The Gift of The Magi 
ISBN 0689817010 Aladdin Paperback (7 to 10) WB Price: $9.95
O'Henry's most famous short story, "The Gift of the Magi" has a universal appeal that extends beyond the Christmas season. Set in New York at the turn of the century, the story centers on a young couple and the sacrifices each must make in order to buy the other a gift. The pictures by the award-winning Austrian illustrator Lisbeth Zwerger are infused with the poignancy and delight of this simple tale about the rewards of unselfish love. 24.49 cms L x 20.27 cms W (0.12 kgs) 26 pages

The Canterbury Tales
ISBN 0140380531 Puffin Paperback (10 to 13) 128 pgs WB Price: $6.95
Lively, absorbing, often outrageously funny, Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" is a work of genius, an undisputed classic that has held a special appeal for each generation of readers. "The Canterbury Tales" gather twenty-nine of literature's most enduring (and endearing) characters in a vivid group portrait that captures the full spectrum of medieval society, from the exalted Knight to the humble plowman. A graceful modern translation facing each page of the text allows the contemporary reader to enjoy the fast pace of these selections from "The Canterbury Tales" with the poetry of the Middle English original always at first hand. 

Aesop's Fables
ISBN 0590438808 EAN: 9780590438803 Scholastic Paperback (10 to 13) 
WB Price: $8.50
This collection of stories attributed to a Greek slave named Aesop contains 67 tales. Each one illustrates the failings and virtues of human nature in a simple, humorous way and ends with a proverb that teaches a moral.Here are the time-honored fables of Aesop as never seen before. Santore's animals leap off the page in explosions of color, giving messages to ponder and physical beauty to savor. "School Library Journal" called this interpretation of the classic morality tales" a delight to the eye and ear."19.56 cms L x 13.4 cms W (0.07 kgs) 80 pages

The Hundred Penny Box
ISBN 014240702X  EAN: 9780142407028 Puffin Paperback 
WB Price: $13.95
Michael's great-great-aunt Dew was a hundred years old, and she kept an old box filled with pennies, one for each birthday. Michael loved to sit at her feet and count out the pennies while Aunt Dew told the story behind each one. Michael's mother wanted to throw out the old box and buy a new one. But Aunt Dew said, "Anybody takes my hundred penny box, take me." And for his love for Aunt Dew, Michael knew he had to try to save the hundred penny box that contained all the stories of her life. Award: Newbery Honor Book .23.93 cms L x 20.07 cms W (0.16 kgs) 47 pages

A Taste of Blackberries
ISBN 006440238X Harper Paperback 85 pgs 
WB Price: $8.95
Jamie is special, full of surprises, unpredictable. He can get into trouble, and then out of it. He courts danger, and always escapes. And he has an answer for every impossible question. But when something sudden and terrible happens to Jamie, his best friend has to face the tragedy alone. Now there are questions that not even Jamie could have answered. How could Jamie be alive one minute, and the next, gone forever? How can some things, like flowers or playing games in the sun or the taste of the blackberries Jamie loved, go on without him - and still be so full of joy and pleasure? Award: ALA Notable Book .

Stay Away From Simon!
ISBN 089919849X EAN: 9780899198491 Clarion Paperback 
WB Price: $11.95
Lucy and her younger brother examine their feelings about a mentally handicapped boy they both fear when he follows them home one snowy day. This moving book will help children overcome their fear of the mentally disabled and develop overall sensitivity towards people who are "different". Review: "A fine melding of text and illustrations in an adventure story that packs an emotional wallop." -- School Library Journal, starred review 19.56 cms L x 12.85 cms W (0.07 kgs) 63 pages

26 Fairmount Avenue
ISBN 0698118642 Puffin Paperback (7 to 11)WB Price: $11.95
Tomie's family starts building their new house at 26 Fairmount Avenue in 1938, just as a hurricane hits town, starting off a busy, crazy year. Tomie has many adventures all his own, including eating chocolate with his Nana Upstairs, only to find out -- the hard way -- that they have eaten chocolate laxative. He tries to skip kindergarten when he finds out he won't learn to read until first grade. "I'll be back next year", he says. When Tomie goes to see Snow White, he creates another sensation. Tomie dePaola's childhood memories are hilarious, and his charming illustrations are sure to please. Award: Newbery Honor Book 2000.25.91 cms L x 20.12 cms W (0.12 kgs) 57 pages

Ben and Me
EAN 9780316517300 Little Brown Paperback (8 to 12) WB Price: $11.45
Did you ever wonder where inventors get their ideas? Benjamin Franklin was one of the most famous inventors in American history, and according to this amusing book, he got most of his ideas - the good ones at any rate - from a mouse!The true story of Ben Franklin, as told by his closest friend and advisor, Amos the mouse. According to Amos, it was really he who was responsible for Ben Franklin's inventions and discoveries.18.90 cms L x 12.7 cms W (0.09 kgs) 114 pages

The Golden Key
EAN 9780374425906 Farrar Paperback (8 to 12) WB Price: $11.45
The adventurous wanderings of a boy and girl to find the keyhole which fits the rainbow's golden key.Reviews:[This] "edition illustrated with remarkable sensitivity makes available once more one of the most beautiful of allegorical fairy tales...The story is itself a key that will open to many children a door on their own imaginative experiences and the pleasure and mystery of allegorical speculation." --"The Horn Book""A new edition illustrated with remarkable sensitivity makes available once more one of the most beautiful of allegorical fairy tales...The story tells of the girl and boy, Tangle and Mossy, who meet and travel together to a mysterious land. For a while their paths separate as Tangle encounters, one after another, the three Old Men--of the Sea, of the Earth, and of the Fire--and she grows wiser and more beautiful with each stage of her journey. Tangle is reunited at last with Mossy, who carries the golden key, and they reach the rainbow, climbing along it toward the 'country whence the shadows fall.' The story, full of dreamlike events and exquisite images, is itself a key that will open to many children a door on their own imaginative experiences and the pleasure and mystery of allegorical speculation." --"Horn Book"18.64 cms L x 12 cms W (0.12 kgs) 96 pages

The Rainbow People
EAN 9780064404419 Harper Paperback (8 to 12) WB Price: $11.95
These 20 tales are organized into sections with themes like 'Tricksters' or 'Virtues and Vices, ' each with a thoughtful introduction placing the individual stories in the context of feelings and background of the original tellers. Yep's telling is vigorous, often poetic, imbued with earthy humor and realism touched with fatalism. A handsomely designed collection."Awards: Notable Children's Books of 1989 (ALA),The USA Through Children's Books 1990 (ALA),1989 Boston Globe– Horn Book Award for Nonfiction,1990 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book),1989 Children's Editors' Choices,Notable 1989 Children's Trade Books in Social Studies,Children's Books of 1989 (Library of Congress),1989 Children's Books (NY Public Library),"The Best Books" 1989 (Parents Magazine)19.35 cms L x 12.90 cms W (0.15 kgs) 194 pages

Around The World In A Hundred Years
EAN 9780698116382 ISBN: 0698116380 Paperback (7 to 12) WB Price: $15.95
Fritz brings history to life once again in ten true tales of 15th-century European explorers--from Bartholomew Diaz and Christopher Columbus to Juan Ponce de Leon and Vasco Nunez de Balboa--who changed the map and left behind stories of adventure too good to miss. Awards: An IRA Teacher's Choice. A "Parenting" Magazine Best Book of the Year. Review:"Fritz approaches (the salient facts) with playful irreverence; accordingly, the frequently traveled material can seem refreshingly new". --Publishers Weekly.22 cms L x 17.2 cms W (0.24 kgs) 128 pages

Not My Dog
ISBN: 0374455384 EAN: 9780374455385 Farrar Paperback 
(7 to 10) WB Price: $8.95
Ellie Martin fiercely resists her new dog's charms.It isn't Ellie's fault, really. She's always wanted a puppy, and now that she's almost nine, finally old enough to get one, Preston is foisted on her. What's more, her parents say that this fully grown mutt that Great-aunt Margaret can no longer keep will have to do. They can't very well have a dog and a puppy. Although heartbroken and resentful, Ellie does see Preston's virtues. Still, she refuses to accept him as her dog. Then Ellie's resistance almost costs her Preston, and at last she embraces him. Colby Rodowsky's story about a child's change of heart has just enough tenderness -- and just enough bite -- to satisfy young dog lovers. Captivating drawings by Thomas F. Yezerski highlight the experience. Review Quotes:"Here's a really good book...for that neglected second-to-third-grade market. Eight-year-old Ellie wants a puppy more than anything else in the world...So she's not happy when her parents inform her that they are adopting a full-grown dog - a 'sort of square, boring brown dog with sticking-up ears and a skinny tail' - named Preston who belonged to a distant relative... Gradually, however, Preston wins her over. Readers will find their interest engaged and held from beginning to end, and will close the book with great satisfaction."-Starred," The Horn Book""A neat twist on the girl-yearns-for-dog story, this begining chapter book has much to recommend it...Thomas F. Yezerski's 10 full-page drawings illustrate the characters' actions, attitudes, and emotions in a most appealing way. An excellent choice for children." - "Booklist"19.33 cms L x 13 cms W (0.08 kgs) 69 pages 

Math Rashes & Other Classroom Tales
ISBN: 0439339022 EAN: 9780439339025 Scholastic Paperback 
(7 to 10) WB Price: $8.95
The New-School-Year-Moon hangs above every school the night before it opens. This year it shines over the W.T. Melon Elementary School brighter than ever -- and the man in the moon is W.T Melon himself! There's no doubt that this year will be full of magical surprises that may teach the third graders a lesson or two. Especially when a playground bully gets a taste of her own medicine, a fairy godteacher grants any wish, and a rash breaks out after too much math! 18.64 cms L x 14.83 cms W (0.08 kgs) 112 pages 

The Half-A-Moon Inn
ISBN: 0064403645 EAN: 9780064403641 Harper Paperback 
(9 to 12) WB Price: $10.95
Lost on wintry roads, mute-born Aaron searches for his mother, who has failed to return from the town market. Nearly half-frozen, he stumbles into the Half-a-Moon Inn, where the wicked proprietor forces him to assist her with picking pockets and prying into people's dreams. Readers have been captivated by Aaron's escape from evil since 1980, when this charming and suspenseful book was first published.19.7 cms L x 13 cms W (0.07 kgs) 88 pages Awards:1980 Children's Reviewers' Choices (BL);Notable Books of the Year 1980 (New York Times);1980 Golden Kite Award Honor Book for Fiction (SCBW)Children's Books of 1980 (Library of Congress)

Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart
ISBN: 0060571829 EAN: 9780060571825 Harper Paperback 
(7+) WB Price: $11.95
Essie is smart. She can read hard library books and make cocoa. Amber is brave. She isn't afraid of the rat in the wall or of climbing up in high places. Amber and Essie are sisters and best friends. Together, they can do anything.Through her spare verse, black- and-white drawings, and full-color portraits, the Caldecott Honor author/illustrator describes the affectionate bond between two sisters and the poignancy of small moments in time that together tell a much bigger story of survival and love. Awards: Booksellers Choice | Winner | Beginning Readers | 2002 ; Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards | Honor Book | Fiction or Poetry | 2002 ; Jane Addams Book Award | Honor Book | Picture Book | 2002 ; Childrens Book Committee Award | Winner | Fiction | 2002 ; Childrens Book Committee Award | Winner | Poetry | 2002 , 24.26 cms L x 16.71 cms W (0.19 kgs) 72 pages

Changes for Kirsten by Janet Shaw
ISBN 0937295450 EAN 9780937295458 Pleasant Paperback 
WB Price: $11.95
A stray baby raccoon that Kirsten adopted inadvertently sets off a fire and destroyed the family home. Things look dismal until Kirsten finds something else in the woods that may save them. This story is set in America in the 19th century and even includes a short account of life back then, complete with black and white photographs and illustrations.21.64 cms L x 15.72 cms W (0.16 kgs) 64 pages 

Freckle Juice by Judy Blume
ISBN 0440428130 EAN 9780440428138 Yearling Paperback 
WB Price: $8.50
(7 to 10) Nicky has freckles -- they cover his face, his ears, and the whole back of his neck. Once, sitting behind him in class, Andrew counted eighty-six of them, and that was just a start! If Andrew had freckles like Nicky, his mother would never know if his neck was dirty.One day after school, Andrew works up enough courage to ask Nicky where he got his freckles. And, as luck would have it, who should overhear him but giggling, teasing Sharon. She offers Andrew her secret freckle juice recipe -- for fifty cents. That's a lot of money, but Andrew is desperate. At home he carefully mixes the strange combination of ingredients. Then the unexpected happens... 19 cms L x 13. cms W (0.04 kgs) 48 pages

Paul Jennings' Funniest Stories by Paul Jennings
ISBN 0670028908 EAN: 9780670028900 Penguin Paperback (9 to 12) 
WB Price: $34.95
Seven million books sold and dozens of children's choice awards garnered, the masterful Paul Jennings never fails to deliver.This collection of twenty-five hilarious stories, from the UnCollected series, and is sure to have readers laughing out loud. 21.97 cms L x 15.24 cms W (0.43 kgs) 329 pages

The Horrible History of The World
ISBN 043995455X Scholastic Paperback (9 to 12) 
WB Price: $21.95
Terry Deary presents the foul but fascinating story of humans, from brain-nibbling Neanderthals to the terrified teenage soldiers in the twentieth century - all in glorious and goriest colour and now in flexi-bound paperback format. The truth about foul fighting is revealed in the "Horrible Histories Rules of War", and readers can meet fifty of the most vicious villains of all time in the frightful fold-out feature. History has never been so horrible| 96 pgs 26 x 21.2 cm

The Last Holiday Concert
ISBN 0374454116 EAN: 9780374454111 Sunburst Paperback (8 to 12) WB Price: $10.50
A mouse's-eye-view of Emily Dickinson.When a mouse named Emmaline takes up residence behind the wainscoting of Emily Dickinson's bedroom, she wonders what it is that keeps Emily scribbling at her writing table throughout the day and into the night. Emmaline sneaks a look, and finds that it's poetry! Inspired, Emmaline writes her own first poem and secretly deposits it on Emily's desk. Emily answers with another poem, and a lively exchange begins. In this charming and fanciful introduction to Emily Dickinson, Elizabeth Spires demonstrates the power of poetry to express our deepest feelings, while Claire A. Nivola's delicate pencil drawings capture the intricacies of life in Emily's world. Included are eight of Dickinson's most loved poems, with seven corresponding poems by Emmaline that are sure to bring out the poet in any child.Award Young Hoosier Book Award | Nominee | Grades 4-6 | 2001 ; 17.86 cms L x 13.69 cms W (0.07 kgs) 64 pages