New Releases by Glen Huser

A fourteen-year-old Ukrainian boy decides to find his older brother who has disappeared.

A treasure box, a book, a snack, a stray kitten, a jar of pollywogs and a travel mug—what else can Todd fit in his sister’s snuggly? Todd knows that his baby sister’s snuggly is good for keeping things close and safe, so when he wears it to school one day, it seems like a great idea to use it to carry things for his friends. On the walk to school, Todd makes room for a treasure box, then a book, a snack, a stray kitten, a jar of pollywogs and a travel mug, as well as his teddy, Banjo Bear. But by the time he gets to class, the snuggly is overflowing, and when he gets up for show and tell, the inevitable happens. The snuggly bursts! Everything spills out, the kitten runs around the classroom and chaos ensues. His classmates laugh, but Todd wants to cry. Luckily, Miss Bale is able to repair the broken strap, and Todd goes home with just one thing in the snuggly: Banjo Bear, who is close and safe. Milan Pavlović’s vibrant illustrations perfectly depict the physical comedy of Todd’s predicament in Glen Huser’s funny and tender story about a new big brother and his fascination with a snuggly. Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.7 With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an illustration depicts). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4 Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.3 Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.

A retelling of the classic Greek myth about King Midas and his golden touch that reminds us to be careful of what we wish for.

An eccentric babysitter has a knack for telling stories that are eerily well suited to her young charges. When Carolina Giddle moves into the Blatchford Arms, no one knows what to make of her sequin-sprinkled sneakers and her trinket-crusted car. But the parents are happy there’s a new babysitter around, and Carolina seems to have an uncanny ability to calm the most rambunctious child with her ghostly stories. Armed with unusual snacks (bone-shaped peppermints, granghoula bars and Rumpelstiltskin sandwiches), candles to set the mood, and her trusty sidekick — a tarantula named Chiquita, Carolina entertains the children with some good old-fashioned storytelling and, at the end, a great Halloween party. Governor General’s Award winner Glen Huser brings his quirky sense of humor and horror to some time-honored motifs. The artistic Lubinitsky girls find out that artists must be wary of the power of their own creations. Holy terror Angelo Bellini discovers that no one can throw a tantrum like a double-crossed pirate. The Hooper kids, including UFO junkie Benjamin, learn about some eerie goings-on in the New Mexico desert. Timid Hubert and Hetty Croop are practically afraid of their own shadows, until they hear the story of a boy who finds the perfect weapon for overcoming his fear of the dark. And Dwight and Dwayne Fergus, two would-be Freddy Kruegers, finally meet their match in Carolina, and her story of the footless skeleton. As for Carolina Giddle herself, it turns out that she has a timeworn connection to the Blatchford Arms, and to the ghost who still haunts the building — especially its old-fashioned elevator. Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.3 Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.9 Compare and contrast stories in the same genre (e.g., mysteries and adventure stories) on their approaches to similar themes and topics.

Retells the Greek myth of Persephone, abducted by Hades and taken to the Underworld as his bride, and her mother, Demeter, whose grief over losing her daughter brings about the coming of the seasons.

In 1923 Alberta, Leroy "Doodlebug" Barnstable runs away from his aunt and abusive cousins and finds work with a travelling Chautauqua show.

After being required to volunteer at a local seniors'' home, Tamara is assigned to Jean Barclay, a determined old lady, who has a special plan in mind that soon leads the unlikely duo on a road trip that greatly impacts both of their lives.

Growing up in a trailer park outside a small Canadian prairie town, Travis, who loves to sew and stage puppet shows, becomes the target of bullies at his junior high school.

Jeremy is the richest kid in the country but even with all his toys and games, he''s so bored even the prospect of Christmas coming doesn''t excite him. He writes a letter to Santa which has some unexpected results. He goes on a journey where he makes new friends and learns a lesson about love and friendship that changes his attitude forever.

After a local man befriends two sisters and starts to introduce them to new and exciting things, one sister begins to pursue her interest in his clown college.

Suggested for grades 5 to 8.

Suggested for grades 6 to 8.

An annotated bibliography of over 1800 books for children, grades EC-6. One section includes books on various literature themes, while another section lists books suitable for different school subjects.