Because of Thursday


Patricia Polacco - 2016
    She was born on a Thursday. She won her first cooking contest at the age of eight on a Thursday. She met the love of her life, Mario, on a Thursday. They were married on a bright Thursday afternoon and their two children were both born on a Thursday. Annie is known far and wide for her Poke Pasta Salad and has the most popular restaurant for miles around. When Mario suddenly passes away, Annie’s joy and love of cooking disappears. Before too long, a little kitty appears and Annie takes the kitty in, and, of course, calls it Thursday. Annie is back making Poke Salad in no time. Thursday the cat is known for amazing twirls and tricks and one day his twirls land him in Annie’s draining rigatoni, causing the pot of hot oil, garlic, and peppers to spill into the pasta! Then the entire container of Parmesan cheese overturned into the mix. The customers were horrified until they noticed that what looked like a big mess had the most amazing aroma and turned out to be the most delicious pasta dish ever created! Ugly Pasta—the dish that would make Annie famous for miles around—was born. And of course it was a Thursday!

Behind the Bookcase


Mark Steensland - 2012
    Her parents have to fix the place up before they can sell it, and Sarah and her brother, Billy, have to help. But the tedious work turns into a thrilling mystery when Sarah discovers an unfinished letter her grandmother wrote: Strange things are happening behind the bookcase. . . . Sarah's mother dismisses the letter as one of Grandma Winnie's crazy stories, but Sarah does some investigating and makes a remarkable discovery: behind the bookcase is a doorway into Scotopia, the land where shadows come from. With a talking cat named Balthazat as her guide, Sarah begins an unforgettable adventure into a world filled with countless dangers. Who can she trust? And can she face her fears, not only in Scotopia, but also back at Grandma Winnie's house, where more secrets and strange goings-on await her?

The Zebra Said Shhh


M.R. Nelson - 2013
    Help the Zebra say "Shhh" to the lions, elephants and other noisy animals at the zoo. A calming bedtime book for little monkeys everywhere.

The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy


Nikki Loftin - 2012
    Rock-climbing walls on the playground and golden bowls of candy on every desk? Gourmet meals in the cafeteria, served by waiters? Optional homework and two recess periods a day? It's every kids's dream.But Lorelei and her new friend Andrew are pretty sure it's too good to be true. Together they uncover a sinister mystery, one with their teacher, the beautiful Ms. Morrigan, at the very center.Then Andrew disappears. Lorelei has to save him, even if that means facing a past she'd like to forget – and taking on a teacher who's a real witch.What Lorelei and Andrew discover chills their bones – and might even pick them clean!

The Little Shop of Monsters


R.L. Stine - 2015
    Stine!Are you are afraid of monsters? Do they make you shiver and shake and shut your eyes really tight at night? Welcome to the Little Shop of Monsters! Do you want a SNEEZER? A TICKLER? Or one of the CREEPIEST monsters of all? Come on in and choose your favorite, if you dare (before one of them chooses YOU!). Renowned children's book creators Marc Brown and R.L. Stine join forces for the very first time-in Stine's picture book debut-with a tale that is monstrously good fun. 2016 Children's Choice Book Award Winner -- Kindergarten-2nd Grade Book of the Year

The Hedgehog leaves home


Ulf Stark - 2011
    Like snakes, pine cones, jackrabbit poop, mushrooms and foxes.And there's a lot to learn as well.So it's good to have a friend.Like a field mouse.Come on a journey with the hedgehog and meet the animals and plants of the forest. And do what he does:Have fun and learn as much as you can.

Maui-maui


Stephen Cosgrove - 1978
    Serendipity books have warmed the hearts of young and old for over two decades, becoming classics in children's literature.Each beloved tale teaches youngsters how to deal with the challenges of their world, providing them with positive solutions to difficult problems.Join the whimsical characters in this beautifully illustrated collection as they entertain and inspire every reader.

Luis and Tabitha


Stephanie Campisi - 2018
    . . until he meets Tabitha, a beautiful indoor cat. Separated by a tragic glass door, Luis will do anything to be with Tabitha--even brave the dangers of a fire.With adorable illustrations and undeniable style, Luis and Tabitha is the story of two star-crossed kitties who prove that true love conquers all.

The Legend of the Christmas Witch


Daniel Murphy - 2021
    Each year a mysterious figure sweeps into town, leaving behind strange gifts in the night. No, not Santa Claus, but his sister...The Christmas Witch.Her story begins many, many years ago when her brother was torn away from her as a child. Raised alone by a witch of the woods, Kristtōrn's powers of magic grew, as did her temper. Determined to find her long lost twin, she set out on a perilous journey across oceans to find him. But what she found instead was a deep-seated fear of her powers and a confrontation that would leave the fate of Christmas hanging in the balance.From award-winning producer and actress Aubrey Plaza and her creative partner Dan Murphy comes a holiday story unlike any told before. With all the richness of classic folklore, they've woven a tale of bravery, love and magic. Whatever you thought you knew about Christmas...think again.

Fancy Nancy Heart to Heart


Jane O'Connor - 2009
    . . especially with Fancy Nancy!Mystery is in the air when Nancy receives a valentine from a secret someone. Join Nancy as she follows the clues to find out who it is—all in her trademark fabulous style, of course. Gorgeous stickers included!This 8x8 paperback can be enjoyed as a Valentine's Day gift for young Fancy Nancy fans and by all little ones looking for a fun story with a sticker sheet!

The Bone Garden


Heather Kassner - 2019
    Only the finest magical thread tethers her to life—and to Miss Vesper. But for all her efforts to please her cruel creator, the thread is unraveling. Irréelle is forgetful as she gathers bone dust. She is slow returning from the dark passages beneath the cemetery. Worst of all, she is unmindful of her crooked bones.When Irréelle makes one final, unforgivable mistake by destroying a frightful creature just brought to life, Miss Vesper threatens to imagine her away once and for all. Defying her creator for the very first time, Irréelle flees to the underside of the graveyard and embarks on an adventure to unearth the mysterious magic that breathes bones to life, even if it means she will return to dust and be no more.With echoes of Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book, debut author Heather Kassner crafts a gorgeously written story humming with magic, mystery, and dark imaginings.

House of Dolls


Francesca Lia Block - 2009
    They wear fancy dresses, bake play-dough cakes, and spend their days enjoying one another's company.For the three dolls, life is small but good.But life is not good for Madison Blackberry, the owner of the dollhouse. Her grandmother pays more attention to the dolls than to her. The dolls have one another, but she is lonely in her big, empty apartment.Then one day, as things always do—even for dolls—everything changes.This beautiful story from the acclaimed team of Francesca Lia Block, author of such novels as Weetzie Bat, and Barbara McClintock, author and illustrator of many picture books, including Adèle & Simon, brings to life the power of love, family, and friendship.

Halloween Is...


Gail Gibbons - 2002
    It is a celebration that provides all kinds of spooky fun.

Tell Me a Scary Story... But Not Too Scary! (Book & Audio CD)


Carl Reiner - 2003
    Fine book, with the notation that the CD envelope at rear pastedown has been opened and the CD presumably has been played. Both are, of course, present. See scans. Lacks the dustjacket. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2003. Square quarto, glossy boards illustrated by James Bennett, who did the interior work as well. Fine book, as noted above. CD offers Carl Reiner's reading of the story. See scans. LG12

The Shy Little Kitten


Cathleen Schurr - 1946
    The Shy Little Kitten, with illustrations by the renowned Gustaf Tenggren.