It is soooooo cold in New York as I write this note that all I want to do is curl up under a warm blanket with a book. You know that feeling, right? The weather has been frigid in so many parts of the country this month that I am sure you can relate. Have you had any snow days? I LOVE snow days! They are like little unexpected vacations.

As always, we have some great books to curl up with. Earlier this month we announced the Newbery and Caldecott winners on the website, which are the most prestigious awards in children's publishing. You may have heard your teachers or librarians talking about books and mentioning that they were Newbery or Caldecott winners. If you want to know what that means, be sure to take a look at our feature.

Our poll question this month asks about what, if anything, can distract you from reading. Be sure to vote!

You did hear the latest Harry Potter news, right? Well, two pieces of news. First, J.K. Rowling had a new baby girl last Sunday. This was exciting in our house since my son turned 10 that day. He considered this way way cool news. Second, we learned this week that HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE, which is coming out on July 16th, will have 672 pages and sell for $29.99. Start saving up for this one! Also, a special deluxe edition, which includes a special 32-page black-and-white insert, will have 704 pages and sell for $60.

Stay warm...and an early Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!

Carol Fitzgerald (Carol@bookreporter.com)

The American Library Association (otherwise known as the ALA) has announced its 2005 awards, honoring the best books published in 2004. And we've got them all for you right here!

The Newbery winner is KIRA-KIRA by Cynthia Kadohata

The Caldecott winner is KITTEN'S FIRST FULL MOON by Kevin Henkes. Read more about Kevin Henkes at KevinHenkes.com.

We have information about these winners and the runners up, which are called Honor Books. for those of you who would like to know more about them, as well as other prizes that were announced.

Some familiar characters and well-known authors have returned to make the start of 2005 a fun and memorable one. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Nancy Drew mysteries, and the ever-popular sleuth is celebrating by solving brand-new cases. Meanwhile, Wendelin Van Draanen brings back young superhero Shredderman, who must save his favorite TV crime-fighter from a dastardly villain. And prolific author Gary Paulsen has written an adventure-filled book about a seventh grader and his friend who are the victims of strange --- and potentially dangerous --- practical jokes.

ANDREW LOST, Book 9: IN TIME by J.C. Greenburg

The evil Dr. Kron-Tox has kidnapped Uncle Al and whisked him away in his time machine. Unfortunately, Uncle Al's own time machine fails to work properly and tumbles Andrew, Judy and Thudd back to the very beginning of the universe! Will they regain control of the Time-A-Tron in time to save Uncle Al ... and themselves?

GERONIMO STILTON, Book 15: THE MONA MOUSA CODE by Geronimo Stilton

When Thea hears that there's a secret map hidden beneath Mouse Island's most famous painting, the Mona Mousa, Geronimo and the gang immediately head to the mouseum to investigate. Soon they discover clues that lead them to the most fabumouse secret.

MOSTLY GHOSTLY #3: ONE NIGHT IN DOOM HOUSE by R.L. Stine

In order to ace social studies class, Max and his buddy Aaron visit a haunted house. Can they save Aaron from repeating fifth grade? And --- maybe slightly more importantly --- will they survive their encounters with a ghost who can actually melt people?

NANCY DREW (ALL NEW) GIRL DETECTIVE #9: SECRET OF THE SPA by Carolyn Keene

Nancy, George and Bess attend the grand opening of a new spa in town. But when someone starts tampering with the food and unwelcome critters turn up on scrub brushes, Nancy must determine who wants to see the spa fail --- and why.

TRAVEL TEAM by Mike Lupica
Twelve-year-old Danny Walker, who is passionate about the game of basketball, is denied the chance to play on the same travel team that his famous father was on when he was a kid. Reviewed by Sarah Sawtelle and excerpted.

THE TIME HACKERS by Gary Paulsen
Can Dorso Clayman and his best buddy Frank discover who's messing with the time paradox and actually save the universe? Find out for yourself in Gary Paulsen's fast and funny science fiction story. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

SHREDDERMAN: MEET THE GECKO by Wendelin Van Draanen
In this third installment of Wendelin Van Draanen's Shredderman series, Nolan Byrd helps his favorite television superhero, Chase Morton (aka The Gecko), battle a sleazy tabloid photographer. Reviewed by Sarah A. Wood.

ANTARCTICA: Journeys to the South Pole by Walter Dean Myers
Prolific writer Walter Dean Myers uncovers little-known stories about the exploration of Antarctica. He documents the history of exploration of this unforgiving, frozen landmass from the earliest expedition in 1773 led by James Cook until present day. Reviewed by Renee Kirchner.

ADBUCTION! by Peg Kehret
Around the time that Bonnie wishes she didn't have to baby-sit her little brother, Matt, he disappears. It seems that someone has abducted him --- but who, and why? Will Bonnie ever see Matt again? WARNING: This book becomes impossible to put down due to some suspenseful and thrilling complications! Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

WHISPERING TO WITCHES by Anna Dale
Joe Binks is on a train to visit his mother, stepfather and seven-year-old sister for Christmas when he gets off at the wrong stop --- and his life takes a very unexpected turn. Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts.

What takes you away from reading for pleasure besides schoolwork?

Nothing
Going on the Internet
Watching TV
Talking on the phone with friends
IMing with pals
Playing sports
Playing music