Jon Muth's new book, Zen Ties, is a delightful companion to his Caldecott Honor Book, Zen Shorts. Summer has arrived -- and so has Koo, Stillwater's haiku-speaking young nephew. When Stillwater encourages Koo and his friends Addy, Michael, and Karl to help a grouchy neighbor in need, their efforts are rewarded in unexpected ways. Zen Ties, exquisitely illustrated with Jon Muth's luminous watercolors, is a charming story of compassion and friendship.

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STORYTELLING & AUTOGRAPHING Daniel Kirk Wednesday, April 16 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. Ages 5 and up

The joys of reading, writing, and sharing are brought to life in Library Mouse, a brightly illustrated, warmhearted tale by author and illustrator Daniel Kirk. Sam was a library mouse. His home was in a little hole in the wall behind the children's reference books, and he thought that life was very good indeed. Sam loved to read; he read picture books and chapter books, biographies and poetry, and ghost stories and mysteries. Sam read so much that finally one day he decided to write a book himself. Sam shared his books with other library visitors by placing them on a bookshelf at night. People liked his books so much that they wanted to meet the talented author. Whatever was the shy mouse to do?

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The eagerly awaited sequel to Jeanne Birdsall’s National Book Award Winner for Young People’s Literature, The Penderwicks, is here! In The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, the Penderwick sisters are home on Gardam Street and ready for an adventure. But the adventure they get isn’t quite what they had in mind. Mr. Penderwick’s sister has decided it’s time for him to start dating – and the girls know that can only mean one thing: disaster. Enter the Save Daddy Plan – a plot so brilliant, so bold, so funny, that only the Penderwick girls could have come up with it. It’s high jinks, big laughs, and loads of family warmth as the Penderwicks triumphantly return!

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Bestselling master of suspense Margaret Peterson Haddix's new book, The Missing Book 1: Found, is a page-turner of an adventure that will keep middle grade readers riveted. Jonah and Chip are receiving sinister messages. Upon investigating, they are thwarted at every turn -- by men who disappear into thin air, and even by the FBI. Finally they make a shocking discovery: Thirteen years ago a plane appeared out of nowhere with no passengers other than thirty-six babies. Now Jonah, Chip, and the others from that plane are caught in a struggle between two opposing forces who want very different things.

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In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the charming, popular Angelina Ballerina books, join author Katharine Holabird for Angelina stories, accompanied by a young local ballerina performing the part of Angelina Ballerina. Her two latest publications are: Angelina's Invitation to the Ballet, with pull-out letters, invitations, and a special poster, and Angelina Ice Skates. In Angelina's Invitation to the Ballet, when Angelina wins two tickets to the Cindermouse ballet, she is so excited! But who will she invite to go with her? Open the envelopes and read the letters and notes to find out. Children's Book World will be raffling off five Angelina DVDs at the celebration. One raffle ticket will be handed out for each Angelina book purchased (books may be purchased in advance), with the raffle held after the reading at 4:10 p.m.; each person may win only one DVD and winners must be present.

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Ivy and Bean, written by Annie Barrows and illustrated by Sophie Blackall, is a delightful first chapter book series about the humorous exploits of two best friends. In the latest installment, Ivy and Bean Take Care of the Babysitter, the two girls hatch a plan to prove that Bean's big sister Nancy is the world's worst babysitter.

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Hope Anita Smith, local storyteller, poet extraordinaire, and winner of The Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award, has a newly published companion book to her award-winning The Way a Door Closes. In the beautifully written Keeping the Night Watch, through powerful poems, Hope Anita Smith chronicles the nuanced emotions of a family that is slowly learning to heal. So many unanswered questions weigh down thirteen-year-old C.J. as he struggles to understand why his father walked out. His father is back now, though C.J. still feels the weight of responsibility that fell on his shoulders when Daddy was gone, and he's not prepared to give that up. But C.J.'s anger is making him a stranger in his own home, and instead of life seeming better now that Daddy has returned, it feels worse.

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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a reading by Ann Whitford Paul of her delightful new picture book, Count on Culebra: Go from 1 to 10 in Spanish. Iguana has stubbed her toe. Luckily, Doctor Culebra knows just what to do. Or does he? How will tying un rolling pin, dos kettles, and tres skillets to Iguana's tail make her better? And more importantly, her friends want to know, will Iguana feel well enough to make her cactus butter candies? Also new from Ann Paul are two charming bedtime tales: Snail's Good Night, a beginning reader where Snail slowly, slowly slides along to bid his friends good night, and If Animals Kissed Good Night, where in a cozy bedtime chat with her mom, a young girl wonders how animal families say good night.

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A story about happy teeth told by Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Reem Kabbarah. A gentle introduction to dentistry in a friendly environment. Come and meet puppet friend Dougan Dog who brushes his teeth all the time. Kids will learn how to keep their mouths and teeth happy with healthy foods and proper care. Practicing brushing with Dougan's special toothbrush will be fun for all. Dr. Kabbarah is opening a pediatric dental practice next door to Children's Book World this spring. Dr. Kabbarah completed her pediatric dental training at USC in 2003 and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2006.

Check out Children's Book World's selection of books on going to the dentist and dental care. An outstanding new book is The Tooth Book: A Guide to Healthy Teeth and Gums, $16.95, by Edward Miller, for ages 5-8. Filled with lively art and tasty bits of history and lore, this accessible guidebook makes learning how to care for your teeth fun.

STORYTELLING, SONGFEST & AUTOGRAPHING Barney Saltzberg Saturday, June 28 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. Ages 3 - 7

In Stanley and the Class Pet, by multi-talented author/illustrator/ singer/songwriter Barney Saltzberg, Stanley learns the hard way not to bow to peer pressure in a gently humorous tale about responsibility. It's finally Stanley's turn to take the class pet home for the weekend. He can't wait to show Figgy to his mother and spend some quality time taking care of the bird. But when Figgy flies the coop, Stanley is faced with a very tricky problem. And whose fault is it, really -- his, for agreeing to open Figgy's cage, which he knew was a bad idea, -- or Larry Finchfeather's for suggesting it? Also new from Barney, Peekaboo Blueberry! is an adorable interactive book that will delight toddlers as they search for Blueberry's eyes, nose, mouth, toes . . . and even for Blueberry himself! Each spread has flaps for readers to lift as they play a fun round of peekaboo with the mischievous bunny and his mouse friends.

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