Where the Giant Sleeps
Written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky What happens when two terrific talents work together? Where the Giant Sleeps is what happens. Mem Fox’s lyrical prose matched with Vladimir Radunsky’s soft and ethereal pictures make this my favorite picture book of the year. This is a beautiful bedtime book and will surely be a treasured choice for years to come.
Children’s Miscellany Too: More Useless Information That's Essential to Know
Written by Matthew Morgan and Samantha Barnes
Illustrated by Niki Catlow I you have a child that wants to know how to hypnotize a chicken, why the sky is blue and how to make invisible ink then this book is for you! Each page is packed with random, fascinating facts and lists sure to keep your child entertained for a long time to come.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Written and illustrated by Brian Selznick Part picture book, part novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret is truly unique. Don’t be put off by the 500 page count. Since many of the pages contain Selznick’s captivating illustrations this is actually a much shorter book. The story is told in part by the pictures and in part by the text drawing the reader into the world of Hugo Cabret, an orphan who lives alone in a railway station and who has a mystery to solve.
Olivia Helps With Christmas
By Ian Falconer Everyone’s favorite pig is busy helping her family as they get ready for Christmas. There’s so just much for Olivia to do during the holidays! She’s shopping and decorating and wrapping presents all while being her own irrepressible self. Children will love reading all about Olivia’s family traditions as they themselves get ready for Christmas.
The Nutcracker
Illustrated by Susan Jeffers Susan Jeffers has treated us to so many beautifully illustrated editions of classic children’s fairy tales and The Nutcracker is no disappointment. Her rich and detailed illustrations help the story come alive for the reader. This Christmas classic is a terrific gift choice.
Teen Books
The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden This eclectic collection of topics and activities has undeniable boy-appeal. The book is intentionally old-fashioned, and you get the sense that by learning how to place a splint or write in invisible ink, a boy might be prepared for anything.
Publisher: Collins ISBN: 0061243582
The Daring Book for Girls by Andrea J. Buchanan, Miriam Peskowitz This manual contains everything that girls need to know—and that doesn't mean sewing buttonholes! Whether it’s female heroes in history, the perfect cartwheel, or secret note-passing skills—this book has it all. But it's not just a guide to giggling at sleepovers—although that's included, of course!
Publisher: Collins ISBN: 0061472573
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart Dozens of children respond to this peculiar ad in the newspaper and are then put through a series of mind-bending tests, which readers take along with them. Only the most intelligent and inventive children may compete. So, if you know a teen who’s gifted, creative, or happens to know Morse Code, this book is for them.
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers ISBN: 0316057770
The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3) by Rick Riordan The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is built around a terrific idea—that the half-mortal offspring of Greek gods live among us, playing out struggles of mythic scale— with nonstop laughs and action. In this installment, Percy battles monsters, dysfunctional gods, friends, and romance. Be sure to buy the entire set—Book one: The Lightning Thief and Book Two: The Sea of Monsters.
Publisher: Miramax ISBN: 1423101456
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie Drawing from his own life experiences, bestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. This heartbreakingly funny story chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live.
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers ISBN: 0316013684
* Winner of the 2007 National Book Award for Young People's Literature
Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale This reworking of a little known Brothers Grimm fairy tale follows the story of a princess and her servant who are locked in a tower for seven years after the princess refuses to marry the suitor of her father's choice. It is a completely unique retelling filled with adventure and romance, drama and disguise.
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books ISBN: 1599900513
