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Books For UNITED KINGDOM & European orders
new   CHILDREN's   BOOKS

POSTED 9 NOVEMBER 2001

"What Pete Ate from A-Z" Maira Kalman Our price: $12.79 | You save: $3.20
...available here.
One of our favorite books of all time is Maira Kalman's "Ooh-la-la (Max in Love)," so imagine our delight to discover that Kalman has lavished her wild whimsy on something as sturdy as the alphabet. Pete is a good dog, but "he eats what he should not." This is an understatement. The dog's owner proceeds, A to Z, to tell us exactly what he does eat. First an accordion, then a "bouncing ball that belonged to uncle Bennie's dog Buster." You get the idea. (We also learn that "Bennie lived in a beautiful room that had a Bed, a Book, a Box, and a Bottle of water. And some other things that don't begin with a B.") Page after color-washed page of madcap alliteration and down-home dog antics will tickle the fancies of budding readers and grownups, too. (Ages 4 and older)
...available here.
The complete works of Maira Kalman
...available here.

A New Book in the Time Warp Trio Series

"Sam Samurai (The Time Warp Trio)" Jon Scieszka Our price: $11.99 | You save: $3.00 http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0670899151/ncdn">...available here.
As a former elementary-school teacher, Jon Scieszka wanted to write books that inspired even the "knuckleheads in the back of the class," and so the Time Warp Trio series was born. "What would happen if I sent three guys from my class off somewhere? What would they do?" he asked himself. Sam, Fred, and Joe tumble through time into King Arthur's court, a pirate ship, the Wild West, ancient Egypt, and more--but in "Sam Samurai," a haiku-writing assignment lands them smack-dab in the scary world of Samurai warriors... and really big swords. (Ages 7 to 11) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/feature/-/6186/ncdn">...available here.
The complete Time Warp Trio
...available here.

Slumbering Sloths!
"Score One for the Sloths" Helen Lester Our price: $12.00 | You save: $3.00
...available here.
Whoever thought a bunch of slumbering sloths could do so well on a standardized test? But that's what happens in this tongue-in-cheek schoolroom story from comic duo Helen Lester (on words) and Lynn Munsinger (on sloths). Everything's quietly copacetic at Sleepy Valley Sloth School until one day an energetic young sloth (they do, apparently, exist) starts mixing things up--and not a moment too soon! Munsinger's whimsically worn-out sloths are priceless--slumped under desks, draped over swing sets, even stacked up (snoozing) in between building blocks. Score one for the sloths, indeed. (Ages 4 to 8)
More new releases for early readers
...available here.

A classic holiday story adored for generations, Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" never loses its appeal as a slightly twisted testimonial to the undaunted cheerfulness of the Whos and the transcendent nature of joy. Find classic Seuss books at up to 40% off, plus fabulous toys, games, videos, and more, in our Dr. Seuss Shop!
...available here.

EXCITING NEW STORES IN CHILDREN'S BOOKS

We know. You can't wait to get your hands on the fifth Harry Potter book. But time will fly by as you discover magical wizard toys and games, journals, and gifts in our fabulous Harry Potter Store. You can also watch the trailer for the November 16 movie, or sign up for movie showtimes at a theater near you!
...available here.

DK's wonderful My First books are worth their weight in gold when it comes to helping preschoolers develop basic vocabulary skills and learn about basic concepts from shapes to colors.
...available here.

Early readers have long embraced the exploits of 8-year-old Jack and his younger sister Annie in their magical, book-filled tree house--where the pictures in the books transport the brave young adventurers in time to lands far away. Visit the Magic Tree House Store complete with the entire bestselling series, audiobooks, research guides, and a biography of the author, Mary Pope Osborne.
...available here.

FRESH INK

Curious George Turns 60
"The Complete Adventures of Curious George" Margret Rey Our price: $21.00 | You save: $9.00
...available here.
Sixty years have passed since a curious little chimp in Africa met the man with the big yellow hat and got into the first of many scrapes. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Curious George's debut, this special edition showcases a collection of seven classic adventures by Margret and H.A. Rey, along with an introduction by critic Leonard Marcus, a photo album, and much more. The many generations of fans of the "good little monkey who was always very curious" will be fascinated to learn how H.A. and Margret escaped on bicycle from German-occupied Paris, with just their winter coats and several picture books (including a draft of Curious George, then called Fifi) strapped to the racks. (Ages 4 to 8)

More children's classics
...available here.

New from Patricia Reilly Giff
"All the Way Home" Patricia Reilly Giff Our price: $12.76 | You save: $3.19
...available here.
Author of the much lauded "Lily's Crossing," Patricia Reilly Giff has written another lovely work of historical fiction that perfectly evokes a long-past time and place. Though worlds apart, city girl Mariel and Brick, a farmer's son from upstate New York, have a lot in common. They're both strong-willed, fiercely independent, and fervent Brooklyn Dodgers fans. Their divergent paths merge when Brick's family orchard is destroyed by fire, and his parents send him to stay with Mariel and her adoptive mother in 1941 Brooklyn. A wonderful story of friendship and personal triumph for the preteen set. (Ages 9 to 12)
...available here.

More new releases for older readers
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A New Shel Silverstein Gift Set
"A Light in the Attic" Shel Silverstein Our price: $16.06 | You save: $6.89
...available here.
Twenty years of Backward Bill, grumpy zebras, and Quick-Digesting Ginks: this is what Shel Silverstein brought us in his groundbreaking collection of silly verses. Celebrate with this special book and CD anniversary edition, featuring Silverstein reading 11 of his poems. (Ages 7 and older)

More new releases for older readers
...available here.

RECOMMENDATIONS BY AGE

Is 5-year-old Stacy wild for puppies? Is 10-year-old Chris obsessed with archaeology? Find recommendations for all ages in our children's bookstore.
...available here.
* Children's Books (Baby to age 3)
...available here.
* Children's Books (Ages 4 to 8)
...available here.
* Children's Books (Ages 9 to 12)
...available here.
* Teens
...available here.

THE SILVER SCREEN

Since the very first bedtime, children around the world have known that after their parents turn off the lights, monsters lie waiting behind closet doors, ready to emerge. But why? It turns out that it's their job! Get the whole story on this different world in "Monsters, Inc.," the new animated comedy from the makers of "Toy Story." Join Kid Scarers Mike and Sulley and find out what it's like to do their job--it's harder than you think!
...available here.

SNEAK A PEEK

Thousands of books are now available for you to browse through at Amazon.com. Any time you see this bent orange arrow on a book--or the words "Look inside!"--it means parts of that book are available for you to look at online. Learn more or try looking inside Olivia Saves the Circus.
...available here.
NEW FROM NEWBERY MEDAL-WINNING AUTHORS

Mildred D. Taylor

"The Land" Mildred D. Taylor
...available here.
"The Land" is Mildred D. Taylor's much-anticipated prequel to her Newbery Medal winner, "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry." In the stories Taylor has to tell, life is not fair, hard work doesn't always pay off, and the good guy doesn't always win. That's because this extraordinary author tells the stories of her African American family during and after the Civil War, a time of ugly, painful racism. Fourteen-year-old Paul-Edward Logan, the son of a white plantation-owner father and a slave mother, is our narrator. His powerful, engaging tales of the love of family, the strength of friendship, and growing up will inspire anyone to dare to persevere despite terrible odds. Taylor's books are not only essential in understanding what led up to the civil rights movement in America--they are also breathtaking page-turners, full of suspense, humor, love, and hope. "The Land" certainly stands alone, but the other award-winning tales of the Logan family--"Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry"; "Let the Circle Be Unbroken"; and "The Road to Memphis," available as a boxed set--are superb as well. Taylor knows what good storytelling is all about. (Ages 12 and older)

"Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" (Newbery Medalist, 1977)
...available here.

Richard Peck

"Fair Weather: A Novel" Richard Peck
...available here.
Granddad emits a strangled sound, 13-year-old Rosie pitches right off her chair, and young Buster just vibrates. What event catapults the Beckett family into such a state? The arrival of a letter from distant Chicago--and not just a letter, an invitation from Mama's elusive, wealthy sister, Aunt Euterpe. She decides that it's high time for the children to see the world beyond "the four walls of a one-room country schoolhouse." And what better opportunity than the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, to honor the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America? Spanish nobility, President Cleveland, and Ferris wheels, oh my! Richard Peck, Newbery Medal-winning author of "A Year Down Yonder," paints a charming portrait of a 19th-century farming family turned upside down by a visit to the big city. Narrator Rosie is friendly and funny as she describes the instant (if not entirely successful) citification of her family, encounters with Buffalo Bill himself, and her own delightfully eccentric Granddad who named his horse after Lillian Helman (which is just fine until they meet her at the fair). This wonderful, witty glimpse into 19th-century America--sprinkled with historical photographs--concludes with an insightful essay on the exposition. (Ages 10 and older)

"A Year Down Yonder" (Newbery Medalist, 2001)
...available here.
Karen Hesse

"Witness" Karen Hesse
...available here.
It is 1924, and a small Vermont town finds itself under siege--by the Ku Klux Klan. Using free verse, Newbery Medal-winning author Karen Hesse allows 11 unique and memorable voices to relate the story of the Klan's steady infiltration into the conscience of a small, Prohibition-era community. Part mystery, part social commentary, Hesse's historically accurate chronicle is a riveting catalyst for discussion that thoughtfully explores race and identity from every possible point of view. The free verse format and distinct characterizations also make "Witness" a perfect choice for library or classroom reader's theater productions. (Ages 12 and older)

"Out of the Dust"(Newbery Medalist, 1998)
...available here.

CELEBRATE 75 YEARS OF POOH

We're celebrating the 75th anniversary of the publication of Winnie-the-Pooh with an entire store dedicated to A.A. Milne and Ernest H. Shepard's stories and poems about the beloved Bear of Very Little Brain. We have new deluxe gift editions of your favorite stories, sticker storybooks, board books, 2002 calendars, Vini-der-Pu books, and more!
...available here.

A GHOUL'S BEST FRIEND

Halloween Books for Kids

* New Halloween Picture Books
...available here.
* For Older Readers
...available here.
* A Teen Halloween
...available here.
* Creepy Crafts & Cookbooks
...available here.

Find costumes and more in our Halloween Boootique!
...available here.

FRESH INK

Olivia's Back!

"Olivia Saves the Circus" Ian Falconer
...available here.
When it comes time to tell the class what she did on her vacation, Olivia isn't at all nervous. In fact, she remembers it quite clearly--she went to the circus, you see. "But when we got there, all the circus people were out sick with ear infections." What are the odds? But the show must go on! Fortunately, Olivia jumps right in to help out--riding elephants, posing as the Tattooed Lady (she draws on the pictures with a marker), taming lions, walking tightropes, juggling, clowning around, and more. In a marvelous fold-out, four-panel spread, our porcine heroine even reigns supreme as the Queen of the Trampoline. "And that's how I saved the circus. And now I am famous." Olivia looks proud. Her teacher looks mad. Ian Falconer shines in this dryly hilarious sequel to his 2001 Caldecott Honor Book "Olivia." The charcoal and gouache illustrations perfectly capture Olivia's earnest expressions. Be prepared to be charmed anew! (Ages 4 to 8)

More new books for early readers
...available here.

A Tale of Two Arthurs

"The Seeing Stone (Arthur Trilogy, Book One)" Kevin Crossley-Holland
...available here.
The life of a 12th-century boy named Arthur, 13, parallels that of the legendary boy king in this absorbing, unusual novel by Kevin Crossley-Holland--the first of a planned trilogy. With grace and ease, the author takes on such ponderous topics as war and peace, social inequity, religion, reason, and superstition--all wrapped up in riveting high adventure. Though "The Seeing Stone" is a fun, involving read for kids, it will hold grownup attentions, too, with its flowing language, dense period detail, and all the questions that it asks--and doesn't always answer. (Ages 10 and older)

More new books for older readers
...available here.

Strange Stories for Strange Kids

"Strange Stories for Strange Kids (Little Lit, Book 2)" Art Spiegelman
...available here.
Editors Art Spiegelman and Françoise Mouly have packed so much topnotch talent into this flabbergastingly funny all-ages comic collection that you'll have a terrible time deciding what to read first. Just as with the previous Little Lit book, "Folklore & Fairy Tale Funnies," you'll find some of the most hilarious, intelligent, and diverse short comics around inside these pages: Maurice Sendak's omnivorous infant gobbles up everything in sight in "Cereal Baby Keller," David Sedaris pairs up with Ian Falconer to define true cuteness, "Where's Waldo?" creator Martin Handford searches for old socks, Crockett Johnson of "Harold and the Purple Crayon" brings back the beginning of his classic '40s strip "Barnaby" (a favorite of Duke Ellington and Dorothy Parker, among others), and Spiegelman himself takes on "The Several Selves of Selby Shelby." And that's not even the half of it. This downright quirky collection will charm comic fans of all ages--and, no doubt, make fans out of those weren't already. Even the endpapers are funny, thanks to Kaz of "Underworld." (All ages, after age 9 or so)

More new books for older readers
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BESTSELLERS

1. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3, Paperback)"
...available here.
2. "Taggerung (Book 14, Redwall)" by Brian Jacques
...available here.
3. "The Hostile Hospital (Book 8)" by Lemony Snicket
...available here.
4. "My World (A Companion to Goodnight Moon)"
...available here.
See more children's bestsellers
...available here.

Children's books embody what's right with the world. Classics make a comeback in September ("My World," "The Mouse and His Child"), but fresh titles make a splash, too. (Please read "Monsieur Eek!")

Teachers and librarians, please note that our Corporate Accounts program is now up and running! --Karin Snelson, amazon

...browse here.

Want to be in the loop on the latest books--even before they're published? We've made it fast, convenient, and downright economical to get ahead of the curve with our Hot New Releases Sale, where you'll find hundreds of soon-to-be bestsellers at up to 40% off regular prices.

Visit the Hot New Releases Sale
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WHAT WE'RE READING

A Companion to "Goodnight Moon"
"My World: A Companion to Goodnight Moon" Margaret Wise Brown
...available here.
For a small bunny, the big world can be distilled to "My slippers. / My pajamas. / Daddy's pajamas," and "Mother's chair. / My chair. / A low chair. / A high chair. / But certainly my chair." Back in print after more than 30 years, "My World" by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd is every bit as reassuring and appealing to young children as its more famous companion, "Goodnight Moon." Using the same format, this tale features the rabbit family as they go through their day: brushing teeth, eating breakfast, going fishing, reading stories, and climbing into bed. Black-and-white illustrations alternate with full-color scenes depicting the ever-expanding (yet still comfortably contained) boundaries of a child's life. (Ages 2 to 6)

More new books for babies and toddlers
...available here.

Treehorn and Horton and Flat Stanley, Together at Last
"You Read to Me & I'll Read to You: Stories to Share from the 20th Century" Janet Schulman
...available here.
With such classics as "The Shrinking of Treehorn" and "Horton Hatches the Egg," the hefty "You Read to Me & I'll Read to You" showcases 26 of the 20th century's best read-aloud picture books. The texts are unabridged, but some illustrations have been resized or removed to keep this volume from outweighing a gorilla. This anthology is a terrific companion to editor Janet Schulman's "20th-Century Children's Book Treasury," though it is intended for slightly older readers. These stories--whether serious or silly or somewhere in between--are truly la creme de la creme. Enjoy! (Ages 5 and older)

More new books for early readers
...available here.

Eek? Eek? He Must Be French!

"Monsieur Eek" David Ives
...available here.
On a dark and stormy night in 1609, young Emmaline Perth's wish for something "significant" to be blown her way comes true. Soon, the great coastal city of MacOongafoondsen (population 21) discovers a beached ship... and an unexpected visitor who will only say "Eek." "So that's what a Frenchman looks like!" says Bob the Milkmaid. The town leaders promptly decide that this foreigner--really a chimpanzee--is a thief and a spy, and take "Monsieur Eek" into custody. Fortunately, wise Emmaline and her friend Young Flurp the Town Fool will have none of this. Justice will be served, but not until they've experienced some high adventure. In his first foray into children's fiction, well-known playwright David Ives marries absurdist, linguistically playful comedy with a very real message about standing up for what you think is right. Highly recommended! (Ages 9 and older)

More new books for older readers
...available here.
BESTSELLERS

1. "Taggerung (Book 14, Redwall)" by Brian Jacques
...available here.

2. "The Hostile Hospital (Book 8)" by Lemony Snicket
...available here.

3. "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A Commemorative Pop-up" by Robert Sabuda
...available here.

See more children's bestsellers
...available here.

FRESH INK

Cod for Kids
"The Cod's Tale" Mark Kurlansky
...available here.
Parents may have read or heard of Mark Kurlansky's runaway bestseller "Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World." It's an improbably fascinating story, and here, Kurlansky has teamed up with superb illustrator S.D. Schindler to tell it all over again, this time for kids. The life history of the cod--driven by its insatiable hunger--is interwoven with the insatiable hunger of people, from the Vikings onwards. The illustrations are both informative (a cross-section of the Continental Shelf, a map of the Atlantic) and humorous (comical New Englanders dancing for joy at the invention of frozen fish fingers). Along the way, the reader accidentally learns a great deal about the Vikings, the Basques, the American Revolution, the slave trade--and the current danger, once thought impossible, that the cod will be fished to extinction. Too chewy for children under about 5 or 6, this is an excellent bellyful of high-protein nonfiction for older children and even their parents. (Ages 6 to 12)

The Quest to Become Self-Winding
"The Mouse and His Child" Russell Hoban
...available here.
In "The Mouse and His Child," Russell Hoban's funny, poignant, somewhat dark novel, a wind-up mouse and his son embark on an existential quest to become self-winding. The father and son's redemptive journey takes them through all sorts of trials, from the toy store to the dump to the swamp and back again, and all along the way the pair runs afoul of Hoban's well-realized and often menacing menagerie of characters, including the slave-driver Manny Rat, the distracted thinker Muskrat, and Crow and Mrs. Crow and their Caws of Art Experimental Theatre Group. If you're only familiar with Hoban from his Frances books ( "Bedtime for Frances"), this novel might come as something of a surprise. But if you've read any of Hoban's later work, then you know what this sophisticated and graceful writer is capable of and why this classic deserves praise as one of the more profound children's works ever written. Caldecott artist David Small's illustrations are no less than brilliant. (Ages 9 to adult)

New from Jennifer L. Holm
"Boston Jane: An Adventure" Jennifer L. Holm
...available here.
Imagine being seasick for five months, two weeks, and six days as you--a girl from Philadelphia--sail farther and farther away from everything and everyone you've ever known to the unknown wilds of the Great Pacific Northwest in 1854: "I felt certain that luck had nothing to do with anything aboard the Lady Luck, a poorly named vessel if ever there was one. I had just spent the morning of my sixteenth birthday puking into a bucket, and I had little hope that the day would improve." Meet Boston Jane, a new reluctant young lady heroine from Jennifer L. Holm, author of the Newbery Honor Book, "Our Only May Amelia." Holm cleverly weaves in lessons from Jane's Philadelphia finishing school in dramatic and often-hilarious contrast to the trials she faces at sea and in Oregon country. The intricate details of life in the mid-19th century on an untamed frontier--complete with carefully researched Chinook tribal history and real-life incidents of white settlers--are absolutely riveting. A thrilling, entertaining read. (Ages 9 and older)

A GHOUL'S BEST FRIEND

Halloween Books for Kids
New Halloween Picture Books
...available here.

For Older Readers
...available here.

A Teen Halloween
...available here.

Creepy Crafts & Cookbooks
...available here.

BACK TO SCHOOL

What, already? Luckily, Amazon.com has everything you need to help you get ready for the new school year.

Back to School K-12 Bookstore
...available here.

    More books for older readers
    ...available here

    RECOMMENDATIONS BY AGE

    Is 7-year-old Kermit obsessed with dinosaurs? Is 3-year-old Casey mesmerized by emergency rescue vehicles? Find recommendations for all ages in our children's bookstore. * Children's Books (Baby-3)
    ...available here
    * Children's Books (Ages 4-8)
    ...available here
    * Children's Books (Ages 9-12)
    ...available here
    * Teens
    ...available here

    RECOMMENDATIONS BY AGE

    Is Baby Mimi crazy about animals? Is 12-year-old Cole interested in rain forest preservation? Find recommendations for all ages in our children's bookstore.

    * Children's Books (Baby-3)
    ...available here

    * Children's Books (Ages 4-8)
    ...available here

    * Children's Books (Ages 9-12)
    ...available here

    * Teens
    ...available here

    newBOOKnews, an associate of Amazon, announces "A STORE IS BORN"

    New Arrival

    newBOOKnews, Amazon.com and Babiesrus.com are proud to announce the birth of our new Baby store.
    ...available here
    In it, you'll find everything from strollers and car seats to highchairs and bedding, not to mention the ultimate online baby registry.
    ...available here

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Editor, Karin Snelson, reviews excerpted are copyright © 2001 amazon.com & associate ncdn; and CDnow, TowerRecords, Barnes & Nobel associates

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