Rosendale resident Horowitz, award-winning author of A Monkey Among Us and Soon, Baboon, Soon, uses his signature rhythmic style to spin a jaunty, colorful tale of an "Ugly Duckling" pumpkin who must find his place in the holidays. See Out & Aloud for author event listings.

In this antic counting book, a houseful of animals fills the air with unexpected sounds: Mice meow, cats burp, and owls burp like fish. New Paltz painter Stacie Flint's vivid illustrations practically burst off the page with joy.

An empowering rout of every three-to-five-year- old's worst enemy: monsters! Mercer Mayer, author of over 300 books, has come out with yet another beautifully illustrated tale about a boy who takes his biggest fear into his own hands.

A delightful, home-sewn quilt of poems that beg to be read aloud, and three-dimensional- looking collage illustrations constructed from fabric scraps and sewing notions, including a naughty zipper. Designed by Chronogram's Yulia Zarubina-Brill.

Working under the "secret agent name" Maya Gold, a notorious local author penned this lively new adventure for Louise Fitzhugh's timeless heroine. Aspiring young spies may enjoy unearthing a mysterious cache of Marbletown names in Harriet's East 87th Street neighborhood. See Out & Aloud for author event listings.

Orange County poets Siegel and Solonche have created a labor of love with this collection of graceful, intelligent poems about their daughter, many previously published in national magazines and anthologies. Authors' proceeds from the book are donated to Chinese orphanages.