HAVE YOU READ THE MOCKINGBIRD BOOK?

When Lucy, Elena, and Michael receive their summer reading list, they are excited to see To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee included, but not everyone in their class share their enthusiasm so they hatch a plot to get the entire town talking about the this Harper Lee classic. They plan controversial ways to get people to read the book, including re-shelving copies of the book in bookstores so that people think they are missing and starting a website devoted to targeting "the mockingbird." At first their efforts have the intended buzz and people are hungry for the book, but soon things spin out of control and they unwittingly start a mini revolution in the name of book. 

In this slim novel, I Kill the Mockingbird by Paul Acompora will inspire middle grade readers to want to read this  American classic.  This is not a story for everyone, but for mature readers from 6th grade and up.  

FISH IN A TREE

As if life in the 6th grade is not hard enough, Ally Nickerson’s secret made it that much more difficult.  She was convinced there was no cure for her condition.  Ally never heard of being cured of dumbness, so she suffered everyday humiliations and refused to ask for help.  She has convinced herself it was better to misbehave and get sent to the principal’s office than let others know that she could not read.  

Ally was never given a chance to fit in until the new teacher, Mr. Daniels, arrived and he realized that Ally had learning difficulties. 

What could be the cause of Ally's problems? Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt is a remarkable story! Hunt portrays the life of a young girl and the emotional turmoil she goes through.  Readers will connect with the characters in this realistic fiction. Do not miss out on this story all about endless possibilities! 

For grades 4-6

THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH

Ellie's goldfish has lived for seven years, since her day as a preschooler or so she thought.  Her mother tells her that the fish was really goldfish number 14.  Her life is about to change even more when a 13 year old "distant cousin" comes to live with them. There's something very familiar yet odd about him, but she can't quite put her finger on what it is.  This isn't really a story about goldfishes or even pets, but a great coming of age tale, using humor and a bit of science fiction to force us to deal with the cycle of life - birth, growth, death - in a gentle and thoughtful way.   

Jennifer Holm, author of the Babymouse series, creates a story filled with adventure, humor, suspense, and love.  Best for readers from 4th - 8th.

Note: This will be our One Book One Glendale... for Young Readers in November.  We're very excited to have Ms. Holm come to Glendale to talk about her book.  Please check in for a date and time as we get closer to the event. 

LUNCH WITH US IS NEXT WEEK!

There will be a special treat for all the kids who come to the last week of lunch and stories under the tree.  Remember that lunch is first come first serve from 11:30-12:30.

The Bug Bus will be here right after lunch from 1-2:30 p.m.  on Tuesday, July 28.

We had a lot of fun under the tree this summer and we'll see you all in September for another season of children's programs.

THE BIG BAD DETECTIVE AGENCY

The Big Bad Wolf (BBW), a.ka. Wolfgang and a fourth little pig, Ferkel combine forces in order to solve a crime the BBW has been accused of committing.  Does this sound like a big whopping tall tale to you?  Well, it's not. It's the plot of a new series by Bruce Hale, author of the Chet Gecko series.

Wrongly accused, the Big Bad Wolf has no choice but to become a detective in order to find the real vandal who trashed the Three Little (really ginormous) Pigs' house.  The two detectives follow clues, talk to suspects and try to figure out what motive the criminal would have for doing this.  Their list of suspects grow as they delve deeper into the crime.  

Was it H&G (Hansel & Gretel)? 
Was it Mama Pig? 
Was it Cinderella?  
Was it Goldilocks?  
Can they find the culprit before Wolfgang's time is up and he's thrown in jail?  

Find the Big Bad Detective Agency in the beginning chapter books area.  Perfect for readers in 3rd-4th grades who enjoy humor and twists on the fairytale classics.  

LAST WEEK!

Our summer programs are coming to an end, so bring in your Summer Reading logs if you haven't done so and join us for the last few programs before school starts.  

Wednesday, July 22 at 1p.m. - Animal puppet show presented by the Actors and Others for animals. 

Saturday, July 25 at 2 p.m. - Last Dance!  is our last Saturday Special where we dance to some oldies. Join Theresa and myself to some groovy music. 

Tuesday, July 28 at 1 p.m. - Bug Bus is coming to share everything they know about mosquitoes and bugs in LA.  

WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

CJ and his nana have a long trip back from church and, unlike his friend Colby, whose family has a car, they have to take the bus to get there. As they make their way back to their neighborhood, CJ and his nana experience all the sights, sounds, and feelings their vibrant and diverse city has to offer. Nana teaches CJ to see the beauty all around him, even in unexpected and gritty places, and when they arrive at their destination--a soup kitchen--both CJ and the reader come to appreciate the importance of spiritual richness over material wealth. 


Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña is a moving and joyous celebration of the little things in life, and Christian Robinson's vibrantly heartwarming illustrations are reminiscent of classic Ezra Jack Keats. This multi-layered picture book is much more than a lively tour of a diverse city neighborhood--it's also a tribute to intergenerational relationships, empathy, compassion, and, above all, the joy of human connection.


A wonderful book to share with children ages 4 and up. 

CUTE, CUDDLY, AND A LITTLE... CREEPY?

There’s something spooky about Koala in this picture book tale by Sean Ferrell. Perhaps it’s the eyes? When Adam receives a (presumably) stuffed koala bear as a present, he immediately declares: “I don’t like Koala.” 

Each evening Adam schemes to rid himself of the seemingly omnipresent Koala: he hides it under the couch, over the refrigerator, behind a tree, among toy cars, in a purse, and even with the dirty laundry. Every morning, however, Adam wakes to find Koala there. In his bed. Sharing his pillow. A furry paw reaching over to grasp his face.

Spooky, indeed.

Despite his vocal protests, Adam's parents remain outwardly oblivious to Koala’s eerie abilities. And after a final attempt to lose Koala in the woods, Adam ultimately discovers that there’s more to fear than a cuddly, stuffed koala bear… isn’t there? 

I Don’t Like Koala might not be for every child, but young fans of spooky, quirky reads might enjoy this subtly eerie picture book. For another darkly humorous story, try Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds. 

Ages 4+

HONEY - A SUMMER SURPRISE

“Honey.”  Who’s Honey? That’s what Melody wants to know.  Ten-year-old, Melody is full of questions. Why has her father, Henry, been so distracted, spacey and whistling “You Are My Sunshine” lately? And who did he call Honey over the phone, then try to cover up with a lame excuse… “they got the wrong number?” 

As if Melody didn't have enough on her plate with Henry’s odd behavior and her flunking her math test, Teeny, Melody’s 6-year-old neighbor blurts out that Henry’s been bitten by the love bug. Now, Melody wants to find out the secrets surrounding Royal, Indiana. 

Read Honey to unveil the secrets in the town of Royal and learn about new twists and turns in this story. Sarah Weeks touches on many important topics in this realistic fiction.  Honey is a delightful, quick read with fun characters.

For 3rd-5th grade

MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER SAD COUNTRY SONG

The year is 1948 and Tate P. Ellerbee is captivated by rising country star Hank Williams, tuning into his Louisiana Hayride radio program every week from Rippling Creek, Louisiana. So when her teacher assigns the class to choose a pen pal, she decides on Hank Williams without hesitation. Despite his lack of response (other than a few autographed photos), she writes him constantly and tells him all about her life and family, including her Aunt Patty Cake, Uncle Jolly, brother Frog, movie-star mama and world-travelling father, just for starters. Tate P. is also practicing her singing in secret for the upcoming May Festival Talent Contest, and wants to make her family, and the country star, proud. But the more letters she writes, the more secrets come to light, and it's clear that her picture perfect life isn't so perfect at all. Tate P. must come to terms with her family's truth and find enough grit to push forward and become more than just another sad country song. 

This poignant epistolary novel by National-Book-Award winner Kimberly Willis Holt features multi-layered characters, rich historical details of post World War II life in the rural South, some smiles and tears, and more than a few twists and turns.  

Dear Hank Williams makes a moving read for 4th grade and up. 

"SIBLING RIVALRY, BRAVERY, UNCONDITIONAL LOVE... AND VEGGIES"

Dot never asked to be a big sister and, had anyone asked her, she would definitely have objected to getting a wolf as a baby brother. But Dot has little choice in the matter when the Bunny family returns home one day to find a tiny wolfish bundle awaiting them. Mama and Papa are immediately smitten with their newly adopted son, but Dot is skeptical at best. 

Unconvinced by Wolfie’s excellent sleeping habits and hearty carrot appetite, unmoved by his indefatigable affectionate devotion, Dot repeats her wary refrain: “HE’S GOING TO EAT US ALL UP!” When Dot finds her new brother threatened, however, she’ll adopt some wolfish traits herself to save them both.

Ame Dyckman’s Wolfie the Bunny is a humorous picture book tale on the familiar topic of family relationships and new sibling dynamics. Wolfie’s adorable charm perfectly counterbalances Dot’s surly distrust, which admittedly has some justification; it is a rare story in which rabbits and wolves can both be good. This sweet story would make a lovely, lively read aloud. 

For another picture book celebrating the bonds of (interspecies) family, try Guji Guji by Chih-Yuan Chen.

Ages 2+