Zen Shorts
By Jon J Muth
0-439-33911-1, $16.95, Scholastic Press, Ages 4 and up

Jon Muth’s bestselling picture books teach powerful spiritual lessons — for readers of all ages whose hearts are open to them. His book, The Three Questions, was described by The New York Times Book Review as “quietly life-changing.”

When a giant panda named Stillwater moves into Michael, Addy, and Karl’s neighborhood, he tells them the most amazing stories! With vibrant watercolors and elegant ink drawings, Jon J Muth—and Stillwater the bear—imaginatively present three classic Zen stories that abound with enlightenment and love.

“Buddha lurks in the details here: Every word and image comes together to make as perfect a picture book as can be.” –Kirkus Reviews, February 1, 2005 STARRED

"Like The Three Questions (2002), Muth's latest is both an accessible, strikingly illustrated story and a thought-provoking meditation..." –Booklist, March 1, 2005, STARRED

This month’s From the Editor’s Desk features Zen Shorts: Read now

A RealRead selection.

Also available by Jon J Muth:
Old Turtle and the Broken Truth
(written by Douglas Wood) 0-439-32109-3, $17.95
Stone Soup
0-439-33909-X, $16.95
The Three Questions
0-439-19996-4, $16.95
Gershon’s Monster
(written by Eric Kimmel) 0-439-10839-X, $16.95
Come On, Rain!
(written by Karen Hesse) 0-590-33125-6, $16.95

Katie’s Sunday Afternoon
By James Mayhew
0-439-60678-0, $16.95, Orchard Books, Ages 4–8

Exploring art is always fun with Katie! This latest museum romp in James Mayhew’s bestselling series features paintings by renowned artists such as Seurat, Signac, and Pissarro.

Also available by James Mayhew:
Katie and the Sunflowers
0-531-30325-X, $15.95
Katie and the Mona Lisa
0-531-30177-X, $16.95
Katie Meets the Impressionists
0-531-30151-6, $16.95

Never Cry Woof! A Dog-U-Drama
Retold and Illustrated by Jane Wattenberg
0-439-21675-3, $16.95, Scholastic Press, Ages 4–8

In the spirit of her riotously wacky Henny-Penny, Jane Wattenberg’s sly revival of Aesop’s fable proves that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. She is at her playful best in this story filled with waggish puns, sublime rhyme, and rockin’ rhythm, perfectly matched with a bold new version of her trademark photo-compositions.

Also available by Jane Wattenberg:
Henny-Penny 0-439-07817-2, $16.95

The Wheels on the Race Car
By Alexander Zane, illus. by James Warhola
0-439-59080-9, $16.95, Orchard Books, Ages 4-8

Bestselling artist James Warhola and author Alexander Zane have created a fun, read-aloud picture book with rhyming text and wonderfully amusing illustrations inspired by the song, “The Wheels on the Bus.”

“A sure-fire hit for rowdy read-alouds.” –Booklist, February 1, 2005

The Animal Rescue Store
By Elizabeth Swados, illus. by Anne Wilson
0-439-55476-4, $16.95, Arthur A. Levine Books, Ages 4-8

A real store inspired this riotous tribute to animals in trouble, the generous man who takes care of them, and the kids he finds to take them home.

Kids will tweet, howl or hiss along to the romping rhythms of Liz Swados's poems and the colorful fun of Anne Wilson's illustrations.

No More Cookies!
By Paeony Lewis, illus. by Brita Granström
0-439-68332-7, $16.95, The Chicken House, Ages 5 and up

Florence, a small and willful girl, and Arnold, her faithful, plush monkey doll, have reached the bottom of the cookie tin. The two friends invent lots of wacky ways to get Florence’s mom to give them more cookies. But Florence's mom has a plan of her own!

What’s Going On In There?
By Geoffrey Grahn
0-439-57495-1, $14.95, Orchard Books, Ages 4-8

At first you’ll see pictures of a perfectly ordinary town: a school, a candy store, a barbershop, and nice, neat homes. But wait until you turn the page and look behind the scenes! In this guessing game, watch young readers’ surprise as they discover what’s really going on in there!

Max’s Mystical Logbook
By Marissa Moss
0-439-46664-4, $5.99, Scholastic Paperbacks, Ages 7-10

Fans of Marissa Moss’ bestselling Amelia’s Notebook series were charmed by Max’s Logbook. And now Max is back—with the second hilarious installment of his inimitable Logbook!

Max's Mystical Logbook

Also available by Marissa Moss:
Max’s Logbook 0-439-46660-1, $12.95 HC; 0-439-46662-8, $5.99 PB

Candy
By Kevin Brooks
0-439-68327-0, $16.95, The Chicken House, Ages 12 and up

Kevin Brooks is a powerful new voice in teen fiction. His novels—Martyn Pig, Lucas, and Kissing the Rain—grab the reader with characters that resonate, plots that run deep, and no easy answers. Candy is his most gripping book yet.

When Joe meets Candy, it seems like a regular boy-meets-girl scenario. They chat over coffee, she gives him her number, and he writes her a song. But then Joe is drawn into Candy's world — a world of drugs, violence, and desperation. Joe finds himself facing real danger at every twist and turn. This intoxicating tale of heartache, danger, and hope will enthrall teen readers.

“This story’s gritty street smarts will keep thrill-seekers more than entertained, while Joe’s orphic rescue mission into the netherworld of addiction gives more thoughtful readers plenty to ponder.” –Publishers Weekly, January 31, 2005 STARRED

A RealRead selection!

Also available by Kevin Brooks:
Kissing the Rain
0-439-57743-8, $7.99 PB; 0-439-57742-X, $16.95 HC
Lucas
0-439-53063-6, $7.99 PB; 0-439-45698-3, $16.95
Martyn Pig
0-439-50752-9, $6.99 PB; 0-439-29595-5, $16.95 HC

The Keys to the Kingdom Book 3: Drowned Wednesday
By Garth Nix
0-439-70086-8, $15.95, Scholastic Press, Ages 9-12

Welcome to the third thrilling installment in New York Times bestselling author Garth Nix’s masterpiece series, The Keys to the Kingdom. Drowned Wednesday is the first book in the series to be published in hardcover. We are simultaneously releasing hardcover editions of the first two books, in response to the demand from librarians! From now on, the entire series will be published first in hardcover, then in paperback.

With his unlimited imagination and thrilling storytelling, Garth Nix has created a character and a world that become even more compelling with each book.

“With a likeable unlikely hero, fast-paced plotting and a plethora of mystical oddities, this series is sure to garner a host of fans.” –Publishers Weekly, July 28, 2003 STARRED

The Keys to the Kingdom

Also available by Garth Nix:
The Keys to the Kingdom Book 1: Mister Monday
0-439-70369-7, $15.95 HC; 0-439-55123-4, $5.99 PB
The Keys to the Kingdom Book 2: Grim Tuesday
0-439-70370-0, $15.95 HC; 0-439-43655-9, $5.99 PB

The Waterless Sea: Book Two in the Chanters of Tremaris Trilogy
By Kate Constable
0-439-55480-2, $16.95, Arthur A. Levine Books, Ages 12 and up

The sequel to the critically acclaimed The Singer of All Songs draws readers even deeper into the magical world of Tremaris — and presents a quest for peace and justice that has greater consequences than Calwyn could ever have imagined.

“An impressive debut by an author who clearly has much to contribute to the fantasy genre.” –Booklist, STARRED

Also available by Kate Constable:
The Singer of All Songs
0-439-55478-0, $16.95 HC
0-439-55479-9, $5.99 PB

Avril Crump and Her Amazing Clones
By Angela Woolfe
0-439-65130-1, $9.95, Orchard Books, Ages 9–12

A funny cross between fantasy and sci-fi and a sweet, wacky Feed for younger readers, slapstick, mayhem, and action ensue as Dr. Avril Crump attempts to save her clone friends from the evil Dr. Gideon Blut, who wants to destroy them. Readers will delight in following Avril and the clones through the next two books of this trilogy!

Deliver Us From Normal
By Kate Klise
0-439-52322-2, $16.95, Scholastic Press, Ages 10–14

Being sensitive isn’t Charlie’s only problem — his family is the most UN-normal family in Normal, Illinois. After an ugly incident at school, Charles and family leave Normal and begin an adventure that takes them to a houseboat that just might be their new home. And Charles begins a personal journey within his own heart; one that will ultimately deliver him both from and to himself.

“Klise doesn’t tell, she shows, leading readers gradually into the hearts and spirits of her characters…Nothing “normal” here.” –Kirkus Reviews, February 15, 2005 STARRED

The Black Belt Club #1: Seven Wheels of Power
By Dawn Barnes, illus. by Bernard Chang
0-439-63935-2, $16.95 HC; 0-439-63936-0, $4.99 PB, The Blue Sky Press, Ages 7–11

Snap kick! Block! Lunge! Welcome to the Black Belt Club — an action-feature novel where four karate students must battle danger and overcome evil during a special, secret martial-arts mission. With action illustrations on every page, here’s a fast-paced adventure that combines the graphic appeal of comics with a serious novel approach.

“…readers swept along by the nonstop action will have encountered compensatory doses of karate principles and dojo etiquette along the way.” –Kirkus, January 15, 2005

Shadow Life: A Portrait of Anne Frank and Her Family
By Barry Denenberg
0-439-41678-7, $16.95, Scholastic Press, Ages 12 and up

“Readers of Anne Frank’s diary may think they know her story, but this thoroughly researched volume offers much more, throwing light on the lives of Anne and her family before, during, and after the years in the secret annex…readers who hunger to know more will find this informative, involving book, with source notes, a detailed time line, a bibliographic essay, and lists of further resources, a great place to turn.” —Booklist, February 1, 2005 STARRED

The Great Brain Book: An Inside Look At The Inside of Your Head
0-439-45895-1, $18.95, Scholastic Reference, Ages 9-14

Peeling away the cool see-through vinyl jacket of The Great Brain Book begins your journey through the skull and deep into the layers of the brain. It’s the best owner’s manual to the brain.

Bad Dog #1: Bad Dog and That Hollywood Hoohah
By Martin Chatterton
0-439-57370-X, $4.99, Scholastic Paperbacks, Ages 9-12

Look out world, here comes Bad Dog — a rollicking comic canine who, in this first installment, takes Hollywood by storm.

Bad Dog #2: Bad Dog and Those Crazee Martians
By Martin Chatterton
0-439-66159-5, Scholastic Paperbacks, Ages 9-12

Bad Dog just might end up being the first dog on the red planet.

Keeping you informed about major highlights of the author visit program in the school and library markets.

Reading the World Seventh Annual Conference
San Francisco, California, March 12, 2005

Scholastic will be well represented at this prestigious conference. Arnold Adoff will be giving a keynote and signing copies of his critically acclaimed titles, Love Letters and Touch the Poem. Nikki Grimes will also be giving a keynote presentation and signing copies of her titles, including her Coretta Scott King Honor Book, Talkin’ About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman. Patricia C. and Fredrick L. McKissack will be giving a keynote address and signing copies of their award-winning titles, including the Coretta Scott King Honor Books, Black Diamond, Black Hands, White Sails, Days of Jubilee: The End of Slavery in the United States, Rebels Against Slavery, and Sojourner Truth: Ain’t I a Woman?

Joanna Cole – Celebration of Reading
Naples, Florida, March 18, 2005

Joanna Cole will be participating in the fifth annual Celebration of Reading, benefiting the Governor’s Family Literacy Initiative of Florida. Joanna will join Governor Jeb Bush, former President George H.W. Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush, as well as other guest authors who will read from their works to an audience of approximately 800. Scholastic will be donating 300 copies of Ms. Frizzle’s Adventures: Medieval Castle to help support this wonderful program.

Greg Tang – Staff Development Resources seminars
Atlanta (Duluth), GA, March 8, 2005
Columbia, SC, March 9, 2005

Once again, Greg Tang will be leading seminars entitled “Innovative Strategies for Teaching Math Concepts & Problem-Solving Skills.” Staff Development Resources is a leading provider of quality staff development seminars and conferences available throughout the United States. They encourage elementary grade teachers, curriculum coordinators, administrators and parents to attend Greg’s all-day seminars. Not only will attendees be leaving the seminars with creative new activities and techniques to teach math, they will also have signed copies of Greg’s best-sellers: The Grapes of Math, Math for All Seasons, The Best of Times, Math-terpieces, Math Appeal, and Math Fables. For more information about Staff Development Resources, visit www.SDResources.org

These authors and illustrators will be making school and library appearances in the month of March:

Margery Cuyler Marcia Thornton Jones Steven Kroll H.L. McCutchen Walter Wick Lisa Yee

Howell, NJ Florence, KY Farmingdale, NY Bristol, CT Hartford, CT Hartford, CT S. Pasadena, CA

March 9, 2005 March 2, 2005 March 31, 2005 March 3, 2005 March 13, 2005 March 31, 2005 March 23, 2005

To find out about Scholastic authors and illustrators, please visit Authors & Books.

We hope that you have enjoyed reading our monthly newsletter. We welcome your comments and suggestions. We would appreciate hearing what you think! Please email us at BookUpdate@Scholastic.com

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Don't forget to look for the April BookUpdate. Until then, Happy Reading!