Barry Moser is a well known illustrator and even better known by those of us who work at Lemuria. A few of my favorite books that he has illustrated are The Blessing of the Beasts by Ethel Pochocki, Ring of Tricksters by Virginia Hamilton, Hogwood Steps Out by Howard Mansfield, and Hummingbird Nest by Kristina O’Connell George.

All this to say, we think Barry is the best. And to top it all off, Barry will be here in the store on Saturday, December 10th at 11:00. Barry’s books, The Cheshire Cheese Cat and Franklin and Winston: A Christmas that Changed the World, are also our Oz First Edition’s Club Picks for December!

I fell in love with Edward on the first read. For me, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane represents the journey that many of us take in life. At the beginning of the story, Edward has more love than any china bunny, or person, can expect — he is loved selflessly and unconditionally. However, Edward has no regard for all this love and appreciation. Again, as in life, change is waiting to happen, and for our selfish little bunny, this change comes in the form of an accident at sea. This event becomes the catalyst for about twenty years of life adventures — most are full of love and happiness, but a few reveal to Edward all that he had taken for granted. At one point Edward is feeling pretty low and realizes that to be loved you must open your heart, and that to fully be happy you must give love in return. As you all know, opening the heart brings risk. Can Edward open his heart? Get the book and find out!

You will definitely enjoy not only the book but meeting the amazing person who gave us this beautiful story. Kate DiCamillo will be here this Sunday, May 15th at 1:00. We hope you will come out and meet her. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Also, check out Emily’s blog on Kate’s signing here!

Not long after Elizabeth begins working here she realizes that items from the Grimm’s Collection are disappearing. She quickly realizes that she and her new friends must find the thief before the authorities lay the blame on them. Come along for an intriguing and magical world of romance and adventure.

The Grim Legacy: Borrow the Magic . . . If You Dare!

by Polly Shulman (Putnam, 2010)

Ages 10-13

The Night Fairy

See Emily’s post on The Night Fairy here.

Waggit Forever by Peter Howe

Ages 8-12

Waggit’s home has been Central Park ever since he was abandoned as a puppy. Now several years later the park has become overcrowded with people, food is scarce, and it is difficult to find a safe shelter. Once again Waggit shows us his ability to take charge, assess the situation and lead the pack to a new home.

If you read Waggit’s Tale, and Waggit Again, Waggit Forever will take you back to the park and the adventure of this loyal, courageous and truly remarkable dog, Waggit.

Peter Howe’s character Waggit is based on his own real life dog, Roo, whom he found in Central Park. Visit Peter and the Waggit pack at www.waggitstale.com.

As often is the case with royalty, Joan is married off to a man who is older and a man that she does not love. However, she never forgets her childhood crush on Lord Raymond who came to her rescue when she was but a very young girl.

In much of the story, one feels that Joan is much older that she really is until a birthday is mentioned and you realize that she is very much a young girl. It must have been very difficult to grow up in a family where the mother was often banished to some far away castle. In spite of the many military crusades and campaigns this was an interesting story. A map is included to help visualize the great distance involved in the plot. (Teen, ages 14 and up)

Christian, the Hugging Lion by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Illustrations by Amy June Bates

Children’s Picture Book, Ages 3-6

The true story and the gentle lifelike illustrations make this picture book suitable for the younger child.

Christian the Lion (told from the lion’s point of view) Written by the owners Anthony (Ace) Bourke and John Rendall

Children’s Picture Book, ages 3-8, a true story with photographs

This is the story of their friend Christian, the lion. These two gentlemen purchased Christian, a three month old lion, from Harrods, a department store in London. Christian lived with Ace and John in their London apartment until he outgrew the small space, boarded a plane with his loving caretakers and flew to Africa. This period of time was a serious adjustment for Ace, John and Christian. This is a beautiful story of love, adjustment and beginning of a new life in Kenya. A year after saying goodbye, Ace and John returned to Kenya for joyous reunion with their friend, Christian.

Christian the Lion: Based on the Amazing and Heartwarming True Story by Anthony Burke and John Rendall

Middle reader, ages 8-10, a chapter book, a true story with photographs

The story behind the Youtube sensation.