Holes
By Louis Sachar
Does digging holes help build character? The warden at Camp Green Lake thinks so. But Stanley discovers that the warden doesn't care about character, she's looking for something. When Stanley is falsely accused of stealing he is sent to Camp Green Lake, a detention center for boys, which isn't actually a lake and the only green around are two trees by the warden's cabin. As Stanley becomes hardened to the ways of the camp and the other boys, he makes a discovery that connects him and his new friend to the past and his "no good, dirty rotten, pig stealing great grandfather". This 10th anniversary edition has a great new cover and loads of fun information on Louis Sachar from his family. Also included is Sachar's Newbery acceptance speech and personal photographs. (Ages 9-12) Newbery Medal, 1999

Mama's Kiss
By Jane Yolen
Illus by Daniel Baxter
Mama loves to throw her daughter kisses, but what happens when the kiss gets away one day? It flies out the window, it spins and bumps and smacks. It gets carried around from one animal to another, until it finds its way back home again. The delightful verse and colorful illustrations show that love makes the world go round. (Ages 4-8)

My Letter to the World and Other Poems (Visions in Poetry)
By Emily Dickinson
Illus by Isabelle Arsenault
Emily Dickinson is one of the world's most well-known poets in history. She was a reclusive woman and spent most of her time alone, conversing with only a few people mostly through letters and notes. Most of her poems were not published until after her death in 1886. These seven poems, beautifully illustrated in black and white with little splashes of color, are full of wit, wordplay and sparse language. These poems speak to the reader about our deepest thoughts, feelings and experiences. (Young Adult)

South
By Patrick McDonnell
The last of the autumn leaves have fallen from the tree, and one sleepy little bird gets left behind. Mooch the cat comes along and helps the little bird find the other birds that have already headed south. They walk until the snow starts to fall, then Mooch hears singing. They've found the other birds at last! Mooch hugs his new friend goodbye and he continues on his journey south. A touching and beautifully illustrated wordless story about friendship, compassion and the journey home. (Ages 4-8)

The Day Leo Said I Hate You
By Robie H. Harris
Illus by Molly Bang
Leo was tired of hearing his mom say no. "No dancing on the table." "No drawing on the wall." No. No. No. Leo gets so angry he suddenly shouts "I hate you!" to his mom. Uh, oh, will mom be really upset? Will she hate Leo for saying that to her? A delightfully illustrated book about what sometimes happens when our emotions take over, adn the special bond between parent and child that can't be broken by words. (Ages 4-8)

Wabi Sabi
By Mark Reibstein
Illus by Ed Young
"Wabi Sabi...finds beauty and harmony in what is simple, imperfect, natural, modest, and mysterious." One day two visitors ask Wabi Sabi's owner what her name means. The cat listens closely for the answer, but her owner says it is hard to explain. So Wabi Sabi goes in search of the meaning herself. She discovers that simple is beautiful and humility is important. The lyrical text and stunning collages illustrate the unique and simply beautiful world of wabi sabi. (Ages 4-8)

Willow Buds #2: When Toady Met Ratty
By Mary Jane Begin
Based on the characters from "The Wind in the Willows," "Willow Buds" tells the story of Ratty, Toady and Badger when they were young and just becoming friends. Rose Bud, Ratty's great-great-niece, found an old diary of Ratty's that tells tales of their early adventures. Badger wants his new friend Toady to meet his old friend Ratty, but the two just don't hit it off. They both want Badger to themselves, until Badger ends up in trouble. Can Ratty and Toady work together to help Badger? (Ages 4-8)