FOR AGES 4-8

"Lauka'ie'ie: A Hawaiian Legend Retold" by Robin Yoko Racoma; Kamehameha Publishing, $19.95

Racoma has illustrated picture books for many years, but this is her first book as author. This is a beautiful retelling of a legend about a childless couple and the gift they receive from the goddess Hina. Illustrated with warm, soft, striking art.

"Astronaut Handbook" by Meghan McCarthy; Knopf, $19.99

How do you prepare to become an astronaut? How many kinds of astronauts are there? How do astronauts use the bathroom in space?

This nonfiction picture book answers many questions that aspiring astronauts might have in a fun and easy read that is also packed with detail.

FOR AGES 6-10

"Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things" by Lenore Look, LeUyen Pham illustrator; Schwartz & Wade Books, $15.99

Alvin Ho, who comes from a long line of brave Chinese farmer-warriors, is a character who will leap off the page and into your heart.

Alvin's afraid of most things. He's so afraid of school he's practically allergic to it, so much so that he's never said a word there, and he's in second grade. But at home, he never stops talking.

This book is all-around delightful, and a great choice for boys who aren't yet big on reading.

FOR AGES 14 AND UP

"Madapple" by Christina Meldrum; Knopf, $16.99

"Madapple," Meldrum's debut novel, scored a critical grand slam with starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal.

The story is about a girl named Aslaug who is raised in near isolation by a mother who has nothing but disdain for modern society. While other girls are playing sports and preparing for college, Aslaug learns botany, ancient religion and language from her mother. When her mother dies mysteriously, Aslaug becomes a suspect.

"How to Build a House" by Dana Reinhardt; Wendy Lamb Books, $15.99

Harper's life is falling apart. Her father is divorcing her beloved stepmother, which also causes a major rift with her best friend and stepsister, Tess. Harper runs away for the summer and joins a group building a house for a family in a small Tennessee town whose home was recently destroyed in a tornado. This coming-of-age novel explores the true meaning of family.

Both Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal gave this book starred reviews.

Jolie Jean Cotton is a Honolulu freelance writer. Her reviews of children's books appear here on the first Sunday of the month.