LOOK BEHIND YOU

Determined to prove there is life on the red planet a young astronaut lands on Mars.  He carries with him a gift, wrapped with a red ribbon, to give to the aliens he is certain he will meet.

Alone, the young astronaut wanders the barren landscape.  The cold, silent darkness seems to stretch on forever in all directions as the astronaut climbs up and down the rocky terrain. 

Author-illustrator Jon Agee makes great use of color, using primarily black, gray, brown and red to help us feel a sense of emptiness in the landscape and to allow us to see what our young astronaut misses, a large friendly red-pink alien following behind him seemingly confused by the astronaut's presence. 

As the young astronaut’s excitement and certainty fade, making way for sadness and despair, he leaves his gift behind and continues his trek, soon discovering that he is lost. 

As he walks on in search of his space craft he is amazed to discover a flower growing among the rocks and decides that his trip was not a total waste.  As he crests another hill he finds his spacecraft along with the gift he discarded earlier. 

Aboard his ship, making the long journey home to Earth, he decides he deserves a treat for his hard work and discovery.  He opens the gift he had brought with him and discovers that the chocolate cupcake had been eaten.…

Get swept away with your little one in Life on Mars, perfect for children in preschool through third grade.

ONE SPECIAL DAY

Spencer is everything you expect a young boy to be. He is strong and fast, tall and loud, funny and wild, messy and free.  Then, one special day, Spencer becomes something more.  He is quiet and gentle as, for the first time ever, Spencer is a big brother.  Told through simple words and expressive art One Special Day, written by Lola M. Schaefer and illustrated by Jessica Meserve, is an ideal story for families expecting a second sibling.

This book is perfect for children 2 – 5 years old. 

ALL WE KNOW

All We Know by Linda Ashman is a beautiful book about a mother who shares information about the world with her child. It's a lovely poem in rhyme, exploring feelings, nature and discovery. The text is accompanied by simple, soft and realistic watercolor illustrations by Jane Dyer.

This is a great read-aloud for preschoolers.

DANCE! DANCE! DANCE!

Dance the morning away with us in the Children's Room.  Monday, June 15 at 10:30 a.m.. Wave those scarves in the air all you preschoolers!  

Children's Room 
818548-2035 

2014 PICTURE BOOK ROUND UP- CALDECOTT 2015?

The Huffington Post's contributor and Early Childhood policy analyst Minh Le compiled a list of what he considered some of the best picture books of 2014. After reviewing many of these, I thought I would share some of my favorites.

Considered by Le to be the "Best Overall" picture book of 2014, THE ADVENTURES OF BEEKLE: THE UNIMAGINARY FRIEND, written and illustrated by Dan Santat, is a cute story about an imaginary creature just waiting to make his first human friend. Tired of waiting around, his adventures begin when he sets out on a quest to find the perfect child for him. The illustrations are vibrant and charming, and the story will capture any kid's attention even if they don't have an imaginary friend of their own - but I bet they'll want one after reading this!

While Le did not rank this next title as the "Best Dark/Mysterious" picture book, it was listed as an honorable mention and is FANTASTICALLY GORGEOUS. A wordless story, the images in FOX'S GARDEN by Princesse Camcam are a mix of pen and ink drawing placed in three dimensional scenes of cut-outs will draw the eyes of many a curious reader as they attempt to unravel the story of a fox looking for a place to have her babies. An absolutely beautiful book!

Le and I are in agreement when it comes to the "Most fun/Silliest" story of 2014 - CHURCHILL'S TALE OF TAILS by Anca Sandu. This poor pig loses his beloved curlicue tail, and tries a number of other tails from meager mouse tails to splendid peacock tails as a substitute. Trying all the different tails transforms Churchill, and his friend's just don't recognize him anymore. Eventually he finds his own tail and re-finds his friendships, so all's well that ends well in this tale.

I love, love, LOVE Le's pick for "Most Touching/Heartwarming," as it sheds light on the sad truth about zoos. I KNOW A BEAR by Mariana Ruiz Johnson has a little girl tell all about a bear she's met who's told her about a "land of bears" that is full of wonderful things that bears love, and the little girl is sad the bear doesn't live there any more. She does what she can to listen to the bear, and even has her own revelation about the importance of freedom.

My honorable mentions would include THANK YOU OCTOPUS by Darren Farrell and DON'T PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD by Bob Shea (two very funny stories), as well as the adventure SAM AND DAVE DIG A HOLE by Mac Barnett (illustrated by Jon Klassen), and THE ACROBAT by Alborozo.

DECEMBER 2014

DON'T FORGET

THE PRESCHOOL DANCE PARTY 
All toddlers, come dance and sing along with us Monday morning at 10:30 a.m. on September 8^th next door at the Adult Recreation Center instead of the library auditorium.  

Wave some scarves, ring some bells, jump around to some great music.  

BROTHERS!

From Vivian the children's librarian at the Casa Verdugo Branch Library:

 Big Little Brother by Kevin Kling

An older brother gets what he wants.. a younger sibling.  Over time, baby grows bigger and taller and is mistaken to be the older sibling.  An unwelcome idea at first but big brother soon has a change of heart after he’s bullied in school, and his younger brother’s mere presence helps to solve the issue.  A wonderful story to share!

WOULD YOU HUG A PORCUPINE?

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

Hugs from Pearl by Paul Schmid


Pearl possesses such sweet qualities—she plays fair, she likes to share, and she loves to give hugs.  Her classmates like to receive her hugs but they can be a touch painful due to her quills.  Pearl is downhearted when she learns that her friends were injured upon contact, so she takes a proactive approach and finds a way to make things better for her and for those who can’t resist her hugs.  This story is great to share at home or during a storytime!

THE ALPHABET IS ALL AROUND

From Jennifer at the Montrose Branch Library: If Rocks Could Sing: A Discovered Alphabet by Leslie McGuirk

In this picture book, McGuirk uses found rocks to introduce the alphabet. By combining art, nature, and humor, she’s created a stand-out offering in the flooded alphabet book market. “C is for couch potato,” for example, will surprise readers with its realistic imagery. Both children and parents will want to read and re-read this title. Kids will soon be pointing out letters, real and imagined. A fun, unique alphabet read. For preschool.