Title: Pigsty
Author: Mark Teague
RU Level: Kindergarten

When Wendell won't clean his room his mother declares it a pigsty.  That's just the way Wendell likes it--until the pigs move in for late night Monopoly games and mess-making. Is this really how Wendell likes it after all?  Who is going to clean up this mess?  Not mom!
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Title: The Girl Who Wouldn't Brush Her Hair
Author: Kate Bernheimer
RU Level: 1st Grade

What happens when a girl decides that not brushing her hair is "Just my way?"  It turns into a mouse motel with secret passages and a cheese cellar!  How long can that last?

Title: The Kissing Hand
Author: Audrey Penn
RU Level: 1st Grade

Chester Raccoon does not want to go to school until Mrs. Raccoon shares with him the secret that helps him know he and his mom are never truly separated.  A good first day of school book for Kindergartners.

Author: John Flanagan
RU Level: Secondary

The Ranger's Apprentice series has been very popular--especially with upper elementary and secondary APA boys. Set during the Middle Ages it combines historical fiction with fantasy in a way that is very engaging.  The recently released prequel to the current twelve books in the series, The Tournament at Gorlan, tells of how Halt became a Ranger and how the tensions with Morgrath began.  The ending leaves a feeling that there are certainly more to come in The Early Years books.

Parents should be aware of some violence typical of Middle Age conflicts.

With parental permission, students can check out the author's website for more things Ranger's Apprentice:
www.worldofjohnflanagan.com/rangers-apprentice

Author: J.K. Rowling
RU Level: Secondary

Did you know that each book in the Harry Potter series is being released in an illustrated edition? The first book was released last October and quickly went to out-of-stock status.  It is available now and is still very popular. These books are for the book collector or the next generation of children being introduced to the series.  No word on the release date for the next book but it will also be sought after!