February Picks

After predicting the Newberry and Caldecott winners for 2012, this edition of my blog will be to reveal who the winners are. The winners were announced at the American Library Association mid-winter conference on January 23rd. We have most of these books in the library, and the ones we do not currently have are on thier way! Please come in to the library and check them out!

Newberry Winner

Dead End in Norvelt, by Jack Gantos

Gantos sets his hero, Jack Gantos, in the town of 1962 Norvelt, PA, a planned community created in the 1930s and named for its biggest booster, Eleanor Roosevelt. After being grounded by his parents, Jack is loaned out to a local librarian who sets him to work typing obituaries of the town's residents. Soon, he's launched on a strange adventure involving molten wax, Eleanor Roosevelt, twisted promises, a homemade airplane, voices from the past, Hells Angels, and even a possible murder. ~Laura Weiss, School Library Journal

Newberry Honors

Inside Out and Back Again, by Thanhha Lai (I knew this one would do well!)

Based in Lai’s personal experience, this first novel captures a child–refugee’s struggle with rare honesty. Written in accessible, short free–verse poems, Hà’s immediate narrative describes her mistakes—both humorous and heartbreaking; and readers will be moved by Hà’s sorrow as they recognize the anguish of being the outcast. ~Booklist

Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin 

Sasha Zaichik has known the laws of the Soviet Young Pioneers since the age of six. But now that it is finally time to join the Young Pioneers, the day Sasha has awaited for so long, everything seems to go awry. He breaks a classmate's glasses with a snowball. He accidentally damages a bust of Stalin in the school hallway.  And worst of all, his father, the best Communist he knows, was arrested just last night. This moving story of a ten-year-old boy's world shattering is masterful in its simplicity, powerful in its message, and heartbreaking in its plausibility. ~Amazon

Caldecott Winner

A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka (I predicted this would win an honor, but it did better than I expected!)

A gray-and-white pup and her red ball are constant companions until a poodle inadvertently deflates the toy, taking the air out of Daisy as well. Raschka’s nuanced illustrations brilliantly depict joy, shock, disbelief, sadness–and, with the gift of a blue ball–renewed contentment. ~School Library Journal

Caldecott Honors

Blackout by John Rocco

On a summer night in the city, the youngest member of a family finds that everyone is too busy to play with him. But when the lights go out, and everything shuts down, suddenly there’s time for games and impromptu street and rooftop parties. Luminous, fluid artwork, filled with visual gags that extend the charming story, glows with warmth and humor. ~School Library Journal

Grandpa Green by Lane Smith

A boy tells the story of his great-grandfather’s life as he gives readers a grand tour of the man’s glorious topiary garden. Verdant shades predominate but graceful pen-and-ink drawings and colorful accents lend interest and whimsy to the towering constructions. ~School Library Journal

Me...Jane by Patrick McDonnell

In his characteristic heartwarming style, Patrick McDonnell tells the story of the young Jane Goodall and her special childhood toy chimpanzee named Jubilee. As the young Jane observes the natural world around her with wonder, she dreams of "a life living with and helping all animals," until one day she finds that her dream has come true. ~Amazon

January Picks-Special Prediction Edition!

As a librarian, this is one of my favorite months of the year. On January 23rd, at the ALA Conference, the two most famous children's book awards, the Caldecott and Newbery Awards, will be announced. I am hoping to watch a live webinar at 7:45 AM to find out who the winners are in real time! As the date draws closer I have decided to put my predictions out into the air waves. It's time to test my literacy evaluating skills! Below are my predictions for the 2012 Newbery and Caldecott winners. I am keeping my fingers crossed!


Newbery Winner Prediction:

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt

As a fourteen-year-old who just moved to a new town, with no friends and a louse for an older brother, Doug Swieteck has all the stats stacked against him. So begins a coming-of-age masterwork full of equal parts comedy and tragedy from Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt. As Doug struggles to be more than the “skinny thug” that his teachers and the police think him to be, he finds an unlikely ally in Lil Spicer—a fiery young lady who “smelled like daisies would smell if they were growing in a big field under a clearing sky after a rain.” In Lil, Doug finds the strength to endure an abusive father, the suspicions of a whole town, and the return of his oldest brother, forever scarred, from Vietnam. Together, they find a safe haven in the local library, inspiration in learning about the plates of John James Audubon’s birds, and a hilarious adventure on a Broadway stage. In this stunning novel, Schmidt expertly weaves multiple themes of loss and recovery in a story teeming with distinctive, unusual characters and invaluable lessons about love, creativity, and survival. ~ Amazon  
 

Newbery Honor Predictions:

Lunch-Box Dreams by Tony Abbott

Bobby and his family are visiting Civil War battlefields on the eve of the war’s centenary, while inside their car, quiet battles rage. When an accident cuts their trip short, they return home on a bus and witness an incident that threatens to deny a black family seats. What they don’t know is the reason for the family’s desperation to be on that bus: a few towns away, their child is missing. Lunch-Box Dream presents Jim Crow, racism, and segregation from multiple perspectives.  In this story of witnessing without understanding, a naïvely prejudiced boy, in brief flashes of insight, starts to identify and question his assumptions about race. ~Amazon 

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhhai Lai

"No one would believe me but at times I would choose wartime in Saigon over peacetime in Alabama" For all the ten years of her life, HÀ has only known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, the warmth of her friends close by . . .and the beauty of her very own papaya tree. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. HÀ and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope. In America, HÀ discovers the foreign world of Alabama: the coldness of its strangers, the dullness of its food, the strange shape of its landscape . . . and the strength of her very own family. This is the moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing as she journeys from one country to another, one life to the next. ~Amazon

The Mostly True Story of Jack by Kelly Barnhill

When Jack is sent to Hazelwood, Iowa, to live with his crazy aunt and uncle, he expects a summer of boredom. Little does he know that the people of Hazelwood have been waiting for him for a long time. When he arrives, three astonishing things happen: First, he makes friends-not imaginary friends but actual friends. Second, he is beaten up by the town bully; the bullies at home always ignored him. Third, the richest man in town begins to plot Jack's imminent, and hopefully painful, demise. It's up to Jack to figure out why suddenly everyone cares so much about him. Back home he was practically, well, invisible. The Mostly True Story of Jack is a tale of magic, friendship, and sacrifice. It's about things broken and things put back together. Above all, it's about finding a place to belong. ~Amazon

Caldecott Winner Prediction:

Blue Chicken by Deborah Freedman

In this deceptively simple picture book, author-illustrator Deborah Freedman has created an irresistible character that springs to life and wreaks havoc in a farmyard with a pot of blue paint. The innocent chicken just wants to help, but things get worse and worse-and bluer and bluer--the more she tries. Playing with colors and perspective, and using minimal text, this richly layered story reveals new things to see and laugh about with each reading. ~Amazon

Caldecott Honor Predictions:

A Ball for Daisy By Chris Raschka 

Here's a story about love and loss as only Chris Rashcka can tell it.  Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy's anguish when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog. In the tradition of his nearly wordless picture book Yo! Yes?, Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka explores in pictures the joy and sadness that having a special toy can bring.  Raschka's signature swirling, impressionistic illustrations and his affectionate story will particularly appeal to young dog lovers and teachers and parents who have children dealing with the loss of something special. ~Amazon

A Nations Hope by Matt de la Pen, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson  

On the eve of World War II, African American boxer Joe Louis fought German Max Schmeling in a bout that had more at stake than just the world heavyweight title; for much of America their fight came to represent America's war with Germany. This elegant and powerful picture book biography centers around the historic fight in which Black and White America were able to put aside prejudice and come together to celebrate our nation's ideals. ~ Amazon 

Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg 

Annie Taylor, a short, plump and fussy sixty-two year old widow, runs a charm school, right by Niagara Falls. When this starts to fail, she resolves to find fame and fortune by being the first person ever to go over the thundering waters of Niagara Falls in a barrel. Readers of all ages will warm to this inspiring story of bravery, as they take the roller coaster ride of a lifetime over the falls. ~ Amazon

Come and check out one of these books today! We'll see who wins on January 23rd! 

December Picks

After putting one Caldecott contender in my blog last month I wanted to research a multitude of new and noteworthy books being considered for awards in the children's literature world. Here is a list of books that are being talked about! Take some time to come down to the library and check them out. Who knows, some of them may have a very famous sticker on them soon!



Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai (Grades 4-6) National Book Award, Newbury Contender

After  her father has been missing in action for nine years during the Vietnam War, 10-year-old Hà flees with her mother and three older brothers. Traveling first by boat, the family reaches a tent city in Guam, moves on to Florida, and is finally connected with sponsors in Alabama, where Hà finds refuge but also cruel rejection, especially from mean classmates. Based on Lai’s personal experience, this first novel captures a child-refugee’s struggle with rare honesty. Written in accessible, short free-verse poems, Hà’s immediate narrative describes her mistakes—both humorous and heartbreaking—with grammar, customs, and dress (she wears a flannel nightgown to school, for example); and readers will be moved by Hà’s sorrow as they recognize the anguish of being the outcast who spends lunchtime hiding in the bathroom. Eventually, Hà does get back at the sneering kids who bully her at school, and she finds help adjusting to her new life from a kind teacher who lost a son in Vietnam. The elemental details of Hà’s struggle dramatize a foreigner’s experience of alienation. And even as she begins to shape a new life, there is no easy comfort: her father is still gone. ~Hazel Rochman from Booklist 

The Mostly True Story of Jack by Kelly Barnhill (Grades 3-6) Amazon's Best Book of the Month, Newbury Contender 

Jack had always been invisible. Not literally, though it often felt that way even around his family. When Jack arrives in Hazelwood, Iowa, to spend the summer with his unusual relatives he suddenly finds himself getting noticed…a lot. In fact, people seem to know all about him, especially Mr. Avery, the wealthiest man in town who inexplicably hates Jack on sight. In The Mostly True Story of Jack a keenly perceptive boy, a fearsome girl, and her damaged twin brother, help Jack discover who he is--unearthing deeply rooted secrets in the process. Twists and turns abound as more is revealed in this strange town where nature, magic, love, and sacrifice, are deeply entwined with the extraordinary power of belonging. --Seira Wilson from Amazon 

A Nation's Hope: the Story of Boxing legend Joe Louis by Matt De La Pena (Grades 1-6) Caldecott Contender 

Sometimes a boxing match is just that, a sport played out on the fists and jaws of two determined contenders. But sometimes it is so much more, as in the 1938 bout between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling. This spectacularly illustrated, smoothly cadenced picture book sets up the historic fight- son of a black sharecropper against Hitler's master race -black and white Americans together against the rule of Nazi hate- and then quickly traces Louis rise from a quiet boy in Jim Crow America to a magnificent fighter and national hero. Nelson, who's incapable of even a mediocre painting, flexes his artistic muscle here, varying his always effective blue-sky-backed, leveled-gaze portraits with dizzying and dramatic angles, both in and out of the ring. The full weight of the fight's import may need some additional historical context for young readers, but the message rings through in any case: that this was a unifying and triumphant moment of national pride, for all Americans, and that sports can capture people's hearts for more reasons than just winning. ~Ian Chipman from Booklist

 Small Person with Wings by Ellen Booraem (Grades 5-6) Newbury Contender 

As a child, Mellie’s best friend, a Small Person with Wings (not a fairy) named Fidius, became furious with her and disappeared the day she suggested taking him to school. Mellie’s allegiance to Fidius made her the butt of jokes, so she became determined to focus on reality: facts, history, science. But when the family moves into her grandfather’s dilapidated inn, it is so overrun with Small Persons (or Parvi) that their existence is undeniable. Parvi are a curious bunch, enamored with their glitz and glamour and whiskey, but mostly good-hearted. They plead with the family to return a powerful stone that will allow them to regain the true magic they lost centuries ago—but a Parvi faction prefers their Magica Artificia and uses it to play devious tricks. Together with her parents and Timmo, the nosy neighbor kid, Mellie’s odd predicament is to return to the world of the fanciful by facing what is real. This clever tale also wraps a story of acceptance, both of self and family, in the fairy dressing. ~ Heather Booth from Booklist

Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg (Grades 2-6) Caldecott Contender 

Any kid who has beheld Niagara Falls—or even taken a good look at pictures of it—will be suitably gobsmacked by the true story of charm-school teacher Annie Edson Taylor, who, at age 62, decided on a whim to fund her golden years by being the first person over the falls. At first, local barrel makers turned her away in horror, but her determination was convincing, and on October 24, 1901, the reinforced and padded 160-pound vessel was dropped into the water in front of thousands of nervous spectators. Van Allsburg’s trademark framed illustrations have the unnerving stillness of old-timey photos, though they struggle for a while with settings unconducive to excitement. Once Taylor hits the water, though, Van Allsburg’s restraint becomes a master class in tension, keeping his drawings of the barrel’s interior small enough to communicate claustrophobia. Van Allsburg’s telling of the rest of the tale—Taylor’s failure to parlay her adventure into cash—is especially affecting, and readers will embrace her resolve. ~ Daniel Kraus from Booklist 

Billy Twitters and his Blue Whale Problem by Mac Barnett (Grades K-3) 2010 Caldecott Contender

Billy Twitters's parents don't mess around when doling out punishments. When the boy fails to clean his room, brush his teeth, and finish his baked peas, they buy him a blue whale. It arrives via FedUp (motto: "Delivering Punishment Worldwide"), and it's up to Billy to take care of it. Rex's goofy illustrations blend the realistic with the fantastic, as in a giant wordless spread of Billy pedaling furiously on his bike, towing the whale behind on a skateboard as the beast's bulk takes out telephone poles and traffic lights. At school, things don't improve; a teacher gives a whale lecture instead of showing a promised cowboy movie, and Billy is uninvited from a pool party when the hostess learns he would have to bring the cetacean. And he soon finds that gathering thousands of krill for its dinner is tough work. At last, after cleaning out the whale's stinky mouth, Billy decides that it's a pretty peaceful place, and he decides to move in. That's a strange ending for an odd story, but young readers will likely enjoy the ridiculous premise, and the many whale facts worked seamlessly into the tale.~ Kathleen Kelly MacMillan

 Neville by Norton Juster (Grades K-3) Amazon Best Book of the Month, Caldecott Contender

Neville puts an inspired twist on the age-old challenge of making new friends.  Author Norton Juster, best known for The Phantom Tollbooth, uses a minimum of text to great effect. Neville begins with a boy sent by his mother out into their new neighborhood to "take a little walk down the block."  He’s not at all happy about the situation, but comes up with a brilliant idea that soon has all the neighborhood children rallied around him.  The enthusiasm and joy of their undertaking and the ease in which a unified effort can forge childhood friendships are spot-on.  The surprise ending invites gales of laughter and--fortunately--Neville is a book that can be read over and over again without losing the fun. ~Seira Wilson from Amazon 

Perfect Square by Michael Hall (Grades K-3) Caldecott Contender 

A perfect square is transformed in this adventure story that will transport you far beyond the four equal sides of this square book. Michael Hall is the creator of the critically acclaimed and nationally best-selling picture book My Heart Is Like a Zoo. He is also an award-winning graphic designer whose work has been widely recognized for its simple and engaging approach. ~Amazon

 

November Picks

The year is flying by! As the Ladybug Picture Book season comes to a close and the holiday season begins, I am turning my attention to some books that have gotten a lot of hype in the library world. There is even a Caldecott contender on my list this month! Take some time to come to the library and check out some incredible and widely discussed books for November.

The Cheshire Cheese Cat by Carmen Agra Deedy (Grade 5-8)

Skilley, a street cat with a secret (he eats cheese!), finds a home at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, where he pretends to be a mouser and gets the attention of Charles Dickens, a frequent customer. Befriended by Pip, a precocious mouse who can read and write, Skilley tries to protect his rodent pals and Maldwyn, an injured royal raven hiding in the garret, from Pinch, a ginger alley cat who s out for every tasty morsel he can get. There are cat-and-mouse battles aplenty. Several subplots are happily resolved: the cook reveals that the mice are her official cheese-tasters; Queen Victoria herself comes to rescue Maldwyn; Mr. Dickens finally finds an opening sentence for his new novel, and more. The fast-moving plot is a masterwork of intricate detail that will keep readers enthralled, and the characters are well-rounded and believable. ~School Library Journal

Everything On It by Shel Silverstein (Grades 3-6)

A spider lives inside my head
Who weaves a strange and wondrous web
Of silken threads and silver strings
To catch all sorts of flying things,
Like crumbs of thought and bits of smiles
And specks of dried-up tears,
And dust of dreams that catch and cling
For years and years and years . . .
 
Have you ever read a book with everything on it? Well, here it is, an amazing collection of never-before-published poems and drawings from the creator of Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, and Falling Up. You will say Hi-ho for the toilet troll, get tongue-tied with Stick-a-Tongue-Out-Sid, play a highly unusual horn, and experience the joys of growing down. ~Amazon

Theodore Boone: The Abduction by John Grisham (Grades 4-6)

A perfect murder
A faceless witness
A lone courtroom champion knows the whole truth . . . and he’s only thirteen years old
Meet Theodore Boone

In the small city of Strattenburg, there are many lawyers, and though he’s only thirteen years old, Theo Boone thinks he’s one of them. Theo knows every judge, policeman, court clerk—and a lot about the law. He dreams of being a great trial lawyer, of a life in the courtroom. But Theo finds himself in court much sooner than expected. Because he knows so much—maybe too much—he is suddenly dragged into the middle of a sensational murder trial. A cold-blooded killer is about to go free, and only Theo knows the truth. The stakes are high, but Theo won’t stop until justice is served. Brimming with the intrigue and suspense that made John Grisham a #1 international bestseller and the undisputed master of the legal thriller, Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer will keep readers guessing and pages turning. ~Amazon

One Moon, Two Cats by Laura Godwin (Grades PreK-3)

One moon.

Two cats are not asleep.

Across a great distance, but under the light of the same moon, a city cat and a country cat pounce and play, crouch and leap in a rollicking nighttime adventure. When morning comes, they are both back in their respective homes and finally, turn in to sleep. ~Amazon

The brief, rhymed text changes size to match the rhythms of the cats’ adventures, and the rich acrylic paintings create an air of nighttime mystery. An ably told and atmospheric romp. ~School Library Journal

Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature by Joyce Sidman (Grades PreK-6)

 

A Caldecott medalist and a Newbery Honor-winning poet celebrate the beauty and value of spirals.What makes the tiny snail shell so beautiful? Why does that shape occur in nature over and over again—in rushing rivers, in a flower bud, even inside your ear? With simplicity and grace, Krommes and Sidman not only reveal the many spirals in nature—from fiddleheads to elephant tusks, from crashing waves to spiraling galaxies—but also celebrate the beauty and usefulness of this fascinating shape. ~Amazon

Squish Rabbit by Katherine Battersby (Grades PreK-3)

Squish is just a little rabbit. But being little can lead to big problems. Sometimes Squish is hard to hear . . . or see. (Which is how he got his name.) And no one notices him. But Squish notices things- especially when someone is about to get into trouble and needs help. Here is little Squish's BIG chance. ~Amazon

Blue Chicken by Deborah Freedman (Grades PreK-3) **Caldecott Contender!**

In this deceptively simple picture book, author-illustrator Deborah Freedman has created an irresistible character that springs to life and wreaks havoc in a farmyard with a pot of blue paint. The innocent chicken just wants to help, but things get worse and worse-and bluer and bluer--the more she tries. Playing with colors and perspective, and using minimal text, this richly layered story reveals new things to see and laugh about with each reading. ~Amazon

Full of surprise and emotion... The book has much to pore over on every page, and children will want to experience the action over and over again. ~ School Library Journal, starred review 

October Picks

September is coming to an end and fall is folding in around us. It's time to stop and take a minute out of our busy schedules to enjoy a new book from the MCS library. Here are some of my October favorites:

The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic, by Jennifer Trafton (3-6)

Persimmony Smudge, 10, is leading a life as dull as her name on the Island at the Center of Everything. But one day she goes out to find another magic pot (having broken the first one) and soon finds herself in the midst of a dangerous adventure. Twelve-year-old King Lucas, who loves pepper, disdains his subjects, and has a talent for rudeness, sends Persimmony, along with Worvil the Worrier and Guafnoggle the Jester, to see if there’s really a sleeping giant under Mount Majestic and, if so, to make sure he is absolutely, positively not awakened. First-time novelist Trafton uses delicious descriptions and flight-of-fancy words to put Persimmony on the path of a hero’s journey, and the story is filled with characters who make an impression.

The Timekeeper's Moon, by John Sensel (5-6)

Sequel to the Firewalkers Quest. It’s been a year since Ariel discovered the Vault, and since then she has used her Farwalking skills well, offering trade and knowledge to isolated villages. At night, voices from the moon plague her, but she doesn’t know what they want, only that they are connected to a mysterious map. Determined to go wherever the map leads, Ariel, Scarl (her prickly yet sincere guardian), and two new companions set off. As the map becomes clearer, they realize failing this quest could mean the end of everything.

Lost: A Dog Called Bear, by Wendy Orr (2-4)

Logan is moving from the farm to the city. He’ll miss all the things he’s leaving behind, but at least he has Bear. He loves Bear more than anything else in the world—because Bear is his dog. Hannah lives in the city. What she wants, more than anything else in the world, is a dog of her own. At the Rainbow Street Shelter, Logan and Hannah find a talking parrot, an old black Labrador, a three-legged goat, a puppy that looks like a peanut—and a Surprise that just might be the best thing in the world.


Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things, by Lenore Look (2-4)

Second-grader Alvin Ho is determined to make friends, even though he is afraid of any number of things and can't talk—at all—in school. Episodic chapters feature events at home, at school, and in his Concord, MA, neighborhood. Everyday adventures include being left stranded by his siblings during stretching exercises that leave him upside down in a tree, being sent alone to the scary piano teacher's house, and deciding whether or not to hang out with the classroom bully. Although Look resists providing a tidy ending, readers will be sure that Alvin is on the right road when he surprises even himself by suddenly speaking to his psychotherapist. And they won't have to understand the Shakespearean curses that come out of his mouth to know that this time he has a good reason to be afraid. Whether they are fearful or brave, kids will smile at Alvin's scrapes and empathize with his concerns.

The Composer is Dead, by Lemony Snicket (2-6)

The story is well paced, employing wordplay, humor, and mild suspense to build a slow crescendo that originates with the delicate strings and climaxes with percussion. The bombastic Inspector, read by Snicket on the CD, sports pinstripes, a bowler hat, and a handlebar mustache in the book. As he interrogates each section of the orchestra, the instruments describe their whereabouts on the night of the crime in characteristic voices, telling something about their actual roles while offering imagery for the illustrator. Thus, "'We were performing a waltz,' said the Violins. 'We played graceful melodies so the ladies and gentlemen could spin around and around and around until they felt dizzy and somewhat nauseous.'" Ellis's watercolors combine caricatures of the action with silhouettes of the instruments. Evidence leads to the conductor, since "wherever there's a conductor, you're sure to find a dead composer!"

Jeremy Draws a Monster, by Peter McCarty (K-2)

Readers meet Jeremy, a blond, spike-haired boy, alone in his third-floor apartment, gazing at a group of children playing ball below. The text reads, "He had his very own room. He never left. He never went outside." But Jeremy does have a fancy pen, and one day he conjures up a robust blue monster that, in short order, demands a sandwich, a checkerboard, a television, and a hot dog, which Jeremy and his pen quickly supply. Soon the novelty wears off and when the monster demands a hat because he is "going out," Jeremy is relieved to see him go. The monster returns, but Jeremy takes charge and when he departs for good, the neighborhood children gather—"Do you want to play ball?" they ask, and indeed Jeremy does. McCarty matches his understated story with both black-and-white and color illustrations that flow loosely across ample white space; the openness of the images gives just the right feel to the tale.

Not a Box, by Antoinette Portis (K-2)

Through a series of paired questions and answers, the rabbit is queried about why he is sitting in, standing on, spraying, or wearing a box. Each time, he insists, "It's not a box!" and the opposite page reveals the many things a small child's pretending can make of one: a race car, a mountain, a burning building, a robot. One important caveat: the younger end of the intended audience is both literal and concrete in their approach to this material.

September Picks

We had many new books added to the collection this summer and are now ready for a new school year. Here are a few of my favorites:

Little Mist by Sarah Fox-Davies (K-3)

A heartwarming portrayal of the unique bond between parent and child, set against the breathtaking backdrop of snow-covered mountains. This is the perfect picture book to read curled up with your own little cub.

Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian (K-3)

Day One, I swam around my bowl. Day Two, I swam around my bowl. Twice. And so it goes in this tell-all tale from a goldfish. With his bowl to himself and his simple routine, Goldfish loves his life until one day when assorted intruders including a hyperactive bubbler, a grime-eating snail, a pair of amorous guppies, and a really crabby crab invade his personal space and bowl, Goldfish is put out, to say the least. He wants none of it, preferring his former peace and quiet and solitude. But time away from his new companions gives him a chance to rethink the pros and cons of a solitary life. And discover what he’s been missing.

The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon (K-3)

This book tells the story of Ginny's voyage towards earning herself an eye patch - a voyage made mostly at school. No other kid there had the honor. Words and pictures offer up a double helping of surprise on the subject of seeing. Ginny was not born a pirate. But since her birth she was headed in that direction.

Bad to the Bone (Down Girl and Sit Series) by Lucy Nolan (K-3)

In this third installment in the Down Girl and Sit chapter-book series, canine narrator Down Girl relates more slapstick adventures of everyday fun and frustrations with her human owner, who “just can’t be trained.” After too many mishaps at home, Down Girl and her best friend, Sit, are sent to obedience school, but back at home, their new manners quickly degenerate in another round of hilarious, minor catastrophes. Once again, Nolan’s lively text is well matched by Reed’s action-filled drawings. Another lighthearted entry in a clever, comedic series about a dog’s view of life

Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall (3-6)

When summer comes around, it's off to the beach for Rosalind . . . and off to Maine with Aunt Claire for the rest of the Penderwick girls, as well as their old friend, Jeffrey. That leaves Skye as OAP (oldest available Penderwick)—a terrifying notion for all, but for Skye especially. Things look good as they settle into their cozy cottage, with a rocky shore, enthusiastic seagulls, a just-right corner store, and a charming next-door neighbor.  But can Skye hold it together long enough to figure out Rosalind's directions about not letting Batty explode?  Will Jane's Love Survey come to a tragic conclusion after she meets the alluring Dominic? Is Batty—contrary to all accepted wisdom—the only Penderwick capable of carrying a tune?  And will Jeffrey be able to keep peace between the girls . . . these girls who are his second, and most heartfelt, family?

 

The Dancing Pancake by Eileen Spinelli (3-6)

DELICIOUS PANCAKES!!
FREE!!
ALL YOU CAN EAT!!
COME TO OUR
NEW GRAND OPENING!

The grand opening of the Dancing Pancake isn't the only new thing in Bindi's life: new friends, a new apartment, maybe even a cute new crush? But there are other changes, like her dad's move to a new city, that have left Bindi confused and wondering: What will happen to my family? Will this new life ever feel normal? Among the unlikely bunch of regulars who form a makeshift community at the diner, Bindi will try to figure out how to be a new version of herself, one pancake and one silly elephant joke (her uncle's specialty) at a time.

The Farwalkers Quest by John Sensel (3-6)

Ariel has always been curious, but when she and her best friend Zeke stumble upon a mysterious old telling dart she feels an unexplained pull toward the dart, and to figuring out what it means. Magically flying great distances and only revealing their messages to the intended recipient, telling darts haven’t been used for years, and no one knows how they work. So when two strangers show up looking for the dart, Ariel and Zeke realize that their discovery is not only interesting, but very dangerous. The telling dart, and the strangers, leads them to a journey more perilous and encompassing than either can imagine, and in the process both Zeke and Ariel find their true calling.

Come to the library and check them out!

It's September!

Yep that's right, summer is over! Backpacks are stuffed, shoelaces are tied and soon students will be studying furiously. Books will be flying off the shelves! In the next few issues of the blog I will highlight a few new and noteworthy books coming into our library this school year. Feel free to pick them up at the library and get them into your students hands!