LEAF MAN
written and illustrated by Lois Ehlert
Harcourt;ISBN: 0152053042;$16;2005

Imagination, art, and science combine with a sumptuous autumn palette to tell the story of Leaf Man, who’s “got to go where the wind blows.” Actual leaf shapes create fanciful plants and animals that will entice children to give leaf-design a try.

Suggested for ages 3 - 6
Subjects: Leaves

THE PENDERWICKS: A SUMMER TALE OF FOUR SISTERS, TWO RABBITS, AND A VERY INTERESTING BOY
by Jeanne Birdsall
Knopf;ISBN: 0375831436;$15.95;2005

Four sisters and their father rent a vacation cottage on an estate owned by snooty Mrs. Tifton. To her chagrin, her son Jeffrey adores the girls and turns to them when his mother threatens to remarry and ship him off to boarding school.

Suggested for ages 7 - 13
Subjects: National Book Award | Single-parent families | Sisters | Vacation

A KICK IN THE HEAD: AN EVERYDAY GUIDE TO POETIC FORMS
by Paul B.  Janeczko
illustrated by Chris Raschka
Candlewick;ISBN: 0763606626;$17.99;2005

Janeczko and Raschka define 29 well-known poetic forms through examples from a variety of poets. Energetic art and excellent explanations of haiku, riddles, ballads, and more create a wonderful package for students, teachers, and poetry lovers.

Suggested for ages 10 - 14

JOHN LENNON: ALL I WANT IS THE TRUTH
by Elizabeth Partridge
Viking;ISBN: 0670059544;$24.99;2005

The profound impact of the life, music, and untimely death of John Lennon is uncompromisingly presented in a sophisticated but inviting package which includes numerous photographs, a discography, and an extensive bibliography.

Suggested for ages 13 - 18
Subjects: Musicians | Printz Honor

NOUGHTS AND CROSSES [AUDIOBOOK]
by Malorie Blackman
narrated by Syan Blake and Paul Chequer
Chivers Children's Audio;ISBN: 140565046X;$59.95;2005

In a mirror-image but recognizably English world, dark-skinned Sephy lives a privileged life, while her best friend Callum struggles to escape the substratum of society dictated by his lighter skin. Blake's portrayal of Sephy's growth from giggly innocent to anguished questioner is masterful, while Chequer steeps Callum's words in a painful brew of rage, terror, and resignation. (Fourteen and Up)

Suggested for ages 14 and up
Subjects: Race Relations