The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith

What if I told you that the Big Bad Wolf didn’t mean to blow down the straw and stick homes of the little pigs, but that he actually just happened to have a really bad cold that day and, let’s face it, as a big wolf (his badness is still unverified), he’s going to have some big sneezes. As for the pigs, well, it’s not the wolf’s fault they used such substandard construction materials. I mean, really:...

The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone, illustrated by Michael Smollin

This picture book doesn’t just feature Grover, that fabulous blue friend who lives on Sesame Street (and, as it happens, my favorite resident of that beloved street). Oh no, this book STARS “lovable, furry old Grover.” And, really, who doesn’t love furry old Grover? The thing about Grover, though, is he’s not bravest of the Sesame Street bunch. So when Grover hears that there is a monster at the very...

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter is now twelve years old and entering his second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and he is once again joined by his best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. This year their new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is Gilderoy Lockhart, a wizard who is rather head over heels in love with himself. If Narcissus had a twin, he would be Professor Lockhart. Even the wizarding world...

Harry Potter and the Goblin of Fire by J.K. Rowling

As it turns out, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry is not the only magical school. In fact, in J.K. Rowling’s world, even America has one in Salem, Massachusetts, which I found to be utterly fabulous as someone who knows her American history. The Goblet of Fire in the title refers to a goblet from which three names are selected, and those three individuals will participate in the Tri-Wizard Tournament,...

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

I was working at Barnes & Noble the same summer this book was released, and I can’t even begin to tell you what an exciting time that was. As a Potterphile myself, I was in full-force that July, wearing Harry Potter-themed buttons on my nametag and answering trivia questions with my co-workers. The night of our book release party I wore my “Property of Slytherin” t-shirt and even sported a (fake) Dark Mark...