Alexis's dream of being a pirate was tragically dashed when she discovered that just looking at a boat is enough to make her seasick. Karen has trouble fitting an eye patch under her glasses, and she looks terrible in a bandana, so she, too, has had to find other outlets for her swashbuckling tendencies. Lucky for them, these days books about pirates are hotter than stolen gold in the noonday sun. We dedicate this newsletter to the heartiest of world travelers.

KIDS' Q&A: KAI MEYER
Kai Meyer is not new to the world of children's books, but his books are new to the United States. Like Philip Pullman and Jonathan Stroud, the native German made his first big splash in the EU. But last year the gorgeous, eerie first book of the Dark Reflections series, The Water Mirror, came out to rave reviews in the States. His latest, Pirate Curse, begins another fantasy series, The Wave Walkers. Here in our exclusive Q&A Meyer talks about his inspiration, his daily occupations, and the ray gun for which he still pines. Adventures ahoy! Pirate Curse is rousing summer reading, and is also 30% off for a limited time.

KIDS' Q&A: JOHN MATTHEWS
Perhaps you like pirates? This may come as a surprise to you, but we like pirates. And it doesn't get much better than John Matthews's new jam-packed book, Pirates. From pirate slang to pirate flags to pirate weapons and more, all wrapped up with a bejeweled skull-and-crossbones cover, Matthews's book is a must for pirate lovers. In our Q&A, Matthews waxes nostalgic about many of his favorite children's books. Find out why he loves to write for kids and more, and then save 30% on Pirates.

VOCABULARY INTERMISSION
sprog n. a little matey, the likes you landlubbers call a kid.

KIDS' Q&A: MICHAEL BUCKLEY
Fairy tales and mysteries are children's literature staples, right? Where would the genre be without the Grimm Brothers, or without Nancy Drew? So, the award for "Best Idea Ever" goes to Michael Buckley, author of the fantastic series The Sisters Grimm: Fairy Tale Detectives. Full of whimsical fairy lore and classic detective work, this series has it all, and the growing number of devoted fans proves it. Here in our Q&A Buckley talks lovingly about his favorite stories, and frankly, we love what he has to say. Check out The Sisters Grimm #3: The Problem Child at 30% off, read our Q&A, and soon, you'll be a fan too.

PIRATES!
Avast! Here be pirates. Lots of pirates. And lest ye be a lily-livered landlubber, or lest ye want to walk the plank, ye best be reading these here books. Arrr.

VOCABULARY INTERMISSION
shanty n. after some strong grog a robber-upon-the-sea likes to do some stomping and chantin' in a musical way, something heartening, like ye modern squiffies might sample on yer so-called "iPods."

AUDIO BOOKS: SAVE 30%
Perhaps you are going to visit your Aunt Myrtle this summer? And perhaps it is a four-hour drive in the backseat with your brother and sister? And perhaps you do not want to listen to one of them repeat everything you say while the other one sings songs with lyrics from road signs to the tunes of nursery rhymes? Though we may be projecting our childhoods onto yours, we still must most heartily suggest that you take advantage of this stellar deal (limited-time only!) to get many fabulous audio books at 30% off their cover price. Everyone will be reverently silent while Neil Gaiman reads his spine-chilling novel, Coraline, or Tim Curry renders Lemony Snicket's Penultimate Peril more dastardly than ever, or -- well, take your pick from this enticing list.

TRAVEL ACTIVITY BOOKS
Plane, train, or motor home. Hotel, campground, or Granny's house. Hours, days, or even weeks. Eventually, counting the freckles on your sister's arm becomes scintillating. Don't become a victim of traveler's ennui! With just a few strategically-packed books and a No. 2 pencil you can save yourself from the boredom of airport terminals, backseats and family reunions. Take a gander at these tedium-tamers (you'll thank us later).

VOCABULARY INTERMISSION
titivate v. to scour the deck and make it purty, like Marther Stewart'd do, if we got our thievin' hands on the lass, yarrr.

BERRIES
It's that time of year. Time to get a crick in your back from bending over to pick strawberries. Time to prick your fingers on blackberry cane brambles. Time to scour the countryside for wild huckleberries. All for the incomparable sweetness of strawberry shortcake, the lusciousness of blackberry cobbler, the uniqueness of sun-warmed huckleberries by the handful. Whet your appetite with these tantalizing books about berries.

NEW ARRIVALS
Travel the world (and other places) from the comfort of your own home! The New Arrivals take you there. See lovely England, and follow the continuing shenanigans of Georgia Nicolson in Startled by His Furry Shorts. Jet over to Halo City for Lulu Dark and the Summer of the Fox. Explore mysterious ancient Egypt in Ulysses Moore #2: The Long Lost Map. Fight crime in underground New York City in Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City. Or, fight Dragons in Old Gaul in The Coming of Dragons: The Darkest Age, Book 1. The destinations are endless.

ALEXIS'S MERMAID PICKS
Remember when dragons were all the rage? Okay, they still are. Just like pirates and wizards. In any case, the next craze, in my not-so-humble opinion, will be mermaids. Why? Well, they're magical, they're steeped in legend, and they're half-human. The half-human part is important, because it means that they make believable, sympathetic characters. Already some authors have tapped into the mermaid mania. Narelle Oliver's Mermaids Most Amazing is a beautifully illustrated picture book that explores the history of mermaids, their legendary roots, and their various incarnations. Kai Meyer's Water Mirror #1: Dark Reflections takes a chilling view of the mythological creatures. Penni Russon's Undine retells the old German tale in a contemporary setting. The Tail of Emily Windsap, by Liz Kessler, is a more lighthearted tale of a seventh-grade girl who realizes she's a mermaid. But my favorite is still Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid, with the gorgeous, watery illustrations of Lisbeth Zwerger, which capture the tragic story in a way the cartoon remake never could.

KIDS' BESTSELLERS

1. Is It Larger? Is It Smaller? by Tana Hoban (Picture Books) 2. Poppy by Avi (Animal Stories) 3. The Napping House by Audrey Wood (Picture Books) 4. Piggies by Audrey Wood (Board Books) 5. Rosie's Walk by Pat Hutchins (Humor) 6. The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare (Newbery Award Winners) 7. Going Where I'm Coming From by Anne Mazer (General) 8. Downsiders by Neal Shusterman (Young Adult) 9. The Captain Underpants Extra-Crunchy Book o' Fun 'n' Games by Dav Pilkey (Beginning Readers) 10. Chew on This by Eric Schlosser and Charles Wilson (Reference)