New Books

Encyclopedia Brown, Super Sleuth
By Donald J. Sobol and illustrated by James Bernardin

Known as Leroy only to his parents and teachers, Encyclopedia Brown (age 10) often helps his dad, Chief Brown, solve cases in his hometown of Idaville. Of course, his dad does not tell anyone that his son helps with his cases, as Encyclopedia wants to be a normal fifth grader. With these cases, you can try to figure out how the bad guys are committing their crimes, and if you get stumped, you can find the answers at the back of the book. Do you have what it takes to keep up with Encyclopedia Brown?

Homegrown House
By Janet S. Wong and illustrated by E. B. Lewis

As her family is constantly moving, a little girl learns from her grandmother that it takes time to settle into a house and get it “homegrown.” Grandmother tells her granddaughter it takes about thirty years. The little girl knows the perfect house, her grandmother’s, and wishes that she could have a “homegrown” house, as well, and not move all the time.

Sol a Sol: Bilingual Poems
Written and selected by Lori Marie Carlson and illustrated by Emily Lisker

The poems in Sol a Sol celebrate daily family life, and the poems are in both English and Spanish. There are poems about mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, friends, and even favorite foods and activities. The pictures are beautiful, very colorful, and really complement each poem.

The Spooky Tire
Written by Jon Scieszka with characters and environments developed by the Design Garage

Melvin has a flat tire and needs to find a new one. In a “spooky” junkyard he finds a golden one, but he is soon followed by a “spooky” voice asking “Who took my golden tire?” What will happen if that voice catches up to Melvin?