BISHOP, Nic. Nic Bishop Snakes. Scholastic. Oct. 2012. ISBN 9780545206389. JLG Level: SCE: Science Nonfiction Elementary (Grades 2-6)

Naturalist and Sibert-award winning photographer Nic Bishop is [...]]]> For our elementary readers, finding a favorite author is like finding an old friend. They welcome a familiar writing or illustration style. Not having to learn new characters or settings lets struggling students focus on the plot. This fall’s release of new books promises to be a happy reunion for kids in grades two to six.

BISHOP, Nic. Nic Bishop Snakes. Scholastic. Oct. 2012. ISBN 9780545206389. JLG Level: SCE: Science Nonfiction Elementary (Grades 2-6)

Naturalist and Sibert-award winning photographer Nic Bishop is back with a new nonfiction book that is sure to both enlighten and awe you. Readers will pour over the vivid images and spout the amazing facts that they’ll learn about these reptiles. Did you know that “the extra-large scales on a snake’s belly act like the tread on your shoes?”

CLEMENTS, Andrew. About Average. S & S/Atheneum. 2012. ISBN 9781416997245. JLG Level: A: Intermediate Readers (Grades 3-5)

Best-selling author, Andrew Clements, explores the world of being average in his latest school story. Jordan, grade 6, finds her dreams of being extraordinary fading when she realizes that there will still be bullies and C grades, and that unexpected weather can give you a time to shine. Rather than solving everyone’s problems, Clements shows how you can live through your issues- even if you do feel ordinary. Above Average fills the gap for those upper elementary students who are looking for good realistic fiction on shelves with an abundance of fantasy.

HENKES, Kevin. Penny and Her Doll. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. 2012. ISBN 9780062082008. JLG Level E: Easy Reading (Grades 1-3)

Riding on the success of earlier this year, Henkes is back with another Penny adventure for early chapter readers. The mouse gets a new doll from her grandmother but has trouble deciding on just the right name. Short enough to use in a storytime session, you might want to talk about names and how they are chosen. And how do you say this author’s name?

SOUP, Dr. Cuthbert. No Other Story. Bloomsbury. Sept. 2012. ISBN 9781599908243. JLG Level: ME: Mystery/Adventure Elementary (Grades 2-6)

For your lovers of mystery, Dr. Cuthbert Soup is back with a new “other story.” The problem with time travel is that you have to avoid bumping into yourself. Ethan Cheeseman and his kids travel straight into the problem when they go back in time to try to save Mrs. Cheeseman from being poisoned. Sadly, the last of a hilarious series, readers will delight in the adventures and welcome the return of Steve the sock puppet.

CREECH, Sharon. The Great Unexpected. HarperCollins. Sept. 2012. ISBN 9780061892332. JLG Level: A+: Intermediate Readers (Grades 3-5)

Newbery author, Sharon Creech, brings us a new story on friendship. Finn falls out of a tree into the lives of two American orphans and also into the lives of two aunts in Ireland. Told in alternating chapters, Creech’s latest book combines magic and mystery into an enchanting tale for her long-awaiting fans.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.