2008 Summer Buying Guide

Arthur's everyday world, both real and daydreamed, is presented through a lively narration of four books: Arthur's Mystery Envelope, Arthur Makes the Team, Arthur Accused!, and Arthur and the Lost Diary. Children and adults alike will recognize the concerns and the humor in these gentle sagas.

• Purchase audio version

In a story of the Ila people of Zambia, the colorful birds of Africa ask Blackbird, whom they think is the most beautiful of birds, to decorate them with some of his "blackening brew." The story line is simple and the rhythmic chants of the flock frequently interspersed throughout the text add drama and a rapper's cadence to this award-winning book that is ready-made for participative storytelling.

• Purchase book
• Purchase audio version

Cam Jansen's photographic memory once again foils the bad guy as she helps catch the thief who snitches her grandparents' luggage — along with birthday gifts for Cam's parents — at the airport. There is a lot to celebrate in this well-paced and engagingly narrated mystery.

• Purchase book
• Purchase audio version

When Stanley Lambchop wakes up one morning, his brother, Arthur, is yelling. A bulletin board fell on Stanley during the night, and now he is only half an inch thick! Amazing things begin happening to him. Stanley gets rolled up, mailed, and flown like a kite. He even gets to help catch two dangerous art thieves. He may be flat, but he's a hero!

• Purchase book
• Purchase audio version

Two girls, Bean and Ivy, learn that in spite of their very different personalities, they have lots in common. And their funny, sometimes outrageous, highly credible, everyday adventures begin one summer.

• Purchase book
• Purchase audio version

When Admiral Drake sends a penguin named Captain Cook to the Popper family, Mr. Popper's dreams of seeing the world begin to come true. Humor abounds in this early Newbery Honor book as readers follow Mr. Popper and his penguins to Antarctica.

• Purchase book
• Purchase audio version

Have you ever wondered why there is thunder and lightning? Hear this Nigerian folktale and other tales (as well as original poems) retold and shared by a master storyteller, artist, and writer. Ashley Bryan's distinctive style and resonant voice echo the techniques of traditional griots.

• Purchase audio version

Ralph is a mouse who speaks human and lives at the Mountain View Inn run by Ryan’s family. The fun starts when Ralph’s motorcycle breaks and he convinces Ryan to take him to a mysterious place called school. Characters come to life through the lively narration.

• Purchase book
• Purchase Kindle version
• Purchase audio version

Ramona, a self-proclaimed "potential adult," is now nine years old and remains an effusive and memorable character. Her world is changing; she's a fourth grader and a big sister to boot. Ramona learns that the changes in her life have an impact on more than just herself.

• Purchase book
• Purchase Kindle version
• Purchase audio version

Stink's real name is James, just like President James Madison. And like Madison, Stink is short — a notion constantly reinforced by his older sister Judy. Stink, however, learns how to cope with it while along the way learning about U.S. presidents.

• Purchase book
• Purchase audio version

Milne's classic glimpse of childhood and childhood activities comes to life again through the narrator's rich and varied voice. Humor and insight abound in the range of poems, with an occasional visit from Pooh and Christopher Robin.

• Purchase book
• Purchase audio version