Claire and the Bakery Thief
By Janice Poon
Claire and her parents have just moved from the city to the country to start an organic bakery. But Claire and her mother aren't excited, they both miss the city. Then Claire makes a new friend and has fun exploring the outdoors. Although the bakery is a success Claire's parents seem to fight a lot. Then suddenly Claire's mom leaves town with a salesman. Can Claire and her new friend Jet track down her mom and find out what's going on and when she's coming back? A fun comic style book young girls will enjoy. You'll also find some great recipes in the back of the book. (Ages 9-12)

Hen Hears Gossip
By Megan McDonald
Illus by Kim Joung Un
One fine day in the barnyard Hen was scratching for bugs when she overhead Cow and Pig whispering to each other. Hen loved to gossip and she couldn't wait to tell her friends what she'd heard. But as Hen tells one friend and those friends each tell one friend, the gossip gets back to Hen, and it's all messed up. Can Hen get to the bottom of the real gossip, and what was really said will get all the animals excited! A fun book about secrets and gossip. (Ages 4-8)

Jin Jin the Dragon
By Grace Change
Illus by Chong Chang
On a warm spring day a tiny golden creature hatches from a thousand-year-old egg. The golden creature talks to other animals, a fish, a snake, an Eagle, a deer, a hare and others, but none can tell him what type of creature he is. But the animals give him a name, Jin Jin, that means golden. Jin Jin goes in search of Old Turtle and Crane, so they can tell him what type of animal he is. On his journey to discover who he is Jin Jin makes many friends, learns to read and learns the amazing thing that only he can do! The beautiful watercolor illustrations and story of self discovery will resonate with young readers. (Ages 9-12)

Little Hoot
By Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Illus by Jen Corace
Little Hoot liked going to school, he liked playing with his friends and he even liked practicing being an owl, but Little Hoot did not like staying up late. It just wasn't fair, all his friends got to go to bed early. But Little Hoot had to stay up and play, no matter how many times he begged his parents to let him sleep. Young readers who don't like to go to bed early will enjoy reading about Little Hoot's dilemma! The amazing illustrations and fun story will make this book a favorite among young readers and parents. (Ages 4-8)

Martin Bridge: In High Gear!
By Jessica Scott Kerrin
Illus by Joseph Kelly
For their science fair project the class has to divide into teams and find ways to save the planet. Martin's team decides to clean up the beach, but there's one big problem, one of the team members isn't helping out much. Can Martin and his friends get this boy to help out more, or will his luck pull him through the project? Then Martin gets a not so happy visit from his great aunt Laverne. To Martin she seems grumpy all the time, and thinks his parents give him way too much. When Martin's brand new bike gets stolen Martin volunteers at Bicycle Recycle and finds out just how lucky he is. Fun stories young readers will enjoy. (Ages 9-12)

Max's Dragon
By Kate Banks
Illus by Boris Kulikov
As Max's brothers play croquet in the backyard, Max is on a quest for words that rhyme, and what he sees outdoors is his inspiration. Then Max spots a dragon in the clouds high in the sky, but his brothers don't believe in dragons. Then a dinsoaur appears and the weather quickly changes, but only Max's rhyming words can save the day from disaster! The great wordplay and delightful illustrations make this book a fun read for all! (Ages 4-8)

The Umbrella Queen
By Shirin Yim Bridges
Illus by Taeeun Yoo
In a village high in the hills of Thailand, the people do the same thing they have been doing for years, making beautiful umbrellas. They make big umbrellas, and small ones. Umbrellas made of paper and silk, and umbrellas of all colors painted with flowers and butterflies. Young Noot really wants to paint umbrellas too. So when her mother lets her try she's impressed with Noot's ability, and gives her more to do. But Noot tires of painting flowers and decides to paint elephants instead. Noot's mother tells her she can only paint flowers and butterflies, so Noot decides to make her own mini umbrellas with elephants. On the day the king comes to judge the umbrella painting and choose who will be the next umbrella queen, what will he think of Noot's elephants? A beautifully illustrated book about doing something you love. (Ages 4-8)