Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them...

20
Recommendations by independent children’s booksellers from across the nation. Find out more at www.abfc.com. Best Books ABC for Children B e c a u s e b ook s m a k e e v e r y t h i n g b e e r . Go Indie. Art © 2010 by Lane Smith

Transcript of Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them...

Page 1: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

Recommendations by independent children’s booksellers from across the nation. Find out more at www.abfc.com.

Best BooksABCforChildren

Because books makeeverything better.

Go Indie.Art © 2010 by Lane Smith

Page 2: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

Dear Parents, Teachers, and Lovers of Children’s Books,When I first read Lane Smith’s It’s a Book, I laughed out loud. Really loud.

With rapier wit, Lane has managed to capture the ongoing debate over digital versusprint technology that we as parents, educators, and booksellers are thinking aboutmore and more. What does the future of reading hold for our children?

Although none of us have a crystal ball, there are some promising signs. A 2010 studyof children’s picture book consumers found that families consider books to be moreimportant in their children’s life than a wide variety of other media including TV, video games, and online offerings. On the developmental side, there is a persuasiveargument being made for picture books as the perfect tool for preparing children for a highly visual digital future.

Of course, that’s no surprise to those of us who have known all along that greatchildren’s books prepare kids for every future, digital and otherwise. Reading books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for every eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity, Imagination, Writing, Storytelling, Self-Awareness, Logic, Collaboration, Community, and Critical Thinking—in short a tool box for the 21st Century.

And once they get going with books, it’s hard to stop. If you don’t believe me, just ask Donkey.

Best wishes to you and yours for a happy year full of great reading (and growing),

Kristen McLeanExecutive Director, ABC, www.abfc.com

New VoicesLook for this New Voices icon in the catalog indicating stellar books by first time authors.

The Association of Booksellers for Children (ABC)

is a national non-profit trade association dedicated

to supporting the business of independent children’s

bookselling and quality children’s books. The

membership includes booksellers, publisher

members, author and illustrators, and other industry

professionals. For more information about ABC

programs, visit us on the web at www.abfc.com.

Prices are subject to change without notice.

Hardcover (HC), paperback (PA), audio (AUD) and

board book (BB) editions are listed when available.

Suggested ages are indicated following book

descriptions. If books are out of stock, ask your local

independent bookstore to order them for you.

Our catalog covercomes from one of our laugh-out-loud picks of the year!

Are you a BOOKSELLER?

ABC supportsIndieBound! Find out more atwww.indiebound.org

Find out how your storecan receive up to 5,000 ofthese annual catalogs for

just the cost of shipping, aswell as many othervaluable benefits by

becoming an ABC store member.

Find out more atwww.abfc.com

Abbreviations:PW Publisher’s WeeklySLJ School Library JournalALA American Library Association� Starred Review � Special Honor Book

Published by the Association of Booksellers for ChildrenVolume XVIII, October 2010Catalog editor: Kristen McLeanCatalog design and layout: Lorraine Ortner–Blake/ArtifaxCover Art © 2010 by Lane Smith

Go Indie.

A Q&A with Lane Smith

Q: In today’s plugged-in world, why do youfeel that books are so important?

A: I think reading is important,whether from a book or anelectronic device. As for theimportance of booksspecifically? I can only answerfor myself. I prefer books. I grewup with printed matter and I prefer

to read that way. I like the feel of different paperstocks and I like the experience of physically turningthe page. I hope readers of It’s a Book will share asimilar experience.

Lane Smith is a best-selling author and illustrator ofmore than two dozen books for children, includingthe Caldecott-winning The Stinky Cheese Man andOther Fairly Stupid Tales.

It’s a BookLane Smith

When monkey tells donkey he is reading a book, donkey is bursting with questions:“Can you blog with it? How do you scrolldown? Can you make the characters fight?Does it text? Tweet? Does it need a password?” To each question the long-sufferingmonkey patiently replies “No…it’s a book.” In the end, donkey discovers what thewondrous technology of the book can do better than any other. A witty and stylishcelebration of the book that is sure to have both kids and adults laughing out loud.Ages 4-8. (978-1596436060)

Roaring Brook Press (HC) $12.99

Page 3: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

1C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T

WE LOVE BUSY BOOKS!Bright, beautiful photos and bouncy text—these are perfectfor introducing new words and an early love of nature.

Busy BirdiesJohn Schindel, photographsby Steven Holt

“Busy, busy birdies. What arethey doing? Birdy nibbling, birdydribbling, birdies eyeing, birdies

flying.” The beautiful close-up photoghraphy andamazing action in this book will make enthusiasticbirdwatchers out of even the youngest readers. Ages 1-4. (978-1582463179)

Busy GorillasJohn Schindel,photographs by Andy Rouse

From clinging and swinging, to scratching and napping,this book features gorillas of all sizes taking part in avariety of actions that will inspire toddlers to think aboutwhat they can do too. A great first look at our closestanimal relatives. Ages 1-4. (978-1582463520)

Tricycle Press (Board Book) $6.99

National GeographicLittle Kids’ First BigBook of AnimalsCatherine D. Hughes

An adorable animal reference filledwith fluffy and scaly creatures, inspired by

National Geographic Little Kids magazine. Featuringmore than 150 photographs, large type, key facts, andprofiles of 32 popular animals including dolphins,tigers, butterflies, frogs, penguins, wolves, and pandas,this is a fantastic introduction to the animal kingdom.Ages 2-8. (978-1426307041)

National Geographic (HC) $14.99

Perfect PiggiesSandra Boynton

A celebration of the homey—of beauty in the eye of thebeholder, of sunshine and freshair, and a place to put up ourhooves when the day is done.“We are all perfect piggies and we knowwhat we need. It’s really very simple, very simpleindeed: a troughful of food, a place in the sun, and a little bit of comfort when the day is done.” Bonus:download the song from the Workman website and singalong. Ages 1-4. (978-0761159933)

Workman (Board Book) $6.95

The Baby Goes BeepRebecca O’Connell,illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max

An exuberant look at one toddler’svery noisy day that begs to beread with gusto. From playtime to

mealtime, bath time to bedtime, the active toddler in thisstory punctuates the day’s activities with beeps, booms,splashes, and other irresistible words. The bright colorsand bold artwork add to the fun. Of course, at the end ofthe day quiet comes, but in a surprising way that youngreaders will love. Ages 1-4. (978-0807505083)

Albert Whitman (Board Book) $7.99

MEET TILLY AND HER FRIENDSTilly and her friends all live together in a little yellowhouse. Together they learn important lessons aboutfriendship, caring, and love in this remarkable seriesby Polly Dunbar. Highly recommended!

Doodle BitesPolly Dunbar

Doodle wakes up feeling bitey.After she crunches and munchesher way through the house, shespies something very good to bite.Unfortunately her friend Tumptydoesn’t agree. All their friends must pitch in to helpmake it better. One of the best books we’ve found tohelp explain what happens when friends hurt each other.Ages 2-5. (978-0763643270)

Good Night, TiptoePolly Dunbar

Tiptoe is not feeling sleepy. Eachtime Tilly tries to tuck him in hebounces out of bed. It’s not untilTilly reads a bedtime story that Tiptoefinally seems to drift off. But then

who will tuck Tilly in and kiss HER good night? Sweetand perfect for bouncy bedtime bunnies everywhere.Ages 2-5. (978-0763643287)

Pretty PruPolly Dunbar

Pru likes to be pretty. She carriesall her favorite accessories likeher nail polish and lipstick in herpurse. Tumpty wants to be prettytoo, but when he asks, Pru won’tshare. Tumpty decides to take matters into his own trunk (with hysterical results) and everyone in the littleyellow house learns a lesson about respect and sharing.Ages 2-5. (978-0763642723)

Candlewick Press (HC) $12.99

SunshineJan Ormerod

Young readers followa little girl through theroutine of her morningin this wonderful,award-winning wordless picture book. From the first rays of morning light shining into the little girl’sbedroom, through breakfast, getting ready for the day,and heading off to school, children will love comparingroutines and reading the “story” to you. Ages 2-5.(978-1845073909) � Mother Goose AwardFrances Lincoln (PA) $7.95

MoonlightJan Ormerod

It’s nighttime, the day is winding down, and the little girl is gettingready for bed. She eats

dinner, takes a bath, and says goodnight to her dolls.Her father reads her a bedtime story, but she’s not quite ready to go to sleep. A glass of water, a hug, more stories, and then, when both of her parents fallasleep, she’s ready for bed again. Warm andcomforting. Ages 2-5. (978-1845070496)

Frances Lincoln (PA) $7.99

My AlphabetPlaybookRomero Britto

A puzzle board book from one ofthe masters of eye-candy, popartist Romero Britto. As childrenread the book they guess whichobject is hiding under each press-out letter. One by one, kids can stack the letters to make their own vibrantsculptures. Equally stylish on the bookshelf or the coffeetable. Ages 3+. (978-1416996248)

Simon & Schuster (Interactive) $12.99

HeadsMatthew Van Fleet

This follow-up to the best-selling Tails is packed withcheerful animals of everystripe, bouncy rhyming text,

texture on each page, and chunky tabs to pull and push.All the animals—from the familiar to the unusual—arelabeled on the last page. It’s an interactive extravaganzathat will keep young children happily busy for hours.Ages 3-8. (978-1442403796) � PWSimon & Schuster (Interactive) $17.99

Goodnight Baby Bear Michael Shoulders, illustrated by Teri Weidner

Baby Bear has a very special dayas Momma, Daddy, Aunt Grace,Uncle Roy, and Nana all spendsome time doing wonderful things with him. At nightBaby Bear reflects on his day as he is tucked in with his memory book and a warm cookie. Comforting and timeless. Bonus: Includes yummy cookie recipe.Ages 2-6.(978-1585364718)

Sleeping Bear Press (HC) $15.95

Pocket Full of PosiesSalley Mavor

This hand-picked collection ofclassic nursery rhymes is delicatelyand painstakingly illustrated withfabric art including bells, beads,

twigs, seeds, shells, and other easily identified items thatkids will love to examine. Well-known and less-familiarnursery rhymes and songs are included. A beautifulkeepsake. Ages 2-8. (978-0618737406) � Horn BookHoughton Mifflin Harcourt (HC) $21.99

The Classic Treasury ofChildhood Wonders: Favorite Adventures, Stories,Poems, and Songs for MakingLasting MemoriesSusan Magsaman

This very special book is acollection of art, literature, andhands-on activities custom-made forthe family bookshelf. It is broken into five sections—Magic and Make-Believe, Outdoor Exploring, Crafts and Construction, Yummy for the Tummy, and Bedtime, Bathtime, and Dreamtime. Perfect for holidays, rainy days, bedtime, or anytime you want to build some special memories. Ages 3-103. (978-1426307157)

National Geographic (HC) $19.99 Go Indie.

Page 4: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

A BarnyardCollection: Click, Clack,Moo and MoreDoreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

A collection of three of the funniest stories

ever written about a barnyard. Burstingwith clever animal antics like a milk slowdown whenthe cows get hold of a typewriter, to pizza partytrickery when duck does the same, to a farm animaltalent show where all the animals want to win theprize—a trampoline! Ages 3-6. (978-1442412637)

Atheneum (HC) $19.99

A Bedtime for BearBonny Becker,illustrated byKadyMacDonaldDenton

Bear must haveabsolute quiet whenhe goes to bed, and he likes things just so. ButMouse finds it terribly hard to be as quiet as a...well,you know. But when things take a turn for the worst,they learn that nothing is more comforting thanhaving a good friend around. Charming and funny.Ages 5-7. (978-0763641016) � PW

Candlewick Press (HC) $16.99

A Sick Dayfor AmosMcGeePhilip C. Stead,illustrated byErin E. Stead

Amos is azookeeper. Everyday he spends time

with each of his animal friends—running races withthe tortoise, keeping the shy penguin company, andeven reading bedtime stories to the owl. But whenAmos is too sick to make it to the zoo, his animalfriends decide it’s time they returned the favor. Ages 3-6. (978-1596434028) � PW, Kirkus

Roaring Brook (HC) $16.99

Bats at theBallgameBrian Lies

The fun-loving bats are at it again!What—you thinkhumans are theonly ones whoenjoy America’snational pastime? Grab your bat—the other kind—and your mitt, and join them at the All Star game.Want a mothdog? Or some beenuts and Cricket Jack? Scrumptious and totally funny. Ages 4-8. (978-0547249704) � PW, Kirkus

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (HC) $16.99

Birdy’s Smile BookLaurie Keller

Birdy starts every dayby smiling at herself inthe mirror. She saysyou can smile whiledoing just aboutanything—brushingyour teeth, taking out

the garbage, or whatever. People with bad teethshould grin too—there’s no such thing as a badsmile. A great message. Includes a mirror forpractice! Ages 4-8. (978-0805088830)

Henry Holt (HC) $16.99

BraveMouseMichaelaMorgan,illustrated by MichelleCartlidge

Lots of thingsfrighten LittleMouse but a littlevoice inside encourages him to be brave. UltimatelyLittle Mouse finds that it takes the most courage of all to decide when to make different choices. Awonderful story for encouraging new experiences and a sense of belief in oneself. Ages 4-8.(978-1847801104)

Frances Lincoln (PA) $7.95

Chick ‘n’ PugJennifer Sattler

Chick lives foradventures. Puglives for sleep. In Chick's eyes,however, Pug can do no wrong.But with dangeraround every

corner and a hero who's a little low on energy, it maybe up to Chick to save the day and earn the prizedrole of sidechick—er, sidekick. A funny, heart-warming story of (slightly) misplaced hero worship.Ages 4-8. (978-1599905341)

Bloomsbury (HC) $14.99

Chicken BigKeith Graves

On a teeny little farm,in an itty-bitty coop, avery small hen laid abig, giant egg. And outof this egg came onebig, humongous...something. No matterhow they try, theseclueless chickenscan’t make sense ofhim until he saves the day. A wacky, laugh-out-loudtwist on the classic Chicken Little story. Ages 4-8.(978-0811872379)

Chronicle Books (HC) $16.99

Children MakeTerrible PetsPeter Brown

Lucy, a young brownbear in a pink skirt andhair bow, meets the mostadorable little boy in theforest. She brings himhome and begs her momto let her keep him. Hermom warns, “Children

make terrible pets.” As the hysterical story unfolds,kids will judge the truth of that one for themselves.Ages 4-8. (978-0316015486)

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers(HC) $16.99

City Dog,CountryFrogMo Willems,illustrated by Jon J. Muth

In spring, Dog runsfree in the countryfor the first time,and he meets Frog.Together they play Frog games. In summer, they meet again and play Dog games. In fall, Frog is tiredso they just remember. In winter, things change forDog and Frog. Come spring, friendship bloomsagain, a little different this time. Sweet and poignant.Ages 4-8. (978-1423103004) � PW, SLJ, ALA

Hyperion (HC) $17.99

DancingFeet!Lindsey Craig,illustrated byMarc Brown

A joyful story that asks children to guess who’sdancing across thepage by looking at

the clues in the artwork and listening to the irresistiblerhymes. “Clickity! Clickity! Long green feet! Who isdancing that clickity beat? Lizard is dancing onclickity feet.. Clickity! Clickity! Happy feet!” Ages 2-5. (978-0375861819) � PW

Random House (HC) $16.99

Diary of a BabyWombatJackieFrench,illustrated by BruceWhatley

The star ofDiary of a Wombat is back–with a baby! This time, it’sthe baby who tells the story. And a perfect wombatstory it is, featuring eating, scratching, digging,sleeping, and playing, as well as the important task offinding a new underground home big enough for babyand Mum. Wry and funny. Ages 4-8. (978-0547430058)

Clarion Books (HC) $16.99

2 D O N ’ T S E E A B O O K YO U WA N T ? A S K U S TO O R D E R I T F O R YO U !

Page 5: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

Dinosaur vs. the PottyBob Shea

Dinosaur doesn’t needto use the potty. Evenwhen he’s makinglemonade, runningthrough the sprinkler,having a three-juice-box lunch, and

splashing in rain puddles. See? He’s doing hisvictory dance. Wait...that’s not a victory dance. That looks like a POTTY DANCE! Run, Dinosaur, run!Ages 2-5. (978-1423133391) � PW

Disney Book Group (HC) $15.99

Dog LovesBooksLouise Yates

Dog loves books SOmuch he opens his very own bookstore. At first he’s short ofcustomers. But that’s all right, because whenDog is surrounded bybooks, he is never shortof friends—or fun. And when customers beginarriving, he knows just which books to recommend. A charming celebration of reading. Ages 3-7. (978-0375864490)

Random House (HC) $16.99

Dust DevilAnne Isaacs,illustrated by PaulO. Zelinsky

Swamp Angel is the greatest woods-woman in all ofTennessee, but shemoves to Montana formore space. Shewrestles a raging stormto the ground and finds

herself a worthy horse she names Dust Devil. Whenan outlaw starts terrorizing the prairie, Angel and DustDevil may be the only ones strong enough to stophim. A modern tall tale. Ages 5-9. (978-0375867224)

Random House (HC) $17.99

Even MonstersNeed HaircutsMatthew McElligott

On the night of a fullmoon, a young barberstays out past hisbedtime to go to work.Although his customersare mostly regulars, they are anything butnormal—after all, evenmonsters need haircuts.It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to help thesecreatures maintain their ghoulish good looks. Funny.Ages 4-8. (978-0802788191) � PW

Walker & Company (HC) $14.99

Everythingbut theHorseHolly Hobbie

A sweet recollection fromHolly Hobbie’sown childhood.

When her family moves from the city to the country,she’s scared of this new world—but gradually comesto love the animals she encounters. Soon she isdrawing the horses in the local pastures obsessively,hinting to her parents what she wants more thananything. Ages 4-8. (978-0316070195)

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers(HC) $16.99

Food ChainM.P. Robertson

When a naughty boythrows a goldfishdown the toilet, littledoes he realize that itwill come back tohaunt him. Thegoldfish is eaten by achain of larger fishuntil it works its way round in a full circle with dramatic results. A funny, quirky look at how thoughtless actions can have unexpected consequences. Ages 4-8. (978-1845079291)

Frances Lincoln (HC) $17.95

Goodnight,LittleMonsterHelenKetteman,illustrated byBonnie Leick

Little Monsterneeds to getready for bed.That means

howling at the moon, scrubbing his scales, gettinginto his creepy PJs, and enjoying a nice monsterishsnack. Little Monster’s mother is nearby to tuck Little Monster into bed and turn on his night-light—because even little monsters can be afraid of thedark. Sweet and funny. Ages 2-5. (978-0761456834)

Marshall Cavendish (HC) $16.99

How RocketLearned toReadTad Hills

Rocket is mindinghis own businessone fall morningwhen a little yellowbird decides toteach him to read.Bird lays out thebasics before flying south, and Rocket practices allseason long, spelling out words in the snow and inthe mud until he can read all on his own. Charmingand inspiring. Ages 3-7. (978-0375858994)

Random House (HC) $17.99

It’s a SecretJohn Burningham

Every night Marie-Elaine’s cat, Malcolm,goes out, and everymorning he comes backin and sleeps. “Where do cats go at night?” the girl wonders. Sowhen she sees him at his cat door dressed to

the nines, she begs to come along. And amazingly,Malcolm agrees. It turns out to be a very exciting andwondrous night, indeed. Ages 4-8. (978-0763642754)� Horn Book Honor

Candlewick Press (HC) $16.99

It’s ChristmasDavidDavid Shannon

“Have you been naughtyor nice?” Christmas bringsa whole new batch oftemptations for theirrepressible hero of No,David! From trying to peekat hidden packages, towriting a wish list, keepinghands off the shiny ornaments, or waiting patiently forSanta, it is sometimes very hard to behave your best.Ages 3-7. (978-0545143110)

Scholastic (HC) $16.99

KnuffleBunny Free: AnUnexpectedDiversionMo Willems

Trixie and herfamily are off on

a fantastic trip to visit her grandparents in Holland!Riding in a plane is exciting—watching KnuffleBunny go through the X-ray machine is a little scary,though—but soon Trixie’s is enjoying her visit. All that changes when they discover that KnuffleBunny has travel plans of his own. Ages 2-6.(978-0061929571) � ALA

HarperCollins (HC) $17.99

Little RedRiding HoodGennadii Spirin

A faithful adaptation ofthe classic fairytaleabout a young girl in ared hood who takes acake to her sick grand-mother. Along the way,she meets a wickedwolf who tricks her.Sumptuous illustrations, inspired by the golden age of Dutch painting in the 17th century, capture the charm and spirit of a tale. Ages 4-8. (978-0761457046)

Marshall Cavendish (HC) $17.99

3C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T

Go Indie.

Page 6: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

4

LuLu and theBrontosaurusJudith Voirst,illustrated by LaneSmith

It’s Lulu’s birthday and shewants a pet brontosaurus.When Lulu’s parents say no, Lulu throws a fit. Shedecides to take matters intoher own hands and stormsoff into the forest to find a

pet herself. After meeting someanimals, she finds one she wants—only it wants herfor a pet instead! Will Lulu’s usual tactics save theday? Ages 4-8. (978-1416999614) � Kirkus

Atheneum (HC) $15.99

MadlenkaSoccer StarPeter Sis

When Madlenkadribbles her brandnew soccer ball outthe door and aroundthe corner of herwonderful city block,it seems that everyonewants to get in the game—the mailbox, a dog, aparking meter, and especially the neighborhood cats.But they’re no match for Madlenka, who scores thewinning goal. Ages 4-8. (978-0374347024)

Farrar, Strauss & Giroux (HC) $16.99

Mama Miti:WangariMaathai and the Trees of KenyaDonna Jo Napoli,illustrated by Kadir Nelson

The inspiring story ofKenyan Nobel Peace Prize

winner, Wangari Maathai. She grew up in the shadowof Mount Kenya hearing stories of the land. LaterWangari planted trees to refresh her spirit. Whenother women came to her for help with their families,she told them to do the same. Soon the countrysidewas full of trees and Kenya was strong. Beautiful.Ages 4-8. (978-1416935056) � PW, Kirkus

Paula Wiseman Books (HC) $16.99

Memoirs ofa GoldfishDevin Scillian,illustrated byTim Bowers

With his bowl tohimself and asimple routine,Goldfish loves hislife—until he isinvaded by assorted intruders including a hyperactivebubbler, a grime-eating snail, a pair of guppies, and a really crabby crab. Goldfish is put out. But a littletime away gives him a chance to discover what he’sbeen missing. Funny. Ages 4-8. (978-1585365074)

Sleeping Bear Press (HC) $15.95

Miss BrooksLoves Books(And I Don’t)Barbara Bottner,illustrated byMichael Emberley

With the help of Miss Brooks, Missy’sclassmates all findbooks they love in thelibrary—but scowling

Missy dismisses all her suggestions, and MissBrooks as well. Miss Brooks remains undaunted. What story will finally win over this beastly, er,discriminating child? An humorous ode to valiantlibrarians everywhere. Ages 4-8. (978-0375846823)� PW, Kirkus, SLJRandom House (HC) $17.99

MonsterDay atWorkSarah Dyer

Little Monsterspends a day atwork with hisfather, doing allkinds of tasks likeeating the cookiesat the meeting, and coloring the graphs his fathermakes on the computer. Monster thinks his father has it easy. An witty portrayal of a child’s-eye view of the adult world that everyone will enjoy. Ages 4-8.(978-1847800695)

Frances Lincoln (HC) $16.95

My GardenKevin Henkes

Caldecott winnerKevin Henkesinvites children into a most unusualgarden. As a littlegirl helps hermama water,she imagines awondrous gardenof her own. She

would grow chocolate rabbits,tomatoes as big as beach balls, flowers that changecolor, and seashells. Playful and joyous! Ages 2-6.(978-0061715174) � PW, Kirkus, SLJ, Horn

HarperCollins (HC) $17.99

My Nameis NotIsabellaJenniferFosberry,illustrated byMike Litwin

Just how bigcan a little girldream? Ask Isabella.... Isabella’s heroes include U.S.Astronaut Sally Ride, activist Rosa Parks, and sharp-shooter Annie Oakley—but there’s no bigger herothan Isabella’s own mommy! The biggest thing shelearns is the importance of being her extraordinaryself. Inspiring. Ages 4-8. (978-1402243950)

Sourcebooks (HC) $16.99

DISCOVER THE POWER OF ONE AND ZERO

OneKathryn Otoshi

BLUE is a quietcolor, and RED’s a bully. The othercolors don’t like it,but what can theydo? When no onespeaks up, ONEcomes along

and shows them how to stand up and count. An important message, beautifully delivered. Ages 4-8. (978-0972394642) � E.B. White Read Aloud Honor

KO Kids Books (HC) $16.95

ZeroKathrynOtoshi

When Zerolooks at herself,she feels emptyinside. Every dayshe watches theother numbersline up to count.She tries tochange to be like them. It isn’t until she figures outhow to be herself and help the other numbers “counteven more” that she understands her own uniquevalue. Ages 4-8. (978-0972394635) � ALA

KO Kids Books (HC) $17.95

NoClaudia Rueda

It’s winter and littlebear doesn’t want to go to sleep. He’drather play, and he’ssure he won’t getcold outside, nomatter how long the winter is or

how deep the snow might get. That is until little bearfinds himself all alone in a snowstorm. Children willidentify with little bear’s stubborn independence.Ages 2-5. (978-0888999917)

Groundwood Books (HC) $18.95

Oh No! (Or, How MyScience ProjectDestroyed theWorld)Mac Barnett,illustrated by Dan Santat

Some kids are toosmart for their owngood...and maybe foreverybody else’s good. When an overly ambitiouslittle girl builds a humongous robot for her sciencefair, she fully expects to win first place. What shedoesn’t expect is the chaos that follows. A hilariouskid’s eye account of girl versus machine. Ages 5-10.(978-1423123125) � PW, Kirkus

Hyperion (HC) $16.99

D O N ’ T S E E A B O O K YO U WA N T ? A S K U S TO O R D E R I T F O R YO U !

Page 7: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

5

Olivia Goes to VeniceIan Falconer

In her sixth adventure,Olivia is off to Venice,where she partakes of the city’s charms,including gondolarides, walking tours,gelato, and moregelato. (Is that

gondola sinking?) Olivia wants to remember herlovely vacation, so she brings home somethingunique from the city, in true Olivia style. Very funny.Ages 4-8. (978-1416996743) � PW

Atheneum (HC) $17.99

One SmartCookie: Bite- SizeLessons forthe SchoolYear andBeyondAmy KrouseRosenthal,illustrated by Jane & Brooke Dyer

A fresh batch of words that encompasses everythingschool-related you might say to a child frompreschool to high school. Heartwarming and funny,with lovely illustrations, this is one vocabulary list thatwill resonate well beyond the school years. Ages 4+.(978-0061429705)

HarperCollins (HC) $12.99

Over theRainbowJudy Collins,illustrated by Eric Puybaret

Take a magicaljourney Over theRainbow as the classic

song becomes a magnificent picture book. Readersfly from a little red farmhouse into the sky wherebluebirds fly and castles rise high in the clouds.Includes a CD with the song by Judy Collins, and twomore wonderful tracks. Ages 4-8. (978-1936140008)

Charlesbridge (Book & CD) $17.95

Pete the Cat: I Love MyWhite ShoesEric Litwin,illustrated by JamesDean

Pete the Cat goeswalking wearing hisbrand new white shoes.They don’t stay white for long as he steps inpiles of strawberries,blueberries and other big messes! But no matterwhat color his shoes are Pete keeps singing his song, because it’s all good. Joyous, positive andsuper-fun to sing along. Highly recommended. Ages 2-7. (978-0061906220)

HarperCollins (HC) $16.99

Pout-PoutFish in theBig-BigDarkDeborah Diesen,illustrated by Dan Hanna

When Ms. Clamloses her pearl, Mr. Fish offers to

fetch it. As he swims deeper and deeper, he comfortshimself: “I’m FAST as a sailfish, I’m STRONG as ashark, I’m SMART as a dolphin.” Then he nervouslyadmits, “But I’m SCARED OF THE DARK!” In the end,with a little help from a friend, Mr. Fish overcomes hisfear. Ages 4-8. (978-0374307981)

Farrar, Strauss & Giroux (HC) $16.99

RoslynRutabagaand theBiggestHole onEarth!Marie-LouiseGay

Roslyn Rutabagais a feisty little rabbit with avivid imagination. One day she wakes up with a bigplan: “I will dig the biggest hole on earth.” With herfather’s quiet encouragement, Roslyn sets out on herbig adventure, but humorous obstacles abound. Anendearing ode to imagination, determination, andthinking big. Ages 3-8. (978-0888999948)

Groundwood Books (HC) $16.95

Ruth and theGreen BookCalvin AlexanderRamsey, illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Ruth was excited to takea trip in her family’s newcar, but her family soonfinds out that blacktravelers aren’t treatedvery well on the road in

the Jim Crow era. Finally a friendly attendantat a gas station showed Ruth’s family The GreenBook—and Ruth’s journey between Chicago andAlabama can finish safely. Fiction based on historicalfact. Ages 4-8. (978-0761352556)

Lerner Publishing (HC) $16.95

ShadowSuzy Lee

A dark attic.A light. Animaginativelittle girl. A mostlywordless adventurethat begins and ends with the click of a light bulb.These simple elements and a sophisticated bookdesign combine to perfectly capture the joy of creativeplay celebrate the power of imagination. A specialdelight for both children and adults. Ages 2-8.(978-0811872805) � PW

Chronicle Books (HC) $15.99

Shark vs. TrainChris Barton,illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

If you thinkSuperman vs.Batman would beexciting, wait untilyou see Shark vs.

Train. In this hilarious and wacky picture book, Sharkand Train egg each other on for one competition afteranother, including burping, bowling, Ping Pong, pianoplaying, pie eating, and many more! Who do YOUthink will win? Ages 4-8. (978-0316007627) � PW, SLJ

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers(HC) $16.99

Singing Awaythe DarkCarolineWoodward,illustrated by Julie Morstad

It’s a windy wintermorning, and a littlegirl has to walk a mileto catch the schoolbus. Along the way shefaces wire gates, dark shadowy woods, a bull grazingwith the cattle, and wickedly cold wind. Will she beable to sing her way through the dark morning? Liltingrhyming text and beautiful art give the book a classicfeel. Ages 4-8. (978-1897476413)

Simply Read (HC) $16.95

The Book that Eats PeopleJohn Perry, illustrated by Mark Fearing

What do little Sam Ruskin,sweet Victoria Glassford, andMr. Singh, the security guard,have in common? Each of themwas utterly consumed by the

book you see pictured above. The histories of thebook’s previous victims are given in deliciously gory(and very funny) detail. The book’s deadpan wit willmake it perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket. Try not to laugh. Ages 6-10. (978-1582462684)

Tricycle Press (HC) $15.99

The BossBabyMarla Frazee

The boss baby isused to getting hisway—drinks made to order 24/7, hisprivate jet plane, andmeetings around theclock. But when his demands aren’t getting proper responses, he has to go tonew lengths to achieve the attentionhe deserves. A droll and hystericallook at the effect of a new baby.Great gift! Ages 4-8. (978-1442401679) � PW, Kirkus, SLJ

Beach Lane Books (HC) $16.99

C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T

Go Indie.

Page 8: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

The Boy in the OakJessica Albarn

A malicious boy mistreats theancient oak in the garden behindhis cottage. The faeries soon changethis—they cast a spell and the treeswallows the boy whole. As theseasons pass, the boy experiences

the world as a tree and regrets his cruelty. Will hisspell be broken when a new girl moves to the cottage?Delicate and ethereal. Ages 4-8. (978-1897476529)

Simply Read (HC) $17.95

The Carnival of the AnimalsJack Prelutsky,illustrated by MaryGrandPré

Join Children’s PoetLaureate Jack Prelutsky for a wild romp through theanimal kingdom of composer Camille Saint-Saëns’sThe Carnival of the Animals. Included is a CD of themusic and of Mr. Prelutsky reading his original verse.A great way to introduce children to classical musicas they tromp like an elephant, hop like a kangaroo,or glide like a swan. Ages 3-8. (978-0375864582)

Random House (Book & CD) $19.99

The ChickenThiefBéatrice Rodriguez

This wonderfulwordless story beginswhen a fox steals a

hen away from her home. Her friends bear, rabbit, and rooster give chase over hill and dale through dayand night to save their friend. When the exhaustedanimals finally reach fox’s burrow, they discover anunexpectedly sweet surprise. Whimsical. Ages 4-8.(978-1592700929) � PW

Enchanted Lion (HC) $14.95

The CompleteAdventures ofCurious George: 70th Anniversary EditionMargaret & H.A. Rey

“This is George. He lived inAfrica. He was a good littlemonkey, and always verycurious.” This collectioncelebrates the anniversary of everyone’s favoritemischievous monkey with seven classic CuriousGeorge stories, an expert introduction, and two CDsof recordings to listen along. A wonderful gift! Ages4-8. (978-0547391007)

HMH Books (Book & CD) $29.99

The Legend of the Golden SnailGraeme Base

With only his cat for company,an intrepid lad sets off in a smallboat in a search of the legendarymagical “snailing” ship. As hetravels, Wilbur encounters many

creatures in need of his help. In the end, Wilburdiscovers it is better to be a Gallant Captain than aGrand Enchanter. Packed with beautiful detail andluminous artwork. Ages 4-8. (978-0810989658)

Abrams/Amulet (HC) $19.95

The MelancholicMermaidKallie George, illustratedby Abigail Halpin

Maude is teased by the othermerchildren because she hastwo tails. Meanwhile on land,Tony is an outcast because hewas born with webbed fingers.

After Maude is captured by a fisherman, both childrenwind up in a circus. Will their unlikely friendship helpthem escape—not only the terrible circus—but alsotheir own sorrows? Ages 4-8. (978-1897476536)

Simply Read (HC) $16.95

The Odious OgreNorton Juster, illustratedby Jules Feiffer

This is the story of a reallyrotten Ogre. He terrorizes theentire countryside and all thesurrounding towns, wreakinghavoc, sowing confusion, anddining happily on the haplesscitizens. Nothing can stop himuntil he encounters a kind andfriendly young lady who does her best to help him—with a surprising result. Very funny. Ages 4+.(978-0545162029)

Scholastic (HC) $17.95

The Quiet BookDeborah Underwood,illustrated by Renata Liwska

“There are many kinds of quiet:Quiet can be delicate. Quiet can be thundering! Quiet can besweet, and cozy, and can mostdefinitely help you fall asleep.”A gentle, lyrical exploration of

the many kinds of quiet that can fill a child’s day frommorning to night. Perfect for bedtime or quiet-timereading. Ages 3-6. (978-0547215679) � SLJ

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (HC) $12.95

Thumb LoveElise Primavera

Lulu was a thumb sucker.She and her thumb were veryhappy together—in sicknessand in health, in good timesand in bad, Lulu and her thumb were best friends.That is, until one day when Lulu makes up her mindto stop with her own special twelve-step program. Very,very funny and insightful. Ages 4-8. (978-0375844812)

Random House (HC) $16.99

Waiting for WinterSebastian Meschenmoser

Young Squirrel has been toldthat winter is coming, and hevows not to miss it. He and his friends try to exercise andsing to stay awake, and they set off to see if they can find it.When the snow finally falls,

it is more than they hoped for, and they are able tobuild a snowman. A wonderful celebration of winter. Ages 4-8. (978-1935279044) � PW, Kirkus

Kane/Miller (HC) $15.99

Wherever You Are MyLove Will Find YouNancy Tillman

Another sweet bookfrom the author of On the Night You Were

Born. Magical illustrations of children cavorting with animals in brightly-hued landscapes are paired with heartfelt expressions of deep love. “My love is so high, and so wide and so deep, it’s always right there, even when you’re asleep.”Ages 2-8. (978-0312549664)

Feiwel & Friends (HC) $16.99

Zen GhostsJon Muth

It’s a Zen-inspiredHalloween. When Addy,Michael, and Karl finishtrick-or-treating, theirbags are brimming withtreats. But the fun isn’tover yet. Their goodfriend Stillwater the panda has one more specialsurprise. A mysterious visitor is about to tell them a spine-tingling story—one that will fill every readerwith wonder. Ages 5-8. (978-0439634304)

Scholastic (HC) $17.99

6 D O N ’ T S E E A B O O K YO U WA N T ? A S K U S TO O R D E R I T F O R YO U !

WONDERFUL AUDIO BOOKS—PERFECT FOR FAMILY LISTENING!

Judy Moody &Stink: The Mad,Mad, Mad, MadTreasure HuntMegan MacDonald, read by BarbaraRosenblat

When the Moody family dropsanchor on “Artichoke” Island,

they are greeted by the mysterious Cap’n Weevil, a one-eyed buccaneer with a treasure map. Soon,Stink and Judy are racing in search of gold. Can theyfind the hidden clues, crack the secret codes, andsolve the tricky puzzles before time runs out? Aaarrr!Ages 7-12. (978-1441889348)

Judy Moody &Stink: The HollyJolidayMegan MacDonald, read by BarbaraRosenblat

Judy Moody is making a list and checking it twice, but all Stink wants this yearis snow. It hasn’t snowed onChristmas in Virginia in more than a hundred years,however. Enter the new mailman, Mr. Jack Frost,who not only looks like a jolly old elf but also seemsto know a lot about weather patterns. Will Stink gethis wish? Ages 7-12. (978-1441889287)

Brilliance Audio (CD) $9.99

Page 9: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T 7

Beautiful Oops!Barney Saltzberg

An important life lesson: It’sOK to make a mistake. In fact,hooray for mistakes! A spilldoesn’t ruin a drawing—itbecomes the shape of agoofy animal. And an accidental tear becomes theroaring mouth of an alligator. Every mistake is a joyfulopportunity to make something beautiful. Highlyrecommended. Ages 3-103. (978-0761157281)

Workman (Interactive) $10.95

How Big is the Lion?William Accorsi

A ruler is mysteriously,wonderfully compelling forchildren. This book is filledwith catchy rhymes that

guide children to use the includedruler to measure and explore. “Can you measure thepink peacock? Is he taller than the croc?” Measure-ments can be made in either inches or centimeters.Includes a growth chart. Ages 4-8. (978-0761155409)

Workman (Interactive) $14.95

Taro Gomi’s Play All DayTaro Gomi

Taro Gomi invites creative kidsto punch out more than 60fantastic playthings, includingring-toss games, fingerpuppets, boxes, pictureframes, a zoo’s worth ofanimals, and more! Packed with accessible artworkand a fun variety of games and toys, this book is greatfor any family on the go. Ages 4-104. (978-0811871211)

Chronicle Books (PA) $19.99

ChalkBill Thompson

A rainy day. Three kids in a park. A dinosaurspring rider. A bag of

chalk. The kids begin to draw—and then magic! The children draw the sun, butterflies, and a dinosaurthat amazingly come to life. An astounding wordlesspicture book about the power of creativity and theimagination. Ages 3-8. (978-0761455264) � SLJ

Marshall Cavendish (HC) $15.99

I Can BeAnything!Jerry Spinelli,illustrated by Jimmy Liao

An exuberantcelebration of one oflife’s big questions. “When I grow up, what shall I be? / Of all the many, many jobs, which one will be the best for me? Pumpkin grower / dandelionblower / paper-plane folder / puppy-dog holder.” An imaginative joyride about hopes and dreams, and a reminder of all the possibilities life has to offer. Ages 4-8. (978-0316162265) � PW

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers(HC) $16.99

Art & MaxDavid Wiesner

Arthur is an accom-plished painter. Max is a beginner. Max’s firstenthusiastic attempt at using a paintbrush producesan unexpected problem for Arthur. Each time Maxtries to correct the problem, it gets worse (andfunnier, and more unexpected.) A magical celebrationof fearless creativity. Ages 4+. (978-0618756636) � PW, Kirkus, SLJ, ALA

Clarion Books (HC) $17.99

Look! Seeing theLight in ArtGillian Wolfe

Using some of the best-lovedartists of all time, this bookfocuses on an unusualquality—light. How did theseartists use dramatic light,

mysterious light, cold light, hot light, dappled light,rainy light, and other forms of light in their paintings?An accessible and thought-provoking introduction tofine art. Ages 7-10. (978-1847800381)

Frances Lincoln (PA) $10.95

Fancy Nancy: Poet Extrodinaire!Jane O’Connor,illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

Fancy Nancy is so poetic,even her name rhymes. Andwith limericks, couplets, freeverse, and more, poetry is plenty fancy! So when herteacher Ms. Glass gives Nancy and her classmates anassignment to come up with their own poems, Nancyis determined to write one that is superb. But wherewill she find a good idea? Ages 4-8. (978-0061896439)

HarperCollins (HC) $12.99

The Storyworld Box:Create-A-Story KitJohn & Caitlin Matthews

This box contains forty cards thatsuggest a myriad of characters,places, and objects that everyonecan use to create their own story.

Pick a handful of cards and use their pictures andwords as inspiration. Includes a book packed withtips and ideas for creating stories, games, and more.Great for aspiring writers. Ages 9+. (978-0763645458)

Candlewick Press (Novelty) $12.99

WilliamShakespeare: His Life and TimesAri Berk & KristenMcDermott

This handsome biography,designed as a scrapbook thatShakespeare kept for his daughter, is packed with rich details, historical documents, and entertainingsidebars that explain everything from Elizabethan“Child-Rearing Advice” to period “Siege Engines” toa “Glossary” of types of thieves. An entertaining lookat an important figure. Ages 9+. (978-0763647940)

Candlewick Press (HC) $19.99

10-Minute PuppetsNoel MacNeal

It’s the Swiss Army knife of activity books: how tomake puppets anywhere,in ten minutes or less, usingeveryday materials. Professional puppeteer MacNealshows parents and kids how to make 30 puppetsusing socks, paper bags, napkins, and the mostimportant tools of all—your two hands. All ages.(978-0761157144)

Workman (PA) $10.95

Nat Geo Action Journal: Talk Like a Pirate, Analyze Your Dreams,Fingerprint Your Friends, Rule Your Own Country, and Other Wild Things to Do to Be YourselfBecky Baines

The ultimate DIY journal. Each page is full of inventive,fun, and funky instructions for helping kids expressthemselves and explore the world around them.Includes features like “voodoo your friends,” “crimescene investigation,” “best friend quizzes,” and muchmore. Wicked fun. Ages 8+. (978-1426307485)

National Geographic (PA) $12.95

Potato Chip ScienceBook & StuffAlan & Max Kurzweil

Pure genius —29 incredible experi-ments—plus one edible project—that use potato chips, potatoes, potatochip bags, tubes, and lids to explorescience. Build a balloon-poweredchipmobile, hook up a spud-powered sound system, or fire the pocket-size potato propulsionpipe. Includes a 96 page book and a dozen items touse in the experiments. Ages 8+. (978-0761148258)

Workman (Novelty) $17.95

Built to LastDavid Macaulay

This new book—based on the award-winning Castle,Cathedral, and Mosque—reveals the how and whybehind some of the most fascinating and enduring structures humankind has ever created. Beautiful,detail-driven illustrations and accessible explanations make this perfect for budding architects and engineers.Ages 9+. (978-0547342405) � Kirkus, Horn

HMH Books (HC) $24.99

Teen CuisineMatthew Locricchio

With an emphasis on fresh,made-from-scratch cooking,sophisticated recipes, andbeautiful design, this is a bookthat takes teen chefs

seriously. Includes diverse dishes thatcombine comfort with a broader palateof flavors and ingredients. Also includesequipment suggestions, conversioncharts, and a helpful glossary. Ages 12+. (978-0761457152)

Marshall Cavendish (HC) $22.95

C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T

Go Indie.

Page 10: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

More Life-Size ZooTeruyuki Komiya, photography by,Toshimitsu Matsuhashi

This follow-up to last year’s hit Life-Size Zoo takes an up-close-and-

personal look at 20 all-new animal favorites, from acrocodile and a baby gibbon to a spectacular life-sizedfold out of a hippo’s head. Each animal is shown inscale with a fact box of stats and essential information.Totally amazing. Ages 4+. (978-1934734193)

Seven Footer Press (HC) $18.95

Out of SightPittau & Gervais

In this big, beautiful, astonishingbook, more than 50 animals arewaiting to pop from under flapslarge and small. Readers can use pattern clues on the top ofeach flap to guess what’s hidingunderneath. The stylish and inter-active design will make this book equally at home ona child’s bookshelf or an adult coffee table. Ages 4-8.(978-0811877121)

Chronicle Books (HC) $19.99

Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature’s SurvivorsJoyce Sidman, illustrated by Beckie Prange

Why is the beetle, born 265 millionyears ago, still with us today? Howdid the gecko survive 160 millionyears? How did the shark and the

crow and the tiny ant survive millions and millions ofyears? A compelling poetic examination of why someanimals become ubiquitous, and others go extinct.Ages 7-12. (978-0618717194) � PW, SLJ

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (HC) $17.00

What in the Wild: Mysteries of NatureConcealed…and RevealedDavid M. Schwartz, YaelSchy, and Dwight Kuhn

From the creative team behindWhere in the Wild? comes 10 new mysteries of thenatural world for readers to solve. Kid-pleasing riddlespaired with mystifying images give clues to guess:What creature made that pile of twigs, mass of leaves,frothy spittle, and so on...And why? Clever and enter-taining. Ages 5-8. (978-1582463100)

Tricycle Press (HC) $16.99

Chemistry: Getting a Big ReactionDan Green, illustrated by Simon Basher

Imagine Chemistry as acommunity of dynamic characters,

each with its own peculiar personality. This book isthe essential guide to the explosive guys who make up everything around us. Each chemical and reactionis presented with a hip manga-style avatar andessential facts that make it easy to understand. Ages 10+. (978-0753464137)

Kingfisher (PA) $14.99

The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand-New ColorsChris Barton, illustrated by Tony Persiani

Before 1935, fluorescent colors did not exist. This is the remarkablestory of the invention of Day-Glo paint by brothers Joe and Bob Switzer. When an accident left Bobrecovering in a darkened basement, the brothersbegan experimenting with ultraviolet light andfluorescing compounds. Ages 8-12. (978-1570916731)� Sibert HonorCharlesbridge (HC) $18.95

A Garden for PigKathryn K. Thurman, illustrated by Lindsay Ward

Pig is sick of eating apples. What hereally needs are some seeds to growhis very own vegetable garden. Littledoes he know that what he needs maybe inside of him just waiting to come

out. A hilarious look at the—um—earthy side oforganic gardening, and a great conversation starter for spring planting. Ages 4-8. (978-1935279242)

Kane/Miller (HC) $15.99

Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the EarthMary McKenna Siddals,illustrated by Ashley Wolff

“Environmental chefs, / here’sa recipe for you / to mix a batch / of Compost Stew.”A fun and bouncy A to Z that introduces children toingredients that make great compost. Vibrant collageillustrations use recycled and found materials, and anote in the back clarifies the do’s and don’ts of whatshould go in the bin. Ages 4-8. (978-1582463162)

Tricycle Press (HC) $15.99

8

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to MyDaughtersBarack Obama, illustrated by Loren Long

This tender letter is a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking

Americans that shaped our nation. From the artistry ofGeorgia O’Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson,and the patriotism of George Washington, PresidentObama sees the traits of these heroes within allAmerica’s children. Ages 6-8. (978-0375835278)

Random House (HC) $17.99

Condoleezza Rice: A Memoir of My Extraordinary,Ordinary Family and MeCondoleezza Rice

In this memoir, Condoleeza Ricelooks back with affection on aremarkable Birmingham, ALchildhood which spanned the placid1950s, where black people lived in asegregated parallel universe, and the violent andshocking 1960s, when bloodshed became a part ofdaily life in the South. She reveals how her experiencesshaped her later life. Ages 14+. (978-0385738798)

Random House (HC) $16.99

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to DreamTanya Lee Stone

What does it take to be an astronaut?Excellence at flying, courage, intelligence, resistance to stress, topphysical shape —but when America

created NASA in 1958, there was another unspokenrule: you had to be a man. Here is the tale of 13women who proved that they were not only toughenough, but also brave enough to challenge the statusquo. Ages 10+. (978-0763636111) � Sibert Medal

Candlewick Press (HC) $24.99Briliance Audio (CD) $19.99

Old Abe, Eagle HeroPatrick Young, illustrated by Anne Lee

Old Abe, a spirited bald eagle withlegend-inspiring powers, was theCivil War’s most famous mascot.This picture book account ofAbe’s adventures brings thebattlefield to life as readers join Company C of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers and experienceAbe’s exploits during this defining time in our nation’shistory. Ages 4-8. (978-1935279235)

Kane/Miller (HC) $15.99

LegendaryJourneys: TrainsPhillip Steele

A slide-out, lift-up, see-through interactiveexploration of world-

famous trains and railroads. Covers the history oftrains as they spread across the globe, and takesreaders from the invention of the first steam engines to the latest magnetic suspension Maglev train. A must-have for any railroad lover! Ages 8-12. (978-0753464656)

Kingfisher (HC) $19.99

D O N ’ T S E E A B O O K YO U WA N T ? A S K U S TO O R D E R I T F O R YO U !

My Teacher is aDinosaur and otherPrehistoric Poems,Jokes, Riddles andAmazing FactsLoreen Leedy

A whirlwind tour through prehistoric time, beginning with Earth’s fiery formation and ending with the last Ice Age. Arranged in a giant timeline, this book is packed with poems,facts, and jokes about dino history. Pronunciationguides are included, and the artwork is bright andappealing. Ages 4-8. (978-0761457084)

Marshall Cavendish (HC) $17.99

The UltimateDinopedia“Dino” Don Lessem, illustratedby Franco Tempesta

The perfect guide for dino-loverswho want it all. Organized byPeriod, and includes almost every dinosaur ever discovered.

Features highlights on the 125 species that scientistsknow sufficiently to describe in rich detail. Alsoincludes numerous special topics like “How Do WeKnow What They Looked Like?” and enough scientificdata to run a museum. Ages 7-10. (978-1426301643)

National Geographic Kids (HC) $24.95

Page 11: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

9

Amazing Cows!: UdderAbsurdity for ChildrenAges 5 to InfinitySandra Boynton

An extravaganza of all thingsbovine—cow stories, cow poems,

cow jokes, and other barnyard ephemera. Along theway, are lively guest appearances by ducks, pigs, and excessive numbers of chickens. There’s a song, a game, a cow myth, an Amazing Cow comic-bookadventure, and so much—wait for it—mooer.Hysterical. Ages 4-8. (978-0761162148)

Workman (HC) $11.95

Can You See What ISee? Treasure ShipWalter Wick

A pirate ship and a chest ofgold take readers on a visualjourney through time thatleads to the location of purloined treasures—with an ingenious twist. The amazing and highly detailedphotographs contain more than 200 hidden objectsthat will fascinate readers for hours. A great choicefor unplugged fun! Ages 4-104. (978-0439026437)

Scholastic (HC) $13.99

National GeographicKids Almanac 2011National Geographic

A truly amazing collection that’spacked with great information.More than 5,000 amazing facts.More than 50 puzzles, projects,and really cool experiments.

More than 500 pictures of our planet and all that’s on it. 15 homework-helper sections.Geography, history, science, and adventure—it’s all here to explore in one single, totally awesome book. Ages 6-8. (978-1426306303)

National Geographic (PA) $13.99

25 Greatest BaseballPlayers of All TimeLen Berman

If you had to pick the bestbaseball players of all time,who would they be? EmmyAward–winning sportscasterLen Berman gave it a try, and asked a blue-ribbonpanel that included all-stars, Emmy Award winners,writers, radio hosts, and World Series winners toweigh in. The result is a fantastic book for baseballlovers of all ages. Is your favorite player on the list?Ages 7+. (978-1402238864)

Sourcebooks (HC) $16.99

Star Wars: 11 Iconic Scenes From a Galaxy Far, Far Away...Rufus Butler Seder

From the creator of the best-selling Gallop, comesscanimations of 12 of the most memorable scenesfrom everyone’s favorite sci-fi epic. Obi-Wan battlesDarth Maul, The Millennium Falcon zooms away,Yoda twirls his green lightsaber, and of course, Lukeand Darth Vader fight the ultimate battle betweengood and evil. All Ages. (978-0761158462) Workman (HC) $14.95

Weird But True: 300 OutrageousFactsNational Geographic

Based on the hugely popularNG Kids Magazine feature. Did you know that…Peanut

butter can be converted into a diamond? The world’soldest pet goldfish lived to be 43 years old? Theworld’s longest soap bubble was as long as fourschool buses? Packed with wacky facts, fascinatinginformation, and lively art, this is a great fun-for-allfamily reference. Ages 7-12. (978-1426305948)

National Geographic (PA) $6.95

Mummy Mazes: A MonumentalBookElizabeth Carpenter

This maze-fest is ingeniouslydesigned to open up to 28poster-size pages—these aredeliciously big mazes, the kindkids will pore over for hours. There are mummies,monuments, and intricate murals, ancient gods andthe Pharaoh’s mask, scarabs, an Egyptian night sky,and the Giant Sphinx. Adding to the fun, each maze islinked by an adventure. Ages 8-12. (978-0761160748)

Workman (PA) $11.95

The ABCs of RockMelissa Duke Mooney,illustrated by Print Mafia

An irreverent A-to-Z of rockhistory with art from PrintMafia, the iconic designers of rock posters for bandssuch as The White Stripes,

the Eagles, Tool, and The Shins. From AC/DC to ZZTop, this graphic tour through 26 rock ‘n’ roll legendswill have fans of all ages jumping up and down. Asuper hip gift. Ages 8+. (978-1582462936)

Tricycle Press (HC) $16.99

The Book of Bad ThingsCount Droffing

A book about THE Book of BadThings—a long-rumored,much feared volume that somepeople believe has beenpresent at bad happeningsthroughout history. The suspenseful story is packedwith cryptic puzzles and interactive extras, all framinga wealth of carefully researched factual informationabout bad stuff in all its manifestations. Great forpessimists everywhere! Ages 9-12. (978-0753464649)

Kingfisher (HC) $19.99

Versus: Pirates!Richard Platt

What would happen if theGolden Age pirate, Black-beard, fought the dashingMuslim pirate Barbarossa?It’s the ultimate tournamentas various bands of swash-

bucklers from across history match up in battle.Comparing weapons, armor, tactics, and toughness,this is a winner-takes-all battle across time. Ages10+. (978-0753464311)

Kingfisher (HC) $19.99

IT’S POP-UP FUN FOR EVERYONE

Animal Pop!National Geographic

You’ve never seen a pop-out booklike this! With the turn of a page,huge creatures unfold in fantastichigh-resolution portraits up to four

times the size of the book! Includes dolphins, pandas,tigers, sea turtles, and wolves. Children get a trueunderstanding of just how big and beautiful thesecreatures really are. Ages 7-11. (978-1426307164)

National Geographic (Pop-up) $14.95

Beauty and the Beast Pop-UpRobert Sabuda

Another amazing pop-up fairytalefrom one of the masters of paperengineering. Mini-booklets relaythe story at the edges of each page,while the gasp-worthy art takes center stage. Thestained glass-inspired images perfectly capture thedrama of this dark and brooding story. The enduringmessage about inner beauty is timeless. Ages 4+.(978-1416960799)

Little Simon (Pop-up) $29.99

DC Super Heroes: TheUltimate Pop-Up BookD.C. Comics & Matthew Reinhart

A celebration of the history, heroes, and villains of the DC Universe! Burstingwith over 25 pop-ups of iconic characters

like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, GreenLantern, and many more. Also includes excitingelements like a light-up Bat-Signal, a twirling Lassoof Truth, a Justice League of America battle, and atransparent Invisible Jet! Ages 4+. (978-0316019989)

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers(Pop-up) $29.99

RobotsSteve Weston

A pop-up and pop-out bookthat gets hands-on as kidslearn all about the manyways robots are used by humans. Readers can collectsamples from a red-hot volcano, pilot a robot acrossthe surface of the moon, explore an Egyptian tomb,and observe a shipwreck through the cameras of anROV. Ages 3-6. (978-0753464274)

Kingfisher (Interactive) $16.99

Wild Alphabet: An A-to-Zoo Pop-upDan Green

Animals literally jump off the page in this illustrated interactivealphabet. Antelope bursts throughthe letter A, Leopard lurches frombehind L, Penguin waddles out

from behind P, and many more. Each pagefeatures key facts, and the petite trimsize will make it great for youngerchildren to explore. Ages 4-7. (978-0753464724)

Kingfisher (Pop-up) $19.99

C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T

Go Indie.

Page 12: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

DolphinsMelissa Stewart

Dolphins are smart, playful, andeveryone’s favorite theme parkattractions—but this book remindsus they are wild animals. Learn what makes a dolphin different from a fish, understand their

amazing abilities, and the role everyone needs toplay in the conservation of their habitat. Ages 5-7.(978-1426306525)

National Geographic (PA) $3.99

Bink & GollieKate DiCamillo and Allison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile

Fashionable, confident Gollie and creative, quirky Bink areunlikely friends. They argue aboutmismatched socks and learn tocompromise, scale the Andes mountains to share asandwich at the top, and struggle with jealousy overBink’s new pet fish, assuring each other that a fishcan’t replace a best friend. Very funny. Ages 6-8.(978-0763632663)

Candlewick Press (HC) $15.99

The Buddy Files: TheCase of the Lost BoyDori Hillestad Butler

King is a dog detective whosefamily went away and neverreturned. Then he’s adopted by a boy named Connor whochanges his name to Buddy.

Buddy begins the search for his original family as he and Connor begin to bond, but when Connor also disappears, can Buddy find him again? An entertaining new series. Ages 6-8. (978-0807509326)

Albert Whitman (PA) $4.99

Horrid Henry andthe AbominableSnowmanFrancesca Simon

The grand prize for the town’ssnowman-building contest is a year’s supply of free icecream—and what kid could

resist that? Certainly not Horrid Henry, who just hasto beat Moody Margaret’s silly ballerina snowman towin. It just might take a few Henry-style tricks to doit. Ages 7-10. (978-1402242564)

Sourcebooks (PA) $4.99

Ivy and Bean:What’s the Big Idea?Annie Barrows,illustrated by Sophie Blackall

The science fair is comingup, and global warming isthe theme. So, naturally, the kids of the 2nd grade are creating robots, holding their breath as long aspossible, and experimenting with vacuum cleaners.But Ivy and Bean want to do something really special.Explosions? Ice cubes? Or something entirelydifferent? Ages 7-10. (978-0811866927)

Chronicle Books (HC) $14.99

10 DON’T SEE A BOOK YOU WANT? ASK US TO ORDER IT FOR YOU!

WE LOVE ELEPHANT AND PIGGIEAND YOU WILL TOO!

We are in a Book!Mo Willems

Gerald and Piggie finallynotice that the blank whitebackground of their world is a page in a book! At first it’sall fun and games until theyrealize the book will end.

Gerald is dramatically upset, and Piggie thinksahead—the best solution is to read the bookagain! Ages 4-8. (978-1423133087)

Can I Play Too?Mo Willems

Gerald and Piggie are gettingready for a game of catch.Then Snake appears and asks to join, and the friendsreluctantly agree. Theproblem becomes clearimmediately—Snake has a hardtime playing catch, since he has no arms. Aftersome trial and error they finally find a solution:make Snake the ball! Ages 4-8. (978-1423119913)

Are You Ready to Play Outside?Mo Willems

When a drop of rain falls on Piggie’s head, her usualchipper and exuberant mood plummets until Gerald

extends an ear to shelter her from the downpour.When they spot two worms playing happily in thewet, the friends discover that rain can be fun, too.Ages 4-8. (978-1423113478) � Geisel Medal

There is a Bird On Your Head!Mo Willems

Gerald the elephant has abird on his head. Being theworrying sort, Gerald is notpleased. What should hedo? Piggie tries to find asolution, but the only thing worse than a bird istwo birds on your head! Can Piggie help Geraldget out of this mess? Ages 4-8. (978-1423106869)� Geisel Medal

Hyperion (HC) $8.99

ONE MORE FROM MO

Cat the Cat, Who is That?Mo Willems

Cat the Cat has lots offriends, and she greets themall as she passes by. FirstMouse the Mouse, then

Duck the Duck, andof course, cool dude Fish theFish. But when Cat encounters an alien building a tower of blocks with its many arms, the narratorasks her, “Who is THAT?” Though she’s wary,soon Cat realizes who the alien must be—a newfriend. Ages 4-8. (978-0061728402) � PW

HarperCollins (HC) $10.99

Balloon Toons—a great new series of

graphic readers

Adopt A GlurbElise Gravel

What is a Glurb, you may ask? It’s a funny-looking little critter who eats ten times its own body weight

every day, and likes to unroll toilet paper and yell athigh volume for fun. Learn about everything it takes to keep this little monster happy and healthy! Ages 4-8. (978-1609050375)

Rick & Rack and the Great OutdoorsEthan Long

Rick, a raccoon who’s not very savvy about theoutdoors, and Rack, a deer who loves outdoorsy fun, are the best of friends. But every time they take an outdoor adventure together, it seems like every-thing goes haywire! Enjoy three of their misadventuresin one book! Ages 4-8. (978-1609050344)

The Super CrazyCat DanceAron Nels Steinke

Meet a little girl who lovescats—cats of all shapes,cats of all sizes, and cats

of all colors! Cats are everywhere in this book, andtheir antics inspire one little girl to create a crazydance. Learn the Super Crazy Cat Dance along withher! Ages 4-8. (978-1609050351)

Blue Apple (HC) $10.99

Award-Winning Toon Books

Benny and Penny in the Big No-No!Geoffrey Hayes

When Benny and Penny suspecttheir new neighbor has stolenBenny’s pail, they go over andfind a little hedgehog girl with a pail making mudpies.Accusations and mud fly—butwhen Benny and Penny return totheir yard, they find the missing pail in their sandbox. Can they find a way to apologize? Ages 4-8. (978-0979923890) � Geisel Medal

Little Mouse Gets ReadyJeff Smith

It’s time for Little Mouse toget dressed, and he can do

it himself! Underpants with a special tail hole, buttonand zipper on his pants, buttons on his shirt, socksand shoes and laces are all conquered. Then hismother comes to see what’s taking him so long, and points out that mice don’t wear clothes! Funny.Ages 4-8. (978-1935179016) � Geisel Honor

Toon Books (HC) $12.95

Great and Graphic

Page 13: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

11

Bad Kitty vs. Uncle MurrayNick Bruel

Bad Kitty is back in this newinstallment. Uncle Murray has beencalled in to pet-sit for Bad Kitty andPoor Puppy, but little does he knowwhat a horrible time he’s in for. Bad

Kitty leaps out at him from nowhere, and bolts whenfaced with the dreaded vacuum cleaner. Will UncleMurray make it through this experience intact?Hilarious. Ages 7-10. (978-1596435964)

Roaring Brook (HC) $13.99

Big Nate in a Class by HimselfLincoln Peirce

“Today you will surpass all others,”Nate’s fortune cookie tells him—andnot even a forgotten lunch or accidentallyslamming full-force into the principal can dampen his spirits. He’s determined to be the best at everything, but his efforts keep going wrong—and how many detention slips can a kid get in justone day? Ages 7-10. (978-0061944345) � Horn

HarperCollins (HC) $12.99

Daydreams of a Solitary HamsterAstrid Desbordes, illustrated by Pauline Martin

Hamster is so self-absorbed, heimagines the world around him is

thrilled with his every move—the stars are there togaze upon him, and his friends live to be with him.Unfortunately, reality doesn’t exactly live up to expec-tation, but his friends love him despite his flaws. Afunny and thought-provoking book about the nature offriendship and existence. Ages 7+. (978-1592700936)

Enchanted Lion (HC) $17.99

Diary of aWimpy Kid: The Ugly TruthBox of BooksJeff Kinney

Greg’s adventurescontinue in the fifthinstallment of the hit Wimpy Kidseries—and he can’t wait to grow up. But is it really all it’s cracked up to be? Now he faces newresponsibilities, the awkwardness of puberty, andeven boy-girl parties. Can he get through it all withouthis best friend Rowley? Bonus: catch up on the firstfour books in this collectible boxed set. Ages 9-12.(978-0810984912 / 978-0810997820) � PWAbrams/Amulet (HC) $13.99 / $56.00

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Popular Party GirlRachel Renée Russell

For Nikki, nothing could be better than getting Brandon as a lab partner—except going with him to the Halloweendance. When she overhears that mean

Mackenzie is going with him, Nikki decides she’drather go to a kid’s party with her little sister. As itturns out, Mackenzie was lying. Can Nikki get a datewith Brandon instead? Ages 12+. (978-1416980087)

Aladdin (HC) $12.99

Meanwhile: Pick a Path. 3,856 StoryPossibilitiesJason Shiga

The first decision readers face in this unique graphic novel is a simple

one—does Jimmy want chocolate ice cream, orvanilla? Once the choice is made, color-coded lineslead from one panel to the next and through a seriesof increasingly world-changing decisions and near-infinite possibilities. Can you lead Jimmy to a happyending? Ages 8-12. (978-0810984233) � PWAbrams/Amulet (HC) $15.95

Milo:Sticky Notes and Brain FreezeAlan Silberberg

On the surface, Milo’s just likeany other middle-school newkid—he doesn’t quite fit in, buthe manages to makes new friends. Underneath, Milo feels like everything has been wrong since hismother passed away, and he must survive a schoolyear remembering his life when the kitchen was filled with music, and his family was happy andwhole. Ages 10+. (978-1416994305)

Aladdin (HC) $15.99

Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the FutureHarold Hutchins and George Beard

Ook and Gluk are two cavemen on anadventure to the future to stop pillagersfrom the year 2222, who want to travel

back in time to steal natural resources. After learningkung fu from Master Wong, Ook and Gluk are more than ready to take on the evil Goppernopper Enterprises.A wacky story from the Captain Underpants team.Ages 7-10. (978-0545175302)

Scholastic (HC) $9.99

The Popularity Papers: Research for the SocialImprovement and GeneralBetterment of Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-ChangAmy Ignatow

Lydia and Julie have one goal for fifthgrade: find the secret to popularity before enteringjunior high. Through entries in their shared notebook,the two best friends record their research and all themayhem that ensues. But will success in becomingpopular girls drive these two best-friends-for-lifeapart? Ages 12+. (978-0810984219)

Abrams/Amulet (HC) $15.95

The Unsinkable Walker BeanAaron Renier

When his adventuring grandfather is stricken ill by a cursed skull, mild-mannered and geeky Walker

must set out on a high-seas adventure to return the skull to the sea cave of two mer-witches. Armedwith his wits, his friends, and his grandfather’sjournal, Walter faces all manner of seafaring dangers to save the day. Ages 9-12.(978-1596434530) � PW

First Second :01 (PA) $13.99

CHOOSE LOCAL & INDEPENDENT F IRST

13 TreasuresMichelle Harrison

Tanya can see fairies. Unfortunately,they’re nasty fairies who tormenther. Her mother, fed up with Tanya’sstrange behavior, sends her to livewith her grandmother in a secludedmanor beside a forbidden forest where a little girldisappeared 50 years ago. When children begin todisappear again, Tanya may have to get to the bottomof it. Ages 8-12. (978-0316041485) � PW

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers(HC) $15.99

A Crack in the SkyMark Peter Hughes

Eli’s grandfather foundedInfiniCorp, the company that buildthe dome-city in which he lives.The CloudNet keeps the citizenshappy—but Eli is resistant to itsinfluence, and begins to notice

that things aren’t quite right. After being sent for re-education, he meets another rebel, Tabitha. Will he and Tabitha be able to take on the corporation and win? Ages 9-12. (978-0385737081)

Random House (HC) $16.99

A Long Walk to WaterLinda Sue Park

Told in counterpoint, this is thepowerful story of two Sudaneseteens whose lives intertwine. In thepresent day, Nya can’t go to schoolbecause she must walk eight hoursa day to fetch water. Salva is on therun from rebel soldiers in 1985 and searching for hisfamily. Salva’s struggles bring him to New York, andcreate the opportunity to change Nya’s life for thebetter. Ages 12+. (978-0547251271) � ALA

Clarion Books (HC) $16.00

A Whole Nother StoryDr. Cuthbert Soup

When Ethan Cheeseman, youraverage scientist-inventor-father-of-three designs a device that canpropel humans beyond the speed

of light, everybody wants it—governments,super spies, and evil organizations. Now theCheesemans must flee their home, avoid the baddies,and find a new place to settle down as a nice, not-quite-normal family. Ages 8-12. (978-1599904351)

Bloomsbury (HC) $16.99Briliance Audio (CD) $19.99

Bamboo PeopleMitali Perkins

Chiko is a smart and scholarly—but for him and his Bumese family,college is just a faraway dream. The military regime commandeersChiko into their ranks, training him

for war with the Karenni people. Tai, a street-smart recruit, manages to keep themalive, but what will happen whenChiko is wounded and left at themercy of Tu Reh, an angry Karenni teen? Ages 8-12.(978-1580893282) � PW

Charlesbridge (HC) $16.95 Go Indie.

Page 14: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

12 D O N ’ T S E E A B O O K YO U WA N T ? A S K U S TO O R D E R I T F O R YO U !

Boom!Mark Haddon

When Jim and Charlie hide awalkie talkie in the teacher’slounge, they hear their teacherstalking in a strange language—and when they investigate, Charliedisappears. Two of the teachers areactually aliens, part of a group trying to repopulatetheir planet, and now it’s up to Jim and his metalheadsister to stop the operation in its tracks! Ages 10-12.(978-0385751872)

Random House (HC) $15.99

CountdownDeborah Wiles

Franny has a pretty normal life—an older sister she worships, abothersome younger brother, airraid drills, nuclear bomb shelters,and writing letters to Khrushchev—just an average girl living outsideAndrews Air Force Base in

1962. Told through narrative and historical photos,newspaper ads, and ephemera, it perfectly capturesthe tension of growing up in the Cold War. Ages 9-12. (978-0545106054) � ALA

Scholastic (HC) $17.99

Dark Life Kat Falls

In the future, the frontier is theocean floor, where Ty lives onhis family’s farm. Topside, theCommonwealth has made it thesubsea pioneers’ job to huntdown the gang of pirates thatthreaten them. When Ty meets Gemma, a topsiderorphan—it forces Ty into the dangerous netherworldwhere he discovers a secret that may destroy every-thing. Ages 12+. (978-0545178143) � New Voices

Scholastic (HC) $16.99

Me and Rolly MalooJanet S. Wong, illustrated byElizabeth Butler

Rolly is the most popular girl in 4th grade. Jenna is definitelynot—but she’s excellent in mathwhich may be why Rolly invitedher over. When Rolly tosses her

a note during a big math test asking her to cheat,Jenna decides to help, which sets rumors flying, andraises many moral questions. Told in alternating textwith graphic illustration. Ages 8-12. (978-1580891585)

Charlesbridge (HC) $15.95

Moon Over Manifest Clare Vanderpool

When Abilene’s father sends her by train to a friend for the summer so he can work a railroad job, she decides on a change of plans and jumps off in Manifest—the town where her father grew up. Thediscovery of a cigar box filledwith secrets sends Abilene and two new friends on a hunt that will reveal Manifest’s history, and herfather’s place in it. Ages 9-12. (978-0385738835)� New Voices

Random House (HC) $16.99

Museum of ThievesLian Tanner

In the city of Jewel, children areliterally chained to their parents untiltheir Separation Day. Goldie can’twait to be free, and when a bombinterrupts her Separation, she fleesand takes shelter in the Museum. But the mysteriousbuilding is not what it seems. Can Goldie protect boththe Museum and the city from the Grand Protector’swicked plans? Ages 9-12. (978-0385739054)

Random House (HC) $16.99

Neil Flambe and theMarco Polo MurdersKevin Sylvester

Neil is a child-prodigy chef with afirst-class sniffer. Not only does hehave a popular restaurant, he alsouses his talent for identifying spicesby smell to help solve crimes as

“The Nose.” But when the best chefs in town startturning up dead, the scent is too mysterious, and the only link is an Italian journal that might have beenwritten by Marco Polo. Ages 9-12. (978-1554702664)

Key Porter (HC) $9.95

HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A NERD?

NERDS 1: National Espionage,Rescue, and DefenseSociety

NERDS 2: M is for Mama’s BoyMichael Buckley

The 5th-grade spy network of NERDS is back in this new adventure—and this time their foe is thesuper villain team-up of a former agent gone rogueand a 37-year-old mama’s boy who happens to be a computer genius. Can the NERDS prevail, or will they be stripped of all their superpowers? Ages 8-12.(978-0810989856 / 978-0810989863)

Abrams/Amulet (PA) $6.95 (HC) $14.99

Ninth WardJewell Parker Rhodes

Born with a caul over her eyes,Lanesha is gifted with the abilityto communicate with ghosts—including her mother, who diedgiving birth. Abandoned by herfather’s family, Lanesha lives inthe Ninth Ward of New Orleans with old Mama Ya-Ya,who can predict the future. When Mama Ya-Ya forseesa storm, it’s up to Lanesha to find a way for them tosurvive. Ages 10-12. (978-0316043076)

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers(HC) $15.99

Northward to the MoonPolly Horvath

In this sequel to My One HundredAdventures, Jane and her family startout in Canada—but leave quicklywhen Ned is fired from his job as aFrench teacher (because he doesn’tspeak French). The family sets out

to return a suitcase of money to Ned’s brother, whichbecomes a road trip through Ned’s past—and forJane and Maya, a summer of growing up. Ages 12+.(978-0375861109) � PWRandom House (HC) $17.99

Out of My MindSharon M. Draper

Ten-year-old Melody is brilliant—but nobody knows it. Born withcerebral palsy, she is unable to walk, talk or write, and days trappedin the special-ed room learning thealphabet are driving her crazy. Then she discoverssomething that will allow her to speak for the first timeever. At last Melody has a voice—but not everyone isready to hear it. Ages 12+. (978-1416971702)

Atheneum (HC) $16.99

The CandymakersWendy Mass

Four kids are competing to find outwho can invent the best new candy—Logan, the son of the candymaker;Miles, a candy hound; Daisy, acheery country girl; and Philip, a

secretive and serious boy who’s constantly scribblingin a notebook. Each tells their side of the story—andeach new chapter reveals the fact that nothing is whatit seems. Ages 8-12. (978-0316002585)

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers(HC) $16.99

The ClockworkThreeMatthew J. Kirby

Giuseppe is an orphaned Italianmusician who finds a mysteriousgreen violin. Hannah is workingas a hotel maid to support herfamily when she hears about ahidden treasure that could save them. Frederick is a clockmaker’s apprentice, making an automaton.When these three meet, they discover a power noneof them could have imagined alone. Ages 8-12. (978-0545203371) � New Voices

Scholastic (HC) $17.99

The Cricket in Times SquareGeorge Selden, illustrated by Garth Williams

Rediscover a classic! Mario’sselling papers in Times Squaresubway station when an unusualsound cuts above the city noise—

it’s a cricket named Chester. When Tucker Mouse and Harry Cat discover that Chester can play anypiece of music, he becomes the newsstand’s claim to fame. But it turn out that fame is not all it’s cracked up to be. Ages 9-12. (978-0312380038)� Newbery Honor

Square Fish (PA) $6.99

The Danger BoxBlue Balliett

Mr. Zip is expecting thedelivery of a great treasure—unfortunately, he dies before it arrives. Instead, it falls into the hands of Zoomy, amyopic 12-year-old boy wholoves making lists and keepingjournals. The notebook, wrapped in a blanket packedin a box, pulls Zoomy into a dangerous mystery witha man who will do anything to get it. Ages 8-12. (978-0439852098)

Scholastic (HC) $16.99

Page 15: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

13

Go Indie.

C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T

The FamiliarsAdam Jay Epstein andAndrew Jacobson

Aldwyn is the feline familiarof a young wizard-in-training, Jack. Unfortunately,Aldwyn is an imposter—hewas mistaken for a magicalcat when he blundered into a wizarding shop. He likeshis new life, and bonds withthe familiars of Jack’s two friends. When the children are kidnapped, it’s up to ordinary Aldwyn and hisfamiliar friends to save them. (978-0061961083)� New Voices

HarperCollins (HC) $16.99

The Fantastic Secret of OwenJesterBarbara O'Connor

An amazing secret hastumbled off a freight traininto Carter, GA, and OwenJester is the only person

who knows about it. If he cansimply manage to evade his grandfather’s snappishhousekeeper, organize his two best friends, and keephis nosy neighbor, Viola, at bay, he just might be infor the summer of a lifetime. Funny and quirky. Ages 8-12. (978-0374368500)

Farrar, Straus & Giroux (HC) $15.99

The IncorrigibleChildren of Ashton Place: The MysteriousHowlingMaryrose Wood

Penelope, a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, has landed a job as agoverness for three wild children found by wealthyLord Fredrick. Penny must tame the children for publicpresentation—but can she do it, armed only with herfavorite books and the wisdom of Agatha Swanburne?Think Jane Eyre meets Lemony Snicket. Ages 8-12.(978-0061791055)

HarperCollins (HC) $15.99

The Museum of Mary ChildCassandra Golds

Heloise only knows herregimented life under herstern godmother. When she finds a doll under aloose floorboard, she hasher first experience of love,but her godmother finds

out and takes her to the unsettling Museum of Mary Child to show her the folly of keeping dolls.This sets into motion a chain of events that setsHeloise free. An unusual gothic fairytale. Ages 12+.(978-1-935279-13-6) � PW

Kane/Miller (HC) $16.99

The Red Umbrella Christina Diaz Gonzalez

Lucia wants nothing to do withCastro’s revolutionaries, but when they take over her town, herparents send Lucia and her littlebrother Frank to the U.S. Settlingin with a foster family, she

must reconcile her identity as a Cuban exile and an American teen, trying to fit in and to figureout, through short phone calls and censoredletters, what’s happening back home. Ages 10-12.

(978-0375861901) � New Voices

Random House (HC) $16.99

The Rivalry: Mystery at the Army-Navy GameJohn Feinstein

Teenage sportswriters Stevie andSusan Carol are thrilled by thechance to cover the Army-Navyfootball game. But since thePresident will be in attendance, security will beunusually tight. Stevie and Susan Carol can see thatthe secret service agents are getting tenser as gameday draws near—and nothing is as it seems when amystery starts to unfold. Ages 9-12. (978-0375865701)

Random House (HC) $16.99

The Search for WondLaTony DiTerlizzi

Eva is being raised by a maternal robotnamed Muthr in a subterranean home,and has never seen another humanbeing. When her home is destroyed,she sets off on a journey to find otherhumans—but the surface world is

bizarre and dangerous, filled with everything fromfriendly hopping water bears to menacing movingtrees. Bonus: use a webcam to explore WondLa’sAugmented Reality online. Ages 8-12. (978-1416983101)

Simon & Schuster Book for YoungReaders (HC) $17.99

The Sixty-Eight Rooms Marianne Malone

Ruthie and Jack are enchanted bythe Thorne Rooms at the ChicagoArt Institute, a series of sixty-eightcarefully crafted miniature roomsdepicting different eras in time.When Ruthie discovers a key thatallows her to shrink and explore therooms, she and Jack discover that other children have been there before them—and one of them leftsomething important behind. Ages 8-12. (978-0375857102)

Random House (HC) $16.99

The Wide-Awake PrincessE.D. Baker

Everyone in Sleeping Beauty’s castle is asleep—except for her little sister,Annie, who is impervious to magic.With the help of Liam, a guard, Anniemust locate Prince Charming to break the spell. Along the way she

encounters the denizens of other fairy tales, alongwith a hysterical collection of princes—but whichone is the right one? Ages 8-12. (978-1599904870)

Bloomsbury (HC) $16.99

The Year ofGoodbyes: A True Story of Friendship,Family andFarewellsDebbie Levy

Jutta Levy was 12years old in 1938, andcollected poetry and good wishes from family andfriends in a poesiealbum (like an autograph book). A combination of actual entries with free versechapters in Jutta’s voice tell the story of a youngGerman Jew’s life, its joys and its increasing fears, as the country began its descent into madness. Ages 12+. (978-1423129011) � PW

Hyperion (HC) $16.99

Touch BlueCynthia Lord

Tess loves New England island life, but she and herfamily may have to move if her school is closed due to lack of students. Severalfamilies take on foster children to bolster the school’s

enrollment—but Aaron is far from what she washoping for. As Tess tries to win him over, she learns that things don’t always turn out as planned.Ages 9-12. (978-0545035316)

Scholastic (HC) $16.99

Turtle in ParadiseJennifer L. Holm

Work is hard to come by in1935, so when Turtle’smother gets a live-inhousekeeping job thatdoesn’t allow children, shesends Turtle to Key West tostay with relatives. Unfortu-nately her relatives don’tknow she’s coming. Everything is different in Key West, but when Turtle finds a treasure map,she hopes following it will solve her troubles. Ages 9-12. (978-0375836886) � PW

Random House (HC) $16.99

Zora and Me Victoria Bond

& TR Simon

Inspired by the young life ofauthor Zora Neale Hurston,Zora’s best friend Carrienarrates this novel set in theturn-of-the-century South. Zora

is a storyteller—and her latest tale of a shape-shifting alligator man rivets her friends. But when aboy is lost to an elusive real gator and a man is found murdered soon after, reality starts to sound a little too much like Zora’s scary stories. Ages 8-12.(978-0763643003) � New Voices

Candlewick Press (HC) $16.99

Briliance Audio (CD) $22.99

Page 16: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

14 D O N ’ T S E E A B O O K YO U WA N T ? A S K U S TO O R D E R I T F O R YO U !

AnnexedSharon Dogar

In this reimagining of the events chronicled in Anne Frank’s diary, Petervan Pels struggles through his adoles-cence in the attic that becomes hishome for two years. Grappling witheverything from identity and politics to God, rebellion and romance, Peter

searches for meaning in hiding and, later, amid thehorrors of the death camp where he spent his lastdays. Ages 14+. (978-0547501956)

Houghton Mifflin (HC) $17.00Briliance Audio (CD) $29.99

Before I Fall Lauren Oliver

A fatal car accident is not the end forpopular girl Samantha—in fact, shewakes up to relive the day of her deathover and over again. At first she findsthis afterlife freeing, and takes theopportunity to do all the crazy thingsshe never would have before. As the repetitionsprogress, however, Sam begins to look more deeplyat her relationships and the actions leading to herdeath. Ages 14+. (978-0061726804) � PW, New VoicesHarperTeen (HC) $17.99

BloodthirstyFlynn Meaney

Not only is Finbar awkward, he’s alsoallergic to the sun, and unusuallypale. Guys like him never get girls—until he notices the female students’obsession with a new vampireromance novel. Pretending to be a vampire himself seems like theperfect way to overcome his failings,

but his pseudo-paranormal life gets complicatedwhen he meets a girl who might actually like him just the way he is. Ages 14+. (978-0316102148)

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers(PA) $9.99

DISCOVER THE WORLD OFLEVIATHAN

LeviathanScott Westerfeld, illustrated by Keith Thompson

In this steampunk reimagining of theevents of WWI, Aleksandar Ferdinand,prince of the Austro-HungarianEmpire, is on the run. When his path crosses Deryn, a common girldisguised as a boy in the British

Air Service, their lives are changed forever as theyembark on a fantastical adventure on the airshipLeviathan. Ages 14+. (978-1416971740) � PWSimon Pulse (PA) $9.99

BehemothScott Westerfeld, illustrated by Keith Thompson

This sequel to Leviathan continuesthe steampunk adventures of Derwynand Alek, testing their opposingloyalties and philosophies as they grow to be friends aboard the Leviathan. They hope to stop the raging war, but when the ship is damaged by a German attack, the two are stranded in enemyterritory of Istanbul. Ages 14+. (978-1416971757)

Simon Pulse (HC) $18.99

Brain JackBrian Falkner

In the near future, computer keyboardsare replaced by neuro-headsets thatallow users internet access throughthought alone. Sam can’t wait to getone, until he realizes it means hismind can be hacked. When hisprying leads him to a frightening

new threat at the heart of the country’s cyberdefensenetwork, Sam must find a way to save himself—andthe rest of humanity. Ages 14+. (978-0375843662)

Random House (HC) $17.99

Clockwork AngelCassandra Clare

In this prequel to the Mortal Instru-ments series, Tessa travels to Londonin search of her brother, but insteadfinds herself caught in the strugglebetween the Shadowhunters and theMagister whose sinister group wantsto use Tessa’s supernatural powersfor their own devious goals. She’s also caughtbetween James and Will, the two Shadowhunters whoguard her. Ages 14+. (978-1416975861)

Margaret K. McElderry (HC) $19.99Briliance Audio (CD) $24.99

Dash and Lily’s Book of DaresDavid Levithan and Rachel Cohn

It is Christmas in Manhattan, andDash and Lily are each on theirown. When Lily leaves a notebookof literary clues on a shelf at theStrand bookstore and Dash finds

it, they lead each other on an exchange of dares andmessages, slowly revealing more about themselves.But when they finally meet under the worst possiblecircumstances, will they be able to connect inperson? Ages 14+. (978-0375866593)

Random House (HC) $16.99

Devil’s KissSarwat Chadda

Being the only girl—and with aMuslim mother—Billi doesn’texactly fit in the Christian order ofthe Knights Templar. Nor is shequite cut out for the ruthless battlesshe will face in the Knights’ eternalwar against the forces of darkness. Dealing with traditional creatures like vampires, weres and the undeadis hard enough—but can Billi prevail against a crazedArchangel? Ages 14+. (978-1423120223) � PW

Disney/Hyperion (PA) $17.99

Seven Realms 2:Exiled QueenCinda Williams Chima

In this epic sequel to Demon King,Han, a skilled thief, is dogged bytwin wizards seeking the amulet hestole. He finds refuge at a magicalarts school, but the bargain hemakes with his tutor may be one

he’ll regret. Meanwhile, Princess Raisa fleesmarriage to enroll in a military academy, seeking theeducation she needs to become a strong queen. Soontheir paths intertwine. Ages 13+. (978-1423118244)

Disney/Hyperion (HC) $17.99

FalloutEllen Hopkins

Sequel to Crank and Glass, thisfree-verse novel shifts the focusfrom meth-addicted Kristina to her three eldest children—Hunter,Autumn and Summer. Following

their separate stories of anger, loneliness and hope,the multitude of ways a single person’s addiction can touch the lives of everyone connected to thembecomes vividly clear. Powerful and thought-provoking. Ages 14+. (978-1416950097)

Margaret K. McElderry (HC) $18.99

ForgeLaurie Halse Anderson

Sequel to the award-winningChains. Curzon goes to ValleyForge to fight after being freed fromprison by Isabel. In addition to thehardships of soldiering, he liveswith the fear of discovery, for he isan escaped slave passing for free. When Curzon and Isabel meet again they have bothbeen captured—they must decide what stands betweenthem and true freedom. Ages 12+. (978-1416961444)

Antheneum (HC) $16.99Briliance Audio (CD) $29.99

Going BovineLibba Bray

Cameron is an average teen slackerwith a dysfunctional family until he’sdiagnosed with mad cow disease.Hospitalized and told he’s going to die, he embarks on a possibly-hallucinatory quest with Dulcie the punk angel and his hospital

roommate, a video-game-obsessed Mexican-American dwarf. They battle the forces of evil insearch of a cure, but is it real or a dream? Surreal andfunny. Ages 14+. (978-0385733977) � Printz Award

Random House (PA) $9.99

HaloAlexandra Adornetto

Bethany, one of three angels sentto earth on a goodwill mission,appears to be an averageteenage girl—as long as shecan conceal her ethereal glow.But when her innocent affectionsare torn between good boy Xavier and demon Jake,the forces of light and dark clash. Will Bethany bestrong enough to triumph over the evil that threatensthe angels’ mission? Ages 14+. (978-0312656263)

Feiwel & Friends (HC) $16.99Briliance Audio (CD) $24.99

Hold Me Closer,Necromancer

Lish McBride

Sam thinks his life is pretty normal—until Douglas, a creepy necromancerwho raises the dead for cash, leadsSam to discover his own latentnecromancy power. As it turns out,

Seattle is full of paranormal types—but will his newfriends be enough to help Sam keep his skin whenthe violent Douglas has him in his sights? Witty anddark. Ages 14+. (978-0805090987) � New Voices

Henry Holt (HC) $16.99

Page 17: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

15C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T

Prisoners in the Palace: How Princess Victoria becameQueen with the Help of Her Maid,a Reporter, and a ScoundrelMichaela MacColl

London, 1838. Suddenly orphaned and penniless, Liza is forced to becomea maid to the young and haughty

Princess Victoria instead of making her own debut.When she is drawn into the servants’ gossipy under-world, the new friendships she makes may enable her to not only decide her own fate, but also secureVictoria’s future throne. Ages 12+. (978-0811873000)

Chronicle Books (HC) $16.99

RecklessCornelia Funke

Jacob Reckless follows in thefootsteps of his missing father,crossing over into the enchantedMirrorworld to adventure with hiscompanion Fox. Unfortunately,Jacob’s younger brother Will followshim—and is placed under an enchantment that is slowlyturning him into a living statue. Together they mustfind a way to reverse the enchantment, and return Willto his former self. Ages 12+. (978-0316056090)

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers(HC) $19.99

RevolutionJennifer Donnelly

The death of Andi’s youngerbrother has torn her family apart.She’s about to flunk out of prepschool when her father brings her to Paris over Christmas break.When Andi discovers the diary of a French Revolution-era girl

named Alexandrine hidden in a guitar case, theirstories and their mutual love of music begin to inter-twine. Spellbinding. Ages 14+. (978-0385737630)

Random House (HC) $18.99

Ship BreakerPaolo Bacigalupi

In the environmental dystopia of thefuture, it’s Nailer’s job to scavengecopper wire from wrecked oil tankers.When a luxury clipper ship runsaground, he thinks his fortune ismade—until he discovers a wealthysurvivor who promises him a life of privilege inexchange for his help. Now Nailer must choose—gofor the goods, or take a chance and help the mysteriousgirl? Ages 12+. (978-0316056212) � PW, Horn, ALA

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers(HC) $17.99

Briliance Audio (CD) $19.99

ShiverMaggie Stiefvater

Grace loves the woods behind herhome in the quiet of winter-time,when the yellow-eyed wolf whoonce saved her life appears to watchher. Then a local teen is killed bywolves, and a hunting partyis formed. Grace,

fearing for her wolf’s safety, races to thewoods only to discover a wounded,yellow-eyed boy shivering on her back porch. Ages 14+.(978-0545123273) � ALA

Scholastic (PA) $9.99

Immortal BelovedCate Tiernan

Nastasya is immortal—and whenyou’ve lived 450 years already, it’shard to fend off boredom. But whenher friend turns to torturing humans,she realizes things have gone too far.

She seeks refuge at a home for wayward immortalswhere she finds peace and friendship in Reyn, a Vikinggod—a peace that is shattered when she learnssomeone wants her dead. Ages 14+. (978-0316035927)

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers(HC) $16.99

MockingjaySuzanne Collins

In the conclusion of the hitHunger Games trilogy, Katnisshas survived her ordeals but asthe face of the revolution, shehas drawn the full ire of theCapitol not only upon herself,but on everyone in District 12. As the death tollclimbs, she realizes she’s more of a pawn than sheever realized—and she must become the realMockingjay. Ages 14+. (978-0439023511)

Scholastic (HC) $17.99

Once Was LostSara Zarr

It seems like everything in Samara’slife is going wrong—her mother isin rehab, and her pastor father isalways busy. When a girl from theirchurch disappears, Sam finds herselfspending more and more time withthe missing girl’s brother, Nick. As

the community tragedy intertwines with her personalones, Sam’s deeply-instilled faith in everything beginsto waver. Ages 14+. (978-0316036047) � PW, ALA

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers(HC) $16.99

ParanormalcyKiersten White

Evie just wants to be a normalteenage girl—which is hard, givenher job capturing paranormalcreatures and her ability to seethrough their glamours. Even lessnormal are the two boys vying forher affections—one a shapeshifter, the other her ex, apowerful faerie who may hold the answers Evie seeksabout her past and about a prophecy that threatens allparanormal life. Ages 14+. (978-0061985843) � PW

HarperCollins (HC) $16.99

Plain KateErin Bow

Orphaned Kate is a skilledwoodcarver—so skilled that thevillage suspects her talent ismagical, and accuses her of thetroubles that have befallen thetown. Then Linay, a mysteriousstranger, offers her an out—her shadow in exchange for a

way to escape. Kate takes the bargain, but soondiscovers that it may have darker consequences thanshe ever imagined. Ages 12+. (978-0545166645)

Scholastic (HC) $17.99Briliance Audio (CD) $24.99

Hush, HushBecca Fitzpatrick

When studious Nora meets Patch,her new biology partner, she is bothdrawn to his charm and puzzled byhis eerie ability to know what she’sthinking. This ability is explained

when Patch is revealed as a fallen angel, trying to become human, but falling for him will put Nora at the center of a dangerous conflict. Ages 14+.(978-1416989424)

Simon & Schuster Books for YoungReaders (PA) $9.99

I Am Number FourPittacus Lore

When the Mogadorians begindestroying each of the 9 survivingLoric children in numerical order,Earth becomes the setting for analien game of cat and mouse. #3is dead, and John Smith is nexton the list. Will he be able todevelop his unique super powers—his Legacies—intime to defend himself, his human friends, and theplanet itself? Ages 14+. (978-0061969553)

HarperCollins (HC) $17.99

DISCOVER THE LAWS OF MAGIC!A deliciously spellbinding series full of mystery.

Think Sherlock Holmes meets Harry Potter.

Laws of Magic: Blaze of GloryMichael Pryor

When best friends Aubrey andGeorge discover a golem—a magical creature built to assassinate Prince Albert—they are hailed as heroes. But for Aubrey, there are still too

many unanswered questions about who sent thegolem and why, and he and George embark on theirown investigation. Ages 12+. (978-1864718621)

Laws of Magic: Heart of GoldMichael Pryor

Aubrey’s family has given himplenty of tasks to keep himoccupied following his end-of-the-year exams, but when he andGeorge travel to the capital tomeet up with the lovely Caroline,they discover that people are being turned intomindless monsters and someone has stolen the city’smagical talisman, throwing everything into chaos.Ages 12+. (978-1864718638)

Laws of Magic: Word of HonourMichael Pryor

Aubrey and George are enjoying the college life—but the two can’t resist the temptation to joinAubrey’s Prime Minister father for a ride on a top-secret submersible.

When a magical attack sinks the ship, a mysteriousplot begins to unfold and the boys must get to thebottom of it. Ages 12+. (978-1864718645)

Trafalgar Square/IPG (PA) $9.99 Go Indie.

Page 18: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

16 D O N ’ T S E E A B O O K YO U WA N T ? A S K U S TO O R D E R I T F O R YO U !

The Ask and the AnswerPatrick Ness

In this gripping sequel to The Knife of NeverLetting Go, Todd and Viola find themselvesforced apart—Todd to prison, and Viola toa house of healing. As they are swept intoopposing sides of a brewing war, they mustbetray their own beliefs to survive and trust

each other in a world where there’s no black or white,only gray. Ages 14+. (978-0763648374) � PW

Candlewick Press (PA) $9.99Briliance Audio (CD) $19.99

The BodyfinderKimberly Derting

Violet has an unusual ability—shesenses the imprints that murderleaves on both victims and killers.When a serial killer starts terrorizingthe town, she may be the only onewho can stop him. Meanwhile, herchildhood friend Jay has blossomed into a crush-worthyhigh school stud. Juggling love, friendship and serialmurders is far from easy, especially when Violet may be the next victim. Ages 14+. (978-0061779817)

HarperCollins (HC) $16.99

The CardturnerLouis Sachar

Alton’s rich, blind and ailing great-uncle is a skilled bridge player, butneeds someone to turn his cards.Alton’s parents want him to take the job, cozying up to his uncle inhopes of the family being written into

his will. Alton has no interest in bridge or his unclewhatsoever—but he slowly begins to learn more aboutboth (not to mention a cute, bridge-playing girl). Ages14+. (978-0385736626) � ALA

Random House (HC) $17.99

The Freak Observer Blythe Woolston

Loa’s life has been a series oftragedies—her sister succumbsto disease, her friend isgruesomely hit by a truck, herfamily drowns their troubles asthey slowly fall apart, and PTSD turns Loa’s nightsinto literal nightmares. Even so, time moves forward,and Loa can’t help but move forward too. Physicsclass, a job washing dishes and a new friend atschool offer a tentative light of hope and recovery.Ages 12+. (978-0761362128) � New Voices

Lerner Publishing (HC) $16.95

The Mockingbirds Daisy Whitney

At exclusive Themis Academy, the students are expected to behavehonorably. That trust is sometimesmisplaced, as Alex discovers whenshe is date raped in her junior year.Now she must choose whether tostay silent, or to enlist the help of

the Mockingbirds, a secret ring of vigilante students whotake it upon themselves to right the wrongs done to andby their peers. Ages 14+. (978-0316090537) � New Voices

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers(HC) $16.99

The Prince of MistCarlos Ruiz Zafon and Lucia Graves

Max’s family moves to the Spanishcoast to escape WWII—little do theyknow that danger lurks just nearby in a garden of sinister moving

statues and an old shipwreck. When a reclusive light-house keeper reveals the ship’s history, Max realizesthat something evil is at work from beyond the grave—and someone will have to pay the price for a long-agobargain. Ages 12+. (978-0316044776) � PW

Little, Brown Books forYoung Readers (HC) $17.99

The Scorch TrialsJames Dashner

In this sequel to The Maze Runner,Thomas and the Gladers findthemselves in the world outside theMaze—an unrecognizable worldwith a brutal climate and no governmentleft to speak of. They must avoid murderous packs ofthe insane disease-ridden Cranks and cross a burnt-outwasteland to reach a safe haven in only two weeks. Willthe Gladers ever be free? Ages 14+. (978-0385738750)

Random House (HC) $17.99

The Space Between TreesKatie Williams

16 year-old loner Evie makes her small town life more bearableby inventing stories in her head,particularly about her unrequitedcrush, Jonah. But when a childhoodfriend is murdered and Evie gets

sucked into an obsessive and dangerous investigationby the victim’s best friend, she will have to let go of her fantasies and face reality. Spellbinding. Ages 14+.(978-0811871754) � PWChronicle Books (HC) $17.99

They CalledThemselves the K.K.K.:The Birth of an AmericanTerrorist GroupSusan Campbell Bartoletti

This award-winning author tackles thecomplex post-Civil War era in this latest work, tracingthe KKK from its small beginnings through the height of its violent spread across the South. With first-personquotations and stories from every side of the conflict,she renders a detailed image of the cultural strains andtensions that gave rise to the Klan’s legacy of racismand brutality. Ages 12+. (978-0618440337) � PW, ALAHoughton Mifflin (HC) $19.00

Briliance Audio (CD) $29.99

The Things a Brother KnowsDana Reinhardt

Levi’s idol, his older brother Boaz,has finally returned from his tour ofduty with the Marines—but he’s ashell of who he used to be, spendingall his time alone in his room withLevi’s laptop and stacks of maps.

When Boaz leaves again on a secretive journey, Levifollows him, determined to understand what happenedto his brother and how to bring him home for real. Ages 14+. (978-0375844553) � PW, Kirkus, ALARandom House (HC) $16.99

The Last Survivors 3:This World We Live InSusan Beth Pfeffer

A year after the catastrophic collisionof a meteor with the moon, life onEarth remains a struggle. WhenMiranda’s nearly-starving family

suddenly grows to include Alex Morales and his sister,survival becomes infinitely more complicated—but ittakes a devastating tornado to force Miranda into makinga choice that will alter their lives forever. Powerful andgripping. Ages 13+. (978-0547248042) � PW

Harcourt (HC) $17.00

TormentLauren Kate

In this sequel to Fallen, Luce’s fallenangel lover Daniel convinces her toseek refuge at a school for Nephilim,children of humans and fallenangels, while he hunts down theOutcasts who seek to harm her. Butas Luce begins to learn more abouther own power, she begins to suspect that Daniel maybe hiding a dangerous secret about her past—and whoshe’s meant to be with. Ages 14+. (978-0385739146)

Random House (HC) $17.99

TrashAndy Mulligan

Rat, Raphael, and Gardo are threetrash-pickers in an unnamedthird-world city. When somethingvaluable is lost in the detritus, thethree set off to find it and uncoverboth a puzzling mystery and theextreme disparity between rich

and poor. Can they make the right decisions in the face of poverty, police brutality, and break the code?Ages 12+. (978-0385752145)

Random House (HC) $16.99

Woods RunnerGary Paulsen

The Revolution becomes a grimreality to Samuel when he comeshome to find his house burneddown and his parents missing.Comfortable in the Pennsylvaniawoods, he tracks them throughenemy territory to the heart ofBritish-held New York. Can he survive the terriblerealities of war long enough to get them back? Ages 12+. (978-0385738842) � PW, Kirkus, ALA

Random House (HC) $15.99

Zombies vs. UnicornsHolly Black and Justine Larbalestier

This collection of twelve shortstories by an impressive host of authors pits the virtues ofunicorns against the forces ofthe undead. Six stories for eachside—including visits to theworlds of The Forest of Hands

and Teeth and Rampant—create an epic and mythicalbattle of the words where everybody—especially thereader—wins. Ages 14+. (978-1416989530) � SLJ

Margaret K. McElderry (HC) $16.99Briliance Audio (CD) $29.99

Page 19: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,

17C H O O S E LO C A L & I N D E P E N D E N T F I R S T

Books for Older Readers WINNER

The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z.Kate MessnerGianna Z. has less than a weekto collect 25 leaves for a scienceproject, or else lose her spot atcross-country sectionals. As ifthat weren’t enough, her grand-mother keeps losing her teeth,her father drives her to school inthe family hearse, and her arch-nemesis intent on stealing her spot on the team. Gianna needs a stroke of brilliance tomake everything fall into place. Ages 12+. (978-0802721730) � E.B. White WinnerWalker & Co. (PA) $6.99

Books for Older Readers HONORS

Where the Mountain Meets the MoonGrace LinIn the valley of Fruitless mountain,a young girl named Minli livesin a ramshackle hut with herparents. In the evenings, herfather regales her with oldfolktales. Inspired by these stories,

Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him howto change her family’s fortune. Ages 9-12. (978-0316114271) � E.B. White Honor, � Newbery HonorLittle, Brown Books for Young Readers (HC) $16.99

Leaving theBellweathersKristin Clark VenutiThe young Bellweathers andtheir equally peculiar parentshave brought constant chaosto the once-peaceful village ofEel-Smack-by-the-Bay. Still, noone has suffered more thantheir loyal butler Benway, who has finally had enough. When the siblings discover he ispreparing to leave, they band together to provehow much he’s needed—with hilarious results.Ages 9-12. (978-1606840061) � E.B. White HonorEgmont USA (HC) $15.99

Briliance Audio (CD) $24.99

Tumtum and Nutmeg:Adventures BeyondNutmouse HallEmily Bearn, illustrated by Nick PriceTumtum and Nutmeg lead cozyand quiet lives, secretly lookingafter Arthur and Lucy, the

disheveled human children of the cottage. Butwhen evil Aunt Ivy, a squeamish schoolteachernamed Miss Short, and pirating pond rats threaten the safety of those they love, the courageous pair will stop at nothing to save the day. Ages 9-12. (978-0316027038)� E.B. White HonorLittle, Brown Books for Young Readers (HC) $16.99

CALDECOTT MEDALNYT BEST ILLUSTRATED

The Lion and the MouseJerry PinkneyA stunning wordlessadaptation of one ofAesop’s most beloved

fables. After a ferocious lion spares acowering mouse that he’d planned to eat, the mouse later comes to his rescue,freeing him from a poacher’s trap. Theunlikely pair learn that no act of kindnessis ever wasted. Ages 4+. (978-0316013567)� Caldecott Medal, � NYT Best IllustratedLittle, Brown Books for Young Readers(HC) $16.99

All the WorldLiz Garton Scanlon,illustrated by Marla FrazeeThis lovely bookfollows a circle offamily and friendsthrough the courseof a day to celebrate the interconnectedness of all things great andsmall. “All the world is here. It is there. It iseverywhere. All the world is right whereyou are. Now.” Ages 4-8. (978-1416985808) � Caldecott Honor, � NYT Best IllustratedSimon & Schuster (HC) $17.99

HORN BOOK AWARD

I Know HereLaurel Croza, illustrated by Matt JamesA little girl lives near aforest where her fatheris building a dam. Sheloves everything in herworld, but the dam isnearly finished and the

family is moving to a new city. To ease herfear, her teacher suggests drawing a pictureof all that she’d like to remember so shecan keep it always. A magical celebrationof roots and remembrance. Ages 4-8. (978-0888999238) � Horn Book AwardGroundwood Books (HC) $18.99

When You Reach MeRebecca SteadMiranda knows how to navigate her NYCneighborhood. Sheknows where it’s safe togo and whom to avoid,but things are unrav-elling. She startsreceiving notes aboutthings that haven’t happened yet, and shebegins to believe that only she can preventa tragic death. Highly recommended. Ages9-12. (978-0385737425) � Newbery Award, � Horn Book AwardRandom House (HC) $15.99

Picture Books WINNER

The Curious GardenPeter Brown When Liam discovers a struggling garden in his drab, gray city he decides to give it some help. Littledoes he know that it willtake on a life of its own

and spread across the city, transformingeverything in its path. A magical storyabout how one small person can helpchange the world. Ages 4-8. (978-0316015479)� E.B. White WinnerLittle, Brown Books for Young Readers(HC) $16.99

Picture Books HONORS

14 Cows for AmericaCarmen Agra Deedy,illustrated by ThomasGonzalezIt is nine months after9/11, and in a far-flungKenyan village anAmerican diplomat isabout to accept themost generous gift this tiny community can bestow to a grieving people half aworld away. Word of the gift will travelnews wires around the globe—many will be profoundly touched. An elegant story of generosity that crosses boundaries,nations, and cultures. Ages 4-8.(978-1561454907) � E.B. White HonorPeachtree Publishers (HC) $17.99

Once Upon a TwiceDenise Doyen, illustratedby Barry Moser“Out in the open, in the clear, Where anywisenmouse would fear,

Jam licks his paw, he grooms an ear, Andnever hears approaching hisssss...” Whatwill happen to the brave mouse Jam when he breaks the rules and goes for amoonlit adventure against the advice ofthe elder mice? A read-aloud feast of lyrical language and beautiful illustration. Ages 4-8. (978-0375856129) � E.B. White HonorRandom House (HC) $16.99

PrincessHyacinth (theSurprisingTale of a GirlWho Floated)Florence HeideParry, illustrated by Lane SmithPrincess Hyacinth has a problem: shefloats. So her parents have pebbles sewninto her socks and force her to wear a very heavy crown. But one day, Hyacinthdecides she wants to float free, and withthe help of a balloon man off she goes.Who can save a floating princess? Ages 4-8. (978-0375845017) � E.B. White HonorRandom House (HC) $17.99

2010 E.B. WHITE READ ALOUD AWARDSThe Best Read Aloud Books of 2010

NEWBERY MEDAL

Go Indie.

Page 20: Best Books forChildren - theabfc.files.wordpress.com · books together with your kids helps them build all the skills they will need for e very eventuality: Attention, Empathy, Creativity,