Author of the Month

Jean Craighead George

Click here to read reviews of her books and learn more about her.

New Book Reviews from The Children's Bookstore Staff

Star in the Forest
written by Laura Resau

This thoughtful and realistic story for middle grade readers (ages 9-12) begins when Zitlally's father is deported to Mexico while his family remains in the U.S. Feeling alone and scared, Zitlally seeks comfort in the forest of rusty cars behind her family's trailer where she finds a dirty skinny dog with a star-shaped mark on its neck. She becomes convinced that Star is no ordinary dog, that he is like the magical animals in Papa's star stories, and that if she can only keep him safe then her father will also be safe. When Star disappears, Zitlally and her new friend, Crystal, must find him and save him.

One Too Many: A Seek and Find Counting Book
written and illustrated by Gianna Marino

Shimmering silver arcs trace a flea's hops from animal to animal in this visually appealing counting book. Marino's choice of primarily black and white animals on a watercolor background makes for a bold display while the animals' expressive faces add an additional dimension to the reader's experience.