CHILDREN’S BESTSELLERS

Rankings are based on a Times poll of Southland bookstores.

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*--* 1 Duck for President by Doreen Cronin (Simon & Schuster, $15.95) Duck wins election to run the country. Ages 4-8

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

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

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

5 A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly (Harcourt, $17) A teenager holds the answers to a girl’s death. Ages 12 and older

6 Sally Goes to the Vet by Stephen Huneck (Harry N. Abrams, $17.95) Sally the black Labrador learns that a visit to the veterinarian’s office needn’t be scary. Ages 4-8

7 Cirque Du Freak: Tunnels of Blood by Darren Shan (Little Brown, $6.99) A vampire’s assistant confronts a foul creature in the big city. Ages 9-12

8 So B. It by Sarah Weeks (Laura Geringer, $15.99) A word from her mentally disabled mother sends Heidi on a cross-country search for secrets from the past. Ages 9-12

9 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 and older

10 Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale by William Kotzwinkle (Dutton, $15.99) Walter helps solve a bank heist. Ages 4-8

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