Bad News for Outlaws
By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Author Nelson uses authentic jargon and colorful phrases in describing the adventures of larger-than-life lawman Bass Reeves, who arrested more than 3,000 men and women during his career as a deputy U.S. marshal in the largely lawless Indian Territory in the late 1800s. Ages 9-12.


Boris and the Wrong Shadow
By Leigh Hodgkinson
Boris wakes from his cat-nap to discover that his
shadow has suddenly become, well, mousy. Laughed at by his fellow cats and dismissed by the birds he used to terrify, Boris traces the problem to Vernon, a mouse whose shadow is suspiciously feline. Ages 4-6.


Never Ask a Bear
By Louise Bonnett-Rampersaud
A play date with an enormous and excitable bear can be a tricky affair. Something as simple as asking him to "take a seat" can lead to disaster. Readers can avoid calamity by following 10 rules-of-thumb found in this amusing book. Ages 3-5.


One Dragon's Dream: A Counting Book
By Peter Pavey
One dragon dreams that "two turkeys teased him, three tigers told him off," and so forth in this intricately illustrated picture book. The dreamscapes are filled with detail that will have young readers poring over the pages again and again. Ages 3-6.


Barbarians!
By Steven Kroll
Readers get an in-depth look at four groups of notorious invaders: Goths, Huns, Vikings and Mongols. Rather than dwelling on their bloody exploits, this book focuses on their ways of life, their leaders, and the impacts of their conquests on world history. Ages 8-12.


Tales from Outer Suburbia
By Shaun Tan
 The author/ illustrator of the graphic novel The Arrival presents a collection of stories from a neighborhood where the bizarre and the wonderful lie just beneath the surface. Each story reads like a dream sequence, depicted by appropriately surreal drawings and paintings in a variety of styles. Guaranteed to mesmerize. Teen.


Website: www.zeeks.com

 Kids ages 8-12 will find lots of games to play, including puzzles, mazes, mind games, arcade games, board games and other activities. Many of the offerings are at least somewhat educational, though some are just for fun.  Kids, parents and teachers also can find a wealth of games, crafts and printables through links to the Kaboose and Funschool sister sites.


By David Alexander, Librarian 1, Karl Road branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.