Dory Fantasmagory


Abby Hanlon - 2014
    Jones and Ivy & Bean! Here comes a lovably energetic little sister with a BIG personality—and an imagination to match!As the youngest in her family, Dory really wants attention, and more than anything she wants her brother and sister to play with her. But she’s too much of a baby for them, so she’s left to her own devices—including her wild imagination and untiring energy. Her siblings may roll their eyes at her childish games, but Dory has lots of things to do: outsmarting the monsters all over the house, escaping from prison (aka time-out), and exacting revenge on her sister’s favorite doll. And when they really need her, daring Dory will prove her bravery, and finally get exactly what she has been looking for.With plenty of pictures bursting with charm and character, this hilarious book about an irresistible rascal is the new must-read for the chapter book set.

The Adventures of Captain Underpants


Dav Pilkey - 1997
    The story is immediately engaging—two fourth-grade boys who write comic books and love to pull pranks find themselves in big trouble. Mean Mr. Krupp, their principal, videotapes George and Harold setting up their stunts and threatens to expose them. The boys' luck changes when they send for a 3-D Hypno-Ring and hypnotize Krupp, turning him into Captain Underpants, their own superhero creation. Later, Pilkey includes several pages of flip-o-ramas that animate the action. The simple black-and-white illustrations on every page furnish comic-strip appeal. The cover features Captain Underpants, resplendent in white briefs, on top of a tall building. This book will fly off the shelves.

The Gift of Nothing


Patrick McDonnell - 2005
    He wonders what he can buy the dog who has everything and decides that the answer, of course, is nothing. This simple story features characters from the Mutts comic strips and is the first book for children.

Daydreams of a Solitary Hamster


Astrid Desbordes - 2008
    The egotistical--but also endearing and really funny--Hamster is the main character, but his affectionate friends, who love Hamster despite all his flaws, are just as fascinating. Imagine a gourmand of a hamster who keeps a diary full of irresistible lies! Or a mole who drinks tea in bed while writing his novel, or a snail who asks after the why of the world and hopes that it doesn't rain. It's all here, and more!With the title a direct reference to Jean Jacques Rousseau's Reveries of a Solitary Walker, The Wild Daydreams of a Solitary Hamster is a childlike--but not in the least bit childish--take on the wanderings of thought and the life of the mind. Philosophical, ironic, and laugh-out-loud funny, this book is sure to appeal to readers of all ages. The author, who has a background in philosophy, employs her knowledge with great style and humor, infusing the book with a joyful spirit, while meditating on friendship, selfishness, and the power of dreams.Astrid Desbordes received her degree in philosophy and has written a number of books on philosophy and religion for adults. Currently, she divides her time between writing and editing. This is her first book for children.Pauline Martin is a graphic designer and illustrator. She has illustrated many graphic novels as well as children's books.

Ninja!


Arree Chung - 2014
    There may be obstacles! But have no fear—a true ninja can overcome all challenges.

Mia Mayhem Is a Superhero!


Kara West - 2018
    THE PITS! And the crazy thing is, in a weird meant-to-be sort of way, all of this news somehow feels super right. Because all her life, Mia thought she was just super klutz...but it turns out, she’s just SUPER! So now, it’s up to Mia to balance her regular everyday life and maintain her secret identity as she learns how to be the world’s newest superhero! With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Mia Mayhem chapter books are perfect for emerging readers.

Bird & Squirrel on the Run


James Burks - 2012
    Bird doesn't have a care in the world. And Cat wants to eat Bird and Squirrel. Of course, he'll have to catch them first, and that's not going to be easy.Join this trio as they head south for the winter in a hilarious road trip. But watch out! Cat is waiting around every bend, and he's one pesky feline.

The Adventures of Tintin, Vol. 1: Tintin in America / Cigars of the Pharaoh / The Blue Lotus


Hergé - 1990
    These full-color graphic novels broke new ground when they were first released and became the inspiration for countless modern-day comic artists.This repackaged hardcover volume contains 3 classic Tintin stories, including: Tintin in America, Cigars of the Pharaoh, and The Blue Lotus.

The Princess in Black


Shannon Hale - 2014
    . . Brring! Brring! The monster alarm! A big blue monster is threatening the goats! Stopping monsters is no job for dainty Princess Magnolia. But luckily Princess Magnolia has a secret —she’s also the Princess in Black, and stopping monsters is the perfect job for her! Can the princess sneak away, transform into her alter ego, and defeat the monster before the nosy duchess discovers her secret? From award-winning writing team of Shannon and Dean Hale and illustrator LeUyen Pham, here is the first in a humorous and action-packed chapter book series for young readers who like their princesses not only prim and perfect, but also dressed in black.

The Man in the Ceiling


Jules Feiffer - 1993
    And his dream, like that of his Uncle Lester, who writes flop Broadway musicals, is to be recognized for what he loves doing most.

The Popularity Papers


Amy Ignatow - 2010
    Lydia’s the bold one: aspiring theater star, stick-fighting enthusiast, human guinea pig. Julie’s the shy one: observer and artist, accidental field hockey star, faithful recorder. In this notebook they write down their observations and carry out experiments to try to determine what makes the popular girls tick. But somehow, when Lydia and Julie try to imitate the popular girls, their efforts don’t translate into instant popularity. Lydia ends up with a bald spot, their parents won’t stop yelling, and Julie finds herself the number-one crush of Roland Asbjørnsen. Worse, they seem to be drifting farther and farther from their goal—and each other.Amy Ignatow’s hilarious debut novel introduces the intrepid fifth-graders Julie and Lydia, whose quest to understand popularity may not succeed in the ways they want, but will succeed in keeping readers in stitches. From Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books: Lydia and Julie, BFFs since birth, are now preparing to enter junior high, and they're on a mission to become popular. First, however, they have to determine exactly how popularity is achieved, so they decide to approach the matter as any good scientist would: observe those creatures already at the height of popularity and apply said observations to themselves, in the hopes of cracking into that mysterious world of junior-high stardom. The two record their observations and the often spectacularly unsuccessful outcomes of their various social experiments in a scrapbook-like journal, complete with notes passed at school, lists of projected popularity goals, and credibly goofy and kidlike drawings. The story here is fairly familiar: the girls fail miserably at their first attempts at the A-list (Lydia's hair falls out after a botched dye job, among other disasters) but eventually find acceptance in the upper echelon, only to learn the valuable lesson that it's the people you're most comfortable around who make the best friends. The diary format, however, adds an extra dimension of funny, and as in Jeff Kinney's Wimpy Kid series about Greg Heffley, it allows Julie and Lydia to come alive through their witty dialogue, their perceptive commentary, and even their characteristic handwriting. Secondary characters shine as well, particularly Julie's embarrassing but ultimately charming two dads, along with Lydia's goth-punk sister, a font of random quips and junior high wisdom. The popular kids end up being far from perfect and each has issues of her own to contend with, making the actual friendships that form among the girls all the more endearing. Those waiting for the next installment of Greg Heffley's adventures will be well served by this amusing experiment in sixth-grade celebrity. KQG

Alice in Wonderland: The Complete Collection (Illustrated Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Illustrated Through the Looking Glass, plus Alice's Adventures Under Ground and The Hunting of the Snark)


Lewis Carroll - 2013
    Collected here is the ultimate Kindle edition of the beloved books starring such timeless characters as Alice, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, and the White Rabbit.Included in the Alice in Wonderland Collection are: Both Alice books—Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass—illustrated with over 100 classic illustrations by Sir John Tenniel. An early version of the Alice story and the spinoff nonsense poem "The Hunting of the Snark" Links to free, full-length audio recordings of all the Alice books in this collection. An individual, active Table of Contents for each book accessible from the Kindle "go to" feature. Perfect formatting in rich text compatible with Kindle's Text-to-Speech features. A low, can't-say-no price! Four Complete WorksFour classic works by Lewis Carroll, including both Alice books, complete and unabridged. Books included: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland* Includes Original Illustrations by Sir John Tenniel! Through the Looking Glass* Includes Original Illustrations by Sir John Tenniel! Alice's Adventures Underground—an early draft of the Alice story The Hunting of the Snark—a full-length nonsense poem that extends the world of the Jabberwocky poem Down the Rabbit HoleAlso included are special features for any Alice enthusiast, including: A complete list of direct adaptations of Lewis Carroll's classic in film and television. Works inspired by the world of Wonderland, including films and television works, literary sequels and retellings, theme parks attractions, games, and more. Links to free, full-length audio recordings of the Alice books in this collection, as well as other popular children's favorites.

The Art of Plants vs. Zombies


Philip R. Simon - 2014
    Zombies from the zombies' point of view! The Art of Plants vs. Zombies is part zombie memoir, part celebration of zombie triumphs, and part anti-plant screed, as well as a treasure trove of rare concept art, sketches, and more covering Plants vs. Zombies, Plants vs. Zombies 2, Plants vs. Zombies Adventures, and Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare. It's a must-have for any fan and an insider's view of zombies with some Wall-nutty surprises and never-before-seen awesome art. Even Crazy Dave wants a copy - if only to learn more about his fun-dead foes!

Bink & Gollie


Kate DiCamillo - 2010
    Setting out from their super-deluxe tree house and powered by plenty of peanut butter (for Bink) and pancakes (for Gollie), they share three comical adventures involving painfully bright socks, an impromptu trek to the Andes, and a most unlikely marvelous companion. No matter where their roller skates take them, at the end of the day they will always be the very best of friends.

Zita the Spacegirl


Ben Hatke - 2011
    Humanoid chickens and neurotic robots are shocking enough as new experiences go, but Zita is even more surprised to find herself taking on the role of intergalactic hero. Before long, aliens in all shapes and sizes don't even phase her. Neither do ancient prophecies, doomed planets, or even a friendly con man who takes a mysterious interest in Zita's quest.Zita the Spacegirl is a fun, captivating tale of friendship and redemption from Flight veteran Ben Hatke. It also has more whimsical, eye-catching, Miyazaki-esque monsters than you can shake a stick at.