Paul O. Zelinsky

Awful Ogre’s day is much like anyone else’s, but with an ogre-ish twist. He uses onion juice as a mouthwash with just a dab on his chin, writes love letters to a delightfully disgusting ogress and more. The clever rhyming verse and dark-lined illustrations are filled with humor and visual jokes that will make this collection of poetry awfully popular.

A young boy, Leigh, begins writing letters to a famous author, Mr. Henshaw, revealing what's going on in his life — like his parents' divorce — as he gradually matures and finds his place in the world. Leigh's voice is plausible and poignant.

Angelica Longrider, the "wildest wildcat in Tennessee" and larger than life (first introduced in Swamp Angel) moves to the open spaces of Montana where she finds a fine, feisty steed to be her sidekick. This original tall tale is folksy in its telling and exaggerated paintings, and sure to please.