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Fiction brings children the enchantment of storytelling, and when beautiful pictures are present, adults as well as children are profoundly affected.

All In Just One Cookie, written by Susan E. Goodman, illus. by Timothy Bush, (Greenwillow Books, 2006), 32p, Ages 5+.
An informative book about where the ingredients of chocolate chip cookies come from. When Grandma begins making these treats, each ingredient's origin and story behind it is presented, along with the proper measurements. The recipe: "1 hungry Vermont Cow" (butter), "2 stalks Hawaiian grass" (sugar),"1 tsp flower seeds from Madagascar" (vanilla), "2 days of hard work from a New Hampshire hen" (eggs),"1 tsp Pacific Ocean" (salt), "2 1/2 c Kansas field" (flour), and "2 c West African beans" (chocolate chips). Instructions for baking, cleaning up, and the real recipe are also included.

Arrowhawk, written by Lola M. Schaefer, illus. by Gabi Swiatkowska, (Henry Holt & Co.,
2004), 32p, Ages 4-8.
Based on a true story, a young red-tailed hawk struggles to survive after being shot by a poacher's arrow. Captured and cared for by humans, Hawk recuperates and is released to the wild again. The afterword includes the real story plus information on red-tailed hawks.

Booby Hatch, written & illus. by Betsy Lewin, (Clarion Books, 1995), 32p, Ages 4-8.
A simple and charming study of the life cycle of a blue-footed booby from the Galápagos Islands. After hatching, Pépe is fed and protected by his parents until he learns to fly and dive for food. As an adult, he meets his mate and the cycle begins again with a little white egg.

Brave Ben, written by Mathilde Stein, illus. by Mies van Hout, (Front Street, 2006), 32p,
Ages 2-6.
From the Netherlands comes the story of a small boy who is afraid of everything. Determined to overcome this problem, Ben searches the yellow pages "Help for Cowards" section. The "Magic Tree" ad guarantees success; but, to reach the tree, Ben and his trusty cat must walk through a dark, creepy forest. When Ben encounters weird creatures, he remembers the tree's instructions that they may look scary, but are harmless. By the time he reaches the tree, Ben discovers that he is braver than he thought.

Chocolate Fever, written by Robert Kimmel Smith, illus. by Gioia Fiammenghi, (Puffin Books, 2006), 93p, Ages 8+.
Henry Green learns a valuable lesson about self-indulgence when he consumes too much chocolate and comes down with Chocolate Fever. The brown spots, chocolate smell, and over-interest from doctors provoke him into running away. He meets a kind truck driver, two dangerous hijackers, and Alfred "Sugar" Cane, who possesses the cure, providing that Henry abides by the rules.

The Chocolate Touch, written by Patrick Skene Catling, illus. by Margot Apple, (HarperTrophy, 2006), 144p, Ages 8-12.
LoosEly based on the King Midas tale, a young John Midas finds that his cravings for chocolate result in hilarious circumstances. Whether pencils, utensils, gloves, food, or musical instruments, whatever goes into his mouth instantly turns to solid or liquid chocolate. Find out how an old shopkeeper teaches John the consequenses of greed and selfishness in this funny and thought-provoking story.

Coffeehouse Angel, written by Suzanne Selfors, (Walker Books, 2009), 288p, Young Adult.
When sixteen-year-old Katrina finds a homeless man sleeping in the alley behind her grandmother's coffeehouse, she leaves him a cup of coffee, a bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans, and pastries. Little does she realize that this small act of kindness will touch the lives of many in the small Nordic town of Nordby, Washington. The homeless stranger turns out to be a Scottish angel, Malcolm, on assignment to deliver a message to someone in town. Because of Katrina's kindness, Malcolm insists on rewarding her generosity with coffee beans that will give her what she most desires. Katrina refuses to take him seriously, as she is overwhelmed with competitor problems from a neighboring coffeehouse, her future direction in life, and alienation from her best friend. Katrina begins to take notice of the special beans, when her friend, Vincent, drinks coffee from the first bean and gains a full scholarship to college. The second bean is accidentally eaten by her cat, Ratcatcher, who becomes famous after killing a record-size wharf rat. The third bean involves what Malcolm most desires, a promotion. Hilarity abounds, romance develops, friendships heal, truths are uncovered, and scoundrels are defeated. With themes of forgiveness, redemption, and helping others, this likeable heroine and feel-good light romantic story is recommended for all those who are weary of dark young adult titles.

The Diamond Secret: A Retelling of "Anastasia", written by Suzanne Weyn, (Simon Pulse, 2009), 256p, Ages 12+.
Mystery surrounding the survival of the Grand Duchess Anastasia has been the subject of numerous tales for years. In this version, two young Russian men, Ivan and Sergei, conspire to trick the Dowager Grand Empress Marie Feodorovna Romanov into believing that her granddaughter, Anastasia, miraculously survived the Russian Revolution in which the royal family perished. In a Russian tavern, the two discover a lonely kitchen girl, who has no memory of her past. Ivan, who witnessed the murder of the Romanov family, believes that Nadya resembles Anastasia, and with proper training, the deception might be believable. Nadya, yearning for a family and unaware of a reward, agrees to meet the Grand Empress. On the journey to Paris, Nadya, Ivan, and Sergei hitchhike, work to survive, dodge Russian police, and pursue a strange scarred-face man. As Nadya and Ivan develop an attraction for each other, they must face the possibility of parting when the Grand Empress confirms her identity. A diamond necklace, a rag doll, an evil stalker, amnesia, and betrayal mix with laughter, love, and family to make this intriguing interpretation, with its clever alternative ending, a great read for young adults. The Author's Historical Note explains facts surrounding the Russian Revolution and the Romanov's sad fate.

The Entomological Tales of Augustus T. Percival: Petronella Saves Nearly Everyone written by Dene Low, illus. by Jen Corace, (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2009), 200p, Ages 12+.
In 1903, sixteen-year-old Petronella's birthday party promises to be a spectacular event at her country estate outside London. However her party begins to unravel, when her guardian, Uncle Augustus T. Percival, accidentally swallows an exotic beetle from Tou-eh-mah-mah and becomes obsessed with consuming insects. When two uninvited guests from Panama are kidnapped during the party, Petronella, the handsome Lord James Sinclair, and his sister decide to investigate. Ransom notes disappear, along with insect clues (devoured by Uncle), and London appears in danger of a malaria outbreak. Meddling relatives, Scotland Yard, and a faithful butler aid Petronella and friends in their efforts to avert an international crisis and prevent the spread of a deadly disease. As for Uncle Percival's disgusting appetite for bugs, a surprising character comes to the rescue with an antidote. An intrepid heroine, this Victorian Nancy Drew is endearing and humorous in her persistent efforts to save her family, friends, and country.

A Finder's Magic, written by Philippa Pearce, illus. by Helen Craig, (Candlewick Press, 2009), 128p, Ages 7-9.
The practice of finding a lost something involves time, investigation, and a good memory. Till, the young boy in Philippa Pearce's charming story, learns this valuable lesson, when his dog runs away. A strange little man called Finder, who disappears at will and communicates with animals, offers to help by interviewing witnesses to the dog's disappearance. Finder and Till question two obliging older ladies from Gammers' Meadow, and pass messages to an aloof heron, a disgruntled mole, and a brindy riddling cat. The cat, however, holds the key to the mysterious disappearance. When asked about the disappearance, Brindy replies, "Pussycat, pussycat, where have you been?/I at the window watching two that were green./Pussycat, pussycat, what made you stare?/A little dog barking who wasn't there." Part detective story, part fairy tale, readers and listeners will enjoy the mystery and surprise ending to an engaging tale of a boy's enduring love for his dog.

First Boy, written by Gary Schmidt, (Henry Holt, 2005), 400p, Ages 12+.
Fourteen-year-old Cooper Jewett suddenly inherits a New Hampshire dairy farm when his grandfather dies. Not only faced with running the farm as well as keeping up with school, Cooper finds himself involved in the political turmoil of a presidential election. With the help of loyal friends and neighbors, Cooper learns to stand up to corrupt politicians with integrity and honesty.

Love Among the Walnuts, written by Jean Ferris, (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2008), 228p, Young Adult.
Once upon a time a wealthy family was so happy and content with life that they withdrew from the world to live on their country estate, Eclipse. Years later, they become the targets of a murderous attack by two greedy uncles, who try to murder them with a poison-laced birthday cake. When the parents, a servant, and a pet chicken fall into a coma, their son, Sandy, and butler, Bentley, move everyone into a neighboring convalescent home. Joining forces with a young nurse, they find a cure for the coma, thwart the uncles' ongoing murder plots, and discover what the wacky residents of the manor need. Sandy realizes what his present life lacked, the young nurse cures everyone with care and love, the residents of Walnut Manor become a family, the butler discovers a cure for the comatose patients, and the uncles are thrown in prison from their latest attempt at arson. This happy-ever-after spoof is filled with hilarity, melodrama, unconditional love, and a happy ending with weddings and engagements.

Madame Pamplemousse and Her Incredible Edibles, written by Rupert Kingfisher, illus. by Sue Hellard, (Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2008), 96p, Ages 8-12.
Once upon a time, there was a young girl, who spent each summer working in her uncle's Paris restaurant, the Squealing Pig. Young Madeleine was an excellent cook, but her jealous Uncle Lard relegated her to the kitchen for clean-up duty. One day while on an errand to purchase Mixed Innards Pâté, she discovers a strange shop, Edibles, where two unusual chefs, Madame Pamplemousse and her white cat, prepare mysterious, rare, and exotic delicacies. One delicacy in particular is sold in a tiny jar with nothing written on the label. "The label is blank and the ingredients are a secret, since it is the single most delicious, the most extraordinary, the most incredible-tasting edible of them all." It is in Edibles that Madeleine finds comfort, companionship, and creativity. Together they use a bit of culinary magic to prevent Madeleine's uncle from stealing Madame Pamplemousse's valuable recipes. The pen and ink illustrations are marvelous.

Mammoths On the Move, written by Lisa Wheeler, illus. by Kurt Cyrus, (Harcourt, Inc., 2006), 32p, Ages 4-8.
One of the most fascinating animals to roam the earth is the woolly mammoth. On a migration trek, the herd plods through storms, over glaciers, swims across bodies of water, ever cautious of predators and always pulled on by hunger and instinct. The author's note indicates that the information is based on "the latest scientific research." However, as the mammoths have been extinct for thousands of years, there is much imagination and conjecture involved in this beautifully illustrated, but fictional account. Still, it's a wonderful read.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, written by Kate DiCamillo, illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline, (Candlewick Press, 2006), 228p, Ages 7+.
"Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a rabbit who was made almost entirely of china." Edward was dearly loved by his mistress, but he was exceedingly proud and heartless. His path to redemption begins when he falls overboard on a family vacation and is lost at sea. After several owners and many mishaps, Edward finally learns the meaning of humility, sacrifice, and love.

Mistress Masham's Repose, written by T. H. White, illus. by Fritz Eichenberg, (The New York Review Children's Collection, 2004), 260p, Ages 8+.
Maria is a ten-year-old orphan living on her family's deteriorating estate with guardians who mistreat her. When she discovers an entire community of Lilliputians (as in Gulliver's Travels) living on a lake the grounds, she has her hands full keeping them from her greedy guardians. Maria and "The People" soon devise ways to help each other. First published in 1946.

Moving Day, written by Robert Kalan, illus. by Yassi Abolafia, (Greenwillow Books, 1996),
32p, Ages 4-7.
"This shell is snug. This shell is tight. I will find a shell that's right . . ." But finding that shell isn't so easy. This saga of a hermit crab's quest for the perfect home is certain to be a favorite with listeners everywhere.

Much Ado About Grubstake, written by Jean Ferris, (Harcourt Children's Books, 2006), 272p, 12+.
The year is 1888, and according to sixteen-year-old Arley Pickett, nothing ever changes in Grubstake, a failed mining town in Colorado. Busy with running the town's only boarding house, Arley becomes suspicious when a stranger offers to buy all the mines around Grubstake. The story comes alive with amusing and appealing characters-a tough and independent teenager, gullible, eccentric miners, a mysterious black-clad stranger, and a city slicker with a mean streak. With elements of mystery, humor, and surprise, it's a good read.

My Fair Godmother, written by Janette Rallison, (Walker Books for Young Readers, 2009), 384p, Ages 12+.
Popular and pretty high school sophomore Savannah Delano loses her boyfriend and prom date to her smart and studious older sister. "I just wish that somehow my life could be like a fairy tale. You know, with a handsome prince waiting for me at the ball, and that somehow when I met him, everything would work out happily ever after." Her wish is overheard by Chrissy (Chrysanthemum) Everstar, a Fairy Godmother trainee. This gum-chewing, cell phone-carrying, airhead, shopaholic sends Savannah back in time to the Middle Ages, first as Cinderella and then Snow White. Chrissy also sends a shy fellow student, Tristan, back with an assignment to become a prom-worthy prince. Together they must defeat a troll, a dragon, and the mysterious Black Knight in order to return home. Adjusting to life with dragons, ogres, leprechauns, wizards, royalty, outdoor plumbing, and stale food is somewhat challenging, but the lessons learned are life changing. Laughter, chaos, and enchantments abound in a romantic fairy tale/adventure that will have kids begging for more.

One Monday Morning, written and illus. by Uri Shulevitz, (Farrar, Straus Giroux, 2003),
48p, Ages 3-6
Originally written in 1967, this tale is based on an old French song. Beginning on Monday a king, queen, and prince visit a young boy who is not home. The entourage grows each day until they find him on Sunday. The last page shows a boy playing with a deck of cards.

The Quiltmaker's Journey, written by Jeff Brumbeau, illus. by Gail de Marcken, (Orchard Books, 2005), 56p, Ages 7-10.
A wealthy and sheltered young woman seeks what lies beyond the walls of her town and finds a harsh world where poverty and disease exist. Deciding to help the poor, she makes beautiful quilts and gives them away to those in need, even though she is banished from her home and loses her wealth. A good story with themes of kindness, love, generosity.

Ride Like the Wind: A Tale of the Pony Express, written/illus. by Bernie Fuchs, (Blue Sky
Press, 2004), 32p, Ages 5-8.
The riders of the Pony Express were known for their courage, speed, and adaptability. One such rider, Johnny Free, and his beloved pony, JennySoo find friendship and unexpected danger on their route to deliver the mail back in 1860 Nevada.

Sebastian's Roller Skates, written by Joan De Deu Prats, illus. by Francesc Rovira, (Kane/Miller Books, 2005), 40p, Ages 5-9.
Sebastian was very shy - too shy to speak up to the barber, and too shy to talk to his neighbors. When Sebastian finds an old pair of roller skates in the park, they change his life forever. As he begins to practice, he gains more confidence and soon he has a lot to say.

The Tale of the Swamp Rat, written by Carter Crocker, (Puffin Books, 2005), 232p,
Ages 9-13.
Little Mole narrates a tale about a young swamp rat, orphaned after a snake attack and rescued by a wise alligator, learns to find his way in the swamp world. When trouble comes to the swamp in the form of a drought, many claim that Ossie caused it.

The Westing Game, written by Ellen Raskin, (Puffin Children's Books, 2004), 192p, Ages 10+.
The older middle grader will probably enjoy this book. Sixteen characters are invited to the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will. They must play a dangerous Westing game involving blizzards, burglaries, and bombings in order to win the two million dollar estate.