A GIRL AND HER UNICORN

What would you do with one magical wish?
When Phoebe unexpectedly frees a vain unicorn entrapped by the beauty of her own reflection, the bright-eyed four grader is granted a single wish. After addressing the irony of having her initial requests for “infinity more wishes”, “infinity dollars,” or “superpowers” rejected as being “unrealistic” by a magical unicorn, Phoebe ultimately makes an impetuous wish that secures the magical unicorn as her best friend
Despite her narcissistic tendencies, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is clearly fond of her new obligatory human best friend. And Phoebe, though young, is nobody’s fool. Together the two share all the sort of adventures expected of a young girl and her imaginary friend (including sleepovers and magical hair braiding), with the added benefit of having other people acknowledge the magical friend’s existence.
Told through a series of witty comic strips, Phoebe and Her Unicorn is sure to appeal to fans of classic comic strips such as Peanuts, Calvin and Hobbes, and Garfield, as well as contemporary comic stories like Babymouse. With casual references to video blogging, popular cat video trends, texting, and smartphone use, Dana Simpson has created a charming modern day heroine for a new generation.
Grades 3+

SQUISH, THE SUPER AMOEBA IS HERE!

Squish is a science wiz who enjoys eating Twinkies and reading his comic-books.  When his teacher announces that a science exam is coming up, it becomes clear to Squish that not all of the students are prepared to take it.  Squish is likable and would be willing to help others prepare for the exam.  But his generosity is tested when a classmate insists that he should help (or else!).  What would you do if you were an amoeba named Squish?  

The is the first adventure of Squish: Super Amoeba by Jennifer and Matthew Holm.

WHERE ARE BAD KITTY'S PRESENTS?

It's Bad Kitty's birthday, and her owner wants to celebrate with an event to remember.  A number of cats, each with distinct personalities, bring a unique gift to the party.  Kitty goes with the flow and enjoys the party until she learns that someone has tampered with her birthday gifts.  That's when another side to Kitty comes out.  Will she behave as she tries to solve the mystery of her missing gifts? Readers are left to wonder if she's truly a bad kitty or one they'd want in their homes.  A fun read with adorable characters that will leave others wondering why you-the reader-is laughing out loud!  

Nick Bruel's second book, Happy Birthday Bad Kitty is filled with comical black and white illustrations which makes this series even more fun!  For Ages 8-10.

WANTED: PET HUMAN

Living out on the streets is never easy for a stray cat, but the nameless feline narrator of My Pet Human considers himself lucky to live such a carefree life. With an insider’s knowledge of the best hiding spots and food joints as well as plenty of domesticated, neighborhood critter friends, there’s little incentive for the tuxedo cat to find a pet human of his own. This is particularly the case when he’s already sure the perfect pet human doesn’t exist!

But when a new family moves into town, this street-wise cat is forced to reconsider his roaming ways. Suddenly he’s found someone to feed him lots of treats, give him back rubs, have boxes for him to play in, treat him gently, let him sleep in her lap, and possibly be a faithful companion. Could this little human girl be his perfect pet human?

Author-illustrator Yasmine Surovec is the creator of the Cat versus Human cartoon blog, and her first chapter book for younger readers features appealing comic style illustrations on every page. A cozy new series for pet lovers.

Grades 3+

A LIBRARY ADVENTURE TO REMEMBER

Luigi Lemoncello is an ink drinker!  He's loved everything about books and libraries for his whole life.  When he grows up to become a successful entrepreneur, he decides to give back to his community and builds a state of the art public library.  Before its grand opening, twelve students from the local elementary school are selected to take part in a library sleepover.  As part of their stay, they participate in a number of strategy games.  But when a grand prize is announced, they are each faced with the decision to try to win the grand prize individually or win as a team. 

With so many twists and turns, Chris Grabenstein's book is a wondrous read filled with so many treasures and unforgettable characters.  What would you do if you had to Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library? 

If you plan to check out Charlie and the Chocolate Factory then do take this along too.  You won't regret it!!  Also, our very own Central Library is undergoing a renovation.  There are still many adventurous things happening in the Children's Room and at our Branch locations. Pick up a Family Events brochure or click on the link glendalepubliclibrary.org for events.

"FIRST COMES LOVE, THEN COMES MARRIAGE"

...So begins The Case for Loving, a moving nonfiction picture book centered on the Loving v. Virginia supreme court case and the fight for interracial marriage. Only the year is 1958 and Richard Loving, a white man, and Mildred Jeter, part black and part Cherokee, live in the state of Virginia, where it was against the law for people of different races to marry. Though they must relocate to Washington, DC, in order to live together and raise their family, they keep fighting a lengthy legal battle to make sure families like theirs may be allowed to live in all fifty states by 1967.

Accompanied by the gentle yet evocotive paint-and-collage art by Sean Qualls and the book's author Selina Alko, Alko's text is powerful in its simplicity. It might be hard for young readers to imagine a time in America where interracial marriage could land people in jail, and this nonfiction picture book manages to deftly examine the historical injustice through the experience of one family in a straightforward, age-appropriate, and relatably poignant way.

An author's note, words about the art, sources, and suggestions for further reading are included so that parents or teachers might expand on the discussion, but this story of love, family, and standing up for what's right will resonate with young readers in its own right.

Recommend for 3rd grade and up.

TAKE A WALK IN THE WOODS... IF YOU DARE!

This retelling of the Brothers Grimm folktale Hansel & Gretel from Newbery-winner Neil Gaiman and illustrator Lorenzo Mattotti is not for the faint of heart, but should prove a spine-tingling treat to readers who crave spooky stories or like their folktales to maintain some of the original grit. The tone of the tale is as masterfully dark as the black-and-white artwork, appearing every few pages in a breathtaking spread. 

The bleakness of the setting and the desperation of the woodcutter are made palpable through story and pictures, and even readers already familiar with this tale of the siblings lost in the woods and their subsequent encounter with the old woman in the gingerbread house will be newly surprised by the details in this spare but affecting version. However, as grave as this telling can be, it also offers some hope and levity in its conclusion. Gaiman has also included an author's note on the origin and history of the Grimm folktale, which can make for some fascinating reading and may inspire further comparisons with other versions.


Best enjoyed by intrepid readers in grade 3 and up.

GRAPHIC NOVEL: HIDDEN

Late one night a young girl coaxes a long silenced memory from her grandmother’s childhood. Thus unravels the tale of Dounia, a young Jewish girl living in France, in a Holocaust story set amid the German occupation and French Resistance. Suddenly and inexplicably ostracized from her peers, Dounia endures ridicule at school, separation from her family and home, the rejection of her identity, and the uncertainty of ever again seeing her parents. 

Loic Dauvillier’s graphic novel Hidden: A Child's Story of the Holocaust is a story of injustice, fear, bewilderment, and cruelty. And yet it is also one of compassion, bravery, perseverance, and hope; through the determined efforts of French Resistance groups, many Jewish children like Dounia were clandestinely transported to relative safety. 

As a Holocaust story told to child from a child’s limited perspective the narrative is surprisingly gentle for its subject matter. The illustrations are appealing, if slightly cartoonish, and the text never overwhelms the page. 

An illuminating and worthwhile read for grades 3-6.

OPERATION BUNNY

Emily Vole starts her life in a little hat box abandoned in an airport. When the wealthy and childless Dashwoods see the baby Emily on the news, they decide to adopt her. But when Emily turns five, Daisy Dashwood becomes pregnant with triplets, and Emily is banished to the laundry room and expected to be the Dashwoods' maid and babysitter. 

Emily's life as a housekeeper is not fun, until she meets their quirky neighbor Miss String, who has a large talking cat and believes in magic. Soon, Emily finds herself inheriting a set of magic keys with legs that open a secret shop, and attracts the wrath of the evil witch Harpella, who is known to steal souls and turn people into pink bunnies.

Operation Bunny is the first book of the Wings & Co. series by Sally Gardner, with wonderfully zany illustrations by David Roberts. Emily Vole is one smart cookie of a character, and it was fun to read about her wild adventures. Of course, the pink bunnies were also a big part of the allure. We will be looking forward to Emily's new adventures.
For grades 3 and up.

MASON DIXON

Mason Dixon has completed third grade and is gearing up to start fourth grade.  However, his mother is already pressuring him to start thinking of all the extra curricula activities that he should get involved in, specifically singing.  The problem is that Mason has been traumatized so badly that singing for him would be like diving into a pool of dead frogs.  Unfortunately, the fact that he needs to remind his mother of the dreadful incident that took place couple of years ago is making him to feel even more traumatized.

Funny, cute and a charming easy chapter book, especially for boys. Mason Dixon: Fourth Grade Disasters by Claudia Mills.

Grades 3rd and up.  

THE SWEETEST SUPERHERO

Gabby Gomez loves the sweet, pink, chewy treat called bubble gum! After blowing an over-sized bubble early one morning, Gabby is smothered with sticky sweetness. Her mother naturally rescues her with a jar of peanut butter in hand, and the gum runs easily out of her hair. But before Gabby sets off for school, her mother tells that she is not allowed to chew gum any more.  With an upside-down smile, slumped shoulders, and hands deep in her pockets, Gabby trudges off to school. What she soon discovers is a piece of gum that changes her and her life.  

Read this first book about Gabby Gomez and her sweet adventure in Chews Your Destiny by Rhode Montijo, Illustrator of the Melvin Beederman series.

For ages 8 and older.

THE SINKING OF THE TITANIC, 1912

 

George Calder, a ten year boy travelling with his Aunt Daisy and younger sister Phoebe, is captivated by the Titanic's size and grandeur. George gets an opportunity to meet the ship's designer and its Captain and can't help but explore every inch of the grand ship on his own.  He soon learns from a fellow passenger that a treasure is kept within the baggage compartment and decides to venture off down below the deck. George's excitement soon turns to fear when he encounters a robber who wants to cause him great harm but an unexpected jolt occurs and an object injures the robber.  As George runs back to his quarters for safety he hears that the Titanic had hit an iceberg.  Will George and his loved ones survive?  

Lauren Tarshis does a wonderful job of blending the facts of one of the greatest events in maritime history with the story of a boy filled with hope and courage.  The facts presented at the end of I Survived: The Sinking of the Titanic, 1913,  will also captivate readers.  

For 8 years and older.

MRS. NOODLEKUGEL-- BABYSITTER FOR HIRE

 

Nick and Maxine are naturally curious about the little house next to their high-rise apartment building.  When they decide to pay a visit to the sweet lady next door, they discover that she has some lively characters living with her.  Nick and Maxine are surprised with the day's events but when they return home, their parents have an even bigger surprise for them. 
For more Mrs. Noodlekugel adventures, reserve a copy of Daniel Pinkwater's Mrs. Noodlekugel and Four Blind Mice today. 

For 3rd grade and older. 

WHAT THE WORLD EATS

This book is pact with appetizing pictures and fun facts about the different countries and their eating habits.  There are twenty-five families from twenty-one countries and each family is featured with a detailed description of their circumstances and their eating habits and the types of food that they prepare and put on their tables. The countries were picked arbitrary and the author has visited each country personally.  The subtle message is that we as people buy so much food that it is impossible to consume all, while there are are countries that do not have enough resources to even have one simple dinner on the table.  The book is pack with graphics and pictures that depict each family's country and family life.  Food is always a great subject to explore, however what is very neat about this book is that instead of checking out multiple books about the different countries eating habits, you can just read this book and your curious appetite will be satisfied.  What the World Eats by Peter Menzel and Faith D' Aluisio

For grades 3 and up.  

SUPER EMMA

When EllRay is constantly being bullied, Emma’s natural reaction is to jump in and defend him, however in this specific situation things don’t go the way that she had hoped for since EllRay being a boy ends up feeling embarrassed by the fact that a girl is defending him.  This whole situation blows out of proportion because their teacher gets involved as well as other classmates. There are many lessons to be learned from this book, Super Emma  by Sally Warner  and illustrated by Jamie Harper.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        For grades 3rd and up.                                                                                     

READING THE YEAR AWAY

The Year of the Book by Andrea Cheng is a sweet book about growing up and growing apart. Fourth grade has brought all kinds of changes for Anna. When her best friend, Laura, starts hanging out with a new group, Anna finds comfort and friendship in the books she finds at the library or her classroom.  Things aren't much better at home- Anna is struggling to learn Chinese at the language classes she has to attend and thinks her mom is embarrassing.

But, Anna finds that she needs more than books to truly make her happy. Throughout the year she finds friends in unexpected places and learns that maybe she hasn't been the greatest friend herself.  Sprinkled with whimsical illustrations and directions on how to sew a lunch bag  play tangrams, and fold a won ton, this is a great story for kids who know the power of a good book.

Grades 3 and up

MIND YOUR MANNERS!

 

Mother feels that one must have good table manners at all times. You never know when you might get a dinner invitation from the Queen. When young Maya receives a surprise invitation to the Queen's palace she gets to display her idea of acceptable table manners, and the Queen's guests are in  for quite a surprise.

MAYA MAKES A MESS by RUTU MODAN is an amusing graphic novel.  For 3rd grade and up.

CHAPTER BOOK CHAT: A BOOK CLUB FOR 3RD-5TH GRADERS

Join us twice a month at two locations for a book club designed just for the beginning chapter book readers.  Come and check out some fun and unusual stories which may be new to you.

This month we'll dive into the first of the Franny K. Stein: Mad Scientist series by Jim Benton.  We will begin reading the book at our first meeting and then discuss the book the second time we meet.   

Central, Children's Room:  1/15 & 1/29 at 4pm - 818-548-2035
Casa Verdugo: 1/16 & 1/30 at 4pm - 818-548-2047

THIS IS JUST TO SAY...

In life, we all have probably apologized to our loved once after hurting them with words or actions. However, how cool would it be if next time, we apologize with poems? I know this might sound too boring or too weird. But you know, after reading this great book about forgiveness and apology. I am starting to think that since evidently we all find ourselves asking for forgiveness, than why not do it in a unique way which will hopefully increase the chances of you being forgiven. The book is divided into two parts, one part is the apologetic poems, and the second part is the responses to these poems. It also has has tons of cute and hilarious illustrations. THIS IS JUST TO SAY: POEMS OF APOLOGY AND FORGIVENESS is by JOYCE SIDMAN and the illustrations are by PAMELA ZAGARENSKI.

For grades 3rd and up.

GALLOP GALLOP GALLOP!

If you have ever tried to make a paper airplane or made an attempt to fly a kite, than you should learn about the man who by observing birds, realized that objects could also fly as well... This man's name is Leonardo De Vinci and let's just say that he was one very cool man. He is also known for his other skills, such as painting, sculpting and drawing. But, you would be surprised to learn that with all his accomplishments, what bothered him the most was his inability to sculpt a huge horse out of bronze which was commissioned to him… He never did finish the sculpture and this haunted him even on his death bed... In the year 1977, a discovery was made...The rest, as they say is history, literally... LEONARDO'S HORSE by JEAN FRITZ is definitely what I would call a work of art!

For 3rd and up grades.