Ah, the classics.  What this boils down to is individual taste.  There are so many lists for children’s classics and I have to say that I don’t necessarily agree with all of them.  This is a list that I’ve compiled and it’s a good start.   I’m sure I’ve forgotten many of them so if you see that I’ve missed something very important please feel free to let me know and I’ll add it to the list.

As you can imagine prices and age ranges in this category vary quite a bit.  Prices on most classics range from $50 and $2.99.  And since everyone should read the classics most of them now come in abridged editions for younger readers.

Picture Books

The ABC Bunny by Wanda Gag

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

Andy and the Lion by James Daugherty

Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird

Animalia by Graeme Base

Are You My Mother? by P D Eastman

Bedtime for Frances by Russell Hoban

The Berenstain Bears by Stan and jan Berenstain

The Best Nest by P.D Eastman

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina

The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss

Chanticleer and the Fox by Barbara Cooney

Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell

Corduroy by Don Freeman

Curious George by H.A. Rey

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

Eloise by Kay Thompson

George and Martha by James Marshall

The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

Harry, the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion

Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Seuss

The House that Jack Built by Unknown

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff

Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber

The Jolly Postman by Allan Ahlberg

Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg

Linnea in Monet’s Garden by Christina Bjork

The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton

Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag

Miss Nelson is Missing! by Harry Allard

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey

The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

The Red Balloon by Albert Lamorisse

The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

Stellaluna by Janell Cannon

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

Thomas the Tank Engine by Reverend W Awdry

The Travels of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Winnie-the-Pooh by A A Milne

Beginning Readers

Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parrish

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel

Go, Dog, Go! by P D Eastman

Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss

Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss

Stories (present day)

Anastasia Krupnik by Lois Lowry

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Babe: The Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

The BFG by Roadl Dahl

Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

The Black Pearl by Scott O’Dell

The Black Stallion by Walter Farley

The Borrowers by Mary Norton

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

The Cricket in Times Square by Goerge Selden

Encyclopedia Brown by Donald J Sobol

The Enormous Crocodile by Roald Dahl

Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Half Magic by Edward Eager

Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary

The Hobbit; or, There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien

Homer Price by Robert McCloskey

The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford

The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne Reid Banks

Inkheart by Cornelia  Funke

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes

The Little Prince by Antione de Saint-Exupery

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard

Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C O’Brien

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

Old Yeller by Fred Gipson

The Once and Future King by T.H. White

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary

The Red Pony by John Steinbeck

The River by Gary Paulsen

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachan

Stone Soup by Marcia Brown

Stuart Little by E.B. White

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

The Time Machine by H G Wells

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

The Twenty One Balloons by William Pene Du Bois

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne

Watership Down by Richard Adams

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth G Speare

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursual LeGuin

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Stories from Ancient Days through the Eighteenth Century

The Boy’s King Arthur edited by Sidney Lanier

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

The Illiad and the Odyssey by Homer

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

Stories from the Nineteenth Century through 1920

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne

The Bobbsey Twins by Laura Lee Hope

The Call of the Wild by Jack London

The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Heidi by Joanna Spyri

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling

Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson

Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Little Princess by Frances H Burnett

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle

Peter Pan by James M Barrie

The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Robert Browning

Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi

The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain

Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin

Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson

The Story of Doctor Doolittle by Hugh Lofting

The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss

The Sword in the Stone by E B White

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

White Fang by Jack London

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Story Collections

Aesop’s Fables by Aesop

Andersen’s Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen

The Arabian Nights by Anonymous

The Complete Tales of Uncle Remus by Joel Chandler Harris

D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar D’Aulaire

Grimms Fairy Tales by Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm

Lavender’s Blue by Kathleen Lines

Tales from Grimm translated and illustrated by Wanda Gag

Uncle Remus Stories by  Joel Chandler Harris

Series

The Chronicles of Narnia by C S Lewis

Hardy Boys series by Franklin W Dixon

Harry Potter series by J K Rowling

Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

Redwall series by Brian Jacques

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony Di Terlizzi

Pre-Birth

A book to be read in utero

Oh Baby, the Places You’ll Go by Tish Rabe (adapted from the works of Dr. Seuss)  $6.99

Board books are made from stiff cardboard so as not to tear when encountering little hands.  Many of these books are also available in paperback and hardcover editions as well.

Love is You and Me by Monica Sheehan  $7.99

Sheehan’s follow-up book to “Be Happy!” reminds readers about the surprisingly simple acts that demonstrate love: giving a hug, sharing your toys, being a good friend, and much more.

The Big Box of Boynton by Sandra Boynton  $18.95

Housed in a bold, happy slipcase are three bestselling Boynton on Board books: Barnyard Dance!, Oh My Oh My Oh My Dinosaurs!, and Pajama Time!  It’s the wonderfulest introduction to the world of Boynton–square-dancing pigs and sheep, wide-eyed dinosaurs, and a sleepy, PJ-clad menagerie.

The Busy Little Squirrel by Nancy Tufuri  $7.99

Focusing on all the charming features of the fall season, this sweetly illustrated story features country animals, pumpkins, leaves, apples, and other signs of autumn.

Opposites: A Bugs Pop-up Book by David A Carter $7.99

Imaginative pop-ups featuring a rainbow of fanciful insects from Carter’s bestselling “Bugs” make up this first concept book.

When Mouse is Ready for Bed by Gillian Shields  $7.99

As the whole world gets ready for bed, so does an adorable bunny family–brushing teeth, closing curtains, and sharing a story. The complete text of this sleepy, soothing book is captured in a new board book edition.

Mouse’s First Fall by Lauren Thompson $7.99

One cool day Mouse and Minka venture out to play. From leaves of all colors — “red, yellow, orange, ” and “brown” — to leaves of all shapes and sizes — from pointy to round — Mouse learns that fall is a season full of fun! And before the day is done he just might take the biggest “leap” of all.

Happy Birthday Little Pookie by Sandra Boynton  $5.99

Little Pookie is up before dawn because it’s Pookie’s birthday, and Pookie just can’t wait to celebrate! Pookie’s Mom gently coaxes her little one back to bed–but not for long–in this delightful board book.

Be Happy: A Little Book for a Happy You by Monica Sheehan  $7.99

Monica Sheehan has taken her bestselling book “be happy.” and created an irresistible little gem for people “BIG & small.” So open it up and get inspired to . . .”Sing and dance a little!  Have fun!  Be kind–be brave!

And be the best YOU.

Perfect Piggies by Sandra Boynton $6.95

Piggies rock! So does Boynton. Through her eyes, her words, her music, and above all her art, the world is seen with whimsy and pleasure. “Perfect Piggies!” comes with a song available free via a download from the Workman Web site.

A Good Day by Kevin Henkes $7.99

It started out as a bad day for little yellow bird, little white dog, little orange fox, and little brown squirrel. Until . . .A discovery, and love, and luck and persistence, and a different point of view changed all that.

Noisy Peekaboo Board Books by DK Publishing

Noisy Peekaboo takes DK’s popular Peekaboo books to the next level by filling them with sounds that will captivate and delight toddlers with a new noisy surprise after every turn of the page.

How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Cats by Jane Yolen $6.99

With the same humor and warmth of their previous bestselling dinosaur books, Yolen and Teague show readers how young dinosaurs care for their kitties and puppies. Each title includes an introduction for children who may be getting a pet soon.

Counting Little Geckos by Charline Profiri  $6.95

Geckos everywhere, having fun! Number one is the cool gecko with the blue shades. Gecko number six does push-ups and number four sleeps through it all. The book’s rhyming text helps children anticipate the next number and teaches little ones to count from one to ten.

Wynken, Blynken and Nod by Eugene W Field  $6.99

Wynken, Blynken, and Nod take children on a magical journey into the night sky–where the three fishermen sail in a wooden shoe, capturing stars in nets of silver and gold, and laughing along with the moon.

Have You Been Naughty or Nice? by Ethan Long $10.99

Long’s mischievous and hilarious Duck is back and is excitedly awaiting a visit from Santa Claus. But after he eats all of Santa’s snacks, Duck realizes he just put himself on the naughty list. However, he has a clever plan to get himself back on the nice list.

Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch  $6.95

Princess Elizabeth is set to marry Prince Ronald when a dragon attacks the castle and kidnaps Ronald. In resourceful fashion, Elizabeth finds the dragon, outsmarts him, and rescues Ronald–who is less than pleased by her un-princess-like appearance.

Bear’s Day Out by Michael Rosen  $7.99

Bear’s life by the sea is quiet and peaceful, but the sounds of the nearby city call to him, and he must go exploring. Rosen’s spare lyrical text lends itself to the board-book format, just right for reading aloud.

Baby Bear, Baby Bear What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr & Eric Carle  $7.99

Young readers will enjoy Baby Bear’s quest to find Mama and are sure to revel in identifying each of the native North American animals that appear along the way.

Night-Night Little Pookie by Sandra Boynton  $5.99

Told in Boynton’s signature rhyme and illustrations, this humorous and gentle story is sure to delight toddlers and those who love them. It’s evening, and mom patiently eases Pookie toward bed. Pookie cooperates (mostly), though with that particular Pookie flair.

The Water Hole: A Counting Book by Graeme Base  $9.95

Now in a board-book format, this companion to the bestselling “Animalia” finds Base counting from one to 10 as animals gather around the water hole.

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Horns to Toes and in Between by Sandra Boynton

Sheila Rae’s Peppermint Stick byKevin Henkes

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton

I Don’t See Any Bears, Do You? by Theresa Howell

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow

Ten Little Dinosaurs by Pattie Schnetzler

The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and The Big Hungry Bear by Audrey & Don Wood

Way Out in the Desert by T.J. Marsh

Little Butterfly Finger Puppet Book by Klaartje van der Put

Hush Little Baby by Sylvia Long

Mama, Do You Love Me? by Barbara Joosse

I Howl, I Growl: Southwest Animal Antics by Marcia Vaughn

There are many more board books available.  But these are a few of my favorite.  Most of these authors also have other books for this same age group.  Prices for board books normally run between $5.99 and $9.99

Picture Books

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C Stead  $16.99

Amos McGee is too sick to make it to the zoo, so his animal friends decide to return the favor and visit him, making it the best sick day ever.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson $6.99

A clever mouse uses his imagination to conjure up a vicious “gruffalo” to ruin the appetites of the hungry woodland animals he meets.

The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson $5.99

In this delightful sequel to “The Gruffalo,” the Gruffalo’s child goes into the woods to find the Big Bad Mouse, a creature her father met years ago.

Ella Kazoo Will Not Brush Her

Hair by Lee Fox  $15.99

Ella Kazoo would rather do anything than brush her hair, especially when she could be skipping in the rain and dancing in the sunshine instead. As her hair grows from bad to worse, soon it’s out of control! Something must be done to tame her wild locks, and although it’s no easy task, Ella and her mother find a solution that makes them both happy.

How You Got So Smart by David Milgrim $16.99

This celebration of curiosity and creativity, with its funny, joyful illustrations full of kid-friendly details, makes a great gift to commemorate any milestone.

Stella: Star of the Sea by Marie-Louise Gay $7.95

Stella and her little brother are spending the day at the sea. Stella has been to the sea before and knows all its secrets, but Sam has many questions. Stella has an answer for them all.

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes $6.99

Wemberly is a worrywart, and nothing worries her more than starting school. A #1 “New York Times” bestseller from Caldecott Medalist Henkes, “Wemberly Worried” is just the thing for any child with first-day-of-school jitters.

My Mother is So Smart by Tomie dePaola $16.99.

Through the heartfelt words of a little boy awed by all the things his mom can do, this glowing celebration of mothers has a universal appeal that will make young readers everywhere want to share it with their own moms.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shell by Lucille Colandro $5.99

With rollicking, rhyming text and funny illustrations, this lively version of a classic song is sure to appeal to young readers with every turn of the page. There’s also a surprise ending readers won’t see coming.

How do Dinosaurs Go to School? (includes CD) by Jane Yolen  $9.99

Everyone’s favorite dinosaurs are back–and this time they are going to school. These prehistoric pupils are in a class of their own!As in their previous books, Yolen and Teague capture children’s rambunctious natures with playful verse that is read by the author!

The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone  $3.99

Is there a monster at the end of this book? Lovable Grover believes so and he will try anything to stop readers from turning the pages to find him. This bestselling Sesame Street book of all time is an exciting and original tale that children will read again and again.

My Garden by Kevin Henkes $17.99

The girl in this book grows chocolate rabbits, tomatoes as big as beach balls, flowers that change color, and seashells in her garden.

How does your garden grow?

When Stella Was Very Very Small by  Marie-Louise Gay  $16.95

Gay has gone back in time to answer the questions often asked by the children who read and love her Stella books.

Tyrannosaurus Drip by Julia Donaldson $16.95

From the author of the bestselling picture book “The Gruffalo” comes a deceptively simple, completely charming story about a little dinosaur who takes on the big wide world.

Tarra & Bella by Carol Buckley  $16.99

A stray Labrador named Bella befriends Tarra, a former circus elephant and resident of the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. While the pairing is unusual, the two are inseparable–even when a crisis threatens to separate them.

Can You Make a Scary Face? by Jan Thomas $12.99

This exuberant, interactive picture book starring a bossy little ladybug and a giant hungry frog will have kids leaping up and down and out of their seats to dance and make silly-scary faces of their own.

Max and the Dumb Flower Picture by Martha Alexander  $9.95

Max’s teacher wants the class to color-in pictures for Mother’s day presents, but Max knows that his mother would not want a dumb flower picture drawn by someone else. Determined to express his creativity, Max runs off to draw his own picture.

Picture books are where it’s at for the 2-6 year old crowd.  Choose books that are fun for you to read to them because it’s your enthusiasm they pick up on.  If you love it, they’ll love it too because of the way you read it.  Picture books used to be pretty blah but authors have discovered if they can catch the attention of the “reader” of the picture book it makes all the difference in the world.  When you love a book you add inflection, funny voices, sound effects etc.  You make it fun because you’re having fun.

These books are broken up into age groups too.  You’ll find that some picture books have only 5 to maybe 40 words per page.  These are for shorter attention spans.  2-4 year olds.  Then there are the books for older children. 5-9 year olds.  These children have probably started to read.  They have longer attention spans but still love to be read to.  The books still have all the bright and wonderful illustrations but there are more words per page.  About 50 to 150 words per page.  There are also picture books for much older children (like the DK and Eyewitness books) and for adults (we call them “coffee table” books)

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Bedtime in the Southwest Hodgson, Mona Gansberg

Bark George Feiffer, Jules

There Was a Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea Ward, Jennifer

Giraffes Can’t Dance Giles, Andreae

Animalia Base, Graeme

The Flower Man Ludy, Mark

Here is the Southwestern Desert Dunphy, Madeleine

The Water Hole Base, Graeme

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Viorst, Judith

Good Dog, Carl Day, Alexandra

I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More Beaumont, Karen

Ten Terrible Dinosaurs Stickland, Paul

Uno’s Garden Base, Graeme

Agate Dey, Joy Morgan

The Gingerbread Cowboy Squires, Janet

A is for Salad Lester, Mike

The Block Mess Monster Howie, Betsy

Because You Are My Baby Ward, Jennifer

Cat in the Hat Dr. Seuss  and other  “Dr. Seuss books”

“Berenstain Bear Books”  Berenstain, Stan

The Jolly Postman Ahlbert, Janet

Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? Martin, Bill

Corduroy Freeman, Don

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Willems, Mo

The Wheels on the Bus Smath, Jerry

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Carle, Eric

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Rosen, Michael

Love You Forever Munsch, Robert

And lots more…

Chapter Books

The Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman  $16.99

Welcome to the night, where poet and printmaker offer a look at the intriguing creatures that linger in the very dark night wood.

My Little Planetarium by Adele Stephens  $16.99

Take an intergalactic journey with five school friends on a fact-finding mission in ” The Little Book of Planets. ” An exploding volcano on Mars and a 3D model of the Moon are just some of the out-of-this-world projects to make and create in ” My Little Planetarium Activity Book. ”

The Twenty-Four Days Before Christmas by Madeleine L’Engle $12.99

Seven-year-old Vicky Austin recounts the events of the 24 days before Christmas, as she prepares for her role as an angel in the Christmas Pageant and prays that her mother will not be in the hospital for Christmas having a new baby.

Wolf Pie by Brenda Seabrooke $16.99

Once, there were three pigs who lived in a brick house. No, not “those” pigs.These three pigs find a friend in wolf’s clothing, in this full-color chapterbook.

Tell the Truth B B Wolf by Judy Sierra $16.99

Big Bad Wolf’s first visit to his local library (as related in “Mind Your Manners, B.B. Wolf”) was such a success that he returns to tell his version of “The Three Little Pigs.”

Ivy + Bean Doomed to Dance by Sophie Blackall $5.99

After begging their parents for ballet lessons, Ivy and Bean finally get what they want. The girls have promised their parents they’d finish the course. Now they must figure out how to get out of the recital.

Funny Lunch by David Catrow $6.99

Catrow’s lovable spaniel is back. Readers will dine with delight as Chef Max serves up one hysterical meal after another at his very own diner.

Cork & Fuzz: Best Friends by Dori Chaconas $3.99

Cork is a muskrat. Fuzz is a possum. From their first meeting in a hollow log to playing pin-the-tailon- the-turtle, from collecting rocks to dodging falling pinecones, Cork and Fuzz are always up to something unusual.

Birthday Ball by Lois Lowry  $16.00

Princess Patricia Priscilla is bored with her royal life and the excitement surrounding her 16th birthday ball. Doomed to endure courtship by three grotesquely unappealing noblemen, she escapes her fate–for a week. What begins as a cure for boredom becomes a chance for the princess to break the rules.

Abby Carnelias One and Only Magical Power by David Pogue $15.99

SILLY MAGICAL POWERS, KIDS ON THE RUN.  Kid-pleasing [with a message] that all gifts, no matter how absurd they seem, have value.

The Hardy Boys Secret Files: Trouble at the Arcade by Franklin W Dixon  $4.99

The Hardy Boys: Secret Files is an exciting new chapter book series that introduces funny, mischievous boy detectives Joe and Frank Hardy to a new audience of young mystery fans.

Ready Set Grow by DK Publishing  $12.99

With top 10 lists, showing the best and easiest plants to grow and projects that can be completed anywhere, from the city to the suburbs, “Ready Set Grow” features more than 30 simple gardening projects specially designed to be completed during summer vacation. In “Ready Set Grow” step-by-step photographs show young gardeners how to grow plants from seed, how to propagate plants, when to harvest seeds, how long different plants take to grow, what to do about pests, and much more.

Key to the Treasure by Peggy Parish  $5.99

Liza, Bill, and Jed set out to solve a century old mystery by finding the clues to a secret treasure.  A treasure that’s been buried since their great grandfather was a boy  An older title but a great read.  Little detectives will love it.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett  $6.99

In Chewandswallow, meals rain from the sky at appropriate times of the day, but a change in the weather blows in massive problems.

The Slime That Would Not Die by Laura Dower  $4.99

Jesse Ranger was just an average kid with an obsession for Oswald Leery’s B-Monster movies until he discovered a dangerous secret. It turns out Leery’s special filming process has brought his movie monsters to life and now they’ve from escaped the screen.

Return of Mega Mantis by Laura Dower $4.99

The Monster Squad is back and this time they are battling one of Leery’s biggest creations–Mega Mantis. The giant mantis has returned to Riddle and he’s brought all of his insect friends with him. Now it’s up to the Monster Squad to squash this bug for good.

The Beast with 1000 Eyes by Laura Dower $4.99

Stella Min never gets scared. In fact, she’s pretty certain that she is the bravest one in the Monster Squad. But lately she can’t shake the feeling that she’s being watched–all the time. Soon she’s seeing floating eyeballs everywhere and quickly discovers it’s the Beast with 1000 Eyes.

Bad Kitty Gets a Bath by Nick Bruel $6.99

Bad Kitty is back and is forced to take a bath, in this hysterical new illustrated how-to for young readers. This time Kitty is at her worst in a riotous guide filled with bad smells, cautionary tales of horror and, hopefully, some soap.

Ivy & Bean by Annie Barrows $5.99

Vibrant characters and lots of humor make this a charming introduction to Ivy and Bean, two best friends who thought they’d never like each other.

Chapter books are the next step after learning to read.  They have short little chapters that give children a sense of accomplishment.  It’s the beginning of reading like an adult.  There are lots of series in this category.  That’s helpful because if they find an author they like there are more books to choose from.

Nate the Great Sharmat, Marjorie

Junie B Jones Parks, Barbara

Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Treehouse)  Osborne, Mary Pope

I’m in Charge of Celebrations Baylor, Byrd

“The Fairy Series”   Meadows, Daisy

“Dinosaur Cove Series”  Stone, Rex

“Favorite Series Starters”  multiple authors

Freckle Juice Blume, Judy

Henry and Mudge Rylant, Cynthia

The Indian in the Cupboard Banks, Lynne Reid

Ivy & Bean Barrows, Annie

Judy Moody McDonald, Megan

Matilda Dahl, Roald

Miss Nelson is Missing Allard, Harry

Ramona Cleary, Beverly

Picture Books

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill  $16.99

A National Book Award finalist teams up with an award-winning illustrator to present a beautiful and inspiring biography of a slave who lived in South Carolina in the 1800s and his extraordinary talent for pottery.

Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein  $16.99

It’s time for the little red chicken’s bedtime story —and a reminder from Papa to try not to interrupt. But the chicken can’t help herself! Whether the tale is HANSEL AND GRETEL or LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD or even CHICKEN LITTLE, she jumps into the story to save its hapless characters from doing some dangerous or silly thing.

Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? by Audrey Vernick  $16.99

Your buffalo is growing up. He plays with friends. He shares his toys. He’s smart! But is he ready for kindergarten? (And is kindergarten ready for him?) Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? is a hilarious look at first-day-of-school jitters.

Gathering Sparks by Howard Schwartz  $16.99

A grandfather lovingly teaches his grandchild a lesson about the centuries-old concept of “tikkun olam.” Gently told and gorgeously illustrated, this intergenerational picture book offers a soothing and universal message for our troubled times.

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson $6.99

When a witch loses her hat and wand while riding her broomstick, three helpful animals find the missing items. All they want in return is a ride on the broom. Is there room on the broom?

Skeleton Hiccups by Margery Cuyler $6.99

Skeleton wakes up with the hiccups. His friend, Ghost, suggests several ways Skeleton can get rid of them, but nothing works. Finally Ghost has an idea and scares those hiccups right out of Skeleton.

Frank Was a Monster Who Wanted to Dance by Keith Graves  $6.95

Frank was a monster who wanted to dance, so he put on his hat and his shoes made in France.

Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano  $15.99

A turkey tries to hide on Thanksgiving by disguising himself as other animals on the farm.

It’s a Book by Lane Smith $12.99
Playful and lighthearted with a subversive twist that is signature Smith, “It’s a Book” is a delightful manifesto on behalf of print in the digital age. This satisfying picture book has something to say to readers of all stripes and all ages.

Emily’s First Day of School by Sarah Ferguson $7.95

Emily’s going to school for the first time–and she’s a little nervous. Soon, though, Emily meets new friends, and learns that school can be fun.

Eensy Weensy Spider Freaks Out by Troy Cummings $16.99

After climbing up the water spout and getting washed out, Eensy Weensy Spider has freaked out and lost her nerve. With encouragement from her ladybug friend Polly, Eensy begins to take on bigger and bigger climbing challenges.

The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah $16.99

Her Majesty, Queen Rania’s children’s book is inspired by her own experience. As written by DiPucchio, it is a warmhearted and gently humorous fable about two girls who become aware of their subtle cultural differences, only to have their friendship strengthened as a result.

Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody by Michael Rex $14.99

It’s bedtime in the cold gray tomb with a black lagoon, and two slimy claws, and a couple of jaws, and a skull and a shoe and a pot full of goo. But as a little werewolf settles down, in comes the Goon determined at all costs to run amok and not let any monster have his rest.

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney $16.99

In this infectious rhyming and read-aloud, Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama-drama. Young children will relate to Baby Llama’s need for comfort, as much as parents will appreciate Mama Llama’s reassuring message.

Our Earth by Anne Rockwell  $7.00

Dive beneath the oceans and soar above the clouds in this exploration of Earth that makes a pleasing introduction to basic earth-science concepts.

My Garden by Kevin Henkes $17.99

The girl in this book grows chocolate rabbits, tomatoes as big as beach balls, flowers that change color, and seashells in her garden.

How does your garden grow?

The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers $16.99

When a boy discovers a single-propeller airplane in his closet, he does what any young adventurer would do: He flies it into outer space! Millions of miles from Earth, the plane begins to sputter and quake, its fuel tank on empty. The boy executes a daring landing on the moon…

The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers $16.99

Like many children, Henry loves books. But Henry doesn’t like to read books, he likes to eat them.  And the more he eats, the smarter he gets and he is on his way to being the smartest boy in the world! But one day he feels sick to his stomach. And the information is so jumbled up inside, he can’t digest it! Can Henry find a way to enjoy books without using his teeth?

The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney  $15.99

In this wordless adaptation of one of Aesop’s most beloved fables by an award-winning artist, an unlikely pair learns that no act of kindness is ever wasted. With vivid depictions of the landscape of the African Serengeti and expressively drawn characters, Pinkney makes this a truly special retelling.

The Fish Who Cried Wolf by Julia Donaldson $15.99

Tiddler is late to school every day, but always has an elaborate excuse for his teacher. One day, as he’s thinking up his next story, a net sweeps him up and hauls him far away. How will Tiddler find his way home?

The Cow That Laid an Egg by Andy Cutbill  $16.99

Marjorie the cow wishes she had a special talent. One morning, thanks to a bunch of scheming chickens, Marjorie discovers that she’s laid an egg. But does the baby inside the egg belong to Marjorie? Emotions soon run high in this hilarious farmyard tale.

Do Not Open This Book! by Michaela Muntean $16.99

Pig is valiantly trying to write his masterpiece, but he needs quiet and begs readers not to turn the pages and disturb him. But who can resist? Outrageously funny text and pricelessly expressive pictures combine to create a clever picture book gem.

Ming Lo Moves the Mountain by Arnold Lobel $6.99

Ming Lo and his wife live beside a big mountain which causes them no end of trouble. “Husband”, says Ming Lo’s wife, “you must move the mountain so that we may enjoy our home in peace”. But how can a man as small as Ming Lo move something as big as a mountain? Maybe the village wise man will know.

Vunce Upon a Time by J Otto Seibold $16.99

Dagmar is not like other vampires. He’s shy, he’s afraid of humans, and he’s a vegetarian. However, Dagmar loves candy, and when he hears about all the treats he can get on Halloween, he knows he must be brave and venture out into the human world.

Marley’s Big Adventure by John Grogan $3.99

When Marley, the world’s most rambunctious pup, gets into trouble, he runs away. He eventually learns that his family loves him, even when he’s been bad.

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown  $16.99

Brown presents an enchanting tale with environmental themes and breathtaking illustrations that become more vibrant as the garden blooms. Red-headed Liam can also be spotted on every page, adding a seek-and-find element to this picture book.

This age group tends to lean toward the silly.  They are developing a sense of humor and the ridiculous is what they thrive on.  Anything that’s nonsensical or off the wall is right up their alley.  Dr Seuss fits in here.  Amelia Bedelia is a favorite for girls because she’s just plain kooky.  These little people are learning to read but they still love to be read to.  So for this category I’ve put in beginning reader books but also picture books because they still love bright, beautiful pictures. (Don’t we all)

Edwurd Fudwupper Fibbed Big Breathed, Berkeley

Thank You Mr Falker Polacco, Patricia

Heckedy Peg Wood, Audrey

Curious George Rey, H A

Madeline Bemelmans, Ludwig

Pete & Pickles Breathed, Berkeley

The Three Little Javelinas Lowell, Susan

Magic School Bus Cole, Joanna

Enigma Breathed, Berkeley

Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? Coyle, Carmella LaVigna

Skippyjon Jones by Judith Byron Schachner

Beginning Reader Books

Flat Stanley and the Haunted House by Jeff Brown  $3.99

Stanley and Arthur Lambchop can’t wait for their school’s Halloween party. But when they see a bully picking on their friend at the party, the boys know they have to help.

The Ugly Egg by Liu Kuenzler $3.99

Posy Puffin wants nothing more than to hatch an egg of her own, just like all of her friends, but she has no luck. When she comes across a big ugly egg on the ice, she takes it under her wing, only to find she’s got more than she bargained for–a lot more!

I Can Read: Fancy Nancy series $3.99 ea by Jane O’Connor

Fancy Nancy books set for beginning readers.  Most of these are level 1 books.

Little Bear and the Marco Polo by Else Minarik  $3.99

Little Bear learns about his grandfather’s days as a sea captain–and to his delight, he gets to visit Grandfather Bear’s sailing ship, the “Marco Polo.

Frankie Pickles and the Closet of Doom by Eric Wight $5.99

Like most kids, Frankie Pickle hates cleaning his room. But what happens when his Mom says he never has to clean it again? Frankie and his unstoppable imagination mean fun.

School Rules (Pinkalicious Series)  by Victoria Kann  $3.99

When Pinkalicious brings her imaginary unicorn, Goldie, to class one day, she learns that with her companion by her side, school rules!

For those who love Fancy Nancy

Silly Milly by Wendy Cheyette Lewison $3.99

This delightful, rhyming easy reader is one big riddle. Miss Milly likes green but not red, butter but not bread, seeds but not flowers, and umbrellas but not showers.  Readers are invited to guess why Miss Milly likes what she does.

Curious George: The Perfect Carrot by H A Rey  $3.99

Curious George grows carrots in a little garden plot of his own. When his carrots are ready, George decides that his prize carrot is too perfect to eat. But when George stumbles upon his friend Bill’s pet bunnies lost and hungry, he doesn’t hesitate to share his carrot.

More Spaghetti, I Say by Rita Golden Gelman $3.99

Minnie the monkey is too busy eating spaghetti–all day, in all ways–to playwith her friend Freddie.

You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You: Very Short Fairy Tales by Mary Ann Hoberman  $16.99

Designed with budding readers in mind, this collection features eight fairy tales, each given a new twist and set in three columns and three colors as a script for two voices to read separately or together.

Star Wars: What is a Wookiee? by Laura Buller  $3.99

Young fans can learn more about alien characters from the Star Wars universe–from Chewbacca, Han Solo’s loyal Wookiee companion, to Jedi Master Yoda and the Gungun race.

Little Bear Minarik, Else

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish Dr Seuss

Mouse Soup Lobel, Arnold

Danny and the Dinosaur Hoff, Sid

Frog and Toad are Friends Lobel, Arnold

No More Monsters for Me Parrish, Peggy

Amelia Bedelia Parrish, Peggy

A Bargin for Frances Hoban, Russell

Young Adult

Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus  $15.95

Fast-paced and full of adventure, this fascinating, true story is based on a real incident that occurred in 1841, and follows a young Japanese boy as he travels from Japan to America and back to Japan.

The Limit by Kristen Landon  $15.99

In a world not too far removed from our own, kids are being taken away to special workhouses if their families exceed the monthly debt limit imposed by the government. Thirteen-year-old Matt briefly wonders if he might be next.

Brain Wizardry: With More Than 50 Mind Bogglers, Optical Inventions, Magic Tricks and Visual Illusions by Ron van der Meer $16.99

An exciting way to explore the brain with lift-up flaps, pop-ups, pull tabs, and more than 50 mind bogglers to show you how the brain can be fooled.

The Last Words of Will Wolfkin by Steven Knight $16.99

It’s funny. If you’re born a certain way, you don’t really understand how it is to be any other way. From one of the hottest screenwriters in Hollywood (“Amazing Grace, Dirty Pretty Things”)comes a pulse-pounding new fantasy epic.

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen $8.99

This acclaimed “School Library Journal” Best Book is a classic romantic comedy of errors, told in alternating chapters from two funny, quirky points of view from two teens who are each in transition.

Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez $6.99

After Tyler’s father is injured in an accident, his family is forced to hire migrant Mexican workers to help save their Vermont farm. Tyler isn’t sure what to make of these workers. And what about the three daughters, particularly the oldest, Mari?

Bog Child by Siobhan Dowd $9.99

While digging for peat in the mountain with his Uncle Tally, Fergus finds the body of a child, and it looks like she’s been murdered. As Fergus tries to make sense of the mad world around him, a little voice comes to him in his dreams, and the mystery of the bog child unfurls.

Spilling Ink by Matt Phelan $9.99

After receiving letters from fans asking for writing advice, the authors joined together to create this guidebook for young writers. The authors mix personal anecdotes with practical guidance on who to find a voice, develop characters and plot, make revisions, and overcome writer’s block. Includes writing prompts.

The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon $17.99

From the author of the adult bestsellers “Shadow of the Wind” and “The Angel’s Game” comes an atmospheric, adventurous YA ghost story about a mysterious house that harbors an unimaginable secret.

Grimpow: The Invisible Road by Rafael Abalos  $9.99

Grimpow has no idea who the dead man is, but hidden in the mans leather bag is a treasure that will change Grimpows life forever. Clutched in the mans firm grip–a stone that will shape Grimpows destiny, for when he holds it, strange things begin to happen.

The Cardturner: A Novel About Imperfect Partners and Infinite Possibilities by Louis Sachar  $17.99

As the summer after junior year begins, Alton Richards finds himself becoming intrigued by his great-uncle Lester, by the game of bridge, and especially by a pretty and shy girl. Alton soon struggles to figure out what it all means, and ultimately to figure out the meaning of his own life.

The Mark by Jen Nadol $16.99

Cassandra Renfield has always seen the mark–a glow around certain people reminiscent of candlelight. But the one time she mentioned it, it was dismissed as a trick of the light. Until the day she watches a man awash in the mark die. After searching her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman $8.99

A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make, and the ultimate choice one teenage girl commands.

The Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski $6.99

Brimming with magic, political intrigue, and heroism, this debut novel kicks off a riveting new series featuring Petra Kronos, a young girl who risks everything to protect those she loves.

The Line by Teri Hall $16.99

In this compelling debut, Hall writes a futuristic urban novel about the lines one girl must cross, and what lengths she is willing to go in order to do what she thinks is right.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead  $15.99

From the author of “First Light” comes this engaging novel in which four mysterious letters change a young girl’s world forever.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go Pop-up by Dr. Seuss   designed by David A Carter $28.99

Filled with glorious pop-ups, detailed pop-up booklets, special effects, and the complete original text, this Dr. Seuss classic bursts with vibrant new energy, thanks to the talents of paper engineer Carter. Appropriate for graduates of all ages, this joyful book is an ideal gift for anyone starting out on a new adventure.

Dandelion Fire by N.D. Wilson  $7.99

Henry York never dreamed his time in Kansas would open a door to adventure–much less a hundred doors. Now Henry must follow the trail through the cupboards to find the truth about who he really is.  Second in the 100 Cupboards series.  The third in the series, The Chestnut King, has just been released.

Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer $9.99

The three-time Newbery Honor-winning author and National Book Award recipient pens a new adventure set in A.D. 793 in the land of the Vikings, where two children are soon swept up in a quest on which they encounter a dragon, a giant spider, and trolls.   Sea of Trolls is the first the “Sea of Trolls” trilogy.  Book two is The Land of the Silver Apples and book three is The Islands of the Blessed.

Legacy by Cayla Kluver $24.95

Duty-bound to wed her father’s choice in successor to the  throne, Princess Alera of Hytanica believes that she is being forced into the worst of all possible fates—a marriage to the arrogant and hot-tempered suitor, Steldor. When a mysterious boy from enemy Cokyri appears bearing secrets and an entirely different view of what’s appropriate behavior for a young lady, Alera learns that her private desires threaten to destroy the kingdom. When Narian’s shocking past comes to light, Alera finds herself in a shadowy world of palace intrigue and ancient blood feuds, facing an uncertain future with dwindling options—and must learn to decide between right and wrong all alone.

The “young adult” category is the most difficult to recommend for.  Parents and grandparents are looking for books that have enough content to hold the attention of these young people and yet don’t have adult content.  This is the age when reading may get pushed aside as people grow into who they want to be.  There isn’t always a book to help with all that.  Sometimes it’s life experience and finding other ways to learn that are better teachers.  Forcing someone to read at any age when they don’t want to may make them non-readers down the line.  A lot is happening at this time in life and sometimes books don’t fit.  But for those who want to read here are some suggestions.

The Book Thief Zusak, Markus

The Giver Lowry, Lois

The House of the Scorpion Farmer, Nancy

The Alchemist Coelho, Paulo

Ella Minnow Pea Dunn, Mark

The Lightning Thief Riordon, Rick

The Time Ships Baxter, Stephen

Voices Le Guin, Ursula

The Secret Life of Bees Kidd, Sue Monk

The Haunted Bookshop Morley, Christopher

People of the Book Brooks, Geraldine

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie Bradley, Alan

The Name of This Book is a Secret Bosch, Psuedonymous

Lord of the Rings trilogy Tolkien J R R

His Dark Materials trilogy Pullman, Philip

]]> http://www.thebookstorelady.com/young-adult-ages-12-and-up/feed/ 0 http://www.thebookstorelady.com/pre-teen-ages-9-12/ http://www.thebookstorelady.com/pre-teen-ages-9-12/#comments Sat, 15 Aug 2009 12:39:59 +0000 Monica http://www.thebookstorelady.com/?p=509 *To order books please contact me by clicking on my email address on the right side of this page or phone me at  (520) 398-9650.

Pre-Teen

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool  $16.99

Twelve-year-old Abilene Tucker is the daughter of a drifter who, in the summer of 1936, sends her to stay with an old friend in Manifest, Kansas, where he grew up, and where she hopes to find out some things about his past.

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia  $15.99

In a humorous and breakout book by Williams-Garcia, the Penderwicks meet the Black Panthers in 1968 Oakland, California.

Turtle in Paradise by  Jennifer Holm  $16.99

Inspired by family stories, a two-time Newbery Honor winner and “New York Times”-bestselling author beautifully blends family lore with America’s past in this charming gem of a novel, rich in historical detail, humor, and the unique flavors of Key West.

The Secret Zoo by Bryan Chick  $16.99

When four best friends uncover the magical secret behind the animal exhibits at their local zoo, they discover a whole new world–and looming danger.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney  $13.95

Kinney delivers the fifth installment of his #1 “New York Times”-bestselling series. Greg Heffley has always been in a hurry to grow up. But is getting older really all it’s cracked up to be?

How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O’Connor $6.99

Desperate to hold her struggling family together, Georgina Hayes is inspired after she spots a poster offering a $500 reward for the return of a missing dog. All she has to do is “borrow” the right dog and its owners are sure to offer a reward.

Word After Word After Word by Patricia MacLachlin $14.99

Sure to inspire new generations of writers and readers, this contemporary novel from a beloved author and Newbery Medalist celebrates the power of words and language, stories and poetry.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan $6.99

Esperanza Ortega lives in a beautiful home filled with servants and the promise of one day presiding over all of Rancho de las Rosas. But tragedy shatters that dream, forcing Esperanza and Mama to flee from Mexico to California and settle in a farm labor camp.

Toby Alone by Timothee DeFombelle $8.99

Toby Alone is a gripping and witty eco-adventure set on a Lilliputian world where a tree is under threat and a boy hunted by his own people must protect his father’s secrets.

The Dreamer by Pam Munoz Ryan, illustrated by Peter Sis  $17.99

This moving story about the birth of an artist is also a celebration of childhood, imagination, and the strength of the creative spirit. Ryan weaves sound poems and thought-provoking questions into her exquisitely crafted prose while Sis’s delicate drawings transport readers to the lushness of the Chilean rainforest.

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan  $17.99

To stop Egyptian god Set from going after their father, siblings Carter and Sadie embark on a dangerous journey across the globe–a quest which brings them ever closer to the truth about their family, and their links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester $6.99

Forester’s humorous, thrilling debut novel is an unforgettable story of defiance and courage, about a girl who can fly and the institute for normalcy that wants to bring her down.

A Whole Nother Story as told by the one and only Dr. Cuthbert Soup  $16.99

For kids who love A Series of Unfortunate Events and Mysterious Societies comes a new series featuring the three Cheeseman children, their father, their psychic dog, and a sock puppet named Steve who are on the run from international superspies.

The Children’s Baking Book by Denise Smart   $17.99

With easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions sure to inspire children to bake up brownies, breads, cookies, and more, “The Children’s Baking Book” features more than 50 fabulous recipes guaranteed to stir any baker.  Perfect for those bad weather days when kids need something to do indoors.

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart  $6.99

A first-time novelist takes readers on a dazzling adventure that puts friends, family, and foe to the test, as four children go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive children can complete.  First in a series.  Books three has just been released.

A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein $18.99

First published in 1981–the first children’s book ever on the “New York Times bestseller list”–this beloved classic is back in a special edition that features 12 never-before-published poems by Silverstein. Accompanied by his iconic black-and-white line art, these new poems reflect Silverstein’s signature humor and timeless style.

Pocket Guide to the Outdoors: Based on My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George $9.99

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of George’s acclaimed “My Side of the Mountain,” this easy-to-follow guide to the outdoors is packed with activities, naturalist trivia, and practical wilderness tips.

The Dream Stealer by Sid Fleischman $17.89

Filled with intrigue, magic, and adventure, Fleishman’s latest novel tells the story of a young girl who is determined to finish a dream and tracks down the elusive Dream Stealer.

The Georges and the Jewels by Jane Smiley $6.99

The author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “A Thousand Acres” makes her debut for young readers with this novel set on a California horse ranch in the 1960s, where a girl finds refuge from her problems with the horses.

Robe of Skulls by Vivian French $5.99

High above the village of Fracture, trouble is brewing. The sorceress Lady Lamorna wants a skull-studded gown of deep black velvet, and she will stop at nothing to get what she wants. This exuberant, fast-moving tale stars a cast of characters who are good, bad, and very, very ugly.

The Magicians Elephant by Kate DiCamillo $16.99

In her newest novel, Newbery Medalist DiCamillo (“The Tale of Despereaux”) conjures a haunting fable about trusting the unexpected and making the impossible come true. When orphan Peter Augustus Duchene asks a fortuneteller about his sister, the fortuneteller’s mysterious answer sets off a chain of remarkable events.

Born to Fly by Michael Ferrari  $15.99                                       Set during World War II, this winning entry in the Dell Yearling Contest tells the story of 11-year-old tomboy Bird, who loves flying in small propeller airplanes with her mechanic dad. But when a young Japanese-American student joins Bird’s class, the entire school seems to be convinced that he’s a spy.

This group takes in all kinds of goodies.  This seems to be the age group that authors are experimenting with.  Picture books with lots of text, just text with imagination galore, funny stuff, serious and fairly deep stuff.  These are the books where authors start adding emotion and some depth  with just enough humor to keep it light.

How to Train Your Dragon (series) Cowell, Cressida

Never Land Books (series) Pearson, Ridley

Anything But Typical Baskin, Nora Raleigh

Island of the Blue Dolphins O’Dell, Scott

The Boxcar Children Warner, Gertrude Chandler

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Rowling, J K

Nick of Time Bell, Ted

Pain and the Great One Blume, Judy

Inkheart Funke, Cornelia

Encyclopedia Brown Sobol, Donald J

Peter and the Starcatchers Barry, Dave & Pearson, Ridley

Icarus at the Edge of Time Greene, Brian

My One Hundred Adventures Horvath, Polly

The Graveyard Book Gaiman, Neil

The Table Where Rich People Sit Baylor, Byrd

Imagine a Night Thomson, Sarah L

The Dangerous Book for Boys Iggulden, Conn

The Daring Book for Girls Buchanan, Andrea