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In this novel written for fans of the dystopian-horror genre, Cash delivers a gripping story with a Jurassic Park vibe.

Participating in the rich tradition of parables that illustrate moral and religious teachings through animal tales, Life in the Meadow with Madie: Mr. Earl's Missing Eyeglasses presents the story of a community coming together to help out someone in need.

Patty Luhovey began to write Life in the Meadow with Madie: Mr. Earl's Missing Eyeglasses in 2009. Several of the story’s characters are based upon family members, even her daughter’s dog Carli.

There are many reasons that kids choose to brag but one doesn’t always understand why. In Lee Ann Mancini’s moralistic picture book, What a Bragger!, young readers are introduced to a character, Melissa Blowfish, who brags in order to cover up that she is poor.

Sophie and The Finn: Secret of the Box is the second book in author J. Peter Clifford’s mystery series about Erica Stafford—a spunky seventh grader who has premonitions and often finds herself embroiled in risky adventures—and her two loyal dogs, Sophie and The Finn.

In children’s book author Steven Schoenfeld’s Can You Buy Me the Wind?, children and parents alike are treated to a rhyming picture book that seeks to instill a solid set of values.

How did the idea for The Name Soup originate? Sandhya Sameera Pillalamarri: The concept of the book was inspired by my long last name. I was always intrigued about its true meaning and where it came from.

The Name Soup is an encouraging story for children and is a poignant read for young students and teachers learning to build tolerance and gain insights within classrooms.

Daddy Forgot My Dinner is a cautionary tale about an adorable little puppy and the trials of spending the day home alone.

Mama, Talk About Our New Baby is a great parental tool that supports breastfeeding, co-sleeping, baby wearing, and raising emotionally intelligent older siblings.

George Can! (And You Can Too) is an affirming picture book about the wonderful powers of positive thinking. It offers young readers a playful nudge toward an optimistic attitude by utilizing the mantra “I can! I will! I believe!”

The Orphan of Torundi delivers all the key ingredients for a successful young adult novel. Romance, fast adventure, and a believable landscape blend together for a consuming read with a strong protagonist.

In the latest installment to Carole P. Roman’s award-wining series, Captain No Beard and his crew are heading in the direction of the North Star. This time they’re on a journey that the captain’s team is not so keen on joining—Captain No Beard has plans to take something without asking permission.

With a humorous voice and multiple anecdotes, Joey, a chocolate Labrador who enjoys digging and escaping beyond his home’s fence, provides an entertaining narration for both children and adults.

Discover the western European country of Portugal with award-winning author and former social studies teacher Carole P. Roman.

Ned is a book-smart turtle with a very introspective way of thinking. As Rosco cartwheels onto the scene singing a song, Ned’s long awaited moment of serenity is shattered and so begins the story’s true tale of accepting differences and finding a balance between learning and living.

In Carole P. Roman’s fifth installment of her award-winning Captain No Beard series, The Treasure of Snake Island, the crew of the Flying Dragon discovers the power of reading.

Dedicated Review

By Nicki Richesin, The Children’s Book Review
Published: June 25, 2012

The Hellandback Kids: Be Careful What You Wish For

By L.L. Helland

Reading level: Ages 10-14

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace (February 24, 2011)

L.L. Helland’s aptly named The Hellandback Kids takes the reader on a wonderfully wacky, mind-bending fantasy adventure wherein the characters learn as the subtitle warns to “Be Careful What You Wish For.” Although the beginning is a bit stilted, once the four Hellandback children arrive at their great grandmother’s Scottish home for a vacation, the fast-paced action ensues. Gifted with extraordinary magical powers, their goodhearted clairvoyant Granmama and late great-grandfather Alastair help the teens learn life lessons that will allow them to make thoughtful decisions that will change their adult lives. Despite his wry humor, the youngest Chris serves as the emotional heart of the novel.

The Bundlebobs attempt to revive Chris Hellandback.

The four siblings embark on exciting and often dangerous journeys that will test their mettle and lead them to face challenges they never dreamed possible. Along the way they encounter a host of quirky characters including life-sized rats, vampires, giants, and the fun-loving Bundlebobs who disgustingly dip their toenails into their ears as if they were eating chips and salsa. Despite these few gross-out moments, Helland’s novel compels the reader to empathize with her characters as they learn hard lessons about self-reliance, the evils of corporate greed, how to take great risks and trust one’s gut when something feels distinctly wrong.

Perhaps the most moving of the escapades is young Trisha’s when her presumed Prince Charming Godfrey reveals his true identity as a soul-sucking vampire. Thanks to consumer culture’s recent vampire obsession and its predictable girl-must-find-mate plot, Trisha’s story seemed especially perceptive and original. Whether the Hellandbacks take on the bubonic plague or escape from a jail-like tomb, they learn as Granmama advises, “to take charge of their own lives and adventures” with courage and spirit.

Add this book to your collection: The HellandBack Kids: Be Careful What You Wish For