Farmer's Market; Families Working Together

Where's the best place to buy the freshest vegetables, fruit, and flowers? Try a farmer's market. In this book, readers will get a behind-the-scenes look at two farm families who raise produce and flowers to sell at the St. Paul farmer's market. They will also see how everyone in the family, including children, work together to grow the food and flowers that fill the market from Spring through Fall each year. Written by Marcie Rendon with photographs by Cheryl Walsh Bellville, it also includes instructions for growing vegetables from seed, and may be a resource for Spring gardening units.

My Head is Full of Colors

Each day when Maria wakes up, her head is full of something. One day it may be books, another - colors, another - animals, another - people. A bright a colorful book written by Catherine Friend, illustrated by Kiki Oberstenfeld de Suarez, it was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 1995.

Hayloft

This one may bring back summer memories on a cool October day.

In this beginning chapter book, sisters Caroline Rose and Ivy enjoy summer on the farm, especially the hayloft of the barn. It's a great place to play, and perhaps even sleep overnight in -- except for the spiders and other creepy things. Written by Lisa Westberg Peters, with illustrations by K.D. Plum, this will be enjoyed by girls from town or country.

Utterly Otterly Day

In the newest collaboration of Mary Casanova and Ard Hoyt, this is the story of a young otter who believes he's big enough to explore the world on his own. After several close calls, Little Otter realizes that the best and safest place is at home in the den with his family. Funny pictures and lots of word play will make this a popular choice with early readers.

A Very Brave Witch

In a spooky house on the far edge of town lives a brave little witch. She has heard about the human holiday, Halloween, but she has never seen it for herself. This year will be different as she hops on her broom to see what all the excitement is about. When her broom crashes, she becomes friends with a human 'witch'. Now, who's the bravest witch? Written by Alison McGhee, with delightful illustrations by Harry Bliss (don't overlook the endpapers), it's a fun Halloween story for young readers.

Some Dog

George, a bloodhound-like dog, has had a good life. But now he's getting old, and expecting peace and quiet, and a slower pace to life. But one day, a small, stray, yappity dog moves into his home. This dog has so much energy that the family names his Zippity. Eventually, Zippity's frenetic energy is too much, and he's banished out into a thunderstorm. When he doesn't return, George is sent to find him, and what an adventure it is. Written by Mary Casanova, illustrated by Ard Hoyt, this will have readers cheering for George all the way.

In the Driver's Seat

The reader gets behind the wheel in this funny adventure. Down the road, around curves, through a barnyard, up a mountain road, and even under water we all go as readers laugh their way to a surprise conclusion. Simple, but bold, colors fill the pages of this preschool adventure by Max Haynes.