(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Jaime Zollars. Nix, an impish woodland fairy, is left behind when the other fairies go to the Summer Country. He's lonely, but still he's outraged when "a people" (read: a person) moves into a cottage in the forest. Nix soon finds out that he has more in common with this "man-people" than he had suspected. Fanciful, detailed black-and-white illustrations complement the mysterious tone of the text.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) YA For the Brontë children, reality and fiction collide when they strike a bargain to travel as characters inside their own stories. As the young authors lose control, secrets among the siblings enrich an otherwise tepid fantasy plot. Despite its lacking drama, the story's biographical details and literary references (Charlotte "poor and plain"; Emily falls in love with a Heathcliff-like rogue) will please keen observers.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(3) YA Ryder doesn't believe witches can tell the future until his mother's final prophesy comes true. When he meets an enemy Baen, the two have to overcome their prejudices and combine their powers to survive. Secrets, magic, and action are the heart of this book. While the end clearly sets up a sequel, the story is rewarding enough in itself.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Leslie Elizabeth Watts. Peter, whose mother has left (or is dead), has a dreamlike visit from a motherly snow leopard and two tigers. He asks them questions such as "Why do people have to go away?" The leopard's ministrations and the chance to say a previously unsaid goodbye offer comfort in this mysterious, even perplexing, story. The illustrations are engaging, though the animal figures are sometimes awkward.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert