2013-2014 KC3 Nominees

The Buddy Files: The Case of the Library Monster by Dori Hillestad Butler Illustrated by Jeremy Tugeau Buddy is in the school library, and kids are taking turns reading with him. While Buddy listens to a ghost story, he hears rustling in the shelves behind him. Something smells strange. Not human, not canine, not like anything Buddy has ever smelled before. Could it be a monster?

EllRay Jakes is Not a Chicken by Sally Warner Illustrated by Jamie Harper EllRay Jakes is tired of being bullied by fellow classmate Jared Matthews. But when EllRay tries to defend himself, he winds up in trouble. Then his dad offers him a deal: If he stays out of trouble for one week, they'll go to Disneyland! EllRay says he can do it. But saying it and doing it are two very different things.

Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie by Julie Sterberg Illustrated by Matthew Cordell When Eleanor's beloved babysitter, Bibi, has to move away to take care of her ailing father, Eleanor must try to bear the summer without Bibi and prepare for the upcoming school year. Her new, less-than-perfect babysitter just isn't up to snuff, and she doesn't take care of things like Bibi used to. But as the school year looms, it's time for new beginnings. Eleanor soon realizes that she will always have Bibi, no matter how far away she is.  Book Trailer

Marty McGuire by Kate Messner Illustrated by Brian Floca Marty McGuire would rather spend recess catching frogs in the pond than playing dress-up with the other girls in third grade. So when her teacher casts Marty as the princess in the class play, Marty's absolutely, positively sure that there's been a huge mistake. But after a special lesson in the art of improvisation, Marty comes up with her OWN plan to IMPROVE the play: Why use stuffed-animal frog onstage when a live one would be so much better? In the end, Marty's one-of-a-kind performance makes for an unforgettable show. Maybe Marty CAN live happily ever after, after all! Book Trailer

Mason Dixon: Pet Disasters by Claudia Mills Illustrated by Guy Francis Soon-to-be fourth-grader Mason Dixon does not want a pet, but his parents think it will be good for him. Goldfish dies soon after his arrival (from overfeeding). Mason is relieved. Hamster escapes. Mason is relieved. Cat has to go back because best friend Brody is too allergic to ever be at their house while Cat is there. Mason is relieved. But when Dog comes, it takes a little dose of jealousy for Mason to realize he does want a pet, all of his very own.

Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg She could remember standing in a park near the falls, hypnotized by the sight and sound, and holding her father’s hand as they took a walk that would lead them closer. That’s what everyone wonders when they see Niagara . . . How close will their courage let them get to it? At the turn of the nineteenth century, a retired sixty-two-year-old charm school instructor named Annie Edson Taylor, seeking fame and fortune, decided to do something that no one in the world had ever done before—she would go over Niagara Falls in a wooden barrel. Come meet the Queen of the Falls and witness with your own eyes her daring ride! Book Trailer Book Trailer 2

Sidekicks by Dan Santat Look up in the sky! It's a BOLD new graphic novel about SUPERHERO PETS! Captain Amazing, superhero and savior of Metro City, is getting old. He's out all hours battling arch-villains, catching thieves, and helping little old ladies cross the street. He doesn't even have time for his house full of pets. He needs - a SIDEKICK! Captain Amazing's four pets agree. But each one of them thinks HE should get the sidekick spot - and a chance for one-on-one time with the Captain. Get ready for sibling rivalry royale as pets with superpowers duke it out for the one thing they all want - a super family. Book Trailer

The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin Illustrated by Kevin Cornell J.J. Tully is a former search-and rescue dog who is trying to enjoy his retirement after years of performing daring missions saving lives. So he’s not terribly impressed when two chicks named Dirt and Sugar (who look like popcorn on legs) and their chicken mom show up demanding his help to track down their missing siblings. Driven by the promise of a cheeseburger, J.J. begins to track down clues. Is Vince the Funnel hiding something? Are there dark forces at work—or is J.J. not smelling the evidence that’s right in front of him? Book Trailer

Wagons Ho! by George Hallowell & Joan Holub Illustrated by Avril Lynn Two girls move from Missouri to Oregon -- one in 1846 and one in 2011. One trip takes five months and the other five days. One trip is in a covered wagon, the other in a car. But both girls will miss their old homes and worry about the long trip. Both girls stop at well-known landmarks and travel the Rocky Mountains. And as each girl reaches her new home, she finds her new room and her new friends. Wagons Ho is a unique look at both history and the concerns all kids have when moving to a new home.

Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan Illustrated by Amy June Bates From the Newbery Medal-winning author of "Sarah, Plain and Tall." After his father leaves, William's mother promptly goes out and adds four dogs and a cat to their lives. William is sure nothing can fill the hole left by his father, but the new additions to the family are determined to help. Book Trailer