“HORTEN’S MIRACULOUS MECHANISMS: MAGIC, MYSTERY, & A VERY STRANGE ADVENTURE,” by Lissa Evans, Sterling’s Children’s Books, hardcover, April 3, 2012,  $14.95 (ages 8 and up) Are you a fan of the Lemony Snicket series? Are you looking for something else along those lines to wet your appetite? “Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms: Magic, Mystery, & A Very…

“SCHOLASTIC DISCOVER MORE: TECHNOLOGY,” by Clive Gifford, Paperback, May 1, 2012, $15.99 (ages 8 and up) and “SCHOLASTIC DISCOVER MORE: NIGHT SKY,” by Giles Sparrow, Paperback, May 1, 2012, $15.99 (ages 8 and up) Growing up, many of my favorite books were “discovery books,” books that made more complicated subjects accessible to me as a child,…

“Warriors of the Black Shroud,” by Peter Howe, Harper Collins, Jan. 31, 2012, $16.99 (ages 8 and up) When 11-year-old Walker Watson meets the red-headed, sword-bearing Prince Edward, he thinks the guy is off his rocker. Edward claims to be from the Kingdom of Nebula. He is searching for the Chosen One, a person from…

“FLUTTER: The Story of Four Sisters and One Incredible Journey,” by Erin E. Moulton, Philomel Books, May 12, 2011, $16.99 (ages 8 and up) Maple’s Mama is due to have a new baby, which will make four Rittle sisters in all.  But when Mama goes into labor early, and little Lily arrives dangerously small, Maple’s…

“PIE,” by Sarah Weeks, Scholastic Press, October 1, 2011, $16.99 (ages 8 and up) Alice’s beloved Aunt Polly has passed away unexpectedly, changing everything in Alice’s world.  Aunt Polly understood Alice better than anyone else — especially better than her mother, who never seems to understand anything at all.  And now that Aunt Polly has…

“Beyonders starts like Narnia, then finishes like Lord of the Rings.” That bold statement comes from Beyonders author Brandon Mull, whose second book in the series, “Seeds of Rebellion,” came out Tuesday. “In the beginning, we have characters from our world crossing into a fantasy reality that needs help, which sounds Narnia-esque,” Brandon continued. “But once…

Yesterday, ”The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore,” by William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg, won the Academy Award for Animated Short Film. It’s a beautiful film that truly highlights the role books can play in our lives. I encourage you to take a look.   The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore © 2012,…

“THE MIGHTY MISS MALONE,” by Christopher Paul Curtis, Wendy Lamb Books, Jan. 10, 2012, $15.99 (ages 9 and up) Deza Malone is the smartest girl in her class. She’s always first among her peers because she loves to learn. It’s apparent to anyone who knows her, and especially her teacher, who expects Deza to do…

“May B.” by Caroline Starr Rose, Schwartz & Wade, Jan 10, 2012, $15.99 (ages 9 and up) Pa pulls me close, the crisp money crackles Against my cheek. My first wage. “Till Christmas,” he says “Do your best.” I nod. But I know my best isn’t always good enough. May has been sent to help…

“INVISIBLE INKLING,” by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Harry Bliss, Balzer + Bray, April 26, 2011, hardback $14.99, (ages 7 and up) — paperback available April 24, 2012 Hank Wolowitz’s best friend has moved, and now he feels all alone. He misses their adventures as pretend spies, and wishes he had help dealing with the bully…