Harry Potter may be making headlines this summer, but Half-Blood Prince isn't the only children's book that readers will be talking about this fall.

Eldest, the second volume in Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Trilogy, has already been called the most anticipated YA release in history. Mercy Watson to the Rescue marks Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo's first foray into the chapter-book genre. Newbery Honor author Polly Horvath returns with The Vacation, a novel that features the quirky characters Horvath's fans count on. And last but certainly not least, Carl Hiaasen follows up his mega-hit Hoot with another ecologically charged novel, Flush.

Along with our A—Z round-up of the children's books due out through December, and a sneak peek at the highlights for spring 2006, we offer three features. The first takes a countdown approach to the Harry Potter phenomenon, looking at key dates in the publishing process. The second explores new ways that publishers are marketing their books to older teens. And the third is a profile of illustrator Harry Bliss, now equally famous for his picture books and his New Yorker covers.

Something for everyone who doesn't have a driver's license yet.

Publishers A-Z: Fall 2005 Announcements

Sneak Previews: Spring 2006

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