New Releases by Judith Viorst

The author offers lyrical, compassionate, and witty observations about turning fifty years old and facing middle age

Cuando Alexander se siente triste o enojado, le dan ganas de mudarse a Australia. Pero, por lo general le gusta donde está. Así que cuando sus padres le dicen que la familia se va a mudar a mil millas, Alexander decide que él no va a ir. Nunca. Jamás. De ninguna manera. Ni hablar. N.O. ¿Cómo puede decirles adióera favorita y a la Tintorería Seymour? Prefiere quedarse a vivir en una casita en un áabol or quizá en una cueva. Y aunque Nick le dice cretino y Anthony le dice que es inmaduro, Alexander está decidido: "de ninguna manera -- ¿me oyen? -- ¡lo digo en serio! -- me voy a mudar."

In The Alphabet from Z to A (With Much Confusion on the Way), Judith Viorst once again applies her clear-sighted wit to a subject of universal appeal, turning the traditional alphabet book on its head by going through the alphabet backwards. Viorst''s lively verse irreverently demonstrates that the spellings and sounds of our language are often so maddeningly inconsistent -- "blue" and "blew," "chute" and "shoe" -- that, as her exasperated narrator complains, "It could drive you berserk." Aimed at children who already have some facility with language (and at anyone else who likes to play with words), The Alphabet from Z to A is an entertaining and thought-provoking romp through the quirks and quagmires of the English language. Richard Hull''s exquisite drawings enrich the text and offer a playful challenge.

Now in paperback for the first time, the story of Charlie, a kid who knows how to be ready for any situation…. Just in Case . If a downpour turns into a flash flood or the grocery store should close indefinitely, Charlie knows exactly what he’ll do. But as Charlie is about to discover, sometimes not being ready is even better than being prepared for everything. She wants them. She needs them. She loves them. Earrings! What won’t a girl do to finally get her ears pierced? Find out in this delightful tale that perfectly captures the yearnings of a young girl in desperate need of beautiful, glorious earrings! According to Olivia—who is practically perfect—her younger sister Sophie isn’t very neat. But she’s not just messy, either…. She’s Super-Completely and Totally the Messiest! Olivia’s family tries to show her that Sophie is plenty of things besides a slob, but Olivia is unconvinced. Pictures from Robin Preiss Glasser, illustrator of Fancy Nancy, make this book super-completely and totally fun!

Alexander, who survived his bad day, learns a lesson in personal finance as he sees the dollar his grandparents gave him quickly dwindle.

Although Alexander and his money are quickly parted, he comes to realize all the things that can be done with a dollar.

A child, on the verge of being left behind by parents who are going out for the evening, comes up with a variety of pleas and excuses.

In an attempt to overcome his grief, a boy tries to think of the ten best things about his dead cat.

When he is finally allowed to walk someplace by himself, Sam has to start over several times before he obeys every safety rule and reaches his destination.

Can two boys have fun on Sunday morning when their parents want to sleep?

About geology and the changes in planet Earth.