Chilly Milly Moo, by Fiona Ross, is a clever bovine story about a cow, Milly, who can’t give her farmer any milk.  She complains that it’s too hot. The other cows have no problem producing milk and they make fun of her incapability.  But there’s a surprise waiting when the season changes and the weather becomes cold.  Now, Milly makes more than just milk and all now celebrate her uniqueness. The pictures are rendered digitally but with a woodcut effect with much texture and lines. This is a great celebration of all our unique gifts.

Snow Angels, by Angel Randall, and beautifully painted by Brandon Dorman, is the perfect book to uplift the soul and put good works into action. When two young girls suddenly get stuck in the snow, one of them decides to call on “Snow Angels”.  When these heavenly beings show up and help, they tell the girls, “We are glad you asked for help. Not many people ask these days.” That’s when the girls decide to make a difference and be “snow angels”.  And that’s just what they do as they help uplift an elderly woman, a young boy and a group of volunteers.  There’s even a yummy Soft Snow-Angel Sugar Cookie recipe found at the back.

The Big Snuggle-Up, by Brian Patten, and beautifully painted by Nicola Bayley, is a cumulative tale about a young boy who invites a scarecrow into his warm, cozy house. The scarecrow happily agrees and asks if he might also bring a small mouse who lives in the straw of his arm. And on it goes as more and more animals from the surrounding snowy hillside come in from the cold.  The story is filled with easy, rhyming alliteration making this a delightful read.  It’s interest-ing to note that the boy, who is telling the story, is only shown at the very end.

I Am Small, by Emma Dodd, has a young penguin chick wondering about the world all around him and how small he is in contrast. His emperor mom, with her yellow markings around her neck, comforts him when he realizes “the biggest thing to you…is me!” The colors of white, blue, silver and black surround the book from the beginning (the story begins and ends on the end pages) to the end.  This would be a perfect beginning read with its simple text.

The Sniffles for Bear, by Bonny Becker, and painted with watercolor, ink and gauche by Kady MacDonald Denton, is a story of friendship and sympathy. When Bear catches a cold, he thinks he is at death’s door. His little friend, Mouse, helps with everything he can think of: reading, singing, cooking and more. When Bear finally sleeps, he wakes feeling much better.  But guess who’s sick now?  The watercolor is deftly painted which helps you enter the story as the observer. There is much to learn from this book.

Acorns and Stew, Too, by Ruth Orbach, is a simple story about young Lenore and how she likes everything about her life including the ducks who live in the park.  But Lenore is sad because the ducks will soon be leaving as the weather is getting colder.  She then decides to try to get them to stay.  Her simple solution takes creativity and time on her part, but she’s able to achieve her goal. Orbach uses line drawings, along with touches of color, to catch your eye.

Daisy Dawson and the Big Freeze, by Steve Voake, and illustrated by Jessica Meserve, is another installment in the Daisy Dawson series for early chapter readers.  Daisy can talk to animals and after a giant snowstorm, Daisy needs to rescue a small lamb who is stuck on the other side of the river.  She’s able to get through this storm and aid her friend with the help and guidance of other wild animals along the way. The pictures, all line drawings, are sprinkled throughout.

The final two books are non-fiction and are good for all ages. North: The Amazing Story of Arctic Migration, by Nick Dowson, and intricately painted with watercolor by Patrick Benson, is as beautifully written as it is visually.  The text is sparse but impacted with information about the many different species who migrate after the first breakup of ice flow in early spring.  Whales, birds and fish make their way north. Other animals can survive the freezing temperatures year round:  foxes, musk ox and polar bears are just a few.

The Polar Bear Scientists, by Peter Lourie, explores these giant, strong and unique animals for six weeks each summer by using helicopters and then injecting them with dart guns in order to tag them and follow their behavior in the lower regions of Alaska. The photos found on every page are captivating and the information to read and the resources found at the back might just make a polar bear scientist out of you as well.

Jake, by Audrey Couloumbis, has ten-year-old Jake going to live with his grandfather while his widowed mom recuperates from a broken leg. This ex-military man (who was his father’s dad) doesn’t know how to relate to Jake and neither does Jake know how to reciprocate. But through the kindness of a neighbor, this relationship begins to grow.  The story is well written with much heart, but is never too sappy.  And the joys and love of family abound.  The entire family will gather around to hear this novel!

The Flint Heart, by Katherine and John Paterson, and magically painted by John Rocco and adapted from Eden Phillpott’s 1910 story, is an exciting foray into magic, fairies and adventure.  A very old relic that possesses powers of control and greed is suddenly unearthed after being hidden deep in the ground for thousands of years.  A farmer, and loving family man, is completely changed for the worse when this talisman is found, and so the adventures into the realm of magic begin. The colorful pictures sprinkled throughout are a perfect match to the story. This book would be a perfect bedtime story by reading a chapter every night.

Pie, by Sarah Weeks, is a story rich in language, family and – pies. It’s 1955 and ten-year-old Alice is saddened from the death of her beloved Aunt Polly, the “Pie Queen of Ipswich”.  Her aunt has mysteriously bequeathed her piecrust recipe to her cat, Lardo, and has left her cat for Alice.  And so begins the story of Alice and her family and the tale of her friendships, family relationships and what happens with her labored relationship with her own mother. The fourteen recipes found throughout are mouthwatering yummy pie concoctions.

The Dagger Quick, by Brian Eames, will have you on the edge of your seat. The year is 1678 and Kitto is living a life on land with a daily schedule of helping his family make ends meet even with his disability – a clubfoot.  When his seafaring uncle visits him, life changes for Kitto.  His father dies and his stepmother and brother are kidnapped by a ruthless pirate who is in search of a treasure that he believes Kitto’s Uncle William Quick has knowledge of the whereabouts. Hold on tight as this page-turner will keep you adrift to the end!

The Dragon’s Tooth, by N. D. Wilson, has siblings Cyrus and Antigone getting ready to leave their home, an old motel that has just burned to the ground, in search for their older brother (and guardian) who has just been kidnapped.  A peculiar little man will help them find their brother – but they must leave at once.  Evil is lurking all around their now burned home and they need to escape.  But where they are taken, and the many exciting events that occur, will have you turning the pages as fast as you’re able.

Okay For Now, by Gary D. Schmidt, is told through the eyes of young Doug during the 1960’s. Doug has just moved to a new town and feels alone with no friends. His father is somewhat abusive due to his temper and his drinking problems. His older brother is mean to him and his oldest brother is serving in Viet Nam. The only person whom he truly looks forward to being with is his mom.  But he befriends a patient librarian and a girl, who both help open his world to hope and happiness. There are many subtle nuances and symbolism that bring Doug’s life into the reader’s emotional ties.  This is a definite Newbery candidate.

The Romeo and Juliet Code, by Phoebe Stone, is a look into disrupted British children as parents sent them to safety and away from the bombing in London during World War II.  Felicity has been sent to live with her father’s family while her parents go to Portugal on secret business. She soon discovers that her uncle and other relatives seem very mysterious and she’s about to set out to solve these mysteries, as well as discover why her parents are in Portugal.  She also becomes friends with an eccentric cousin who’s recovering from polio. There are lessons to learn about the value of family, as well as mysteries to solve.

Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick, has two stories running simultaneously throughout.  One story is written about a young boy in 1977 who has to live with his aunt after losing his mom in a car accident. He’s unhappy with his aunt and decides to go search for his dad he’s never known and who lives in New York City.  The other story takes place in 1927.  This wordless story is shown completely through black and white drawings of a girl sneaking out of her house to also go to New York City.  Another similarity with these two children is that they both are deaf.  These stories brilliantly converge at the American Museum of Natural History. This book’s sure to be a Newbery winner!

Young Fredle, by Cynthia Voigt, and illustrated with pencil etchings sprinkled throughout by Louise Yates, has a young mouse, Fredle, dealing with many dangers after he is thrown out into the world after leaving his house. This wonderfully written story deals with lessons of friendship, freedom and home.

Shooting Kabul, by N. A. Senzai, begins with a family’s flight from Afghanistan. As they board a truck that’s about to flee the area, with the Taliban close behind, they somehow leave six-year-old Mariam behind. This book is a fascinating look at how this family begins their adjustments in America as well as locating Mariam and bringing her to back to their family.

The Clockwork Three, by Matthew L. Kirby, is a story rich with suspense, mystery and adventure. It begins with Giuseppe, an orphan, who has to play his violin for a tyrant of a master. But he soon discovers a wonderful violin. Hannah is a hard working maid as she is trying to help her family due to her father’s recent stroke.  She learns about a hidden treasure in the hotel where she works. Now if she can just locate it.  Frederick works as a clockmaker’s apprentice. If he can get his automation to work, it will change his life. These three characters finally meet midway through the story, turning their adventures into one as they strive to achieve their goals and ultimately discover the magic and importance of friendship.

Into The Unknown: How Great Explorers Found Their Way by Land, Sea, and Air, by Stewart Ross, and illustrated by the ingenious Stephen Biesty, is my only non-fiction on this list.  It takes fourteen of history’s greatest explorers and covers the events that led up to their discoveries. The text is kid-friendly and each expedition has an incredible unfolding map signifying the route to their destination.

Charles Dickens: England’s Most Captivating Storyteller, by Catherine Wells-Cole, and beautifully illustrated and packed with fold-outs, envelopes, flaps and more by an assortment of illustrators, is a most interesting biography that will surely pull ages ten through adult into Dickens’ life.  This over-sized book has double folded pages and a visual display of information that begs to be read. The life and accomplishments of the author who wrote the famous “A Christmas Carol”, along with many other well-known works, is written about in a most interesting way. Kids who are assigned to read and report on a biography, or adults interested in the life of Dickens, will thoroughly enjoy this book!

Franklin and Winston:  A Christmas That Changed the World, by Douglas Wood, and painted in watercolors by Barry Moser, is a look into Churchill’s historic visit to the White House during the Christmas of 1941 just after Pear Harbor was attacked. The author writes about their quickly formed friendship and there are many famous quotes and references, referenced here during this critical time of history.  These two great men embarked upon one of the most important alliances in American history, as America joined the Allied Forces.  Many of Moser’s resplendent paintings are based on actual photographs from this historic event. Be sure to check out the Afterward and the Author’s Note found at the back of this picture book.

Jake, by Audrey Couloumbis, is the perfect read-aloud for this Christmas season!  Ten-year-old Jake is having the worst Christmas holiday ever. His widowed mom has fallen and has to be in the hospital for a few days with a broken leg.  Now his grandfather that he’s never known except through sparse phone calls comes to take care of him. This ex-military man (who was his father’s dad) doesn’t know how to relate to Jake and neither does Jake know how to reciprocate. But through the kindness of a neighbor, this relationship begins to grow. The story is well written with much heart, but is never too sappy. And the joys and love of family abound. The entire family will gather around to hear this novel!

The Carpenter’s Gift : A Christmas Tale About The Rockefeller Center Tree, by David Ruble, and beautifully painted by Jim LaMarche, is an interesting account of how the first Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center came to be. It’s 1931 and young Henry lives in the country where he helps his father cut down trees to sell in the city. After their long work day, they end up giving their last tree to the construction workers and together they turn it into a decorated Christmas tree. On Christmas morning, the workers bring Henry and his family building materials to build a new home. The owners of Rockefeller continue this tradition today. More information can be found at the back of this picture book.

Christmas in the Mouse House, by Maggie Kneen, is a delightful book full of flaps that lift and pop-ups throughout. Papa mouse tells his children to look for the hidden star ornaments that he and Mama mouse have hidden around the house. The last scene will bring smiles to all who read this cozy little book. The warm scenes are painted with watercolors that make this house a happy domain.

Can You See What I See? Toyland Express, by Walter Wick, is much like Wick’s successful other books that exemplify an “I Spy” type of display where you search for particular objects. But this story is a bit different in that it’s a story centered around a train. The rich, colorful photographs are on full pages and help make a fun experience on every page.

The Twelve Days of Christmas, by Jane Ray, is a beautiful rendition from the classic song. The setting is a large house in a busy city in the 1920’s as a young woman begins to receive gifts on a daily basis. The final spread has her true love bringing her a single rose. The colorful mixed media used on the paintings is found on each two-page spread. This book can be read or sung and is good for all ages.

Little Bunny and the Magic Christmas Tree, by David Martin, and painted with ink and water-colors by Valeri Gorbachev, celebrates the magic of Christmas Eve. Little Bunny is upset when he feels so small next to the rest of his family. But when he falls asleep under the tree, he finds that he’s the same size as the ornaments that have magically come alive. Be sure to check out the end pages that begins and ends the tale.

Santa Claus:  The World’s Number One Toy Expert, by Marla Frazee  and Clement C. Moore’s T’ was The Night Before Christmas, illustrated by Jessie Willcox Smith, are two books that have been made into a small size and packaged ready to mail. Both books come with addressable flaps and seals.

Oh, What A Christmas!, by Michael Garland, is about an adventure Santa’s never had during his flights on Christmas Eve.  His reindeer head upward but his sleigh crashes into a barn and so he decides to use the barnyard critters to pull his sleigh. He is reunited with his reindeer after his work is done, but he has some special gifts for his newly acquired animals. The digitally made pictures are vibrant and rich.

When I Love You at Christmas, by David Bedford, and nicely and sparsely painted in ink and watercolors by Tamsin Ainslie, is a smallish size picture book that tells the culmination of what Christmas time is all about: love. It’s about a little girl preparing for Christmas as she wraps presents, decorates and bakes – and it’s all done in love.

The Flint Heart, by Katherine and John Paterson, and magically painted by John Rocco and adapted from Eden Phillpott’s 1910 story, is an exciting foray into magic, fairies and adventure.  A very old relic that possesses power of control and greed is suddenly unearthed after being hidden deep in the ground for thousands of years.  A farmer, and loving family man, is completely changed for the worse when this talisman is found and so the adventures into the realm of magic begin. The husband/wife collaboration utilized the genius and humor of the original story while creating a tighter, more exciting, storyline. The colorful pictures sprinkled throughout are a perfect match.  This book would be a perfect bedtime story by reading a chapter every night.

Pie, by Sarah Weeks, takes place during the 1950’s and involves a mystery, indulgent town residents, a cat, and of course mouthwatering pies. When Alice’s pie-baker extraordinaire, Aunt Polly, dies the town that was made famous by her pies goes into a baking frenzy. The secret piecrust recipe was bestowed to Aunt Polly’s cat which Alice also inherited and which makes her the sole heir to the famous and highly sought-after recipe. The jealousy and onslaught of bad behavior by not only the town, but by Alice’s own mother (who felt betrayed by not getting the recipe for herself), heightens when the cat is kidnapped, or catnapped, and Alice and her friend must solve the dilemma before the town falls apart.  There is much humor throughout the book and most importantly, there are yummy pie recipes sprinkled throughout as well.

Small Acts of Amazing Courage, by one of my favorite historical fiction authors:  Gloria Whelan, is set in India post World War I and fifteen-year-old Rosy loves all aspects of the country from the vivid bright colors to the scents of jasmine and spices.  Her military father doesn’t want her to blend with the culture and especially with its people.  But she doesn’t comply as she is best friends with a daughter of one of the servants and enjoys patronizing the busy bazaar. Trouble finds her when she helps save a baby’s life by hiding him in a bedroom.  Many issues of segre-gation and treatment of the British and Indians are brought to light in this fascination look into the pre-independence of India.

The Dagger Quick, by Brian Eames, will have you on the edge of your seat or ship or wherever you happen to be while reading this terrific adventure. The year is 1678 and Kitto is living a life on land with a daily schedule of helping his family make ends meet even with his disability – a clubfoot. When his seafaring uncle, Capt. William Quick, visits life changes for Kitto. His father dies and his stepmother and brother are kidnapped by a ruthless pirate who is in search for a treasure that he believes Uncle Williams has knowledge of the whereabouts. This page-turner will hold you all the way to the end – just don’t get thrown overboard!

The Romeo and Juliet Code, by Phoebe Stone, is a look into disrupted British children as parents sent them to safety and away from the bombing in London during World War II.  Felicity has been sent to live with her father’s family while her parents go to Portugal on secret business.  She soon discovers that her Uncle and other relatives seem very mysterious and she’s about to set out to solve these mysteries, as well as discover why her parents are in Portugal. She also becomes friends with an eccentric cousin who’s recovering from polio. There’s much for one to learn about the hardships of the war and the value of family in this well written story.

Beyonders:  A World Without Heroes, by Brandon Mull, has thirteen-year-old Jason, along with his newly found friend, Rachel, attempting to return to his home in Colorado as he’s been trans-ported to the magical world of Lyrian. This page-turner is Mull’s new series that includes amazing twists and turns all along the way.  The second book is planned to be published in March.

Kat, Incorrigible, by Stephanie Burgis, is a story about twelve-year-old Kat who lives in early nineteenth century England. She is attempting to help her sisters as she recently has discovered she has magical abilities to help thwart her stepmother’s wishes to marry them off to the highest bidder. This story showcases a girl with spirit, intelligence and courage to help her older sisters achieve their destiny. This is the first book in a planned series.

Here are two new books by favorite and award-winning author, Gary Paulsen. Liar, Liar invokes a path of fibs and tales as fourteen-year-old Kevin finds himself deep in a web of lies that eventually traps him. He lies to get out of schoolwork and at home. But his little four-year-old brother finally brings him back to the truth. Flat Broke continues the story about Kevin only this time he’s using his creative ingenuity to make money. But the big problem here is he doesn’t think about the people he steps on or the illegal practices he uses to make the buck. Eventually, his entrepreneurial world cracks and his learning curve takes a giant step upwards. The chapter headings are a tongue-in-cheek look at how he believes he’s achieving his ultimate goal.

The Accidental Hero, by Matt Myklusch, is an adventure that will whisk you away from the onset, and carry you to far off lands. Jack lives in an orphanage but that soon changes when a robot from his favorite comic book attempts to destroy him and another rescues him.  He is transported to a hidden island that he soon discovers is his real world.  There is much for Jack to discover and make right in this new life and his perseverance and special powers pay off. This is especially good for boys and reluctant readers.

The Dragon’s Tooth, by N. D. Wilson, is the first in a planned series and that is a very good thing!  Siblings Cyrus and Antigone are about to leave their home, an old dilapidated motel that has just burned to the ground, in search for their older brother (and guardian) who has just been kidnapped.  Their father is dead and their mother is in a coma and they have no choice but to go with a peculiar little man who will help them find their brother – but they must leave at once.  Evil is lurking all around their now burned home and they need to escape.  But where they are taken, and the many exciting events that occur, will have you turning the pages as fast as you’re able. This book is as exciting as it gets!

The Viscounti House, by Elsbeth Edgar, is part mystery and part realistic fiction and will enrich the reader to life down under with a summer atmosphere during school and Christmastime.  Laura feels like an outcast in her new school where she doesn’t know anyone.  She lives in an old Italian manor, the Viscounti House, where parts of the house are in great need of repair.  Her artist parents are a bit different from the norm which also makes her feel odd.  When a boy, Leon, moves into his grandmother’s house, he seems to be ostracized from the rest of the school kids, but she ignores him.  However, as she delves into the mystery of why this huge house was built, she befriends Leon and together they set out to solve who built the house – and why. This is the author’s first book but it is so well written that all ages will immediately become engaged!  Also, you’ll find the inspiration of how this book was written at the back of the book.  I wish other authors would write a brief note at the back of their books as to why they wrote it because it just might ignite future story writers.

Chronicles of the Red King:  The Secret Kingdom, by Jenny Nimmo, is the first book in a planned series that expands the author’s story about “Charlie Bone”. This Red King series however is about Charlie’s ancestor: the Red King of Africa. Timoken (the Red King) and his sister are in search of a new home after their kingdom has come under attack.  Timoken has been given a magical red cloak, made by the last moon spider’s web, and the depraved sorcerers desire it and will stop at nothing to get it.  The story spins an adventure that welcomes more books to tell more of this tale.  The protagonist will endear the reader as he is kind, respectful and values family and friends.

Pie, by Sarah Weeks, is a story rich in language, family and pies. It’s 1955 and ten-year-old Alice is saddened from the death of her beloved Aunt Polly, the “Pie Queen of Ipswich”.  Her aunt has mysteriously bequeathed her piecrust recipe to her cat, Lardo, and has left her cat for Alice.  And so begins the story of Alice and her family and the tale of her friendships, family relationships and what happens with her labored relationship with her own mother. Aunt Polly would be richly rewarded in heaven knowing how this tale turns out. The fourteen recipes found throughout are mouthwatering yummy pie concoctions.

Icefall, by Matthew J. Kirby, may well prepare you for winter, but this story makes for a long, cold and traitorous season.  Solveig and her siblings are waiting out a long and hard winter far away from their castle as their father, the king, has sent them away from the impending war in order to protect them.  But as the cold permeates their skin and food becomes scare, they begin to wonder where the assailants really are.  Could they be right in their midst? This well-written book, by “The Clockwork Three” author, keeps the pace going all the way to the frozen tundra finish.

Circle of Secrets, by Kimberly Griffiths Little, has eleven-year-old Shelby having to go live with her estranged mom after her father has to work overseas for several months.  Her mother left her father and her a year earlier and Shelby is full of bitter hurt and wants nothing to do with her mom.  But moving into her grandmother’s old Louisiana bayou cabin and living once again with her mom, forces her to rethink her attitude towards her mother.  Shelby becomes friends with a mysterious girl, Gwen, and soon discovers that perhaps Gwen may be a ghost. Gwen’s life becomes entangles in her life as well as her mom’s past and she learns some mysterious events from the past. This is a ghost story that is less scary and with more overtones of friendship and resolution.

Wild Wings, by Gill Lewis, and with illustrations wonderfully drawn by Yuta Onoda sprinkled throughout, is a story about hope and the fragility of the lifespan of animals.  Two children living in Scotland become friends when they save an injured osprey that is tangled in a fishing line. The naturalist they call upon to save the bird’s life, tags her and allows the children to follow its flight from Scotland to Africa on-line. This fascinating story explores friendship, wildlife and cultural differences.  Be sure to check out the note to the reader found at the back of the book that gives more information and ways to track ospreys in Scotland.

Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters:  A Lullaby, by Jane Yolen, and brilliantly painted from top to bottom of every page by Kelly Murphy, is a most creative story about the most unique-looking monsters waiting for school to end so they can rush home and begin their nightly routine of eating, bathing and finally getting ready for bed. The hilarious antics they display as they go through their evening’s events are great fun and just might make your little monsters better ready for bedtime. These unusual creatures are akin to the bizarre and fun characters in the movie “Monster’s, Inc”.

The 13 Nights of Halloween, by Guy Vasilovich, is a take-off from the holiday version: “The 13 Days of Christmas”. This version has an eclectic slant and a bit of the aura of Tim Burton’s art from “The Nightmare Before Christmas”. But don’t be dissuaded; it’s fun and clever, if a bit dark. A little girl, with over-size eyes and bats wrapped around her pigtails, says “On the first night of Halloween my mummy gave to me: a bright, shiny Skeleton Key.” Her mummy appears to be a skeleton wrapped in a mummy’s sheath. And on it goes. On the third night, the little girl is given 3 baseball bats which are actually bats flying with baseball caps on their heads.

Frangoline and the Midnight Dream, by Clemency Pearce, and painted with mixed media by Rebecca Elliott, is a rhyming story about nice young Frangoline by day, but when nighttime comes she don’s her black cape and leaves her bed and scares animal and the moon alike. The texturized pictures fill the pages and reflect the going’s-on for a spooky nighty adventure.

The Sleepless Little Vampire, by Richard Eglielski, has a young vampire attempting to figure out why he can’t go to sleep. Throughout the story, the climax builds as the water colored scene begin to extend to both pages. Upon further investigation, and by returning to the story and gleaning more clues, the answer will become obvious.  Onomatopoeias and alliterations make this a perfect read-aloud for bedtime.

Gibbus Moony Wants to Bite You!, by Leslie Muir, and delightfully painted with watercolors and acrylic by Jen Corace, has young Gibbus losing his baby fangs and finally getting his real ones. He’s ready to bite something. But his grandpa reminds him that his family members are fruit suckers “and proud of it.” But when he meets his new “normal” neighbor, he’s about to discover why his bite will never be the same again.  This story’s de-bite-ful!

Pumpkin Cat, by Anne Mortimer, is a sweet and simple story about mouse showing cat how to grow a pumpkin and then what he does with the pumpkin once it grows to maturity. The painted pictures are bright and perfectly matched to the story.

Here are two level two books for early readers perfect for this holiday. Inside a House That is Haunted, by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, and brightly painted by Tedd Arnold, is a story that’s been refurbished with Arnold’s delightful trade-mark: oversized eyes. This accumulative tale begins with a house that is haunted, a hand that knocks on the door that is haunted, a spider that falls to the floor in the house that is haunted and so on. This is an easy read, but frightfully fun to read and enjoy the hauntingly funny pictures throughout.

Never Kick A Ghost and Other Silly Chillers, from the I Can Read! series, by Judy Sierra, and painted by Pascale Constantin, encompasses five different quick tales that are a blend of surprise and humor. The title tale is about a man who comes across something small and possibly a ghost-like animal and he kicks it. Each time he kicks it, it morphs into something bigger and more frightening.

The last three books are unique with flaps that lift and with designs to build. What’s in the Witch’s Kitchen?, by Nick Sharratt, is a very clever and inventive flap display of two rhyming choices by either opening to the left or to the right. One will show a nice choice and the other – not so good. For instance, one choice is “biscuits and cakes”. Or the other choice is “spiders and snakes”.

The Monstrous Book of Monsters, by Dr. Thomas Jelly (alias Libby Hamilton with illustrations by Aleksei Bitsko and Jonny Duddle) is an inventive over-sized book full of spritely-looking creatures and information of how to avoid or capture each one. The pages are filled with monster friendly (or not-so-friendly) pictures along with pup-ups, flaps and smaller pages. But, beware, not of the werewolf, but of the werefish, for they do exist…or subsist!

Make a Mummy, Shrink a Head and Other Useful Skills, by Pat Murphy, begins with a warning. Don’t go any further in this book for you “could find yourself up the Nile without a paddler outing the jungle surrounded by hungry mosquitoes”. Be ready for learning how to understand hieroglyphs, Mayan caverns and building a sarcophagus.  This book is great fun!

Mouse and Mole:  A Perfect Halloween, by Wong Herbert Yee, is a new story for ages six to eight to add to the “Mouse and Mole” series. This early reader has all of the elements to keep new readers engaged: an interesting story line with 4 chapters dealing with this holiday, wonderfully colorful pictures that move the story along and effective language with lots of fun onomatopoeias throughout.

Half-Minute Horrors, edited by Susan Rich, is a compilation of quick stories from celebrated kid’s authors that will surprise and possibly scare ages nine through teens.  Some tales are only a few sentences while more are about a page and a half long.

The Thirteen Ghosts, (Creepella Von Cacklefur series #1) by Geronimo Stilton, will pull in readers ages six to nine with a mystery that involves Booey the Poltergeist, Grandma Crypt and Chompers the meat-eating plant. Creepella is hunting for thirteen ghosts and readers will smile and enjoy all of her predicaments that she becomes entangled in. Number 2 in this new series has just been published: “Meet Me in Horrorwood”.

Scary Science: 24 Creepy Experiments, by Shar Levine and Leslie Johnstone, with hilarious illustrations by Ashley Spires, is packed with fun and enlivening experiments that will teach your young scientist, ages nine through teens, the foundations of basic science. Some experiments include making rubber bones, bouncing eyes, a goblin lamp and spooky writing. Facts about the basis of the experiments are found throughout, as well as easy step-by-step instructions. But beware: you might turn your youngster into a mad scientist.

A Zombie’s Guide to the Human Body: Tasty Tidbits From Head to Toe, by Paul Beck, is filled with all kinds of information about our human body and how it works. The format is extremely kid-friendly with the zombie theme and pictures, and the lay-out will entice kids, ages eight through adult, to want to pick this book up and completely read it from cover to cover!

Some Things are Scary, by Florence Parry Heide, and illustrated by renowned Jules Feiffer, is an updated picture book good for ages four to ten. The book was first published back in 1969 but Feiffer has made this a gem. What scares kids the most is the theme of the book and includes some humorous fears such as “Being with your mother when she can’t remember where she parked the car.” And some scary moments like “being on a swing when someone is pushing you too high.”

Pumpkin Trouble, by Jan Thomas, is a hilarious picture book that begs to be read aloud. Duck decides to cut out a jack-o-lantern with his pumpkin but falls inside and can’t get out. With the jack-o-lantern on his head, he wanders over to his friends, mouse and pig who immediately get scared thinking it’s a pumpkin monster. The story gets funnier on every page, making this book, for ages four to eight, a great read-aloud.

The Haunted Hamburger and Other Ghostly Stories, by David LaRochelle, and painted by Paul Meisel, is actually a very clever and funny picture book that all ages will enjoy. A ghostly father tells his two ghostly children three bedtime stories to help them go to sleep. Where the stories scare his children, to human ears they are just plain funny! The book title is one of the stories and scares cousin Nell beyond words but will have youngsters laughing out loud.

For the last two books, how about some laugh out loud books of jokes. Halloween Howlers: Frightfully Funny Knock-Knock Jokes, by Michale Teitelbaum, and illustrated by Jannie Ho, features lift-the-flaps giving punny and funny answers that kids of all ages will love to tell or guess. “Knock, knock! Who’s there? Witch! Witch who? Witch costume should I wear this Halloween?”

Sidesplitters: Boo!, by the Kingfisher editors, is packed with jokes with a Halloween theme. Some include: “Why did the vampires cancel their baseball game? They couldn’t find their bats.” “What dies a skeleton order in a restaurant? Spareribs.” And “What does a ghost get when he falls and scrapes his Knee? A boo-boo”. These are just a few of these fun jokes. Try them at your next Halloween party.

43 Old Cemetery Road: Over My Dead Body, by Kate Klise, and cleverly illustrated by M. Sarah Klise, is Book Two in the Cemetery Road Series, but there’s no need to read the first book to enjoy this delightful and clever story.  An agency has just removed eleven-year-old Seymour from the Spence Mansion at Old Cemetery Road and puts him in the Ghastly Orphanage.  He has to wait there until his parents return from Europe, but meanwhile he meets a most unusual friend: a ghost.  And the story goes from interesting to exhilarating and page-turning as you can hardly wait to see what will happen at this unusual orphanage and surrounding town.  The entire story is told through newspaper clippings, letters and much more.  This is a very ingenious and enjoyable read!

The Joy of Spooking:  Unearthly Asylum, by P. J. Bracegirdle, is the second book in a series with number three and the final book, “Sinister Scenes”, synonymously published. Joy Wells is curious about unusual sounds coming from an old asylum. She’s heard many strange tales and legends concerning this old building.  But she doesn’t realize that she’s about to discover more about it when she loses her pet frog, Fizz. As she explores the sewers in search of Fizz, she comes up from underneath right inside the gates of this haunted building. And so begins her adventures of fright and discovery about what holds this place together. The final book, “Sinister Scenes”, recreates a movie as the residents of this small town help by becoming part of the extras. But Joy becomes involved in helping solve the mystery when the lead actress suddenly vanishes.

School of Fear Series, by Gitty Daneshvari, has just published the last of the planned trilogy and it won’t disappoint. But I recommend starting with the first book and then following with book two, “Class is not Dismissed” and ending with “The Final Exam”.  The premise is about twelve and thirteen year old kids who suffer greatly from fears that terrify them.  Madeline is frightfully scared of bugs and sprays herself incessantly with bug spray. And then there’s Garrison, who’s frightened beyond belief of water. So parents send their phobic children to the School of Fear. There is much humor found throughout each book, along with each child learning to overcome their various fears.

The Mysterious Four, by Dan Poblocki, is a series of three mystery paperbacks with more planned in the future. In the first book, “Hauntings and Heists”, you meet the four friends who organize a mystery-solving club called The Question Marks and they meet at the four corners where their yards meet. Viola has just discovered a tunnel leading to a haunted house across the street. In the second book, “Clocks and Robbers”, the four friends solve a mystery concerning three broken clocks. But in solving this mystery, they bring attention to themselves and some other devious characters who are looking for a forgotten treasure that The Question Marks may have just discovered. In book three, “Monsters and Mischief”, the four friends have seen something very peculiar skulking in the woods. Could it be some kind of a monster? In all three of the mysteries, the reader is invited to help solve each case.

Ghost Hunt 2:  More Chilling Tales of the Unknown, by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, with Cameron Dokey, is a collection of stories that contain mysteries of possible ghost sightings and other mysterious occurrences observed at various locations throughout the country.  Each tale is told with gripping anticipation so readers beware.

Witch Catcher, by Mary Downing Hahn, has an exciting adventure and mystery waiting for Jen when she and her widowed father move to a recently acquired castle.  What she finds in a remote tower is so extraordinary and magical, others come to attempt to retrieve it. The story starts out slow, but don’t let this stop you from reading further because patience will pay off.  By one quarter of the way into the story, you’ll be hooked. (And if you’re not familiar with this author, she is one of the best at spinning shivery mysteries!)

3:15:  Things That Go Bump In the Night, by Patrick Carman, encompasses ten tales that you can easily read in 15 minutes or less. Each story contains a chilling ending but also features a video introduction that sets the stage. The time in the title of the book deals with the possible time in the night when things might “go bump in the night”. The author also wrote the popular “The Skeleton Creek”.

100 Scariest Things on the Planet, by Anna Claybourne, features real creatures and events that will surprise you. Some included are UFO’s, the Loch Ness Monster, sharks, spiders, black holes and giant wave surfing. Each colorful subject is photographed and described on one page making this a quick, interesting and kid-friendly read.

Silly Milly and the Mysterious Suitcase, by Wendy Cheyette Lewison, and illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott, is a beginning reader series that cleverly includes wordplay. In this case, Silly Milly has baseballs but no bats and hotdogs and not buns because she’s only packing compound words.

There’s a Mouse in the House, also by Lewison, is a funny emergent reader about everyone in the house being upset about the mouse in the house – except the kids.

Wolf Pie, by Brenda Seabrooke, and illustrated by Liz Callen, has the wolf frustrated that the pigs won’t let him in. So as he waits by the door, he hears much fun and gaiety going on inside. This book’s a riot!

Flying Feet, by Patricia Reilly Giff, and illustrated by Alasdair Bright, is a new series of early chapter books geared for ages six to nine. Charlie is the inventor in the ZigZag group of kids and he just invented shoes with suction cups. But will they work?

Clubhouse Mysteries: The Buried Bones Mystery, by Sharon M. Draper, and illustrated by Jesse Joshua Johnson, is another new series of early chapter books.  When the kids in the Black Dinosaur club begin digging to prepare their new clubhouse, they discover bones. But whose bones are these?

Kickers:  Benched, by Rich Wallace, and illustrated by Jimmy Holder, makes an illegal play in this soccer series and gets benched. But he ends up learning some valuable life lessons that winning isn’t everything.  This book is a bit longer making it better for ages seven to ten.

The Golden Ghost, by Marion Dane Bauer, and illustrated by Peter Ferguson, is also a bit longer of a mystery making this also good for ages seven to ten. Two friends decide to check out an old abandoned house and find much more than they bargained for in this search.

I Survived:  The Shark Attacks of 1916, by Lauren Tarshis, is a great non-fiction book that’s part of the “I Survived” series.  While a boy is swimming, he comes face to face with a shark. This is best for ages eight to twelve.

These next four books are good for all ages.  How Did That Get Into My Lunchbox:  The Story of Food, by Christine Butterworth, and illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti, is the story describing the process of foods from farm to grocery store to your home.

Orangutans Are Ticklish:  Fun Facts From An Animal Photographer, photographed by Steve Grubman, and written by Jill Davis, is an informative, up-close picture book filled with fascinating facts. Like this one: Did you know that when a hippo looks like it’s yawning, it actually may be ready to attack.

All the Water in the World, by George Ella Lyon, showcases water in all forms with words that seem to drip off the page. You’ll guzzle this book up!

Mr. Elephanter, by Lark Pien, has a sweet man who has a round little face and body and takes care of tiny elephants at the elephantry. I love this book!

When Martha’s Away, by Bruce Ingman, shows what pets might do when the owners are away. Martha is the pet cat owner and doesn’t have a clue of what her cat, Lionel, does while she’s gone. He takes full advantage of finally being left home alone by working out, fixing himself a delicate lunch and catching up on current events. Hilarious!

The Zoo, by Suzy Lee, is a wordless story that has parents and their little girl visiting the zoo. When she gets lost, the colors on the parents’ pages fades, but the little girl’s pages are rich with color. Parents and child are finally reunited, but the little girl doesn’t realize she was lost because she was enjoying the animals.

The last two books are good for ages nine and up.  Dust Devil, by Anne Isaacs, and illustrated by Paul Zelinsky, is a very tall tale about a very tall Swamp Angel who moves from Tennessee to Montana where there’s more room for her to move about. She conquers a dust devil and finds a very large horse which she makes her own. But not before she and the horse create some very large canyons, including the Grand Canyon. This book’s great fun to read aloud!

Lilly and the Pirates, by Phyllis Root, and illustrated by Rob Shepperson, is another great read aloud about little Lilly who’s been left behind at her uncle’s house while her scientist parents go exploring the other side of the world. When a seagull drops a note in her hand indicating her parents are in trouble, she heads off to far away lands.

Okay For Now, by Gary D. Schmidt, is told through the eyes of the protagonist, Doug, and gives an everyday feel of life in the 1960’s. It centers on life in Marysville, New York where Doug has just moved with his family. He is a broken boy who seems to be fragmented into pieces. His father is somewhat abusive due to his temper and drinking problems.  His older brother (who isn’t named until half way into the book) is mean to him and his oldest brother is serving in the military in Viet Nam. The only person whom he doesn’t feel like he needs to hide from – and looks forward to seeing her smile – is his mom. But now he’s in a new town with no friends. When he discovers the town’s library, he is befriended by a nice, patient librarian who helps him see his talents of drawing. He works with him through many weeks of lessons as he shows him different bird plates from a volume of Audubon’s Birds of America.  Doug’s drawings begin to become more complete as he grows and finds himself – and his family begins to change for the better also.  It’s also about this time that he gives you his brother’s name. There are many subtle nuances that bring Doug’s life into the reader’s emotional ties. By the end, I felt part of Doug’s life and miss him!  This is a definite Newbery candidate.

Michael Vey: Prisoner of Cell 25, by Richard Paul Evans, is one of those books that you’d better give yourself time to read because once you begin, you won’t stop!  Michael Vey goes to high school in Idaho where he’s keeping a secret. He has strange electric powers and soon discovers there’s another girl who has similar powers. When both the girl and his mom are kidnapped, the action accelerates!  There are more books planned in this series.

13 Gifts, by Wendy Mass, is about shy Tara having to go spend summer vacation with her relatives in a small town. She meets some interesting and most unusual characters in the town. Her cousin who stays up late to solve math algorithms and two friends that communicate with each other using chalkboards are just a few of the extraordinary kids.  Tara learns to become self assured, confident and how to be a true friend by summer’s end.

Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick, is another brilliant book compiled of both written story and illustrated story forms by this author. (His first book was the award winner “The Invention of Hugo Cabret”). This book actually has two stories running simultaneously throughout. One story is written about a young boy in 1977 who has to live with his aunt after losing his mom in a car accident. He’s unhappy there and decides to go search for his dad he’s never known and who lives in New York City.  The other story takes place in 1927.  This story is shown completely through black and white drawings about a young girl sneaking out of her house to also go to New York City. Another similarity with these two children is that they both are deaf.  These stories brilliantly converge at the American Museum of Natural History.  This book’s sure to be another Newbery winner!

The Bridge To Neverland, by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, is a story about two modern-day kids who have read all the “Peter Pan’s Star Catcher” series. They never really believed it was true until they find a clue in an old desk and proceed to find more clues until they discover the most sought after magical stateside on earth!  And so the adventure begins!  If you’ve not read any of the “Starcatcher” series, you’re missing out!

Nancy and Plum, by Betty McDonald, and with wonderful illustrations sprinkled throughout by Mary Grand Pre, was first published back in 1952 and has an old fashioned feel when reading it.  Nancy and Plum are orphans who are sent to live in a boarding school who’s in-charge is the terribly mean Mrs. Monday. Their sweet uncle sends them beautiful dresses and dolls which are secretly stolen by Mrs. Monday to give to her own daughter unbeknownst to the sisters. The horrible conditions of their treatment and welfare convince them to run away. Thus their exciting adventure begins. This author wrote the beloved “Miss Piggly-Wiggly” series which I grew up with and loved as a child.  You may find the same with this delightful classic.

A Family of Readers:  The Book Lover’s Guide to Children’s and Young Adult Literature, by Roger Sutton and Martha V. Parravano, is packed with great books to read with, to and alone all geared for babies on up. The book is divided into sections to read to children, read with them and finally helping them choose different genres to read by themselves. Each section gives advice, and all throughout you’ll find more recommended books on particular subjects. This book displays great reads to encourage and keep kids reading. However, stay away from the teen section as it is completely inappropriate!

Lives of the Writers:  Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought), by Kathleen Krull and Kathryn Hewitt, has interesting tidbits about nineteen famous authors that span from ancient times to current times. These include Jane Austen and how she loved to eat chocolate for breakfast, how Emily Dickinson and Mark Twain enjoyed constantly wearing white clothing and how Jack London challenged his guests to outrageous acts such as swallowing live goldfish. This book may likely inspire readers to enjoy reading books from each of these classic authors.