Harry Potter illustrator GrandPré's luminous drawings tell an age-old story: Man meets broom, loves broom, loses broom. Poughkeepsie author Willard's poetic fable is wise to the ways of relationships, and even sulkers will laugh when the broom is revealed as a "sweepwalker."

Levine is an insider's outsider artist (how many children's illustrators have collaborated with the B-52s?) A bevy of country & western pioneers sit for portraits in this toe-tapping book, the hippest birthday gift since the pair's Shake, Rattle & Roll.

From sledding in January to catching fireflies against a dusky purple and blue July sky, Port Ewen resident Bobbi Katz's 12 lively poems celebrate each month of the year. Pham's colorful, gorgeous paintings illuminate this modern classic.

Being the new girl in school is never easy, but when you're from Kosovo and don't speak English, it's hell. Drita narrates in alternating chapters with Maxie, a sharp-tongued girl from the 'hood, in this moving story of friendship that crosses all borders.

This engaging mix of local legend and ecology fills a gaping hole in our regional bookshelf: finally, a title for young adults! Native son Evers, who passed away recently at 99, continues to educate and inspire through his passionate work.

Local painter Brand's loose and spontaneous line is the perfect accompaniment to Paulson's affirmative verse, a paean to making every day count. Designed by Tricia Seery and handsomely printed on glossy stock. To order: www.boxheadbrand.com.