Harriet and George's Christmas Treat

Here's a fun story to share at Christmas.  Harriet and George are looking forward to the holdiay, except for one thing: Ms Hoozit is making fruitcake (again!).  Terrible memories of past year's flash before their eyes and they try every way possible to avoid Ms Hoozit.  Finally, on Christmas Eve, they see other kids getting fudge and other treats from Ms Hoozit, but they are too late to get any, and the only 'treat' left is last year's fruitcake! For lovers of fruitcake of all ages, this tale written and illustrated by Nancy Carlson, is perfect for the season.

Hamster Magic

The Willow family has just moved from their suburban home to the country.  Celia is the youngest and smallest of the four children.  One day, her hamster surprises everyone by announcing that he has the power to grant wishes, and Celia blurts out that she wants to "be big"! But she didn't want to be furry at the same time. Will her big brothers and sister be able to hide her from their parents while they try to reverse a bit of hamster magic?  Read this easy chapter book, written by Lynne Jonell, to see what happens.  The illustrations by Brandon Donovan add to the humor of this adventure.

Bink and Gollie

Written by two favorite Minnesota authors, Alison McGhee and Kate DiCamillo, with illustrations by Tony Fucile; this book is a collection of three interconnected stories. 
Gollie is a self-confident girl who lives in a fashionable contemporary house.  Her friend Bink, is somewhat rumpled, but is also an adventure seeker. 
The first story is about Bink's selection of socks; the second sends Gollie on an adventure into the Andes; and in the third Gollie is jealous of Bink's new pet fish.  Despite their quirks, these girls know the value of friendship. 
The book is almost a hybrid of a picture book, graphic novel, and early reader.  Fucile's cartoon-like illustrations add to the adventure.  There is great fun and imagination here.

Can't Sleep Without Sheep

A little girl named Ava sometimes can't fall asleep at night.  Her mother tells her to 'count sheep'.  She gives it a try, but it still takes so long that the sheep get tired and quit.  They promise to find replacements, but that isn't easy either as each new animal adds to the confusion and havoc.  Written by Susanna Leonard Hill, with hilarious illustrations by Minnesotan Mike Wohnoutka, this will be fun to share with young children.

The Shadows (Books of Elsewhere #1)

This is a first book by a new Minnesota author, Jacqueline West.  It is also the first in a series called: The Books of Elsewhere.  It's the story of Olive Dunwoody, a curious 11 year old whose family has just moved into a big spooky old Victorian house.  The house is full of dark old paintings, and one day Olive finds a pair of glasses that allow her to travel inside the artwork to "Elsewhere".  As the story progresses, Olive begins to understand some of the house's mysteries -- but it's a BIG house -- so say tuned for the next volume.

I Hear the Wind

As I write this, it is a blustery day in November.  It feels like Winter, but the calendar says it is still Fall.  That's the feeling one gets by reading this book, written and illustrated by Greg Budig.  Here the cold Fall (almost Winter) wind is seen through the eyes and imagination of a child as it whistles past the house at night, making a variety of sights and sounds.  The wind is everywhere, and you will see and feel it through the words and pictures of this story.

Big Belching Bog

Minnesota is known for its many beautiful lakes.  No so much for the peat bogs that are scattered across the northern part of the state, including the Big Bog just north of Upper Red Lake.  This is the largest peat bog in the lower 48 states.  This (appropriately large format) book, written by Phyllis Root, introduces readers to the plants and animals that live in a bog.  Woodcut illustrations by Betsy Bowen add to the atmosphere of the bog.  More information about the plants and animals is found in the end notes. This book will be a useful addition to classes studying plants, animals, and Minnesota geography and environment.  Do bogs belch?  No one knows for sure, but this book will pique your curiosity.