CHILDREN’S BESTSELLERS

Rankings are based on a Times poll of Southland bookstores.

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*--* 1 The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket (HarperCollins, $14.89) On the run from Count Olaf, the Baudelaire children wear disguises and hide at a creepy carnival. Ages 10 and up

2 Eloise Takes a Bawth by Kay Thompson et al. (Simon & Schuster, $17.95) The irrepressible Eloise causes mischief at the Plaza Hotel in this long-awaited book. Ages 4-8

3 The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke (Scholastic, $16.95) Two brothers run away from their aunt and arrive in Venice, where they take up with a band of young thieves led by a skillful young boy. Ages 9-12

4 I’m Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem by Jamie Lee Curtis (Joanna Cotler, $15.99) A young boy and girl learn lessons in poise and confidence throughout the school day. Ages 4-8

5 Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer (Hyperion: $6.99) The 12-year-old master criminal Artemis plots to kidnap a fairy and ransom her for a legendary pot of gold. Ages 12 and up

6 Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentine by Barbara Park (Random House Children’s, $3.99) When Junie gets a Valentine from a secret admirer in her kindergarten class, she’s determined to find out who it is. Ages 4-8

7 Duck on a Bike by David Shannon (Blue Sky Press, $15.99) A mischievous duck borrows a bike and causes commotion in the farmyard with his antics. Ages 4-8

8 America: A Patriotic Primer by Lynne Cheney (Simon & Schuster, $16.95) A red-white-and-blue romp through the alphabet that celebrates the United States and its history. All ages

9 Midnight Magic by Avi (Scholastic, $4.99) A motley cast of characters goes on a medieval ghost hunt. Ages 9-12

10 Holes by Louis Sachar (Yearling, $5.99) In the Texas desert, a boy in a juvenile detention camp is forced to dig holes in search of a Wild West outlaw’s hidden treasure. Ages 9-12

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