Before the presentation started, Anita began with these words, "More than ever we need to stand for books. I have fourteen grandchildren and see so many things with bells and whistles. It takes courage to turn away from those things and decide to give books. The toys my parents gave me when I was young have fallen by the wayside, but the books have remained with me."
Books, books the magical gift!
The more you give...
The more you...uplift?
(yes! well, depending on the book. But all of these books are for that purpose so don't worry!)
Now on with the show!
Now on with the show!
Christmas Picture Books
Christmas Goodnight by Laura Goodwin & Nola Buck, illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright (she's a UT illustrator!)
On a quiet but wondrous Christmas Eve, the nativity story comes to life, and families everywhere celebrate the miracle of Christmas.
Nola Buck's simple poetic text and tender illustrations by Sarah Jane Wright make this gentle holiday goodnight book a joy to read and share with those you love!
The Third Gift by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoullline
With biblical references as a starting point, Linda Sue Park tells a unique Christmas/Epiphany tale about the third gift brought to the infant Jesus by the Magi, the gift of myrrh.A boy and his father are gatherers of myrrh, a precious substance used in important ceremonies. It's the sap of certain trees, hardened into pearl-like beads, and the gatherers look for it on the tree trunks. The boy narrator finds one big enough to fill his two hands. When they take their myrrh to market, this extraordinary "pearl" is bought by three strangers in colorful robes . . . as a baby gift. And as the three men ride off into the desert, the young narrator is proud to have made such a fine discovery, and he wonders about the baby. Luminous, exquisitely detailed paintings of the desert landscape, the myrrh gatherers, and the marketplace make this story breathtaking as well as unforgettable. An author's note discusses the origins of the story and the little-known facts about myrrh.
Jingle Bells: How the Holiday Classic Came to Be by John Harris, illustrated by Adam Gustavson
The unexpected story of the creation of a holiday classic - in the most unlikely of places. It is November 1857 in Savannah, Georgia, and the heat is stifling. Choir director James Lord Pierpont is busy writing a song for the children of the church to perform to usher in the holiday season. He is also worried. Many townspeople are angry because the congregation does not believe in slavery, and someone has thrown a brick through one of the church windows.
As Mr. Pierpont sweeps up the glass from the broken window, he recalls his own Boston childhood, the sound of sleigh bells, and the fun of riding in a sleigh through the snow. Suddenly he gets an idea. A few days later - with the happy sounds of children singing and jingling bells and bags of "snow" - Mr. Pierpont introduces the delighted churchgoers to the charms of a northern Christmas!
Home For Christmas by Jan Brett
A wild little troll runs away from home because he doesn't want to do his chores. Rollo tries living with various woodland animals, but he finds out that there is no place like home, and returns to his family just in time for "the best Christmas ever."
Among the animals who take him in are an owl family, a mother bear and two rambunctious cubs, some playful river otters, a hungry lynx and a friendly moose family.
Jan Brett creates an irresistible, mischievous character that kids will recognize in themselves. Jan transports us to a glorious Scandinavian landscape where a beautiful fall turns into a magnificent snowy winter. Her signature borders depict the troll family missing Rollo, and animals as appealing as those found in The Mitten.
A warm, fun-loving Christmas picture book for families to share and love and laugh over together.
The Night Before Christmas illustrated Jan Brett + DVD with Boston Pops, narrated by Jim Dale
As St. Nick and eight tiny reindeer descend through a brilliant night sky, the famous Christmas poem begins. The father narrates the words just as Clement Moore wrote them, and artist Jan Brett captures the spirit of the story in glorious illustrations. Visually she extends it for children who will delight in watching two mischievous stowaways from the North Pole enthusiastically exploring the sacks of gifts on the roof. St. Nick, inside the house, is unaware, until the toys spill down onto the lawn -- then he turns with a jerk, and sees them. Antique toys and exquisite ornaments frame the borders, in which the father, St.Nick, or the family cat and dog can be found watching the action. A unique and beautiful edition, which all the family will cherish for years to come.
Twelve Days of Christmas illustrated by Laurel Long
The astounding talent of Laurel Long brings this beloved song to life with breathtaking style. Set against a lush countryside, each day brings a new gift elegantly rendered. And like in the verses of the song, the previous gifts are repeated in every illustration, giving this striking artwork a hidden aspect, culminating in a staggering spread featuring them all. Readers will pore over every page, searching for golden rings, turtledoves, and all the rest, secretly tucked into each stunning painting.
Laurel Long's unparalleled style makes this exquisite volume a treasure that will be cherished for years to come.
The Carpenter's Gift: A Christmas Tale About the Rockefeller Center Tree by David Rubel, illustrated by Jim LaMarche
Family, friendship, and the spirit of giving are at the heart of this inspiring picture book. Opening in Depression-era New York, The Carpenter's Gift tells the story of eight-year-old Henry and his out-of-work father selling Christmas trees in Manhattan. They give one of their leftover trees to construction workers building Rockefeller Center. That tree becomes the first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the finest Henry has seen when adorned with homemade decorations. Henry wishes on the tree for a nice, warm house to replace his family's drafty, one-room shack. Through the kindness of new friends and old neighbors, Henry's wish is granted, and he plants a pinecone to commemorate the event. As an old man, Henry repays the gift by donating to Rockefeller Center the enormous tree that has grown from that pinecone. After bringing joy to thousands as a beautiful Christmas tree, its wood will be used to build a home for a family in need.
Written by children's nonfiction author David Rubel, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, The Carpenter's Gift features charming, full-color illustrations by Jim LaMarche.
Oh What A Christmas by Michael Garland
Join Santa's wild ride in this soon-to-be Christmas classic!
When the harness to Santa's sleigh breaks mid-flight, Dasher, Dancer, and the rest of the reindeer gang fly off into the night...leaving Santa and all of his presents stranded!
Who will guide Santa's sleigh and save Christmas now?
Luckily, Santa lands by a tiny barn filled with sleepy animals. With a twinkle in his eye, Santa sees a solution and wonders how well can cows, sheep, goats, pigs, and an old hound dog fly?
OH, WHAT A CHRISTMAS! is an upbeat and humorously sweet holiday story about Santa's soon-to-be-classic wild and crazy sleigh ride one special Christmas Eve.
General Picture BooksFranklin and Winston: A Christmas That Changed the World by Douglas Wood, illustrated by Barry Moser
A compelling look at two leaders who held the world’s fate in their hands— and the holiday visit that sealed a friendship and steered the course of World War II.
At the height of World War II, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill held an extraordinary month-long visit, during which they planned the success of the Allied powers and strategized a continuing peace for when the war ended. Moving from witty banter to gravely serious discussions— amid a traditional public celebration of the Christmas holiday— the two cemented a unique bond as they decided how to confront a menace that threatened all of civilization. Now, on the seventieth anniversary of this event, thanks to the skillful work of author Douglas Wood and illustrator Barry Moser, the story of this remarkable time can be shared with a whole new generation.
Who Do You Think You Are?: Be a Family Tree Detective by Dan Waddell
Become a family tree detective and uncover your family heritage!
Names, eye color, hair color, nose size, personality—all can be passed down from one family member to the next. This compelling activity book gives kids the tools to investigate, discover, and preserve family secrets and treasures. Tips and ideas run the gamut from interviewing parents, grandparents, and other relatives to looking through family photos, letters, and heirlooms, as well as using the Internet for further research. Among the activities to complete:
A keepsake treasure book
A family tree poster
Family research cards
A family crest
A time capsule
A mini-census
Accessible language and funny, colorful illustrations make the ever-more-popular hobby of genealogy available to a new generation of family historians.
What's Missing? by Tilman Reitzle
This totally intriguing book contains 32 pages of identical images in which just one element of the picture is different from the others. Amazing and beautiful.
Lisa Loeb's Silly Sing-Along: The Disappointing Pancake and Other Zany Songs by Lisa Loeb, illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke
Pop star Lisa Loeb brings her wit, wacky humor, and sparkling creativity to the page in her first children's songbook--featuring a CD with four original silly songs plus six all-time kids' favorites!
Filled with tons of sing-along fun, this entertaining collection also serves up activities, choreography, and recipes--from creating a kid-style coconut cream pie” to making extra-special (not disappointing!) pancakes. Illustrator Ryan O'Rourke lights up Lisa's lyrics with the most delightful, whimsical art imaginable.
The Jewel Fish of Karnak by Graeme Base
Set in ancient Egypt, this action-packed story follows two thieves, Jackal and Ibis. They are ordered by the Pharaoh to travel to the Palace of the Crocodile Prince in the city of Karnak to retrieve the magical Jewel Fish. When they arrive at the palace, despite the Pharaoh#8217;s warning to take only the fish, Jackal and Ibis also steal gold and other riches. But the weight of the extra treasures causes their tiny boat to sink, and the Jewel Fish comes to life in the water and escapes.pNow it#8217;s up to readers to find the Jewel Fish by logging on to GraemeBase.com, where they will find what they need to open the mechanical device at the back of the book. The device unlocks the secret of how to discover and capture the Jewel Fish for the Pharaoh. The reverse side of the book#8217;s jacket is a poster map of ancient Egypt that gives facts about the actual places and mythological characters in the story.
Naamah and the Ark at Night by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, illustrated by Holly Meade
As Noah’s wife sings the animals to sleep, an age-old tale is told afresh in a soothing poetic form brought to life with beautiful collage illustrations.
Naamah is the wife of Noah, and her name means "great singer." For forty days and forty nights, as the ark tosses on storm-wracked seas, Naamah sings. She sings to the animals, two by two. She sings to her husband, her sons, and their wives. She sings, and they all sleep, finally at peace. Acclaimed author Susan Campbell Bartoletti’s rhythmic, lyrical text pairs with Caldecott Honor winner Holly Meade’s luminous collage for a cozy, tender lullaby, and an ode to the power of song.
Bumble-Ardy by Maurice Sendak
Yes, this new release is by Maurice Sendak! Bumble-Ardy is, in fact, the first book illustrated and written by him since 1981's Outside Over There. Its piglet main character and his story had distinguished beginnings: Bumble-Ardy originally appeared in a Sesame Street animated short created by Sendak and his friend Jim Henson. Its robust pictures and rowdy rhymes are vintage Sendak: "At nine past nine the piggy swine/ Broke down the door and guzzled brine/ And hogged sweet cakes and oinked loud grunts/ And pulled all kinds of dirty stunts." Simply masterful.
Stuff by Margie Palatini, illustrated by Noah Z. Jones
Edward loves his Stuff more than anything . . .
. . . until he gets buried beneath it.
Edward has a lot of Stuff—too much Stuff. Soon the Stuff takes over his house. But will Edward agree to part with his Stuff before it’s too late?
Stuff is Margie Palatini and Noah Z. Jones’s hilarious story about the stuff that counts and the stuff that’s just, well, . . . Stuff.
Fall Mixed Up by Bob Raczka, illustrated by Chad Cameron
"Every Septober, Every Octember, Fall fills my senses with scenes to remember." "Bears gather nuts. Geese hibernate. Squirrels fly south in big figure eights." Fall is all mixed up in this silly book from Bob Raczka! Can you find his mistakes in the words and pictures?
The Princess and the Pig by Jonathan Emmett, illustrated by Poly Bernatene
There's been a terrible mix-up in the royal nursery. Priscilla the princess has accidentally switched places with Pigmella, the farmer's new piglet. The kindly farmer and his wife believe it's the work of a good witch, while the ill-tempered king and queen blame the bad witch-after all, this happens in fairy tales all the time! While Priscilla grows up on the farm, poor yet very happy, things don't turn out quite so well for Pigmella. Kissing a frog has done wonders before, but will it work for a pig?
Sure to hog all the attention, this story's frequent nods to well-known fairy tales such as Sleeping Beauty, The Frog Princess, and Thumbelina-plus hilarious illustrations-will delight readers of any age.
Samantha on a Roll by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Christine Davenier
Samantha can't wait to try out her new roller skates, but Mama's too busy too help her. What's a girl to do? Well, this girl isn't waiting. While Mama tends to other things, Sammy straps on the skates. First she glides down the hallway. Then she tries the sidewalk. Next, she ventures a bit farther down the street. She’s doing great! But when she finds herself cresting Hawthorn Hill, it’s too late to stop-- Samantha is on a roll!
Mary and Her Little Lamb by Will Moses
The poem about Mary and her little lamb is one of the most popular rhymes in America, but did you know that the rhyme is true? There once was a little girl named Mary who saved the life of a tiny lamb. The two became best friends, and that little lamb followed Mary everywhere - even to school, where the poet John Roulstone visited and immortalized the two in verse.
With his trademark folk art style, Will Moses paints the true story behind the famous nursery rhyme and shows how Mary went from being a small-town Massachusetts girl to an American folk hero.
King Jack and the Dragon by Peter bently, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
An irresistible knights-and-dragons fantasy for the very young, in the tradition of Oxenbury's enduring classic We're Going on a Bear Hunt
Jack, Zack, and baby Caspar spend all day fighting dragons in their homemade fort. But when Sir Zack and Caspar are taken inside for bed, King Jack - alone on his throne - finds himself feeling a bit less brave . . . especially when he hears a thing approaching, a thing with four legs.
A rollicking read-aloud with a charming surprise ending and Helen Oxenbury's spare, expressive illustrations, this kid-pleaser is a classic in the making.
Neville by Norton Juster, illustrated by G. Brian Karas
Written by the acclaimed author of The Phantom Tollbooth, this is a simply told story about a boy who moves to a new neighborhood and finds a unique way to make friends. With whimsical illustrations by award-winning illustrator G. Brian Karas, here is a read-aloud that's great for storytime, and is sure to be a hit among fans of Juster, Karas, and anyone who is "the new kid on the block."
The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories by Dr. Suess
It's the literary equivalant of buried treasure! Seuss scholar/collector Charles D. Cohen has hunted down seven rarely seen stories by Dr. Seuss. Originally published in magazines between 1950 and 1951, they include "The Bear, the Rabbit, and the Zinniga-Zanniga " (about a rabbit who is saved from a bear with a single eyelash!); "Gustav the Goldfish" (an early, rhymed version of the Beginner Book A Fish Out of Water); "Tadd and Todd" (a tale passed down via photocopy to generations of twins); "Steak for Supper" (about fantastic creatures who follow a boy home in anticipation of a steak dinner); "The Bippolo Seed" (in which a scheming feline leads an innocent duck to make a bad decision); "The Strange Shirt Spot" (the inspiration for the bathtub-ring scene in The Cat in the Hat Comes Back); and "The Great Henry McBride" (about a boy whose far-flung career fantasies are only bested by those of the real Dr. Seuss himself).
In an introduction to the collection, Cohen explains the significance these seven stories have, not only as lost treasures, but as transitional stories in Dr. Seuss's career. With a color palette that has been enhanced beyond the limitations of the original magazines in which they appeared, this is a collection of stories that no Seuss fan (whether scholar or second-grader) will want to miss!
The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot by Margaret McNamara, illustrated by Mark Fearing
GREEP BOINK MEEP! The three little aliens are happily settling into their new homes when the Big Bad Robot flies in to crack and smack and whack their houses down! A chase across the solar system follows in this out-of-this-world version of the classic Three Little Pigs tale. Margaret McNamara (How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?) and Mark Fearing (The Book that Eats People) have created a humorous and visually stunning story that kids will adore—and that will introduce them to the planets and the solar system. The endpapers even include a labeled diagram of all the planets.
Rrralph by Lois Ehlert
Would you believe that Ralph the dog can talk? Yip, yip, yip--it's true!
With bestselling author Lois Ehlert's simple, funny, call-and-response text and bold, playful collage illustrations, this fresh, young book is sure to get little ones laughing (and talking to their dogs!)
Mouse & Lion by Rand Burkert, illustrated by Nancy Ekholm Burkert
From the illustrator of the classic edition of Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs
On a ridge above the Kalihari, Lion naps, until Mouse bumbles into him, willy-nilly, startling him awake.
After a show of teeth, Lion is softened by Mouse's pledge of loyalty and sets him free.
When a cold moon brings a humbling lesson, Lion comes to recognize
Mouse's keen skill, and deeper kindness.
Mouse and Lion, Aesop's fabled duo, renew their ancient bond in this warm retelling by Rand Burkert, illuminated by the authentic natural detail of Nancy Ekholm Burkert's art.
I Am Small by Emma Dodd
Cuddle up with your little penguin this winter!
"The world is big and I am small."
From the eyes of a baby penguin the world is a great big place. The sky so high, the ocean so deep, and the mountains so steep--all these things are magnificent from it's point of view. But in the eyes of it's mother--this little penguin is the biggest, most important thing in the world! This beautiful story is highlighted with foil on the cover and throughout.
The Wizard of Oz (a Scanimation Book) by Rufus Butler Seder
We’re off to see the wizard! The magic of Scanimation meets the wonderful Wizard of Oz, bringing to life 10 memorable scenes from the movie that’s enchanted generations of viewers. It’s the gift book of the fall, and includes:
• Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and Toto dancing down the Yellow Brick Road
• Dorothy’s farmhouse flying upward in a twister
• Miss Gulch, on her bicycle in the tornado, transforming into a witch on a broomstick
• The Lollipop Kids strutting from side to side
• The Scarecrow doing a wacky dance
• The Tin Man swaying from side to side; Dorothy and the Scarecrow flanking him as if to catch him
• The Wicked Witch of the West waving on a sky full of flying monkeys
• The Wicked Witch of the West melting
• The Great and Powerful Oz—and the man behind the curtain frantically pulling levers
• A close-up of Dorothy clicking her ruby slippers
Like Star Wars before it, The Wizard of Oz is a marriage of phenomenal Scanimation and one of the most beloved movies of all time. It also continues to be a vital icon: Warner’s 2009 release of the 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition won DVD critics’ and numerous other awards; Warner Brothers Kids just launched wizardofozkids.com; and in 2011, Andrew Lloyd Webber is staging The Wizard of Oz on Broadway. Now it’s found yet new life through Rufus Butler Seder With equal parts love and skill, he’s created 10 compelling Scanimations, taking us over the rainbow.
A glittering, ruby-red cover is the final, delectable touch.
Spot the plot: A Riddle Book of Book Riddles by J. Patrick Lewis, illustrated by Lynn M. Munsinger
Thirteen witty and wacky poems pose riddles that challenge readers to "Name That Book." With a glass slipper here and a spiderweb there, Lynn Munsinger's adorable illustrations lead young readers to the solutions. From Goodnight Moon to Madeline, children and parents alike will delight in recognizing their most cherished stories.
Everything on It by Shel Silverstein
A spider lives inside my head Who weaves a strange and wondrous web Of silken threads and silver strings To catch all sorts of flying things,
Like crumbs of thought and bits of smiles And specks of dried-up tears,
And dust of dreams that catch and cling For years and years and years . . .
Have you ever read a book with everything on it? Well, here it is, an amazing collection of never-before-published poems and drawings from the creator of Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, and Falling Up. You will say Hi-ho for the toilet troll, get tongue-tied with Stick-a-Tongue-Out-Sid, play a highly unusual horn, and experience the joys of growing down.
What's that? You have a case of the Lovetobutcants? Impossible! Just come on in and let the magic of Shel Silverstein bend your brain and open your heart.
"Local" (includes authors living in Utah or who have Utah, BYU ties)Peaceful Pieces: Poems and Quilts About Peace by Anna Grossnickle Hines
In this evocative collection of poems illustrated by beautiful handmade quilts, Anna Grossnickle Hines explores peace in all its various and sometimes surprising forms: from peace at home to peace on a worldwide scale to peace within oneself. Pondering the meaning of peace and its fleeting nature, this book compels each of us to discover and act upon peace ourselves.
The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man by Michael Chabon, illustrated by Jake Parker (Jake is the "Local")
Awesome Man can shoot positronic rays out of his eyeballs, fly as straight as an arrow, and hug mutant Jell-O! Even villains like Professor Von Evil and the Flaming Eyeball are no match for this caped crusader.
But Awesome Man also has a secret. . . . Can you guess what it is?
The first picture book from Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Michael Chabon perfectly captures the fantasy life of young superhero fans.
With a Name Like Love by Tess Hilmo
When Ollie’s daddy, the Reverend Everlasting Love, pulls their travel trailer into Binder to lead a three-day revival, Ollie knows that this town will be like all the others they visit— it is exactly the kind of nothing Ollie has come to expect. But on their first day in town, Ollie meets Jimmy Koppel, whose mother is in jail for murdering his father. Jimmy insists that his mother is innocent, and Ollie believes him. Still, even if Ollie convinces her daddy to stay in town, how can two kids free a grown woman who has signed a confession? Ollie’s longing for a friend and her daddy’s penchant for searching out lost souls prove to be a formidable force in this tiny town where everyone seems bent on judging and jailing without a trial.
Girls Don't Fly by Kristen Chandler
Myra is used to keeping her feet firmly on the ground. She's got four younger brothers, overworked parents, and a pregnant older sister, and if Myra wasn't there to take care of everyone, they'd probably fall apart. But when her boyfriend unceremoniously dumps her, Myra feels like she's lost her footing. Suddenly she's doing things she never would've a few months earlier: quitting her job, applying for a scholarship to study birds in the Galapogos, and falling for a guy who's encouraging her to leap from her old life . . . and fly.
Set in the Salt Lake City area, Girls Don't Fly is full of intelligence, humor, and is a refreshing change of pace for teen readers.
Icefall by Matthew Kirby
Trapped in a hidden fortress tucked between towering mountains and a frozen sea, Solveig, along with her brother the crown prince, their older sister, and an army of restless warriors, anxiously awaits news of her father's victory at battle. But as winter stretches on, and the unending ice refuses to break, terrible acts of treachery soon make it clear that a traitor lurks in their midst. A malevolent air begins to seep through the fortress walls, and a smothering claustrophobia slowly turns these prisoners of winter against one another.
Those charged with protecting the king's children are all suspect, and the siblings must choose their allies wisely. But who can be trusted so far from their father's watchful eye? Can Solveig and her siblings survive the long winter months and expose the traitor before he succeeds in destroying a kingdom?
Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie's favorite days. That's because on Tuesdays the castle adds a new room, a turret, or sometimes even an entire wing. No one ever knows what the castle will do next, and no one-other than Celie, that is-takes the time to map out the new additions. But when King and Queen Glower are ambushed and their fate is unknown, it's up to Celie, with her secret knowledge of the castle's never-ending twists and turns, to protect their home and save their kingdom. This delightful book from a fan- and bookseller-favorite kicks off a brand-new series sure to become a modern classic.
Young Adult BooksCrossed (Matched trilogy, Book 2) by Ally Condie
(which was not printed in our handout, but was one of the books given away at the event)
The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy
In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.
Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.
Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.
At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.
Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.
The Flint Heart by Katherine & John Paterson, illustrated by John Rocco
A robust and wildly entertaining fairy tale, freely abridged from Eden Phillpotts’s 1910 fantasy and wryly retold by Katherine and John Paterson.
An ambitious Stone Age man demands a talisman that will harden his heart, allowing him to take control of his tribe. Against his better judgment, the tribe’s magic man creates the Flint Heart, but the cruelty of it causes the destruction of the tribe. Thousands of years later, the talisman reemerges to corrupt a kindly farmer, an innocent fairy creature, and a familial badger. Can Charles and his sister Unity, who have consulted with fairies such as the mysterious Zagabog, wisest creature in the universe, find a way to rescue humans, fairies, and animals alike from the dark influence of the Flint Heart? This humorous, hearty, utterly delightful fairy tale is the sort for an entire family to savor together or an adventurous youngster to devour.
Secrets at Sea by Richard Peck, illustrated by Kelly Murphy
In the beloved tradition of The Borrowers, The Tale of Desperaux, and The Cricket in Times Square, here is an irresistible adventure story of the tiny individuals who secretly live among us humans.
Helena is the oldest of four mouse siblings who live in the walls of the Cranston estate. It is 1887 when the nouveau riche Cranstons decide to take a cruise ship to England in search of a husband for their awkward older daughter. The Cranston mice stow away in the luggage . . . and so begins the time of their lives, as they meet intriguing, cosmopolitan mice onboard and take it upon themselves to help the human Cranston daughters find love. They might just find perfect futures for themselves as well!
Full of laughs, near-misses, and surprise, this is Richard Peck at his best and most playful.
The Apothecary by Maile Meloy, illustrated by Ian Schoenherr
It's 1952 and the Scott family has just moved from Los Angeles to London. Here, fourteen-year-old Janie meets a mysterious apothecary and his son, Benjamin Burrows - a fascinating boy who's not afraid to stand up to authority and dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin's father is kidnapped, Janie and Benjamin must uncover the secrets of the apothecary's sacred book, the Pharmacopoeia, in order to find him, all while keeping it out of the hands of their enemies - Russian spies in possession of nuclear weapons. Discovering and testing potions they never believed could exist, Janie and Benjamin embark on a dangerous race to save the apothecary and prevent impending disaster.
Together with Ian Schoenherr's breathtaking illustrations, this is a truly stunning package from cover to cover.
The Absolute Value of Mike by Kathryn Erskine
Mike tries so hard to please his father, but the only language his dad seems to speak is calculus. And for a boy with a math learning disability, nothing could be more difficult. When his dad sends him to live with distant relatives in rural Pennsylvania for the summer to work on an engineering project, Mike figures this is his big chance to buckle down and prove himself. But when he gets there, nothing is what he thought it would be. The project has nothing at all to do with engineering, and he finds himself working alongside his wacky eighty-something- year-old aunt, a homeless man, and a punk rock girl as part of a town-wide project to adopt a boy from Romania. Mike may not learn anything about engineering, but what he does learn is far more valuable.
Spellbound (Books of Elsewhere, Book 2) by Jacqueline West
With no way into the house's magical paintings, and its three guardian cats reluctant to help, Olive's friend Morton is still trapped inside Elsewhere. So when Rutherford, the new oddball kid next door, mentions a grimoire - a spellbook - Olive feels a breathless tug of excitement. If she can find the McMartins' spellbook, maybe she can help Morton escape Elsewhere for good. Unless, that is, the book finds Olive first.
The house isn't the only one keeping secrets anymore. Mystery, magic, corruption, and betrayal abound (plus just enough laughs to take the edge off). You'll never guess what happens next in this thrilling, chilling second volume in the critically acclaimed series.
Bigger Than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder
A magical breadbox that delivers whatever you wish for—as long as it fits inside? It's too good to be true! Twelve-year-old Rebecca is struggling with her parents' separation, as well as a sudden move to her Gran's house in another state. For a while, the magic bread box, discovered in the attic, makes life away from home a little easier. Then suddenly it starts to make things much, much more difficult, and Rebecca is forced to decide not just where, but who she really wants to be. Laurel Snyder's most thought-provoking book yet.
Noah Barleywater Runs Away by John Boyne
In Noah Barleywater Runs Away, bestselling author John Boyne explores the world of childhood and the adventures that we can all have there. Noah is running away from his problems, or at least that's what he thinks, the day he takes the untrodden path through the forest. When he comes across a very unusual toyshop and meets the even more unusual toymaker he's not sure what to expect. But the toymaker has a story to tell, a story full of adventure, and wonder and broken promises. And Noah travels with him on a journey that will change his life for ever. A thought-provoking fable for our modern world from the author of the bestselling and critically acclaimed Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.
Eight Keys by Suzanna Lafluer
Elise and Franklin have always been best friends. Elise has always lived in the big house with her loving Uncle and Aunt, because Elise's parents died when she was too young to remember them. There's always been a barn behind the house with eight locked doors on the second floor.
When Elise and Franklin start middle school, things feel all wrong. Bullying. Not fitting in. Franklin suddenly seems babyish. Then, soon after her 12th birthday, Elise receives a mysterious key left for her by her father. A key that unlocks one of the eight doors upstairs in the bar . . .
Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver
(which was another book not printed in our handout, but was one of the books given away at the event)
Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.
That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.
Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.
Ruby Red (Edelstein trilogy, Book 1) by Kirsten Gier, translated by Anthea Bell
Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!
Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.
Animorphs (Books 1 - 4) by K. A. Applegate
The Earth is being invaded, but no one knows about it. When Jake, Rachel, Tobias, Cassie, and Marco stumble upon a downed alien spaceship and its dying pilot, they're given an incredible power—they can transform into any animal they touch. With it, they become Animorphs, the unlikely champions in a secret war for the planet. And the enemies they're fighting could be anyone, even the people closest to them.
If someone told you Earth was under a secret invasion, what would you think? Rachel had a hard time believing it, even after she and her friends saw what they saw—and received an incredible power to become any animal they touch. Rachel knew they were in danger from the start, so when it's suggested that they use their new powers to spy on one of their enemies, she rises to the challenge.
When Tobias and his friends were given the power to morph, they were also given an important warning: Never stay in a morph for more than two hours. But Tobias broke the time limit, and now he's trapped in the body of a hawk—forever. Tobias won't give up, though. So when he discovers an important Yeerk secret, he knows he has to do everything in his power to destroy it.
It all started with the dreams, but Cassie didn't pay much attention to them. She and her friends have been having nightmares ever since they acquired their power to morph. But when Cassie discovers that Tobias has been having dreams too—the exact same dreams— and a voice that's calling to them for help, she decides it's time to start listening.
Something the Grown-ups Might Enjoy (as well as the young adults)Storm Runners (Books 1 & 2) by Roland Smith
The first in a middle-grade action-adventure series from Roland Smith!
Chase Masters and his father are "storm runners," racing across the country in pursuit of hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Anywhere bad weather strikes, they are not far behind. Chase is learning more on the road than he ever would just sitting in a classroom. But when the hurricane of the century hits, he will be tested in ways he never could have imagined.
Master of middle-grade adventure Roland Smith returns with a second installment in this fast-paced action series.
Chase and his friends Nicole and Rashawn have just survived Hurricane Emily, the storm of the century, but their troubles are just beginning. Though they've made it to the safety of Nicole's family's farm -- the winter home of the Rossi Brothers Circus -- the flood waters are rising and they need to reach higher ground. The circus's lions have escaped their cages, and a mean and unpredicable leopard is also on the loose. And then, of course, there's the problem of the wildlife preserve next door! Have Chase and his friends lived through a terrifying night only to face a new danger?
I Am Half-Sick of Shadows (Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie mystery series) by Alan Bradley
It’s Christmastime, and the precocious Flavia de Luce—an eleven-year-old sleuth with a passion for chemistry and a penchant for crime-solving—is tucked away in her laboratory, whipping up a concoction to ensnare Saint Nick. But she is soon distracted when a film crew arrives at Buckshaw, the de Luces’ decaying English estate, to shoot a movie starring the famed Phyllis Wyvern. Amid a raging blizzard, the entire village of Bishop’s Lacey gathers at Buckshaw to watch Wyvern perform, yet nobody is prepared for the evening’s shocking conclusion: a body found, past midnight, strangled to death with a length of film. But who among the assembled guests would stage such a chilling scene? As the storm worsens and the list of suspects grows, Flavia must use every ounce of sly wit at her disposal to ferret out a killer hidden in plain sight.
The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Shared by Alice Ozma
When Alice Ozma was in 4th grade, she and her father decided to see if he could read aloud to her for 100 consecutive nights. On the hundreth night, they shared pancakes to celebrate, but it soon became evident that neither wanted to let go of their storytelling ritual. So they decided to continue what they called "The Streak." Alice's father read aloud to her every night without fail until the day she left for college.
Alice will approach this book as a series of vignettes about her relationship with her father and the life lessons learned from the books he read to her.
Books included in the Streak were: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens, the Oz books by L. Frank Baum, Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, and Shakespeare's plays.
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