Los Angeles Times Children’s Bestsellers

Dec. 23, 2001

1 OLIVIA SAVES THE CIRCUS by Ian Falconer (Atheneum: $16) When all the circus performers get sick, a lovable little pig comes to the rescue. (Ages 4-8)

2 THE BAD BEGINNING by Lemony Snicket (HarperTrophy: $9.95) The darkly comic story of the orphaned Baudelaire children, who live with a creepy relative. (Ages 9-12)

3 MARSUPIAL SUE by John Lithgow (Simon & Schuster: $17.95) A musical tale, including CD, about a young kangaroo who doesn’t like to hop all day. (Ages 4-8)

4 LOVE THAT DOG by Sharon Creech (Joanna Cotler Books: $14.95) A short novel in verse about a young boy who learns the pleasures of poetry. (Ages 9-12)

5 THE REPTILE ROOM by Lemony Snicket (HarperCollins: $14.89) The continuing misadventures of the Baudelaire children.(Ages 9-12)

6 A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens (HarperCollins: $17.95) The classic story of Scrooge, adapted by Stephen Krensky with illustrations by Dean Morissey. (Ages 9-12)

7 THE PAPER DOORWAY by Dean Koontz (HarperCollins: $17.95) “Stars, Mars and Chocolate Bars” and other comic poems by this mystery master. (Ages 9-12)

8 IF I WERE A POLAR BEAR by Rives (Piggy Toes Press: $16.95) A pop-up book about an adventurous bear who leaves his cave to explore his snowy world. (Ages 4-8)

9 ROVER SAVES CHRISTMAS by Roddy Doyle (Arthur A. Levine: $14.95) Christmas is in danger when Rudolph goes on strike, and a little dog must save the day. (Ages 4-8)

10 DANGER BOY 2: DINO SWORD by Mark Williams (Tricycle Press: $5.95) A 12-year-old time-traveler searches for his mother and encounters historical figures. (Ages 9-12)

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Rankings are based on a Times poll of Southland bookstores.