BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY

13 year old Nate Foster is about to make it big. At least, he hopes so. Otherwise, stealing his brother’s fake id and running away to New York City to audition for the Broadway musical version of E.T. will have all been in vain. His only hope of not getting grounded for the rest of his life and having to return to his horrible small town existence as bully bait is to be cast as the lead role. Armed with passion, charisma, wit, and a little bit of naïveté, Nate sets out to conquer New York City and take Broadway by storm.

Better Nate Than Ever by Broadway choreographer Tim Federle is a hilarious story about a kid who will stop at nothing to realize his dreams. It’s a bumpy jouney, but Nate learns a lot about himself along the way. This book will have you howling with laughter and tapping your toes to show tunes as Nate finds himself swept into the crush of the big city, freeloading chips and salsa from every restaurant in Times Square and desperately searching for a place to charge his ancient Nokia phone. It’s a great read for anyone who has ever had a dream and maybe enough courage to chase it.

Grades 5 and up

FUN PICTURE BOOKS FOR ALL

Every so often, some great picture books will get published.  What make them great is the combination of the story and the illustration.  Here are some of my recent favorites.  Enjoy. 

Mustache written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Kevin Connell is HILARIOUS!  It's about one vain king and a town filled with people out to make him look silly by drawing mustaches on every single one of his images.  A book that will have everyone laughing and poring over each page of artwork.  

A cat and a bird are not suppose to be friends but when Tom finds a lost baby bird, he can't find it in himself to torment it, so he protects and cares for the poor little thing  just like a mother bird would.  Tom's Tweet by Jill Esbaum and illustrated by Dan Santat make for a fun read with the family.

Dog In Charge by K.L. Going and illustrated by Dan Santat has poor dog in charge of five cats who do whatever they want in the house while the people are away.  Dog is exhausted by having to constantly reign in, clean up and keep an eye on all the cats.  Great illustrations by Santat and a hilarious romp through the house reminiscent of aTom and Jerry cartoon.  

ARCHIE AND HIS UNBELIEVABLE DAYS

Archie must be absolutely exhausted because everyday is an unusual day, full of misunderstandings and strange events,  for him;  Pianos roll down a hill past him, people are stuck in cars, and everyone in such a panic that they won't stop to listen to him.  This happens each and every day and of course his mother never believes him and is exasperated with him since he never comes home with the item that she asked him to go fetch.  Poor, poor, Archie.  

I Don't Believe It, Archie!  by Andrew Norriss is a hilarious campy  read for beginning chapter book readers in 3rd - 4th grades. 

NOT TIRED OF ALL THINGS PRESIDENTIAL, YET? THEN READ THESE.

Here are three ridiculous election stories for your reading pleasure in anticipation of November 5th:  

In Bad Kitty for President by Nick Bruel, Bad Kitty runs for president of the neighborhood cat association. For readers in 2nd-4th. 

Fake Mustache: Or  the story of “How Jodie O'Rodeo and Her Wonder Horse (and Some Nerdy Kid) Saved the U.S. Presidential Election from a Mad Genius Criminal Mastermind by Tom Angleberger is so absurd. A kid super villain plots to take over the United States just by sticking a fake mustache on his face.  

How Not to Run For President by Catherine Clark, takes you on the campaign trail with an unlikely clarinet hero.  for readers in 6th - 8th.

MOM IS A ZOMBIE… NOW WHAT?

From Jennifer at the Montrose Branch Library:

Zombie Mommy (Pals in Peril Tale) by M.T. Anderson 

Now that Lily is showing up in books (as a character), her mom is worried. Why do all the moms get killed? Is her own life in danger? After reading an about the “Undead Capitol of the U.S.,” Lily’s mom decides she’d be safer there. At least for a few days. What she doesn’t realize is that the “capitol,” Todburg, is actually home to vampires, zombies, and ghosts. Lily is relieved when her mom returns home. But her mom is acting strange, no— possessed. 

Lily and her friends go to Todburg to find out where Lily’s “real mom” is. Things don’t go according to plan. In a comedic turn of events, however, an Adirondack tarantula becomes the story’s heroine. The fifth book in Anderson’s “Pals in Peril Tale” series, this book delivers. While the writing isn’t perfect, there’s enough humor and adventure to keep kids eagerly turning pages.

A funny, fast-paced adventure. For grades 4-6.

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.

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.

PIZZA OR FISH GUTS

CAMILLE MCPHEE FELL UNDER THE BUS... by Kristen Tracy is a good book and a surprising book, but never a dull book. Camille is in fourth grade. She knows life is not fair. But she just didn't realize how unfair life could be! Falling under the bus is only one of the many unfair things that happen - some of them funny, some of them sad. She tries being a Dingo about it...until she realizes Dingoes aren't as tough as she thought. In the end, she realizes it's not about dwelling in the unfairness, but how you move past it. This book will remind some readers of Beverly Cleary. For 4th - 6th grades.

NERDS OF THE WORLD UNITE!

It's amazing these kids get along! In THE VIEW FROM SATURDAY by E.L. Konigsburg, Noah, Ethan, Nadia, and Julian have nothing in common, except that they are all loners for one reason or another. They are as different as North, South, East, and West. Things change one Saturday when Julian, a small boy originally from India, invites them all to tea. It's not long before the four form firm friendships, which only become stronger when their teacher Ms. Olsinki, who's in a wheelchair, chooses them to compete in the Academic Bowl. This story isn't like other stories, because it jumps from one person's point of view to another, and each one sees the things happening in their lives differently. Great for 5th - 8th graders.

ANIMALS THAT TALK, PART 2

We met the kind and gentle Penhaligon Brush two years ago, when he just learned he was part wolf-part fox, and spent most of the story saving his loved ones from the dungeon of Ferball Manor. Now in its sequel, THE CURSE OF THE ROMANY WOLVES, S. Jones Rogan has Penhaligon on yet another adventure - that of finding a cure for "febra lupi (wolf fever)" that is infecting all the young ones in the village. But not only does the cure surface, but some other fascinating pieces of Penhaligon's past emerge. For 3rd grade and up.

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.

EEK-TASTIC!

Who is Samuel? Is he a child? Is he a Frenchman? Is he a thief? Citizens of MacOongafoondsen want to know! When a ship washes up near this small town of 21 people, many questions arise, such as why don't the people of MacOongafoondsen know how to swim and why does the bailiff have a dead sparrow on his hat? MONSIEUR EEK by David Ives is a silly yet philosophical story about perception with a clear message woven into this short but sweet tale. For grades 4 and up.

LOIS LOWRY STRIKES AGAIN!

I am beginning to think that Lois Lowry can write about anything. Author of award winning books like Number the Stars and The Giver, not to mention the Anastasia Krupnik series among other greats, she's managed to pen a fabulous story for the "dark comedy" genre that will remind you of Roald Dahl and Lemony Snicket! THE WILLOUGHBYS is an atypical story about a miserable family with misearble parents who decide they don't like their kids anymore, hire a nanny and leave town. The oldest boy is the bossiest kid you'll ever meet, the twins have the exact same name but alternate days they can wear the one sweater they own, and the only girl is really the smartest but is too shy to say anything. Down the street lives a miserable candy bar inventor who lost his family. But the two families intertwine in very strange ways, and make for a delightful tale. For grades 4 and up.

THESE ARE THE DAYS OF OUR TOYS LIVES...

Lumphy, Stingray and Plastic are back again with their toy friends for new adventures. They meet a shark friend, made of rubber, that they stuff with garbage before they realize he's a nice shark. They escape out the window into a big drift of snow as they try to hunt for the little girl that loves them. But the best story yet is when they go to the basement for a dance party to celebrate the repair of their friend the dryer! TOY DANCE PARTY by Emily Jenkins is the sequel to Toys Go Out, and is just as entertaining. The hilarious actions of these toys bring them to life and give each one some very human characteristics. Good for 2nd - 5th grade readers.

A CAT'S LIFE IN EAST L.A.

Chato is a hungry “low-riding” cat from East Los Angeles, whose new neighbors are a family of tasty mice. At first, the mice are afraid of Chato, but he pretends to be friendly and invites the family to dinner. Chato and his equally hungry friend Novio Boy are delighted that so many mice are coming to be their dinner and they prepare a huge fancy feast to accompany the main course. Both cats are very surprised at the mice family's special guest! CHATO'S KITCHEN by Gary Soto does a wonderful job of integrating the multilingual heritage of Chato and the other characters throughout the book. Especially helpful is the glossary at the front of the book, explaining certain Spanish words that appear at various times in the book, and also describes some of the food Chato and Novio Boy prepare for the feast. A great story for 2nd - 4th grades .

DO YOU SPEAK DOG?

Who knew dogs had a language all to themselves? Not only that, in this book JACK AND REBEL, THE POLICE DOG by Jack (as told to Patricia Finney), dogs drive cars and solve crimes! Of course, this is all by accident, according to Jack the dog, but his "petapes" don't know any better. While his packleaders are out of town, Jack must mind the packleader "puppies" and the new, friendly smelling relative of the packleader. The relative loves to go for "walkies," and many adventures occur while the packleaders are away. There are a few cats that have a few things to say along the way, but Jack is the hero of the day! A great chapter book for 3rd through 6th grade.

BE A HOT FUDGE HERO!

In this beginning chapter book, the main character is very determined. HOT FUDGE HERO by Pat Brisson, Bertie learns many life lessons from experiences he has in every day life. The book is divided into three stories. The first story, “Bertie and Mr. Muckleberg,” transforms a mean old neighbor and his mean old pets into new friends. In “Sax Magic,” Bertie’s fairy godfather Stan gives him a magic hat that helps Bertie play the saxophone like a pro as long as he keeps practicing. It turns out to be a lucky day for Bertie in “Turkey Day.” Even though Bertie doesn’t get to bowl with his favorite bowling ball, he still gets a strike. For 2nd-4th grades.

A DOG'S CRAZY LIFE

You'll probably never meet a dog this crazy, or maybe you own a dog who does some of the things that Marley, a huge yellow Labrador Retriever does. He chews through walls, runs away from home, rips pillows into tiny pieces! What a mess! But he is also one of the most loyal, loving dogs you'll ever hear about. Make sure you pick up MARLEY: A DOG LIKE NO OTHER by John Grogan. It's a non-fiction book, which means that all the things that Marley does REALLY HAPPENED! For 5th grade and older.

ANASTASIA, NOT THE PRINCESS

Anastasia Krupnik is a very grown-up ten-year-old. She fancies herself to be a great poet, until her teacher gives her an "F" on one of her poems. Her best friend is her grandmother, and she is very big on keeping things organized, so she has a lot of lists. But a lot of things happen to Anastasia that make her question what she really knows about being ten and the world around her. Every day has a new lesson to learn about love, life and family. This chapter book is great for 4th grade and up.

ANIMALS THAT TALK

THE DARING ADVENTURES OF PENHALIGON BRUSH by Sally Jones Rogan.

Penhaligon Brush, a distinguished fox,was orphaned at birth and never knew what happened to his parents. He was raised by a local apothecary who trained Penhaligon to be a strong natural healer. But Penhaligon is bored with his sleepy little town. Until one day his adopted brother sends him a strange note inviting him to his home a few towns away. When Penhaligon arrives, nothing is as it should be, and his brother is MISSING! An exciting adventure begins, with Penhaligon learning a few life lessons along the way. Definitely for kids just starting to read chapter books. 2nd grade and up.