Wither

WITHER By: Lauren DeStefano
Because of genetic engineering, makes are only living to the age of twenty-five and females are dying at the age of twenty.
To keep the population from dying out, girls are being kidnapped and sold into marriages. When Rhine is taken, she finds herself in a world of privilege, wealth, and terrible secrets. Despite the genuine love of her hew husband and the trust of her sister wives, Rhine is desperate to regain her freedom. So, with the help of a cute servant boy named Gabriel, Rhine begins to formulate the terrible sickness that infects every girl of that age. Ages 14 and up Simon and Schuster Reviewed by Maggie

Iron Thorn

IRON THORN By: Caitlin Kittredge
Aoife Grayson has just a few weeks until she turns sixteen, the age when everyone in her family goes mad. Determined to fight the madness, Aoife escapes from her boarding school with best friend Cal and an outlaw guide named Dean and sets out to find her father. But what she finds instead is a world full of forbidden magic and a dark secret that has haunted the Grayson family for generations. Now Aoife must unravel the dark plotting of an evil Fae called Tremaine and save her city before she turns sixteen and her mind surrenders to the madness. Ages 12 and up. $17.99 Delacorte Press Reviewed by Maggie February 2011

Tiger's Curse

TIGER'S CURSE By: Colleen Houck
The last thing Kelsey thought she'd be doing this summer was trying to break a three hundred year old curse with a mysterious tiger named Ren, halfway around the world in India. She did not think that she would have to face dark magic, dangerous prophecies and mysterious worlds where nothing is as it seems. Kelsey honestly didn't expect to risk her life to break a tiger's curse. But that's exactly what happened. there goes her plans for a normal summer vacation. Ages 12 and up. $17.95 Sterling Reviewed by Maggie

Across the Universe

ACROSS THE UNIVERSE By: Beth Revis
Amy was supposed to be asleep for three hundred years. She was supposed to wake up with her parents when they landed on another planet far in the future. That's what she had signed up for. But Amy wakes up fifty years before their spaceship is scheduled to land. Now she is stuck on Godspeed, a spaceship governed by strange rules and inhabited by even stranger people. Amy soon realizes that her awakening was no mistake; some one on board was trying to kill her. Amy must unlock Godspeed's secrets and save her parents before it's too late and Amy ends up lost in space forever. Ages 12 and up.
$17.99 Ravorbill Reviewed by Maggie Age 16 Coming March 2011

SIXTY-EIGHT ROOMS By: Marianne Malone
Deep in the Art Institute in Chicago live the Thorne Rooms. These fabulous rooms are in miniature. When Ruthie and Jack's class visit the
museum they find a key that is magical. So begins the adventure of two kids who find that if Ruthie holds the key in her hand she can shrink and be able to go into the rooms. But the adventure wouldn't be right if she had to go by herself, so holding Jack's hand they travel in the rooms. But these are not ordinary rooms, for if you go outside on the balcony you are magically transported to another time. Go on these exciting adventures in history with two feisty, gutsy kids. Loved it! Ages 8-12 Random House $16.99

DEAD BEAUTIFUL By: Yvonne Woon
Renee had the perfect life, a great best friend, understanding parents, and the cutest boy in school for a boyfriend. She never dreamed that one day she would be attending Gottefried Academy after a mysterious accident leaves her in the care of her grandfather. It is at Gottefried that she meets Dante Berlin, a mysterious boy with an even more mysterious past. But Dante is not the only7 mystery at Gottefried. Students keep disappearing and the teachers are definitely hiding something. As Renee begins to uncover the schools secrets, she finds herself in grave danger. and its not from who she suspects. Mysterious and suspenseful, Dead beautiful will leave you wanting more. Ages 12 up. Hyperion $16.99 Reviewed by Maggie

CLOAKED By: Alex Finn
Johnny had always wanted an adventure. Working at his family's shoe repair business, he had always found is life rather boring. But the Princess Victoriana enters the picture his life is turned up0side down. Before he knows What's happening he is engaged to the Princess, rescuing a frog Prince form the clutches of an evil witch, traveling the world and taking advice from talking animals. Now Johnny has everything he has ever dreamed of, but is it really all its cracked up to be? Join Johnny as he embarks on an adventure of a lifetime and discovers that nothing is as it seems. Ages 12 and up. HarperTeen $16.99 Reviewed by: Maggie

WILDTHORN By: Jane Eagland
Seventeen-year-old Louisa Corgrove was tired of her life as the daughter of a Victorian doctor. She longed to move to London and follow in the footsteps of her brother, but her dreams soon become nightmares when she is sent to Wildthorn Hall, an insane asylum, instead. Louisa is labeled a lunatic and stripped of all of her possessions, even her real name. And the longer she is Wildthorn the more she begins to unravel the betrayals and lies that led to her imprisonment. Louisa must find a way to escape before her time runs out and she looses herself to the horrors of Wild thorn Hall. Ages 14 and up $16.00 Houghton Mifflin
Reviewed by Maggie

FLIP By: Martyn Bedford
Alex was normal before he woke up in another boys body. He might not have been the most popular guy in school, but at least he knew who he was. Now he really has no clue. He's lost and confused and everyone keeps calling him Flip. Alex soon discovers that his soul has moved into this boy Flip's body, which stinks because that means that Flip is probably stuck in his body too. But the truth is Alex's body is in a coma and Flip's soul is trying desperately to get back into his. Now Alex has to make a choice as to what's more important; his life or Flip's? Ages 14 and up Wendy Lamb 4/5/2011 $16.99 Reviewed by: Maggie

JASPER JONES By: Craig Silvey
Jasper Jones was a thief and a liar. Or so thirteen year old Charlie Bucktin was told. but despite all of the warnings Charlie still followed him to his secret grove late one summer night where he discovered something horrible, a girl named Laura Wishart hanging dead from a tree. Jasper swears that he did not kill her and enlists Charlie to help him find who did. But the deeper the boys dig the more dangerous things become. the boys soon realize that everything is not as it seems and find that Laura's murderer is last person that anyone would suspect. Ages 12 and up ( rated PG-13 for strong language).
Knopf 4/5/2011 $16.99 Reviewed by: Maggie

SCORCH TRIALS BY: James Dashner
The sequel to The Maze Runner. Thomas and his friends thought that they were safe, but they were wrong. Their escape from the maze was just another part of the test that the evil organization WICKED has created and now they are in more trouble than ever before. They have to cross the Scorch, the hottest place in the world, in two weeks in order to get the cure to a terrible disease that has infected them all. But crossing the Scorch is going to be anything but easy with WICKED involved and the farther the boys get, the more they realize that the Scorch Trials are just the beginning. They have a long way to go if they want to be cured and an even longer way to go if they want to stop WICKED. Ages 12 and up Delacorte $17.99 Reviewed by Maggie

IMMORTAL BELOVED By: Cate Tiernan

Nastasya is over four-hundred years old. She is a spoiled party girl and has seen a lot in her immortal life, but is still caught off guard when she witnesses her best friend torture an innocent human being. Frightened she flees to a place called River's Edge where she begins to learn how to control her immortal magic. But the more she learns about magic the more she learns about herself, which may not be a good thing. Nastasya is in danger from dark immortals, one of which is living just a few doors sown from her at River's Edge. The worst part is she may be falling in love with him. The first book of Immortals series. Ages 12 up $16.99 Little Brown

Juvenile Detention, Something Like Hope, Novel

SOMETHING LIKE HOPE By: Shawn Goodman
Shavonne is only seventeen, yet she has seen more and experienced more than any seventeen year old should. She currently lives in a juvenile detention center. With the help of Mr. Delpopolol, Shavonne learns to understand that her behavior is destructive. She finally begins to unravel the truth about her crack head mother, a baby she had that went straight into foster care, and a younger brother, Marcus. But the inmates and staff at the center take their tole on Shavonne and you keep hoping everything will be okay. The language is powerful, but it makes the story believable. I couldn't put it down. Ages 14 up $16.99 Delacorte Press

Young Fredle, By Cynthia Voigt, Novel

YOUNG FREDLE By: Cynthia Voigt
Even though this books isn't coming out till January of 2011, I wanted to let you know how truly adventurous it will be for your family.
Fredle is a house mouse, living in the wall with his family. They only forage for food at night when it is safer. Then one day the unthinkable happens. Fredle and Axle eat too much of something they aren't sure what, but it makes them really sick. Fredle is sent off by his family, for know one that is sick is allowed to remain. From there is adventures begin. He is an outside mouse now. Will he make it on his own, with raccoons, cats, snakes and other predators. An engaging story that will have your children on the edge of their seats. Ages 8-12 $16.99 Knopf
On a personal note, I would read this out loud to my younger children, for they would appreciate the story.

The Familiars, Wizards, Fantasy

THE FAMILIARS By: Adam Epstein & Andrew Jacobson
Aldwyn is an ordinary alley cat who survives by stealing food. One day he is caught and narrowly escapes. But his troubles are hardly over for he is being chased by Grimslade a bounty hunter. When running away he ends up in another place he is unfamiliar with. While escaping he ends up in a pet store, or should I say a shop who sells familiars to loyals. He is soon purchased for Jack a young wizard in training. There he meets two other familiars, Skylar a blue jay, and Gregory a tree frog. Thus begins an adventure you won't forget. The book will keep you intrigued to the last page. Ages 8-12 $16.99 Harper September 2010

Rose Cottage Tales, Emily Bearn, Tumtum and Nutmeg Novel

ROSE COTTAGE TALES By: Emily Bearn
Tumtum and Nutmeg live in Nuthouse hall. The holidays are approaching and
the children in the house are worried they won't get a present again this year. So Tumtum and Nutmeg go to Baron Toymouse to see if he will let them have a gifts for Lucy and Arthur. But he has other ideas. This tale will be a delight for your children. And there is a Seaside Surprise too.
Ages 8-12 $16.99 Little Brown

The Candymakers, Chocolate, Novel Ages 8-12

THE CANDYMAKERS By: Wendy Mass
This delightful novel has four wonderful characters who are competing to create the next delicious chocolate morsel. Logan is the candymaker's son, Miles who is allergic to many things, Daisy, who has muscles anyone would be excited to have, and Philip who doesn't even eat chocolate. What you get is mouthwatering adventure with suspense and surprises. Ages 8-12 $16.99 Little Brown

Before I Fall, Young Adult Novel, Lauren Oliver

BEFORE I FALL By: Lauren Oliver

If you had the chance to relive the last day of your life, what would you do? Samantha Kingston died in a terrible car crash, but she still wakes up the next morning. Confused and angry, Sam now has to relive the last day of her life until she gets it right. This is a must read novel.

Ages 15 up $17.99 Harper Teens

Reviewed by Maggie age 15

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares, Young Adult, Racheal Cohn and David Levithan

DASH AND LILY'S BOOK OF DARES By: Racheal Cohn and David Levithan
Dash and Lily live in different worlds. They would have never met if it wasn't for a little red moleskin notebook hidden amongst the dusty books of The Strand. Now their lives are irreversibly tied as they run around New York City, fulfilling each others dares and causing all sorts of chaos. But is their romance real or is it a fantasy conjured up by the little red moleskin notebook. Teens $16.99 Knopf
Review by Maggie age 15

Crazy, Young Adult, Han Nolan

CRAZY By: Hans Nolan
Fifteen isn't to old to have imaginary friends, right? Jason Papadopoulos doesn't think so. He talks to them all the time. But with his mom dead and his dad being over come by his mental illness, Jason needs all the support her can get. Well written and funny, Crazy is a great coming of age novel. Teens $17.00 Harcourt
Reviewed by Maggie age 15

THE SECRET OF KA By: Christopher Pike
Sara didn't know what to expect when she agreed to move to Istanbul for the summer, but it certainly wasn't this. Magic carpets, evil genies, cute Turkish boys, and danger galore. Hold on because you are in for an adventure of a lifetime. Teens. $16.00 Harcourt
Reviewed by Maggie age 15

THE ENEMY By: Charlie Higson
After a mysterious illness plagues the world, only kids under the age of sixteen remain unaffected from disease. Many people have died, but a small group of children in London join together to fight the zombie like adults as they travel to Buckingham Palace where they have been promised safety and shelter. But all is not as it seems. An exciting thriller for ages 12 and up. Hyperion $16.99
Reviewed by Maggie age 15

TYGER TYGER By: Kersten Hamilton
When Fin Mac Cumhail arrives on her doorstep, Tegan Wylitson's life takes a turn for the weird. Now she must fight off evil cat-like monsters and wicked goblins as she journeys into an unknown world to save her father and discover her true identity. Watch your back because the goblins are coming in this must read new novel. Teens $17.00 Clarion

I am so fortunate to have a young adult reading some of the novels this is one of her reviews. Maggie is 15.

Cooking with Kids, Sweet Treats

SWEET TREATS WILLIAMS-SONOMA
I love to bake with children. The math alone is worth the experience.
Measuring, stirring, getting flour everywhere and laughing, because they are having so much fun. This book will give it all to you. Kid classics, baked
delights, cookie jar, frozen wonders, and favorite beverages. They even
show the children how to clean up their mess! So this summer
when you don't have anything to do with your children, pull out
this wonderful book and roll up you sleeves.
$19.95 Free Press

Crafts, Kids

ROSIE O'DONNELL'S CRAFTY U
Summer is coming and I plan on spending as much time with my grandchildren. This is a great book that has so many projects you can do with your children. It has crafts for all the seasons and holidays. Rainy day activities and just plain fun.
We have made exploding soap bombs, friends forever bracelets, party pinwheels, ocean in a jar, and we can't wait to make more. The book is loaded with ideas that will make any day special with your child.
$21.95 Simon and Schuster

Cooking with Kids, Fun Food,

FUN FOOD WILLIAMS-SONOMA
There is nothing more wonderful than a great cookbook for children.
This summer I have chosen a few books to spend some time with my grandchildren. I plan on teaching them to cook. My children were always in the kitchen with me and today they are great cooks. What a wonderful thing to pass on to the next generation. Ian my ten year old grandson has chosen a few recipes from this wonderful book. He wants to start off with the GLAZED BABY BACK RIBS. It has all the ingredients listed and the tools one will need in the kitchen. The photo's of what you should do, chopping the garlic, boiling the glaze, coat and cook the ribs, remove the ribs and then brown them. I can hardly wait to make them with him. The recipes in this book will add wonderful time with your children, but also help you serve balanced meals.
$19.95 Free Press

Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars, Author Appearance, Sharon Lovejoy

SHARON LOVEJOY

AUTHOR OF: TOAD COTTAGES AND SHOOTING STARS

WILL BE AUTOGRAPHING HER BOOKS AT CHANDLER CAFE, IN SYLVANIA, OHIO

JUNE 12TH AT 1:30

BOOKS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE. GREAT IDEAS FOR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS TO DO WITH THEIR CHILDREN.

SHARON WILL BE GIVING A PRESENTATION.

PLEASE COME, CALL MARCIA 419-461-2665 FOR MORE INFORMATION IF NEEDED, OR TO RESERVE YOUR COPY.

I Am Number Four, Pittacus Lore, Aliens, Young Adult Literature

I AM NUMBER FOUR By: Pittacus Lore
What would you do if your planet was destroyed by an alien force, and you were taken as a youngster to live on earth. Your name is Number 4, but you don't go by that name, you go with a name that will fit into Earth's society. Your guardian Henri makes sure you are safe, moving all the time so the alien force won't kill you too. They can only kill in numerical order, so far you are safe, but quickly you are the next target. The possibilities that other civilizations exist is within our grasp, and you are glued to the pages to see what happens next. Ages 14 up
$17.99 Release date August 2010 Harper

Storyteller, Patricia Reilly Giff, Revolutionary War

STORYTELLER By: Patricia Reilly Giff
This book isn't even out on the market until September, 2010. But I had to let you know how inspiring it was to read. Elizabeth is a young girl being raised by her father. Dad is an artist and is going away to Australia to show his carvings. Elizabeth is going to have to stay with an Aunt she doesn't know and go to another school. Dad says it is time for her to learn about her mother's family. Little does Elizabeth know that it will change her forever. In the hallway of Libby's home is a sketch of a young girl, undeniably her relative. Only the drawing is two hundred years old. Thus begins the story of both girls, going back to the time of the war and the present. It is fascinating how their lives are parallel even in this day and age. A must read, with history intertwined so you feel like you are in the time period. Ages 8-14
$15.99 Wendy Lamb Books

On another note, I met Pat when my youngest daughter Beth was in elementary school. It was at the Young Author's Conference at the University of Toledo. Herb Sandberg was the professor that brought literature to life for the teachers in our community and also the children. Well Herb had a party at his home and my reluctant Beth was going to the conference. Pat told her she would be her Grandmother and take her out with her at the conference. I can still hear Beth say "Your too young to be my Grandmother!" So Pat said she would be her aunt. That is a treasured memory. I still have the picture of the two of them together. Beth loved her Polk Street Series and had a reading disability. She worked hard to read her books and actually asked Herb to bring her here. Thus made a wonderful memory for all of us. Beth loved to share books with other children. Though she died in a car crash at the age of seventeen, the memories with Pat will live on just like Pat's stories. Beth became a tutor for Interact at her high school. She knew the value of reading and wanted to pass it on. What a wonderful legacy for a beautiful young lady. Marcia

Wide- Awake Princess, Fairy Tales, Enchantment, Novel

THE WIDE-AWAKE PRINCESS By: E.D. Baker
Princess Annie is the younger sister Princess Gwen. Annie has know special powers, for the fairies made sure no magical powers could touch her. Her sister is the most beautiful princess in the land and has a curse upon her from one of the fairies. When she is sixteen she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel and sleep for a hundred years. (Sleeping Beauty) So goes this enchanting story of Annie, trying to get a prince to wake up her sister. Along the way she stumbles on other familiar fairy tales. The book is very clever and a humorous read. Ages 10-14 $16.99 Bloomsbury

Three Balck Swans, Twins?, Mystery

THREE BLACK SWANS By: Caroline B. Cooney
Missy and Claire are cousins and best friends.
They are only two months apart in age and
spend every weekend together. One day their
science teacher assigns a project. It is supposed to
be a hoax, something that could really happen. Well Missy decides that Claire should come to her school dressed exactly alike and they will tell everyone they are twins. Not only do they look alike, but they are identical. Could they really be twins? The two are video taped and posted on You Tube. Well talk about opening a can of worms. Well I won't tell you anymore, you'll just have to read this book. Fantastic! Ages 12 up $17.99 Delacorte Press

THE OTHER HALF OF MY HEART By: Sundee T. Frazier
Once in a great while a book comes along that sort of jolts you into thinking could this be possible? Keira and Minna are twin daughters of an interracial couple. When the girls are born they even made the news. For Keira is black like Mama and Minna is white like her Daddy. They live in the Pacific Northwest and are best of friends. Then their African American grandmother wants to enter then in the Miss Black Pearl Pre-Teen competition in North Carolina. Minna Finally realizes how different she is in this community. Will they be able to face those differences? Ages 9-12 $16.99 Delacorte Press

Hamster Magic, Humor

HAMSTER MAGIC By: Lynne Jonell
There are four children in this family. One is, let's say the
runt of the family. Celia is sick of being the baby of the'
family. So when they find out they have a a hamster
that can not only talk, but can grant one hamster like
wish, Celia blurts out she wishes she could be big.
Mush to her surprise she is now a giant hamster!
Will she ever be able to be human again? You will
just have to read the book to find out. Ages 6-9
$12.99 Random House books for young readers

Fast and Furriest, humor, boy book

FAST AND THE FURRIEST By: Andy Behrens

Kevin Pugh is 12 years old and he spends most of his time in the basement playing video games and sitting next to his dog Cromwell. Cromwell is part beagle and part coach potato dog. One day he sees a dog show on television and Cromwell goes crazy. He is overweight and hardly moves, but he is determined to do all the things the dog did in the agility competition. Thsi gets Kevin off the coach and in search of a class for Cromwell. His father doesn't want him to do this, he thinks he should play football. Kevin isn't interested. So he goes off and doesn't paly ball the way is parents think. it is extremely funny to read. Ages 9 up $15.99

Cardturner by Louis Sachar, bridge

CARDTURNER By: Louis Sachar
Alton Richards is seventeen years old and a junior in high school. He doesn't have a job or even a girlfriend. So starts his summer driving his blind great-uncle Lester to bridge club four times a week as a cardturner. Because his uncle is blind Alton has to read the cards to him. Alton becomes intrigued by the game and his uncle. (His parents only want him to be nice to his uncle so they will inherit his money when he dies.) Alton wants no part of this ruse. Alton makes friends with a young girl Toni and they both start playing the game. The book has the rules of the game, but the author gives you permission to ignore them if they don't interest you. I found the book heartwarming. Ages 12 up $17.99 Delacorte Press

Guinea Dog, book for boys and girls, humor

GUINEA DOG By: Patrick Jennings
Rufus is in fifth grade and really wants a dog. But his mom buys him a guinea pig instead. This is more than an ordinary pig, he can fetch, bark and even know what you need! Hilarious is the only word to describe this book. I read it to my grandsons and they loved it. Ian was 9 and Daniel was 6 at the time. They recommend this book to everyone who wants to laugh. Ages 8-12 $15.99

Is It Day or Night?, Holocaust, One Thousand Children Foundation

IS IT NIGHT OR DAY? By: Fern Schumer Chapman
We all know about the holocaust and what happened to six million Jews, but this is an extension of that horrific event. The story is about immigration of the One Thousand Children Foundation. This is Edith's story. Raised in Germany in a small village hers was the only Jewish family. Edith is going to be sent to America on an ocean liner alone to Chicago to live with her "Onkle and Aunt". for Ten days she travels with other children that are being rescued by this foundation. When she arrives she isn't welcome. But she promised to be good for her parents and not cause trouble. This is her true story of a time when she had hope her parents would join her in America. Edith's story will make you ache for her and realize how important a hug can be to a child. Please read it, it will change you forever. Ages 11 up $ 16.99 Farrar Straus Giroux

OUT OF MY MIND By: Sharon Draper
Melody is an eleven year old girl who has never spoken. She is trapped in her body that doesn't work the same as other children. This is Melody's story of how she remembers every word that was ever spoken to her. Her parents treat her as if she understands everything, and really does. When sent to school she is placed in a handicapped room. Some teachers are good and others treat her like a baby. Then something wonderful happens, she finds that if she could get a device that spoke her thoughts she could participate in a main streamed classroom. Melody tries out for the team and gets chosen. Now she hopes that the children will treat her the same as everyone else. Ages 10 up $16.99

A Nest for Celeste, Henry Cole

A NEST FOR CELESTE: A STORY ABOUT ART, INSPIRATION, AND THE MEANING OF HOME By: Henry Cole
In this delightful story, Celeste, a kind little mouse who lives under the floorboards of a Louisiana plantation home, is bullied by two rats who help themselves to her food and the comforts of her nest. Celeste's fortunes change when the naturalist John James Audubon and his young assistant, Joseph, come to stay so they can study and paint the birds of the bayou. As she watches Joseph struggle to paint backgrounds for Audubon's bird paintings, Celeste puts her artistic talents to use, helping Joseph improve his work and making a friend. She also become friends with a thrush, an osprey and a wren who help her through frightening encounters with the household cat, and a storm-swollen creek. the illustrations are detailed and lovely, adding to the enjoyment of this book. Ages 8 up $16.99
This book was reviewed by Phyllis Quick, media specialist at Maumee Valley Country Day School. On a personal note I loved the book too and hope you will share it with your children.

Hello readers of my blogspot. I seem to have made an error and want to let you know immediately. Strawberry Hill and Confetti Girl will not be available in paperback unitl May 1, 2010. I was so excited when the covers arrived from Little Brown, I just got on the computer and went full speed ahead. It is wonderful to get packages from publishers and read books that will be forthcoming. But sometimes you forget you have to wait. So in the mean time they are both available in hardcover if you just can't wait. It is snowing here and I am going to curl up with a new galley so I can let you know what other books I love. Have a great day. Marcia

Confetti Girl, great read

CONFETTI GIRL By: Diana Lopez
One of my favorite books has just come out in paperback. Lina is a real sockiophile, the perfect socks for every occasion. Her best friend is just discovering boys and has a major crush. But when she is helping Vanessa's Mom make cascarones, hallowed our eggshells filled with a rainbow of confetti Lina finds what friendship is all about. $5.99 ages 9 up

Strawberry Hill, Good read aloud

STRAWBERRY HILL By: Marya Ann Hoberman
This wonderful novel just came out in paperback and I am sure you will find it charming. When Allie is ten she moves into a new home. The area is called Strawberry Hill, but it isn't loaded with strawberries like she thought. Allie has to find a new best friend and all the changes that go with moving. I loved this book and am sure your child will too.
$5.99

Cowgirl, imagination, humor

EVERY COWGIRL NEEDS A HORSE By: Rebecca Janni
Nellie Sue is looking forward to her birthday, she is sure that the new horse will arrive in time for her birthday. She reckons everything is better with a horse.
When she does her chores, harvesting hay (raking the lawn), mucking the stalls
(cleaning the cage), she is always thinking of a horse. So when her
birthday arrives ...... You'll just have to read it to find out. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
$16.99 Ages 4 up Dutton Publishing

Children's Garden, Projects

READY SET GROW! DK Publishers
I am so ready for some sunshine I am leaping into spring and summer. We have 10 inches of snow on the ground and I need to think of warm weather and working the soil. So forgive me if this is way to early for you.
This books has wonderful ideas for you to plant with your children. If you follow the directions you may see luscious strawberries or your own secret garden. Maybe if you get one early you can start planning with your child. $12.99 all ages

Inventions, Robots

WENDEL'S WORKSHOP By: Chris Riddell
Oh what fun it would be to be and inventor of things. Wendel works very hard in his workshop and if something doesn't work out, into the scrap heap it goes. Then one day he invents a robot and it isn't doing exactly what he wants it to do. So out it goes. But when he builds a new robot, it has a mind of it's own. Wendel is tossed into the scrap heap and he has to retaliate. Boys and girls will love this clever mouse as much as I do. Ages 4-8 or for any tinkerer out there. $16.99 Katherine Tegen Books

Trees, Silly Stories

THE INSIDE TREE By: Linda Smith
Mr. Potter lives in a nice little house all by himself. One day he sees a dog outside under a tree and invites him into the house. Mr. Potter is happy for a while until he thinks the tree should be inside too. So he brings the tree inside and soon it takes over the house. Well trees grow and so does the problem. Your family will love the way the problem is solved. Ages 4-8 - but I will share it with my 10 year old grandson, just for fun.
$16.99 Harper Publishing

Tutus, Tomboys, Presents

TUTUS AREN'T MY STYLE By: Linda Skeers

Children get presents for the holidays or birthdays

and sometimes it isn't what they are expecting. When Emma gets a Tutu from her Uncle Leo she

hasn't a clue how to dance like a ballerina. She gets

lots of advice and none of it helps. Uncle Leo comes to see Emma and asks how she liked her safari costume. Oops! Wrong delivery. Everyone will enjoy the humor in this book. Ages 3 up $16.99 Dial Publishers.

Chickens, humor

BIG CHICKENS GO TO TOWN By: Leslie Helakoski
I had the pleasure of meeting Leslie and she has a marvelous sense of humor when it comes to writing for children.
This time the chickens accientally get on the truck headed to town. They are
bumping along and fall off in the city. There they
worry about everything, from not liking some
thing to not ever finding their way home. All
children will appreciate the humor.
Dutton Publishers $16.99 Ages 3 up

Librarian, Reluctant Reader

MISS BROOKS LOVES BOOK! (and I don't)
By: Barbara Bottner
What a great book for everyone. Missy doens't like any books a all. But Miss Brooks the school librarian keeps sending books home with Missy until one day she finds the perfect book. Missy is a delightful character you will surely love.
Knopf publishers. Coming March 2010. $17.99

Easter, Jan Brett, Bunnies

THE EASTER EGG By: Jan Brett
Easter is a very special time of the year for the bunnies. If the Easter Bunny picks your decorated egg you get to help in the delivery of Easter. Hoppi is trying to decide how to decorate an egg. Everyone has wonderful ideas and Hoppi cannot decide. Then he spots a robins egg that has fallen out
of a tree. Hoppi helps out by sitting on the egg in all
kinds of weather, and forgets about the decorating. When the Easter Bunny arrives guess who he picks.
Wonderful illustrations, and a charming story. Sure to please all. Putnam $17.99

Woods Runner, Gary Paulsen, Revolutionary War

WOODS RUNNER By: Gary Paulsen
Samuel is only thirteen years old, he loves the woods and spends
many hours hunting in them. While he is out hunting his settlement
is attacked. His carefree days are now replaced with survival and trying to find
his parents who were captured. Not only does Paulsen make you
feel like you were part of the frontier, but he tells you a part of
history that is often sugar coated. Yes there are graphic scenes, but
he doesn't dwell on them. A perfect read. Ages 12 up Random House $15.99
Gary Paulsen was one of our favorite authors when my son was growing up. We read Hatchet together before it was published. If you have a young person who loves adventure you must have them read his books.

Piggie and Elephant, Mo Willems, Easy Reader

I AM GOING By: Mo Willems

This series is one of my favorites. The text is easy to read, yet so very funny. Piggy tells Gerald that he is going. Gerald gets all upset thinking he is leaving forever. Only to find out he is going to lunch. Gerald invites himself along as usual. I know your child will love these characters too. Ages 3 up Hyperion Books $8.99