PINOCCHIO AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN HIM BEFORE

You may think you know the story of Pinocchio, but you've never experienced it quite like this. Retold in lively words by Kate McMullan and a mix of exciting illustrations and graphic panels by Pascal Lemaitre, this abridged version of Carlo Collodi's classic makes a fun introduction to the original tale. If you only know the Disney version, you don't know the half of it. Did you you Pinocchio's origin story starts even before Geppetto with a carpenter named Mr. Cherry? Or about the dog named Wingfoot that saves Pinocchio from becoming a monstrous fisherman's dinner? And that's just for starters. 

The original tale is certainly much more dark and offbeat than the comparatively cheery Disney version, and this retelling pulls no punches, which makes it a similarly eccentric and dreary read for fans of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unforntunate Events. As an accessible retelling, it will also make a good choice for young readers not yet ready for the more formidable classic version. 

For adventurous readers in grades 3 and up. 

REVENGE IS A DISH BEST SERVED COLD... WITH SPRINKLES!

Chomp of the Meat-Eating Vegetables, the fourth Notebook of Doom book by Troy Cummings, takes the series' trademark wacky monster-hunting shenanigans to new heights. At first it feels like a dream come true when the school cafeteria starts serving delicious desserts for lunch instead of gross healthy meals--after all, what could possibly be wrong with replacing re-re-re-fried beans with an ice cream sundae bar? But Alexander Bopp, and his friends Nikki and Rip, who together make up the S.S.M.P. (Super Secret Monster Patrol), are always on the hunt for new monsters lurking in the shadows of their town, and though they hate to admit it, the S.S.M.P. begins to find something fishy about the new chef and his aversion to cooking vegetables. But the mysteries don't end there: what is that weird onion-y smell, why is the school so freezing cold all the time, and what's the deal with the new school nurse, Nurse Brock? 

Though the cover itself hints at the reveal of some of these mysteries within, the fast-paced adventure will keep readers turning the pages to find out how our heroes can stop the titular villains from bringing their evil plans to fruition, while the zany humor will leave them in stitches. 

This installment in the series can work as a fun stand-alone read, but the exciting text, madcap humor, and dynamic illustrations make the whole series an especially good pick for reluctant readers in the 3rd and 4th grades. 

A FELINE RAMPAGE

All Hissy Fitz wants is a nap. Food, fresh water, and gentle scratches between his ears and cheeks are also appreciated, but secondary to the all-important nap. Tormented by a boisterous toddler, and kept frustratingly awake by his own clueless human girl, this snarky, sleep-deprived British Shorthair cat is on a feline rampage as he furiously stalks from home to town, searching for a coveted quiet spot. But humans, as Hissy notes, are a noisy bunch with their roaring cars, pounding hammers, slamming doors, rambling voices, and piercing shouts. No sooner does Hissy settle in for a snooze than another (noisy) interruption jolts him awake. 

As the day drags on, there is no respite for the increasingly frazzled Hissy, who lapses into humorous melodrama and begins courting trouble. No hungry raccoon, straggling cat, cooing child, or stinky shoe is safe from his rage. All this culminates in a curious, and frankly ridiculous, nighttime neighborhood kitty soccer match coordinated by Hissy’s friend, a long-haired cat named Igloo. Will Hissy never have his sleep? 

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a temperamental pet, Hissy Fitz by Patrick Jennings, offers snarky insight. It’s an amusing beginning chapter book read for fans of Nick Bruel’s Bad Kitty series and the Internet sensation Grumpy Cat. 

For grades  2- 4.

NELLY GNU AND DADDY TOO

Anna Dewdney has done it again with Nelly Gnu and Daddy Too. This is a charming book that parents can enjoy reading with their children, especially on Father’s Day.  The story is written with rhymes and has beautiful colorful illustrations. Children are introduced to creativity and can learn about measurements, picking colors, painting, decorating and much more.

Nelly is excited to spend some quality time with her father. Nelly loves her father very much and both of them decide to make a playhouse for her from a large box. Both draw out the measurements and paint some bright flowers on the front of the house.

For Ages 4-6 

SECRET ORIGIN STORIES

By age 15 Jimmy Gownley had already written, illustrated, and self-published his first comic book. The Dumbest Idea Ever is the memoir and secret origin story of a real-life comic book artist who grew up in a small Pennsylvania town. It’s the tale of a lost championship game, chickenpox, pneumonia, friendships, first love, a sudden shift from straight-A student and star athlete to “the kid who used to be special,” and the “dumbest idea ever” that ultimately changed his life. 

Focusing on the author’s life between the ages of 13-15, the graphic novel captures the often difficult transition from middle to high school. The book is dedicated in part to Jimmy’s late friend Tony, who played a significant role in encouraging and inspiring him to write from personal experience. 

Jimmy Gownley’s heartwarming story is a welcome addition to the middle grade graphic novel memoir genre, lately popularized by Raina Telgemeier’s bestseller Smile. For another read alike, try Cece Bell’s El Deafo, which chronicles the author’s early to tween years after a childhood disease leaves her profoundly deaf. 

For grades 4 and up.

THE MAGNIFICENT LIZZIE BROWN AND THE MYSTERIOUS PHANTOM

Lizzie Brown definitely did not see this coming. Lizzie’s life at the Rat’s Castle slums had become unbearable, especially after the passing of her mother and brother.  Lizzie needed to escape her no-good father and leave her stealing ways behind.  Well she finally gets the chance to escape, though not too far, as she finds herself amused by Fitzy’s Traveling Circus in Victorian London and joins the circus and befriending their children.

Lizzie’s excitement was great since she was able to find a job assisting the various performers and it was not until her last job that she stumbled upon her powerful gift.  In the midst of all the changes, London was faced with the recent robberies committed by the Phantom.  It was now up to Lizzie to unveil the true Phantom and help the London citizens.

Read The Magnificent Lizzie Brown and the Mysterious Phantom by Vicki Lockwood and help the Penny Gaff Gang uncover the true identity of the culprit. This book is filled with spirited and strong characters and shrouded in Victorian history and mystery.

For grades 5 and up

A FAMILY OF MALES

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy

2 dads, 4 brothers (different ages, different cultures), 1 grumpy new neighbor, 1 imaginary friend (maybe), many pets, a new school, a broken body part, etc .  You get the idea.  

This is a year in the life of the Family Fletcher.  

Sam - 12 years old athlete loves soccer and musical theater. 
Eli - 10 years old intellectual who thinks he's made the wrong choice. 
Jax - 12 years old with a project he keeps putting off.  
Frog - kindergartener with an imaginary friend or two?  

You'll laugh.  
You'll cry.  
You'll cheer. 
You'll empathize.  

For 6th grades and up.  

  

NO PLAY DAY THIS MORNING

THERE WILL BE NO PLAY DAY PROGRAM THIS MORNING, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2015 DUE TO THE HIGH TEMPERATURE IN THE BUILDING.   WE ARE SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE.  PLEASE CALL US REGARDING TUESDAY'S CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS AT 818-548-2035 TOMORROW MORNING.

OUR OTHER BRANCHES, CASA VERDUGO AND LIBRARY CONNECTION @ ADAMS SQUARE WILL BE OPEN AT 10AM TODAY FOR YOUR LIBRARY NEEDS. 

WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE, 
THE CHILDREN'S ROOM 

WE ARE CLOSED TODAY

The Library will be closed today, Sunday, September 13, 2015 due to the high temperature in the building.  We are sorry for the inconvenience.  Please check back with us tomorrow morning. 

A NEW FAR OUT GRAPHIC SERIES...UMMM... NEW COMIC BOOKS

A new contender to enter the chaotic foray of graphic novels is a series of amazing fractured fairy tales by many different authors and illustrators.  

Red Riding Hood, Superhero:  a Graphic Novel by Otis Frampton

When Red Riding Hood (RRH) visited Area 54 some years ago, a very frightened alien threw his magical red cape at her giving the young girl extraordinary powers such as laser-ray vision and super strength. In this action-packed version, Grandma is no helpless elderly lady but the president of the United States, RRH is empowered, her mom is still clueless and our canine villain, Professor Grimm,built himself a giant wolf robot in order to kidnap the president while trying to also rid himself of the awesome superhero. This fractured tale is has a great layout and fantastic illustrations.  

Reviewed by Cecile 

In Ninja-rella by Joey Comeau and illustrated by Omar Lozano, the expected path for the trod-upon title orphan gets turned on its head. Her stepmother and stepsisters are still evil and self-serving, but instead of having starry-eyed aspirations of marrying the prince, Ninja-rella dreams of protecting him with her fierce ninja skills. And when her fairy godninja sends her to the royal ball with a special glass katana sword, she finally gets her chance. But when she must flee at midnight, she leaves the glass sword behind--the only clue by which the prince might find his new royal bodyguard. This twist on the classic fairy tale Cinderella, is a empowering and action-packed story, sure to make readers cheer for the katana-wielding heroine.

Reviewed by Meghan

Super Billy Goats Gruff: a Graphic Novel by Sean Tulien; illustrated by Fernando Cano

In a retelling of The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Sean Tulien, two squabbling billy goats and their mediating brother embark on an unexpected journey when they consume three mysterious mushrooms en route to their favorite grassy hillside. Unbeknownst to the hungry goats, these curiously pixelated, Minecraft-styled mushrooms endow super powers, transforming them into the Ninja-Goat, Wizard-Goat, and Warrior-Goat. Transported to a grim landscape where a dark castle awaits them, the new Super Billy Goats Gruff must battle their way through a trove of video gaming references, including giant directional arrows, diverging paths, mysterious doors, magical monsters, boss fights, and power ups. It’s a wacky, action-packed, fractured fairy tale, graphic novel, multiplayer video game kind of adventure, where the winner is crowned the fattest goat of all time.
Reviewed by Sherry

Also check out Snow White and the Seven Robots where everyone in Techworld is green skinned except for Snow White, who with her white skin, red lips, black hair and seven additional virtues is the smartest of of them all for which she has been exiled to another world far from the ruling queen.

Each entry in the Far Out Fairy Tales graphic novel series include some excellent backmatter to communicate information in a highly entertaining way, including an explanation of the origins of the tale, a quick rundown of the twists seen in this version, a glossary, and a set of “visual questions” meant to show story comprehension and analysis in the graphic format.

Any one of these tales will make lively and engaging reads for kids in 3rd grade and up.

INTRODUCING BUNJITSU BUNNY

In a series of thirteen vignettes, Isabel, nicknamed Bunjitsu Bunny, proves her mastery. The animated young rabbit, though expertly trained and admirably skilled, accomplishes this not by kicking higher, hitting harder, or throwing further than others, but rather by exploring alternatives to expected solutions. Whether she is confronting monsters in her dreams, helping a friend redefine his abilities and self-perception, or schooling pirates, Isabel approaches each challenge with indomitable spirit.

Though there’s a lesson to be learned with every tale, the tone strikes a perfect balance to avoid seeming overly moralistic. Bold black and white illustrations on every page lend themselves well, deftly capturing the movement and spirit of each character. John Himmelman’s Tales of a Bunjitsu Bunny is a celebration of humor, wisdom, kindness, and creative thinking. A second book, Bunjitsu Bunny's Best Move, is set to be published October 2015.

For grades 1 and up.

FAMILY TIES

Eleven-year-old Jaden lives with his loving adoptive parents and has everything he needs, but he is still not very happy. He feels betrayed by his biological parents who gave him up, and constantly feels like his adoptive parents are disappointed in him. The only thing he really cares about is electricity, which he did not have in the Romanian orphanage where he was raised. Now, his adoptive parents are taking him to Kazakhstan to adopt a baby brother for him, and Jaden is as usual not very happy. When they get to Kazakhstan, Jaden and his parents encounter many challenges, but there are also surprising silver linings. And what Jaden does not expect to find is a friend, and a kid he won't mind calling his brother.

Half a World Away is a book that deals with international adoption, which is a tough but fascinating topic. It is a realistic fiction novel that's smart and easy to read, and provides great insight about what it is to be a family.


For grades 5 and up.

PROGRAMS STARTS TODAY

Storytimes and all our programs will begin Tuesday, September 8, 2015.  

MONDAYS, 10-12- PLAY DAY: A PLAYTIME FOR KIDS 5 AND YOUNGER.  
TUESDAYS, 10-12- TODDLER CRAFT: AN INDEPENDENT GLUE & COLOR TIME
WEDSNEDSAYS, 10:30- PUPPY TALES AND PLAYTIME UNTIL 12
THURSDAYS, 10:30 - MOTHERGOOSE AND ME: A BABY STORYTIME
FRIDAYS, CLOSED 

WE WILL BE CLOSED...

FRIDAY,  SEPTEMBER 4 - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2015. 

SEE YOU TUESDAY.  

HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND! 

MURDER IN SPACE

Imagine being one of the first humans to live on the moon. Pretty cool, right?  When Dashiell Gibson and his family were invited to live on Moon Base Alpha, they were promised a once in a  lifetime experience. Upon his arrival, Dash realized that the place was not at all what they were promised. He wished he and his family had stayed in Hawaii instead. His parents, both scientists, spent most of their days working, which left all the kids to find things to do on their own. With limited space, activities, and terrible food, Dash became very bored with his new living situation. 

One night, Dash heard the top scientist, Dr. Holtz, talking to someone about making a big announcement the next day. However, by morning he was discovered dead. They announced his death as an accident but Dash, having heard Dr. Holtz the previous night, believed it was a murder and he wasn't the only person to believe this. Will Dash find the murderer amongst them? 

Space Case by Stuart Gibbs is the first book of the Moon Base Alpha series is especially good for readers interested in learning about space and space travel. This book is recommended for grades 4-8.