It's Christmas again in Crossing Trails, a small Kansas farming community of 2,000; but, this holiday season the town is facing an economic setback which threatens its businesses and services. One service scheduled to be closed is the county animal shelter where 24-year-old Todd McCray works. Todd is developmentally challenged and is devoted to the shelter where four years ago he adopted Christmas, his black lab retriever. Now Todd finds he has limited time to find homes for all the shelter dogs and must secure a job for himself. With the help of his friend Laura, also physically disabled, Todd faces the challenge of saving the dogs while also moving in the direction of a more independent way of living. This is a sequel to A Dog Named Christmas and a heartwarming story of human and canine love, sharing and loyalty. (Crown Publishers,$16.00/$14.40). Reviewed by Carol

What a great way to teach science principles to kids under the guise of fun. Experiment with water in soda bottles, with inverting water in a mason jar (and it doesn't dump out), try some different things with eggs (can you walk on them?). And lots more experiments in this book. (Greenleaf Book Group, $14.95/$13.46) Reviewed by Debbie

This blasphemous duo is comically charged. Both play on opposing teams, Aline being the strong masculine babe and R. Crumb himself the meek effeminate man. Both are rich in character which shines through the comic strips. A great book if you are looking to enjoy loads of giggles!! Great gift for fans of R. Crumb! (Liveright, $29.95/$26.96). Reviewed by Stefanie

Even if you know nothing about computer gaming, or have never read a sci-fi book, this will keep you reading. It's the story of a gaming world whose creator dies, but who has hidden fiendish puzzles within this world, and the person who reaches and unlocks the final clue first will win the lottery, a massive fortune. And this online utopia, known as OASIS, is the escape for many in the poverty-stricken real world. So there are plenty of people determined to be the first. Gamers form alliances and the big corporation unleashes its power and might, fair or not. Fast paced adventure both in the real world and on line. Suitable for teens and up. (Crown, $14.00/$12.60) Reviewed by Debbie

Ever wonder what your dog's face might look like underwater when they go for the ball or stick? Well this book will show you. Great, hilarious pictures that will surely put a smile on your face once you see these photos. Every time you turn the page the pictures get funnier and funnier. A great present that will be sure to be the highlight of the holidays. This has been one of our favorites and the supply has been limited, so don't delay reserving your copy! And a great value. (Little Brown and Company, $19.99/$17.99) Reviewed by Erika

Author Wilson takes us on a tour of the evolution of cooking and its utensils. Think you know the history of the spoon? Or the knife? And utensils have changed, evolved, technologies have improved, and some tools have disappeared or been supplanted by more high tech gadgets. The author's knowledge of history and science makes this an enjoyable look at cooking implements and dining rituals. (Basic Books, $26.99/$24.29) Reviewed by Debbie

This is a compact collection of amazing photos that have been captured by National Geographic throughout the years. Each photo is such great quality it makes you feel like you were there with them experiencing the amazing adventures that they were on. Of course you will find people and cultures, wildlife, and much on science and climate change. A great book to just browse and to be amazed with the special places that National Geographic has explored. (National Geographic, $17.95/$16.16) Reviewed by Erika