Many of our books at Crescendo Press are designed to “hook” early readers on stories that amplify character. We were fortunate to acquire the portfolio of a featured author and have continued to work with her to produce deliciously infectious stories that inspire young readers.
We encourage to pick up any (or all) of the following titles:
What’s Wrong with Wolfsbane?
Tami Brumbaugh
Everyone knows when Wolfsbane gets stressed, mad, or sad. Tantrums erupt, chairs fly, and everyone around him is on edge. His wolf pack feels powerless when he is around and they wish he would just stay home. One day, they discover the source of his pain and find that a little compassion makes a big difference.
Explore the zones of regulation as Wolfsbane and his pack learn strategies to manage big emotions.
Snap Back
Tami Brumbaugh
Ruby the rubber band isn’t long and strong enough to twang on the stage. How disappointing! It’s a good thing she has a song to remind her that “this is okay”. She stumbles on failures and sadness, but soon discovers that learning from mistakes and snapping back after sadness helps her stretch and grow. Where does stretching lead her? What other lesson could she possibly learn? This story about resilience combines the image of a rubber band with a positive song that will get stuck in your head.
The Lion In You
Tami Brumbaugh
Winston is a clever cat, but sometimes he hides from adventure. Hiking, sailing, or soccer? No, thank you! He is a prisoner of fear. A school musical is approaching. He wants to participate, but what if he makes a mistake or fails? A simple act of bravery results in a clump of hair sprouting from his head. Showing courage makes more hair pop out of his chin. What is going on? Follow Winston on his journey from fear to courage and learn how to find the lion in you!
Monotone
Tami Brumbaugh
The G notes stick with their own kind. Trouble brews when Gus, a G note, becomes friends with Eva, an E note. The other treble clef line notes expose G note prejudice and in the process discover their own need for accepting others. This story will help teach treble clef note names. More importantly, it will show the importance of embracing differences. The musical notes prove that we are better together. The story and songs feature boomwhacker colors for those who want to add extra fun.
Looking for the Good
Tami Brumbaugh
What do you do when a pandemic changes your life? Rumors turn into reality, and the whole world spins out of control. School buildings, libraries, and stores shut down. Events are cancelled. Social distancing becomes the norm. Chai is understandably concerned, even a little anxious. Is there anything he can control? How can he find peace in uncertain times?
Part of the Pack
Tami Brumbaugh
Timber is a lone wolf longing to be part of the pack. But what will it take? He attempts becoming like everyone else, but he still isn’t accepted or happy. Following wise advice and some trial and error, he learns a valuable lesson about teamwork and how his unique gifts can build others up to make his school a remarkable place.
Meraki
Tami Brumbaugh
Have you met a Meraki? These shy creatures live in homes and classrooms, helping with all their soul, creativity, and love. But beware—if children don’t do their part, the sweet creatures will become overwhelmed and leave. What can you do to keep a Meraki?
Under the Armor
Tami Brumbaugh
How can a simple desire become so complicated? Baxter craves a slice of pepperoni pizza and a bowl of blueberries. Communicating his request becomes a journey in itself, due to his autistic armor. Why can’t the guards just understand what he wants? Frustration turns to hope when he finds Harmony Castle.
Calm the Quills
Tami Brumbaugh
It makes your stomach churn and heart beat faster. It causes shaking and dizziness. Anxiety can invade your life and overwhelm you. Stella is especially anxious about her new school and new foster parents. When a porcupine is anxious, those quills can cause extra trouble. It is up to a tiny jerboa to pass along some calming advice to help them both.
Monsterella
Tami Brumbaugh
This is not your typical princess story. Unlike other fairy-tale princesses, Ella is not a classic beauty. She is truly a monster. Ella is discouraged with her appearance, but when she finds her mom sick in bed, she stops thinking of herself. Ella works diligently to assist her mother. In the end, her true inner beauty shines through.
Made Special
Tami Brumbaugh
A cow with a giraffe’s neck? A dog with an elephant’s trunk? This book is full of animals that are super silly. You would look silly with a body part that belonged to someone else. This book is a powerful reminder to readers everywhere that you are made special.
Kuntent
Tami Brumbaugh
Kuntent is a frog’s tale from contentment to resentment and back again. A tree frog named Kuntent is happy with his simple life until his friends introduce him to objects he believes he can’t live without. He begins an odyssey to a nearby store, where he finds all the things he hopes will make him happy. His enjoyment is crushed by an injury and capture. How can he progress from sad to satisfied?
Paeshunt
Tami Brumbaugh
Burrow underground for seventeen years? A cicada named Paeshunt rejects the notion. He has the world to explore and bugs to see, and he wants to do it now. Several narrow escapes force him to examine his impulsive plan. With the help of his friends, he learns that life is much safer and sweeter when he is patient.
Jenurus
Tami Brumbaugh
Time to hide! The collection wagon is coming. A chipmunk named Jenurus loves to gather food but resents having to share. He is stingy when asked to help fellow rodents. A predator pushes him over the edge, and Jenurus is now the one in need of assistance. After benefiting from the kindness of others, Jenurus discovers the joy in being generous.
Trouble Spot
Tami Brumbaugh
Oh, the sting looking different can bring. Leah struggles with the treatment she receives for her appearance. She seeks the solitude of the creek behind her house and instead encounters an unusual unicorn. The unicorn has challenges of its own and understands her pain. Together they devise a plan to build their confidence and to increase sensitivity in others.