Best of
Young-Readers

2012

Warriors: Enter the Clans


Erin Hunter - 2012
    Enter the world of the warrior Clans…In this two-in-one field guide, get an indispensable insider’s look at the world of the five warrior cat Clans. The perfect addition to any Warriors fan’s collection, this paperback special edition includes two companion books in one volume:Warriors Field Guide: Secrets of the Clans: Learn about the origin of the Clans, their history and legends, and the training, traditions, and rituals involved in the lifelong path of a warrior.Warriors: Code of the Clans: Discover the origins of the warrior code, which governs how Clan cats live side by side in times of war and peace, with untold stories from the Warriors world and beautiful black-and-white illustrations.

Island of Shadows


Erin Hunter - 2012
    . . .Toklo, Kallik, and Lusa survived the perilous mission that brought them together, and now it’s time for them to find their way home. Kallik and Lusa are ready to be among their own kinds again, but Toklo, devastated by the loss of their companion Ujurak, feels hopeless and afraid of what’s to come.When the group reaches a shadowy island covered in mountains and ice, Kallik is sure they’re almost back to the Frozen Sea. But a terrifying accident leads them into a maze of abandoned tunnels, unlike anything they’ve ever seen before—making them question their path once again.The bears grow desperate for a sign to guide them, and when they meet a cub who has lost his whole family, Toklo believes the cub has been sent by Ujurak. But the others are unsure. Can they trust their new companion? Or could he be hiding something that will endanger them all?

The Lost Heir


E.G. Foley - 2012
    Foley presents The Gryphon Chronicles, a new series of historical fantasy adventures that's as much fun for grownups as it is for kids!Strange new talents...Jake is a scrappy orphaned pickpocket living by his wits on the streets of Victorian London. Lately he's started seeing ghosts, and discovers he can move solid objects with his mind! He has no idea why. Next thing he knows, a Sinister Gentleman and his minions come hunting him. On the run for his life, Jake is plunged headlong into a mysterious world full of magic and deadly peril. A world that holds the secret to who he really is: the long-lost heir of an aristocratic family-with magical powers!But with treacherous enemies closing in, it will take all of his wily street instincts and the help of his friends-both human and magical-to solve the mystery of what happened to his parents, and defeat the foes who never wanted the Lost Heir of Griffon to be found..."A wonderful novel in the same vein as Harry Potter, full of nonstop action, magical creatures, and the reality that was Queen Victoria's England." The Reading CafeOptioned For A Movie!The Complete Gryphon Chronicles Series: Book 1 - THE LOST HEIRBook 2 - JAKE & THE GIANTBook 3 - THE DARK PORTALBook 3.5 - JAKE & THE GINGERBREAD WARSBook 4 - RISE OF ALLIESBook 5 - SECRETS OF THE DEEPBook 6 - THE BLACK FORTRESS

Who Was Babe Ruth?


Joan Holub - 2012
    It was at a reform school that Babe discovered his talent for baseball, and by the age of nineteen, he was on his way to becoming a sports legend. Babe was often out of shape and even more often out on the town, but he had a big heart and an even bigger swing! Kids will learn all about the Home Run King in this rags-to- riches sports biography. With black-and-white illustrations throughout, a true sports legend is brought to life.

The Secret Promise


Paula Harrison - 2012
    Her three friends feel the same, so they slip out after dinner. A zip wire in the dark is excellent fun! But things take a serious turn when the girls find a trapped deer in the forest. Who would do such an awful thing, and why?

Vegan Is Love: Having Heart and Taking Action


Ruby Roth - 2012
    Broadening the scope of her popular first book That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals, Roth illustrates how our daily choices ripple out locally and globally, conveying what we can do to protect animals, the environment, and people across the world. Roth explores the many opportunities we have to make ethical decisions: refusing products tested on or made from animals; avoiding sea parks, circuses, animal races, and zoos; choosing to buy organic food; and more. Roth’s message is direct but sensitive, bringing into sharp focus what it means to “put our love into action.” Featuring empowering back-of-the-book resources on action children can take themselves, this is the next step for adults and kids alike to create a more sustainable and compassionate world.

Grace for the Moment: 365 Devotions for Kids


Max Lucado - 2012
    . . More than we deserve … And greater than we imagine.  But how can you plant this important message of grace into the heart of your child?  Adapted from the bestselling devotional for adults (with more than 3 million copies sold), Grace for the Moment: 365 Devotions for Kids presents the message of God’s grace in a way that children can understand. It’s perfect for families to read together or for older readers to enjoy alone. Each day offers a devotion and scripture to encourage regular time with God. And because giving grace is just as important as receiving it, a “Growing in Grace” opportunity accompanies each devotion, offering practical and easy-to-do activities to help kids apply God’s grace—every day and every moment.Meets national education standards.

Bad Kitty Boxed Set #1


Nick Bruel - 2012
    . . take a bath. But she absolutely, positively doesn’t want to! Young readers will be cracking up at the antics that ensue, and at the lively line art of frantic, bad Bad Kitty as she desperately, at times crazily, tries NOT to take a bath.  In Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty, Bad Kitty is back again and badder than ever. But it’s party time now, and a new cast of kitties is coming over to celebrate in her second illustrated novel for young readers.  And lastly, in Bad Kitty vs Uncle Murray, Bad Kitty’s antics continue as she prepares for a battle royale when Uncle Murray steps into the role of petsitter. But wait, there’s more! Included in the boxed set is a full size poster featuring the cover of Bad Kitty for President. So put your paws up and vote!

The Bear


Ryan Sohmer - 2012
    The Bear is a series of humourous and endearing paintings that detail the bond that forms between a first time parent and their child.

Summer of the Wolves


Polly Carlson-Voiles - 2012
    A phone call from their uncle sets them on a journey in a small floatplane over the thick green forest canopy, to spend the summer on a wilderness island. Nika, of all people, knows not to get her heart set on anything, but as she follows her uncle in his job studying wolves, Nika stumbles upon a relationship with an orphaned wolf pup that makes her feel — for the first time since her mother died — whole again. Here in these woods, with this wolf, none of the hard things in her past can reach her.With vivid details about wolf behavior and a deep sense of interconnectedness with nature, this captivating first novel illuminates the intricacies of family while searching for the fine balance between caring for wild animals and leaving them alone.

Vulture Verses: Love Poems for the Unloved


Diane Lang - 2012
    But children have every reason to love the critters that scuttle, slither, buzz, and sting. Through lively, witty rhymes and warm, friendly illustrations, naturalist and author Diane Lang and artist Lauren Gallegos take children on a guided tour of the animals that do so many good things for us, yet don’t get enough love, from skunks to vampire bats. Published fall of 2012, it has proved a big hit at nature centers, children’s museums, and schools.

Animals Welcome: A Life of Reading, Writing, and Rescue


Peg Kehret - 2012
    A poacher illegally stalking a bear. Peg Kehret tells these true stories and more as she invites readers into her life on a small wildlife sanctuary. Vividly showing the joys of animal rescue while providing facts about the animals and birds she encounters, Kehret also shares the tragedy of her husband's sudden death, and the pain of losing Pete, the shelter cat who co-authored three of her books. Written with honesty, heart, and humor, Animals Welcome is a personal glimpse into the life of an author who loves animals, and the philosophy by which she lives.

Song for Papa Crow


Marit Menzin - 2012
    But when Little Crow shares his crow songs with the other birds at the big old tree, they laugh and scatter. Maybe the Amazing Mockingbird can teach him to sing songs with the finches, flycatchers, and cardinals and help him make some friends. But Little Crow should be careful what he wishes for... Using Mockingbird's tip, Little Crow quickly becomes the most popular bird on the block. But, in a moment of danger, he learns that singing someone else's song can have terrible consequences and that his own voice and his father's love is of the greatest value. Paired with colorful collage illustrations, this inspirational story is complemented by fun facts about North American birds and their sounds.

Let's Go Time Travelling


Subhadra Sen Gupta - 2012
    Go time travelling through the alleys of history and take a tour through the various ages-from Harappa to the Mauryan, Mughal to the British. Through short snapshots and wacky trivia, this book gives you a glimpse into the vibrant culture of India, as you learn about the life and times of kings, queens, viceroys and even ordinary children! Spend a day with Urpi as she tries selling pottery in exchange for a few beads at Mohen-jo-daro; step back into King Ashoka's kingdom where Madhura prepares to be a warrior; watch Adil harbour hopes of becoming a khansama in British India.

The Berenstain Bears: We Love Our Mom!


Jan Berenstain - 2012
    After all, Mama Bear is always there for her cubs! When Brother scrapes his knees, Mama is there with bear hugs and kisses. When Sister Bear needs help with her homework, Mama always lends a helping paw. So what can the cubs possibly do to show their mom how much they love her?

The Creatures from Beyond Beyond


R.L. Stine - 2012
    Boringville seemed more like it. But as it turns out, the vacation was anything but boring! There’s a surprise in every closet here—and not the good kind. Alien creatures are lurking, mysterious dolls are growing, and there’s a sinister twelve-year-old boy with a powerful hypnotic pendant who may hold the key to the entire mystery. Now if Randi can just escape a monster’s clutches, send some space visitors back to who knows where, and regain control of her free will, she might just get her family back home in one piece. It’s another scary good read from the master of shriek-out-loud horror, R.L. Stine.

Jack in the Green


Charles de Lint - 2012
    When Maria witnesses her best friend from her teenage years breaking into a house in a gated community where she’s working, she has no problem pretending to the police she didn’t see a thing. But as Luz Chaidez comes back into Maria’s life, Maria can’t help remembering the magic Luz left to look for all those years ago. Magic she may have found. Maria is curiously drawn to one of Luz’s green-hooded gang of robbers, a handsome redheaded boy who calls himself Jack Green. Soon enough, she’s venturing into the dangerous territory of robbing from the rich to give to the poor…In this deft, 22,000 word novella, acclaimed fantasist Charles de Lint brings one of the world’s most beloved tales into the modern day, transporting Robin Hood from the green wood to the barrio. Jack recasts an epic story of love and friendship, with justice at its center, in a way that readers won’t soon forget.Jack in the Green features a full-color dust jacket, and five interior b&w vignettes by longtime de Lint collaborator, Charles Vess.

The Quentin Blake Treasury


Quentin Blake - 2012
    There's inspiration and exuberance, wit and wonder, joy and jollity to be found within these pages.

The Legend of The Ghost Buck


Lane Walker - 2012
    He really does exist, he thought, as his left hand trembled on the bow. Thirty yards away was the biggest buck he'd ever seen. It was a moment he'd been waiting for all of his young life. Somehow, his quivering right hand found the bowstring. His heart hammered, and he struggled to slow his frantic breathing. Slowly, the enormous buck turned . . . and looked directly at him. Boone held his breath. He froze. Had the buck spotted him? He hadn't had time to raise the bow and aim before the buck had spotted him. Now, if we moved an inch, the deer most certainly would bolt, and Boone would miss the opportunity of a lifetime. Tense seconds ticked past. The buck looked away. It was Boone's only chance . . . the chance he'd been waiting for. Slowly, he raised the bow . . . Was the crazy old man right? Is Boone just going to blow it and ruin everything? Or will this be a hunt that rewrites the record books and a small town?

The Treasure at Devil's Hole


Jody Mabry - 2012
    Then there is the mysterious bald stranger and Miss Julia Brandon’s boyfriend who seems a little “too-classy” for the town of Possum Trot. With the help of his brothers, and best friend Billy—along with his not-so-secret desire to impress Melanie Grainger—Bug goes off in search of fortune and glory, thwarting bad guys, stolen clothes, and explosions to find the one surprise about the treasure that he would have never dreamed of...

Pop Pop and Me and a Recipe


Irene Smalls - 2012
    Pop Pop and Me and A Recipe celebrates the love between a grandson and his grandfather. Join Pop Pop and his grandson as they beat, batter and bond baking the young boy’s favorite Lemon Bar Cake. With full color lovingly painted step by step instructions and a full ingredient list this book is a sweet recipe for the hearts of Lemon cake eaters young and old. Pop Pop and Me and A Recipe is the perfect book for a child’s birthday, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Three Kings Day, a Grandfather’s birthday, family reunions, family celebrations, Father’s Day, Grandparents day and baking fun any day of the year. Purchase a copy of Pop Pop and Me and A Recipe and cook up your own delicious day of joy. For Ages 4-7 Preschool - Grade 2

A Civil War Scrapbook: I Was There Too!


History Colorado - 2012
    This ambitious book emphasizes the roles of the children, women, minorities, and even animals that were involved in the war. Enhanced with historical photographs, drawings, maps, games, and primary quotes from children, the book gives a new perspective on the Civil War.

Dog Breed Facts for Fun! Book C-D


Wyatt Michaels - 2012
    

Miranda the Beauty Fairy


Daisy Meadows - 2012
    Kirsty and Rachel must help Miranda the Beauty Fairy, so that people everywhere can continue to look good and feel great.

A Hummen in Spiral Gorge (Stones of Elemdray #1)


T. William Watts - 2012
    A rumor of a rumor says that one world was left open. What emerges from this world does not fail to leave its mark.Small as a pebble or tall as a tree, shadowy creatures carry out secret missions. Things have been taken, fates intertwined, and piece by piece another world begins to fall apart. The end of their world draws near unless help comes from an unlikely source. A thousand branches tremble at the thought of welcoming a dangerous thing, a foreign agent, a hummen.One boy thinks it’s just another one of his daydreams. Just a fancy dragonfly landing on his desk, he supposes, until he takes a closer look. A promise, a mystery, a secret book, a modified Harley, and a majestic gorge surpass his wildest dreams.Dare to plunge into a twisting, witty adventure in "A Hummen in Spiral Gorge" (Book 1 of the "Stones of Elemdray")Notice: The names in this book do not represent any real-life personalities. Any gnome named Reminim, dwargen named Dwenzuak, or troll named Umdim are coincidentally named and non-related to this fictional work.

Dog Breed Facts for Fun! Book O-R


Wyatt Michaels - 2012
    

Stories from Dante told to the Children


Mary MacGregor - 2012
    "Stories From Dante: Told To The Children" by Mary MacGregor.

Through the Dark Wood (Treasures of Darkness - Treasures of Light #1)


Geno Allen - 2012
    Now he must leave his home and shepherd’s life to take up the adventurer’s mantle on a perilous quest, the full purpose of which remains a mystery to be discovered.Zam encounters a motley assortment of creatures, warriors, and supernatural beings as he travels the forbidding path through the “Dark Wood” of Darlandis.Evil seeks to end his life before his call can be fulfilled. Dragons, Grimmals, Shadow Vermin, and Seritheen pursue, as Zam moves beyond his fear into the battles he must face in hopes of freeing a friend, finding a love, and discovering a life larger than he ever dreamed possible.

Drips


Leigh Anne Lagoe - 2012
    Drips, the excessive drooler, can't quite find a place to call home.

The Hairy Dogmother


Julia Dweck - 2012
    Everyone knows that dogs are man's best friend, but did you know that some dogs can grant wishes, too? Harry's a hairy fairy from his head to his knees, except that he scratches and has lots of fleas. Readers will be hooked on the fun and fast paced action of this comical rhyming tale. The Hairy Dogmother is for every little girl who has ever dreamed of being a princess.