American Eagle and his trusty sidekick, Bug Lady, are hot on the heels of an escaped panther. Ages 4-8.

0-689-86718-2, Simon & Schuster, $14.95, Hardcover
 

This scathingly hilarious political satire — produced from a collaboration of three of our funniest humorists — answers the burning question: Would anyone care if East St. Louis seceded from the Union?

1-4000-4859-1, Crown, $25.00, Hardcover
 

New York was a labyrinth of endless steps, and no matter how far he walked, it always left him with the feeling of being lost.

Each time he took a walk, he felt he was leaving himself behind. All places became equal, and on his best walks, he was able to feel that he was nowhere.

This was all he ever asked of things: to be nowhere.

0-312-42360-8, Picador, $14.00, Trade Paperback
 

I, Geronimo Stilton, was in love! I was in the coffee shop one morning when I spotted the most beautiful rodent in the world. Unfortunately, I immediately tripped and ended up with my tail in a toaster. I was one mortified mouse! But I was still determined to prove my love. So I joined my family on a journey to the Eighth Wonder of the World! There I made a discovery so amazing, I knew it would help me win the heart of my darling roulette.

0-439-55972-3, Scholastic, $5.99, Trade Paperback
 

Mary Jane Watson has read enough books and seen enough movies on cable to know the teenage years are filled with angst and agony. But really, this is too much.

Her best friend Wendy has become Midtown High’s resident diva, thanks to landing the lead in the school musical. (Mary Jane’s in the chorus.)

Her boyfriend Peter Parker suddenly seems interested in another girl. (A girl who nobody even noticed until Mary Jane gave her an extreme makeover!)

And her mother has a new boyfriend. (Ugh — ‘nuff said.)

To top it all off, Mary Jane’s life-long devotion to ballet is suddenly on shaky ground. Suddenly it feels like she resents everyone in tights. Everyone, that is, except Spider-Man, the mysterious new crime fighter who keeps showing up around Mary Jane’s neighborhood. (He’s kind of cute, actually.)

So, can anything possibly make the situation worse? Mary Jane’s about to regret even asking that question! Ages 12 and up.

0-7851-1433-5, Marvel, $14.99, Hardcover