Houndsley and Catina and the Quiet Time
By Marie-Louise Gay
Candlewick Press, $14.99, ages 6 and up
Thanks to its delightful illustrations and simple storylines, the Houndsley and Catina series has become a favorite of early elementary-school-age children. The most recent book celebrates the magical feeling of snowy winter days. A big snowstorm has left Houndsley and Catina snowed in. For Houndsley, being snowed in is an opportunity to slow down and enjoy some quiet time, but being stuck inside is driving Catina crazy. The story is a wonderful way for kids to realize slowing down and enjoying the little things in life can truly make them smile!
Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out
By 108 Renowned Authors and Illustrators
Candlewick Press, $29.99, ages 8 and up
More than 100 authors and illustrators donated their stories, poetry, essays, speeches, comics, personal reflections, and plays to create this one-of-a-kind tome depicting the incredible history of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Readers will learn about the history of this palatial building as well as the people who built it, lived in it, and helped it become what it is today: A grand tribute to our nation’s history.
Card Trickery
Klutz Publishing, $14.95, ages 11 and up
Do you have a magician wannabe in the family? He or she will revel in the newest addition to Klutz’s lineup of activity books. Filled with activities and stories about card tricks, including a brief history of the art form, children and adults alike will learn the ins and outs of throwing, shuffling, and performing magic with cards. Everything you need to wow your friends and relatives is included with the book, even a new deck of cards!
Bear Dance
By Jan Wahl & Monique Felix
Creative Editions, $17.95, ages 3 and up
Minnesota-based Creative Editions has added a beautifully written and illustrated book to its award-winning lineup of children’s books. Bear Dance features a story of a bear who loves to dance in the beautiful, wild mountain where he lives. But when the bear is captured for the amusement of humans, his dancing days are over — he simply stops responding to music in captivity. The bear’s strong determination to free himself and return to the life he once knew will show the youngest of readers that you should never give up on your dreams.
