New Releases by Colleen Sydor

Grade level: 1, 2, k, p, e.

Timmerman is mysterious. Moreover, he is bitterly resented by the young girl who lives in the same boardinghouse. After all, he occupies her beloved granddad’s now-vacant room. How dare he think he can take that space? But try as she might, the girl cannot dislike him forever. Timmerman is kind, gentle, and soft-spoken to everyone, even the dog, who lets him untangle her matted coat. Despite herself, the girl becomes fond of him. When rumors begin to fly, she tries not to listen. But it’s hard, especially when Timmerman is often seen late at night, wandering the streets with a shovel and sack over his shoulder. Is he stashing stolen goods? Burying dead cats? The girl takes a black eye for defending him at school. Even so, curiosity compels her to ask the question she knows she shouldn’t ask. Though Timmerman promises an explanation in time, he avoids a direct answer and disappears shortly after, leaving the girl to worry and wonder. Not until spring is the answer to Timmerman’s nighttime walks beautifully presented, leaving the entire street with a living memory of Timmerman’s presence. Timmerman Was Here is a charming tale of mystery, perception, and the gift of friendship.

Lee, who loves setting personal records for himself, seeks to escape being ordinary, so when he''s confronted with saving his pesky friend from certain death, the strength of his character demonstrates that he is anything but ordinary.

A teenager is convinced that her free-spirited mother is the reason her life sucks.

A trio of no-good loafers learns that it''s unwise to push a stinkbug too far.

Camilla McNilly is a somewhat strange-looking but talented girl.

Spunky Norah learns a lesson about compromise.

Spunky Norah learns that sometimes people aren''t always who they seem.

Bold and bright Norah spends a week with her spirited great-aunt Norah in this tale of hilarity and heroism. When Norah refuses to take her great-aunt''s advice, she''s warned that something "eye-popping, heart-stopping, holy-moly horrible" will happen. But Norah manages to make a bad situation a personal triumph with her sense of humor and quick thinking. Told with affection and insight, Smarty Pants -- winner of the McNally-Robinson Book for Young People Award -- is a comical story about the value of being your own person, as well as the surprising possibilities that exist between true friends. Girls will love the special relationship between the two Norahs.

Fearless Emily is approached by a fierce tigerwho demands a piece of her seven-layer chocolate cake with triple fudge icing. Emily is outraged and with the magic word "Ooo-cha!, " she turns him into a tiger lily. Other rude animals that approach her fare no better. Have no fear, for resourceful Emily sends them packing. Full-color illustrations.