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.

Ghoul Strike!, by Andrew Newbound, finds twelve-year-old Alannah in the midst of searching for her parents who went missing over 3 years ago while searching for ghosts. Now, it seems that Alannah has similar psychic powers passed on to her as she can see these ghostly encounters. She is about to go head-first into a discovery that will almost throw her off course. The humor and banter between her and the other characters throughout this book make this mystery lighter and funny.

Among the Ghosts, by Amber Benson with delightful illustrations sprinkled throughout by Sina Grace, embroils Noleen in a conflict unknown to anyone else while staying at an old boarding school. She befriends ghosts in an area near a burned-out dormitory and soon discovers that these ghosts are unwillingly disappearing and she must find out why in order to put a stop to it.

Modern Fairies, Dwarves, Goblins & Other Nasties: A Practical Guide by Miss Edythe McFate, by Lesley M. M. Blume, and wonderful pen and ink drawings by David Foote, is most likely going to be one of my favorite books of the year! Ms. Blume has captured the magical essence of these smallish sprites as she delves deep into their many adventures and mischievous behaviors. There are prequel warnings and explanations prior to each tale with follow-up notes and further help in order to better understand their actions or reactions.

The Wish Stealers, by Tracy Triva, involves sixth grader, Griffin, the moment she accepts a box of what she thinks are lucky pennies given to her by a mysterious old woman. She is now officially a “wish stealer” as these pennies were stolen from a wishing fountain and bad wishes are going to come from them. Griffin sets out to change this predicament and break the curse.

Fablehaven: Keys to the Demon Prison, by Brandon Mull, is the last installment of the popular Fablehaven series and it won’t disappoint you as it’s every bit as exciting and nailbiting as the prior books. The same brother and sister duo, Seth and Kendra, must travel a great distance where they are in search of the keys to the demon prison before the evil Sphinx recovers the five artifacts.

The Search for Wondla, by Tony DiTerlizzi, is the beginning of a new series that will thrill the reader. The author of the Spiderwick series has created a new story set in the future about twelve-year-old Eva Nine who has been raised by a robot. Now, she is forced for the first time to go aboveground where she has never been before. She has never seen another human but believes there must be more like her. Her most treasured item is a piece of cardboard with a young girl, an adult, a robot and the words “Wondla” on it. She is about to encounter many unusual friends and foes as she treks across this new horizon. The author has masterly illustrated two toned pictures as well as incorporated some new elements in this book. With the use of a webcam, there are several augmented reality pictures that add to Eva’s dimension.

The Heart of Glass, by Vivian French, is the third installment to the “Five Kingdoms” series following “The Bag of Bones”. Ms. French continues the story of Gracie Gillypott and Prince Marcus, but this day they are going to watch dwarves. Princess Marigold has different ideas for Prince Marcus as she has her heart set on his. Throw in some trolls, a goblin and some noisy bats along with a powerful heart of glass and you’ve got a hilarious and thrilling adventure!

Oracles of Delphi Keep: The Curse of Deadman’s Forest, by Victoria Laurie, is the second in this series and suffice it to say that you will love this series. The first book begins along the coast of England where a castle houses orphans. When a brother and sister find a treasure box, their exciting adventure unfolds with monsters, mythical creatures and even a portal to another country. This second book continues the sibling’s quests and is compared to the Chronicles of Narnia.

Enchanted Glass, by Diana Wynne Jones, begins when Andrew inherits his grandfather’s large house and property. The property houses ghosts, and even a giant, but it’s about to receive an orphan who has problems of his own with the supernatural. Andrew takes this young boy in and the ghostly presence heightens immediately.

The Red Pyramid, by Rick Riordan, is a brand new series, much like his fantastic “Lightening Thief” series, but this book is set in Brooklyn, New York. This page-turner begins with an explosion and the mythical gods that his new characters, Carter and Sadie, are dealing with are Egyptian. The adventures that follow are as exciting and thrilling as the author’s last series – and are humorous as well. Just give yourself enough time to read this book because you won’t want to stop!

Dying to Meet You (43 Old Cemetery Road), by Kate Klise, and illustrated by M. Sarah Klise, is the first in a planned series about a worn-out writer who moves to an old haunted house already inhabited by an abandoned boy, his cat and a very bossy female ghost. This house sets the stage for a very fun, funny and exhilarating story all told uniquely through letters, newspaper articles and drawings.

Brixton Brothers:  The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity, by Mac Barnett, and with great illustrations sprinkled throughout by Adam Rex, is a case that’s waiting to be cracked. Twelve-year-old Steve Brixton is about to become a crime-fighting detective when he discovers some most unusual  and highly trained agents in the library!  Get ready for this page-turner from beginning to end!

Notes From a Totally Lame Vampire (Because the Undead Have Feelings Too!), by Tim Collins, and illustrated by Andrew Pinder, is a funny look into an untypical teen, Nigel, who’s also a vampire. And he’s not anything like the typical vampire being very slow and having little strength. The story is written from Nigel’s perspective and written in a journal fashion along with pencil drawings that match the storyline.

Something Upstairs, by Avi, is a thriller with an historical aspect. Twelve-year-old Kenny has just moved to Rhode Island where he finds that his house is haunted. He soon discovers that a ghost, whose name is Caleb, was a slave who lived over a hundred years ago and was murdered. Now Kenny is about to go back in time to try to solve this mystery. The events are constantly changing and are exciting all the way to the end.

A Zombie’s Guide to the Human Body, by Tom Becker and Mercer Mayer, is a non-fiction illustrated book looking inside the human body and all of the intricate and important parts and how they fit together. The complete layout of this amazingly kid-friendly book is so extraordinary and interesting that chances are everyone who opens it, will learn much, and read to the very end before putting it down!

Zombiekins, by Kevin Bolger, and illustrated by Aaron Blecha, is a hilarious story about a boy, Stanley, and the small stuffed bunny bear he buys at a yard sale. He’s about to discover that bunny bear isn’t just any normal stuffed animal but a zombie and so the adventure begins. There is a bit of unfortunate and inappropriate gross-out humor in the storyline, but the story is a fun and funny read that kids are sure to enjoy.

Customer RevNow for two early chapter books that might scare, or humor, ages six to eight. Ant and Honey Bee:  A Pair of Friends at Halloween, by Megan McDonald, and illustrated by G. Brian Karas, is a fun and funny beginning chapter book for the earliest readers of this venue. Ms. McDonald is an expert in moving a story along in the most interesting way. (She’s also the author of the popular “Judy Moody” series.)  Ant and Honey Bee are great friends and Ant is attempting to find a different pairing of costumes this year for both. The dialogue between both characters, and the humor and adventures that await them, is a great beginning for early readers. This is the first book in a planned series.

Andy Shane and the Barn Sale Mystery, by Jennifer Richard Jacobson, and illustrated by Abby Carter, has Andy getting ready to give Granny her un-birthday present when he realizes he has no money. But when he comes up with the idea to have a barn sale to get money he finds someone has stolen something of value during the sale. This story continues in the Andy Shane series with a number of repeating, fun and endearing characters.

The Silence of God, by Gale Sears, is an historical fiction book that is well researched and documented. But more than the tremendous research Ms. Sears delved into, it’s a fascinating story about two friends and their families.  It details how their friendships and lives are challenged when the over-throw of their Imperial Russia is changing the lives of all who live there. One of the friends, Agnes, is a member of the Church, but Natasha isn’t. The events of their lives are based on a true account, but readers beware: once begun, you won’t be able to put this book down.  This book is best for ages 12 through adult.

The Fourth Nephite, by Jeffrey S. Savage, is a teen novel about a high school football star, Kaleo, who is cutting his seminary classes and beginning to get in with the wrong crowd. His seminary teacher decides it’s time to take matters into his own hands and sends Kaleo to meet with someone who has him open a door which alters his live forever. What’s behind that door? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

Eliza’s Field of Faith, by Rachelle Pace Castor, and illustrated by Dixon Leavitt, is a picture book based on an actual account of a late planting of wheat and the miracle that occurred in the area now known as the City of Lehi. The oil paintings are glorious and set the scene of pioneer life and the devastation that besets this community.

Far World:  Land Keep (book 1) and Far World:  Water Keep (book 2), both by J. Scott Savage, is an exciting fantasy series with book 3 on the way about Marcus, who is from Earth, and Kyja, who is from Farworld.  They work together, with their magical gifts, to deal with great difficulties and then triumphs in these thrilling reads.  These books are best for ages 9 through adult.

The Last Waltz:  A Novel of Love and War, by G. G. Vandagriff, is the intriguing story of Amalia living in Vienna and the year is 1913 and her country and the world is about to go to war. It tells of her struggles and love of family and the men who fall in love with her. This gripping novel sets the tone of one of the worst wars of our time. It is best for ages 12 through adult.

The Hourglass Door (book 1) and The Golden Spiral (book 2), both by Lisa Mangum, is a time travel series with four friends who go back in time with characters so real that you’ll feel a part of the book. Both of these books should have a disclaimer: give yourself time to read them because once you begin, you won’t be able to stop! These are best for ages 11 through adult.

Imprints, by Rachel Ann Nunes, is another great mystery by this brilliant author and readers will not be disappointed. When a young woman ends up missing, a uniquely talented Autumn can help. She can read imprints off of objects and detect emotions. But can she help this family? This book is best for teens through adult.

Life of Jesus:  Seek and Ye Shall Find, by Val Chadwick Bagley, is a fun search and find book with a scripture theme that youngsters ages four to eight will enjoy and use to learn. Each page includes brightly painted pictures that completely fill the page.

Do What is Right:  52 Fun Motivators for LDS Families, by Douglas J. and Laurie H. Wilcox, is filled with fun activities, outlines, ideas and even checklists that will give families thought-provoking family home evening lesson plans. There is so much packed into this 200 plus page book that you will surely be inspired to come up with even more ideas emanating from this outstanding book. (Sunday school and Primary teachers: there are some great ideas here for innovative lessons.)

52 More Weeks of Family Night: Scripture Study Edition, by Diane Kirkpatrick, is another book packed with ideas to do together as a family – only this book emphasizes the scriptures. There’s even a CD-ROM included to allow printing activities to mix or match. Families will love this book!

Fish, by Gregory Mone, is a swash-buckling adventure about twelve-year-old Fish, who ends up on a pirate ship. (He’s named Fish because he swims with incredible skill.)  One of the shipmates stole a valuable purse he was conveying for his uncle and Fish chases him onto the ship. The ship sets sail and Fish now finds himself at sea and working on this ship. He also discovers that this purse holds the key to finding hidden treasure. Complications arise when the crew attempts to mutiny and Fish saves the day with courage and wit by supporting the captain, and he does this without lifting a weapon or hurting anyone. He also saves lives at sea. Then they go about to discover that treasure. This page-turner might keep you and your family up late reading!

News for Dogs, by Lois Duncan, has two siblings, Bruce and Andi, who are starting a newspaper for dogs and Andi loves writing poems and recipes for dogs.  A mystery evolves when pets begin disappearing and Bruce and Andi have to figure out who is dog napping these dogs. The story celebrates good wholesome reading that showcases responsibility and family.

The 13th Reality:  The Hunt for Dark Infinity, by James Dashner, is a well written adventure that takes Tick and his friends into another reality. This is the second installment of “The 13th Reality” but the first book isn’t a necessity to be instantly drawn into the complex mystery as the protagonist attempts to save all from near disaster.  Every calamity they face will be as exciting as if the reader is involved as well!  Also, this edition has recently been published in paperback and the third installment has just been published.

The Cardturner, by Louis Sachar (who also wrote the bestseller “Holes”), might end up being one of my top favorites of this year.  Seventeen-year-old Alton has just been requested by his mom to become a cardturner for his blind Uncle Lester when his uncle plays bridge. This might sound like a boring subject to write a book about but this author has an uncanny talent to spin the most incredible tales, and make the reader become completely mesmerized.  Alton goes into this “job” with great reluctance as he knows nothing about the game and believes his summer is now going to be a disaster. But there are some amazing cards waiting to be dealt concerning Alton’s life and the book will most likely not be put down until the very end!

Any Which Wall, by Laurel Snyder, and pencil etchings sprinkled throughout by Leuyen Pham, is a wonderfully told story about magic and imagination. When 4 friends come upon a most unusual wall right in the middle of a cornfield, they don’t know what to think. But they soon discover that this wall is a wishing wall that will grant wishes to take any who find it to magical places and different periods of time. It doesn’t take long for each child to learn much from these wishes and grow up a little as well. This is a delightful and fun read for a hot summer afternoon!

The Dead in Indian Creek, by Mary Downing Hahn, is one of those great mysteries that readers will not want to stop reading until it’s solved. Matt and his buddy, Parker, just discovered a body in Indian Creek. Now they wonder if the new boyfriend of Parker’s mom has something to do with it. What they soon discover will have you reading clear to the end to figure out “who done it”.

Northward to the Moon, by Polly Horvath, will take you on a trip across your memories where you’ll see landscapes of hills and valleys full of trees and reflections and moonlight on darkened water. Thirteen-year-old Jane is on a road trip with her family because her step dad has lost his job in Canada. As they travel great distances to see a dying friend they learn much about each other – and life. This is a beautifully written story that celebrates strong relationships.

The Wish Stealers, by Tracy Trivas, has 6th grader Griffin unknowingly accepting 11 shiny pennies and finding that she now has a terrible curse bestowed upon her. These pennies were actually stolen from a fountain long ago and now all of her own good wishes don’t happen, just evil ones. But she ultimately overcomes all by reversing this curse and triumphantly overcoming the evil brought on by the curse.

Faith, Hope, and Ivy June, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, is also going to be right up on the top of my favorite books for the year.  This story reminds me of the “Country Mouse and the City Mouse” where each goes to the other’s home and finds it so different from its own. Ivy June is from a poor community in the Appalachian Mountains and Catherine lives in a rich area of town. Both girls are involved in a school exchange program where each will spend two weeks living at the other’s home. There is so much hope and faith to gleam from in this book that it may just make you cry!

Chasing Orion, by Kathryn Lasky, is another book to top my list. (Actually, all of these books are great which makes selecting the top ones really hard!)  Eleven-year-old Georgie has been told she can’t go anywhere where there are lots of people, including the swimming pool, for fear of catching the ever growing epidemic of polio. Her teenage neighbor, Phyllis, lies dormant in an iron lung and Georgie struggles with her difficulty. The year is 1952 and the serious questions raised, as well as the beautifully written story full of allegories and symbolism, make this a wonderful book!

Matisse on the Loose, by Georgia Bragg, is a funny story about eleven-year-old Matisse who tells the story from his vantage point. His mother is in charge of security for a local art museum. There is to be a painting exhibit of the famous Henri Matisse. It all turns into quite a fiasco when young Matisse trades the real painting for his own copy. What happens, and who is caught red-handed, will make you laugh out loud. Don’t forget to check out the author’s note found at the back with interesting background information about this great artist.

Born to Fly, by Michael Ferrari, is an exciting historical fiction based in World War II when eleven-year-old Birdie lives in a small Rhode Island town. She feels destined to fly a plane as she watches her father work on planes as a mechanic. Then, she sees an enemy submarine in the bay but no one will believe her. But she is about to become part of a mystery when she attempts to take a picture of it. There is much to learn about this period of time, but more interesting are the events that surround Birdie as she is about to save many lives due to her passion for flying.

The Hanging Hill, by Chris Grabenstein, is a sequel to “The Crossroads”. Eleven-year-old Zack has just come to stay temporarily in a town in Connecticut while his step-mom is helping with a production that she wrote. Zack soon realizes that the location of “The Hanging Hill Playhouse” has a past that’s related to the name of the theater.  What makes this story so inventive and exciting is that Zack can see ghosts and they seem to be everywhere.  The reader is in on the fact that the director is attempting to bring these not-so-nice ghosts about with his play.  Zack soon discovers this fact and the race is on to stop this from happening.  The action is non-stop and the anticipation of what might be around the corner is around every page and humor abounds helping alleviate tense moments.

The Sherlock Files: The Beast of Blackslope, by Tracy Barrett, is book 2 in this series and many readers are glad there will be more to come. Sister and brother, Xena and Xander, are directly related to the famous Sherlock Holmes and delight in solving mysteries. This story takes them to a small village where they hear strange howlings. When they ask the townspeople about it none of them want to talk. The mysterious developments will become hard to solve as there are many red herrings which actually make this page turner perfect for the younger Sherlock Holmes’ enthusiast.

Ghost in the Machine: Ryan’s Journal, by Patrick Carman, is a very innovative book with the text in the form of a journal written by one of two main protagonists. There is also a video you can view online throughout the book that is part of the other protagonist, Sarah, as she uses her video cam. There are hidden clues to be solved and the story is the second in the “Skeleton Creek” series. Warning – this book is chilling and should be not be read alone.

Alec Flint, Super Sleuth: The Nina, The Pinta, and the Vanishing Treasure, by Jill Santopolo, is a new series that will have budding mystery enthusiasts excited for the next book. Alec, with the help of Gina, discovers that the Christopher Columbus exhibit is missing from the local museum. The mystery that unfolds will have readers turning the pages to the very end to discover what happened and why. This book is as good as the “Encyclopedia Brown” series which are great chapter mystery books.

Now for some lighter books on this subject: The Bag of Bones, by Vivian French, is the second book in “The Five Kingdoms” series.  I reviewed the first book, “The Robe of Sculls”, and loved it. There’s a witch who wants to become the queen and is magically shrinking all of the good witches to the size of rats. But a willful and sassy orphan, Gracie Gillypot, a prince, a troll and two talking bats cleverly, with humor throughout, beat the witch at her own game.

The next three books are good for ages 7 to 9. Rumblewick’s Diary: My Unwilling Witch Sleeps Over, by Hiawyn Oram, will certainly bring you some laughs.  Rumblewick is Haggy Aggy’s cat and he is continually trying to get his owner to be more “witchy” and mean. But Haggy just wants to be human and tries to use her magic to become normal. What is Rumblewick going to do now that she’s going to two normal girl’s house for a sleepover? There are delightful black and white illustrations, by Sarah Warburton, throughout and some are full page. This is #2 in the series with #3 coming out next month.

43 Old Cemetery Road: Dying to Meet You, by Kate Klise, and illustrated by M. Sarah Klise, is a haunting romp when a crotchety author, who seems to have writer’s block, moves into an old mansion where an eleven-year-old boy and a ghost live. But through some inventive twists by ghost and child, the author discovers some surprising things about himself and his writings. The text is told through correspondence, newspaper clippings and documents. The line drawings found throughout are a perfect fit and help move the story along to the culminating end.

Nighttime:  Too Afraid to Scream, by Todd Strasser, and illustrated by Doug Cushman, is the third book in this series that has 7 short stories with endings that will surprise the young reader and possibly leave them hanging. Some include “The Phantom Text Messager” and “The Black Cat”.

This last book is for the newest reader: Jon Scieszka’s Trucktown: The Spooky Tire, illustrated by David Shannon, Loren Long and David Gordon. This easy-to-read story takes the classic tale of the “Teeny Tiny Woman” with a twist. Melvin, the cement truck, needs a new tire and goes to a spooky junkyard. But when he takes a tire, a ghost truck asks, “Who took my golden tire?” Kids will enjoy this easy read with few words on each page.

Let’s begin with Egypt and the stories that seem to be continually perpetuated with kids of all ages.   Egyptian Diary:   The Journal of Nakht, by Richard Platt, and illustrated by David Parkins, is an over-sized picture book about nine-year-old Nakht who has just moved to Memphis in Egypt and the year is 1500 B. C.   The story is filled with visuals and text about Egyptian customs and the culture of the time.   This book will surely give the reader the sense of growing up in a place from a time long ago.

Egypt:   In Spectacular Cross-Section, illustrated by Stephen Biesty, and written by Stewart Ross, is an incredible look inside a civilization during the height of the Ramses Empire dating back to 1230 B. C.   No one pays more attention to detail that this amazing illustrator.   If you haven’t checked out any of his other cross-section books, like “Castles” and “Human Body” , you’re missing out!

Pyramids and Mummies, by Anne Bolton, is in the shape of a pyramid with a golden hue encased completely around the cover and emboldened with hieroglyphics.   The subject matter is all about the purpose of pyramids and the encasing of mummies.   Many of the pages have envelopes to open, pockets to explore, and smaller booklets to unfold.   This book is truly captivating and enlightening!

Don’t Know Much About Mummies, by Kenneth C. Davis, and illustrated by S. D. Schindler, highlights the significance and purpose of mummies as well as some interesting anecdotes about famous mummies.   Mr. Davis does what he always does best and that is writing about subjects that we all wonder about and on the level that kids will enjoy and easily understand.   Other books of his include “Don’t Know Much about History” and “Don’t Know Much About Dinosaurs”.

Ghosts of the Nile, by Cheryl Harness, is one picture book that is filled with excitement, adventure and information about life in these ancient times.   Zachary does not want to visit a boring museum and learn about Egypt.   But when both he and his great-aunt go through a “DO NOT ENTER” doorway, they suddenly find themselves back in time during the life of pharaohs and pyramids.   Each page is packed with factual information including a timeline located at the bottom of each page.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art:   Fun With Hieroglyphs, by Catharine Roehrig, has a stamp pad and 24 rubber stamps of Egyptian hieroglyphics, along with a booklet filled with the history and interesting information about these symbols.

Myths and Legends, by Anthony Horowitz, is a collection of 35 stories, some well known and some less known.   The collection includes Egyptian, Greek, Chinese and Inca.   This well-known author has included his humorous flair for updating the material making it fun for kids to read.

The next four books center on Greek Mythology.   Medusa Jones, by Ross Collins, is a fun spin off of Medusa, but a more up-dated romp with a young Medusa who is tormented by her peers because of her “snake” hair.   This story is a quick read with much to learn as she deals with kids who bully her.

Pandora Gets Vain and Pandora Gets Jealous, by Carolyn Hennessy, are both stories based on the proverbial “Pandora’s Box” but they take off on storylines that help her with her friends and in dealing with the evil that lurks everywhere. This up-dated version will especially be a hit with young girls.

The Battle of the Labryinth, by Rick Riordan, is his 4 th book in “The Olympian Series”. This series is one of my favorites and is riveting and exciting from the very first page to the last.   You don’t need to have read the other 3 to enjoy this book, but once you read this book you will surely want to read the rest!

Terry Deary has a series of books that are part of “The Fire Thief” trilogy.   I’ve only read the last book, The Fire Thief Fights Back, but found that it’s not necessary to have read the others to enjoy and understand this book.   It deals with Prometheus and how he stole fire from the gods and what happens when he travels through time.

Mines of the Minotaur, by Julia Golding, is another book that’s part of a series but I also found it’s not necessary to have read the others to understand this book.   This book deals with powers that are unleashed upon a girl who controls the weather – but doesn’t realize what she’s done or why.

The last book is based on a Norse legend.   Thor’s Wedding Day, by Bruce Coville, retells this favorite story from Norway by one of my favorite kid’s authors.   Thor has lost his magic hammer and now he must find it before it’s too late.   This is a delightful and funny read!

Monster Madness, by Dean Lorey, is actually a sequel to “Monster Hunters”.   However, it’s not necessary to have read the first book in order to understand this book.   Charlie Benjamin is enrolled in “The Nightmare Academy” where he discovers that he’s not the only one with unusual abilities.   But beware!   There’s a monster lurking about and Charlie is right in the middle of a potential disaster!   This page-turner will most surely keep you on the edge of your seat clear to the very end.   There’s even some comic relief during some of the most intense situations that helps to lighten the pending calamity.   This book is so good that there’s talk about a possible movie.

Suddenly Supernatural, by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, has 7 th grader Kat Roberts trying to adjust to her new school, friends and becoming part of the “in-group”.   Only now her life is even more complicated as she can see ghosts.   And, she’s way in over her head when she decides to help one of the ghosts whom she has seen in her school.   The print in this book is larger than usual making it a faster read.

Tom Becker’s Darkside is a suspenseful story that grabs you from the first page.   Ricky is on a field trip but sits apart from his classmates as he’s tired of the way they continually poke fun of him.   But trouble is heading his way as he sees a strange man coming directly toward him.   He attempts to get back with his class but is headed off by another stranger.   Ricky will soon discover that he is about to enter a dark and different world.

The rest of the books are picture books that are good for all ages.   The Monster Who Ate Darkness, by Joyce Dunbar, and illustrated by Jimmy Liao, is a good story to help little ones who are afraid of the dark.   A monster, who is eating up all of the darkness, soon helps a young boy get to sleep.

And another story about a girl who is frightened is Who will Haunt My House on Halloween? , by Jerry Pallotta, and illustrated by David Biedrzycki.   A young girl imagines what or who will haunt her house.   But her fears are calmed when she dresses up herself to go trick-or-treating.

There’s a rockin’ party found in Boogie Knights by Lisa Wheeler, and illustrated by Mark Siegal.   If this stompin’ and swingin’ story doesn’t have you tappin’ your foot, you’re just not readin’ it right!   The 7 Jivin’ Knights are partyin’ at the castle and all sorts of creatures attend.   The alliteration alone will definitely draw you into dancin’!

Spooky Hour, by Tony Mitton, and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees, is full of brilliant color as the count down begins from midnight and fewer and fewer creatures seem to jump off the page as you near “0″.   And the rhyming of this story will also have you moving to the rhythm.

Here are two fun parodies. One is a take off   of the classic “The Night Before Christmas.”   Halloween Night, by Margorie Dennis Murray, and brightly illustrated by Brandon Dorman, is tremendous fun and begs to be read aloud.   It begins with “… ‘Twas Halloween night, and all through the house, Every creature was stirring, including the mouse.” The pictures are as fun as the rhyming story.

Goodnight Goon:   A Petrifying Parody, by Michael Rex, is a spoof from “Goodnight Moon.”   It’s time for the little werewolf to go to bed in the “…cold gray tomb where there’s …two hairy claws and a set of jaws.   And a loud screechy bat and a black hat…” This book will surely have your youngster smiling clear to the end!

The next two books are “find-it” books making them interactive and fun for all.   The Best Halloween Hunt Ever, by John Spiers, has an easy to find lay-out making this book perfect for younger children.

Can You See What I See On a Scary Scary Night?, by Walter Wick, is the same author/illustrator who helped create the “I Spy” series and is filled with amazing photos as you attempt to locate items having to do with Halloween.

Cat Nights, by Jane K. Manning, is about a witch waiting for her 263 rd birthday so that she can turn herself into a cat.   But can she – or will she turn herself back into a witch?

Vera’s Halloween, by Vera Rosenberry, has many mishaps as Vera attempts to have a tremendous trick-or-treating night.   But it does all work out in the end making this special night even better from the events of the night.

And the last book, I’m Looking for a Monster, by Timothy Young, is a pop-up book with pull tabs and lift-ups, as a youngster searches for a monster.   The colors alone make this a winner!

Let’s first begin with picture books geared for youngsters ages 4 through 8.   Little Toot , written and illustrated by Hardie Gramatky, is one of those classic treasures that many of us owned or remembered from our childhood.   Here is a book that has been completely restored and has the original paintings that helped make this a popular book for children.   The book was first published back in 1939 and enlightens children as to how large ships navigate into ports.   Little Toot has spunk and personality but doesn’t dare to venture out near the ocean where it’s rough.   But, he suddenly has a chance to show his courage.   This edition has a note to the reader from the author’s only child and would be a treasure in any home!

And while we’re on classic picture books that were first published long ago, Tubby the Tuba was a 1946 song that has been masterly made into a picture book with the retro paintings of colors and hues of the 1940’s.   Paul Tripp has written the text, with illustrations by Henry Cole.   There’s even a CD included of the classic recording.   There are many layers of learning in this book.   This is a terrific group read-aloud!

Earl The Squirrel , written and illustrated by Don Freeman, isn’t exactly a reissue, but it’s been sitting around for more than 50 years waiting for someone to take notice and publish it.   Mr. Freeman died back in 1978 and had attempted to publish this story but it didn’t happen until long after his death.   Fortunately, it was discovered and published in 2005.   The pictures are completely done in the author’s signature style of simple black and white with only a bright red scarf that Earl wears throughout the story.

The next six picture books are all classics with new illustrations.   Jack and the Bean-stalk , by E. Nesbit, and illustrated by Matt Tavares, is so beautifully painted with pencil and watercolors that they completely fill the pages and capture the imagination of this classic story.   Beauty and the Beast , by Max Eilenberg, and illustrated by Angela Barrett, also takes the reader into a familiar story but with pictures that are sure to hold the attention of all. The Frog Prince , by the Brothers Grimm, and retold by Kathy-Jo Wargin is another familiar story but with breathtaking pictures by Anne Yvonne Gilbert.   The Princess and the Pea [and the 12 Dancing Princesses] , retold and illustrated by Rachel Isadora, takes the reader to Africa as you learn about an African princess and her trials of feeling a pea in her bed.   Hans Christian Andersen’s The Nightingale , retold by Stephen Mitchell, and illustrated beautifully by Bagram Abatoulline, is the story of humility and honor.   The Emperor of China enjoys his nightingale but soon discards him for a more beautiful mechanical bird.   But the nightingale returns when the Emperor becomes ill.   Mr. Abatoulline masterly creates a feeling of exotic China in his paintings.    The Bravest Knight , by Mercer Mayer, was first published back in 1968 but has been redone in bright color.   This hilarious read aloud is about a young boy who imagines be-coming a knight of olden days and fighting dragons.

The next four books would be great to read-aloud for all ages.   The House at Pooh Corner , by A.A. Milne, and illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard, is the perfect book full of all the adventures of Christopher Robin and his friends that live near his house.   The illustrations are in color and carry the original pictures of Winnie the Pooh and his friends.   There’s even a colorful map on both inside covers depicting the layout of the land.   Astid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking has the illustrations by Lauren Child which updates this fantastic tale of an unusual girl who is fun and full of adventures!   A Beatrix Potter Treasury:   The Original and Authorized Edition , would actually be an inspiration to those readers who aspire to writing.   Not only is Ms. Potter’s complete compilation about Peter Rabbit and his friends included, but there is also an illustrated, moving and in-depth introduction about what inspired the author to write these stories.   The first publication was back in 1902.   Alice in Wonderland , by Lewis Carroll, and illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger, is a wonderful reissue with Zwerger working her magic with her imaginative renditions!

And for my last 3 books, these are geared for ages 9 through adult.   Hatchet , by Gary Paulsen, and illustrated by Drew Willis, was first published over 20 years ago.   This book is made for the reluctant reader; the one who hasn’t yet discovered that books can truly be exciting and hard to put down.   If you’ve not read this one, I envy you!   You’re in for a real adventure about a boy who survives a plane crash in the wilderness.   This edition is remarkable with beautiful illustrations and an oversized publication.   Moby-Dick , by Herman Melville, and illustrated by Patrick Benson, was first written back in the 1800’s.   This awe-inspiring epic will draw the reader in with the majesty of writing and incredible illustrations.   There’s even a glossary and drawing of the internal makings of a whaling ship located in the back.   Beowulf is an epic story that has been passed on from gener-ation to generation about a Danish warrior who fights three terrible monsters to keep them from destroying his kingdom.   There are 3 illustrated books about this classic:   Beowulf:   A Tale of Blood, Heat, and Ashes retold by Nicky Raven, and illustrated by John Howe; Beowulf:   A Hero’s Tale Retold by James Rumford and Beowulf by Michael Morpurgo, and illustrated by Michael Foreman.