Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett

This picture book was laugh-out-loud funny!  There is a story within a story here, as the author takes a time out to discuss the pictures with the illustrator.  When they disagree, the author fires him and hires someone new...which leads to even more arguing, a badly drawn book, and a main character who has to save the day.  What a great way to teach story concepts as well as point of view.  I would highly recommend this as a read-aloud and language arts companion text.


Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

I have to admit, there were times I laughed out loud while I was reading Dead End in Norvelt.  Jack, the main character, is one of the wimpiest boys I have run across in a book.  His nose bleeds whenever he gets frightened or excited -- and his nose bleeds a lot during the course of the story!  He is caught in a feud between his mother and his father and winds up grounded for most of the summer, except for when he helps his arthritic neighbor write obituaries.  Mysterious deaths, fires, and history all combine in this engaging book.  I really liked it!

Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

Okay, so the boys convinced me that I needed to read something from the Ranger's Apprentice series, and I decided that the best place to start would be at the beginning.  After reading The Ruins of Gorlan, I have to admit that I am hooked.  Flanagan has crafted a very believable world with characters that I could easily come to see as friends.  The action is balanced well with character and plot development, a hard thing to accomplish when beginning a long series.  The book had a satisfying end -- even though we know there is more to come.  I would highly recommend this series for your fantasy lovers.