THE LORAX by Dr. Seuss

Now is a great time to revisit this classic Dr. Seuss story about a Lorax that "speaks for the trees" - warning against mindless "progress" and greedy consumerism. First published in 1971, the message of this picture book is still relevant, yet it is still typical Seuss fare - fun to read aloud and not preachy. Universal Pictures plans to release an animated movie based on this story in early March so stop by your library to check it out; it's on the shelf at E SEU.

BIG WOLF AND LITTLE WOLF by Nadine Brun-Cosme

This simple but endearing story of friendship begins when Big Wolf, who has lived alone at the top of the hill for as long as he can remember, spots a little speck in the distance coming ever closer. The little speck turns out to be Little Wolf, who each day encroaches a little more into Big Wolf’s world. At first, Big Wolf doesn’t know what to make of this intruder but gradually he finds himself sharing more and more of his life with Little Wolf. Still, it isn’t until Little Wolf disappears that Big Wolf realizes truly just how much he liked having Little Wolf around. The illustrator uses simple but bold paint strokes to effectively evoke the mood of the story. You will be smiling as you read this story aloud, and rest assured, all ends well. This story is a favorite in France and only recently has been translated into English; find it at E BRU.

THE UPSTAIRS CAT by Karla Kuskin

The Upstairs Cat is actually about two cats - one who lives upstairs and who won't come downstairs and one who lives downstairs and refuses to come upstairs. It's a standoff with both cats glaring and hissing at each other until one day when they meet on the stairs! Look out as the fur flies! Told in rhyming text, the story illustrates the stupidity of their "year after year" catfights and concludes that "nothing is dumber than war," especially when you don't even know what you're fighting about. Illustrator Howard Fine captures the personalities of the two cats and their respective territories in vibrant pastels. Find this one at E KUS.

EARWIG AND THE WITCH

Earwig and the Witch by Diana Wynne Jones. Earwig was left on the orphanage's doorstep when she was a baby. She likes it it there and never wants to leave. Earwig is an unusual little girl who has a way of making everyone do exactly likes she wants at the orphange and her best friend Custard is there, so she makes sure that no one ever picks her for adoption. When a very strange couple comes to the orphange and chooses Earwig out from all the other children she is in for an unpleasant surprise. For the first time in her life Earwig can't control what is happeneing to her because the couple turn out to be a witch and a demon, but they might be in for a surprise, too, when Earwig makes friends with the witch's cat. A funny, magical fun read for grades 3rd and up.

by Judy Griggs

THE COW BUZZED by Andrea Griffing Zimmerman

As an odd virus spreads its way across the barnyard, the farm animals discover they are left with some cumbersome side effects courtesy of the animals that gave them the cold. The cow begins to buzz, the pig begins to moo, and all animals are feeling grumpy! Children of all ages will enjoy reading and acting out this silly tale. Author Andrea Zimmerman also adds in a few cautionary lines of advice about proper sneeze and cough etiquette that fit seamlessly into the story. This book, along with other works by this author, can be found in the Easy section under E ZIM.

YUM! YUM! WHAT FUN! by Mara Bergman

Katie, James, and their little dog Harry are making a delicious mess in their kitchen. Unbeknownst to them, creatures from the zoo across the street are slithering, crawling, and trotting through their window in an effort to take part in the baking fun. What will happen when a hungry bear comes crashing through? Readers of all ages will find out as they take part in this silly, rhyming tale and make friends with all the crazy zoo animals. Yum!Yum! What Fun! can be found in the Easy section under E BER.

AMELIA LOST by Candace Fleming

While nonfiction books aren’t often what kids are drawn to, Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart is an excellent nonfiction choice for anyone curious about the life of Amelia Earhart. The book tells about her childhood, her path to becoming a pilot, and the mysteries surrounding her disappearance. The pages are divided in color to tell different stories: the white pages tell of Amelia’s life, while the gray pages discuss the events of her disappearance and the individual stories of those who believed they had heard her radioing for help. The pages are punctuated with photos of Amelia throughout her life, along with facts about the time period’s technologies, Amelia’s awards, and other information regarding Amelia’s life and its events. To check out this book, you’ll find it in the juvenile nonfiction section under J 629.13 FLE.