The Librarians from the Children's Department share the best of children's books and activities at Glendale Library, Arts & Culture in Glendale, California. Readers are invited to leave comments about one of the reviews. Click on the book cover to check on its location in the Library and current availability.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
MAYTE AND THE BOGEYMAN/MAYTE Y EL CUCO

Mayte and Pepito are convinced that Don Aparicio, the grumpy ice cream seller, is really the bogeyman. Don Aparicio constantly complaints about badly behaved children who need to be taught a lesson. Mayte comes to believe that he is the Bogeyman (el Cuco) who kidnaps bad children and eats them or sells them at the market.
Beautifully illustrated in English and Spanish.
For readers Grades 1-2, ages 6-7.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
CAN YOU BE AN ECO WARRIOR?
His carefree mother finally got a grant to photograph China so that means Julian is sent to stay with his wealthy aunt and uncle. His little cousin is cool, but all he can think about is a whole summer with his awful aunt and mean uncle who hated his father. It seems they don't even want him around but intend to send him away for to math camp. MATH CAMP!? That's like not having summer vacation at all!Julian and his friends set in a motion a plan that will take care of two things at once: to actually have a fun summer vacation and to see these redwoods that his uncle's company is trying to cut down and sell for a huge profit.
Set in Northern California, five kids set out to save a grove of almost extinct trees taller than the Statue of Liberty and older than the United States. Operation Redwood by S. Terrell French is a great story about kids who act on what they believe in even if the ending is a bit unrealistic. But that's why this is fiction. Great for readers 6th-8th grades.
Monday, December 21, 2009
WHAT DOES SEVENTH GRADE LOOK LIKE?
Emma-Jean Lazarus is NOT your typical seventh grader. At least in this book, her perception of her friends, family and the world around her is not the same as most seventh graders you'll meet. She is EXTREMELY logical and scientific. She does not bubble and squeal over the upcoming Spring Fling. She doesn't understand why boys are suddenly getting her attention. It's like her life is one big science experiment. EMMA-JEAN LAZARUS FELL IN LOVE by Lauren Tarshis is the sequel to EMMA-JEAN LAZARUS FELL OUT OF A TREE, but you don't need to read the first to enjoy the second. Even though Emma-Jean isn't your usual seventh grade girl, the way she sees life is fascinating and makes the book worth reading. For grades 4-8.Friday, December 18, 2009
Charro Claus and the Tejas Kid
Vincent is a young boy spending Christmas Eve with his tio Pancho that is a farmer living down in south Texas. As Santa getting older, he calls on family, specifically his cousin Pancho to help him out to delivery toys to the boys and girls along the Texas-Mexico border. Pancho gracefully volunteered and Santa using his magic stardust, transformed Pancho into Charro Claus with his incredible burritos, Rigo, Jaime, Freddie and Little Joe as Vincent spies through the window. Charro Claus and the Tejas Kid is a bilingual colorful and funny Christmas story written and illustrated by Xavier Garza. For ages 4 and up. Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ARE YOU AFRAID YET?
1. An actual headless chicken lived eighteen months without a head.2. When we get scared, our brain orders the release of adrenaline and a flood of other hormones into the bloodstream. Instantly, the body is ready to fight or flee.
3. A pumping heart has enough pressure to blast blood 30 feet into the air.
4. The ancient Egyptians were able to pull their brains out of their noses.
5. Black cats are actually good luck instead of bad (there is a scientific explanations as well)
Guess what? All of the above is true, now you need to read the book to find out the who’s and the how’s of this scary, mysteries book that has great illustrations as well as few cartoons to show us the seemingly impossible.
ARE YOU AFRAID YET? THE SCIENNCE BEHIND SACRY STUFF is written by STEPHEN JAMES O’MEARA and the illustrations are by JEREMY KAPOSY.
Monday, December 14, 2009
KIDNAPPING AND CLASSICAL MUSIC?
Rescuing Seneca Crane by Susan Runholt is perfect for adventurous, and fearless middle school girls. A second mystery adventure has the two friends off to Scotland for the Edinburg Music Festival. Just as they are befriending this amazing pianist, Seneca, she's kidnapped and held for a million dollar ransom. Kari and Lucas are determined to rescue her themselves, because, really, what adult would believe them, especially the ones they suspect are involved in Seneca's kidnapping.
Friday, December 11, 2009
QUINITO, DAY AND NIGHT/QUINITO, DIA, Y NOCHE.

This delightful bilingual picture book explores the concept of opposites. Written by Ina Cumpiano, illustrated by Jose Ramirez. Kindergarten, Ages 5-6.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
ONE SMALL STEP
ONE SMALL STEP: CELEBRATING THE FIRST MEN ON THE MOON is one of the coolest non-fiction books that I have seen/read in a long time. The book is pact with great, colorful pictures of the Apollo 11 spacecraft among other really interesting stuff. The uniqueness of the book is in its scrap book format, flipping through the pages, you will feel as though you are reading someone's actual personal creation. It also has things such as a copy of the actual food menu of the Apollo 11, among other must see things. Even if you are not interested in space, you will not want to put down this fascinating book. The creative team for the book is JERRY STONE, TERRY PASTOR AND ANDY MANSFIELD. Monday, December 07, 2009
A LIBRARIAN SAVES THE DAY

THE SMASHING SCROLL by Michael Dahl is the perfect mystery for you if you are just starting to read chapter books. Scary things happen. Giant scrolls telling the "World's Last Story" start rolling down the road, threatening to cover the Earth with it's parchment! And of course - the librarian saves the day!
For 2nd - 4th graders.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
PRESIDENT LINCOLN AND HIS BOYS.
I love reading historical fiction because I get to learn true facts about real life heroes. In LINCOLN AND HIS BOYS by ROSEMARY WELLS we learn how patient and tender Lincoln was towards his sons.This particular book is unique because it presents the president from his children's viewpoint. The story spans from the time that Lincoln decides to run for president to the end of the Civil War.
The chapters are full of Lincoln's wisdom and insights. P.J. Lynch's illustrations add warmth and life to this touching and inspiring book on one of the most liked and famous presidents. A very good read.
For grades 4th and older.
Monday, November 30, 2009
ANOTHER GREAT SERIES?
I just finished THE ETERNAL HOUR GLASS, the first book in a new series called THE MAGICKEEPERS by Erica Kirov, and this is going to be a fascinating bunch of stories. Intermixing the history of famous magicians, authors and others with a modern day family of Russian magicians, the author has struck upon the possibility of literary gold. Nick Rostov lives a somewhat ordinary life as the son of a washed up Vegas Magician, living in hotels, eating pizza and skateboarding. One day, his grandfather takes him for his birthday "surprise," and Nick finds himself living with an entirely new family, that of the greatest magician in Vegas and throughout the world - Damian! They've brought Nick here to live out his life (and be part of the show) in order to protect him and his magical ability (which he just found out he has) from the evil "shadowkeepers." This is shaping up to be a series worth the read, and perfect for 5th-8th grades.Wednesday, November 25, 2009
FANTASTIC MR. FOX
Very soon you will be flocking to the local movie theater to see the movie version of FANTASTIC MR. FOX by ROALD DAHL. But it would be great if you could read the book first.Mr. Fox loves nothing more than to hear how fantastic he is. He does everything that he can to get the compliments from his wife, including stealing chicken, duck and turkey from his nemeses, the three farmers. However, the farmers are well aware of Mr. Fox and they plot to capture their enemy and teach him a lesson. But... there is a reason why Mr. Fox is called Fantastic. This book is such a fun read that you can won't want to put in down.
For grades 4th and older.
Friday, November 20, 2009
A GRIMM SHOCKER!
If you've been keeping up with the madcap adventures of this crime fighting family, you will be shocked to the core by the unmasking of The Master of the Scarlet Hand in the final chapter!Wednesday, November 18, 2009
THE POSSIBILITY OF FLYING

Monday, November 16, 2009
AUTHOR VISITS GLENDALE
Friday, November 13, 2009
IF YOU LIKE MATILDA ...
Then The Outlandish Adventures of Liberty Aimes is for you. "Libby" is misreated and hidden away from the world by her nasty parents. All she wants is to runaway to a boarding school, where, she dreams of books, learning and being with other children. Oh, everything looks so wonderful in the brochure for The Sullivan School, if only she could get there somehow.Thursday, November 12, 2009
MEET DYAMONDE
It's not easy to get separated from your dad, move away from friends and family and start living a brand new life with just a mother. But that is precisely what Dyamonde Daniel did. She is a precocious little girl who refuses to let anything bad affect her mood or her life. She doesn't really like to brag about how smart she is either, but at the same time she can't figure out why she doesn't have any friends...She has gone through a lot of changes in her short life and is eager to find some sort of peace and comfort.
She makes a friend whose name is Reed. Reed likes to read. He gets teased a lot because here is Reed who likes to read. However, Dyamonde is not like the others, she becomes best of friends with Reed and together not only they read but start many new adventures. MAKE WAY FOR DYAMONDE DANIEL is by NIKKI GRIMES and the pictures are by R. GREGORY CHRISTIE.
For grades 2nd-4th.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
THE WHALES' EYES WILL LASER YOU

Thursday, November 05, 2009
Wii THE BEATLES
Most likely you have been anxiously waiting for the new Wii game that is inspired by the world famous band THE BEATLES. However, before you start playing the game, learn more about this fascinating band that not only made history but paved the way for all the new boy bands whose music you probably listen to on a daily basis. The Beatles were a talented and successful band from Liverpool, England. They revolutionized the world of music and are icons not only in the music industry but in the entire world. Their sweet, innocent and romantic lyrics made people much more aware of the power of music. Wednesday, November 04, 2009
FOLLOW THAT GOOSE!
All manner of cucumber foods are available at the annual Bloomsberry Cucumber Festival for free! Too bad Margaret isn't in the mood for stewed cucumbers, or cucumber casserole, or cucumber shakes. As Margaret is being forced to eat stewed cucumbers, she and her buddies discover a stolen necklace in the dish. Realizing that their neighbor would be accused of the theft, they follow her goose for clues all over town in order to catch the real thief.Monday, November 02, 2009
A GIRL WITH A BEARD
In this world, it's not so uncommon for a girl to have a beard or someone to have a tail. Ghosts are to be expected. Psychics are a dime a dozen. In this collection of stories called SIDESHOW: TEN ORIGINAL TALES OF FREAKS, ILLUSIONISTS, AND OTHER MATTERS ODD AND MAGICAL, edited by Deborah Noyes, and featuring classic children's book authors such as Cecil Castellucci, Vivian Vande Velde, and Aimee Bender. The stories are quick and interesting to read, and the collection includes graphic narration as well. This book is a fascinating look into a mystical world of mutants and mind readers, and is great for 6th grade and up.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
PUPPET SHOW THIS SATURDAY!
Join us this Sat., Oct. 31, 2009 at 2pm Monday, October 26, 2009
GONZALO GRABS THE GOOD LIFE/LA BUENA VIDA DE GONZALO

Ages 5-9. Written by Janice Levy and illustrated by Bill Slavin.
Friday, October 23, 2009
THE QUEST FOR TRUE BLUE LOVE

Wednesday, October 21, 2009
ALVIN AT IT AGAIN
Monday, October 19, 2009
THE SNOW GOOSE
This timeless, classic story will touch your heart and stay with you for a long time. The story is set against the backdrop of World War II in a small town where a man has become a recluse do to his hunched back. Eventually he meets a girl named Frith who has brought in a wounded goose. Frith sees how the lonely man slowly heals the wounds of this goose and during this time a friendship develops. The goose heals and flies away only to come back and set her home where the man lives. However, all that changes when he is needed in the war for his sailing skills.
Friday, October 16, 2009
TALES AREN'T JUST FOR WAGGING
Some people just don't understand that when you adopt a puppy, that puppy will be with you their entire lives. Or that's how it SHOULD be anyway. But some dogs are abandoned, left all alone in the big cold world. Waggit is one of those dogs. WAGGIT'S TALE is a heart-warming story of loss, love, friendship and adventure. WAGGIT AGAIN continues Waggit's adventures when he escapes from a farm. Just when he thinks life is great, his owner leaves him all alone in a big park. It isn't long before Waggit stumbles across a band of wild dogs struggling to survive, and he joins them in all their adventures and misfortunes. WAGGIT'S TALE by Peter Howe is the story of the return to his owner and civilization. Both are great books for 4th grade and up.Like animal stories, then check out this book list.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A P.I.?
Well, this is the tale of one boy who wanted it more than anything else.There was an Irish boy named Fletcher Moom, who only wanted one thing and that was to be a private investigator. He even took the online course from Bob Bernstein, the famous FBI agent turned private eye. He was first in his class and had a real badge to prove it, too. He just wanted to do some good and be a voice for justice against those who would bully and lie and cheat. You can see where this is heading....
One day, his badge was stolen and everyone doubted his abilities despite all his boasting. To prove himself and get it back, he took on a case for April Deveraux. As he got closer to finding the thief who stole her special lock of hair, Fletcher was accused of arson and jailed. His nemesis, a member of the notorious criminal Sharkey family, sprang him from police custody and together they forged an uncomfortable alliance to clear both their names of the recent rash of thefts and mayhem in the town.
A great detective novel full of twists and red herrings written with humor and full of characters you'll want to root for.
Half-Moon Investigations by Eoin Colfer is for fluent readers 6th and up.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
MEET AN OWL ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
What: Meet one of natures largest owls, the Great Horned Owl.When: Saturday, October 17, 2:00 p.m.
Where: Central Library
222 East Harvard Street.
Glendale, CA 91025
The Wildlife Waystation, a non-profit refuge for wild and exotic animals, will bring an owl to the Library for you to meet up close. For additional information, please contact the Children's Room (818) 548-2035. For ages 4+ and their families.
Monday, October 12, 2009
EL BARRIO
El Barrio.Ages 4-8.
Friday, October 09, 2009
DON'T FORGET
Those attending this group will get the chance to attend a special pre-talk visit with the author on the evening of November 19. Details and invitations will be available at the end of the discussion group.
For Grades 4-8 and their parents
Snacktime Readers
Wednesday, October 28, 7-8:00 p.m.
Children's Room
Glendale Public Library / 222 East Harvard St. / Glendale, 91205
Thursday, October 08, 2009
TALES OF ENCHANTMENT
Wouldn't you want to have a bell that whenever you ring it, the world gets filled with sweetness and light? Most likely we would all like to have a bell like that. The stories in this small book are just that! They are out of this world, strange but yet appealing to our minds, even though we know the possibilities of them being true are very slim. Tuesday, October 06, 2009
DON'T DRINK THE FIT MIX
Can you imagine a world with no living animals? Can you imagine a world where they stop having children for thirty years? Much like Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, there exists a world controlled by a video game. In THE ROAR by Emma Clayton, Mika is lost in the dreary world that exists below the rich of society. His twin sister is supposedly dead, but Mika still feels her. In a surreal combination of space, the future, ghosts and machines, this story unfolds into a visual portrayal of an alternate society that is ultimately changed by the children who live there. This is a fantastic book for 5th grade and up.Sunday, October 04, 2009
THE BEST HALLOWEEN EVER!
Friday, October 02, 2009
DANCE, NANA, DANCE (BAILA, NANA, BAILA)
This is a collection of 13 bilingual folktales in English and Spanish from Cuban folklore, representing the cultures of Spain, Africa and the Caribbean. Called "Baila, Nana, Baila", it offers the readers a variety of humorous and colorful characters, such as a yam that terrifies the bravest man in the army, a boy who can never remember what his mother wants from the store, an old lady who can dance for days, and the man who had never done a day’s work in his life.A good read-aloud, written by Joe Hayes and illustrated by Mauricio Trenard Sagayo.
Ages 9-12.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
TANGLED LIVES
Amedeo Kaplan, same first name as Modigliani, is new in town and befriends William who is helping his mother with the estate sale of his other new neighbor in St. Malo, Florida. He is intrigued by William and by his desire to be a discoverer, and soon they "discover" a sketch by Modigliani that takes them on a journey of the nature of heroism, history of degenerate art & the Nazis. The lives of people in the past and the present are all interwined in this complex story where people aren't just good or bad but are just...people. Monday, September 28, 2009
COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER

Little Audrey's father dies in a car accident while drunk, which devastates the family even more, but ironically his death also brings the end of the tunnel in sight, as they become forced to move out of the mining camp. Her mother will now be able to earn money and bring it all home and Little Audrey and her three other sisters can go to a better school. For grades 5-8.
--Evelyn, Library Assistant
Thursday, September 24, 2009
ANOTHER CINDERELLA
Snacktime Readers met last night to talk about this month's book Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah. This is the true story of one very young Chinese girl who overcomes great odds to ultimately have a very successful life. Treated badly by her family because they considered her to be at fault for the death of her mother who died giving birth to her, she endures not only that loss, but also the loss of every other family member who was important to her. The story takes place in mainland China in the period right before WWII and gives the reader a glimpse of what life in China was like during that period.While the group was small this month the discussion was lively. Here's how they rated Chinese Cinderella:
Brittany - 10 I loved this book. The fact that it was a true story was amazing. Even though it was very sad, it kept my interest and I could not put it down.
Jaime - 5 It was an interesting book but sometimes it was just too sad to keep reading.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
NEVER ENOUGH FAIRY TALES...
RAPUNZEL AND OTHER MAGIC FAIRY TALES selected and illustrated by Henriette Sauvant, and translated by Anthea Bell was a short but sweet conglomeration of some all-time favorite fairy tales and some I'd never heard. I was initially attracted to this collection of fairy tales because of it's size and beautiful cover page. I especially liked this collection because you could easily read these fairy tales out loud to a group of kids without losing their attention. The illustrations are gorgeous and tell a tale by themselves. A great book to read for grades 2 and up!Monday, September 21, 2009
BIG BOOK SALE
Booklovers Book Sale at Chevy Chase Branch Saturday, September 26, 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday, September 27, 10 am - 4 pm
3301 East Chevy Chase Drive, Glendale, 91206
MAP
Worth the drive up the canyon! More than 15,000 used Library books for children and adults will be on sale. Proceeds will benefit the Chevy Chase Branch Library. The sale will include adult and children's books on all subjects and of all types; something for every book lover. Sponsored by the Friends of the Glendale Public Library.
Early Birds: On Saturday, September 26, Friends of the Library members can attend the sale from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
For more information call (818) 548-2047.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
THE THREE LITTLE TAMALES

Tamales are adorable, especially the smart one with her big glasses, and the brother with his dramatic eyebrows and mustache. Some Spanish words are scattered. There is a glossary at the front if you need help with the pronunciation. Pictures are wonderfully done. Written by Eric A. Kimmel. Illustrated by Valeria Docampo. For readers 4-8. Grades 1-2.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
DOWN ON THE BAYOU - SOUTHERN GOTHIC FOR KIDS

There are many emotional animal stories dealing with adventure and tragedy, but none as poetically beautiful as THE UNDERNEATH by Kathi Appelt. Many creatures lurk in dark places, waiting to come out into the light. Some are evil, but some, like two frisky kittens and their mom, are innocent and curious. Unfortunately, from their home underneath the porch of a mean old man called Gar Face, the cat family and their trusty watch dog and companion Ranger rarely get to experience the light. When they dare to risk it, their lives are changed forever. Written with captivating imagery and the dark enchanting tone of a much more mature novel, this story will draw readers in to its tangled web of raw feelings and vivd personification of the many animal characters. Appropriate for grades 6 and up.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
ONE BOOK / ONE GLENDALE
There's a lot to talk about in this one and Snacktime Readers will be featuring this title for its October 28 meeting, more details to follow.
Ms. Koss will be speaking at the Central Library on Thursday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m.
For more information, please call the Library (818) 548-2035.
Monday, September 14, 2009
LEAVING THE GLORYTOWN: ONE BOY’S STRUGGLE UNDER CASTRO

This excellent memory will help readers to understand the struggles that people experienced under Castro’s leadership and the opportunities that come with freedom.
For readers ages 12-14. Grades 7-9. Written by Eduardo F. Calcines.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
BOOK FIESTA!

BOOK FIESTA!: CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S DAY/BOOK DAY
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
WINDS OF DESTINY
Anybody who has immigrated to this country or has family members who are immigrants will find great escape in reading this book, and those who never had to deal with immigration will find great appreciation and empathy towards it.Tuesday, September 01, 2009
A PUNNY BUG DETECTIVE GRAPHIC NOVEL
Who better to be a private eye then a fly with eyes which can see almost 360 degree and therefore would have great observational skills. Joey and sidekick Sammy are hired by to find a stolen diamond pencil box. The two detectives wade through urban landscape, clues & insect suspects to track down the culprit. Monday, August 31, 2009
COCO THE THE CARROT!
Coco, the carrot was living in a cold, small vegetable bin and she hated every minute of it. All of the other vegetables in the bin were as miserable as she was. But no one was as brave as Coco. She decides to take off and travel to Paris. Her journey takes a rocky turn when the chef of the ship decides to use her in his soup. However, she is able to escape and land to her dreamt destination. Coco the Carrot becomes an icon in the town. Designing beautiful hats for people all over the world...This is a fashionable, charming and creative story that will inspire you...COCO THE CARROT by STEVEN SALERNO is a runaway smash.
Friday, August 28, 2009
A PERFECT SEASON FOR DREAMING/UN TIEMPO PERFECTO PARA SONAR
Octavio Rivera is an old man who enjoys the most beautiful dreams. At first Octavio tells no one, but as his dreams becom more vivid, he is eager to share them with somebody.... but who? He dares not to tell anyone in the family for fear they think he's going crazy, until finally he realizes that there is only one person that would understand and who loves dreams as much as he does, his granddaughter Regina.
