JUST RIGHT FOR TWO

written by Tracey Corderoy, illus. by Rosalind Beardshaw, (Noisy Crow, $15.99, ISBN 978-0-7636-7344-4), 32p, Ages 3-7

Self-reliant Dog loves his blue suitcase and fills it with special possessions: "a bumpy little pinecone, a smooth rock with a hole in it, some dancing leaves, a really good stick, a soft, tickly feather, and a big, shiny red button." It also makes a perfect bed at night, and is all that he needs. One morning Dog awakes to find a little mouse snuggled against him. After Dog's initial resistance, they strike up a friendship, Mouse admires Dog's possessions, and they enjoy playing hide-and-seek. After Mouse leaves, Dog misses something, searches for Mouse to help him find it, and realizes that the "what" he is missing is a "who." Simply told with charming illustrations, this warm tale of friendship will be a lovely read-aloud, especially at bedtime.

THE SHEEP GO ON STRIKE

written/illus. by Jean-François Dumont, (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, $16.00, ISBN 978-0-8028-5470-4), 34p, Ages 4-8

Tired of being sheared, cold, and receiving shots, the sheep cause havoc on their farm by striking. Ralph, the sheepdog, tries to intervene, but the sheep stampede him claiming police brutality. "After that, he stayed in his doghouse and refused to talk with delegates from the flock." Opinions are divided with the farm animals taking sides (including insects and a snail). The sheep plan a protest carry banners, and march for justice, while Ralph organizes the other sheepdogs to stop the protest and confrontation. After the fight, the protestors rethink their tactics. How an equitable compromise is reached, the sheep stay warm for the winter, and enjoy their wool make this humorous tale one that kids will thoroughly enjoy.

LAND OF SECRETS: A Grimm Warning

written by Chris Colfer, illus. by Brandon Dorman, (Little Brown & Co., $18.00, ISBN 978-0-316-40681-9), 480p, Ages 9-12

"Fairies, listen well, / For there is truth in the sights we foretell, / 'Happily ever after' will not last, / When it's greeted by a threat from the past. / One by one, the kingdoms will fall apart, / From battles they'll lose and wars they'll start. / Fairy blood will be split by the gallons, / When you face the army of thousands." In this third installment in The Land of Stories series, the witches' prophesy unites twins Conner and Alex Bailey, their friends, and their enemies to prepare for the coming battle against a powerful two-hundred year old French army, a massive dragon, and the mysterious Masked Man. Magical castles, enchanted statues, Book Huggers, magic mirrors, kidnappings, blue poker chips, and a forgotten army conspire to make this series truly enchanting. A surprise conclusion will have readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.

THE TWIN POWERS

written by Robert Lipsyte, (Clarion Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-547-97335-7), 272p, Ages 11-14

"Your sons are fine boys, John, but they are only thirteen years old. They're our only chance, Dr. Traun. That's an emotional response, John. Primary People like us are supposed to be rational. The boys are half human. They don't understand why their Earths must be destroyed. Neither do I. That's why you're my prisoner." Thirteen-year-old twins, Tom and Eddie Canty, from The Twinning Project (2012) continue in their effort to rescue their alien dad, who is held prisoner by the evil Dr. Traun. Both Earth One from 2012, where Tom lives, and Earth Two from 1958, where Eddie lives, are set for destruction due to environmental and human negligence. With help from their friends, Tom and Eddie escape government agents, persuade alien councils, develop their unusual powers, rescue friends, and pilot alien space ships. Mark Twain quoting aliens, identity swaps, space and time travel, historical events, and snakes will entertain kids, even reluctant readers.