CHILDREN’S BESTSELLERS

Rankings are based on a Times poll of Southland bookstores.

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*--* 1 Eragon (Inheritance, Book I) by Christopher Paolini (Knopf, $18.95) A boy and his dragon battle an evil king. Ages 10-14

2 The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss (Random House, $8.99) A cat transforms a dull afternoon into a magical adventure. Ages 4-8

3 How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long (Harcourt, $16) A boy helps a band of pirates bury a treasure chest. Ages 4-8

4 Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss (Random House, $8.99) Sam-I-Am pitches green eggs and ham. Ages 4-8

5 Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen by Dyan Sheldon (Candlewick, $6.99) Girls compete for the lead role in a play and life. Ages 12-older

6 Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick, $5.99) A goofy dog helps a girl settle in a new town. Ages 9-12

7 Inkheart by Cornelia Funke (Chicken House, $19.95) An evil being lures a girl into the land of Inkheart. Ages 9-12

8 Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons by Dugald A. Steer (Candlewick, $18.99) All about dragons. Ages 8-12

9 The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick, $17.99) A brave mouse and his friends fight for their dreams. Ages 9-12

10 A Is for Abigail by Lynne Cheney (Simon & Schuster, $16.95) An almanac of American women. Ages 4-8

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