Tony Johnston

Twelve-year-old Manuel leaves his small town in Mexico to join his older brother in Los Angeles. To cross the US border, he must become a "beast rider"—someone who hops on a train. The first time he tries, he is stopped by the Mexican police, who arrest and beat him. When he tries again, he is attacked by a Mexican gang and left for dead. Just when Manuel is ready to turn back, he finds new hope. Villagers clothe and feed him, help him find

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The antics of ten fat turkeys on a fence illustrate counting from ten to one.

Rabbit outwits Coyote in this Zapotec tale which explains why coyotes howl at the moon.

A huge mosquito keeps Zeke and Zelda awake, until Zelda finds a way to quiet the persistent pest.

Two good friends, Possum and Alien, spend time together celebrating their birthdays, discovering their uniqueness, and hanging out together in a tree.

As the heat of the desert day fades into night, various nocturnal animals, including bats, coyotes, and snakes, venture out to find food.

When jellyfish brothers Spencer and Vincent are separated during a big storm, it will take the help of many friends and all of their brotherly love to reunite them.

"Using the alphabet, Mexico is introduced in this picture book using poetry and detailed expository text. A through Z topics include: adobe, Diego Rivera, Lady of Guadalupe, lava, prickly pear, and skeleton"--Provided by publisher.