Olivia Helps with Christmas

written and illustrated by Ian Falconer
ages: pre-readers, k-3

Last minute preparations are underway for Olivia and her family; after all, it's Christmas Eve. Olivia is exhausted as she finishes trimming the tree, preparing Christmas Eve dinner, and keeping watch over the weather and the fireplace (ideal conditions are essential for successful Santa-ing). Join Olivia and her family as they celebrate Christmas as only she can.

Any Olivia devotee will tell you of this delightful piglet with spunk, brimming with creativity and boundless energy. Simply written with charming illustrations, Olivia is sure to become a favorite.

Because of Winn-Dixie

by Katie DiCamillo
Ages 10+

A classic book and Newberry Winner that is great. I had heard some many things about this book. I decided to read it myself and I fell in love with it. Opal moved to Florida with her father, the preacher. She finds a dog at the grocery store and promptly names it after the store, Winn-Dixie. Opal is a head strong girl trying to fit in with her new environment and makes friends with the Librarian, the crazy blind neighbor, and the mysterious ex-con pet store owner. Opal learns exciting stories about her new friends and learns how to forgive her mother and others.

The Lightening Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series #1)

written by Rick Riordan
ages: 11+ (young adult)

Although Percy Jackson has spent his whole life in and out of various schools being expelled for assorted infractions, he finally feels like he has it together. He has a best friend named Grover and a teacher that cares; things really seem to be looking up. But when a trip to the museum goes horribly awry, Percy ends up at Camp Half-blood, where he discovers that he is a demigod, or half human and half immortal. More interesting still, he is the son of Poseidon, the god of the Sea, which brings about its own set of unique abilities. A prophecy soon reveals that he must go on a quest to prevent a war among the gods of Olympus; a harrowing journey that will take him to the Underworld.

Creative and spellbinding, The Lightening Thief interweaves Greek mythology flawlessly into this adventure. Don't be fooled by the apparently masculine themes in this book; it will be devoured by both boys and girls. A true page turner, writer Rick Riordan will leave you clamoring for more!