When Jake Sherman finds Sant Claus in his backyard, Santa is tired of the demands, the schedules, the weather at the North Pole. He hands Jake an envelope, and suddenly Jake finds himself in a red suit at the mall being swarmed by small children and babies.

A spoiled, greedy, and naughty boy matches wits with Santa Claus in this hilariously "wicked" Christmas read-aloud. Bradley Bartleby is bad. Very bad. In order to avoid Bradley's wrath, his wealthy parents buy him whatever he wants. All the adults in Bradley's life are running scared―except for Santa Claus, who refuses to give him anything but socks. But Bradley vows to get what he deserves. If Santa won't give him the gifts he wants, Bradley will just have to steal them. He transforms his house into a trap so fearsome even his parents refuse to enter. With dynamite, trapdoors, guillotines, and tigers in his path, Santa doesn't stand a chance. Or does he? Jonathan Emmett gives readers a Christmas tale from a new and devious perspective.

Ray Bradbury [RL 6 IL 7-12] The nursery of the Hadleys ultra- modern Happylife Home transforms itself into a sinister African veldt. Theme: technology out of control. 42 pages. Tale Blazers.

A #1 New York Times bestseller and Christmas must-read from the creators of the laugh-out-loud bestsellers How to Babysit a Grandpa and How to Babysit a Grandma! After waiting for days and days and days, it’s finally Christmas Eve. And that’s when you can try to catch Santa.... Two sibling narrators give clever tips for “catching” Santa (be crafty! be clever! be gentle!) on Christmas Eve in this delightful and hilarious holiday offering, written in a fun instructional style. Filled with humor and warmth, this is a jolly read-aloud for the whole family to enjoy! And don't miss Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish's How to Raise a Mom and How to Surprise a Dad! “A new hit this year is How to Catch Santa. . . . The picture book offers lighthearted tips on how kids can steal a glimpse of Mr. Elusive, aka Santa. . . .” —USA Today

From award-winning author Todd Strasser comes a gripping new novel that explores the struggles of war, the price paid by those who fight in them, and what it really means to be a hero. Jake Liddell is a hero. At least, that’s what everyone says he is. The military is even awarding him a Silver Star for his heroic achievements—a huge honor for the son of a military family. Now he’s home, recovering from an injury, but it seems the war has followed him back. He needs pills to get any sleep, a young woman is trying to persuade him into speaking out against military recruitment tactics, and his grandfather is already urging him back onto the battlefield. He doesn’t know what to do; nothing makes sense anymore. There is only one thing that Jake knows for certain: he is no hero.