new kids' books, 5.6.08

Pirates Drive Buses, Christopher Morgan
"OH, NO," SAID HEIDI. "IT'S THAT PIRATE AGAIN." IT SURE IS. Newly-independent readers will welcome the pirate's return.Billy and Heidi were walking to school when they heard the strangest sound. An odd bus stopped beside them, the door clattered open, and out leaped the pirate. “Great claws of crab! Didn’t you get my letter? I told you I was coming.” “A letter?” said Billy. “When did you send it?” “Ten minutes ago,” said the pirate. “Not to worry--you’re here now. And so am I. Now HURRY up!”

Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express, Megan McDonald
When three guinea pigs from the local pet shop make a great escape, Stink Moody and his friends Webster and Sophie spring into action. TA-DA The Fantastic Fur Friends round up the little hairballs and bring them safely back to Mrs. Birdwistle's shop, where they discover — OH-LA-LA — guinea pig pandemonium Time for the Great Guinea Pig Giveaway Stink and company hit the road in a crazy quest to find good homes for 101 squealing, whistling, chirping, wiggly piggies.


Kaline Klattermaster's tree house, Haven Kimmel
Kaline Klattermaster LOVES his mom. ADORES his mom. But his mom can be, well, a bit forgetful sometimes. A bit lax. A bit...CRAZY. For instance, she's a bit crazy when she leaves him in the tub for THREE HOURS. Or gives him a chicken leg for breakfast...or forgets that he needs to go to school. AND he's not completely sure his mother understands how time works. She's been even a bit MORE CRAZY since his dad left. So it's a very good thing that the folks in Kaline's tree house are not so crazy. They understand him. They don't mind that he sometimes HAS to play his pretend bugle, and, of course, they are FULL of good advice on how to handle bullies.

for more information about these and other new kids' books, search the library's catalog >

My Chocolate Year: a novel with 12 recipes, Charlotte Herman
Dorrie Meyers is starting fifth grade, the year of the Sweet Semester baking and essay contest at school. Dorrie is determined to win, but her cakes fall flat, her cookies look like pancakes, and she learns the hard way that chocolate-covered gum is NOT a good idea. Then Dorrie meets her cousin Victor for the first time. Victor is an immigrant from Europe, and he is about to teach Dorrie that a loving family and a safe homeland are the sweetest things of all. With some top-secret tips from Victor's family's bakery and a big slice of confidence, Dorrie Meyers might just have the yummiest year of her life.

Surprises According to Humphrey, Betty Birney
Being a classroom hamster means having to be ready for anythingabut suddenly there are a lot of big surprises in Humphreyas world. Some are exciting, like seeing the playground during a fire drill and getting to roll around in a hamster ball. But some arenat so good, like a cat creeping around, a different janitor who might be from another planet, and the most shocking thing of allathe possibility of Mrs. Brisbane retiring. Even with all thatas going on, Humphrey makes time to help a few classmates with their problems. But could Mrs. Brisbane leaving school be one problem that's just too big for this little guy to solve?

Fancy Nancy at the Museum [I can read! Level 1], Jane O'Connor

Nancy's class is going on a trip to the museum, and Nancy wants to be extra fancy for the occasion. After a bumpy bus ride, she doesn't feel very well. Luckily for Nancy, her teacher, Ms. Glass, has a few fancy tricks of her own. Nothing can keep Nancy from making this trip magnifique! (That's a fancy French word for great!)

Fancy Nancy and the Boy from Paris [I can Read! Level 1], Jane O'Connor

There's a new boy in school, and he's from Paris. Nancy cannot believe her luck. But this Parisian may not be as fancy as Nancy expects!

for more information about these and other new kids' books, search the library's catalog >