Only a Witch Can Fly

Halloween has just past, so this is a little late, but here goes anyway.

It is Halloween, and the young girl in this story would like to fly like a witch. She sneaks out of the house, mounts her broom, but quickly takes a tumble. However, with determination, great effort, and help from her brother, a black cat, and an owl, she is successful and her dream is fulfilled. Written in a unique sestina poem form by Alison McGhee, with rustic looking linoleum block prints by Taeeun Yo, this will get readers in the mood for Halloween. (well, maybe next year!)

How Do I Love You?

This simple board book story shares all the ways a small child is loved. With simple text by Marion Dane Bauer and bright illustrations by Caroline Jayne Church, it will be a favorite for parents to share with young children; and could be a nice gift for parents of a baby or young child.

How the Nobble Was Finally Found

The Nobble lives in a very lonely world - and he's been along for a very long time - 4323 years and 3 months to be exact. One day he sets off on an adventure to find something different or new - or something!
He discovers rough things, fuzzy things, tall, skinny things, and a door that knocks. But he doesn't know what to do with a door that knocks. Read this fantasy story by C. K. Williams to find out what's behind the door. The illustrations by Stephen Gammell are a perfect fit for this imaginary story.

Bugtown Boogie

All the bugs have gathered for a party at Bugtown, which is located at the base of a big old tree. A young boy, on his way home, is drawn to the sound and light coming from the party and stops to watch the event. With a rhyming, jazzy text by Warren Hanson, and colorful imaginative illustrations by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, this works for group readings and is also fun for individuals.

Soul Moon Soup

Phoebe Rose dreams of becoming an artist. But life is hard, living on the streets of a big city, because she and her mother are homeless. The last straw occurs when a thief steals the suitcase with all their earthly possessions, and Phoebe Rose is sent to the country to live with her grandmother, while her mom tries to get back on her feet. A novel told in verse form, and written by Minnesotan Lindsay Lee Johnson; this will encourage readers to think about families and about what the really important things are in life.

Birds of Voyageurs National Park

It's a little late to plan a canoe trip to Voyageurs National Park for this year. But, if you are dreaming about next summer already, this is a handy guide to the birds that live in this unique geographic region of Minnesota and southern Ontario. After an introductory section on bird habitat and anatomy, the main section of the book features one page profiles of the 100 most frequently seen birds in the Park. Each profile includes a color photo, description, behavioral information, and tips on where to see the birds. Lacking a personal author, the book was coordinated and published by the Voyageurs Region National Park Association, with offices in Minneapolis.

Amphibians and Reptiles of the North Woods

This field guide includes information about 46 species of salamanders, toads, frogs, turtles, skinks, and snakes that are found int he states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Written by Allen Blake Sheldon, it includes a basic introduction to the biology of these animals including their reproduction and life cycle, where to find and observe them, how to take pictures of them, and information on conservation efforts. Each species has a two-page profile including a description, color photos, a range map, reproduction and notes by the author. A glossary in back will define unknown terms.

Reptiles and Amphibians of Minnesota Field Guide

Although small in size, this field guide is packed with information. Feature 29 reptiles (turtles, snakes, and lizards) and 21 amphibians (salamanders, frogs, and toads), all native to Minnesota; this can be used in science and biology classes. Each group has a 4-5 page introduction including a physical description, behavior patterns, mating, and incubation. Each individual species has a two-page profile including size, physical description, habitat, food, and a photo. Geographic range is shown on a small map. Written by Stan Tekiela, it is a core resource for library collections.