Lotsa de Casha is the richest - and most miserable - man in the world. No matter how colossal his castles, how fast his horses, nor how big his sandwiches, he remains a gloomy old sourpuss. He is willing to pay any price for happiness, but realizes that it cannot be bought. Then one day, when he finds himself penniless and far from home, a gruff stranger helps him out and teaches him the secret to happiness. The soft, pastel tones of muralist, Rui Paes's palette, bring to life the whimsical world of Lotsa de Casha. Retail price $19.95.

Abdi is a little boy who has been given a very big task. He is to deliver the most precious necklace in the world - made by Eli, his teacher and a master jeweler - to the queen. Along the way he is robbed in the desert, thrown in a dungeon, and has a surprising encounter with a snake. But no matter what obstacles he faces, Abdi never gives up hope, believing that everything we have been given in life is always for the best. He is guided by Eli's wise words, "The power of certainty is without limits." The intricate and exotic paintings by husband-and-wife illustrators, Olga Dugina and Andrej Dugin, take readers into Abdi's world of snake charmers and flying carpets. Retail price $19.95.

In a small village in Russia, Yakov, the kindly cobbler, and his wife, Olga, are heartbroken. Their only son, Mikhail, is dying. Doctors cannot help them, so they seek the advice of a wise old man at the edge of their village. This sage enlists the help of Vladimir the Villian, Sadko the Snake, Boris the Barefoot Midget, Stinky Pasha, Petra the Pickpocket, Ivan the Arsonist and Igor the Tiger - seven thieves who must pick the trickiest lock in order to save the child's life. They humorously prove that miracles can occur by embracing good deeds. The old-world style of renowned children's book illustrator, Gennady Spirin, is perfectly suited to the Eastern European setting and compassionate nature of this story. Retail price $19.95.

Mr. Peabody's Apples, a story about the power of words and the importance of teachers, is written for readers aged 6 and up, and illustrated by Loren Long, a brilliant young newcomer to the world of children's picture books. It takes place in 1949 in Happville, USA. Mr. Peabody, the beloved elementary school teacher and baseball coach, one day finds himself ostracized when rumors about him spread through the small town. Mr. Peabody silences the gossip with an unforgettable and poignant lesson about how we must choose our words carefully to avoid causing harm to others. Madonna dedicates Mr. Peabody's Apples to teachers everywhere. Retail price $19.95.

The English Roses is a story of rivalry and friendship among schoolgirls in contemporary London. Nicole, Amy, Charlotte, and Grace are the very best of friends and do everything together. They are all a little bit jealous of Binah, a beautiful girl in their neighborhood who has a seemingly perfect life. When a feisty, pumpernickel-loving fairy godmother takes them on a magical journey, they learn to their great surprise that Binah's life is not nearly as enviable as it had seemed. The English Roses is an inspiring story about the importance of compassion and the rewards of friendship. Full of whimsical, colorful illustrations by renowned fashion artist, Jeffrey Fulvimari, the book will appeal to readers aged six and up. Retail price $19.95.