Peeps by Scott Westerfeld adds to his incredbile body of teen literature with this new take on vampirism. Cal is nineteen and a parasite carrier or peep. The parasite passes from one person to another via sex or even kissing. Cal is one of the few that is a carrier with almost no negative symptoms, most peeps end up crazy, eating other people, and surrounded by a brood of rats. Because Cal is infected, he has superhuman speed, strength, sense of smell and night vision. So he is the perfect hunter of the crazed peeps.
This story is not for the faint of heart. Alternate chapters tell the true tales of vicious parasites that will have you squirming and aching to run and wash your hands, if not your entire body. Those brave enough to make it past the disgusting parts of the story will find a fast-paced mystery clad in vampire robes. It is a book that should move off the shelves well, be passed around among groups of teens, and will be eaten up by vampire fans.

Kidogo by Anik McGrory is the charming tale of a little elephant who looks throughout the African landscape for an animal that is smaller than he is. The illustrations in the book contribute to the feeling of Kidogo’s size as he is dwarfed by the trees and clouds. Reach for this one when doing a story time on elephants or size. Children will enjoy seeing an elephant as small.