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1. Peter
and the Starcatchers
By Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
"Arrr matey! Hop on board this swashbuckling adventure that tells the
story of how Peter Pan came to be. A fantastic read-aloud for younger
fans of Neverland, too." --Sonya Yruel, The Storyteller, Lafayette, CA
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2. Alice
the Fairy
By David Shannon
"Alice is only a temporary fairy, which means she can't fly but she can
run really fast; the king's outfit she makes for her daddy is a crown
of cardboard and macaroni, and that spell to make the dog float to the
ceiling? It needs a little work. Fans of David Shannon's artwork will
love his latest picture book, which perfectly captures the magic of being
a kid." --Mary Jane Beaufrand, Madison Park Books, Seattle, WA
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3. The
Saint of Dragons
By Jason Hightman
"This is a fascinating look at a world where dragons haven't disappeared
but are merely hiding themselves among us. Anyone who likes dragons and
adventure will love this story." --Julie Heidtman, Page One Bookstore,
Albuquerque, NM
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4. So
Yesterday
By Scott Westerfeld
"This story was not hard to imagine as true, and creepy -- a world of
'product researchers' setting the trends and determining what trends are
in for teenagers. A fast-paced novel that is a mixture of a kidnapping
mystery, mind control, manipulation, economic greed, and peer pressure."
--Joanne Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover, MA
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5. Buttermilk
Hill
By Ruth White
"As the small town of Buttermilk Hill gossips about sensitive, 10-year-old
Piper's parents' divorce, she is able to express her dreams and thoughts
through poetry. Her healing begins as the townspeople listen to her work
at the local library's poetry reading night." --Chris DeWan, Butterfly
Books, De Pere, WI
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6. The
Truth About Sparrows
By Marian Hale
"This memorable picture of the joy and despair a family experiences in
the Great Depression brought forth tears and laughter from me as I turned
each page. Highly recommended!" --Holly Frakes, Schuler Books & Music,
Okemos, Okemos, MI
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7. Crank
By Ellen Hopkins
The reader can't help but sympathize as Kristina Snow travels down the
path toward total drug addition. It does not take long for this all-around
good girl to transform into her alter ego, Bree, someone whose craving
for drugs takes over. This novel doesn't offer all the answers. Instead,
it allows readers to make their own decisions." --Kim Soyka, Book House
of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY
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8. Real
Time
By Pnina Moed Kass
"A group of diverse but related characters share their experiences of
a bus bombing in contemporary Israel. The reader learns about the victims,
their families, the suicide bombers, a Holocaust survivor, and others.
We care deeply about the characters, and the story brings the reality
of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to life." --Carol Stolts, Porter Square
Books, Cambridge, MA
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9. Sammy
Keyes and the Psycho Kitty Queen
By Wendelin Van Draanen
"Another fun Sammy Keyes mystery -- in this one, Sammy celebrates her
birthday during which her mother reveals some surprising information."
--Lisa Fabiano, Hearts & Stars Bookshop, Canton, MA
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10. You're
All My Favorites
By Sam McBratney, Anita Jeram (Illus.)
"This great children's book about Mommy and Daddy Bear and their three
cubs will reassure all children in a family that they are loved." --Cissie
Roth, Diana's Bookstore, Elkin, NC
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Albert
By Lani Yamamoto
"What a great rainy-day fun book! This first in a three-book philosophy
series is full of all kinds of imaginative ideas for exploring the world
from inside a house." --Laurie Benner, Reader's Choice Bookstore, Centerville,
OH
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Amazon
River Rescue (Adventures of Riley)
By Amanda Lumry and Laura Hurwitz, Sarah McIntyre (Illus.)
"Riley visits different regions of the world to explore the area wildlife
and to learn about the culture and environmental aspects of that particular
region. Colorfully presented, combining illustrations with photography,
this is great for the classroom, and great for the future of world conservation."
--David Henkes, University Book Store, Bellevue, WA
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Between
Heaven and Earth: Bird Tales From Around the World
By Howard Norman, Leo and Diane Dillon (Illus.)
"This beautifully illustrated collection of tales features the art of
the Caldecott-winning pair Leo and Diane Dillon. The stories are collected
from Australian, European, African, and Asian folk traditions and are
retold in the style of the native culture. This celebration of the bird
is a treasure to give." --Nicole White, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena,
CA
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Don't
Let the Peas Touch!: And Other Stories
By Deborah Blumenthal, Timothy B. Ering (Illus.)
"A great exploration about what it's like to be sisters. This picture
book has three stories about Sophie and Annie, and all three made me laugh
out loud and recall some great old childhood memories about my own sister."
--Wendy Brower, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA
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Dream:
A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom and Wishes
By Susan V. Bosak
"With illustrations by 15 internationally acclaimed artists, this celebration
of living and dreaming is the perfect book to share." --Melissa Olm, The
Reader's Loft, De Pere, WI
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Going
North
By Janice N. Harrington, Jerome Lagarrigue (Illus.)
"The author's African-American family moved from Alabama to Lincoln, Nebraska,
in 1964 to escape segregation and to find better jobs and schools. Harrington's
rhythmic book, which tells the story of the car ride north, is a gripping
and moving story, beautifully told, with powerful illustrations." --Linda
Hillegass, Lee Booksellers, Lincoln, NE
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If
Not For the Cat
By Jack Prelutsky, Ted Rand (Illus.)
"Combine two renowned children's artists, and the result is sure to be
special -- a view of 17 residents of the animal kingdom, each a haiku
that does not name the creature, accompanied by a glorious painting that
reveals the secret." --Cheryl McKeon, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park,
WA
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Ish
By Peter H. Reynolds
"Art is truly in the eye of the beholder, and Peter Reynolds has given
us a Harold and The Purple Crayon-ish rendition of how a little boy named
Ramon finally draws his way to perfect contentment after his little sister
shows up insensitive critics. A terrific, simple story that speaks to
the artist in every child." --Abbi Deeran, The Spirit Of '76 Bookstore,
Marblehead, MA
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Jungle
Dreams
By Graeme Base
"This little warthog, Ngiri Mdogo, is marching to a different drum. His
is a magic drum and he's hoping to make a big change." --Ellen Ourada,
Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN
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Karate
Hour
By Carol Nevius, Bill Thomson (Illus.)
"Bill Thomson's exceptional paintings capture the dignity and concentration
of young students attending karate hour. Simple rhyming text by Carol
Nevins offers brief descriptions of the lessons and a fuller explanation
of karate's history and principles." --Jody Shapiro, Adventures for Kids,
Ventura, CA
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Niccolini's
Song
By Chuck Wilcoxen, Mark Buehner (Illus.)
"When bedtime requires the perfect soothing read-aloud, look no further
than the lustrously illustrated Niccolini's Song. Fall into this book
about Niccolini, a gentle and quiet watchman who cares for all the engines
in the rail yard." --Diana Carroll, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC
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Odd
Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein
By Don Brown
"This book reveals a child late to talk, prone to tantrums, and indifferent
to his studies (with some notable exceptions). An inviting introduction
to one of the greatest minds of the 20th century." --Jody Shapiro, Adventures
for Kids, Ventura, CA
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Old
Coyote
By Nancy Wood, Max Grafe (Illus.)
"The gentle story deals with death with simple, muted illustrations of
animals, nature, and a most beautifully rendered coyote couple, sure to
bring tears to every reader with a heart." --Maureen Palacios, Once Upon
a Time, Montrose, CA
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Polar
Slumber/Sueno Polar
By Dennis Rockhill
"Endless possibilities exist to create special stories with children through
this wordless, magical Arctic picturebook. You can almost see your breath,
smell the crisp cold air, and feel the cozy covers as you slip away into
this dreamland." --Chris DeWan, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI
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Robots
Slither
By Ryan Ann Hunter, Julia Gorton (Illus.)
"Beginning readers will welcome the illustrations and simple rhyme in
this book. And they will also appreciate the extra sound bites of information
nicely placed within the colorful artwork. It's great to find such an
accessible book on such a hot topic." --Jody Shapiro, Adventures for Kids,
Ventura, CA
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Science
Verse
By Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith
"As a scientist by training and an educator by proxy, I am always excited
by materials that draw children of all ages into discovering science.
This collection of verse and pictures does all that and more." A CD with
text read by Scieszka and Smith is included. --Gwen Harding-Peets, Merritt
Books, Millbrook, NY
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Suddenly
Alligator: An Adverbial Tale
By Rick Walton, Jim Bradshaw (Illus.)
"This book 'hilariously' illustrates the fun you can have with adverbs.
We look forward to sharing this with our customers 'readily.'" --Valerie
Koehler, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
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The
Train of States
By Peter Sis
"There's a circus train coming like you've never seen before --each fabulous
car showcasing one of the 50 states in glorious detail. I fell in love
with this tribute to the United States and to our wonderful tradition
of circus trains." --Ellen Davis, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI
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Aidan
of Oren: The Journey Begins
By Alan St. Jean, Judith Friedman (Illus.)
"This fantasy story introduces a young hero named Aidan who sets off on
a quest with two friends, Lilly and McKenzie, and a falcon who can speak
but cannot fly. The story emphasizes traits of courage, compassion, concern,
and commitment, and charming illustrations add to the appeal." --Jane
L. Quinn, The Corner Shelf, Culpeper, VA
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The
Big House
By Carolyn Coman, Rob Shepperson (Illus.)
"A new story with the feel of an older classic, this is the deliciously
fun tale of two kids in a family of crooks who are sent to live on a huge
estate with the evil woman who has just had their parents sent 'up the
river.' Skilled at sleuthing (or at least thinking they are!) the two
work to find a way to get their parents back and prove that the evil Marietta
Noland is no innocent. This is a fun, fun caper." --Alison Morris, Wellesley
Booksmith, Wellesley, MA
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Boredom
Blasters: Brain Bogglers, Awesome Activities, Cool Comics, Tasty Treats
and More...
By Helaine Becker, Claudia Davila (Illus.)
"This is a flashy, eye-catching book packed with puzzles, jokes, trivia,
and creative activity ideas for kids of all ages. Turn off the TV and
tune into Boredom Blasters!" --Cathleen Zehms, Dave's Book Center, Green
Bay, WI
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The
Cats in Krasinsky Square
By Karen Hesse, Wendy Watson (Illus.)
"A quietly significant story that tells of hope in the time of trouble
in the Warsaw Ghetto and the strength of the human spirit in both children
and adults." --Valerie Koehler, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
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Cave
Paintings to Picasso: The Inside Scoop on 50 Art Masterpeices
By Henry Sayre
"This book gives the inside scoop on 50 art masterpieces, with reproductions
and a brief synopsis on the life and times of the artist and how they
influenced the work. (Did you know that Michelangelo's David carried a
political message to would-be tyrant rulers?) Loads of interesting facts
fill the pages of this eye-catching introduction to the world of art."
--Nicole White, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA
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Children
of the Lamp: The Akhenaten Adventure
By P.B. Kerr
"This book has great promise! This story of 12-year-old twins who discover
they are djinn takes you beyond just the realm of magic and into the ideas
of good versus evil throughout the world." --Cris Walrath, Browsing Bison
Books, Deer Lodge, MT
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Discovery
at Flint Springs
By John R. Erickson
"The beloved author of the Hank The Cowdog series shares his foray into
archeology with us in a story set on his 8,500-acre ranch in the Texas
Panhandle. Place. History. Adventure. Erickson weaves this trio into a
story that builds enthusiasm for an archeological dig through the eyes
of a 14-year-old boy." --Jan Owens, Millrace Books, Farmington, CT
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Ha!
Ha! Ha!: 1,000+ Jokes, Riddles, Facts and More
By Lyn Thomas, Dianne Eastman (Illus.)
"Funny, funny, funny! This book is packed with jokes, riddles, puzzles,
and interesting facts. And on top of all that, every page is tantalizingly
illustrated with photographs and/or line drawings. How could any kid resist?"
--Kathy Litts, Oregon Book Company, Oregon City, OR
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A
House of Tailors
By Patricia Reilly Giff
"Dina, a young girl in 1870s Germany, hates working in her family's dressmaking
business. When she is secretly shipped off to America to live with relatives
in Brooklyn, she hopes she won't have to sew. But, all of her hopes are
dashed when crisis after crisis forces her to take charge and use her
talents to save her new family. Dina saves the day, is reunited with her
sister, and learns to love Brooklyn." --Carol Stoltz, Porter Square Books,
Cambridge, MA
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The
Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq
By Jeanette Winter
"In the midst of the Iraq conflict, an ordinary librarian --motivated
solely by love --goes to extraordinary lengths to find safe places for
her books and a haven from war for the culture and literature of her country.
This simple story contains enormous wisdom and comfort for children of
all ages. It brings a human element to terrifying events and speaks on
a basic level about how an abiding love for literature transcends all
boundaries and how average individuals can find ways to do remarkable
things." --Susan Avery, Ariel Booksellers, New Paltz, NY
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The
Little Grey Men: A Story for the Young in Heart
By Demi
"I was amazed at the descriptions of the forest creatures that the gnomes
met on their journey to find their long-lost brother. The author sneaks
in a nature lesson every so often, without the reader even being aware
of it. And the illustrations just make the book that much more endearing."
--Beth Reynolds, Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT
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Molly
McGinty Has a Really Good Day
By Gary Paulsen
""Molly, a very organized student, relies on her notebook for everything
--from scheduling to quotes to live by --but when she loses it on Senior
Citizens Day at her middle school (the day her grandmother, the total
opposite of Molly, is coming), things appear to be turning into a disaster.
Yet, Molly survives and learns to let down her guard! Fun, fun, fun!"
--Janet Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover, MA
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The
Sea, the Storm and the Mangrove Tangle
By Lynne Cherry
"Lynne Cherry has done it again, bringing readers the life of one mangrove
tree. Learn about the unique ecosystem of the plants, animals and fish
that are so precious and wonderful to this web of life. You'll go back
again and again to discover more." --Barbara Wilson, Butterfly Books,
De Pere, WI
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The
Secret of Castle Cant
By K.P. Bath, David Christiana (Illus.)
"Lucy Wickwright, a gutsy, intelligent servant girl tends the rambunctious
daughter of the powerful Baron. Things really get exciting when Lucy learns
the secret of her parentage. Madcap adventures, lyrical descriptions,
and lots of figurative language make this fun read a rich experience."
--Sue Carita, The Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH
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The
Star of Kazan
By Eva Ibbotson, Kevin Hawkes (Illus.)
"From the very first page of The Star of Kazan, I could imagine myself
right along side of Annika, from her adoption by kindly house servants
who find her abandoned on a church doorstep as a baby, to her life in
a respectable neighborhood in Vienna under the old Emperor, Franz Joseph.
One day, a glamorous stranger appears, and Annika's life is changed forever.
This is a wonderful story for young readers and adults alike." --Kristine
Kaufman, The Snow Goose Bookstore, Stanwood, WA
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The
Bermudez Triangle
By Maureen Johnson
"Nina, Avery, and Mel have been best friends forever. Now it's the summer
before their senior year, and Nina has gone to a pre-college program in
California while Avery and Mel are stuck at home, in Saratoga Springs,
waitressing. Things get complicated when Avery and Mel start dating, and
even more complicated when Nina finds out. This is a great read about
real issues that teens face every day." --Sara Chaganti, The Bookloft,
Great Barrington, MA
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Betsy
the Emperor: A Novel
By Staton Rabin
"Betsy and the Emperor is a fun look at a quirky historical figure, Napoleon.
Any independent-minded youngster will quickly relate to Betsy and her
constant challenging of 'nonsense' rules, and her friendship with the
fierce emperor imprisoned on her island." --Sonya Brooks, Reader's Choice
Bookstore, Centerville, OH
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The
Book of Dead Days
By Marcus Sedgwick
"The dead days are those between Christmas and New Year's, the uncommonly
quiet days when spirits and magic roam the world of the living. All Boy
and Willow know is that someone or something is coming for Valerian the
magician at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day. The only thing that
can save Valerian's life is to find a very powerful book. The price Boy
will have to pay to save Valerian's life will most assuredly not be what
he bargained for. Be sure to read this creative, exciting book." --Beth
Brdlik, The Spirit Of '76 Bookstore, Marblehead, MA
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Bound
By Donna Jo Napoli
"Xing Xing is a Japanese orphan living with her stepmother and stepsister.
She is a beautiful, honest, and intelligent young woman who, in the end,
will come to decide her own fate, but not at the expense of others. This
is a Cinderella story steeped in Eastern culture and mysticism that you
will treasure and ponder." --Janet Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover, MA
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Country
Girl, City Girl
By Lisa Jahn-Clough
"A nice first novel about self-discovery and new friendships. Phoebe,
the country girl, soon gets over her feelings of inferiority towards sophisticated
city girl, Melita. However, new confusing feelings begin to surface, calling
into question the type of relationship Phoebe is now looking for." --Samantha
Haldeman, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY
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Hold
Fast
By Kevin Major
"This is a Canadian coming-of-age story told in the first person and spoken
from the heart with disarming honesty. When Michael's parents are killed
in a car crash, his life is changed in an instant. He must leave his small
Newfoundland outport community to live with his aunt and uncle in St.
Albert, where he is faced with rigidity and verbal abuse. The recognition
of his hurt and his need to be independent moves the action to a swift,
sometimes edgy, and finally redemptive conclusion." --Janet Clymer, The
Toadstool Bookshop, Keene, NH
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King
of the Middle March (Arthur Trilogy)
By Kevin Crossley-Holland
"Kevin Crossley-Holland has written a magnificent end to his award-winning
Arthur trilogy. The book, which focuses on Arthur de Caldicot going on
the Crusades, has a great deal of relevance to today. Fans of the trilogy
will love it!" --Gussie Lewis, Tree Top Toys and Books, Washington, DC
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Perfect:
A Novel
By Natasha Friend
"Isabelle Lee knows she will never be like Ashley Barnum, the most popular
girl in her class. And things aren't any easier at home: Ever since her
father died, her mother has been severely depressed. Isabelle has found
a dangerous coping mechanism --binging and purging. I think this is a
great exploration of a difficult subject in a story that is honest, compelling,
and funny." --Sara Chaganti, The Bookloft, Great Barrington, MA
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The
Purple Emperor: Sequel to Faerie Wars
By Herbie Brennan
"Wizards, demons, faeries, magic --all packed into a highly adventurous
story. Although I loved Faerie Wars, Herbie Brennan has succeeded in presenting
an even more appealing sequel. A must-read for fantasy and science fiction
fans!" --Holly Frakes, Schuler Books & Music, Okemos, MI
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The
Second Summer of Sisterhood
By Ann Brashares
"Hip, realistic, and smart, Second Summer is a sequel that really is better
than the first. This time around, the girls delve into their feelings
about their families, particularly their mothers, and find some things
out about themselves in the process." --Sara Yu, Bank Street Bookstore,
New York, NY
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Snow-Walker
By Catherine Fisher
"When Jessa and cousin Thorkil, whose fathers are loyal to the rightful
ruler of their world, are banished, they must make a perilous trip to
a ruined castle in the far north, which is only the beginning of their
adventures. Full of spells and long voyages, this story is the first book
in a trilogy released in the U.K. in 1993." --Pat Fowler, Village Square
Booksellers, Bellows Falls, VT
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A
Christmas Like Helen's
By Natalie Kinsey-Warnock, Mary Azarian (Illus.)
"Natalie Kinsey-Warnock provides a recipe for an old-fashioned Vermont
Christmas in her latest children's book, based on her grandmother's childhood.
This warmhearted story is beautifully illustrated with woodcuts by Mary
Azarian and invokes the spirit of the simple, homely joys of life at Christmastime
and all year long." --Sandy Johnson, The Galaxy Bookshop, Hardwick, VT
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A
Confused Hanukkah: An Original Story of Chelm
By Jon Koons, S.D. Schindler (Illus.)
"The people in the village of Chelm have forgotten how to celebrate Hanukkah
and their rabbi is away on a journey. They send Yossel to a nearby village
to find out what must be done. When Yossel makes a wrong turn and ends
up in a big city celebrating Christmas, the resulting celebration at Chelm
is a hilarious combination of Jewish and Christian customs." --Beth Hull,
The Avid Reader, Davis, CA
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Guess
Who's Coming to Santa's For Dinner?
By Tomie dePaola
"Tomie dePaola's latest Christmas book offers a funny look at how members
of the same family can be so different -- and the Claus family is no exception.
Children will chuckle as the Christmas dinner starts out with some crazy
mashed potatoes and ends with a bang of fiery, flaming pudding!" --Jessilynn
Krebs, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey, MI
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The
Last Holiday Concert
By Andrew Clements
"Hart Evans was always the most popular kid in elementary school, and
now that he's begun middle school, everything is going his way. But when
an angry choir director tells the kids that they will have to plan their
own concert, everyone learns some valuable lessons. As for the holiday
concert, well, just make sure you have tissues on hand when you read the
end because I guarantee you will cry." --Sara Chaganti, The Bookloft,
Enterprise, OR
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An
Orange for Frankie
By Patricia Polacco
"Once again, Patricia Polacco shares a family story that poignantly brings
home the importance of strong values and family traditions, which are
too often forgotten. Sure to become a holiday favorite!" --Marilynn Bernhard,
Chesterfield Books, Chesterfield Twp, MI
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