Fifteen-year-old Charlie Harker is pretty disappointed to learn he'll be spending his summer vacation helping his mom renovate an old family inn in the “hick town” of Rolling Hills. He much preferred his plan of lounging on a beach in Hawaii. And now he has to deal with his annoying neighbor Miles Van Helsing, who's been trying to convince him there's paranormal activity going on in town. Charlie knows this can't be true. Miles is just nuts, right? Although he has to admit, it is getting harder and harder to explain all the odd situations he keeps finding himself in, particularly once the sun goes down. And it does seem like an awful lot of people are getting sick ... Author James Leck hits all the right notes in this young-adult novel: adventure, suspense, funny dialogue and, best of all, zombie-vampires! This fast-moving page-turner will be a favorite read for pre-teens. Leck has created an appealing character in Charlie: the lovable slacker and consummate prankster at Choke Academy boarding school who's always quick with a clever or sarcastic comment. But Charlie proves in the end that he can step up to a challenge and show leadership and courage when he needs to. With characteristics of several different genres, this book makes a great choice for a language arts discussion of literary genres. Despite the zombie-vampires, Leck deftly avoids the carnage, so the story never reaches the level of horror.

In this delightful picture book, award-winning author and illustrator Marianne Dubuc retells the biblical story of the ark voyage from the animals' perspective. It begins with a light rain in the animal kingdom that turns heavier and steadier until all the land is flooded. The animals are huddled together atop a hill, the only dry spot left, when they spy a boat coming toward them. Rescue! The smiling captain, Mr. Noah, invites them to board, two by two. At first, the animals enjoy settling in and finding ways to amuse themselves --- the sheep play leapfrog, the ladybugs play dominoes, a chameleon plays hide-and-seek. But as it continues to rain, and rain, and rain, things grow testy below deck. The animals are getting on one another's nerves. And all of them are wondering, will the rain ever stop? With sweet, warm illustrations, this is a creative and child-friendly version of the well-known journey story. The playful animal drawings are filled with details and sly jokes, making them great fun for children to spend time with. This book makes a wonderful read-aloud, either for its connection to the biblical tale or merely as a lighthearted animal story. With the focus on how the different species fare individually and together, it would also work as an exploration of animals and their unique behaviors. It could easily spark discussions about how children might use cooperation, respect and kindness in trying circumstances as well.

The busy but careless beaver spends his days following random impulses, rarely thinking things through and leaving in his wake a devastated forest filled with stumps, half-nibbled trees and injured, homeless animals. But then one day the beaver finds himself on the wrong side of a falling tree, which as it turns out, is just the thing to knock some sense into him. After reflecting on his behavior, he decides to make some changes. Soon, the now wiser and gentler beaver is getting down to the business of making things right, much to the delighted surprise of his forest friends. This charming story from the creator of Big Bear Hug and Making the Moose Out of Life gently teaches youngsters how to take care with others, as well as the world around us.

In this thrilling sixth installment of Scott Chantler's popular Three Thieves graphic novel series, the separate adventures of twins Dessa and Jared play out simultaneously and seem poised to intersect as the book ends. Dessa, along with Topper and Fisk, has managed a daring landing onto the flying island of Astaroth, where she hopes to find her long-lost brother. Instead, they discover a bizarre world where three children are being held by a mysterious and rarely seen man they call the Toymaker. Certain the Toymaker is Greyfalcon, Jared's kidnapper, Dessa is determined to track him down and confront him about her brother's location. Meanwhile, Captain Drake has unintentionally stumbled upon Jared himself and decides to hold the boy as bait to lure Dessa to him. But as he learns from Jared the particulars about the boy's abduction nine years ago, Drake is troubled. Why would such powerful people want to abduct a small peasant boy? The answer to that question is about to shock Drake --- and Jared! Readers of this award-winning fantasy-adventure series will be excited to find some of the pieces of the puzzle beginning to fall into place here. These fast-paced books, with loads of brilliantly depicted action scenes and just enough humor, are hugely appealing to both boys and girls. However, even as readers are getting pulled along by the high drama and exciting visuals, the complex storylines and intersecting character relationships will engage their critical thinking skills. As always, the cliffhanger ending will leave readers hungry for more.

Scott Chantler is an award-winning cartoonist. He lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

Scott Chantler is an award-winning cartoonist. He lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

In this thrilling sixth installment of Scott Chantler's popular Three Thieves graphic novel series, the separate adventures of twins Dessa and Jared play out simultaneously and seem poised to intersect as the book ends. Dessa, along with Topper and Fisk, has managed a daring landing onto the flying island of Astaroth, where she hopes to find her long-lost brother. Instead, they discover a bizarre world where three children are being held by a mysterious and rarely seen man they call the Toymaker. Certain the Toymaker is Greyfalcon, Jared's kidnapper, Dessa is determined to track him down and confront him about her brother's location. Meanwhile, Captain Drake has unintentionally stumbled upon Jared himself and decides to hold the boy as bait to lure Dessa to him. But as he learns from Jared the particulars about the boy's abduction nine years ago, Drake is troubled. Why would such powerful people want to abduct a small peasant boy? The answer to that question is about to shock Drake --- and Jared! Readers of this award-winning fantasy-adventure series will be excited to find some of the pieces of the puzzle beginning to fall into place here. These fast-paced books, with loads of brilliantly depicted action scenes and just enough humor, are hugely appealing to both boys and girls. However, even as readers are getting pulled along by the high drama and exciting visuals, the complex storylines and intersecting character relationships will engage their critical thinking skills. As always, the cliffhanger ending will leave readers hungry for more.

Scott Chantler is an award-winning cartoonist. He lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

Scott Chantler is an award-winning cartoonist. He lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

“When I was three years old, Mom plucked a curly white feather out of my neck. If I get scared or the loneliness comes over me, I run my fingertip over the tiny scar and dream about the day the rest of my feathers will grow in. That's the day I'll fly away from here.” For eleven-year-old Finch, there couldn't be a better time to fly away from her life. Her dad died last year and her mom hasn't been the same since, her best friend dropped her, and her brother's awful classmate is too mean for words. But when a girl named Pinky moves in next door, a girl from India who also doesn't seem to fit in, Finch feels a flicker of hope that her life might just be turning around. And when something terrible happens and it seems Finch may be the only one who can help her new friend, she comes to understand that flying is not the answer --- sometimes right where you are is the best place to be. Author Deborah Kerbel has created a central character readers will connect with immediately in this captivating middle-grade novel. With a keen understanding of the particular difficulties facing girls as they enter adolescence, this powerfully written book is about learning to believe in yourself, finding the courage to do what you think is right and recognizing the difference you can make in the lives of others. It is both a compelling page-turner and an excellent reference for classroom discussions on loss, bullying, racism, learning difficulties and mental health.

Deborah Kerbel was born in London, England, but moved to Canada before she was old enough to cultivate a posh accent or a love of marmalade. She grew up in Toronto, Ontario, with her parents, sister, brother and a beagle named Snoopy.

Fluffy Vandermere, the cat sergeant in charge of P.U.R.S.T. (Pets of the Universe Ready for Space Travel), works tirelessly to protect the world from alien (aka bug) domination. It's a big job. “The whole planet is Fluffy's space station. All the people in the world are his humans. And every space pet out there is his responsibility.” Now, suddenly and without warning, Fluffy discovers P.U.R.S.T. headquarters, the most secure building in the world, is under attack by an angry swarm of insects, and they're armed with every cat's worst nightmare --- spray bottles! Warding off this level of terrifying invasion will require cunning, skill, ingenuity and the ability to move quickly. Fluffy's been out of the field and at his desk job for quite some time now --- is he up to this massive challenge? You bet he is! This hysterical graphic novel by talented artist Ashley Spires is a spin-off from her successful Binky series (Binky is a member of P.U.R.S.T.). Just as in the Binky books, dry wit and slapstick humor abound here as the animals oh-so-seriously go about their jobs --- with the occasional bathroom break, of course. The artwork, presented in many images per page, deftly conveys loads of action, emotional drama and physical comedy. This is a perfect book for emerging readers who are looking for something more challenging than a picture book that doesn't have too much text. The irresistible Fluffy also does a terrific job of showcasing lessons on the character attributes of individual responsibility, determination and courage.

Fluffy Vandermere, the cat sergeant in charge of P.U.R.S.T. (Pets of the Universe Ready for Space Travel), works tirelessly to protect the world from alien (aka bug) domination. It's a big job. “The whole planet is Fluffy's space station. All the people in the world are his humans. And every space pet out there is his responsibility.” Now, suddenly and without warning, Fluffy discovers P.U.R.S.T. headquarters, the most secure building in the world, is under attack by an angry swarm of insects, and they're armed with every cat's worst nightmare --- spray bottles! Warding off this level of terrifying invasion will require cunning, skill, ingenuity and the ability to move quickly. Fluffy's been out of the field and at his desk job for quite some time now --- is he up to this massive challenge? You bet he is! This hysterical graphic novel by talented artist Ashley Spires is a spin-off from her successful Binky series (Binky is a member of P.U.R.S.T.). Just as in the Binky books, dry wit and slapstick humor abound here as the animals oh-so-seriously go about their jobs --- with the occasional bathroom break, of course. The artwork, presented in many images per page, deftly conveys loads of action, emotional drama and physical comedy. This is a perfect book for emerging readers who are looking for something more challenging than a picture book that doesn't have too much text. The irresistible Fluffy also does a terrific job of showcasing lessons on the character attributes of individual responsibility, determination and courage.

Sweaty socks! Squeaky underpants! Just when the inhabitants of Little Snoring think they've seen the last of Gruesome and Grisly McNasty, the “repulsive, repellant” pirate twins are unexpectedly --- and very disgustingly --- expelled from a shark onto the deck of The Good Hope. Seizing on their good luck, the pair quickly rid themselves of the ship's captain and crew, commandeer the vessel and set sail once again to claim Captain Syd's lost treasure. Fortunately, once local children Tat and Hetty realize the evil McNastys are responsible for The Good Hope's disappearance, they devise a clever trap to easily lure the witless duo to their capture. But when things go awry, Tat and Hetty become the captives instead, and they're suddenly thrown into a perilous race against the ocean's rising tide. Are the friends doomed to a dastardly death at sea? The talented author-and-illustrator team of Lyn Gardner and Ros Asquith continue the hysterical and exuberant fun in this third and final installment of the early chapter book series about “the nastiest and ghastliest pirates ever to have sailed the seven seas.” The series is perfect for beginning readers who love outrageous, goofy and gross humor in a fast-moving story. With the same level of playful asides, odd characters and, of course, nasty pirates, this last book is sure to satisfy fans of the series. The silly wordplay offers a terrific opportunity to engender a love of the magic of words and language.

Sweaty socks! Squeaky underpants! Just when the inhabitants of Little Snoring think they've seen the last of Gruesome and Grisly McNasty, the “repulsive, repellant” pirate twins are unexpectedly --- and very disgustingly --- expelled from a shark onto the deck of The Good Hope. Seizing on their good luck, the pair quickly rid themselves of the ship's captain and crew, commandeer the vessel and set sail once again to claim Captain Syd's lost treasure. Fortunately, once local children Tat and Hetty realize the evil McNastys are responsible for The Good Hope's disappearance, they devise a clever trap to easily lure the witless duo to their capture. But when things go awry, Tat and Hetty become the captives instead, and they're suddenly thrown into a perilous race against the ocean's rising tide. Are the friends doomed to a dastardly death at sea? The talented author-and-illustrator team of Lyn Gardner and Ros Asquith continue the hysterical and exuberant fun in this third and final installment of the early chapter book series about “the nastiest and ghastliest pirates ever to have sailed the seven seas.” The series is perfect for beginning readers who love outrageous, goofy and gross humor in a fast-moving story. With the same level of playful asides, odd characters and, of course, nasty pirates, this last book is sure to satisfy fans of the series. The silly wordplay offers a terrific opportunity to engender a love of the magic of words and language.