Watcher in the Woods by Robert Liparulo

The exciting second book in the Dreamhouse Kings series introduces the reader to "the bad guys", a couple of new worlds, and how having secrets can cause some serious problems with a family.  As the King family searches for their mother and wife more questions arise than answers.  Trying to appear normal to the community layers additional pressure to the family dynamics too.

House of Dark Shadows focused on Xander and his thoughs and feelings. Watcher in the Woods holds David as the central focus.  Seeing the character development of the two boys keeps you reading with interest.

Now the burning question is how will the third book play out?

Commanche of the Seventh by Margaret Leighton

Award winning author Maragret Leighton follows the life of Commanche, the mount of Captain Miles Keogh of Company I.  Some of the writing is conjecture but much is based upon historical fact.  Written in 1957 the writing is of a different style from current trends which is refreshing.  There is also little political correctness which offers an alternative viewpoint. 

Commanche was the only surviving member of the Seventh Calvary that fought at the Battle of Little Big Horn.  What really comes across is that Custer was an ass.

The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan

Book Three of the Kane Chronicles.

Sadie adn Carter Kane have just a few family issues.  Thier mother is a ghost, their father is now Osiris, the god of the Underworld, Uncle Amos has a very close relationship with Set, a almost bad-guy god, Sadie can and often does channel Isis and Carter can become Horus. 

Oh year, Aphosis wants to destroy the world and Sadie and Carter are destined to be the ones to prevent Chaos from occuring world-wide.

The Berenstain Bears on the Job

Through rhymes and pictues the Berenstain Bears take a look at many jobs and options for making a living.  As always an enjoyable read for the younger set.

Who Grew My Soup?

Phineas Quinn refuses to eat his soup until he knows who grew the ingredients in his soup.  He takes a magical journey visiting farms across the United States and learning where his food comes from.  He also takes quite a different view of vegetables by the end.  Written in wonderful rhymes by Tom Darbyshire and fantastic illustrations by C. F. Payne this book is sure to please as much as the Campbell's Soup that Phineas enjoys.

Campbell's Soup Company was generous enough to provide a copy of the book to all of the participants at the National Ag in the Classroom conference in Loveland, Colorado.  Many thanks go out to the company for their support of education.

Clifford and the Big Parade by Norman Bridwell

Clifford, the Big Red Dog attends the celebration of his town's 100th birthday. There are contest, people dressed up like one hundred years ago, food, and even a parade!  Clifford is in the middle of it all and saves the day for the town at the very end.

Published in 1998 but Clifford never gets old.

Franklin in the Dark by Paulette Bourgeois, illustrated by Brenda Clark

Franklin has a problem, he is scared of small, dark places, like his shell.  Even though he tries he just can not crawl inside like a turtle should do, so he drags his shell around behind him.

Franklin finally decides to go out looking for a way to overcome his fear.  He finds there are many animals afraid of what they are expected to be. 

A nice read that would be helpful for a child that has a specific fear.