Little, Brown has books for Young Readers of all ages this holiday season. I was sent three books for "kids" and one for "teens" to review:
----------------------------------- KIDS -----------------------------------
written by Barbara Emberley; illustrated by Ed Emberley
List Price: $12.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers; Library Binding edition (November 1, 2008)
Language: English
Hop into bed, Turn over thrice, And whisper this softly: Night’s nice, night’s nice, night’s nice...Good Night.
This classic bedtime gem is brought to new life in a deluxe gift edition. Caldecott Award-winning author/illustrator team Barbara and Ed Emberley introduce readers to the splendors of nighttime—from moonlit treetops and glowing city street lamps, to luminous fireworks on the 4th of July. With traditional cloth binding, a die-cut moon and silver foil title type on the cover, this book—originally published in 1962—has all the makings of a new classic.
My take on it: This is an adorable book with beautiful illustrations. I thought it was a great way to show my children all the great things about night time and help ease them into bed. This is a new favorite for us to read each night before bed.
written and illustrated by Holly Hobbie
List Price: $6.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers; Reprint edition (October 1, 2008)
Language: English
Toot goes to a family reunion in Scotland, promising Puddle that he’ll be back in Woodcock Pocket in time for Christmas. But a huge snowstorm strands him far away from home on Christmas Eve! As Puddle waits anxiously for his friend, another holiday traveler helps Toot find his way to Woodcock Pocket just in time. Comes with free Christmas ornaments!
My take on it: Apparently, Toot and Puddle is a show that appears on several kids' programming channels but we've not seen it yet. No matter, my kids loved this book, especially the mysterious character who rescues Toot on his way home! A wonderful book for Christmas time - my kids eagerly cut out the included ornaments and put them on their trees too!
written by Gillian Shields
illustrated by Sebastien Braun
List Price: $14.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: L,B Kids (December 1, 2008)
Language: English
Everyone loves a big bear hug, Soft and cozy, warm and snug.
In this cute and cuddly novelty picture book, kids will learn all about caring for their favorite stuffed animals. The playful text asks readers what they like best about their furry friends, and reveals just how bears most like to spend their days. Featuring a soft padded cover and a peek-a-boo mirror inside, this special book is destined to become as treasured as a child’s favorite teddy bear!
My take on it: This book says it's for 4-8 year olds but I think it should be for the younger crowd - my 4 and 6 year old weren't very interested in it. That said, I think the toddler set would love it - especially looking at themselves in the mirror at the end!
----------------------------------- TEENS -----------------------------------
List Price: $9.99
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers (December 1, 2008) Language: English
A Patterson thriller that’s double the chills with eye-popping, cinematic, full-color visuals throughout! The first graphic novel from America’s favorite storyteller releases at the same time as The Dangerous Days of Daniel X paperback, but introduces a brand new adventure. Daniel is the Alien Hunter, gifted with supreme abilities and access to a list of intergalactic criminals roaming the planet. In this mission, Daniel zeroes in on #7, the dreaded grand-master of a deadly game that could result in the eventual takeover of earth. However, #7 can shape-shift into an angry throng of swarming ants, and Daniel may need the help of Kildare, the villain’s rebellious son, to bring the evil alien to justice.
My take on it: Another home run for James Patterson - this is an excellent comic book for the tween and teen audience. Fans of his book The Dangerous Days of Daniel X will get a kick out of reading the another story about the Alien Hunter, this time in comic book format. A great gift for the young teen reader in your life.
About Little, Brown Publishing Group: Little, Brown and Company was founded in 1837 and for close to two centuries has published fiction and nonfiction by many of America's finest writers. Early lists featured Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, Emily Dickinson's poetry, and Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, all of which are still available today. In 1993 Little, Brown created a new trade paperback imprint, Back Bay Books, to focus on long-term publication of the company's best fiction and nonfiction and to publish original trade paperbacks. Little, Brown is also the home of Bulfinch Press, a leading publisher of art and photography books. Read more here.
Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 12:42PM 
Author: Holly Hobbie
