New Releases by Betty Waterton

Simon has always longed to catch a salmon. But when his luck suddenly changes and an eagle accidentally drops one into a tidal pool, Simon is torn between sympathy for the fish and the desire to catch something of his own. All summer long, Simon, a young First Nations boy, has been desperate to catch a salmon. He goes fishing every day, but has no luck. Then one day a high-flying eagle drops a salmon into a clam hole right before his eyes, and Simon must decide whether to take it home or let it go. This simple story, with its evocative watercolor paintings of the Northwest Coast, was an environmental fable before its time when it was first published in 1978. But its true power rests in the magical combination of text and pictures, which have made it a best-selling classic.

Grandma Needlethorpe knits a sweater for her granddaughter Nellie''s role as a bumblebee in the upcoming spring concert. And the result is a huge success - even though the sleeves have to be rolled up and the sweater hangs well past Nellie''s knees.

When Molly the Newfoundland "puppy" arrives at the lighthouse, pandemonium breaks out for awhile, but in the end, she does "what Newfies do."

Riding in the back seat of her family''s aging station wagon, lanky Quincy Rumpel fends off the antics of her two pesky siblings, Morris and Leah, on the way to the clan''s new home on the West Coast. When they arrive, further challenges await - namely the Rumpel relations, including young Guinevere Rumpel, who whips up pancakes with ease and has perfect skin, admirable manners, and, most agonizing of all, wonderfully curly hair. Luckily there''s no time to be envious, what with the beach and other adventures at hand. Before long, Quincy and company are exploring the new house inside and out, bursting through the bedroom ceiling with a shower of plaster, administering a botched hair permanent, and generally running amok. Sunburns to pierced ears, Quincy Rumpel is a whimsical jaunt. Readers will relate to the minor tragedies Quincy faces as she adjusts to a new home, makes friends, and gets ready for school to begin. Meanwhile, Mr. Rumpel decides to diversify his investments by cultivating mushrooms in the garage. Life in the Rumpel household may be unpredictable, but it''s never dull.

As she enters the sixth grade, Quincy looks for a way to make her mark on the world.

"The Rumpels have gone into the bed-and-breakfast business - Quincy and Leah move into the attic, Mr. Rumpel renovates the chicken coop, Morris finds a new home for his red wrigglers, and Mrs. Rumpel begins planning très elegant meals" Cf. Our choice, 1996-1997

Quincy Rumpel - ranch nanny. This job title sounds great to Quincy Rumpel, who has just moved to cranberry corners with her family to help run her grandparents'' ranch. She''s despearate to buy a horse, and what could be difficult about taking care of a bunch of kids? She soon discovers that the McAddams family is even crazier than the Rumpels and even more prone to disaster.

Illustrated by Joanne Fitzgerald.

As Quincy and her family pack up to visit their dear friends, Bert and Ernie at their new fishing resort, they imagine lazy summer days lying on the dock, fishing and eating fresh salmon. But more than one mystery awaits them as the Rumpels are the only guests, the resort is a run-down dump and there are no fish ... Leah and Morris find signs of a very odd creature that looks a lot like a sasquatch!

A woman with grown children discovers a boat filled with babies and takes care of them for one afternoon.

Morris, the youngest member of the eccentric Rumpel family, is on his way to the sleepy town of Cranberry Corners to visit his grandparents. Thrilled to be away from his bossy sisters, Morris greets each new adventure with excitement - from his first airplane ride, to his first horseback ride on Fireweed (a mare with a mind of her own), to a friendship with a family of peregrine falcons. But the vacation turns out to hold more adventure than even Morris has bargained for. It begins the moment he is followed off the plane by a mysterious stranger, and the plot thickens as Morris realizes that his new friends, the falcons, are in serious peril. But with Rumpel resourcefulness he manages to save the falcons and emerge the hero of the day. The lighthearted style, amusing characters, and gentle humor are a major attraction for young readers with a taste for fun.

What is Quincy Rumpel doing creeping around the old Beanblossom house? And, most important, who else is interested in the abandoned house? Quincy Rumpel is back with her all-girl private investigating firm. But her best-laid plans go astray when she''s joined by her bothersome brother Morris and her heartthrob Freddie, who is convinced he has Mountie blood coursing through his veins.

Luke and his friends organize a war over the Christmas holidays, besieging a snow fort while wearing full armour. The battles rage on, until Mark''s dog Cleo is killed when a wall collapses.

Orff is chastised by fellow dragons because he cannot fly until a dream helps him find his true purpose.

Pettranella is excited at the prospect of homesteading with her parents but saddened to leave her aged grandmother. She promises to plant the seeds Grandmother gave her when they arrive, but the seeds are accidentally lost. Pettranella is heartbroken, but when spring arrives she discovers her new home has a surprise for her -- she has kept her promise to her grandmother after all. Ann Blades''s lovely illustrations help bring to life Betty Waterton''s moving story of family and change.