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Ivy and Bean Book One, by Annie Barrows (2007)

The moment they saw each other, Bean and Ivy knew they wouldn't be friends. But when Bean plays a joke on her sister, Nancy, and has to hide quick Ivy comes to the rescue, proving that sometimes the best of friends are people never meant to like each other. Vibrant characters and lots of humor make this a charming and addictive introduction to Ivy and Bean. - from the publisher, ages 4-12

The Penderwicks - A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy, by Jeanne Birdsall (2005)

This summer the Penderwick sisters have a wonderful surprise: a holiday on the grounds of a beautiful estate called Arundel. Soon they are busy discovering the summertime magic of Arundel's sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. But the best discovery of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel's owner, who quickly proves to be the perfect companion for their adventures.
The icy-hearted Mrs. Tifton is not as pleased with the Penderwicks as Jeffrey is, though, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Which, of course, they will--won't they? One thing's for sure: it will be a summer the Penderwicks will never forget.
Deliciously nostalgic and quaintly witty, this is a story as breezy and carefree as a summer day. - from the publisher, ages 8-12

The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick (2007)

It is wonderful.
Take that overused word literally: Hugo Cabret evokes wonder. At more than 500 pages, its proportions seem Potteresque, yet it makes for quick reading because Selznick’s amazing drawings take up most of the book. While they may lack the virtuosity of Chris Van Allsburg’s work or David Wiesner’s, their slight roughness gives them urgency. The result is a captivating work of fiction that young readers with a taste for complex plots and a touch of magic — think Harry H., not Harry P. — can love. - John Schwartz, The New York Times, ages 9-12

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Fancy Nancy and the Posh Pet, Jane O'Connor(2007)

Fancy Nancy is back! And when her family decides to get a dog, she's certain she can be fancier than ever. After all, a papillon—a small, delicate, fluffy dog—is the ultimate accessory. But her family wants a large, plain dog. How unglamorous!
With Fancy Nancy's trademark humor and warmth, Nancy discovers that real fanciness does not depend simply on appearance but more on a genuine joie de vivre, which is a fancy phrase for having lots of fun- from the publisher, ages 4-7

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The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame (1908)

Kenneth Grahame's exuberant yet whimsical The Wind in the Willows belongs to the golden age of children's classic novels. These charming, exciting and humorous tales of the riverbank and its life featuring the wonderfully imagined Ratty, Mole, Badger and the irrepressible but conceited Toad of Toad Hall — whose passion for motor cars ("The onlyway to travel! Here today — in next week tomorrow") lands him in many scrapes — still continue exert their charm over adults as well as children. - from the publisher, ages 9-12

A Child's Introduction to Ballet, by Laura Lee (2007)

The latest volume in Black Dog’s successful book-and-CD series combines the mesmerizing stories of the world’s great ballets with fun facts, dancing how-tos, history, profiles— all accompanied by charming original watercolors.
From Swan Lake and The Nutcracker to Peter and the Wolf and Fancy Free, the of twenty-five of the world’s best-loved ballets are told, accompanied by corresponding tracks on an enclosed CD. These are the charming stories that bring ballet to life on the stage, along with the music that has made them into enduring classics.
Surrounding the stories is a captivating, illustrated history of ballet, each page filled with information, artwork, and profiles of the world’s great dancers, choreographers, and composers. There are even instructions on ballet positions and the key moves that every dancer needs to know.
The musical selections included on the CD are keyed to specific points in the text, making the book uniquely interactive, educational, and fun.
- from the publisher, ages 8-12

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On the Night You Were Born, by Nancy Tillman (2006)

On the Night You Were Born weaves rich illustrations and comforting language to promote in children a deep sense of their own worth. Geese fly home to celebrate. Polar bears dance. The world comes alive with thanksgiving. Before the tale ends, children will be wiggling their toes and whispering their names in joyous celebration of their own unique wonder.
- from the publisher, ages 3-6

Goodnight Train, by June Sobel (2006)

All aboard for Dreamland! Hold on to your pillow because the Goodnight Train is taking off. Roll that corner, rock that curve, and soar past mermaids, leaping sheep, and even ice-cream clouds. You won't want to miss a thing, so whatever you do, don't . . . close . . . your . . . eyes! With soothing, lyrical words and magical illustrations, June Sobel and Laura Huliska-Beith have created a nighttime fantasy that's guaranteed to make even the most resistant sleeper snuggle up tight. - from the publisher, ages 3-7

Ocean Life - Book and CD, by Cynthia Stierle and Annie Crawley(2007)

Kids will love this innovative book and DVD package that lets them discover the fascinating underwater world - without ever getting wet! The entry for each letter focuses on the ocean-dwellers that begin with that letter. Kids will find fun facts and interesting tidbits as they pour over the amazing photographs. The 45-minute DVD showcases incredible footage that kids will want to watch over and over again.

Underwater life is a part of all preschool thru high school curriculums! Some preschools and all early grades study the life cycle of the tadpole to frog, and all early grades study the different types of plant and animal marine life - this book and DVD package includes everything they would study and MORE!
Annie's interesting narrative on this DVD clearly explains what it is like to be a captain of a boat, a videographer, and an underwater diver for young children studying 'What Do People Do?" in school!
+ The 32 page book includes more than 50 different sea creatures with tons of beautiful color photographs and fascinating facts on ocean life such as barracudas, kelp forests, predators and prey, parrotfish, sharks, xeno crabs and so much more.
+ DVD in English and Spanish!
+ DVD includes 45 minutes of underwater footage, created and narrated by Annie Crawley, a photographer and videographer-http://anniecrawley.com/
+ The DVD includes 26 different A to Z sea creatures and tons of kid friendly factoids such as "Mouth mackerels are named because of the way they feed. They swim against the current and open their mouths, waiting for their meal to swim inside!"
+ DVD has 3 main parts: Meet Annie - kids can hear all about Annie and watch as she drives her boat, puts on her gear and gets into the ocean; A to Z - filled with cool pictures and fun facts all about ocean life from A to Z; You and The Ocean - kids can watch as Annie and other kids get in the water. DVD footage unavailable anywhere. - ages 9-12

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