THE BEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS
FROM 2013

THE WORM WHISPERER

written by Betty Hicks, Illus. by Ben Hatke, (Roaring Book Press, $16.99, ISBN 978-1-59643-490-5), 192p, Ages 8-12

In the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina, fourth-grader Ellis Coffey finds a wooly worm caterpillar on his family's blueberry farm, and realizes that they can communicate. Ellis provides a home and food for the little worm and begins training Tink in the hopes of winning the Wooly Worm Festival race and a prize of $1,000, the exact amount needed for his father's operation. Problems abound as Ellis searches for special food for Tink (violets), deals with worm frass (poop), and realizes that communication with insects can be challenging. Themes of responsibility and family care abound in this charming and touching story of friendship, family responsibility, and heroism.

WHITE FUR FLYING

written by Patricia MacLachlan, (Margaret K. McElderry Books, $15.99, ISBN 978-1-4424-2171-4), 128p, Ages 7-11

A family, three dogs, and an African grey parrot use patience, gentleness, compassion, and humor in rescuing abandoned dogs and one silent 9-year-old boy. Zoe Cassidy and her younger sister Alice enjoy a warm and happy life with their veterinarian father and a mother, who rescues Great Pyrenees dogs. When a family moves in across the street, they meet a lonely, silent boy living with his aunt and uncle while his parents work through problems. Philip refuses to talk, except to the dogs and the family parrot, whose favorite phrase is, "You cahn't know!" When one of the recently abandoned dogs runs away during a storm, Philip follows, and both become lost. This gentle and satisfying story illustrates the healing power of love in rescuing animals and children, who sometimes rescue each other.

WOOLY JUMPERS

written by Nette Hilton, (Kane Miller, $4.99, ISBN 978-1-61067-050-0), 150p, Ages 8-12

A family moves to the country and hilarious events unfold as electronic and modern day conveniences are replaced with rural living. When snakes show up in the chicken house, dad purchases a sheep dog to keep the nasty critters away. Emma more than earns her keep when she rescues the baby from drowning. Events take a hilarious turn when twins Mikey and Jake use their neighbor's sheep to mow the lawn, and the sheep become locked in the family car. "They sat there in the middle of the back seat on their fat bottoms munching the bun crumbs and cornflakes that were sprinkled around them." Told from the viewpoint the sheep and boys, readers will thoroughly enjoy the humorous animal conversations along with their amusing antics.

DODSWORTH IN TOKYO

written/illus. by Tim Egan, (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, $14.99, ISBN 978-0-547-87745-7), 48p, Ages 6-9

In their latest adventure Dodsworth and Duck visit Japan. Nervous about Duck's accident-prone and impulsive nature, Dodsworth cautions him to be on his best behavior, because "Japan is a land of customs and manners and order." Duck is fairly well behaved in restaurants, at Yoyogi Park, and even at the Imperial Palace. However, things change when Duck falls into a koi pond and creates havoc at the Sanja Festival. All ends well when Duck performs a nice deed and returns a little girl's beloved toy. The next stop in this fun, humorous animal odd-couple series: Athens.

SEAGULLS DON'T EAT PICKLES: Fish Finelli, Book 1

written by E . S. Farber, illus. by Jason Beene, (Chronicle Books, $15.99, ISBN 978-1-4521-0820-9), 155p, Ages 7-10

Rumor has it that Captain Kidd's lost treasure is on Lyon's Island, across from Whooping Hollow, where Norman (aka Fish) and his friends, Roger, and T.J. live. When a school bully bets Fish that he can't locate the Captain's treasure, the three boys embark on a quest to locate the map and dig for treasure. They brave massive goose poop, an intimidating librarian, leaky kayaks, and mutant birds to sneak onto Lyon's Island, using their secret code SDEP (Seagulls Don't Eat Pickles), when danger is near. Information sidebars provide background facts on Captain Kidd, pieces of eight, walkie-talkies, etc. Boys especially will enjoy this fun, entertaining, and humorous beginning of a new adventure series.

THE MOUSE WITH THE QUESTION MARK TAIL

written by Richard Peck, illus. by Kelly Murphy, (Dial Books for Young Readers, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-8037-3838-6), 240p, Ages 8-12

While preparations for Queen Victoria's 1897 Diamond Jubilee celebration are in full swing at Buckingham Palace, a secret mouse society, underneath the Palace, is also preparing for its parallel celebration. With schools, military, royalty, and industries, it is a world of the Great Truth: "For every human on earth, there is a mouse doing the same job, and doing it better." This is the world of Mouse Minor, a small foundling, born with a special tail in the form of a question mark. Tormented by bullies at the Royal Mews Mouse Academy, he runs away and begins searching for clues to his heritage. From the royal stables to the Queen's chambers, the plucky little hero converses with animals and humans, uncovering royal secrets, but unaware that are spies stalking him. As the two worlds collide, readers and listeners will enjoy the adventure, humor, and pluck of a small hero, who finds his purpose in life and a marvelous destiny. Even the bat rhymes are entertaining!

WEDNESDAYS IN THE TOWER

written by Jessica Day George, (Bloomsbury Children's Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-1-5990-645-4), 240p, Ages 8-12

In a continuation from Tuesdays at the Tower, the altering and shifting Castle Glower continues its erratic behavior of creating rooms, stairways, corridors, and doorways. Princess Celie, self-appointed cartographer of the magic castle, discovers a new tower containing a giant orange egg. When a baby griffin hatches and bonds to her, Celie decides to keep Rufus. Only her brother, Bran, the Royal Wizard and friend, Pogue, are allowed in on the secret, especially when three-month old Rufus decides to fly. Tapestries, ancient battle gear, explosions, and a strange visiting wizard add to the complicated plot of discerning the castle's moods. Intrigue, magic, exhilarating flights, and a cliffhanger ending await readers who are hooked on this sweet, humorous tale of families working together.

TREASURE ON SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN: Book 2

written by Elise Broach, illus. by Antonio Javier Caparo, (Henry Holt & Co., $15.99, ISBN 978-0-8050-7763-6), 284p, Ages 9-12

This second tale from the Superstition Mountain series finds Henry, Simon, and Jack Barker, along with their friend, Delilah, planning another secret trip up the mountain in search of the legendary Lost Dutchman's Mine. Not discouraged by Delilah's broken leg, their parents' warnings, mysterious threats, and a creepy librarian, the four are determined to discover lost gold. After researching gold mines and miners at the local library and checking out a local ghost town, they gather supplies and begin a trek up the mountain. After encountering rattlesnakes, rockslides, sinister messages, and an avalanche, they begin to wonder if the accidents are man-made or the mountain seeking vengeance. Readers will eagerly anticipate the next installment

MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER

written by Mal Peet/Elspeth Graham, illus. by P. J. Lynch, (Candlewick Press, $15.99, ISBN 978-0-7636-6232-5), 48p, Ages 7-9

"The riders came desperately fast, pushing through the howling desert storm, carrying with them their most precious cargo: a baby hidden in a basket. But the storm proved to be too much, and the swirling sands swallowed them all, except for one: the baby." Issa, famous for his knowledge of desert and mountains, discovers the baby and decides to raise her. Little does he realize that Mariama will become his eyes when blindness strikes. One day, three travelers from the east seek Issa's help in guiding them on a difficult journey. Learning of his blindness, they leave in disgust, only to encounter a disastrous sand storm. Upon rescuing the travelers, neither Issa, Marimama, nor one particular traveler realize that their lives will change forever. Author's Note explains Peet and Graham's interest in Timbuktu of Mali, West Africa, traders of salt and gold, and one blind guide. P. J. Lynch captures the magnificent and harsh environment in which people endure and survive.

THE RELUCTANT DRAGON

written by Kenneth Grahame, illus. by Ernest H. Shepard, (Holiday House, $16.95, ISBN 978-0-8234-2820-5), 64p, Ages 7-9

This delightful classic, first published in 1898 in Dream Days, Grahame's essay on childhood, is now re-issued by Holiday House to commemorate the 75th anniversary of their publication in 1938. It tells the tale of a young book-loving boy and his friendship with a gentle, poetry-loving dragon. As their friendship grows, problems arise. "The most modest and retiring dragon in the world, if he's as big as four cart-horses and covered with blue scales, cannot keep altogether out of the public view." When the townspeople send for St. George to slay the dragon, the boy introduces the warrior to his friend. A great friendship develops between the three, who devise a clever battle plan to convince the townspeople to accept the dragon, change their opinion of him, and live happily together. Originally written for adults, this tale of compassion, common sense, and courage is an essential choice for children of every generation to hear and read. This edition incorporates an Introduction by children's literature historian, Leonard S. Marcus.

SPY CAMP

written by Stuart Gibbs, (Simon & Schuster, $15.99, ISBN 978-1-4424-5753-9), 336p, Ages 8-12

Going on thirteen, Ben Ripley, from Spy School, is looking forward to summer vacation after his first year of training at the CIA Academy of Espionage. His plans are derailed, however, when the principal orders him to a summer survival camp. There, he receives a death threat from SPYDER, an enemy spy organization. Along with Erika, the smartest student in school and her bumbling agent father, they thwart an assassination attempt, rescue hostages, and disarm missiles, all while trying to discern friends from enemies. A fun read and laugh-out-loud romp, although caution is advised for younger readers due to excessive realistic violence.

THEODORE BOONE: The Activist

written by John Grisham, (Dutton Children's Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-525-42577-9), 272p, Ages 9-12

The fourth installment of the popular Theodore Boon series finds Theo in the middle of a dispute over property rights, debating environmental issues, and fighting corruption. The town of Strattenburg is divided over a state project to divert traffic, bypassing the town to relieve congestion, and using eminent domain to obtain property. Theo becomes involved personally when he and his friend, Hardie, are roughed up, and Theo's dog is beaten unconscious by thugs working for the state. Joining an environmental group, Theo and Hardie gather information to present their case before the City Council. Theo wrestles with ethical issues regarding the release of classified information on one of the Council commissioners. Intense moments surround courtroom proceedings, shady clients, and crooked politicians, as well as heart wrenching moments with an injured pet. As always, Theo is a great role model for kids today.

THE TRUE BLUE SCOUTS OF SUGAR MAN SWAMP

written by Kathi Appelt, illus. by Jennifer Bricking, (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, $16.99, ISBN 978-1-4424-2105-9), 384p, Ages 10-14

"For as long as raccoons had inhabited the Sugar Man Swamp, which was eons, they had been the Official Scouts, ordained by the Sugar Man himself back in the year Aught One, also known as the Beginning of Time." Official Scout raccoons, Bingo and J'miah, are assigned to protect the swamp and report emergencies to the Sugar Man. When they discover that the Farrow Gang, a family of seventeen rampaging wild hogs, are coming to pulverize the swamp and its precious cane brake sugar, Bingo and J'miah risk the Sugar Man's wrath to wake him. Twelve-year-old Chapman Brayburn loves the swamp and has grown up listening to stories by his late grandfather about his missing 1949 DeSoto (lost in the swamp sixty years ago), the ancient Sugar Man, and possibly an extinct ivory-billed woodpecker. When the swamp's crooked owner, Sonny Boy Beaucoup, threatens to evict Chap and his mother to build an alligator wrestling arena and theme park, Chap determines to raise a boatload of cash to save his mother's Paradise Pies Café. These colorful characters, complex plots, and ecological message all come together in a wonderful fun-filled tale to save Sugar Man Swamp. Told from the perspective of animals and humans, this hilarious, charming, and thoroughly entertaining tale of friendship, heart, and compassion will charm all who enter its enchanting world. Not to miss reading and reading aloud.

A TANGLE OF KNOTS

written by Lisa Graff, (Philomel Books, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-399-25517-5), 288p, Ages 10+

Eleven-year-old orphan Cady resides at Miss Mallory's Home for Lost Girls in Poughkeepsie, New York, a town where practically everyone possesses a special ability or Talent. Over the years while waiting for adoption, Cady discovers that she not only has a Talent for baking cakes, but also for determining a person's preference for their perfect cake. The story unfolds from the perspective of nine townspeople, whose lives are connected by Talents, secrets, past mysteries, and the Lost Luggage Emporium. When Cady is finally adopted, her Talent aids in discovering mysteries from her past, a lost peanut butter recipe, a family searching for their Talents, a Talent thief, and her long lost family. Throughout this warm and entertaining story-puzzle is the message: "It's the way we deal with what Fate hands us that defines who we are." Several recipes for delicious cakes are featured through the story.

NICKEL BAY NICK

written by Dean Pitchford, (G. P. Putnam's Sons, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-399-25465-9), 272p, Ages 10+

An embittered and troubled eleven-year-old encounters a reclusive neighbor, who changes his circumstances, alters his future, and saves his family and town at Christmastime. With a history of larceny, Sam is well known by the police and in danger of being removed from his struggling single dad's care. Fleeing from the police one evening, he encounters the mysterious Mr. Wells, a reclusive, wealthy neighbor, who anonymously distributes $100 bills at Christmas to Nickel Bay residents, thereby raising their spirits and the town's economy. Unable to participate this year due to a broken leg, Mr. Wells obtains a list of Sam's crimes, blackmails him into becoming the secret Santa, and trains him in skills of a spy, pickpocket, and cat burglar. What results is a well-written, humorous, exciting, and fast-paced tale of rescue, redemption, and second chances. A surprise ending reveals Mr. Wells' motives for becoming involved in Sam's life. Kids will find themselves rooting for this kid every step of the way.