Winter 2004/2005 Children's Book Sense Picks

1. PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS, by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson (Disney Editions, $17.99, 0786854456) "Arrr matey! Hop on board this swashbuckling adventure that tells the story of how Peter Pan came to be. A fantastic read-aloud for younger fans of Neverland, too." --Sonya Yruel, The Storyteller, Lafayette, CA Also a Brilliance Audio (Unabridged CD, 159355978X)

2. ALICE THE FAIRY, by David Shannon (Blue Sky, $15.95, 0439490251) "Alice is only a temporary fairy, which means she can't fly but she can run really fast; the king's outfit she makes for her daddy is a crown of cardboard and macaroni, and that spell to make the dog float to the ceiling? It needs a little work. Fans of David Shannon's artwork will love his latest picture book, which perfectly captures the magic of being a kid." --Mary Jane Beaufrand, Madison Park Books, Seattle, WA

3. THE SAINT OF DRAGONS, by Jason Hightman (Eos, $16.99, 0060540117) "This is a fascinating look at a world where dragons haven't disappeared but are merely hiding themselves among us. Anyone who likes dragons and adventure will love this story." --Julie Heidtman, Page One Bookstore, Albuquerque, NM

4. SO YESTERDAY, by Scott Westerfeld (RazorBill, $16.99, 159514000X) "This story was not hard to imagine as true, and creepy -- a world of 'product researchers' setting the trends and determining what trends are in for teenagers. A fast-paced novel that is a mixture of a kidnapping mystery, mind control, manipulation, economic greed, and peer pressure." --Joanne Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover, MA

5. BUTTERMILK HILL, by Ruth White (FSG, $16, 0374351120) "As the small town of Buttermilk Hill gossips about sensitive, 10-year-old Piper's parents' divorce, she is able to express her dreams and thoughts through poetry. Her healing begins as the townspeople listen to her work at the local library's poetry reading night." --Chris DeWan, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

6. THE TRUTH ABOUT SPARROWS, by Marian Hale (Holt Books for Young Readers, $16.95, 0805075844) "This memorable picture of the joy and despair a family experiences in the Great Depression brought forth tears and laughter from me as I turned each page. Highly recommended!" --Holly Frakes, Schuler Books & Music, Okemos, Okemos, MI

7. CRANK, by Ellen Hopkins (Simon Pulse, $6.99 paper, 0689865198) "The reader can't help but sympathize as Kristina Snow travels down the path toward total drug addition. It does not take long for this all-around good girl to transform into her alter ego, Bree, someone whose craving for drugs takes over. This novel doesn't offer all the answers. Instead, it allows readers to make their own decisions." --Kim Soyka, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

8. REAL TIME, by Pnina Moed Kass (Clarion Books, $15, 0618442030) "A group of diverse but related characters share their experiences of a bus bombing in contemporary Israel. The reader learns about the victims, their families, the suicide bombers, a Holocaust survivor, and others. We care deeply about the characters, and the story brings the reality of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to life." --Carol Stolts, Porter Square Books, Cambridge, MA

9. SAMMY KEYES AND THE PSYCHO KITTY QUEEN, by Wendelin Van Draanen (Knopf, $15.95, 0375823492) "Another fun Sammy Keyes mystery -- in this one, Sammy celebrates her birthday during which her mother reveals some surprising information." --Lisa Fabiano, Hearts & Stars Bookshop, Canton, MA

10. YOU'RE ALL MY FAVORITES, by Sam McBratney, Anita Jeram (Illus.) (Candlewick, $15.99, 076362442X) "This great children's book about Mommy and Daddy Bear and their three cubs will reassure all children in a family that they are loved." --Cissie Roth, Diana's Bookstore, Elkin, NC

LITTLE HOUSE, LITTLE TOWN, by Scott Beck (Abrams Books for Young Readers, $14.95, 081094930X) "In simple but lovely writing -- peaceful and rhythmic -- this book follows a day in the life of a young family as they go to their favorite places all around the town. Little House, Little Town invites both adults and children to quiet their busy lives and yet still take an interesting exploration of the world around them." --Hilary Taber, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

MOOOVE OVER!: A Book About Counting by Twos, by Karen Magnuson Beil, Paul Meisel (Illus.) (Holiday House, $16.95, 0823417360) "The poor trolley driver is trying to keep track of the occupants by counting by twos. Unfortunately, a pushy cow makes this task nearly impossible. The only solution is to get rid of the 'one too many' passenger. The illustrations by Paul Meisel complement the text wonderfully." --Kim Soyka, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

ONE SNOWY NIGHT, by M. Christina Butler, Tina Macnaughton (Illus.) (Good Books, $16, 1561484520) "This is the Christmas title I will handsell this season. The illustrations will entice children, but the gentle story of giving puts the 'Christmas frenzy' in perspective, and the ending reminds us that peace on Earth can be had by even natural enemies -- a story for all ages." --Faith Dickerson, The Corner Shelf, Omak, WA

ALBERT, by Lani Yamamoto (Sleeping Bear Press, $10.95, 1585362514) "What a great rainy-day fun book! This first in a three-book philosophy series is full of all kinds of imaginative ideas for exploring the world from inside a house." --Laurie Benner, Reader's Choice Bookstore, Centerville, OH

AMAZON RIVER RESCUE (ADVENTURES OF RILEY), by Amanda Lumry and Laura Hurwitz, Sarah McIntyre (Illus.) (Eaglemont, $15.95, 0966225791) "Riley visits different regions of the world to explore the area wildlife and to learn about the culture and environmental aspects of that particular region. Colorfully presented, combining illustrations with photography, this is great for the classroom, and great for the future of world conservation." --David Henkes, University Book Store, Bellevue, WA

BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH: Bird Tales From Around the World, by Howard Norman, Leo and Diane Dillon (Illus.) (Harcourt, $22, 0152019820) "This beautifully illustrated collection of tales features the art of the Caldecott-winning pair Leo and Diane Dillon. The stories are collected from Australian, European, African, and Asian folk traditions and are retold in the style of the native culture. This celebration of the bird is a treasure to give." --Nicole White, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

DON'T LET THE PEAS TOUCH!: And Other Stories, by Deborah Blumenthal, Timothy B. Ering (Illus.) (Scholastic, $15.95, 043929732X) "A great exploration about what it's like to be sisters. This picture book has three stories about Sophie and Annie, and all three made me laugh out loud and recall some great old childhood memories about my own sister." --Wendy Brower, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

DREAM: A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom & Wishes, by Susan V. Bosak (TCP Press, $17.95, 1896232043) "With illustrations by 15 internationally acclaimed artists, this celebration of living and dreaming is the perfect book to share." --Melissa Olm, The Reader's Loft, De Pere, WI

GOING NORTH, by Janice N. Harrington, Jerome Lagarrigue (Illus.) (FSG, $16, 0374326819) "The author's African-American family moved from Alabama to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1964 to escape segregation and to find better jobs and schools. Harrington's rhythmic book, which tells the story of the car ride north, is a gripping and moving story, beautifully told, with powerful illustrations." --Linda Hillegass, Lee Booksellers, Lincoln, NE

IF NOT FOR THE CAT, by Jack Prelutsky, Ted Rand (Illus.) (Greenwillow, $16.99, 0060596775) "Combine two renowned children's artists, and the result is sure to be special -- a view of 17 residents of the animal kingdom, each a haiku that does not name the creature, accompanied by a glorious painting that reveals the secret." --Cheryl McKeon, Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA

ISH, by Peter H. Reynolds (Candlewick, $14, 076362344X) "Art is truly in the eye of the beholder, and Peter Reynolds has given us a Harold and The Purple Crayon-ish rendition of how a little boy named Ramon finally draws his way to perfect contentment after his little sister shows up insensitive critics. A terrific, simple story that speaks to the artist in every child." --Abbi Deeran, The Spirit Of '76 Bookstore, Marblehead, MA

JUNGLE DRUMS, by Graeme Base (Abrams Books for Young Readers, $18.95, 0810950448) "This little warthog, Ngiri Mdogo, is marching to a different drum. His is a magic drum and he's hoping to make a big change." --Ellen Ourada, Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, MN

KARATE HOUR, by Carol Nevius, Bill Thomson (Illus.) (Marshall Cavendish, $14.95, 0761451692) "Bill Thomson's exceptional paintings capture the dignity and concentration of young students attending karate hour. Simple rhyming text by Carol Nevins offers brief descriptions of the lessons and a fuller explanation of karate's history and principles." --Jody Shapiro, Adventures for Kids, Ventura, CA

NICCOLINI'S SONG, by Chuck Wilcoxen, Mark Buehner (Illus.) (Dutton, $16.99, 0525468056) "When bedtime requires the perfect soothing read-aloud, look no further than the lustrously illustrated Niccolini's Song. Fall into this book about Niccolini, a gentle and quiet watchman who cares for all the engines in the rail yard." --Diana Carroll, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC

ODD BOY OUT: Young Albert Einstein, by Don Brown (Houghton Mifflin, $16, 0618492984) "This book reveals a child late to talk, prone to tantrums, and indifferent to his studies (with some notable exceptions). An inviting introduction to one of the greatest minds of the 20th century." --Jody Shapiro, Adventures for Kids, Ventura, CA

OLD COYOTE, by Nancy Wood, Max Grafe (Illus.) (Candlewick, $16.99, 0763615447) "The gentle story deals with death with simple, muted illustrations of animals, nature, and a most beautifully rendered coyote couple, sure to bring tears to every reader with a heart." --Maureen Palacios, Once Upon a Time, Montrose, CA

POLAR SLUMBER/SUENO POLAR, by Dennis Rockhill (Raven Tree Press, $16.95, 0972497315) "Endless possibilities exist to create special stories with children through this wordless, magical Arctic picturebook. You can almost see your breath, smell the crisp cold air, and feel the cozy covers as you slip away into this dreamland." --Chris DeWan, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

ROBOTS SLITHER, by Ryan Ann Hunter, Julia Gorton (Illus.) (Putnam, $14.99, 0399237747) "Beginning readers will welcome the illustrations and simple rhyme in this book. And they will also appreciate the extra sound bites of information nicely placed within the colorful artwork. It's great to find such an accessible book on such a hot topic." --Jody Shapiro, Adventures for Kids, Ventura, CA

SCIENCE VERSE, by Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith (Viking, $16.99, 0670910570) "As a scientist by training and an educator by proxy, I am always excited by materials that draw children of all ages into discovering science. This collection of verse and pictures does all that and more." A CD with text read by Scieszka and Smith is included. --Gwen Harding-Peets, Merritt Books, Millbrook, NY

SUDDENLY ALLIGATOR: An Adverbial Tale, by Rick Walton, Jim Bradshaw (Illus.) (Gibbs Smith, $15.95, 1586853139) "This book 'hilariously' illustrates the fun you can have with adverbs. We look forward to sharing this with our customers 'readily.'" --Valerie Koehler, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

THE TRAIN OF STATES, by Peter Sis (Greenwillow, $17.99, 0060578386) "There's a circus train coming like you've never seen before --each fabulous car showcasing one of the 50 states in glorious detail. I fell in love with this tribute to the United States and to our wonderful tradition of circus trains." --Ellen Davis, Dragonwings Bookstore, Waupaca, WI

AIDAN OF OREN: The Journey Begins, by Alan St. Jean, Judith Friedman (Illus.) (Moo Press, $19.95, 097248535X) "This fantasy story introduces a young hero named Aidan who sets off on a quest with two friends, Lilly and McKenzie, and a falcon who can speak but cannot fly. The story emphasizes traits of courage, compassion, concern, and commitment, and charming illustrations add to the appeal." --Jane L. Quinn, The Corner Shelf, Culpeper, VA

THE BIG HOUSE, by Carolyn Coman, Rob Shepperson (Illus.) (Front Street, $16.95, 1932425098) "A new story with the feel of an older classic, this is the deliciously fun tale of two kids in a family of crooks who are sent to live on a huge estate with the evil woman who has just had their parents sent 'up the river.' Skilled at sleuthing (or at least thinking they are!) the two work to find a way to get their parents back and prove that the evil Marietta Noland is no innocent. This is a fun, fun caper." --Alison Morris, Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA

BOREDOM BLASTERS: Brain Bogglers, Awesome Activities, Cool Comics, Tasty Treats, and More…, by Helaine Becker, Claudia Davila (Illus.) (Maple Tree Press, $9.95 paper, 1897066031) "This is a flashy, eye-catching book packed with puzzles, jokes, trivia, and creative activity ideas for kids of all ages. Turn off the TV and tune into Boredom Blasters!" --Cathleen Zehms, Dave's Book Center, Green Bay, WI

THE CATS IN KRASINSKI SQUARE, by Karen Hesse, Wendy Watson (Illus.) (Scholastic, $16.95, 0439435404) "A quietly significant story that tells of hope in the time of trouble in the Warsaw Ghetto and the strength of the human spirit in both children and adults." --Valerie Koehler, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX

CAVE PAINTINGS TO PICASSO: The Inside Scoop on 50 Art Masterpieces, by Henry Sayre (Chronicle, $22.95, 081183767X) "This book gives the inside scoop on 50 art masterpieces, with reproductions and a brief synopsis on the life and times of the artist and how they influenced the work. (Did you know that Michelangelo's David carried a political message to would-be tyrant rulers?) Loads of interesting facts fill the pages of this eye-catching introduction to the world of art." --Nicole White, Vroman's Bookstore, Pasadena, CA

CHILDREN OF THE LAMP: The Akhenaten Adventure, by P.B. Kerr (Orchard, $16.95, 0439670195) "This book has great promise! This story of 12-year-old twins who discover they are djinn takes you beyond just the realm of magic and into the ideas of good versus evil throughout the world." --Cris Walrath, Browsing Bison Books, Deer Lodge, MT

DISCOVERY AT FLINT SPRINGS, by John R. Erickson (Viking, $16.99, 0670059463) "The beloved author of the Hank The Cowdog series shares his foray into archeology with us in a story set on his 8,500-acre ranch in the Texas Panhandle. Place. History. Adventure. Erickson weaves this trio into a story that builds enthusiasm for an archeological dig through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy." --Jan Owens, Millrace Books, Farmington, CT

HA! HA! HA!: 1,000+ Jokes, Riddles, Facts, and More, by Lyn Thomas, Dianne Eastman (Illus.) (Maple Tree Press, $9.95 paper, 1897066120) "Funny, funny, funny! This book is packed with jokes, riddles, puzzles, and interesting facts. And on top of all that, every page is tantalizingly illustrated with photographs and/or line drawings. How could any kid resist?" --Kathy Litts, Oregon Book Company, Oregon City, OR

A HOUSE OF TAILORS, by Patricia Reilly Giff (Wendy Lamb Books, $15.95, 0385730667) "Dina, a young girl in 1870s Germany, hates working in her family's dressmaking business. When she is secretly shipped off to America to live with relatives in Brooklyn, she hopes she won't have to sew. But, all of her hopes are dashed when crisis after crisis forces her to take charge and use her talents to save her new family. Dina saves the day, is reunited with her sister, and learns to love Brooklyn." --Carol Stoltz, Porter Square Books, Cambridge, MA Also a Random House Audio (Unabridged Cassette, 1400090539)

THE LIBRARIAN OF BASRA: A True Story from Iraq, by Jeanette Winter (Harcourt, $16, 0152054456) "In the midst of the Iraq conflict, an ordinary librarian --motivated solely by love --goes to extraordinary lengths to find safe places for her books and a haven from war for the culture and literature of her country. This simple story contains enormous wisdom and comfort for children of all ages. It brings a human element to terrifying events and speaks on a basic level about how an abiding love for literature transcends all boundaries and how average individuals can find ways to do remarkable things." --Susan Avery, Ariel Booksellers, New Paltz, NY

THE LITTLE GREY MEN: A Story for the Young in Heart, by BB, Denys Watkins-Pitchford (Illus.) (HarperCollins, $16.99, 0060554487) "I was amazed at the descriptions of the forest creatures that the gnomes met on their journey to find their long-lost brother. The author sneaks in a nature lesson every so often, without the reader even being aware of it. And the illustrations just make the book that much more endearing." --Beth Reynolds, Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT

MOLLY MCGINTY HAS A REALLY GOOD DAY, by Gary Paulsen (Wendy Lamb Books, $12.95, 0385325886) "Molly, a very organized student, relies on her notebook for everything --from scheduling to quotes to live by --but when she loses it on Senior Citizens Day at her middle school (the day her grandmother, the total opposite of Molly, is coming), things appear to be turning into a disaster. Yet, Molly survives and learns to let down her guard! Fun, fun, fun!" --Janet Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover, MA

THE SEA, THE STORM, AND THE MANGROVE TANGLE, by Lynne Cherry (FSG, $16, 0374364826) "Lynne Cherry has done it again, bringing readers the life of one mangrove tree. Learn about the unique ecosystem of the plants, animals and fish that are so precious and wonderful to this web of life. You'll go back again and again to discover more." --Barbara Wilson, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI

THE SECRET OF CASTLE CANT, by K.P. Bath, David Christiana (Illus.) (Little, Brown, $16.99, 0316108480) "Lucy Wickwright, a gutsy, intelligent servant girl tends the rambunctious daughter of the powerful Baron. Things really get exciting when Lucy learns the secret of her parentage. Madcap adventures, lyrical descriptions, and lots of figurative language make this fun read a rich experience." --Sue Carita, The Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH

THE STAR OF KAZAN, by Eva Ibbotson, Kevin Hawkes (Illus.) (Dutton, $16.99, 0525473475) "From the very first page of The Star of Kazan, I could imagine myself right along side of Annika, from her adoption by kindly house servants who find her abandoned on a church doorstep as a baby, to her life in a respectable neighborhood in Vienna under the old Emperor, Franz Joseph. One day, a glamorous stranger appears, and Annika's life is changed forever. This is a wonderful story for young readers and adults alike." --Kristine Kaufman, The Snow Goose Bookstore, Stanwood, WA Also a Listening Library Audio (140009108X, Unabridged Cassette)

THE STORY OF THE H.L. HUNLEY AND QUEENIE'S COIN, by Fran Hawk, Dan Nance (Illus.) (Sleeping Bear Press, $16.95, 1585362182) "Beautifully illustrated, this is a fascinating account of the Confederate submarine the H.L. Hunley. Both kids and adults will enjoy how the book parallels the Hunley's story with contemporary research and discoveries. Very well done and highly recommended!" --Jennifer Malinowski, Schuler Books & Music, Okemos, MI

WHISPERING TO WITCHES, by Anna Dale (Bloomsbury Children's Books, $16.95, 1582348901) "I thoroughly enjoyed the story of 12-year-old Joe Binks. On a train to visit his mother for Christmas, he gets off at the wrong stop --only to find his life taking a very unexpected turn. If you know a child that you think would like titles in the Harry Potter series, but is not up to that reading level, try this book." --Gwen Harding-Peets, Merritt Books, Millbrook, NY Also a Random House Audio (1400090849, Unabridged Cassette)

THE BERMUDEZ TRIANGLE, by Maureen Johnson (RazorBill, $16.99, 1595140190) "Nina, Avery, and Mel have been best friends forever. Now it's the summer before their senior year, and Nina has gone to a pre-college program in California while Avery and Mel are stuck at home, in Saratoga Springs, waitressing. Things get complicated when Avery and Mel start dating, and even more complicated when Nina finds out. This is a great read about real issues that teens face every day." --Sara Chaganti, The Bookloft, Great Barrington, MA

BETSY AND THE EMPEROR: A Novel, by Staton Rabin (Margaret K. McElderry/S&S, $16.95, 0689858809) "Betsy and the Emperor is a fun look at a quirky historical figure, Napoleon. Any independent-minded youngster will quickly relate to Betsy and her constant challenging of 'nonsense' rules, and her friendship with the fierce emperor imprisoned on her island." --Sonya Brooks, Reader's Choice Bookstore, Centerville, OH

THE BOOK OF DEAD DAYS, by Marcus Sedgwick (Wendy Lamb Books, $15.95, 0385730551) "The dead days are those between Christmas and New Year's, the uncommonly quiet days when spirits and magic roam the world of the living. All Boy and Willow know is that someone or something is coming for Valerian the magician at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day. The only thing that can save Valerian's life is to find a very powerful book. The price Boy will have to pay to save Valerian's life will most assuredly not be what he bargained for. Be sure to read this creative, exciting book." --Beth Brdlik, The Spirit Of '76 Bookstore, Marblehead, MA Also a Random House audio (Unabridged Cassette, 1400090504)

BOUND, by Donna Jo Napoli (Atheneum, $16.95, 0689861753) "Xing Xing is a Chinese orphan living with her stepmother and stepsister. She is a beautiful, honest, and intelligent young woman who, in the end, will come to decide her own fate, but not at the expense of others. This is a Cinderella story steeped in Eastern culture and mysticism that you will treasure and ponder." --Janet Bibeau, Storybook Cove, Hanover, MA

COUNTRY GIRL, CITY GIRL, by Lisa Jahn-Clough (Walter Lorraine Books/Houghton Mifflin, $15, 0618447911) "A nice first novel about self-discovery and new friendships. Phoebe, the country girl, soon gets over her feelings of inferiority towards sophisticated city girl, Melita. However, new confusing feelings begin to surface, calling into question the type of relationship Phoebe is now looking for." --Samantha Haldeman, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany, NY

HOLD FAST, by Kevin Major (Groundwood, $6.95 paper, 0888995806) "This is a Canadian coming-of-age story told in the first person and spoken from the heart with disarming honesty. When Michael's parents are killed in a car crash, his life is changed in an instant. He must leave his small Newfoundland outport community to live with his aunt and uncle in St. Albert, where he is faced with rigidity and verbal abuse. The recognition of his hurt and his need to be independent moves the action to a swift, sometimes edgy, and finally redemptive conclusion." --Janet Clymer, The Toadstool Bookshop, Keene, NH

KING OF THE MIDDLE MARCH (ARTHUR TRILOGY), by Kevin Crossley-Holland (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, $17.95, 0439266009) "Kevin Crossley-Holland has written a magnificent end to his award-winning Arthur trilogy. The book, which focuses on Arthur de Caldicot going on the Crusades, has a great deal of relevance to today. Fans of the trilogy will love it!" --Gussie Lewis, Tree Top Toys and Books, Washington, DC Also a Listening Library Audio (Unabridged Cassette, 0807205427)

PERFECT: A Novel, by Natasha Friend (Milkweed, $16.95, 1571316523; $6.95 paper, 1571316515) "Isabelle Lee knows she will never be like Ashley Barnum, the most popular girl in her class. And things aren't any easier at home: Ever since her father died, her mother has been severely depressed. Isabelle has found a dangerous coping mechanism --binging and purging. I think this is a great exploration of a difficult subject in a story that is honest, compelling, and funny." --Sara Chaganti, The Bookloft, Great Barrington, MA

THE PURPLE EMPEROR: Sequel to Faerie Wars, by Herbie Brennan (Bloomsbury Children's Books, $17.95, 1582348804) "Wizards, demons, faeries, magic --all packed into a highly adventurous story. Although I loved Faerie Wars, Herbie Brennan has succeeded in presenting an even more appealing sequel. A must-read for fantasy and science fiction fans!" --Holly Frakes, Schuler Books & Music, Okemos, MI

THE SECOND SUMMER OF THE SISTERHOOD, by Ann Brashares (Delacorte Books for Young Readers, $8.95 paper, 0385731051) "Hip, realistic, and smart, Second Summer is a sequel that really is better than the first. This time around, the girls delve into their feelings about their families, particularly their mothers, and find some things out about themselves in the process." --Sara Yu, Bank Street Bookstore, New York, NY Also a Random House audio (Abridged CD, 1400090636)

SNOW-WALKER, by Catherine Fisher (Greenwillow, $17.99, 0060724749) "When Jessa and cousin Thorkil, whose fathers are loyal to the rightful ruler of their world, are banished, they must make a perilous trip to a ruined castle in the far north, which is only the beginning of their adventures. Full of spells and long voyages, this story is the first book in a trilogy released in the U.K. in 1993." --Pat Fowler, Village Square Booksellers, Bellows Falls, VT

SON OF THE MOB, by Gordon Korman (Hyperion Books for Children, $5.99 paper, 0786815930) "Vince Luca heads off to college in Los Angeles, as far from his crime-affiliated family as possible. But he soon finds the troubled tangle of his Mafia family follows him wherever he goes. Korman's writing is humorous, fast-paced, and poignant." --Sonya Yruel, The Storyteller, Lafayette, CA

TRICKSTER'S QUEEN, by Tamora Pierce (Random House Books for Young Readers, $17.95, 0375814671) "Alianne, plotting the end of the Rittevon line of oppressors to place a young queen on the throne in their stead, is in the middle of a world of intrigue, spies, rebels, and unexpected foreign dignitaries. As a spy-master, Aly has plenty of tasks to execute and gods' tender feelings to juggle; not to mention her own!" --Carla Moore, Powell's City of Books, Portland, OR

THE VANISHING POINT, by Louise Hawes (Houghton Mifflin, $17, 0618434232) "In The Vanishing Point, 16th century Italy comes alive with the tale of a young female artist struggling to learn and apply her talent in an age that overlooks women. Lavinia Fontana was perhaps the most famous female painter of her time, and her work is still admired today. This beautifully written, fictional look at her life as the young Vini will appeal to young readers." --Carol Moyer, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC

A CHRISTMAS LIKE HELEN'S, by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock, Mary Azarian (Illus.) (Houghton Mifflin, $16, 0618231374) "Natalie Kinsey-Warnock provides a recipe for an old-fashioned Vermont Christmas in her latest children's book, based on her grandmother's childhood. This warmhearted story is beautifully illustrated with woodcuts by Mary Azarian and invokes the spirit of the simple, homely joys of life at Christmastime and all year long." --Sandy Johnson, The Galaxy Bookshop, Hardwick, VT

A CONFUSED HANUKKAH: An Original Story of Chelm, by Jon Koons, S.D. Schindler (Illus.) (Dutton, $16.99, 0525469699) "The people in the village of Chelm have forgotten how to celebrate Hanukkah and their rabbi is away on a journey. They send Yossel to a nearby village to find out what must be done. When Yossel makes a wrong turn and ends up in a big city celebrating Christmas, the resulting celebration at Chelm is a hilarious combination of Jewish and Christian customs." --Beth Hull, The Avid Reader, Davis, CA

GUESS WHO'S COMING TO SANTA'S FOR DINNER?, by Tomie dePaola (Putnam, $16.99, 0399242716) "Tomie dePaola's latest Christmas book offers a funny look at how members of the same family can be so different -- and the Claus family is no exception. Children will chuckle as the Christmas dinner starts out with some crazy mashed potatoes and ends with a bang of fiery, flaming pudding!" --Jessilynn Krebs, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey, MI

THE LAST HOLIDAY CONCERT, by Andrew Clements (S&S, $15.95, 0689845162) "Hart Evans was always the most popular kid in elementary school, and now that he's begun middle school, everything is going his way. But when an angry choir director tells the kids that they will have to plan their own concert, everyone learns some valuable lessons. As for the holiday concert, well, just make sure you have tissues on hand when you read the end because I guarantee you will cry." --Sara Chaganti, The Bookloft, Enterprise, OR

AN ORANGE FOR FRANKIE, by Patricia Polacco (Philomel, $16.99, 039924302X) "Once again, Patricia Polacco shares a family story that poignantly brings home the importance of strong values and family traditions, which are too often forgotten. Sure to become a holiday favorite!" --Marilynn Bernhard, Chesterfield Books, Chesterfield Twp, MI