Woozles Blog

Katie and the Waterlily Pond by James Mayhew

Grandma has fallen asleep at the gallery and Katie needs help to win a new set of paints. No problem, just hop into a painting to get some tips. Katie’s newest adventure explores the works of Monet in the same charming manner as all her other books. A great way to teach the very young about masterworks.

For ages 3 and up.

- Meg


Built to Last by David Macaulay

In this volume, David Macaulay has added new text, research, and illustrations to three of his classic architectural pictures books: Castle, Cathedral and Mosque. The three volumes in this collection are fictional renderings of the planning and construction of three buildings that were essential to their time and culture. With vivid illustrations and detailed narrative, this book is a must-read for readers both young and old who are curious about such architectural wonders.

For ages 8 and up.

- Rachel


Stolen by Lucy Christopher

At sixteen, Gemma is abducted from a Bangkok airport by a beautiful boy she meets at a coffee shop. Though she has just met Ty, he has known and loved her for years. This is the start of Gemma’s story, told in her own voice in a letter she writes to her captor. As the plot evolves, Gemma struggles with her feelings of hatred and attraction for Ty. Likewise, the reader unconsciously begins to feel sympathy for this charismatic criminal. A fresh and imaginative exploration of Stockholm Syndrome.

For ages 14 and up.

- Katherine


Walls Within Walls by Maureen Sherry

A family-style adventure and mystery, this story follows a trail of clues in poems and New York buildings and architecture to find a long-lost family treasure. A sister and her two brothers befriend an older lady in their new apartment building and try to help her find what her father left for her long ago. A cosy read with hints about a sequel.

For ages 8 and up.

- Nadine


The Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade

A grotesque, hunchbacked infant with the shocking ability to change his outward appearance is rescued by the mysterious Mr. Socrates who trains the boy as one of his secret agents…and then abandons him on the cruel streets of London. But Modo survives and soon finds himself trying to uncover the details of a sinister plot.

For ages 12 and up.

- Lisa


The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book 1, The Mysterious Howling by Mary Rose Wood

Miss Penelope Lumley is on her way to a job interview. She’s nervous and excited to please her new subjects. Little does she know that her ‘subjects’ have literally been raised by wolves. In what has been described as ‘Jane Eyre meets Lemony Snicket’ we find a delectable tale; quirky, dark and definitely hilarious!

For ages 8 -12

- Suzy


I Didn’t Do It by Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan

Mischievous puppies, puppies sleeping, puppies jumping, puppies everywhere! Through poetry, these adorable (if not completely truthful) puppies give us insight into how they see things. A playful youngster could certainly relate to the trouble they get into. The simple, catchy verses make this beautifully illustrated book great to share with the young dog-lover in your family.

For ages 4-8.

- Kim


First Snow in the Woods by Carl R. Sams II and Jean Stoick

Beautiful photographs perfectly capture the anticipation that accompanies the coming of winter in this very readable picture book. A delightful cast of characters including an owl, squirrel, a grumpy woodchuck and a pair of deer will entertain and enchant your wildlife lover.

For ages 3-8.

- Christine


Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French

A presumptuous wombat spends his days preoccupied with eating, sleeping, digging and training his people. Wombat decides in the end that people are satisfactory pets. Available in both paperback and board book, Diary of a Wombat is beautifully illustrated and a very funny story for readers and listeners.

For ages 2-6.

- Jess