There also are numerous perennial favorites worth considering, including a number of recently reissued older books - "Harriet the Spy,"
by Louise Fitzhugh, or "The Trumpet of the Swan,"
by E.B. White - that continue to be savored by contemporary kids. Here's a taste of what's new this year.

Picture books

"First Steps: Letters, Numbers, Colors, Opposites,"
by John Burningham
(Candlewick, $15.99, ages 1-3).
All the important concepts in one volume, illustrated by a master of toddler literature.

"How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?" by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague
(Scholastic, $15,95, ages 2-6).
Ever wonder how a dinosaur says good night? Certainly not like most children, with their pouting and stomping, moping and moaning. Dinosaurs are perfectly polite.

"Isabelle and the Angel,"
by Thierry Magnier, illustrated by Georg Hallensleben
(Chronicle, $15.95, ages 2-6).
A pig named Isabelle visits a museum and meets an angel in a painting - only to find a true friend. Hallensleben's illustrations are delicious.

"Olivia,"
by Ian Falconer
(Atheneum, $16, ages 3-7).
Olivia the pig doesn't have trouble wearing out her loved ones, but she's adorable just the same. Falconer's simple but humorous text, along with his original illustrations, will capture the hearts of children and adults alike.

"Switch on the Night,"
by Ray Bradbury, illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon
(Knopf, $14.95, ages 3-7).
The famous science-fiction author wrote this rhythmic story, about a boy who is afraid of the night, back in 1955. It's been reissued with new illustrations.

"Alaska's Three Pigs,"
by Arlene Laverde, illustrated by Mindy Dwyer
(Sasquatch, $15.95, ages 4-8).
Instead of bricks, ice cubes take the cake in this version of the three little pigs, proving igloos are the best kind of house.

"Bonjour Babar! The Six Unabridged Classics by the Creator of Babar,"
by Jean De Brunhoff
(Random House, $29.95, ages 4-8).
Includes "The Story of Babar," "The Travels of Babar," "Babar the King" and more.

"The Girl who Spun Gold,"
by Virginia Hamilton, illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon
(Scholastic, $16.95, ages 4-8).
This West Indian variant of the "Rumpelstiltskin" story, starring Lit'mahn Bittyun, will surely be a contender for the Caldecott Award.

"Where Do Balloons Go? An Uplifting Mystery,"
by Jamie Lee Curtis, illustrated by Laura Cornell
(HarperCollins, $16.95, ages 4-8).
Curtis may be a celebrity, but unlike most "stars" who try to write children's books, her work is worthy of attention. This latest tale offers a gentle lesson on letting go.

"Yoshi's Feast,"
by Kimko Kajikawa, illustrated by Yumi Heo
(DK Ink, $15.95, ages 4-8).
A hilarious yarn about a fan maker who enjoys the scent of his neighbor's eels but refuses to pay for them until the eel broiler - in an act of revenge - begins cooking stinky samma instead.

"In Every Tiny Grain of Sand: A Child's Book of Prayers and Praise," collected by Reeve Lindbergh
(Candlewick, $21.99, ages 5-10).
Poems and prayers from many traditions celebrating God, nature, families and universal love.

"Wings,"
by Christopher Myers
(Scholastic, $16.95, ages 5-8).
Ikarus Jackson is what you'd call an unusual sort - he can fly. But the other kids, not appreciating his rare ability, treat the boy cruelly. Then one brave student lets Ikarus know how beautiful he really is. A startling celebration of individuality.

"The Butterfly,"
by Patricia Polacco
(Philomel, $16.99, ages 6-10).
Based on a true story, this sophisticated picture book recounts an event in the lives of a member of the French Underground and her daughter Monique. During World War II, Monique discovers her mother is hiding Jews in their basement after she meets a "ghost girl" - actually a real child - in her room one night.

Older readers

"Because of Winn-Dixie,"
by Kate DiCamillo
(Candlewick, $15.99, ages 8-12).
Opal, a motherless preacher's daughter, feels pretty lonely in her new Florida town. Then she stumbles onto Winn-Dixie - a mangy stray dog who worms his way into the hearts of many.

"Joey Pigza Loses Control,"
by Jack Gantos
(FSG, $16, ages 9-12).
This sequel about a boy with attention-deficit disorder, now on new and improved meds, is touching and humorous at the same time.

"Michelangelo,"
by Diane Stanley
(HarperCollins, $15.95, ages 8-12).
Stunningly illustrated, this biography of the famous artist has been garnering rave reviews.

"Nory Ryan's Song,"
by Patricia Reilly Giff
(Delacorte, $15.95, ages 8-12).
Despite the cruel power plays of their English lord, Nory's family lives a relatively cozy life in Ireland. Then a terrible blight attacks the potato crops, causing many to go hungry. A terrific work of historical fiction.

"The Serpent Slayer and Other Stories of Strong Women,"
by Katrin Tchana, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
(Little, Brown, $21.95, ages 8-12).
This handsomely illustrated volume of folk tales features tough female leaders from around the world.

"Spider Sparrow,"
by Dick King-Smith
(Crown, $16.95, ages 8-12).
A baby is abandoned in a lambing pen - only to be adopted by a farmer and his wife. Though the boy turns out to be "simple," he has a special ability with animals.

"Vision of Beauty: The Story of Sarah Breedlove Walker,"
by Kathryn Lasky, illustrated by Nneka Bennett
(Candlewick, $16.99, ages 8-12).
A beautifully illustrated biography of an African-American entrepreneur, born shortly after slavery was abolished, who succeeded in spite of heart-wrenching odds.

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,"
by J.K. Rowling
(Scholastic, $25.95, ages 9-12).
If you haven't already snagged this fourth book in Rowling's popular series, now would be the time.

Young Adult

"The Amber Spyglass,"
by Philip Pullman
(Knopf, $19.95, ages 12-up).
The third installment of "His Dark Materials" trilogy, which wraps up the exhilarating adventures of Lyra and Will, is brilliantly written and sure to appeal to both teens and adults.

"Gold Dust,"
by Chris Lynch
(HarperCollins, $15.95, ages 10-up).
The year is 1975, and Richard Riley Moncrief can only think about baseball. Then Napoleon Charlie Ellis appears in Richard's parochial middle school, which has recently swelled due to Boston's new busing policy. Napoleon is from the island of Dominica, and Richard soon begins harboring ballpark dreams for both of them. But racism begins pitching some ugly strikes.

"Matilda Bone,"
by Karen Cushman
(Clarion, $15, ages 11-up).
A young orphan girl, raised in a pious medieval environment, is foisted upon Red Peg the bonesetter and told to earn her keep. The girl has more than a little trouble adjusting to life on "Blood and Bone Alley" - especially since those around her rarely follow the edicts of Father Leufredus.

"Shiva's Fire,"
by Suzanne Fisher Staples
(FSG, $17, ages 11-up).
Set in contemporary India, this is a story about a girl feared and ostracized for her extraordinary metaphysical gifts. Then a famous guru invites her to study Indian classical dance, and she discovers her true place in the world.

"Stargirl,"
by Jerry Spinelli
(Knopf, $15.95, ages 12-up).
A new student at Mica High, previously home-schooled, first baffles, then angers fellow students with her exuberant, selfless ways. Only Leo stands beside her - until the pressure to conform heats up. Teens are already talking about this one.

"The Stones are Hatching,"
by Geraldine McCaughrean
(HarperCollins, $15.95, ages 11-up).
A boy wakes up one morning to learn only he can destroy the Stoor Worm - an evil creature awakened by the sounds of World War I. This fast-paced fantasy, written in luscious prose by an award-winning British author, will certainly appeal to Harry Potter fans.

Local authors

"Down in the Woods at Sleepytime,"
by Carole Lexa Schaefer, illustrated by Vanessa Cabban
(Candlewick, $15.99, ages 2-6).
It's time for all baby animals to go to sleep, but they've got better things to do. A charming bedtime snack that will appeal to the youngest child.

"The Sleep Ponies,"
by Gudrun Ongman
(Mindcastle, $16.95, ages 3-7).
A young girl calls on the sleep ponies at night so she can embark on a most pastoral adventure in her dreams. Luminous illustrations.

"When Morning Comes,"
by Ron Hirschi, photographs by Thomas D. Mangelsen
(Boyds Mills Press, $15.95, ages 3-7).
Stunning photographs of numerous wild animals are the highlight of this book about daylight.

"Poppleton Has Fun,"
by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Mark Teague
(Scholastic, $15.95, ages 4-7).
Another beginning reader, starring Poppleton the pig. Includes three gentle stories spiced with humor, not to mention appealing artwork by Teague.

"Eagle Boy: A Pacific Northwest Native Tale,"
by Richard Lee Vaughan, illustrated by Lee Christiansen
(Sasquatch, $16.95, ages 4-8).
A young orphan shares his fish with the eagles, provoking cruel words from others in his tribe. When the boy finds himself abandoned, the noble birds soar to his rescue.

"Roberto: The Insect Architect,"
by Nina Laden
(Chronicle, $15.95, ages 4-8).
Whoever heard of a termite that wanted to be an architect? But that's just what Roberto sets out to do. He even lands in Seattle. Quirky is the word for this one
(funny, too).

"It's Raining Pigs & Noodles,"
by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by James Stevenson
(Greenwillow, $17.95, ages 5-10).
Another first-rate collection of kid-friendly poems from this prolific poet.

"My Brother Made Me Do It,"
by Peg Kehret
(Minstrel, $16, ages 8-12).
In a series of letters to her 89-year-old pen pal, 11-year-old Julie describes her struggle with juvenile arthritis. Fortunately, she's got one supportive brother on her side.

"The Longitude Prize,"
by Joan Dash
(FSG, $16, ages 9-up).
This readable and absorbing work of nonfiction recounts a harrowing drama that began after a number of ship captains became frustrated by their inability to accurately pinpoint longitude. So back in 1714, Britain offered a prize - the equivalent of $12 million today - to the one who could solve the problem.

"Battle Dress,"
by Amy Efaw
(HarperCollins, $15.95, ages 12-up).
A fascinating story about a young woman's first six weeks at West Point, otherwise known as New Cadet Basic Training
(or the "Beast").
Andi Davis struggles with personal demons, not to mention the stereotypes leveled at female soldiers, as she endures numerous physical and emotional challenges.

"Night Hoops,"
by Carl Deuker
(Houghton Mifflin, $15, ages 12-up).
Nick probably wouldn't have much to do with Trent, the troubled boy across the street, except that Trent has the moves on the basketball court. Eventually, both boys set aside a number of personal problems and work together, earning a taste of victory. Yet some things aren't easily solved. Sports fiction at its best.