New Releases by Sarah Stewart

A new heroine to win readers'' hearts, joining the ranks of Lydia Grace Finch and Elizabeth Brown Sunday Dear Diary The luckiest girl on this good earth is writing to you tonight -- my birthday -- made perfect a few minutes ago by the present of a lace handkerchief. Mother had even hidden a tiny cake in her suitcase! I''ve never been higher than Aunt Clara''s porch, or farther than Yooder''s General Store, but this week my dream is coming true. I''m finally in a big city! And more, I''ve escaped the farm and chores! After spending the morning quietly in our room, Mother, her friend Maggie, and I went to the top of one of the tallest buildings in the world. How can I ever thank Aunt Clara for giving me her place on this trip? Well, I''m sure to find a gift for her by the end of the week. But for now, perhaps I''ll dream of Aunt Clara and home. Until tomorrow, my silent friend, good night. Hannah Beginning in the dark hours of morning, an Amish girl, along with two adult companions, sets off for the big city for the first time. The reader receives nightly reports through young Hannah''s diary, in which, with tireless awe, she relates the significant events of the day. Each experience is decidedly new to Hannah -- a trip to the top of a skyscraper, a visit to the aquarium -- yet in each she finds some universal element that reminds her of home. Though she loves the city, a trip to the art museum on the final day of her visit clinches Hannah''s longing for family and familiarity; fortunately, the bus is ready to take her back to the place she loves most. Sarah Stewart''s text has the authentic ring of a smart girl''s private thoughts, and David Small''s pictures are magnificent.

From the beloved husband-and-wife team of The Gardener, a Caldecott Honor Book Annabelle Bernadette Clementine Dodd Was a good little girl, though decidedly odd. Belle lived every day as if she were grown -- She thought she could do everything all on her own. Lucky for Belle, she has a friend at home, a caregiver named Beatrice Smith -- Bea -- who keeps a close eye on her so she doesn''t get into too much mischief. Through the week Belle helps Bea as she does chores or shops or bakes, and at the end of most days they head to the beach -- Belle and Bea, hand in hand, by the sea. But one afternoon Belle sneaks outside to play all alone, and something happens that changes her life forever. A lyrical rhymed text and pictures that pack emotion combine to present powerful portraits of a girl and her loving guardian.

In her "strikingly atmospheric debut" ("Denver Post"), Taylor introduces Sweeney St. George, a college professor specializing in cemetery art, whose efforts to solve a century-old murder provokes another killer to strike. Martin''s Press.

A car-touring and walking guide to Slovenia. It presents advice on different walks, along with topographical walking maps and a fold-out touring map. Many short walks for motorists are suggested, along with recommendations of areas for suitable for picnics.

Visually stunning, informative, and inspirational, this book celebrates the talents of the world''s top designers. A showcase for the prestigious Andrew Martin Interior Designer of the Year award, it provides a record of design trends, and features unique interviews with 35 international designers who reveal their own techniques and philosophies, from classic to contemporary, in both private and corporate interiors.

Includes: "The Gardener," "George Washington''s Cows," "Imogene''s Antlers," "The Library" & "Paper John."

In summer the leaves on the strange tree growing in Miss McGillicuddy''s yard are harvested by many people, but when Miss McGillicuddy thinks about needing firewood for the winter, she realizes the tree may have another use.