Judy Cox

The Case of the Purloined Professor
Frederick is the brave one. Ishbu is the hungry one. They are lured out of their peaceful existence in Miss Dove's cage when the beautiful Natasha implores them to help rescue her father, Professor Ratinsky.

This time they travel from San Francisco to Scotland by private aeroplane, train, gondola--and meet such colorful characters as a secret clan of badgers, two vicious rat terriers, and a stuffy English show mouse. But can they save the Professor from their old nemesis--the Big Cheese?

"Cox's memorable animal characters and action-packed globe-trotting will delight fans of the previous title and newcomers alike." --Booklist

"A sequel that can stand alone, this lively adventure will appeal to able middle-grade readers who like to learn as much as Frederick does." --Kirkus Reviews

"This fast-paced story has lovable characters, humor, and unique plot twists. The author also does a great job of integrating facts about the history and cultures of the places the rats visit without intruding on the story. young readers will enjoy this high-flying, mountain-climbing adventure."
--School Library Journal

"Hilariously convoluted and beguilingly suspenseful....The book has enough adventure and romance to attract both boys and girls, enough suspense to entertain unwilling readers like Ishbu, and enough information to involve nerds like Frederick."
--Children's Literature

Pick a Pumpkin, Mrs. Millie!
In the fall, Mrs. Millie takes her kindergartners on a class trip to pick pumpkins for their harvest party. The class has fun guessing the meanings of their favorite teacher's nonsense words. They go on a dragon (wagon) rige, see a harecrow (scarecrow), pet the boats (goats) and drink apple spider (cider). What a pun-filled day!

TIME magazine Best Children's Books of 2009.

"Mrs. Millie is back and sillier than ever....Cox's wordplay is sure to amuse and entertain....A good addition to autumn storytimes." --School Library Journal

"When exuberant Mrs. Millie takes her kindergartners to the pumpkin patch, her malapropistic tendencies are in full force....Mathieu's artwork adds to the laughs, with images of 'round, orange pumas' and a busy game of 'hide and sheep' in a corn maze." --Publisher's Weekly

ONE IS A FEAST FOR MOUSE
The Thanksgiving feast is over. Leftover turkey and pumpkin pie litter the table. Mouse peeps our of his hidey-hole and spots a small green pea, the perfect feast for one mouse. Yes, one green pea, one red cranberry, one plate of mashed potatoes, and one roasted turkey--that would make a very fine feast for Mouse. But can he get it all back to his mouse table?
This warm and humorous picture book gently reminds us to give thanks for the little things.

Anne Izard Storytellers' Choice Award 2009
Nominated for Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award 2010

"Everyone will be cheering for the exuberant little mouse with the large glasses. Original and fun to read aloud, this is a marvelous blend of text and illustration--just what a good picture book should be."--Children's Literature

"This entertaining story may be a good starting point for discussions about appreciation and excess."--Booklist

"Plenty of action and humor as well as a thoroughly satisfying ending make this a wonderful holiday read-aloud."--School Library Journal

"Greed goeth before a fall...in a slapstick climax children will relish.--Kirkus Reviews

PUPPY POWER
Make way for the boss of tetherball! Fran knows she's best at everything, so who cares if nobody wants to play with her? She has Hercules, her rowdy Newfoundland puppy. She's thrilled to receive the lead part in the school play--until her teacher warns her she'd better shape up. Even worse, her parents are at the end of their rope with Hercules. Will Fran be able to keep the leading role, and her puppy?

"...the familiar situation will resonate with the early elementary set."--Kirkus Reviews

"...another entertaining novel full of believable kids with recognizable problems....With a brisk plot, short chapters and frequent pen-and-ink illustrations, this story will be a good pick for children making the transition to short novels." --Booklist

"A light tone, clear writing, action, vivid descriptions, and realistic school and family scenarios earn this book a place on library shelves."
--School Library Journal

Nominated for a Rhode Island Young Readers Award
Children's Choices List 2009

Mrs. Millie Goes to Philly!
Silly Mrs. Millie! She loves to use animal words when talking to her kindergarten class. On a class trip to Philadelphia, the kids board a platypus, hold hens with their buddies, and visit the Liberty Bull. Outrageously funny illustrations by Joe Mathieu.

"A lively book which will appeal to many listeners..."
--Children's Literature

Featured on Picture Book of the Day website. Includes suggestions on how to use this book to teach the six traits of writing.

The Tails of Frederick and Ishbu: The Mystery of the Burmese Bandicoot
When Frederick and Ishbu escape their cozy cage in Miss Dove's fifth grade classroom, they find themselves on the wildest adventure of their lives. They follow the trail of the Burmese Bandicoot, a beautiful and mysterious statue, from the underworld lair of the Big Cheese to a tropical island that may not be the paradise it seems.

"The action-packed story should readily hold readers' attention."
--Publishers Weekly

"Fast-paced and suspenseful, this is solid entertainment for the middle-grade reader."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Cox, a former elementary-school teacher, imbues the story with suspenseful action as well as interesting information about rat behavior, geography, and marine navigation."
--Booklist

"The short, action-packed chapters, engaging illustrations, and author's conversational style will attract many readers. This book would serve as an entertaining read-aloud."
--VOYA

June 2008 Kid's Choice Wellington Public Library, Wellington, New Zealand

Don't Be Silly, Mrs. Millie!
Mrs. Millie loves to tease her kindergartners. she tells them to wash their hands with soap and walrus, and sit on the bug for story time. The children think Mrs. Millie is hilarious. They have fun correcting her "mistakes." Finally, at the end of the day, they get on the octopus to go home!

"Children will love this book for its bold slapstick humor and for the way the class is able to correct the teacher's mistakes. Adding greatly to the fun are the bold, bright illustrations. Mrs. Millie looks as zany as she sounds with her bushy red hair, purple and white plaid sneakers, bright pink slacks, and yellow flowered jacket. It is very apparent that the author relates extremely well to her own kindergartners."--Sylvia Firth, Children's Literature

TIME magazine Best Children's Books of 2005
Nominated for Bill Martin, Jr. Award
Nominated for Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award

That Crazy Eddie and the Science Project of Doom
Third grader Matt teams up with his buddy, Eddie, to win first place in the science fair. when Matt finds out what Eddie told the class while Matt was out sick, he wants to blow his top just like a real volcano. Will Matt lose the science fair competition and his best friend?
Includes directions for a volcano model.

Maryland Blue Crab Honor Book


"Fast-paced and realistic, this tale rings true for its young readers." --Kirkus Reviews

"This is a light-hearted story that nonetheless deals with important questions concerning forgiveness and the meaning of friendship." --The Reading Teacher

Go to Sleep, Groundhog!

Poor Groundhog just can’t sleep. He tosses. He turns. Finally, he gets out of bed. Outside his burrow he finds amazing sights he’s never seen before: glowing jack-o’-lanterns, gobbling turkeys, and sparkling holiday lights. But shouldn’t Groundhog be in bed? Will he be awake for his big day?



A perennial favorite for Groundhog Day.

"At last, Groundhog Day finally has an irresistable story to call its own." --School Library Journal

"...a useful as well as charming answer to the scarcity of engaging material on Groundhog Day." --Booklist

Butterfly Buddies
Robin feels so ordinary next to the new girl in her third-grade class. How can Robin impress Zoey, who has pierced ears, wears tap shoes, and speaks French? Robin is sure that a cool girl like Zoey wouldn't want to be her best friend. Robin gets excited when their teacher, Miss Wing, makes the girls partners for the butterfly project. But what if Robin blows her big chance at being buddies?

"A solid school story that taps into real grade-school anxieties... with Clearyesque authenticity." --The Bulletin, Recommended

"Written in simple, highly descriptive language that brings settings and characters alive, and sprinkled with lively drawings, this warmhearted friendship story is a good choice for readers transitioning to chapter books." --Booklist

My Family Plays Music

Everyone in her family makes music. This spunky girl joins in! From jazz to rock ‘n’ roll to polkas, this young percussionist finds just the right beat for all kinds of music. Festive cut-paper art harmonizes perfectly with this soulful introduction to music.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award 2004

Nominated for a Chickadee Award from the Maine Children's Choice Picture Book Project. 2004-2005.

"A lively, colorful introduction to 10 varieties of music by a young African American girl and her contemporary family." --ALA

Weird Stories from the Lonesome Café

UFO Crashes in the Desert!

Bigfoot Grills Burgers at Desert Café!

Dorothy and Toto Blow Through Nevada!

It’s weird. It’s wacky. And it’s all being served up--with a side of fries--at the Lonesome Café.

“Delicious"--Bruce Coville

Nevada Young Readers Award 2002; ABA Pick of the Lists; Children's Choice Award, 2001; Runner-up Beverly Cleary Award 2003; Parent's Guide to Children's Media Award 2000; NEA Read Across America List

Rabbit Pirates: A Tale of the Spinach Main
Monsieur Lapin and Monsieur Blanc are retired pirates who now own the Spinach Main, a restaurant in the south of France famous for its fresh vegetables and excellent cuisine. Business is good until the day Monsieur Reynard, the fox, walks in.
What can the rabbits do? They have given up their pirate ways. but the fox is not easily discouraged. And one dark night, when the rabbits are sitting ouside on their terrace, admiring the moon...

In this utterly charming and funny story, Judy Cox and Caldecott Medalist Emily Arnold McCully create a French restaurant so convincing we can taste the crunchy vegetables and smell the geraniums. And in Rabbit Pirates they prove once and for all that the rolling pin is mightier than the sword!

"Cox's droll delivery and well-chosen details immediately transport readers to sunny southern France."--starred review in Publisher's Weekly

Now We Can Have A Wedding!
Sallie is getting married and the whole building is going to celebrate! From Mrs. Haru in 4C to Mr. Gonzales in 14B, each is planning a special contribution to the party.
As Sallie's little sister travels from apartment to apartment, she helps her neighbors prepare scrumptious wedding delicacies from around the world: tamales from Mexico, Tartar wedding pie from Russia, harmonizing steamed cakes from China, and much more. Sallie's sister wants to make something, too, but what? At the last minute she discovers that a small but important detail has been forgotten--one that can be her own special wedding surprise.

Judy Cox' jubilant tribute to wedding customs from many cultures and DyAnne DiSalvo Ryan's buoyant, intricately patterned pictures caputre the excitement of sharing a joyous occasion with friends, neighbors, and family.

"A sweet and joyful twist on weddings." --School Library Journal

June 1998 PCRRT Book of the Month
NBA Chicago Bulls Community Read list 2002

Third Grade Pet
The good news is that the third grade can buy a class pet. The bad news for Rosemary is that the kids want a rat. How gross!
There's no way Rosemary's mother will let her take a turn as keeper for a dirty, creepy animal. But Rosemary surprises herself when she begins to like Cheese, the gray and white hooded rat. Then, when Cheese's life is in danger, it's Rosemary to the rescue...if she can hide him from her family!

"The people are lively individuals capable of holding their own against Cheeky Cheese. [The book's] welcome freedom from preachiness and sound insight into grade-school psychology, and its furry appeal should keep young readers happily scampering through the pages."--The Bulletin, Recommended

"Short sentences, funny quips, and ample lighthearted art make this a smooth read--and a good choice."--Publisher's Weekly

"A comic, tender chapter book...kids enjoy the farce...the classroom scenes are as funny and immediate as those in Rosemary's home."--Booklist