MY NEW TEACHER AND ME By: Al Yankovic

MY NEW TEACHER AND ME  By: Al Yankovic

HOW TO HIDE A LION By: Helen Stephens

HOW TO HIDE A LION  By: Helen Stephens
Iris needs to hide a lion in her house and not let her parents know he is there. The lion is kind and she just has to have him. What do you suppose happens when they find out. A must read for you little ones.       
 Ages 3-6  Henry Holt  $16.99

SUNNY SWEET IS SO NOT SORRY By: Jennifer Ann Mann

SUNNY SWEET IS SO NOT SORRY  By: Jennifer Ann Mann
Masha wakes up one morning with her head stuck to her pillow case, and to make matters worse she has plastic flowers glued to her head. Sunny her six year old evil genius sister mixed her own batch of super glue and affixed the flowers to her head. Nothing her mother does will remove the flowers, Masha can't go to school this way and her mom lets her stay home. What happens when a neighbor needs to be rushed to the hospital and wants Masha and Sunny to come along, is a wild story. One that shouldn't be missed. I laughed through the whole book. So will your children. $15.99 Ages 8-12  Bloomsbury

ELVIS AND THE UNDERDOGS By: Jenny Lee

ELVIS AND THE UNDERDOGS  By: Jenny Lee
Benny is not your average ten year old. He is very sickly and faints a lot. He is in the hospital so often he even got a punch card. The doctors are worried he may fall and hit his head, so they offer him two options a therapy dog or a  padded helmet. Mom wants the helmet, she is not fond of dogs. Benny has other ideas. Will he be able to convince his mother that he has to have the dog. Or will he be the laughing stock of the school. A great read. Ages 8-12 Balzer and Bray  $16.99

FORTUNATELY, THE MILK By: Neil Gaiman

FORTUNATELY, THE MILK  By: Neil Gaiman

Hilarious is the one word to describe this book. Mom is leaving for a conference and leaving Dad in charge. He is reading the paper when she leaves and she asks him what did she say? So he rattles off everything she told him to do and then says "don't forget the milk." Well the next morning, no milk. So Dad says I will got get some just wait here. He doesn't return for a long, long, long time and when he comes back he has a whopper of a story to tell. I laughed through the whole book. A great read. Ages 8-12  $14.99 Harper

NANCY CLANCY SEES THE FUTURE  By: Jane 0'Connor
Nancy is having trouble with her Magic 8 ball ever since JoJo dropped it. Then she and Bree decide to make paper fortunes, but the answers aren't always correct. What to do. The all of a sudden Nancy's predictions are coming true. Can she really see the future. You are in for a good time. Ages 6-10 $9.99 Harper

THE SILVER MOON, LULLABIES AND CRADLE SONGS By: Jack Prelutsky

THE SILVER MOON, LULLABIES AND CRADLE SONGS  By: Jack Prelutsky  Illustrated By: Jui Ishida

It is wonderful to have a new book of lullabies for the baby in your home. Jack has done it again with his incredible talent to great poetry. Jui Ishida's illustrations make this a great present for the new little one in your life. It will become a classic in no time at all. Bravo!  Ages infant on up. $17.99  Greenwillow

SANTA CLAUS AND THE THREE BEARS By: Maria Modugno

SANTA AND THE THREE BEARS  By: Maria Modugno  Illustrated by: Jane and Brook Dyer
Not you typical three bear story. This time instead of Goldilocks, we have Santa eating the bears Christmas pudding. It is delightfully illustrated and will become a real treasure to read every Christmas. Ages 4-8  $17.99  Harper

TAP THE MAGIC TREE By: Christie Matheson

TAP THE MAGIC TREE  By: Christie Matheson

This simple story conveys all the seasons of the year with just a few words on every page. I read this to a kindergarten class and we all tapped when it was time and a new leaf appeared on a tree. Keep reading and the tree goes from spring to fall to winter and the cycle begins again. We had a wonderful time doing movements with the words. I hope you will enjoy this delightful story as much as the children and I did.
Ages 4-8  $15.99  Greenwillow

RUFF! AND THE WONDERFULLY AMAZING BUSY DAY By: Caroline Jayne Church

RUFF! AND THE WONDERFULLY AMAZING BUSY DAY  By: Caroline Jayne Church
Ruff is a very busy dog, he loves to work. So one day he decides to make a pond and accidentally destroys the home of mouse. Mouse says he is moving away, but Ruff convinces him to stay and rebuilds him a home. Now Ruff has a new friend and soon when his pond is complete he acquires another. A sweet story of friendship. Ages 4-8  $17.99  Harper

PETE THE CAT AND HIS MAGIC SUNGLASSES BY: Kimberly and James Dean

PETE THE CAT AND HIS MAGIC SUNGLASSES  By: Kimberly and James Dean
Well Pete the Cat is not having a great day, then along comes Grumpy Toad and he gives Pete some blue sunglasses that help you see the world in a brand new way. So now Pete is seeing how beautiful everything really is and helps all his friends who are having the same kind of day. Then his glasses break, oh no, but Owl saves the day by telling "Pete, you don't need magic sunglasses to see thing in a new way. Just remember to look for the good in every day." Ages 4-8  $17.99  Harper 

THANKSGIVING DAY THANKS By: Laura Malone Elliot

THANKSGIVING DAY THANKS  By: Laura Malone Elliot
It is almost Thanksgiving and the animals in Mrs. Wright's class are figuring out what to do for Thanksgiving at school. They talk about the holiday and Mrs. Wright suggests they all write something special they are thankful for. All the children have wonderful ideas, except Sam who doesn't know what to write. When they finally decide on having their own Thanksgiving at school, Sam really gets worried. A delightful story that captures the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Ages 4-8. $17.99  Katherine Tegen Books

HERO ON A BICYCLE By: Shirley Hughes

HERO ON A BICYCLE  By: Shirley Hughes
When thirteen-year-old Paolo is waiting to have the war end, he dreams of fighting for the resistance. So he sneaks out at night on his bicycle. And it is thrilling, until he is accosted by the Partisans. Little does he know that his mother has been asked to help. What happens to Paolo and his family will keep you on the edge. Told from a very skillful writer, you will feel like you are in Florence Italy and it is 1944. $15.99   Ages 10 and up. Candlewick Press

BINK & GOLLIE BEST FRIENDS FOREVER By: Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee

BINK & GOLLIE BEST FRIENDS FOREVER  By: Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee
A funny little beginning reader about two best friends who will make you laugh out loud. Gollie is sure she has royal blood flowing through her veins. Bink just wants to grow tall enough to reach the peanut butter jar. With all the antics these two come up with your child is sure to cherish the time it takes to read this book. Ages 6-9. Candlewick Press $15.99

YEAR OF BILLY MILLER By: Kevin Henkes

YEAR OF BILLY MILLER  By: Kevin Henkes
Billy Miller is really worried about starting second grade. He just doesn't think he is smart enough.But this quirky little story will have you relating to Billy's anxiety. From relationships with his friends to worrying about what he said to his teacher, you will be laughing with your child.  Sometimes I think that Kevin Henkes has a way of seeing into the minds of children and making the trials of growing up come to life. Coming in September 2013. Ages 8-12  $16.99  Greenwillow Books

FANCY NANCY FANCIEST DOLL IN THE UNIVERSE By: Jane O'connor

FANCY NANCY FANCIEST DOLL IN THE UNIVERSE By: Jane O'connor
When Fancy Nancy's sister JoJo decides to draw a tattoo on Nancy's doll in permanent marker she is so upset she doesn't know what to do. So her mother suggest that she throw a fancy doll tea party. Nancy is so excited and begins to plan. Will that end her anger toward her sister JoJo. A great new book that your girls will enjoy. Ages 4-8 $17.99  Harper

THAT IS NOT A GOOD IDEA! By: Mo Willems

THAT IS NOT A GOOD IDEA!  By: Mo Willems
When a hungry fox meets a very plump goose, he asks her to dinner. Will dinner go as the fox has planned with the goose as his meal? I think not. He has come across one goose that outfoxes him. Mo Willems captures this tale brilliantly. Ages 4-8  $17.99  Harper

POEMS TO LEARN BY HEART By: Caroline Kennedy

POEMS TO LEARN BY HEART  By: Caroline Kennedy  Illustrated by: Jon Muth
This isn't your standard poetry book. An extensive collection of poems that are not found in many books for children. That is why it is important to own this book. These poems celebrate every moment in life and I agree with Kennedy how important it is to memorize a favorite poem, for it stays with you forever. I will get this for my grandchildren to treasure forever. $19.99 Hyperion  All ages, even adult!

EMERALDALICIOUS By: Victoria Kann

EMERALDALICIOUS  By; Victoria Kann
When Pinkalicious and Peter go for a walk in the park, they discover that it is filled with junk. What to do? So Pinkalicious takes her magic wand out and through a pinkatastic rhyme she changes the junk into treasures. Your children will love what she makes in this park. Ages 5-8 $17.99  Harper

SLEEP LIKE A TIGER By; Mary Logue Illustrated By: Pamela Zagarenski

SLEEP LIKE A TIGER  By: Mary Logue  Illustrated By: Pamela Zagarenski
A child wants to know if everything in the world goes to sleep? Her parents let her know how each animal goes to sleep after she asks about bats, whales, grizzly bears and many more. A book your family will treasure and enjoy reading over and over again. Sleep Like a Tiger won a Caldecott Honor. $16.99 Houghton Mifflin

Chu's Day By: Neil Gaiman Illustrated By: Adam Rex

CHU'S DAY  By: Neil Gaiman Illustrated By: Adam Rex

Chu is a panda with a big sneeze. Anticipating the sneeze is quite an adventure. The illustrations in this simple but lovable book make all the difference. Will he sneeze and what will happen. When it does you child will squeal with delight. The publisher says ages 4-8 but a two year old would adore this book too. $17.99 Harper

BOY ON THE PORCH By: Sharon Creech

Boy On the Porch By: Sharon Creech

When a young couple find a boy asleep on their porch chair they don't know what to do. In his pocket is a note                                                                               "Plees taek kair of Jacob.

  He is a good boy.

  Wil be bak

  when we can."

So they do take care of him and grow to love him. Even though he does not speak and only taps. And they worry that they will come back. But soon they find ways to communicate with Jacob, finding he is a really quick learner. He can play tunes on an old guitar they found for him. And he learns to paint beautiful pictures with the paints and paper they get for him.

But all to soon that dreaded day comes. Now they are alone again. What happens to this remarkable couple will touch your heart. I haven't read a book like this before. It is a keeper. Ages 8-12  $16.99 Joanna Colter books coming September 2013 

THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN By: Katherine Applegate

THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN  By: Katherine Applegate
Winner of this years Newbery Award, Katherine Applegate one my heart with her wonderful development of the the gorilla Ivan. Ivan is living at a mall in a video arcade. He has friends, and elderly elephant named Stella, and Bob a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art. He actually paints pictures that are sold at the gift shop. 
Then one day a baby elephant arrives, taken from her family. Ruby is her name. She is frightened and Ivan tries to help. He know that he doesn't want her hurt like they have Stella. So Ivan sets out to save her with his painting. 
A book that will leave an appreciation for all animals and your child will love. Ages 8-12 $16.99  Harper

CAT TALK By: Patricia MacLachlan

CAT TALK  By: Patricia MacLachlan
I must confess I am a dog lover, but this poetry book makes me appreciate how cats are beautiful.
"Sylvie, the Boss
I am the boss cat.
I twitch my tail to prove it. 
I boss the dogs.
I boss my people.
I boss Romeo, the cat I live with,
 Whenever I can.
I like three things: 
My food
My windowsill
My people. 
Ant that's enough."
Your children will love the great illustrations by Barry Moser. A perfect poetry book.  Ages 4-8 $17.99 Katherine Tegen Books

ONE PLUS ONE = BLUE By: MJ Auch

ONE PLUS ONE = BLUE  By: MJ Auch
Basil is going into seventh grade after being home schooled by his Gram. Gram decided since she wasn't really great in teaching a few subjects that Basil should go off to public school. Basil finds he isn't quite like the other kids. Then Tenzie comes to school and sits with him at lunch. Just plops herself right down and starts to talk to him like it was the most natural thing in the world. She even lives near him and when they get off the bus at the same stop she introduces herself to his Gram and enters his home life. To say he is annoyed is mild,
he just doesn't know what to do. But he finds they have one thing in common, they both see numbers in color. Something Basil has never told anyone. After researching it online he learns is has a name, synesthesia. 
It wasn't bad enough that he is so different, his estranged mother shows up and turns his life upside down. Tenzie may be the only person to help him put it back together. Loved this book!
Ages 10-14   $16.99 Henry Holt 

MONSTERS LOVE COLORS By: Mike Austin

MONSTERS LOVE COLORS  By: Mike Austin
This vibrant picture books will surely make learning colors fun.
Not only do the monsters present the colors, but they mix the colors to make more colors. Perfect for your own little monster.
Ages 2 up. $15.99 Harper

HOLD FAST By: Blue Balliett

HOLD FAST  By: Blue Balliett
When Early's father disappears life totally changes for her family. When no money is available and you lose your home, the next place is a homeless shelter. Dash is Early's dad, and she knows that he would never just leave them, so she starts asking questions at the library where her father works. And she realizes that something isn't right. 
What follows is a mystery that will keep you wanting more.
There are many references to Langston Hughes throughout the book. But here is a quote from the book that I just love. "Reading is a tool no one can take away. A million bad things may happen in life and it'll still be with you, like a flashlight that never needs a battery. Reading can offer a crack of light on the blackest of nights"
Hold Fast is a treasure, that will keep you rooting for the the family, hoping against all odds that they are reunited. $17.99 Scholastic

ZEBRA FOREST By: Adina Rishe Gerwirtz

ZEBRA FOREST  By: Adina Rishe Gerwirtz
Annie and her brother Rew are being raised by their Gran. Gran is a very private person and keeps her money in different places in the house, for she doesn't trust anyone outside of her family.
She even home schooled the grand kids until the truant officer showed up and made them go to school. Annie is only eleven, but has to do a lot of the shopping when Gran isn't feeling well. And when the social worker comes around, she stretches the truth as her Gran has taught her. So when their is a prison break on the other side of the Zebra Forest and a man comes in and holds them hostage Annie and Rew are shocked to find out that the father that was dead, was really in prison. What happens after will change everything Annie and Rew believed.
This novel is so moving a poignant it will take your breath away. I couldn't put it down. Started it this morning and finished it a little while ago. Ages 9-12 Candlewick $15.99

WHITE FUR FLYING By: Patricia MacLachlan Ages 7-11

WHITE FUR FLYING  By: Patricia MacLachlan
A touching story of a family who rescues Great Pyrenees dogs, and how they helped a child find his words.
Zoe's family always has multiple dogs in the house, always Pyrenees. Life is never dull at their home with all the dogs coming and going. But Kodi is the dog that stays with them. Well a new family moves in the neighborhood, perfect furniture, drapes and very overprotective. Phillip is a part of this family and doesn't speak. He won't even try, but he likes coming over to the fence to see the dogs.  Only his family is afraid of the big dogs and at first is reluctant to let him come over. Only when a rescued dog and Phillip disappear do things change.
This would be a great book to read with a child who is having family problems. It would really get you to talk about what is troubling Phillip and might lead to more conversation. Ages 7-11. McElderry Books. $15.99

MATCHBOX DIARY By: Paul Fleischman

MATCHBOX DIARY  By: Paul Fleischman
If ever there were a perfectly written  picture book this is the one you should share with your children and students. When a little girl visits her great grandfather for the first time she is told to pick something she likes and her grandfather would tell her about it. So she chooses a cigar box filled with matchboxes. In each matchbox is a memory from when he was little. He wanted to write a diary, but didn't know how to write, so he put in an object to remember the time. It starts with his journey from Italy to America.
I can see this used in many writing exercises to get the kids motivated to tell their own stories. I read this to my five year old grandson and he was intrigued by the idea. So we went off in search of our own matchboxes.
The illustrator Bagram Ibatoulline captures the authors words with beautiful acrylic gouache illustrations.
Candlewick Press  $16.99  all ages

MENAGERIE By: Tui T. and Kari Sutherland Ages 8-12

MENAGERIE  By: Tui T. and Kari Sutherland
What a fabulous new book targeted for elementary students.
When Logan and his father move to Wyoming in search of his mother, Logan is alone without friends. But one day he runs into two kids searching for something. They don't want his help, but when he finds a baby griffin in his bedroom he knows he has found what they were looking for. When he goes to take it back to them he discovers a magical menagerie filled with a treasure trove of mystical creatures. I loved this book and it leaves you wanting more. My grandson read it and can't wait for the sequel.  Coming in March 2013. Harper  $16.99  Ages 8-12.

PERIOD 8 By: Chris Crutcher Ages 14 and up

PERIOD 8  By: Chris Crutcher
Period 8 is a classroom like no other. This is where students can come in and tell their hopes, dreams and fears. The students love their teacher. So when Paulie confesses to his girlfriend Hannah that he was unfaithful and she drops him, that is where they both go for help.  Logs (as the kids refer to their teacher) listens, but lets the kids work out their own answers. Then Paulie's friend Arney asks if it is okay to date Hannah. Paulie really doesn't want to say yes, but he does. Turns out Arney has a different agenda, he is more creepy than he comes across and everyone who comes in his path is in danger. I really liked the book, however I had issues with the language. I couldn't give it to school library for that reason and that is too bad for it is a perfect book about a bully. There is so much to talk about in this book that with parental permission, I highly recommend it. Coming April 2013. $17.99 Greenwillow Books   Ages 14 and up.

SHADOWLANDS By: Kate Brian

SHADOWLANDS  By: Kate Brian 
When Rory Miller survives an attack by a serial killer, her family must go into witness protection. Starting over on Jupiter Landing. But things are eerie here too. Rory keeps sensing that her stalker has followed her and will keep coming. A very unusual  book that reminds me of Hitchcock, a little creepy. Ages 14 and up  Hyperion $17.99

PULSE By: Patrick Carman Ages 13 and up

PULSE By: Patrick Carman
The year 2051, only two States are left one in the east and one in west. Most people have chosen to live within the boundaries of the States, but some have chosen to live in remnants of what is left. This is where you find Faith, starting a new school, for all the other ones have closed. Few students remain to fill the schools. There are no teachers, they are being taught by their tablets. Of course there is someone in charge, but they just watch over the students. But Faith's world is turned upside down when she learns that she can move objects with her mind, she and only a few other people have a special pulse. This is an unforgettable story that will make you begging for more. Katherine Tegen Books  Ages 13 and up. $17.99.   A book that is not to be missed.

PROPHECY By: Ellen Oh Ages 13 and up

PROPHECY  By: Ellen Oh

Kira is the greatest Warrior in all of the seven kingdoms. She is feared by many for she is different, she has yellow eyes. It is her responsibility to keep the prince safe. When the kings in many territories start being murdered it is up to Kira to find the Dragon King's Prophecy. She encounters many obstacles along the way and is in constant danger. But she has to recover three objects to be able to defeat the evil in the kingdom. This fast paced novel will keep you reading. $17.99 Ages 13 and up. Harper