ALEXANDER, Lloyd. The Book of Three. 240p. (The Chronicles of Prydain: Bk. 1.) Holt. 2014. Tr. $24.99. ISBN 9781627791229.

Gr 4-7–While the general public may be more familiar with the second book in the series, The Black Cauldron, due to the 1985 Disney film adaptation, true fantasy lovers know The Book of Three as one of the most iconic and influential works of middle grade fiction from the 20th century. Based on Welsh mythology, the tale stars Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper on a hero’s quest, joined by a comic cast of supporting characters. Filled with wit, wordplay, and an epic battle of good vs. evil, Alexander’s novel helped pave the way for countless fantasy adventures. Included in this 50th anniversary edition is an introduction by Shannon Hale, an author’s note, a rather helpful pronunciation guide, an interview with Lloyd Alexander, a story from The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain, and the first chapter of The Black Cauldron. The physical presentation will appeal to collectors; this edition features a deep red cloth binding accented with ornate gold and black illustrations on the cover, and deckled edges, befitting a classic. An absolute must-have for fantasy fans.

Barrie, J.M. Peter Pan. illus. by Trina Schart Hyman. 208p. S. & S./Atheneum. 2014. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9781481426053.

Gr 3-6–The story of Peter Pan, that little boy who just wouldn’t grow up, has been a childhood staple for years. Though countless film and musical adaptations ensure that most children will be familiar with the basic story of how Peter arrives on the scene, taking Wendy, John, and Michael Darling to Neverland for adventures with mermaids, pirates, and Indians, the original story is in many ways darker and more poignant (as well as more whimsical) than many will remember. Barrie is also droll, and many adults will appreciate his piquant jabs at Edwardian society and mores, which will fly over the heads of most children. This particular edition of the classic, originally published in 1980 and now in print again, features mesmerizing, nostalgia-inducing illustrations from Caldecott winner Hyman. Black-and-white images rendered in India ink and full-color acrylic paintings depict well-known scenes—the Darling children taking flight, Peter in combat with the villainous Captain Hook—mixing in just a hint of menace (the pirates are certainly fearsome, and even Peter looks quite feral, more fairy than boy). This enchanting version soars.

Brown, Margaret Wise. The Golden Bunny. illus. by Leonard Weisgard. 32p. Random. Jan. 2015. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780385392747; lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 9780375973727; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9780385392754.

PreS-Gr 1–Out of print since the mid-1980s, this whimsical collection features short tales and poems from the great Margaret Wise Brown, complemented by lush and richly detailed illustrations by Leonard Weisgard. Though not nearly as groundbreaking or eye-popping as their 1946 collaboration on The Little Island (Doubleday), which snagged the Caldecott medal, these sweet stories of a land in which “there were nothing but bunnies” will work nicely as one-on-one or bedtime reads. The production value is high, with saturated jewel tones and an attractive cover design; this would also make a lovely gift. From Weisgard’s collagelike endpapers featuring a colorful array of leaves to Brown’s evocative verse (“By the dark gray river in the soft white snow/I caught a little Rabbit and let him go/Bounding deep in the deep soft snow.”), this collection certainly stands the test of time.

Burton, Virginia Lee. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. illus. by Virginia Lee Burton. 56p. Houghton Harcourt. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780544279926.

PreS-K–Mike and his trusty steam shovel, Mary Anne, are back in this 75th anniversary edition. First published in 1939, Virginia Lee Burton’s classic picture book has remained a staple in library collections for generations. Beyond the fascination almost all young children have with extra large machines that “crowd,” “hoist,” “swing,” and “dig,” the deeper tale about a man battling against the relentless march of technological change is one that still resonates more than half a century later. This new edition features a snazzy red foil dust jacket and some brief back matter that relates how Burton came up with the ending to the story (with a little creative help from a friend’s grandson.) As an added bonus, a free downloadable audiobook is available, read by stage and screen actor, Matthew Broderick. A perfect choice to replace well-worn copies of this beloved book.

FATIO, Louise. A Doll for Marie. illus. by Roger Duvoisin. 32p. Knopf. Mar. 2015. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780385755962; lib. ed. $19.99. ISBN 9780385755979. LC 2014003766.

PreS-Gr 1–First published in 1957 but long out of print, this rediscovered title by the remarkable husband-and-wife creative team is available again, ready to be read by a new generation of children—and their dolls (a mini book is included). Roger Duvoisin illustrated more than 100 books, many by his wife, Louise Fatio. He won the Caldecott Medal in 1947 for White Snow, Bright Snow and a Caldecott Honor in 1966 for Hide and Seek Fog, both written by Alvin Tresselt. Louise Fatio is probably best known for her “Happy Lion” books, all illustrated by her husband. In this story, a fancy, beautifully dressed doll sits on a shelf in an antique shop in Paris, surrounded by a Persian vase and a Chinese teapot, but longs for a different fate. “‘This is no way for a doll to live,’ she sighed. ‘If only I had a little girl to play with.’” One girl, the mailman’s daughter Marie, walks past on her way to school and regularly admires the doll, but could never afford such a pricey item. One day the doll is purchased by an old woman, but her home is not much different from the antique shop. However, once the old woman’s pets get a hold of the newcomer, her fancy clothes and accessories are ruined and the doll is left in the gutter, only to be rescued by Marie and given the kind of home she’s always longed for. The three-color artwork is appropriately old-fashioned, expressive, and as appealing as ever. A satisfying read for anyone who has ever had a special attachment to a toy.

Green, John. Looking for Alaska. 368p. Dutton. Jan. 2015. Tr. $19.99. ISBN 9780525428022.

Gr 10 Up–The Printz Award-winning novel that kickstarted John Green’s career and introduced a whole generation of teens to a new era of YA literature is turning 10 this year. Though the text itself remains the same, there are many extras included in this edition. There is an introduction by Green himself, a helpful Q & A section, and, perhaps most interesting for scholars, portions of the original manuscript that didn’t make it into the final book, along with correspondence between Green and his editor. Purists may gasp to hear that the now-iconic “smoking” cover has been redesigned. But take heart; the new jacket, created by Rodrigo Corral, pays homage to the original with a deep black background and a subtle wisp of smoke. Replace worn copies and introduce a whole new crop of teens to this new classic.

Lionni, Leo. An Extraordinary Egg. illus. by Leo Lionni. 40p. Knopf. Jan. 2014. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780679858409.

PreS-K–Leo Lionni, that picture-book master who was always a bridesmaid (he recevied four Caldecott Honors, but never the Medal), has been a favorite among librarians and children for generations. After a successful career as an art director and graphic designer, Lionni began creating children’s books at the age of 50. From the startling simplicity of his first book, Little Blue and Little Yellow (1959), to the exquisite compositions and thoughtful storytelling in Swimmy (1973), Inch by Inch (1960), Frederick (1967), and Alexander and the Wind-up Mouse (1969), Lionni’s style is characterized by textural collage work, naturalistic palettes, and straightforward, child-friendly text. His last children’s book, An Extraordinary Egg, was completed in 1994, when Lionni was 84 years old. It’s the charming tale of Jessica, a frog “full of wonder,” and her extraordinary pebble that turns out to be an extraordinary egg. Jessica and her froggy friends insist that the hatchling is a chicken, depite clear visual evidence to the contrary. Back in hardcover, this classic picture book is a delightful read-aloud and deserves a spot on the shelf along with Lionni’s other great works.

McBratney, Sam. Guess How Much I Love You. illus. by Anita Jeram. 32p. Candlewick. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780763641757.

PreS–It’s been more than 20 years since readers were first introduced to Little Nutbrown Hare. Since then, countless children have been soothed by Jeram’s calming ink and watercolor illustrations and McBratney’s simple and tender story about a young rabbit and his parent in an “awww”-inducing competition to explain how much they love one another. The original edition has spawned numerous offshoots, including a board book version, various concept books, book and toy sets, calendars, and pop-up editions. This special anniversary edition includes notes from the author and illustrator looking back over the last two decades and revealing a bit about their creation process. This reissue also features an elegant new dust jacket with gold foil accents, small touches that lend the package a bit of sparkle. This would make a lovely new baby gift, or as a fresh replacement for copies that have been well loved and well used.

Little, E. Mary . Old Cat and the Kitten. 128p. S. & S./Aladdin. 2014. pap. $6.99. ISBN 9781481419383.

Gr 1-3–This poignant story revolves around the seemingly unlikely but strong bond that develops between a boy and a cat. Described by SLJ as “beautifully told,” the story follows 14-year-old Joel, who eventually wins over Old Cat, a hardened, tough street cat who depends only on himself. After learning to trust Joel, Old Cat brings the boy a starving kitten who needs their help, and they successfully nurse the creature back to health. However, Joel’s family must move, and the boy cannot take the cats he’s come to love along with him. He finds a home for the kitten but must make a devastating decision about Old Cat. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, this touching tale is one readers won’t soon forget.

Ollivant, Alfred. Bob, Son of Battle: The Last Gray Dog of Kenmuir. retold by Lydia Davis. illus. by Marguerite Kirmse. 320p. New York Review. 2014. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781590177297; ebk. $17.95. ISBN 9781590177464. LC 2013050865.

Gr 3-6–What’s a childhood without dog stories, such as Lassie, Old Yeller, and Shiloh? With this new version of Ollivant’s Owd Bob: The Grey Dog of Kenmuir, Davis ensures that Bob, son of Battle, is a name to be added to that list. First published in 1889, Ollivant’s work follows two sheepdogs and their masters: prickly Adam McAdam and his brutish dog, Red Wull, who herds by force; and kindly James Moore, whose equally skilled but more gallant Bob keeps order through an intuitive understanding of sheep. These two arch rivals are about to go head to head in a contest that will prove which is the superior sheepdog. Adding to the drama, Adam’s son, David, who recently lost his mother, attempts to court James’s daughter, while by night, sheep are menaced by what appears to be a rogue sheepdog. Though this reissue keeps the original art by Marguerite Kirmse (best known for illustrating Eric Knight’s Lassie, Come-Home), Davis translates the Cumbrian and Scottish dialect of the original into modern English, ensuring that this classic canine tale will once more find a home among readers.

Ormerod, Jan. 101 Things to Do with Baby. illus. by Jan Ormerod. 32p. Groundwood. 2014. Tr $16.95. ISBN 9781554983797.

PreS-Gr 1–This charming and innovative sibling story came out in 1984 and is back in hardcover to celebrate its 30th anniversary. With homey, pastel-hued illustrations arranged in graphic novel–esque panels, a new big sister demonstrates for readers 101 daily activities that she can do with her baby brother, from sharing her morning egg to helping keep baby entertained while Mom does the wash. Ormerod ingeniously captures intimate moments in this family with authenticity and tenderness. The frontice page, for example, depicts Mom nursing baby brother in bed while big sister cuddles up to read a book. Later, when Dad attempts to join the girl as she demonstrates some gentle yoga stretches to do with baby, his face turns an alarming shade of pink as he struggles to accomplish what babies and agile kids can do with ease. Realistically, there’s some jealousy and frustration represented here. The girl sometimes clings to her parents when their hands are full and their attention is on her brother. Later, the sister is shown covering her face in shame after she shouts at the baby in frustration. Mom and Dad come to the rescue, enveloping the girl with hugs, reassurance, and some special time. The text is minimal; the art tells the deeper story here. One of the very best books for new siblings.

Spier, Peter. The Book of Jonah. illus. by Peter Spier. 40p. Doubleday. Jan. 2015. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780385379090; ebk. $10.99. ISBN 9780375982385.

K-Gr 3– Last available in hardcover over 15 years ago, this beautifully retold Bible story is again available. Like his Caldecott-Medal winning Noah’s Ark, Spier’s The Book of Jonah features detailed line drawings with eye-catching watercolors. Jonah is a man on the run, afraid to fulfil the task God has set before him. With panels reminiscent of graphic novel–style storytelling, Jonah’s tale unfolds with the requite drama and tension. Helpful information about the Assyrian Empire in the eighth century BC and a labeled drawing of the Ship of Tarshish are included in the back matter. A fantastic addition for Bible story collections.

Travers, P.L. Mary Poppins: 80th Anniversary Collection. illus. by Mary Shepard. 1024p. Houghton Harcourt. 2014. Tr $24.99. ISBN 9780544340473; ebk. $24.99. ISBN 9780544574755.

Gr 3-6–The tale that has captured the imaginations of generations of children and spawned a beloved and classic motion picture starring Julie Andrews as well as a dazzling Broadway musical, begins with the eponymous nanny blowing in to Number Seventeen to care for the Banks children just in the nick of time. From a tea party on the ceiling to riding on peppermint horses, rather unusual and surprising adventures await Jane and Michael whenever Mary Poppins pops in. This 80th anniversary edition includes the four original books, Mary Poppins (originally published 1934), Mary Poppins Comes Back (originally published 1935), Mary Poppins Opens the Door (original published 1943), and Mary Poppins in the Park (originally published 1952) grouped into one convenient volume. Beyond the handsome package—a rich brick red cover accented with black and gold spot-gloss decoration—the deeper gems of this edition are the extras. There’s a foreword by Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked (HarperCollins, 1995) and Egg & Spoon (Candlewick, 2014), that relates the story of his nerve-wracking, but ultimately illuminating, meeting with the great P.L. Travers when she was in her nineties. Maguire accurately captures the difference between the silver screen versions and the original tales: “The books...show glimmers of a far more mysterious and even dangerous world. For thirty years before the nanny began to sing on the screen, she stalked the pages of these books with ferocity, vanity, and power.” At the end there’s a brief excerpt from a talk Travers gave at the Unversity of Connecticut in 1974 entitled “On Not Writing for Children.” Librarians and students of children’s literature would do well to think on Traver’s reluctance to call herself a “children’s book author,” for, as she states, “every book is a message, and if children happen to receive and like it, they will appropriate it to themselves no matter what the author may say nor what label he gives himself.” A must-have for diehard fans and, though a tad bulky for little hands, nevertheless an excellent addition to home, library, and school collections.

Wild, Margaret. Let the Celebrations Begin!: A Story of Hope for the Liberation. illus. by Julie Vivas. 40p. Candlewick. 2014. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780763670139. LC 2013953504.

Gr 2 Up–Originally published in 1991 and only available in paperback for some time, this is a touching—almost overwhelming—story that details a celebration for the liberation of Bergen-Belsen at the end of World War II. The women and children in Hut 18 have heard that the liberation is coming. Miriam, our narrator, describes the camp: no food, everyone sad, everyone hoping to be freed. A party is planned for the opening of the gates and toys will be made for each child for the celebration. The toys are made from scraps of cloth, often from someone’s rags: a sleeve, a button, a piece of yarn. It is a secret; a surprise for the children. In a book about antique toys, that mentions toys made for the children of Bergen Belsen, Margaret Wild created a story that is frightening in its truth but hopeful for the future. The illustrations, done in watercolor, spare no truth: the clothes are rags that barely cover them, children and women (there are no men) are stick-thin, and everyone’s hair is just a scrim of stubble. Despite this heartrending realism, readers will see and feel the hope in the prisoners’ eyes and recognize how they believed the toys would help them heal. While the topic of the Holocaust and the camps has become familiar to students and families, this small, bright, and incredibly hopeful story provides a gentle introduction for young and sensitive readers.–Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City