Haha yes, I still have my tree up. It's the perfect nightlight. 

Reading before bed is awesome

Started this one late last night (ARC) - so far, it is GREAT!

Holly Black's hidden library at the blog, Steampunk Home:

http://thesteampunkhome.blogspot.com/2008/10/holly-blacks-hidden-library.html

Dig all the classic, studded leather and carved wood elements! Plus the spot lighting. And fireplace. (I'm not jealous).

Doll Bones | Holly Black

Margaret K. Mcelderry, 2013

Zach, Poppy and Alice have been friends for ever. They love playing with their action figure toys, imagining a magical world of adventure and heroism. But disaster strikes when, without warning, Zach’s father throws out all his toys, declaring he’s too old for them. Zach is furious, confused and embarrassed, deciding that the only way to cope is to stop playing . . . and stop being friends with Poppy and Alice.

But one night the girls pay Zach a visit, and tell him about a series of mysterious occurrences. Poppy swears that she is now being haunted by a china doll – who claims that it is made from the ground-up bones of a murdered girl. They must return the doll to where the girl lived, and bury it. Otherwise the three children will be cursed for eternity...

Okay, I literally just brought this home from the library, but that middle-grader in me who still remembers being sucked in by the literary creepy awesomeness that was the Spiderwick Chronicles couldn't help but take a peek.

So I took one.

And another.

I think I read the first two chapters before I finally set it down in favor of homework, but so far I like what I'm seeing. Three friends from troubled backgrounds - ordinary kids, with their flaws and confusion about growing up - and their imaginary adventure game that means everything. What kid doesn't remember the epics of their action figures or pretending they were a mermaid in the pool?

This may be shelved as a middle-grade, but if you're already a Holly Black fan, this definitely has crossover potential. I'll keep you posted.