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I started The 39 Clues series several years back, but never finished, so I thought I would give it another go. Book One: The Maze of Bones is written by Rick Riordan of Percy Jackson fame. The series pits members of the Cahill family against one another in a search for clues, the ingredients for a mysterious but…

Ruby’s invited to have tea with the Queen, but is she ready? Tea for Ruby romps through those oh-so-important manners. What a fun way to practice! Your princesses will beg for their own tea party. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, who knows something of tea and the Queen, authored this picture book.

Soak It Up Water. We splash in it to cool off, shower in it to wash away the dirt and grime, and soak in it to soothe sore muscles. We drink in cool iced water to replace summer’s sweat, and to keep our bodies well-hydrated. Plants and trees need water too. Without it, healthy green…

This adventure/fantasy story whisks the reader into the exotic, mythological tales of India. In The Iron Ring, Lloyd Alexander brings his hero, young King Tamar, through innumerable challenges which shake his world, one in which the warrior’s code of honor is everything. Honor, caste, dignity. All are in question and Tamar struggles to redefine his…

In Madlenka, by Peter Sis, Madlenka shares some very important news with her friends. As she visits each friend on her New York City block, she travels the world—and is almost late for dinner. Sis’s illustrations not only transport you from continent to continent, but also keep your eye busy with his tweaks in perspective.…

Unseen Guardians: Part 2 Last week, we talked about the guardianship of Mom and Dad’s words. Reread the passage below and refresh your memory: “My son, keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you;…

Tentacles, Roland Smith’s sequel to Cryptid Hunters, sends the Wolfe team hunting for Architeuthis, the giant squid. However, Noah Blackwood is hunting the Wolfe team and only Grace is safe. Smith’s character, Dr. Ted Bronson, rivals Ian Fleming’s Q as some incredible technology appears in the novel. I love the sonic cannons. What could you…

A, B, C’s—scoot over, as 1, 2, 3 take their turn in Bill Martin, Jr.’s Chicka Chicka  1 2 3. The apple tree provides the setting for this adventure as the numbers climb its sturdy branches. Will Zero get a chance to join the number game? What will the numbers do when the bees claim the tree?…

Unseen Guardians: Part 1 Silent sentinels. Wise watchmen. They guide our steps to the path of right choices. They give wise counsel when a problem confronts us. They stand guard when we sleep. They light our way and steer us back to the right path when we wander. Who are these guiding guardians? These wise…

When the Monroe family discovers a baby rabbit during a scary movie at the theater, life turns into a horror story for family pets, Chester the cat and Harold the dog. White vegetables, drained of all juice, appear in strange places. The fridge opens and closes in the middle of the night. Is the new bunny…