always understand each other, but both agree that all they want is for their friend to be happy. So when Bear forgets the most important thing to pack for a picnic (but pretends that he didn’t), Bird doesn’t let on that she knew all along. And when Bird is upset to discover her friend has more of a certain talent than she does, Bear finds a touching way to make her feel better. Whether it’s the tale of a missing Bird and a “talking” flower that has Bear bewildered or that of a blanket whose irresistible coziness inspires a comic misunderstanding, Jarvis’s well-honed timing combines with gentle humor and genuine affection that will have readers eager for more.

Jarvis's witty humor is on display as Bear and Bird, unlikely best friends, return in a second collection of tender, charmingly illustrated stories. "OK," said Bird. "I'll be on this rock. I promise I won't wander off. I'll stay on the rock." And she did. Even when it grew legs . . . and a little head. Bear and Bird are the best of friends, but yesterday they had a falling out. And although they can't quite remember why, each is sure that a new best friend is now in order. If Bear sends an anonymous letter floating down the river, will it be found by someone nice--someone with whom he has as much in common as he did with Bird? In this quartet of tales, the endearing duo is back to show that even friends who sometimes get their wires crossed can always be each other's best supporter--whether making plans to meet that go comically awry, baking hideously inedible surprise cakes, or savoring a starlit moment together (and getting carried away with wishes for just one more thing to make it perfect). With his signature subtle wit, irresistible art, and an underlying affection, Jarvis draws newly independent readers into a sweet friendship for the ages.

Jarvis offers a moving tale of friendship, kindness, and acceptance, softly touching on the subjects of illness or hardship in a way that young children can understand. Everyone likes David, the boy with flowers in his hair. He's sweet and gentle, just like his colorful petals. David and his best friend have a great time together, finding the good puddles, making up songs, and running away from the bees. But one day David comes to school wearing a hat, and he is quiet. When he takes off the hat, his bright petals flutter down like butterflies. Now, where his flowers were looks twiggy and prickly, causing the other children to stay away. But David's best friend has an idea--a way to help David get his color back, wielding paintbrushes and plenty of love. Sensitively told and simply illustrated, Jarvis's story invites even the youngest children to talk about difficult subjects in an age-appropriate way--and feel inspired to support others when they face trying times.

Can Flo follow Daddy Duck on their outing, or will she get distracted? A lively read-aloud and visual treat from author-illustrator Jarvis. When Flo and her daddy go to visit a relative's new nest, Daddy Duck says Flo must follow him or she'll get lost. Together, they sing a song with all the directions for the journey -- up, down, in, and out. But Flo starts to make up her own words, and soon she gets so carried away that she wanders off. Oh, no -- now a fox is following Flo! Where is Daddy Duck? What are the words to his song again? Jarvis's cheerful illustrations and charming text will have young readers following and singing along with Flo.

Can Flo follow Daddy Duck on their outing, or will she get distracted? A lively read-aloud and visual treat from author-illustrator Jarvis. When Flo and her daddy go to visit a relative’s new nest, Daddy Duck says Flo must follow him or she’ll get lost. Together, they sing a song with all the directions for the journey — up, down, in, and out. But Flo starts to make up her own words, and soon she gets so carried away that she wanders off. Oh, no — now a fox is following Flo! Where is Daddy Duck? What are the words to his song again? Jarvis’s cheerful illustrations and charming text will have young readers following and singing along with Flo.

Dave is a dog. Dave is a dog who loves to sleep all day long. Lilly thinks Dave is the laziest dog in the world! But maybe Dave isn't as lazy as Lilly thinks. . . . Find out what Dave really does all day in this debut picture book from author-illustrator Jarvis!