TRUCKS AT WORK

The Mixed-Up Truck, written and illustrated by Stephen Savage, tells the the story of a eager cement mixer's first day of on the job. All the other trucks are already working away at their respective tasks and the mixer just wants to know how it can help too. What seems like a simple enough instruction from the other vehicles ("Mix up some powdery white cement!") turns into a preposterous comedy of errors when our ambitious if unobservant protagonist doesn't read the signs and consequently blends a series of mistaken ingredients to entertaining effect. Will the mixed-up truck ever manage to get it right? 

The simple words are complimented by the bright and bold art, making this a perfect fit for toddlers through preschoolers, and will lay the groundwork for a riveting things-that-go or construction-themed storytime. This story also serves as an excellent introduction to print awareness, showing that words have meaning, as well as how important it is to notice the environmental print we see in the world all around us. 

To continue the truck-themed fun from Stephen Savage, be sure to check out the adventures of a snowplow who discovers his versatility in Supertruck. And, while the Central Library is closed for the duration of the renovation, please note that our branches will have expanded hours beginning Monday, September 12th. 

ZOMBIE JAMBOREE

A review from Mr. B.  of the Grandview Branch: 

Yes, ParaNorman was a movie first, and a DVD well worth checking out from the library. Kimmel has taken Chris Butler’s witty script and turned it into a free-standing, enjoyable comic-adventure horror novel. Seventh grader Norman Babcock (whose favorite movie is Dawn of the Dead) has the ability to communicate with dead souls, animal and human. This amazing talent makes him a prime object of Middle School bad jokes, pranks, and bullying.  But, it comes in handy as the 300^th anniversary of the local Witch Trial approaches, and the spirit of their local condemned witch (an innocent 10 year old girl) returns seeking vengeance. 

Adult fans of horror and comedy-horror (think Scooby Doo) will recognize the traditional elements: ghosts and Zombies both silly and terrifying; a ghostly visit to the trial 300 years ago; the slapstick between Norman and the ghosts; Norman’s classroom bully Alvin; Norman’s glued-to-her-cell phone older sister; Norman’s insistent, persistent, insult resistant over-weight friend Neil; Neil’s “Perfection-in-a-Towel“ older brother; and a host of adults who just don’t understand. Also present are the not very subtle but very well played themes of trust, friendship, tolerance, and acceptance, all in an easy to read, funny, riveting, and sometimes moving adventure package. Read the book; see the movie; share the fun.   ParaNorman by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel.   

Reading Level 4th-8th.

BIGGER THAN A BOOK

Ernest is a moose who just doesn't fit.  He's so big that he doesn't fit into his own book!  In Ernest, the Moose Who Doesn't Fit, author Catherine Raynor takes us on a journey to figure out how to get this gigantic moose into this average-sized book.  Through team work and determination, Ernest's little friend gets a big idea and the perfect solution appears.  Recommended for toddlers and pre-schoolers, this book is sure to delight and surprise readers of all ages.