Yes Day! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld

What if the answer to your every wish was "YES" for one whole day? This clever, fun-filled picture book answers that very question. Don't miss the shopping cart filled with cereal boxes sporting names such as "Big Awesome Toy Prize Cereal", "Marshmallow Fluff Cereal: With Bits of Actual Cereal", and my favorite, "Hot Fudge Sundae and Oats Flakes: 1 Whole Oat Per Serving". Fun for a quick read or a closer look.

The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

A fabulous series, the final book, a huge build-up...no disappointments! As Percy Jackson's 16th birthday approaches, his mind is far from the typical teenager's concerns. Prophecies indicate that Percy will make a decision on his birthday that will affect the fate of all mankind - and perhaps cost him his life. With his half-blood friends at his side, Percy races to New York to battle the coming Titan army in an attempt to save both humans and the gods. This book is a rush of action from beginning to end with one battle flowing into another and the fate of the world (and Percy) in the balance. With all that is going on, Riordan still manages to include enough humor to keep readers from boiling over with the continuously increasing tension. Perfectly told and ultimately satisfying, the final Percy lives up to the hype.

The Diamond of Drury Lane by Julia Golding

The Theater Royal on Drury Lane is the only home that Cat Royal has ever known. Left there as an infant, the owner and staff took her in. Smart and adventurous, Cat often finds herself in tricky situations. Believing a diamond to be hidden in the theater, Cat soon finds herself the target of a ruthless street gang, the keeper of a life-threatening secret, and friend to a couple of high-society youth. This is an action-packed mystery full of twists and turns as well as a cast of fun characters. Cat, herself, is likable and well worth cheering for. This is an A+ mystery for older kids.

Peak by Roland Smith

When Peak Marcello is caught climbing a skyscraper in New York City it looks like he may be experiencing less friendly skies for awhile (or no sky at all!). However, when his estranged father offers him the opportunity to climb Everest together and rigs it so Peak doesn't have to serve any time if he leaves the country with his father, Peak jumps at the opportunity. Peak quickly learns that this climb comes with strings attached and that his father isn't in it just so he can spend some time with his son. In the course of facing this incredibly difficult physical challenge, Peak learns a lot about himself, his father, the family he left behind in the States, and the direction he wants to take his life. This title has plenty of gripping action to keep the interest of even wary readers and the intriguing characters make it even more appealing.

Birds by Kevin Henkes; illus. by Laura Dronzek

As a huge Kevin Henkes fan, I was surprised (and a little dismayed) to discover that his latest offering is illustrated by Donzek (who also illustrated his title, "Oh!"). However, my disappointment quickly disappeared. This is a lovely title that perfectly captures birds from a child's perspective. My favorite pages of the book show many birds sitting in a row on a wire: "Once I saw seven birds on the telephone wire. They didn't move and they didn't move and they didn't move. I looked away for just a second ..." The reader turns the page and sees... a single thick black line running across two empty pages and the words, "and they were gone." That's just how it is with birds. Hundreds can be spread out in front of you and, blink, they are gone! The pictures do an excellent job expanding on the text throughout the story and are paced just right to supply the reader with several "Aha" moments. Just right for even the youngest bird enthusiasts.

My One Hundred Adventures by Polly Horvath

Five starred reviews and lots of positive buzz were not enough to sway my opinion on this mediocre title. The writing is solid but the story drags and I can't imagine too many children (or some adults) who will be drawn to this often-bizarre, adult-sounding title. The child and star - twelve year old Jane - prays for 100 adventures and chronicles fourteen in these pages. The adventures range from an odd balloon ride in which her pastor friend, Nellie, forces her up in a hot-air balloon to drop Bibles to the earth below to meeting her many possible fathers. For me the oddness was over the top and the adults were not believable.

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox; illus. by Helen Oxenbury

I used this title for Book Baby this morning and loved it! The text is super sweet and the illustrations perfectly capture that gentle tone. The repetition appealed to the little ones who enjoyed showing their own ten little fingers and ten little toes over and over again. I was worried it might be a little long for my youngest crowd but they responded well to the rhythm of the text and Oxenbury's lovely illustrations. A winner!!