Holiday Reading 2004

Fiction for younger readers

Anderson, Rachel Pizza on Saturday
Until her father's death, Charlotte thought that the worst things that could happen were accidents like swallowing a paperclip and losing a pen. While members of her family mourn the loss, no one seems to be able to help her understand what she's meant to feel. Then a new girl comes to school.
Colfer, Eoin The legend of Spud Murphy
During the holidays, Will and his big brother Marty are packed off to the library, the home of the dreaded librarian Spud Murphy. She uses a spud gun on kids who put a foot wrong. Eventually, Will and Marty discover a love of books and that Mrs Murphy isn't so bad after all.
Danziger, Paula Second grade rules, Amber Brown
Amber Brown loves the second grade but wonders if she will ever receive an award from Deskarina, the desk fairy, for keeping her desk clean.
Doyle, Malachy The ugly great giant
Sam lives a simple life with his parents on a farm. Then Sam meets the Ugly Great Giant.
Fine, Anne The return of the killer cat
Tuffy can't wait for Ellie and the family to go away on holiday. A week of freedom lies ahead - if only he can get away from the catsitter. But everything goes wrong when Tuffy is catapulted into a nearby garden.
Gardner, Sally The boy with the magic numbers
Billy Pickles has a winning way with numbers in book five of the Magical Children series.
Gleeson, Libby Hannah the famous
Fourth in this excellent series of stories about Hannah and her family.
Graham, Bob Tales from the waterhole
Morris the crocodile and his best friend, Billy, a tortoise, like nothing better than messing around down at the waterhole. That is where their friends including zebras, hippos, giraffes, elephants, warthogs meet up.
Graves, Keith Down in the dumps with the 3 nasty gnarlies
In an effort to improve their cleanliness and appearance, three nasty gnarlies follow a butterfly's advice.
Jennings, Paul The cabbage patch curse
A new title in this popular series of stories.
Jennings, Paul Rascal the dragon; Rascal's trick; Rascal takes off; Rascal in trouble
Four books for beginner readers about a dragon named Rascal.
MacLachlan, Patricia More perfect than the moon
Eight-year-old Cassie Witting is upset when she finds out that her mother, Sarah, is expecting a baby, but writing in the journal that belonged to her brother Caleb helps her sort out her feelings and understand that Sarah will always love her.
Park, Linda Sue The firekeeper's son
In eighteenth-century Korea, after Sang-hee's father injures his ankle, Sang-hee attempts to take over the task of lighting the evening fire which signals to the palace that all is well. Includes historical notes.
Place, Francois The old man mad about drawing: a tale of Hokusai
Tojiro, a young seller of rice cakes in the Japanese capital of Edo, later known as Tokyo, is amazed to discover that the grumpy and shabby old man who buys his cakes is a famous artist renowned for his sketches, prints and paintings of flowers, animals and landscapes - Hokusai Katsushika (1760-1849).
Pullman, Philip The Scarecrow and the Servant
A tale of two friends: a scarecrow made of straw and turnip, and his servant, a clever little boy named Jack. Their journey of discovery takes them into hilarious situations and terrifying dangers, but Jack's common sense always saves the day.
Robinson, Barbara The best Halloween ever
The six horrible Herdman children create mayhem during Halloween.
Rogers, Gregory The boy, the bear, the baron, the bard
A funny and educational story featuring William Shakespeare.
Rumford, James Calabash Cat, and his amazing journey
Calabash Cat, living in Chad, sets off to see where the world ends.
Seidler, Tor Toes
After getting lost on Halloween night when he is only a few months old, an intelligent seven-toed kitten makes his way into the life of a struggling musician.
Stevenson, James Flying feet: a Mud Flat story
Stanley and the other animals of Mud Flat take dancing lessons from some touring tap dancers and prepare for a big show.
Swain, Sally Once upon a picture
Introducing children to art.
Teague, Mark Detective LaRue: letters from the investigation
While on vacation, Mrs. LaRue receives letters from her dog Ike who has been falsely accused of harming the neighbour's cats and is trying to clear his name. Sequel to Dear Mrs. LaRue: letters from obedience school.
Thompson, Colin The Great Montefiasco
The Great Montefiasco's magic tricks all go wrong, even when he gets an assistant. But the mistakes turn out in the end to be the right thing. Detailed and amusing illustrations by Ben Redlich.
Willis, Jeanne Dumb creatures
Eleven-year-old Tom has never spoken, so people think he's stupid and treat him differently from "normal" children. At the zoo, Tom can speak to Zanzi, one of the gorillas, through sign language. Nobody believes him, though. They think he's making it up.
Wise, William Christopher Mouse: the tale of a small traveller
After being sold to an unscrupulous pet store owner, a young mouse lives with several owners and has many adventures, before ending up with an appreciative family.
Wrightson, Patricia A wisp of smoke
A quiet Saturday night suddenly turns very rowdy for Mrs Piggot, all because of a persistent wisp of smoke.