AGES 3 TO 7
I’m Awake!
By Maxwell Eaton III
It’s morning! Well, not quite. The sun isn’t actually out yet. But this little hamster is rearing to start the day, and she wants her dad to know it. She’s already made pancakes (kind of), done her chores (sort of), and practiced her dad impressions (spot on). Why isn’t dad ready to play? The bright, comic book style illustrations have easy-to-read speech bubbles, and the detailed page spreads of the early morning shenanigans are fun to examine. The story is relatable to kids, parents, and anyone who hasn’t been ready to start their day. Fans of this book can graduate to The Flying Beaver Brothers graphic novel series by the same author for more silly stories. (Knopf, 2017, hardcover, $16.99)
AGES 8 TO 12
Elizabeth and Zenobia
By Jessica Miller
After her mother runs off with an opera singer, Elizabeth and her scientist father move to dreary Witheringe House, his childhood home, where she learns she had an aunt who disappeared as a child. This may not sound like the set-up for a comedy, but Elizabeth’s morbid friend Zenobia comes along who prefers fog, beetles, poisons, and ghost hunting to other things. The juxtaposition of the friends’ voices is clear, and Zenobia’s macabre sensibility, world view, and dialog make this novel a highly entertaining and often hilarious read. During the climax of the action, readers may wonder how the author will resolve the loose ends, though they will most likely be satisfied with the heartwarming conclusion. Fans of dark comedies should enjoy this one. (Amulet, 2017, hardcover, $16.99)
AGES 15 TO 18
The Gentleman’s Guide
to Vice and Virtue
By Mackenzie Lee
Monty’s father expects him to take his Grand Tour of Europe, then return home ready to handle the family’s estate as a gentleman of England. Except Monty has never done what his father expects of him before, so why would he start now? When his shenanigans abroad lead him, his sister, and his best friend and secret crush running for their lives, he must decide who and what he values most. Hilarious one-liners, scenarios, and sibling rivalries fill this LGBT-historical-light fantasy novel from beginning to end. The adventure and quest are second to the relationships and characters, but all come together in a fun romp. Another book would be welcome in the series. (Katherine Tegen Books, 2017, hardcover, $18.99)
PICTURE BOOKS
AGES 3 TO 7
A Cat Is Better
Written by Linda Joy Singleton
Illustrated by Jorge Martin
(Little Bee Books, 2017, hardcover, $16.99)
AGES 4 TO 8
Crocodali
By Lucy Volpin
(Little Bee Books, 2017, hardcover, $16.99)
AGES 5 TO 8
Nothing Rhymes with Orange
By Adam Rex
(Chronicle Books, 2017, hardcover, $16.99)
AGES 6 TO 9
Seven Rules You Absolutely Must Not Break If You Want to Survive the Cafeteria
Written by John Grandits
Illustrated by Michael Allen Austin
(Clarion, 2017, hardcover, $16.99)
EASY READER
AGES 4 TO 7
There’s a Pest in the Garden!
By Jan Thomas
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017, hardcover, $9.85)
MIDDLE GRADE
AGES 8 TO 12
Bean Stalker and Other Hilarious Scary Tales
By Kiersten White
(Scholastic, 2017, hardcover, $16.99)
AGES 8 TO 12
Ben Franklin’s in My Bathroom
Written by Candace Fleming
Illustrated by Mark Fearing
(Schwartz & Wade, 2017, hardcover, $13.99)
AGES 8 TO 12
Frazzled: Ordinary Mishaps and Inevitable Catastrophes
By Booki Vivat
(Harper, 2017, hardcover, $12.99)
YOUNG ADULT
AGES 12 TO 18
The Greatest Zombie Movie Ever
By Jeff Strand
(Sourcebooks, 2016, paperback, $10.99)
AGES 15 TO 18
Dan vs. Nature
By Don Calame
(Candlewick, 2016, hardcover, $17.99)
AGES 15 TO 18
The Loose Ends List
By Carrie Firestone
(Little, Brown, 2017, paperback, $9.99)
AGES 15 TO 18
What Goes Up
By Katie Kennedy
(Bloomsbury, 2017, hardcover, $17.99)
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