A Color Game for Chester Raccoon
Written by Audrey Penn
Illustrated by Barbara L. Gibson
Board book, 14 pages, Ages 1-3, $7.95
ISBN: 978-1-933718-58-3
Guided reading level: G; Grade level: 1; Reading Recovery level: 11-12

In this new Kissing Hand board book, Audrey Penn brings us more maternal wisdom to solve another of early childhood's little issues. Whether on a trip, in a restaurant or a store, children can become bored and fussy. A Color Game for Chester Raccoon provides an activity that will entertain young children anywhere -- finding things in many colors: white, blue, yellow, red, orange, brown and black.

About the Author:
Audrey Penn is the author of The Kissing Hand and its sequels, along with Mystery at Blackbeard's Cove.

The Tiptoe Guide to Tracking Mermaids
Written by Ammi-Joan Paquette and illustrated by Marie Letourneau
Picture book, 32 pages, Ages 3-8, $16.95 hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-933718-59-0
Guided reading level: L; Grade level: 2-3; Reading Recovery level: 19

Have you ever walked on the beach and looked for shells or clams? There are creatures, more like you and me, who are even more interesting to look for. Most people don't see them, but they might just not know how to look for signs. That sand dollar - why, that could be a mermaid-size surfboard. Those twisted reeds - a bed for a lovely afternoon mermaid nap. And if you peer closely into the water, you might see a mermaid market.

This is a lovely activity for a fun day at the beach and a way to encourage paying close attention to all the interesting things that can be found on the beach or in the water.

Reviews

"This is an old-school quest fantasy, but Marcus is a hero who engages challenges in a way that is both human and admirable, and readers will love the bizarre and sometimes deadly creatures that must be overcome."—Publishers Weekly

"I especially enjoyed the character and plot development of this book. It is the perfect "epic" story for MG readers: awesome storyline and set-up for following books, but not so long as to be intimidating to middle readers. If we could take the tone of Lord of the Rings and make it 10-year-old friendly, we'd have The Rock of Ivanore."—Project Mayhem blog

"The book not only had a great story, but the plot keeps you interested with some unexpected twists. It's just one of those books that keeps you guessing, and you never know the end until the end. I would recommend this to anyone that appreciates a certain amount of suspense in their reading material, and anyone who likes adventure stories. I personally enjoyed this book. A 'Top Choice'"— 12-year-old reviewer, Flamingnet.com

Praise for the book:
"Eva Mozes Kor has written a very moving and vivid account of an extraordinary and horrific experience. It is an important document showing the strength of the human spirit and the capacity to forgive. She should be commended for having the courage to write about her traumatic childhood, leading to the forgiveness that freed her from hatred and brought her peace. May it inspire others to emulate her."—Archbishop Desmond Tutu

"Keep a box of tissues at hand, because this book is one of the most challenging emotional roller coasters I have ever read. Definitely worth reading for people of all ages."—teensreadtoo.com.

"I found the book to be compelling reading and in fact read it at one sitting. The strength of Surviving the Angel of Death lies in its simple style and the clear picture of life before the Holocaust and after liberation, which adds a very important dimension to the testimony. This remarkable story is an important entry point in the teaching of Holocaust History and the many issues which emerge from it, not least of all the triumph of the human spirit."—Richard Freedman, National Director, South African Holocaust Foundation

"With all this biographical information, besides just the time at Auschwitz, the reader really gets to know and relate to Eva and Miriam. This will help children put a face on the Holocaust, bringing their history lessons to their hearts as well as their minds."—Jen Fitzgerald, Associate Director, Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children

"Eva Kor's Surviving the Angel of Death redefined my understanding of suffering. That one so young could triumph over such grotesque evil and still celebrate life and goodness is both a mystery and an inspiration. If this book doesn't move you, nothing will."—Philip Gulley, Author of Front Porch Tales and Harmony series

"A compelling story."—School Librarian's Workshop

"Eva's story will have the reader hooked until the very end...Readers of all ages will remember her narrative and will be inspired by it. This book is an essential purchase for libraries with a Holocaust collection, but it would also be a valuable addition to any library with young impressionable readers."—VOYA

"A masterful, searing, and mind-numbing account of twin ten-year-old sisters who entered the Nazi camp of horror and evil and emerged as survivors...her first-person narrative voice lends powerful credence to the power of the human spirit and the strength of the will to live despite incredible odds...The reader will not want to stop reading."—Assembly of Literature for Adolescents

"Her gripping story will indeed ensure you never forget."—Chicago Tribune