Nutmeg
By David Lucas Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers $16.95, ages 3-8
Magic spoons. A mysterious genie. Houses that turn into ships. This tremendously imaginative tale features a girl named Nutmeg who longs for a little change in her life. She and her Uncle Nicodemus and Cousin Nesbit eat the same things for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and do the same activities day in and day out. Young readers will learn that change can be exciting.

Toys Go Out: Being the Adventures of a Knowledgeable Stingray, a Toughy Little Buffalo, and Someone Called Plastic.
By Emily Jenkins Schwartz & Wade Books $16.95, ages 7-11
Lumphy, Stingray, and Plastic are toys loved by one little girl. In these six interconnected stories, the toys share their happiness, love for one another, and worries about what the future holds as they figure out the outside world. The wonderful illustrations make the story come alive.

A Coach’s Letter to His Son
By Mel Allen Creative Editions $18.95, ages 7 and up
The Minnesota-based Creative Editions has once again produced a powerful read for all generations. A father writes a letter to his baseball-loving son, examining the place the game once held in the hearts of players. The father realizes that coaching his son’s team changes the very nature of the game itself. He longs to recapture the innocence that used to be synonymous with our country’s favorite pastime.

Brave Emily
American Girl Collection Series By Valerie Tripp $6.95, ages 7 and up
American Girl fans rejoice! Brave Emily is the newest book in the American Girls Collection Series. This delightful historical fiction follows in the footsteps of the ever-popular “Molly” books. Emily comes to stay with her best friend Molly’s family during the World War II bombing of London. The book is a true testament to friendship and the importance of helping others when they are in need. It also celebrates the autonomy and resourcefulness of young Emily, who is thousands of miles away from home.

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