New Releases by Susan Wojciechowski

“The tale is unfolded with such mastery, humor, and emotional force that we are entirely within its power.” —The New York Times Book Review Jonathan Toomey is the best woodcarver in the valley, but he is always alone and never smiles. No one knows about the mementos of his lost wife and child that he keeps in an unopened drawer. But one early winter’s day, a widow and her young son approach him with a gentle request that leads to a joyful miracle. The moving, lyrical tale, gloriously illustrated by P.J. Lynch, has been widely hailed as a true Christmas classic. This beautiful anniversary edition includes a new note from the author and an audio narration by James Earl Jones available as a complimentary download.

A young boy recalls all the Halloween costume agonies he's been through, until, at last, he gets to do things his own way!

WELCOME TO THE rival towns of Tralee and Tralah, where the annual St. Patrick’s Day decorating contest is under way. Every year, Tralah defeats Tralee. This year, though, little Fiona Riley has a wonderful idea that will help Tralee win the contest for sure. But neither town has counted on a stranger arriving—a funny little man with pointed ears and boots trimmed with bells—who will turn the contest upside down!

When Beany's best friend Carol Ann pairs with the new girl at school to create a science project, Beany must work with Kevin the bully. Reprint. Jr Lib Guild.

With Susan Wojciechowski's sure-handed touch for capturing the real concerns of a regular kid, this enormously entertaining Beany book will have middle-grade readers laughing with recognition. In BEANY AND THE MAGIC CRYSTAL, Beany finds a magic wishing crystal -- but there's a slight problem. The crystal grants just one wish, and Beany, ever the worrywart, can't decide what to wish for.

Five short stories star Beany as she deals with important life lessons including flunking a test, wanting fancy press-on nails, and giving up her favorite shirt when she outgrows it.

Beany loves her cousin Amy but is worried about something going wrong if she agrees to be the flower girl in Amy's wedding.

Beany definitely does not want to spend her summer vacation at camp, but she endures bugs and a bossy cabin-mate, finds a new friend, and has an okay time after all.

The widow McDowell and her seven-year-old son Thomas ask the gruff Jonathan Toomey, the best wood-carver in the valley, to carve the figures for a Christmas creche.

Beany has a magic wishing crystal, but since it will grant only one wish, she holds it in reserve waiting for the perfect moment to use it.

A high-school principal resents the new Crisis Counselor assigned to her school. But Joe Stonehouse is really an undercover Secret Service Agent. Will the truth temper the attraction that threatens to set them both on fire?

The test - Glamour nails - The star sweater - The tooth - The talent show.

Eighth-grader Patty becomes deeply involved in working at a shelter for the homeless, where she gains a new friend who is far more sensitive than the football player to whom she thought she had lost her heart.

Having dreaded starting back to school, eighth grader Patty becomes involved in many activities as she learns the importance of friendship and the thrill of first love.