FOUND

written/illus. by Salina Yoon, (Walker Books, $14.99, ISBN 978-0-8027-3559-1), 36p, Ages 3-6

"One day, Bear found something in the forest. Bear thought it was the most special thing he had ever seen." Sitting against a tree, a lost stuffed toy bunny is rescued, carried home, and loved unconditionally by Bear. Realizing that Bunny must be someone else's lost toy, Bear designs posters, posts them on bulletin boards, trees, and shows them to the fishes in the stream. They enjoy playing, picking blackberries, swinging, and picnicking, until the owner (an adult Moose wearing a necktie) cries out, "Floppy." Tearfully Bear releases Bunny to his owner, however, the wise Moose realizes that beloved toys are meant to be passed on and returns the beloved toy to Bear for safekeeping. Little ones will love the clever bulletin board depicting LOST fliers, Bear's bunny slippers, and the little yellow bird that follows Bear around. Adults will appreciate the themes of responsibility and honesty.

A LIBRARY BOOK FOR BEAR

written by Bonny Becker, illus. by Kady MacDonald Denton, (Candlewick Press, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-7636-4924-1), 40p, Ages 4-7

"Bear had never been to the library. He had seven very nice books at home: three about kings and queens, three about honeybees, and one about pickles. Bear was quite sure he had all the books he would ever need." When Mouse reminds him of their visit to the library, Bear has second thoughts. Grumbling, Bear buckles on his roller skates, grabs a basket, and skates to the library with Mouse. Isolating himself in a corner, Bear insists that too many books are extravagant, books on rocket ships and canoes do not interest him, and only books on pickles do. Dejected, Mouse decides to take him home, until Bear hears the librarian reading "The Very Brave Bear and the Treasure of Pickle Island." Excellent storytelling and delightful illustrations will endear kids to the latest episode of two opposite friends and their interesting personalities.

REVENGE ON SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN

written by Elise Broach, illus. by Olga/Aleksey Ivanov, (Henry Holt and Company, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-8050-8909-7), 294p, Ages 9-12

The final book in the Superstition Mountain trilogy finds the three Barker brothers, Simon, Henry, and Jack, and their friend Delilah hoping to solve the mystery surrounding Superstition Mountain's Lost Dutchman's goldmine and the deathbed ore of Jacob Waltz. Mysterious messages, letters, and postcards from their deceased uncle, age-old curses, and a puzzling note to Henry from his Uncle Hank, lead them to the town's cemetery, and a friend of Uncle Hank, who tells them of the Thunder God's curse: "The mountain is sacred. Anyone who takes gold from that mine will die." Once again, they hike up the eerie mountain to return the bits of gold that Jack took on their last trip, only to encounter a flash flood, near drowning, and a mine explosion. Will they ever find the fortune in gold or does the legend remain unsolved? Action-packed adventure, mystery, greed, consequences, secrets, humor, and delightful fun await kids who yearn for hidden treasure. Author's Note explains the history behind the Superstition Mountain range, its gold, the Thunder God, the Apache belief system, and the region's folklore.

THE TWINNING PROJECT

written by Robert Lipsyte, (Clarion Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-547-64571-1), 272p, Ages 11-14

Identical twelve-year-old twins, living on separate Earths 50 years apart, work together to locate their missing dad, thwart alien invaders, and save both their worlds from destruction. Seventh grader Tom living in 2011 is smart, a rebel, musically talented, hates bullies, and is grieving the loss of his father in a plane crash. Eddie, who lives in 1957, is friendly, athletic, and popular. Both communicate via thoughts, but when the same two human-looking aliens show up at each school, their grandfather reveals the alien's master plan to destroy both Earths. They switch places and identities, and with the help of new friends, try to stop the destruction. Short chapters, amazing inventions, action, and adventure will please even the most reluctant reader.

THE CAPTIVE MAIDEN

written by Melanie Dickerson, (Zondervan, $9.99, ISBN 9778-0-310-72441-4), 304p, Ages 14-18

Without magic, fairy godmothers or pumpkins, this retelling of the Cinderella tale finds 17-year-old Gisela working in servitude to a cruel stepmother since her father's death ten years earlier. Hearing that the Duke of the land is holding a tournament and ball to celebrate the return of his eldest son, Gisela determines to attend. She catches Valen's eye during a chance meeting before the tournament, and a friendship begins. When an evil knight bent on destroying Valen, kidnaps Gisela, the rescue proves difficult and treacherous. With the aid of a Christian priest, Valen and Gisela realize their love for each other and their God-given purposes in life. Set in Hagenheim, Bavaria in the early 15th century, jousting matches, swordplay, and fascinating medieval life will appeal to fans of fairy tales, chivalry, and romance. Kindness, forgiveness, bravery, and courage make this wonderful retelling of a classic fairy tale well worth reading.