Plethora of books for young readers is available

Following are some choices for all the young readers on your lists:

Picture books

"Olivia Saves the Circus" by Ian Falconer (Atheneum). Olivia's fans will love her attempts to save the traveling tent crew.

"Fancy-Nancy," by Jane O'Connor and R.P. Glasser (Harper), or the sequels "Posh Puppy" or "Bonjour Butterfly" will be received with "just what I wanted!"

The complete "George and Martha" series, by James Marshall (Houghton), is a credit to a much-loved artist. With a foreword by renowned author/illustrator Maurice Sendak and appreciations from eight award-winning artists, this is a family classic to share for generations.

Another classic, "A Bear Called Paddington," by Michael Bond (Houghton), is in a 50th Anniversary Edition. First found in London's Paddington Station, the bear's stories are all here.

"South," by Patrick McDonnell (creator of the award-winning comic strip Mutts), will delight readers of all ages. "Just Like Heaven" and "The Gift of Nothing" (Little, Brown) also savors what is important in life.

"The Way We Work," by David Macaulay (Houghton), features more than 300 pages that explain the human body inside and out. Large, clearly detailed and labeled drawings make this an encyclopedia for children of all ages.

Middle grade and teen readers

My favorite book for the year is "Savvy," by Ingrid Law (Dial), which was reviewed in this column July 31. It has everything needed for a good read: humor, great characters, winning plot. Did I mention the humor?

"The 39 Clues" (Scholastic) is best for 10- to 12-year olds. The intended 10-volume series is about Amy and Dan Cahill, who are searching for the secret of their family's power. Included are game cards and a multifaceted Web site. Two volumes are now available.

The plots of "Flush" and "Hoot," by Carl Hiaasen, (Knopf) surround environmental issues where youngsters are actively involved.

"Voss: How I Come to America and Am Hero, Mostly," by David Ives (Putnam), tells of Voss from Slobovia who was smuggled "… aboard a great big sheep, the cargo freighter … and headed for dipp, dipp, trobble." Life in America is not easy; but then, you get the picture!