CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2012
"Get ready for enthusiastic participation, and do not forget to find the small spider placed on each spread. (Picture book. 2-4)"
Looking for a simple title about Halloween for the youngest readers? Rhyming text sets up an interactive guessing game that may just be the treat to share with the toddler and early-preschool set.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2012
" Applause for this very silly and slightly spooky cool cat that follows his own beat! (Picture book. 4-6)"
Rhyming verse unfolds in hip-hop rhythm to describe the humorous antics of a most likable, bony feline in this tale of pursuing a dream no matter what.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2012
"Reserve this for older preschoolers and primary-grade children who may need a fun outlet for candy-fueled Halloween craziness. Clever and odd--but ultimately not essential. (Picture book. 4-7)"
Luring readers with a golden, holographic display type for the title and a grooving green monster on the cover, Catrow pairs his freakishly imaginative artwork with the lyrics to the perennial favorite.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 10, 2012
"Nestled among the burping bats and mischievous frogs, a lesson on appreciating differences is charmingly presented. Let this tale work its magic throughout the year. (Picture book. 3-6) "
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 17, 2012
"Whether young readers recognize the relationship to the Parisian version or not, adults will appreciate the clever yet silly send-up. Most children, however, will see this as just another funny monster book. (Picture book. 4-7)"
Just in time for Halloween, Walton and Hale (
Twelve Bots of Christmas, 2010) combine their talents to become "Ludworst Bemonster," author of a droll parody of Ludwig Bemelmans'
Madeline.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 17, 2012
"Readers will chime in with the "hip, hip hooray" this cuddly-looking creature earns when he finally embraces and celebrates his differences. (Picture book. 4-7)"
Although there are many stories about the perils and rewards of a monster's turning nice, this one goes a little further, touching upon being rejected by peers, being bullied and eventually being at ease with who one is.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 17, 2012
"Sure to be a hit at Halloween, Mother's Day, during a discussion about puns and when the popular question arises, "So what do you want to be when you grow up?" (Picture book. 4-7)"
In this ode to hardworking mummy mothers, an impressive collection of careers is introduced with deliciously icky details sure to elicit appreciative "eww's."
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CHILDREN'S
Released: July 17, 2012
"Share this cartoonish, mock-horror tale with the not-so-sleepy at bedtime or rely upon it as a superb storytime choice where all can have fun participating in the hilarious sound effects. (Picture book. 3-6)"
"Do YOU ever WONDER if somewhere, not too far away, there might be… / MONSTERS?" Whether readers do or not, it is hard to resist being swept up in the silly suspense of possibly becoming the target for this monster's hungry attention.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2012
"This wholesome, well-intentioned effort may result in an enthusiastic response even if the plot is a bit thin and the pictures fail to truly inspire. (Picture book. 2-5)"
Rhyming call-and-response text propels this light trick-or-treating adventure to its pleasant end, where even the youngest child learns how to say "boo!"
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 2, 2012
"Although a bit pat, the ending satisfies, and the story as a whole addresses many issues pertinent to primary-grade children. (note) (Picture book. 5-8)"
Angelito is not looking forward to the Day of the Dead. Even though he will be with his family when they arrive at the Land of the Living, his anxieties mount as the elevator door opens onto the raucous party atmosphere of
El Día de los Muertos.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 7, 2012
"Even though Little Monster eventually quiets down for a cozy night's sleep, this interpretation isn't the sweetest version in town. (Picture book. 3-5)"
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 7, 2012
"Although much talent is evident in this creative pairing, the result lacks overall appeal for the picture-book crowd; save for children with patience and a taste for the surreal. (Picture book. 4-7)"
An engaging narrator, together with magical illustrations that often conjure surreal scenes, lets readers in on all there is to know about haunted books and how to be a good owner of one.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 7, 2012
"This is a solid choice for sensitive readers, since it provides an alternate, if somewhat sweet story, where ghosts are anything but scary. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Ever wanted a ghost? Answer in the affirmative, and this fictional handbook should offer all the expert advice needed to make sure "your ghost will haunt you forever."
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 7, 2012
"Readers will applaud this elegantly designed, well-told story. Brava, indeed. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Pace and Pham have choreographed a delightful tale of a winsome young vampire trying to make her ballerina dreams come true.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 28, 2012
"Quibbles aside, this is a sweet tale for young preschoolers getting into the Halloween spirit. Similar tales abound, so purchase as needed. (Picture book. 2-4)"
What begins as a lyrical bedtime book featuring a friendly, freckled ghost evolves into a gentle rhyming interactive story for not-so-sleepyheads.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
"A good choice for readers new to the format and those looking for a quick hit of Halloween silliness. (Graphic novel. 7-9)"
The title refers to Halloween, when the trio of stories within supposedly occurred. This graphic-novel look at seemingly disparate happenings is likely to have readers giggling more than shivering.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
"Make time to share with young monsters everywhere. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Tiny Grouch, Grump and Gloom 'n' Doom (who has two heads) continually bicker about who is the most impressive monster. When the solution they come up with turns out to be different from what they expected, a surprising but welcome lesson is eventually learned.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 4, 2012
"Landry has carefully crafted a seemingly simple tale about graciousness, generosity and openness to new friendships and packaged it into what is sure to be a perennial Halloween favorite. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Oliver the ghost is all prepared for his Halloween party after delivering invitations to his scariest friends--but what will he do when two young trick-or-treaters show up unexpectedly at his door?
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
"Best for younger readers who prefer thrills and chills with an occasional giggle. (Picture book. 3-5)"
This countdown romp begins with a front-cover portrait of 10 smiling and grimacing monsters before they set forth on their perilous adventure.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2012
"The ending may leave younger or more sensitive readers unsettled, so save this slim, adrenaline-fueled tale for those who crave a true, if ephemeral, fright. (Picture book. 5-8)"
Waga is a monster that is mean, tricky and possesses the "biggest scare." But when Waga loses that scare, the monster's very existence is in jeopardy.
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