edgar

Mr. B at Grandview likes:

Hide and Seek by Kathy Grant

The action starts slowly in this realistic first person narrative set in Arizona’s snow country. The tension mounts as Chase discovers two hungry and frightened boys at the site of his geocache. While he takes treats pilfered from his parent’s general store to the boys and quietly visits their campsite while their father is sleeping, the mystery unravels to the reader first; who will want to shout the obvious to the trusting and generous Chase. When Chase eventually figures it out, he gets hurt trying to do the right thing. Great humor, confronting and resolving a moral dilemma, and the tragedy of children kidnapped by their father make this an exciting adventure and a timely read.

vivian

From Vivian at the Casa Verdugo Branch Library:

Pout-Pout Fish has one goal and that is to recover Ms. Clam’s precious pearl. Along the way, he realizes that he is REALLY afraid of the dark, so with the help of his sea creature friends Pout-Pout overcomes his fear by focusing on his strengths and listening to his friends words of encouragement!!

TAKE ME OUT OF THE BATHTUB...

It’s that time of the year where people are supposed to be all jolly and merry, full of holiday songs and such. However, if you want to rebel and sing songs that are not holiday related than this book is for you. Alan Kats has written a very cool book of poems that rhyme with very familiar songs such as Take Me Out to the Ballgame and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. These are simple, cute and charming poems that have the perfect complimentary illustrations to go with each poem. Additionally, you will also find yourself laughing when reading some of the poems. TAKE ME OUT OF THE BATHTUB AND OTHER SILLY DILLY SONGS is by ALAN KATS.

For grades 3 and up.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

All of the Glendale Libraries will be closed from Friday December 24 through Sunday, December 26 and reopen at their usual times on Monday, December 27. Best wishes for a joyous holiday.

HERE A PIG, THERE A PIG

BERYL: A PIG'S TALE by Jane Simmons is a story that combines the book BABE with the TV show Lost. Beryl magically escapes becoming bacon and lands in the middle of a rigid pig settlement living in the woods by the side of the road. Beryl isn't exactly welcome, which causes some of the other pigs to strike out into the wild in search of "the other settlement." Beryl is mystified by the strange ways of the wild pigs, but makes a dear friend and finds some family along the way. This is a quick read for kids in 4th-8th grades.

MY MOM IS TRYING TO RUIN MY LIFE

In this delightful book mom and dad are trying to ruin the life of their girl. Both parents are adorable but with their behavior can make the girl's life miserable. Mama likes to kiss her daughter in public, not allows her to eat what she likes, she talks loud, and breaks into the school without any warning. It turns out that daddy follows the same pattern as mom, making her clean her room when is already cleaned, turn off the lights at 8 p.m., or do homework when is busy doing something else. Definitely the girl begins to imagine how to get them off her back. She anticipates that her parents remain in jail and her life would be perfect! but eventually realizes that staying alone would not be as fun as she thinks. Who would maker her dinner, there would be no one to read a story before bedtime, who would give a goodnight kiss, and finally she will miss them terribly. Eventually she comes to accept her parents for what they are in her life. Very cute story. Kids will love it. Grades 1-2. Ages 6-7. Written by Kate Feiffer, illustrated by Diane Goode.

SHORT BUT NOT VERY SWEET

There are two sides to every story. That's what you've always heard, well now we get to hear from our famous villains and how they got the short end of the stick.

Those goats were really stupid to have gotten eaten. It's really not the troll's fault. What a bunch of silly girls those 12 dancing princesses were.

Troll's Eye View: A Book of Villanous Tales edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling is a collection of 15 short tales not just reimagined by the best children's fiction authors. A delightful read for fantasy fans 5th-8th grade.

EMILY'S FORTUNE

Emily is an eight years old girl that lives with her mother Constance who works for a wealthy lady Miss Nuella Nash. Emily is a well behaved and a good child. One day in a terrible accident her mother died leaving Emily alone.
Emily had no other family than her aunt Hilda and her mean and greedy uncle Victor whom she never pleased. Emily writes to her aunt Hilda hoping she could go to live with her. When her aunt Hilda replied yes, then Emily decides to travel to Redbud where her aunt lives.
Emily would have to make a long journey to her aunt’s, but she thinks it would be much better than going to live with her Uncle Victor.
When the train finally reaches Trumpten Junction, Emily gets off the train and is ready to take the carriage that would take her to Rosebud. During the trip she meets a boy named Jackson and become good friends. On one occasion, Jackson read in the newspaper Emily’s story. Lawyers for Mrs. Miss Nash Nuella are looking for the lady’s fortune inherited by Emily’s mother. As Emily’s mom passed away, this wealth of $10 million pass into Emily’s hands. Jackson comes up with the idea of Emily dress up like a boy so no one would recognize her. Uncle Victor hears about the inheritance and determines to search for Emily to make use of her money and get rid of Emily after that. Children will enjoy this adventure chapter book written by Phyllis Renolds Naylor, illustrated by Ross Collins. Ages 7-10 .

GROOVY KITTY

San Francisco has quite a homeless population. Of animals, apparently. They live in Golden Gate Park, which is kind of the same thing as Central Park in New York. So there are wild cats and dogs, raccoons, rabbits, owls and foxes. But this story is all about how the lives of the park animals are threatened when the coyotes come to live in the park. Based on a true story, DARK'S TALE by Deborah Grabien tells the story of Dark the cat, abandoned by his owners in the park, and how the world around him begins to change all because the balance of life is thrown off by the coyotes. It's a sad story, somewhat scary in parts, and definitely for middle school kids.

ONLY ONE YEAR

Sharon is surprised when her mother tells her and her sister Mary that his brother Di Di will be sent to China to live with their grandparents and other members of the family for one entire year.Her mother explains to them that is the best for Di Di for he shall be with the grandparents, uncles and cousins to take care of him.At first Sharon and Mary are missing their brother terribly, but gradually they return to their normal activities. They're embarrassed to tell friends what their parents have done.Sharon's girlfriend Isabelle, does not understand the decision of the family, especially when she learns that her mom is expecting a baby, and that baby will remain with the family forever. When Di Di returns home with Grandma, he doesn't remember his siblings nor a word of English. Readjustment of Di Di with his parents and siblings takes time and patience but gradually the family is fully restored.The author offers a note in back of the book about why immigrant parents sometimes decide for a long-term separation from their children when they determine to immigrate outside of their countries. Ages 7-10. Written by Andrea Cheng, illustrated by Nicole Wong.

8TH GRADE SUPER ZERO!

The only people that know Reggie from his school are his two best friends, other than that he is pretty much an unknown individual. However, when he volunteers at a local homeless shelter, his sense of responsibilities 'wake him up' and he realizes that better things need to be done in his life... He decides to become the president of his class. Even though his classmates don’t even know that he exists. However, Reggie knows that because of a major incident, his classmates have labeled him as a ‘nobody’ and he needs to redeem himself and show that his nickname “Pukey” is something from the past and that he is a much better person than people think. This is a very good story that deals with middle school students and the everyday struggle that they go through, it has the elements of family issues, friends, and the importance of community work. 8TH GRADE SUPERZERO is written by OLUGBEMISOLA RHUDAY-PERKOVICH.

For grades 6th-8th.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAD SUPER SHOES?

Who could have sent Freddie the awesome purple shoes with silver wings? With them he could run faster than a train! He's got ZAPATO POWER! They make him feel like a superhero able to help anyone. Was it his fabulous uncle? Or his hard working mom?

Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Takes Off by Jacqueline Jules is a great beginning chapter book for readers in 2nd to 4th grade.

DOGGONE FUNNY!

Funny books about dogs. There are a few of those in the library. But this is one of the funniest dog books ever written. Take one lazy human (Kevin), and one lazy dog (Cromwell), that one day suddenly decides it wants to be an obstacle course-running dog-lympian! It's not just about the dog getting his fat, furry body into shape, but teaches his owner a few lessons about sticking something out and enjoying what you do. THE FAST AND THE FURRIEST by Andy Behrens will be a hit with most boys and some girls, and will definitely resonate with quite a few. For grades 4 and up.

CAN YOU FLY IN YOUR DREAM?

Imagine a grub, two worms, a beetle and a caterpillar all gathered together underground during the cold winter days. Now imagine them again, but this time they are playing cards, talking about everyday things and also gossiping. The caterpillar says “I don't need food. All I need are dreams” The grub says that in his dreams he can fly and so continues their conversations days in and days out. Until one day… no one can find the caterpillar and a new discovery is made at the end of the winter. This is a beautiful illustrated book that will be enjoyed by everyone, including adults. IN MY DREAMS I CAN FLY by EVELINE HASLER and KATHI BHEND.

For grades pre-k to 1st.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

All libraries in the Glendale Public Library system will be closed at 5:00 p.m. today and remain closed until Monday, November 22.

We wish everyone a happy holiday!

THE RELATIVES ARE COMING! THE RELATIVES ARE COMING!

Julian is still (pretending to be) stuck on Earth and has to endure the earth festival of Thanksgiving. This second book is just as hilarious as the first and a bit longer so we can savor all the funny stuff. If you like your science fiction(ish) with a bit of humor then this is the book for you.

Julian Rodriguez Episode Two: Invasion of the Relatives by Alexander Stadler is perfect for 3rd through 5th graders.

GRACIAS - THANKS

This is the story of a child that from morning until bedtime, give thanks for everything. Told in English and Spanish, from the beginning of the day, the child makes a count of all the simple things in your life to be grateful. From ladybugs, his little brother, his best friend, his parents, his grandmother, his favorite pajamas, the chocolate syrup that his daddy melts and that looks like a thick mud up to the crickets singing a serenade at night.. Gracias -Thanks is a perfect book to read to any child between 4 and 7 years old around Thanksgiving Day or any other holiday. Great illustrations. Written by Pat Mora, illustrated by John Parra.

GAFF

Paul Silva, a thirteen years old guy, lives in a small farm in the hills of an island in Hawaii with his disabled father. His father, after having had an accident at a lumberyard that left him handicapped for the rest of his life, undertook a cockfighting business to support his family.Paul lives fascinated by the strong and beautiful spirit of these birds, and felt very proud of his father’s work, but had never had to witness a fight.On one occasion the older brother of a friend decides to start Paul in the macho culture of cockfighting with the excuse of learning to be a man, and force the child to witness the fight. Paul is in shock and amazed at what he sees. The roosters with sharp hooks and blades attached to their heels, they attack each other in a bloody battle to death.Disgusted by the brutal scene, Paul is committed to finding ways to get his family out of this cruel kind of business. Highly recommended to learn more about the Hawaiian culture and language.Grades 4-6. Ages 9-11. Written bye Shan E. Correa.

A BEDTIME FOR BEAR

Katherine from Pacific Park likes:

Author Bonny Becker delivers again with another wonderful installment in the Bear and Mouse series. This perfect bedtime story infuses beautiful watercolor illustrations, lessons of caring and sharing, and good old-fashioned humor. In A Bedtime for Bear, light sleeper Bear “invites” boisterous Mouse for a sleepover. At first Bear has trouble sleeping with Mouse’s distractions, then finds actual silence is not all it’s cracked up to be.

For Preschool – 2nd grade.

BE SPHDZ, SAVE THE WORLD

Jennifer, the children's librarian from the Montrose-Crescenta Branch likes:

Spaceheadz is Jon Scieska’s first book in a promising, new chapter book series. Michael K. is the new kid at school and just wants to fit in. But his class partners, who say they’re aliens, are making it difficult. They talk like TV advertisements, don’t understand earth rules, and follow a hamster’s orders. People are starting to notice. Even worse, the aliens need Michael’s help to save the world. He must convince 3.14 million (+1) kids to become SPHDZ (Spaceheadz) or earth will be “turned off.” Agent Umber, an anti-alien spy, is on their trail. Michael must decide whether to help the aliens or turn them in to the authorities.

A quirky, fun read about an alien takeover. For grades 3-4.