Henny Penny
By Vivian French
Illustrated by Sophie Windham
Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Ages 3-6, $16.95

The classic tale of Henny Penny comes to life in a new and even more eventful way! We all know the story of Chicken Little, who is convinced the sky is falling and she needs to tell the king, but this version adds a fun and playful twist to the ending. The silly, lyrical names give the book a sing-song rhythm that little kids love.

Finding Joy
Boyds Mill Press
By Marion Coste
Illustrated by Yong Chen
Ages 6-8, $16.95

This wonderful book celebrates the beauty of adoption. The simple text and elaborate illustrations tell the moving story of a Chinese couple’s decision to place their newborn baby girl under a bridge, as a result of the government’s one-child policy. The baby is found, placed in an orphanage, and eventually adopted by a young couple in North America. The story follows the new mother as she flies across the world to bring the beautiful child home to a family waiting to welcome her into their world.

Junie B., First Grader: Aloha-ha-ha
By Barbara Park
Random House
Ages 7-10, $11.95

She’s baacckk! The 26th book in the Junie B. Jones series is filled with the wonderful antics and silly tirades that make Junie B. Jones one of a kind. In her most recent adventure, Junie B. embarks on an adventurous vacation in Hawaii. Not surprisingly, Junie B.’s oh-so-perfect vacation is filled with hilarious mishaps that are sure to keep young readers giggling for hours.

The Last Brother: A Civil War Tale
By Trinka Hakes Noble
Illustrated by Robert Papp
Sleeping Bear Press
Ages 8 and up, $17.95

The Last Brother is the latest release in The Tales of Young Americans series, an historical fiction picture book series by Sleeping Bear Press. Young readers will learn about the troubles facing Gabe, an 11-year-old bugle boy for the Union Army. Striking illustrations bring a sense of realism to this poignant story of this boy who takes on the challenge of keeping his last surviving brother alive. He also befriends another young bugler, who fights for the opposing army. This friendship causes Gabe to question whether his devotion should be to his country or to his friend.

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