1, 2, and NOW 3!

Sara O'Leary's thoughtful story brings to light the many exciting changes that occur when a child turns three. The experience of discovery, conversation, socialization and wonder is packaged in this one picture book. "Three is a busy age.." and Karen Klassen captures the three year old's day by showing photographs of a diverse group of children in mixed media illustrations with beautiful hues of orange, blue, and green. 

For 2- 5 years.

ABZZZ.. IT'S MORE THAN JUST THE ALPHABET

Have you've been looking for the perfect alphabet story to read to a child right before nap or bedtime? Well here it is! Introducing... ABZzz...A Bedtime Alphabet.

As expected, this story starts with the letter A and ends with the letter Z. but in between the pages you'll see more than just the rest of the alphabet.  The book is loaded with questions for the reader and young child to consider.  It's absolutely fun, thought-provoking, and a great way to share some memories before heading off to dreamland.

Isabel Minhos Martins and Yara Kono's delightful story and illustrations make this an ABC favorite, along with Bill Martin Jr. and Lois Ehlert's Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.  

For PreK- 2nd grade.

IMAGINARY FRIENDS MEET THE REAL WORLD

Rudger is Amanda Shuffleup's imaginary friend. No one else can see him but her, and that's just fine by him--Amanda is the only one with enough imagination to dream him up in the first place. But when a suspiciously creepy man comes to the door one day asking Amanda's mum to take a survey, it appears he can see Rudger too, and that's when things begin to go amiss. He sees the man lurking everywhere, determined to get his hooks on Rudger. And then--worst of all--there is an accident that causes Amanda to be rushed to the hospital, and for the first time in his life, Rudger is all on his own. How will Rudger escape the nefarious grasp of the sinister man, and, perhaps more importantly, without a real person to imagine him, can an imaginary boy even exist? 

This fantasy by A.F. Harrold told from various points of view is at turns whimsical and downright spooky, and proves no one is too old to tap into their imaginations and let them run wild. Emily Gravett's striking illustrations--some in black-and-white and occaisionally in color--add just the right balance of eerieness and eccentricity. 

An exciting and offbeat read for 4th to 6th graders. 

A VIOLIN FOR ELVA

When Elva was a young girl, she heard beautiful music. Unfortunately, her parents couldn't hear what she had heard, so they are quick to deny her request for a violin.  Although downhearted, this doesn't stop Elva from listening to the music that played in her heart and soul.  As she gets older, she continues to listen to music on the radio to fill that special something that is missing her life. Elva finally decides that it's never too late to enjoy music, so she gives herself the gift that will last her a lifetime.

A lighthearted story about a young girl who grows into adulthood, and never lets go of something that meant most to her.  A story to warm the heart. A Violin for Elva by Mary Lyn Ray is for adults and children, K-3rd grade, to enjoy together.

DORY FANTASMAGORY

Dory, otherwise known as Rascal, is the baby of the family and boy, does she have an imagination! But try as she might, she cannot get her brother and sister to play with her. They think that she is such a baby because she sees all kinds of monsters everywhere, and has an imaginary monster friend to boot. To make her stop acting like such a baby, Dory’s siblings come up with an ingenious plan. They sit Dory down and tell her that the evil Mrs. Gobble Gracker who steals babies is after her, and she needs to stop acting like a baby in order to be safe. Now, Dory is on the run from Mrs. Gobble Gracker, and she has to come up with a plan to avoid being stolen.

Dory Fantasmagory is quite the page-turner with an adorable character who will make you laugh from to the last page. Third- and fourth- grade readers will love this short book for its great story and hilarious illustrations. 

JACOB'S NEW DRESS

Jacob loves to swing on the monkey bars, race toy cars, and play with dinosaurs. One of his favorite areas in the room is the dress-up corner, where he tries on different outfits.  He enjoys it so much that he requests to wear a similar outfit the next day. Although he is teased and bullied, his parents and teacher offer much support, love, and honor his curiosity and creativity. 

Sarah and Ian Hoffman offer a gentle story about a boy who wants to wear clothes outside the norm.  By doing so they thoughtfully address the topic of gender non-conformity in this picture book story. 

For families and educators to share with children Pre-K to 2nd grade.

DAYDREAM BELIEVER

Gabriella always seems to be in trouble for her daydreaming.  She daydreams and forgets to do chores and homework and pay attention in class.  She daydreams and forgets everyone and everything around her.  She forgets about her parent's divorce and the fact that she has no friends in her new neighborhood.  She forgets that she rarely sees her dad and that no one seems to understand her.  That is, until her new teacher takes a special interest in helping Gabriella harness her daydreams and explore what it means to have such a vivid imagination.  Maybe her dreams of being an author will take flight.


Join Gabriella in Nikki Grimes' novel in verse, Words with Wings for students in grades 4 and up.

GLOBAL CARDBOARD CHALLENGE 2013

Next Saturday, October 5, 2013, the Children's Room will participate in the Global Cardboard Challenge.  We want as many children from the community as possible to come and fire up their imagination.  Build whatever you'd like or just have plain old fun with cardboard.  

Glendale Public Library 
Central Branch 
222 East Harvard St. 
Glendale, CA 91205

Parking is free for 3 hours with validation in the parking structure across the street on Harvard.  

I NEED A KID'S OPINION!!!

So, I read a book recently called SUMMER AND BIRD by Katherine Catmull, and I have to say I am not so sure kids will like it. The Accelerated Reader program has given it a 5th grade reading level, and I would say there aren't many words that are too difficult. But there are parts to this book that just don't make sense. It talks about a great swan who used to lead all the birds to a special place every year, kind of like when birds fly south for the winter. But the great swan hasn't been around for 13 years because a man fell in love with her, and they had two girls - Summer and Bird. One day, the parents disappear and Summer and Bird go on this strange adventure to find them. I would like to hear if any 5th graders have read this book, or maybe get some 5th graders to read this book, to see if it makes sense or if some crazy person in the land of publishing made a mistake. Is this book really for kids? Let me know... For grades 5 and up?

APRIL 2013

CAN A DRAGON BE A GOOD FRIEND?

From Vivian, Children's Librarian at the Casa Verdugo Branch Library:

How To Be Friends with a Dragon by Valeri Gorbachev

A fun story about the many rules to follow when around a dragon.  Valeri Gorbachev’s illustrations are whimsical and the story is an absolute delight to share with young dragon fans with bright imaginations.  For ages 4 - 7.  

FUN WITH YOUR FACE

Katherine from the Pacific Park Branch enjoys reading this title to classes that visit the library:

Reluctant readers don’t stand a chance with Can You Make a Scary Face? by Jan Thomas. From four years old to 4^th graders, this book will have them standing, sitting down, dancing and making faces at the direction of a lady bug narrator. With the characteristic humor of Thomas, this short but sweet book makes storytimes and reading fun!

MAYTE AND THE BOGEYMAN/MAYTE Y EL CUCO

Mayte and Pepito are convinced that Don Aparicio, the grumpy ice cream seller, is really the bogeyman. Don Aparicio constantly complaints about badly behaved children who need to be taught a lesson. Mayte comes to believe that he is the Bogeyman (el Cuco) who kidnaps bad children and eats them or sells them at the market.

One day, Mayte and her best friend Pepito spy Don Aparicio carrying a bag with something strange inside. They follow him to the marketplace in hopes to rescuing the victim.
Beautifully illustrated in English and Spanish.
For readers Grades 1-2, Ages 6-7. Written by Ada Gonzalez, illustrated by Christina Rodriguez.

MAYTE AND THE BOGEYMAN/MAYTE Y EL CUCO

Mayte and Pepito are convinced that Don Aparicio, the grumpy ice cream seller, is really the bogeyman. Don Aparicio constantly complaints about badly behaved children who need to be taught a lesson. Mayte comes to believe that he is the Bogeyman (el Cuco) who kidnaps bad children and eats them or sells them at the market.

One day, Mayte and Pepito spy Don Aparicio carrying a bag with something strange inside. They follow him to the marketplace in hopes to rescuing the victim.
Beautifully illustrated in English and Spanish.
For readers Grades 1-2, ages 6-7.

Written by Ada Gonzalez, illustrated by Christina Rodriguez.

A TREE WORTH READING

THE DRAGON TREE by Jane Langton is not about dragons. This is the story about a family of free-thinkers, an evil tree inspector, and a girl kept captive in an attic. You would think that these things would have absolutely nothing to do with each other. But they are all brought together by a magical tree that grows foot by foot in a matter of minutes, with leaves that tell stories and fruit that feeds body and mind. It's a quick read for a chapter book, with a lot of excitement and some political activism thrown in for your reading pleasure. Plus, you get to learn a little bit about Henry David Thoreau. A great read for 4th grade and up.