CHILDREN’S BESTSELLERS

Rankings are based on a Times poll of Southland bookstores.

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*--* 1 The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket (HarperCollins, $10.99) The sinister Count Olaf continues his pursuit of the Baudelaire children over a strange range of mountains. Ages 9-12

2 The English Roses by Madonna (Callaway Editions, $19.95) Four jealous little girls receive a lesson in compassion when they learn the secret of a seemingly perfect girl at school. Ages 6 and up

3 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling (Scholastic, $29.99) Harry faces unlikable teachers, nightmares and looming exams in his fifth year at Hogwarts. Ages 9 and older

4 Captain Underpants and the Big, Bad Battle of the Bionic Booger Boy, Part I by Dav Pilkey (Blue Sky Press, $4.99) A brainy kid seeks revenge against Captain Underpants. Ages 9-12

5 The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket (HarperTrophy, $9.95) The orphaned Baudelaire children go to live with a creepy relative who’s out to get their inheritance. Ages 9-12

6 Junie B., First-Grader: Toothless Wonder by Barbara Park (Random House, $3.99) Junie fears that losing a tooth will make her look funny to her classmates. Ages 6-8

7 Dora’s Halloween Adventure by Sarah Willson (Simon Spotlight, $5.99) When Swiper swipes a bag of Halloween treats, Dora needs your help in getting it back. Ages 2-4

8 Haunted Castle on Hallow’s Eve by Mary Pope Osborne (Random House, $11.95) Jack and Annie travel back in time to King Arthur’s Camelot to unravel the mystery of a spooky castle. Ages 6-9

9 A Is for Abigail by Lynne Cheney (Simon & Schuster, $16.95) An almanac of America’s most amazing women. Ages 6-9

10 Max’s Logbook by Marissa Moss (Scholastic, $12.95) A science-loving boy daydreams in his diary about zany experiments and getting his parents to stop fighting. Ages 8 and up

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