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ISBN: 978-1101937341 Random House

Claudine, a bright-eyed girl with a blonde bob, has strong feelings about Santa: “He watched you when you were sleeping and when you were awake. Which was snooping.” Then there’s the fact that he sneaks into kids’ houses in the middle of the night. Claudine attempts to derail Santa’s impending home invasion by acting so naughty that he won’t visit her house, a course of action that doesn’t thrill her older sister. Retro details add charm to Kaufman’s cheery illustrations (Claudine sings along to a record player during a loud, late-night performance of “Silent Night”), and it’s always clear that there’s no maliciousness behind her bad behavior. Jennings playfully suggests that skepticism (and an awareness of one’s own comfort zone) is a good thing—and something Santa can respect, as it turns out. Ages 3–7. [Publishers Weekly]

hissy_frontcover_500.jpg

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ISBN: 1606845967 CAROLRHODA BOOKS

A popular middle-grade writer moves to chapter books with this humorous tale about a cat that makes Grumpy Cat seem cheerful. Perfect for fans of Geronimo Stilton and Dog Diaries. Hissy Fitz lives with some two-legged creatures who are destined to serve him in every possible way and understand his every whim. Sadly, these creatures are sorely lacking in their skills. For one thing--they touch him when they want to touch him. Don't they know that the two-legged are there for him to touch when he wants to--meaning when he wants food? Petting wakes him up! They speak to him--don't they know the two-legged should be seen--so Hissy knows where to order food--and not heard?! It's becoming intolerable. What is this irascible cat to do?

"Readers will chuckle along as they see a day played out from Hissy’s point of view. ... With its short chapters, snappy dialogue, and fast-moving plot, this book will be popular with newly independent readers." —School Library Journal

"Young fans of YouTube's Grumpy Cat will be smitten with Hissy, the crabby feline hero of Jennings's latest animal tale." —Publishers Weekly

Guinea Dog 3

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ISBN 978-1606845547

DARBY CREEK BOOKS

BOSTON GLOBE BEST BOOK OF 2014

Short, manageable chapters; a breezy, conversational style; and indentifiable characters...make this a good choice. —Booklist

Early-chapter book readers will enjoy... —School Library Journal

The writing is strong, the characters are a lot of fun, and the story just plain enjoyable ...There's a little something everyone can enjoy in this last Jennings number. —Betsy Bird, Fuse8

The key to the series’ success is Jennings’s great story-telling skills, with a sly sense of humor that never flounders or fails. Even his least likeable characters are lovable, and the lovable ones are enchanting. Animal lovers will adore the book — lovers of fantasy will appreciate the far-out leaps of faith. —The Boston Globe

Odd Weird & Little

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ISBN Hardcover 978-1606843741

ISBN Paperback 978-1606845684

CAROLRHODA BOOKS

Kirkus Best of 2014

Bank Street College's Best Book of the Year 2015

Cy-Fair Horned Toad Tales List 2015-2016

Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award List 2015-2016

Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award List 2017

Starred by KIRKUS REVIEWS:

"At last: a humorous, useful and pedantry-free book about bullying!

Woodrow and his classmates are surprised at the old-fashioned clothing and the tiny, delicate appearance of Toulouse, a newly arrived student from Canada. Is this Woodrow’s opportunity to pass his own victim status to someone else? Woodrow openly admits his acknowledged dorkiness, as in his fondness for “duck tape,” his hesitant speech patterns and that time he got chopsticks stuck in his throat pretending to be a badger. His first-person account of befriending someone even weirder than himself divulges such truths as school-playground hierarchies, adults’ proficiency or lack thereof at handling bullying behaviors, and “kid rules” that enable bullies. Woodrow risks regaining his place as top victim as he decides to befriend and protect Toulouse, who has drawn unwanted attention to himself with such anomalies as his bowler hats and his furry vomit. While enjoying every minute of Woodrow’s slow discovery that Toulouse is actually an owl—and the even more amazing fact that no one else reaches that conclusion—readers also learn about the psychology behind bullying and about self-empowerment. The rhythm of the prose is perfect for independent readers and for reading aloud; clever art, music and literature references add to the fun.

Jennings does not skip a beat as he builds realistic relationships and problem-solving around an outrageously funny premise." Vicky Smith, Children's & Teen Editor

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL says:

Toulouse Hulot, a new kid in school from Quebec, wears dapper outfits, carries a briefcase, and even uses a quill pen to write his lessons. He is a talented painter and musician, an accomplished fly fisherman, and the victim of the class bully and his henchman. His only friend is Woodrow, who shares his love of fishing and finally becomes the one to stand up to the mean kids and ultimately see Toulouse for who he really is. Woodrow is a most unlikely narrator, one who embraces his own nerdiness and stammers through most of his conversations. Fans of Jennings's Guinea Dog (Egmont USA, 2010) will find this a delightful book, one that stands with classics such as Avi's Poppy (Orchard, 1995). A remarkable story and a great read-aloud.

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY says:

"Ten-year-old Woodrow Schwette is the weirdest kid in his class until quiet, tiny, suit-wearing Toulouse Gulot shows up by way of Quebec. Jennings (My Homework Ate My Homework) creates a sympathetic underdog in Woodrow, a boy all too used to being relentlessly teased by class bullies Garrett and Hubcap, whose casual cruelty will likely make some readers shudder with recognition. Woodrow must decide if he will stand aside while Toulouse—with his 'old-man hat,' 'wide, round eyes,' and vocabulary that’s initially limited to the word 'Who'—becomes the bullies’ new punching bag, or if he will stand up for his new friend. Jennings gives Woodrow a relatable voice and laces the story with clues that hint at the twist that is confirmed in the book’s final chapters....It’s a warm and funny story about being true to oneself and standing up for what’s right."

BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS says:

"When a tiny, wide-eyed kid wearing a hat and a bow tie walks into class, ten-year-old Woodrow is unsure whether to try to befriend a fellow outcast or be grateful that Garrett, the class bully, may have a new target. Toulouse Hulot, the new kid, turns out to have a knack for wood-working and reading, two of Woodrow’s favorite pastimes, and Woodrow makes a pal of Toulouse. Garrett’s bullying does escalate as a result, especially after Toulouse vomits up what appears to be a furry rodent in class. With Toulouse at his side, however, Woodrow doesn’t find Garrett nearly as intimidating, and although the new kid doesn’t say much other than 'who' and nod, his moral support is enough to make Woodrow stand his ground, overcome his stutter (at least temporarily), and tell the bully off. Those familiar with Jennings's Guinea Dog (BCCB 6/10) will recognize the author’s tendency to inject the ordinary with the absurd; the owl-in-disguise element here is surprisingly effective, taking a standard tale of an underdog’s triumph and giving it a charming weirdness that reaffirms the value of being a bit odd. Simple sentence structure and Woodrow’s conversational tone make this easily accessible to newly independent readers, while Woodrow’s astute observations of school dynamics—the difference between rules made by the adults and rules made by kids, the dog-eat-dog world of the playground—will likely strike a chord with plenty of kids who worry about their not-so-normalness."

Guinea Dog 2

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ISBN hardcover 978-1606844526

ISBN paperback 978-1606845479

DARBY CREEK BOOKS

Readers who loved Guinea Dog have been sitting, begging, and rolling over for a sequel. The beloved Patrick Jennings returns with the follow up to his award-winning and state list hogging title!

When his classmates learn about Fido, the guinea pig that acts like a dog, they all want a piece of Rufus, her owner. But Rufus hates the attention, the demands, the "celebrity." So he decides to make Fido learn how to be an actual guinea pig. But when she goes missing, he feels terrible. Was she lost, "dognapped," or did she run away, because he no longer liked her just the way she was?

Offering the same offbeat humor and pacing of the first Guinea Dog, this novel will prove to be a reader's best friend.

"PLAYFUL, QUICK-PACED"

"FRESH AND FUNNY"

"LEAVES READERS BEGGING"

KIRKUS REVIEWS, August 27, 2013

(NOTE: SPOILER ALERT!)

"Jennings picks up where Guinea Dog (2010) left off in this playful, quick-paced tale that touches on some common dilemmas for middle graders.

Short chapters and a slightly larger-than-usual font make this an easy read. Rufus is a snappy narrator, and his fumbling observations about his parents, himself, his friends and his situation are fresh and funny. Youngsters will relate as Rufus learns to say no, feel grateful for his friends (whether boy or girl) and make right his relationship with Fido, whose weight gain was for a very good reason.

With the introduction of Fido’s gifted progeny, Jennings leaves readers begging for another absurd adventure." (Animal fantasy. 8-12)

My Homework Ate My Homework

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ISBN hardcover 978-1606842867

ISBN paperback 978-1606845066

CAROLRHODA BOOKS

"FUNNY"*
"FAST-PACED"**

* "Full of humor, Zaritza's on- and off-stage dramatics make for a quite funny tale. Readers who enjoy stories about the fine arts are sure to relate with the budding thespian as she learns that helping others behind the scenes can be just as fulfilling as soaking in the spotlight." —Booklist

** "An amusing, fast-paced tale about an irrepressible drama queen who has to cope when she doesn't get the starring role in the class play." —Kirkus Reviews

Bat and Rat

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ABRAMS BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS

ISBN 978-1-4197-0160-3

NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW: [A]lthough Bat lives on the top floor and Rat in the basement, the two rendezvous to play music together and share simple joys like going out for ice cream. They only really differ on what flavor to choose — Mosquito Ripple, Butter Beetle Pecan or Mint Fly Chip? In the end, the duo perform Rat’s new song inspired by the events of the evening. The talented illustrator Matthew Cordell keeps this soufflé of an adventure rising; in two stellar double-page spreads he shows Bat swooping down to the lobby while Rat painstakingly climbs the steps to get to the same place. (Reviewed by Anita Silvey)

KIRKUS REVIEWS: A sweet friendship story hums with jazz and is heaped with ice cream.
Bat and Rat have a lot going on. Denizens of the uptown Hotel Midnight, Bat lives on the 33rd floor and Rat in the basement. Bat composes and plays piano in their jazz duo, while Rat writes the lyrics and sings. She’s stymied with the words for their new tune, so the pair meets for ice cream. Cordell’s amusing watercolors depict a William Steig–esque menagerie at the ice cream parlor. A frog’s long tongue licks a cone held at arm’s length, and a weasel-like worker labors mightily on Bat’s towering, seven-scoop treat. Jennings’ often-charming dialogue reveals the two friends’ characteristics: “Rat, can you hold my cone so I can fly up and lick my top scoop?” Alas, a skateboarding hare and zooming bus topple and flatten six of Bat’s scoops. Amid the flare of emotion over the spill (Bat chastises Rat, then apologizes), Rat finds the creative key to the song’s lyrics: She has many favorite things, but her “favorite favorite is Bat.” Concluding spreads depicting enthusiastic fans of many species at the hotel’s rooftop Twelve O’Clock Room and retrospective scenes of the friends' good times are paired with the little song’s affirming lyrics. Cordell’s starry cityscapes combine with Jennings’ gentle text for an agreeable read-aloud—with a cherry on top.

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: This book's lesson—that we can create beauty from disappointments in life—is an uplifting one. Pencil and watercolor illustrations convey the sense of excitement in a nighttime cityscape with lush, glittery midnight-blue skies. The whimsical drawings are inventive, sometimes spanning two pages to show the dizzying height of buildings. Children will enjoy lingering over a cutaway view of four stories of the hotel. The clever artwork perfectly complements Jennings's sharp, funny wordplay ("My favorite singer? Rat King Cole"). Children will delight in this charming story about a musical duo searching for beauty in the most mundane moments. In this exuberant, effortless book, art is a powerful, redemptive force—even if it is created by a bat and rat.

BOOKLIST: Jennings’ breezy story is more a celebration of friendship than a look at the artistic process or musical collaboration... there is plenty of entertaining silliness to share, particularly in Cordell’s (Another Brother, 2012) pencil-and-watercolor cityscapes, expressive animal characters, and droll urban details, including a cockroach bellhop, a cutaway view of Rat’s basement duplex, and the crowd of nocturnal city slickers enjoying ice cream and the late-night jazz show.

LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION: Bat and Rat are best friends, as well as a musical team starring at the Hotel Midnight’s Twelve O’Clock Room. ... The metaphor for their friendship is the crux of the book, and resonates throughout. Cordell’s images of jazzy patrons at the Twelve O’Clock Room add interest, while his consistent use of spotlights, streetlights, circular images, and stage lights accentuate and complement Jennings’s focused attention on a unique and caring relationship.

BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Bat and Rat’s midnight milieu of music composition and performance is an intriguing (and often amusing) one. That’s especially true in the illustrations, lively pencil and watercolor art accented with humorous detail; particularly funny are Bat’s dramatic reactions to the demise of his ice cream and the background appearances of the other nocturnal critters, such as the cockroach-looking hotel concierge, that also inhabit this world. This could easily put some levity into a study of nocturnal animals or be used a kickoff to a discussion about favorite things; it would also be a novel selection for a nighttime library storytime/jam session.

WATCH THE TRAILER!

Invasion of the Dognappers

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EGMONT USA; ISBN 978-1-60684-287-4

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: Logan always seems to notice things that other people miss, such as when the dogs in his hometown suddenly go missing, He is certain that they have been abducted by aliens and he is on a mission to get them back. Unable to do it alone, he recruits some friends and forms the Intergalactic Canine Rescue Unit. Can they get the dogs back? Were they really abducted by extraterrestrials and, if so, why? Jennings has the vocabulary of middle graders down pat (with lots of references to flatulence and other gross things). Readers will relate to Logan, who has a busy working mom and a bratty younger brother. This is a good choice for readers, even reluctant ones, who like humor, mystery, and science fiction all rolled into one.–Tammy DiBartolo, Rapides Parish Library, Alexandria, LA

KIRKUS REVIEWS: A rash of dognappings prompts a young sleuth’s obvious (to him) conclusion that space aliens are to blame. Seeing several dogs suddenly vanish, leaving collars and leashes behind, 10-year-old Logan gallops over the understandable doubts of his friends and his open-minded single mom to organize an “Intergalactic Canine Rescue Unit.” Under its aegis, he stakes out his own aging and comically flatulent hound Bubba and cruises the ragged edge of a major grounding by haring off after supposed suspects without parental notification. Being the sort of author who could play his premise either way, Jennings (Guinea Dog, 2010; Beastly Arms, 2001) chucks in clues and red herrings galore but keeps readers in the dark—until, more than halfway through ... [spoiler removed!] Rising ingeniously to the triple challenge of escaping, negotiating the return of the purloined pooches and keeping his clothes on (they keep disappearing), Logan proves a protagonist worth admiring—displaying a level of focus and dedication matched only by his long-standing, gonzo obsession with aliens. Just another alien invasion headed off by solid detective work. (Science fiction. 10-12)

BOOKLIST: A lightheartedness buoys the potentially worrisome topics of lost dogs and thieving aliens. There is enough action and adventure to move the plot along as well as many elements children will appreciate: mystery; flatulence humor; kids saving the day; short, manageable chapters; and so on. Even reluctant readers will stay engaged and hope for more capers from the ICRU.

Lucky Cap

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Now in paperback!

Kindle and Nook versions available.

ISBN hardcover 978-1-60684-054-2

ISBN paperback 978-1-60684-306-2

CAROLRHODA BOOKS

The Summer before Enzo enters middle school he has “the most amazingest trip in the history of time,” courtesy of his dad’s new job with Kap, a major sportswear company. He spends a month staying in hotels, getting tips from pro athletes, and wearing the latest and greatest gear, including a one-of-a-kind prototype cap. Enzo believes that it is responsible for his amazing trip and his subsequent run of good luck upon starting school. He is nominated for class president, makes the basketball team, and is more popular than he ever imagined. His swift ascension to success and popularity isn’t faultless, as he ditches his immature best friend almost immediately for someone he thinks is cooler. But overall, though, things are great, until the cap disappears. Suddenly, his luck turns and Enzo becomes desperate to find it before his life spirals out of control. Short chapters and plenty of humorous dialogue and descriptions keep the story moving at a quick pace. Enzo tries to figure out his identity and how to do what’s right. The narrative also touches briefly on issues of marketing or branding, which could make for interesting discussion. Enzo certainly has his flaws, and they make him a believable character whose voice will ring true with children even when they don’t agree with his choices.
—School Library Journal

"Lucky Cap" is a humorous chapter book for 8-12 year-olds. The many funny twists and turns of Enzo's adventures and relationships with his friends make for great middle school adventure reading, with a nice pinch of attainable maturity goals built right in. Kids will enjoy "Lucky Cap" while inching along the road to adulthood one juvenile crisis at a time. As always, humor wraps and absolves all tragedies, mistakes, and misadventures, while gently prodding the reader along to higher moral outlooks. —Midwest Book Review

Guinea Dog

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DARBY CREEK

HC ISBN# 978-1-60684-053-5

PB ISBN# 978-1-60684-153-2

Washington State Book Award Winner

Kansas William Allen White Children's Book Award Winner

Minnesota Maud Lovelace Hart Award Winner (Third Place)

Washington State Sasquatch Book Award Nominee

Florida Sunshine State Young Reader's Award Nominee

Hawaii Library Association Nene Award Nominee

New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award Nominee

Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee

Massachussetts Children's Book Award Nominee

New York Public Librarian BETSY BIRD says it's "NOTHING SHORT OF DIVINE":

"Right over here! Look this way! Over here! TWEET! You looking? Yeah, so right over here we've got ourselves a Patrick Jennings fan. Yup. Patrick Jennings. The guy who wrote that fantastic We Can't All Be Rattlesnakes, along with approximately a hundred other books. You've read him, right? No? Well that's fine with me. It's like when you discover this cool underground band, and you get to be their biggest fan all by yourself. It's great. You walk around with this knowledge in your head of, "I am into something incredible that only I know about." That's how it is with Patrick Jennings and me. Problem is, I keep recommending his books to the kids in my library. And if I keep this up, I may end up unexpectedly creating a whole host of Jennings fans. Then he'll get hugely popular and go mainstream and I'll have to share him with the rest of the world."

READ THE ENTIRE REVIEW : Elizabeth Bird reviews Guinea Dog

WIRED: "'It’s a very weird book for me. And I like it because it’s hilarious. It’s about this boy who really wants a dog, but he gets a guinea pig who acts totally like a dog. That’s why it’s called Guinea Dog.' There you have it, straight from my six-year-old’s mouth. When I asked if she thought other kids would like this book, she said, 'Yes, very much!'"

READ GEEKDAD'S REVIEW HERE: meet-fido-the-guinea-dog

BOOKLIST: "Jennings’ salute to kids who get less (and more) than they ask for offers a unique and hilarious take on boy-dog bonding. As he did in Faith andthe Electric Dogs (1996) and more recently in We Can’t All Be Rattlesnakes (2009), Jennings injects magic realism into a story filled with believable yet flawed characters, resulting in a satisfying story..Short, manageable chapters; a breezy, conversational style; and identifiable characters (the bully, the show-off, the obsessive stay-at-home dad) make this a good choice for readers making the transition to chapter books."

We Can't All Be Rattlesnakes

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ISBN 978-0-06-082114-2

ISBN 978-0060821173

HARPER COLLINS

New York Public Library 100 Best Books 2009

Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award Nominee

Georgia Children's Book Award Nominee

Children's Book-of-the-the-Month Club Pick

Politics & Prose Favorite Book of 2009

"Like Dick King-Smith with a bit more bite—and a certain amount of biting."—Kirkus

"Do yourself a favor. Find it. Enjoy it. Give it to boys and girls alike, because when it comes to kid-friendly, well-written fare, this book is for everybody. A delicate little jewel of a novel."—Elizabeth Bird, "Review of the Day" 3/9/09; A Fuse #8 Production, at schoollibraryjournal.com

"Crusher's adventures and her gradual development of compassion for Breakfast, the live mouse in her cage, and even for Gunnar himself work together with the hilarious satire on modern American life to give this terrific child appeal but also a lot of room for discussion." —The Horn Book Magazine

"The wisecracking and irritable-sounding narrator here is definitely something different.... Her seen-it-all voice, and the twists and turns of Jennings's plot, make for an engaging and very funny story." —The New York Times

Barb & Dingbat's Crybaby Hotline

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Holiday House, 2007

ISBN: 0823420558

Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Award Nominee

Society of School Librarians International Honor Book

"Insanely humorous.... This laugh-out-loud novel is ideal for reluctant readers" —School Library Journal

"It’s 1975, and Barb calls Jeff to dump him on behalf of her friend Viv, Jeff’s former girlfriend. From the phone call, Barb and Jeff begin a friendship of sorts. On the telephone, Barb will speak with Jeff, if only to mock him as a junior-high philanderer. Jeff, meanwhile, tries to get Barb to speak truthfully and seriously, which she refuses to do. But as their conversations continue, it becomes clear that both are lying to each other constantly. With a story told entirely in dialogue spoken by two characters who can’t be trusted to speak an honest word, the book offers a fascinating puzzle: What truth can be learned when everything spoken is suspect? In conversations laden with mid-’70s pop-culture references, from Welcome Back, Kotter to Watergate, these two flawed and interesting characters develop a wary friendship as they fumble toward a kind of truth. Compelling." —Kirkus Reviews

Wish Riders

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Hyperion Books for Children, 2006
ISBN: 14-231-0010-7 (paperback, June 2008)

"Bits and pieces of the 'Cinderella' story weave themselves through this startingly original tale set in a West Coast logging camp during the Depression. Edith is one of six 'flunkies,' orphans or otherwise unwanted children adopted by the managers of Camp Nine to help with the unceasing work. A seagull deposits some mysterious seeds in Edith's hairbrush; when sown near the hazel bush she has planted to memorialize her mother, they grow into wonderful horses formed of vegetation. Fairy-tale elements from 'Cinderella' variants such as 'Aschenputtel' and 'Donkeyskin' and sly references to Prince Charming combine with the isolated world-unto-itself nature of the logging camp to create a narrative environment in which these remarkable horses thrive, abetted by Edith's memories of the flesh-and-blood horses she used to ride with her mother. The book doesn't try for one-to-one correspondence to any one tale, instead taking what it needs and hewing to its own vision. Thus, when Edith and four of her 'siblings'—one pregnant with their adoptive 'father's' child, and as disagreeable a stepsister as a reader could hope for—escape on the magical horses, the resolution is both surprising and eminently satisfying." —The Horn Book

"Jennings captures the flavor of the Great Depression in this mystical tale about 15-year-old Edith....Fantasy fans will find the changing relationships between and among the children particularly well done." —Booklist

"A blend of magical realism, fairy tale, and ecoliterature, Jennings's story is moving and engaging...." —VOYA

Friends

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Scholastic Press, 2005
ISBN: 0-439-72991-2

A collection of stories about friendship edited by Ann M. Martin & David Levithan and written by Martin, Levithan, Virginia Euwer Wolff, Meg Cabot, Jennifer L. Holm, Brian Selznick, Rachel Cohn, Pam Muñoz Ryan, Patricia McCormick, Tanuja Desai Hidier, and Tiger. All proceeds & royalties from sales of the book go to the Lisa Libraries, a nonprofit organization that donates new children’s books and small libraries to organizations serving needy children. For more information, visit www.lisalibraries.org.

"The definitions of friendship expressed in this collection of eleven short stories are as varied as the heroines and heroes introduced by these well-established authors....Offering a wide realm of moods, outcomes and morals, these stories are perfect for sharing with friends." —Publishers Weekly

Out Standing In My Field

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Scholastic Press, 2005
ISBN: 0-439-46581-8 (cloth); 0-439-48749-8 (pb)

BookSense Children’s Pick

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

Starred Review, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Chicago Public Library "Best of the Best" Book

“Jennings once again demonstrates his versatility with this novel for baseball fans and for those who are more comfortable in the stands than on the playing field....Fans often say that baseball is a metaphor for life; Jennings here proves the adage’s truth.” —Publishers Weekly

“Jennings refreshes [the genre] by cleverly confining the action within a single game and allowing readers to suffer—and ultimately grow—along with Ty in his near real-time experience.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“The book is funny, poignant, and deeper than one might think at first glance. Its deceptively uncomplicated plot makes it a great choice for reluctant readers.” —School Library Journal

“Jennings has crafted an unusual father-son story that goes far beyond the typical baseball novel. Humorous and insightful.” – Kirkus Reviews

The Wolving Time

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Scholastic Press, 2003
ISBN: 0-439-39555-0 (cloth); 0-439-39556-9 (pb)

Starred review, Publishers Weekly

Judy Lopez Memorial Award Honor Book

“This page-turner delivers a fascinating commentary on what constitutes true goodness.” —Publishers Weekly

“Jennings achieves much with this gripping, multilayered tale about persecution, faith, and that most werewolf-analogous stage of life, adolescence. With its sharp descriptions and original story, this fine novel stands out from the pack.” —Family Fun

“Jennings spins this interesting historical yarn about a family of werewolves who make their living herding sheep. This tale is no comedy, though, but rather a compelling, thoughtful story.” —School Library Journal

“Readers who enjoy fantasy or stories about werewolves will grab this one, but encourage historical fiction fans to try the book as well. Much of the story is based on historical fact, explained in the author’s endnote.” —VOYA

The Beastly Arms

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Scholastic Press, 2001
ISBN: 0-439-16589-X (cloth); 0-439-16590-3 (pb)

PEN Center USA 2002 Literary Award Finalist

Smithsonian Magazine Notable Book for Children

Junior Library Guild Selection

Starred review, Publishers Weekly

Paperback edition illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner Brian Selznick

“What stands out here is… the protagonist. Like Jack Gantos, Jennings reveals a similarly vivid, winning blend of strength and vulnerability inside the head of his bright, creative, dreamy child.” —School Library Journal

“A wildly imagined urban fantasy that celebrates individual strength and creative spirit… Urban animal lovers, young artists, and those who have weathered divorce will find themselves in these pages.” —Booklist

“A novel full of revelations and dream-like encounters.” —Kirkus Reviews

The Bird Shadow

Illustrated by Anna Alter

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Holiday House, 2001
ISBN: 0-8234-1670-4

“With a simple sentence structure and gentle repetition, the author instills a sense of confidence in readers just starting to tackle longer stories.” —Publishers Weekly

“Young readers will want to stay tuned for other volumes of the adventures of Ike and Mem…” —Kirkus Reviews

The Ears of Corn

Illustrated by Anna Alter

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Holiday House, 2003
ISBN: 0-8234-1770-0

Association of Booksellers for Children Best Book

“A tender and poignant chapter book about mistakes and consequences, and the importance of forgiveness.” —Association of Booksellers for Children

“With its simple sentence structure and appealing characters, this title is appropriate for youngsters who are just ready to try chapter books.” —School Library Journal

The Lightning Bugs

Illustrated by Anna Alter

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Holiday House, 2003
ISBN: 0-8234-1673-9

“A good addition for beginning chapter book collections.” —School Library Journal

“Ike and Mem remain so much themselves in this telling that new fans and those already familiar with their previous outings....will applaud Ike’s hard won—and imaginative—penance and absolution.” —Roger Sutton, The Horn Book

The Tornado Watches

Illustrated by Anna Alter

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Holiday House, 2002
ISBN: 0-8234-1672-0

Starred Review, The Horn Book

“In this realistic and beautifully written short novel, pencil illustrations and unadorned writing convey both Ike’s love for his family and his sense of responsibility as well as the very real dangers presented by tornadoes.” —Book Links

“The text and pacing of this brief novel are ideal for beginning readers who are ready to tackle a longer chapter book with a slightly more complex plot.” —School Library Journal

The Weeping Willow

Illustrated by Anna Alter

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Holiday House, 2002
ISBN: 0-8234-1671-2

“A well-written, perceptive story with likable characters, this is also about the value of compromise and the rewards of making amends.” —Booklist

“Jennings’s simple yet realistic story presents situations easily understood by the intended audience, and the characters’ dialogue and hurt feelings are adeptly expressed.” —School Library Journal

Putnam & Pennyroyal

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Illustrated by Caldecott Honor winner Jon J Muth

Scholastic Press, 1999
ISBN: 0-439-07965-9

“A carefully crafted and engagingly offbeat depiction of a prickly, affectionate pair delicately negotiating a family truce. The lively dialogue would make this an especially good read-aloud.” —The Horn Book

“The deepest pleasures of this text are the original and somehow believably self-reflective animal characters, accurate zoological details imparted by a narrator who cares deeply about the natural world—and who believes in the abilities and intelligence of children – and an engaging child character firmly anchored in reality who, like the reader, gets lost for a time in the storyteller’s tale.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Jennings’s folksy, first-person narrative immediately draws the reader into the easy, comfortable relationship between Cora and her uncle Frank… the characters, both feathered and human, are strikingly fresh.” —Booklist

Faith and the Rocket Cat

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Scholastic Press, 1998
ISBN: 0-590-11004-7 (cloth); 0-590-11005-5 (pb)

“Eddie is back, telling Jennings’s newest tale. And it’s as charming as the original… Jennings’s stories capture the humor and friendship that bond people and animals. His characters are intelligent, imaginative, and loving, if slightly misunderstood… Narrator Edison obviously delights in words and wordplay, making this a real reader’s read.” —Christian Science Monitor

“This follow-up to Faith and the Electric Dogs, with its authentically doggy narrator, is as refreshingly unconventional as the original… [A] plot as full of twists and surprises as its two unusually talented main characters… A blissful multilingual escapade.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Highly original and engaging… [I]t is Jennings’ writing, sophisticated and yet wonderfully quirky, that sets these books apart. [A] pure pleasure to read.” —Family Life

Faith and the Electric Dogs

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Scholastic Press, 1996
ISBN: 0-590-69768-4 (cloth) 0-590-69769-2 (pb)

ALA Booklist Editors Choice 1996

Starred review, Booklist

Starred review, Kirkus Reviews

Starred review, Publishers Weekly

Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List Selection

“A joy—an original, uniquely funny first novel that is thought-provoking as well, from a witty ambassador of languages and culture… A great read-aloud, y un libro perfecto!”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“The magic realism, a thoughtful message, and the unconventional narrator… add up to a first novel brimming with charm and substance.” —Booklist (starred review)

“First-time novelist Jennings takes a soaring flight into magic realism in this captivating tale narrated with brio by a Mexican street dog.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

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My Homework Ate My Homework

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We Can't All Be Rattlesnakes

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Barb & Dingbat's Crybaby Hotline

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Wish Riders

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Friends

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Out Standing In My Field

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The Wolving Time

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The Beastly Arms

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The Bird Shadow

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The Ears of Corn

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The Lightning Bugs

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The Tornado Watches

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The Weeping Willow

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Putnam & Pennyroyal

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Faith and the Rocket Cat

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Faith and the Electric Dogs

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