BAA-CHOO!
by Sarah Weeks
illustrated by Jane Manning
HarperCollins;ISBN: 0060292369;$15.99;2004

In a hilarious beginning reader, Sam the lamb is constantly on the verge of sneezing. He gets through the “Baa…ahhh” but the “Choo” fails to come. Sam counts on his friends to help, but when the “Choo” finally arrives, what happens?

Suggested for ages 4 - 7
Subjects: Animals | Farm

THE CATS IN KRASINKI SQUARE
by Karen Hesse
illustrated by Wendy Watson
Scholastic;ISBN: 0439435404;$16.95;2004

A little-known vignette brings the history of the Warsaw Ghetto to life. Evocative language, paired with sepia-toned images, describes the story of two sisters in the Jewish Resistance who ingeniously outwit the Nazis with the help of the city’s abandoned cats.

Suggested for ages 8 - 12
Subjects: World War, 1939-1945

SIGN OF THE QIN: OUTLAWS OF MOONSHADOW MARSH, BOOK ONE
by L.G. Bass
Hyperion;ISBN: 0786819189;$17.99;2004

Monkey and the fabled Tattooed Monk are called to protect Prince Zong from the evil Emperor Han and from Yamu, Lord of the Dead. Bass pairs the intricacies of Chinese legend with the thrills of a Kung Fu movie.

Suggested for ages 12 - 18

ANDY WARHOL: PRINCE OF POP
by Jan  Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
ISBN: 038573056X;2005

This fascinating, surprising, and occasionally unsettling biography profiles the gifted and eccentric artist who became synonymous with American pop art. Includes a glossary and excellent reproductions and photos.

Suggested for ages 14 and up
Subjects: Artists

THE SHADOW IN THE NORTH [AUDIOBOOK]
by Philip Pullman
narrated by Anton Lesser
Listening Library;ISBN: 1400089700;$40;2004

In volume two in the Sally Lockhart series, the specter of world domination plays out against a backdrop of personal tragedy. Lesser’s voice is deep, precise, and very British as he sweeps listeners through this typically Victorian period drama awash in miscreants and mystery. Smashing good yarn!

Suggested for ages 14 and up
Subjects: Victorian England