Everybody needs friends— especially a boy in a dress! Dennis’ life is boring and lonely. His mother left two years ago, his truck driver father is depressed, his brother is a bully and, worst of all, “no hugging” is one of their household rules. But one thing Dennis does have is soccer—he’s the leading scorer on his team. Oh, and did we mention his secret passion for fashion? When Dennis’ friend Lisa discovers his stash of Vogue magazines, she convinces him to vamp it up and wear a dress to school. But in class, his hilarious hijinks as “Denise” are brought to a screeching halt when the headmaster discovers his secret and delivers the worst punishment of all—Dennis is expelled from school and therefore forbidden to play in the soccer Final Cup! Can the team win the most important game of the year without their star player? And, more importantly, will Dennis gain the love and respect of his friends and family, even in a dress?
Humor
Clover Twig And The Magical Cottage
When the sensible, reliable and always tidy Clover Twig goes to work for a messy witch, she discovers that the witch’s cottage has quite a few secrets hiding inside of it!
Here Be Monsters! (The Ratbridge Chronicles)
Welcome to Ratbridge. But beware — for there is skulduggery afoot. Young Arthur has fallen foul of the appalling outlaw, Snatcher, and is trapped alone in the town with every way home sealed. Meanwhile Snatcher and his men are working tirelessly in secret on a fiendish and dastardly plan to take over — and destroy — the entire town. With the help of Willbury Nibble, QC; some friendly boxtrolls and cabbageheads; Marjorie the frustrated inventor; and the rats and pirates from the Ratbridge Nautical Laundry, can Arthur thwart Snatcher’s evil plans — and find his way home?
Dear Vampa
The Pires are cursed with new neighbors. Things were just fine on Nostfer Avenue until the Wolfsons arrived. There seems to be no end to the new family’s strange rituals. They stay up all day long, lock their windows at night, and bathe—in sunshine. What’s a nice vampire family to do? Ross Collins has created an ironic, laugh-out-loud story that invites you to think about accepting others—perhaps your neighbors are less different than you think.
Charlie And Lola: I Will Be Especially Very Careful
Lola and Lotta’s friendship is put to the test! LolaÂ’s bestest best friend Lotta has a new coat, which was an extra-special gift from her granny. It is the fluffiest, softest, most loveliest coat Lola has EVER seen and she absolutely must borrow it. Lotta says okay, but only as long as Lola promises to not wear it in the rain or spill food on it or get it dirty. Will Lola be able to keep her promise? With Lauren Child’s signature wit and verve, this new Charlie and Lola adventure shows how important honesty is in bestest-best friendships.
James Marshall’s Cinderella
Vain and horrid relatives, tons of laundry, and a fireplace that just never stays clean…this pooped and put-upon heroine needs a little magic in her life! Luckily for her, and for kids and delighted grown-ups everywhere, the inimitable James Marshall cast his wacky brand of enchantment upon Cinderella’s tale-complete with grinning rats, a daffy godmother, and a whole golden coachful of belly laughs! “Will take its rightful place on the fairy-tale shelves, but won’t sit there for long!” (Booklist, starred review) “An excellent storytime version of the favorite fairy tale, e.g. A strong addition to any picture book collection…and great fun.” (School Library Journal, starred review)
Once Upon a Princess and a Pea
Illustrated and told from a fresh point of view, Once Upon a Princess and a Pea opens a door to a 19th century classic with a 20th century kick. The brilliant, flamboyant illustrations set the stage for this humorous retelling in an art-deco-inspired fantasy world. In this version, the princess’s fate hinges on the importance of being true to herself. Full color.
Goldilocks And The Three Bears
Some stories become favored childhood classics with good reason, such as the tale of Goldilocks. Here, in an abundantly funny retelling, the timehonored drama unfolds. This outrageously frilly, jump-roping Goldilocks skips through the bears’ house, reciting saucy rhymes as she goes. Her wide-eyed glee makes a hilarious contrast with the genteel bear family, and children will love poring over the wonderful visual details, such as the bear-related knickknacks slyly scattered throughout the cottage.
Another outstanding collaboration from Caralyn and Mark Buehner, Goldilocks and the Three Bears is perfect for sharing with children, adults, and fairy-tale collectors alike.
Aesop’s Fables
Brad Sneed brings his zany and creative talents to the world of Aesop. In his signature style of tricky perspectives, amusing exaggerations, and rich, delicate watercolors, his animal characters are beautifully realistic and yet humorously human, as they mimic a wide range of human feelings . . . and foibles. The stories of Aesop have been told and retold over the centuries; in his lively adaptation Brad Sneed updates the language and infuses these fifteen stories with a sense of humor that children will enthusiastically enjoy. And once again, as in his popular alphabet book Picture a Letter, Brad has included a wordless bonus for sharp-eyed readers of all ages-a sixteenth tale told only in pictures is hidden somewhere between the covers.
The Jungle Grapevine
In his children’s book debut, fine artist Alex Beard brings to life an African savanna filled with humor and misunderstandings. When Bird mixes up something Turtle says, he accidentally starts a rumor about the watering hole drying up. One misunderstanding leads to another, with animals making their own hilarious assumptions. No one is hearing anything right, and soon the animals are in an uproar from one end of the jungle to the other. Elephant is trumpeting, Croc is snapping, and the Flamingos are fleeing! Beard’s story will have every child wondering if peace can ever be restored in the animal kingdom.