Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money by Christopher Paul Curtis

Join Steven, Russell, and Zoopy, the members of Flint’s Future Detectives, as they attempt to solve the mystery and origin of Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money. Steven has invented many gizmos and gadgets just for the purpose of his detective work. He knows how to use mind tricks too. Steven may only be nine, but he’s a top-notch detective. Find out how he comes to be in possession of one of only a few existing quadrillion-dollar bills that shouldn’t even be in circulation. Steven and his friends have adventures, mishaps, and make mistakes, but along the way, they learn some important things too. If you’re looking for something a little fun, slightly silly, and a bit beyond the believable, then you would certainly enjoy a ride on Zoopy’s back and a dictionary with an attitude. Enjoy this fun, entertaining story!

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Ella was given a gift at birth that she never asked for and doesn’t want. That gift has caused no end of trouble and heartache in her life. Why had that fairy decided that the gift of obedience was so wonderful? How can Ella live a life free of this curse? Join Ella as she journeys to find a fairy, falls in love with a prince, and learns some important life lessons along the way. She is a girl with charm and heart and smarts. If you’ve seen the movie, you may be surprised at the differences between it and the book. Don’t let that stop you from reading this enchanting tale of a girl who comes to understand so much more about herself and her true nature than she might have without her “gift.” Some gifts are given with the best of intentions but turn out to be the worst thing possible. Read in Ella Enchanted how one girl comes to a place where her “gift” truly becomes one after all. This is a great book to read with a child of ten or more. Find a copy today and you’ll be enchanted.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

Who knew that such a little mouse with such big ears could be such a hero? Despereaux is not your typical mouse; he is more human than mouse. Despereaux does not do what other mice do. He reads books; he doesn’t eat them. He listens to music and talks to humans and hopes and dreams. This is not normal, but for Despereaux it is. He falls in love with a princess and fights a rat. This book is full of light and dark. It’s a great children’s book, but I certainly enjoyed reading it myself. Why not join a mouse and many others on this journey through light and dark? You, my friend, won’t regret taking the time. The chapters are short, which makes for a great read-aloud choice. Enjoy!

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Join in the dramatic life and journey of Edward Tulane, a china rabbit. He is the treasured companion of a little girl until one fateful day when he ends up in the ocean. What will happen to this sophisticated rabbit? He will end up with a fisherman and his wife, take a journey to a dump, and be the treasured friend of another little girl. Those are just a few of the adventures that he goes on. What will Edward learn through all of this? He will learn the lesson of truly caring for and loving those around him, not just himself. An important lesson to be sure. As the years pass on Edward’s journey, he comes to a new understanding of the world around him and his place in it. What will happen when he comes to rest in a doll shop in Tennessee? Take a journey with a china rabbit and find out!

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

Opal is a little girl with spunk. She’s new in Naomi, Florida, and throughout this book I enjoyed seeing her make new friends and meet people Because of Winn-Dixie. Opal is a girl who isn’t afraid of or bothered by the same things as other people. On her journey to making friends with Winn-Dixie and others, Opal also finds out more about her mother (who left) from her preacher father. This is a special summer for Miss India Opal. This is a wonderful book for children 9 and older and for adults as well. There is also a wonderful movie version of the book out now. Before you see the movie make sure that you take the time to enjoy the pleasure of reading about Opal and her friends: Gloria Dump, Otis, and Sweetie Pie Thomas. This is a charming and enchanting story of a little girl with a big heart!!