MAGIC IN THE LIBRARY

Join us in the Children's Room on Saturday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m. for a special magic show presented by Tony Daniels, magician extraordinaire. This is a free program and best for children ages 4 and older and their families. This is not to be missed!

ONE GIRL'S EUROPEAN VACATION

Four Things My Geeky-Jock-of-a-Best-Friend Must Do in Europe
by Jane Harrington

My mother is really looking forward to this European vacation. She says it will be a perfect bonding experience for us. My best friend Delia thinks I need to experience life. So…. She wrote a list all over my hand and up my wrist in PERMANENT MARKER so that EVERYONE can read it.

1. Write real letters to your best friend every day, describing thrilling adventures (uh...um...)
2. Wear the bikini… (under my T-shirt)
3. In Public (does inside my ship cabin count?)
4. Meet a code-red Euro-hottie ((me?!?!)

Nothing exciting ever happens to me.

A story for middle schoolers who love to read other people’s journals and travel.

BEDS AND BEYOND

Since this book is about what you never knew about beds, bathrooms and pajamas, I can not really give out too much information. However, I can promise you that you will learn a lot about these three things that we use daily in our lives. But imagine sleeping with a headrest instead of a pillow, and not just a regular headrest but the once that are carved out of a wood. Well. that is how Egyptians slept. No one knows why they did this but apparently a headrest may have been cooler than a pillow on a hot night. BEDS, BEDROOMS, & PAJAMAS: WHAT YOU NEVER KNEW BY PATRICIA lAUBER and the illustrations by JOHN MANDERS is not to miss.

For grades 3rd and up.

SUMMER FUN

Only four more days until the fun starts. Come into any of the Glendale Public Library's location and sign up. You will get your very special summer reading book bag, a book log and few other goodies and then it is up to you to start reading. Read eight books, enter their titles in your book log and when you finish number eight, come back to the Library to receive your prize. Everyone who reads eight books will get to choose a prize book to take home and keep plus a couple of other prizes.

A MESSAGE FROM HOGWARTS

This is for all the anxious Harry fans who just can't wait.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Bloglines is a service that helps readers manage all the blogs that they are reading. It's free and easy to use and let's you know when your favorite blog has a new posting. Sign-up with your email address, choose a password and you are good to go. If desired it is possible to add their notifier to your tool bar so that you are always up-to-date with your reading!

SECRETS AND LIES

Go ahead and spy on this book and it will be alright if you get caught. You might not find out a lot of secrets by reading this book since many of the spies don't reveal their secrets. However, you will learn about the different gizmos that were used in their missions. You will also learn about some of the famous spies and their impossible missions. This books will not bore you, even if you are a reluctant reader. You will also learn about codes, code makers and the code breakers. SECRETS, LIES, GIZMOS, AND SPIES: A HISTORY OF SPIES AND ESPIONAGE by JANET WYMAN COLEMAN is a cool book to read and share with friends and family.

For grades six and older.

EVERGREEN

In Evergreen by Makdokht Kashkouli

Sarira's grandfather promises to send her a beloved tree from his garden, but with only the Silk Road as an address he agonizes over how to keep his promise. Finally he paints a beautiful evergreen tree design that gets copied by everyone all over so that her tree eventually reaches her all the way from her grandfather's garden in Iran to wherever she is along the trade route.

The awkward translation can be ignored while reading this lovely story of family and love out loud to children from preschool through 2nd grade.

RED RIDING HOOD, EVIL?

Ferryport Landing Asylum Patient List 1955

The Mad hatter – diagnosis: schizophrenia

Chicken Little – diagnosis: panic attacks

Hansel- diagnosis: eating disorder (outpatient)

The White Rabbit – diagnosis: OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder; outpatient)

The Old Woman Who lived in a Shoe – diagnosis: exhaustion (outpatient)

Ichabod Crane – diagnosis : night terrors (outpatient)

Little Red Riding Hood – diagnosis: Psychosis with delusions and hallucinations, homicidal tendencies.

Sabrina’s heart rose upinto her throat when she saw the last name on the list. The little girl in the red cloak who had taken her parents was Little Red riding Hood! Now that it was right in front of her, she felt stupid. How could I not figure that out? But how could she. She’d read the story many times. Little Red riding Hood was one of the good guys. She wasn’t evil. She was a victim. Why would she kidnap Henry and Veronica Grimm?

An excerpt from Sisters Grimm: The Problem Child by Michael Buckley

For readers who in 4th – 6th who enjoy an unusual mystery headed by a spunky heroine who’s determined to solve things her way.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Padada-pada-pada, shh-ka-shh and kee-key-key are some of the sounds that you get to make and experience while reading this book that takes place in Africa. It does not take you long to realize that the origin of music came from animals. All the different animals gather and make rhythmic sounds that will entice your imagination and perhaps make your tongue experience in ways that you had never imagined was possible. The story will be more enjoyable if you gather you friends and each person can make the different sounds. THE FIRST MUSIC by DYLAN PRITCHETT and the illustrations by ERIN BENNETT BANKS is one not to miss.


For preschool to second grade.

CURSED ROSE!

Jackson Jones and the Curse of the Outlaw Rose by Mary Quattlebaum

Strange things start to happen to everyone and everything around Jackson Jones after he takes a cutting from a cemetery. But unlike his best friend, he doesn't believe in curses until he starts adding it all up...

1. The cleaning crew got poison ivy

2. Old Mr. K sprained his ankle

3. The bully got stung by a bee

4. Suddenly there was no rain for weeks

5. All the plants in the community garden are dying, except for the outlaw rose...

What do you think? Is the rose cursing everything around Jackson because he disturbed its resting ground?

For readers in 2nd- 3rd grade who enjoy a little ghost in their story.

DIGBY AND KATE AND THE BEAUTIFUL DAY

Digby the dog and Kate the cat are good friends. Both enjoy doing some things the same and some things different. Kate is hungry for a tasty mouse, but is happy to have some of Digby's pizza when the mouse never comes out of his hole. There are two other chapters in this book for readers just starting to read chapter books. Each chapter is a cute story that really reflect how friends can be different and still have a good friendship. For grades Kindergarten - 3rd.

FIGS AND FATE

The five stories in this collection are told from the perspective of Arab children. The stories are from Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Baghdad. Each story will touch your heart and make you see and feel how similar we all are after all. The stories are about friendships, loyalty to others, love and faith. In one of the stories, a young girl is torn between her family and herself, she realizes that she can not make them happy since her own world is falling apart. Therefore, she first needs to make her world as strong as possible. Because of all the different wars that are taking place, these young boys and girls feel the need to protect their hopes and dreams because that is the only thing they have control over. FIGS AND FATE: STORIES ABOUT GROWING UP IN THE ARAB WORLD TODAY by ELSA MARSTON will be one of those books that will stay with you for a long time.


For grades five through eight.

A MOOSE AND HILDY STORY

Pig Pickin' by Stephanie Greene

Hildy is all dressed up to go to the fair and be the belle of the ball. Hildy thinks that she's been invited to enter a beauty contest at the fair, but really, she'll be the prize winning eat at the Wendel's barbecue. Oh, no!

For readers in 2nd-3rd grades.

ONE TWO AND THREE!

Numbers play an important role in our everyday lives. We use them to count money, tell the hours of the day, dial telephone, show prices of things, mark the buildings on the street and much more. Now, imagine a world without them. This might sound surprising for some of you, but there was a time that we had no numbers. Even today, there are people in some parts of the world that do not count the way we do. For example, in the recent past, Veddas of Sri Lanka, who lived very simply, used words such as a single, a couple, another one and many more to count their crops. THE HISTORY OF COUNTING by DENISE SCHMANDT BESSERAT and the illustrations by MICHAEL HAYS is such a fascinating book that you will not even think to count the time or the pages in order for you to finish this informative and fun book.

For grades three through five.

THE PERFECT PET

After much deliberation, Ben picks a dog as his pet. A bird would fly away, a mouse might get lost, a snake might scare his mother, but a dog would be just the right friend to play with. These are three short stories about the beginning of a friendship between Ben and his dog, Aggie. Aggie and Ben: Three Stories by Lori Riesis perfect practice book for beginning readers who love dogs.

SPRINGTIME PLANTING

Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert
Getting that itch to put your hands in the dirt and put down some seeds?

Can't wait to have vegetables bursting from all the vines, spilling all over your garden?

This classic lovely picture book will help you get started. Follow the book and you will cook up a delicious vegetable soup tended by your very own hands.

Great for Preschool age - 1st grade readers.

EVER CONSIDERED JOINING THE MONKEY CLUB?

Most likely you haven't. But Lenny and Mel have. These two brothers are pretty wacky. That's probably why their parents suggested that they join an after school club. Maybe so they could cause a little less trouble at home and a little more at school? Well it turns out that there isn't a monkey club at their school. Actually they're not really sure which club to join. So they join the newspaper club, only temporarily though, to do some investigative reporting on their club options. And lets just say they uncover some pretty interesting facts about these clubs. Not only that, they get to try all sorts of new things. When Mel takes on a soap carving project, he decides to cut the big soap into tiny rectangles. Why you ask? He explains that is "for people who have trouble with, or are afraid of, big soap."

You'll have to read Erik P. Kraft's Lenny and Mel : After-School Confidential to find out more about their zany club search.

For grades 3 and up.

HERO IS A HERO

Shakespeare's Secret by Elise Broach

Hero is named after a character in a Shakespearean play, but try explaining that to schoolmates who think it sounds more like a name for a dog. After moving into her new home, she hears the story of a lost necklace possibly hidden or left behind by the previous owners of her house. She sets out to find the lost treasure with the help of her mysterious crotchety elderly neighbor and a popular boy from school. As the mystery of the necklace's whereabouts unfolds, she learns about its history and to accept her unusual name.

A complex mystery that's even better than Chasing Vermeer. For readers in 6th - 8th grades.

LUCIA AND THE LIGHT

Lucia is very close to her family. She lives in the beautiful mountains with her mother and her newborn baby brother, a cow and a cat. Their days are filled with love and happiness. The cow gives them milk while their cat sleeps in front of the fireplace. Things get really scary when one winter day the sun disappears and darkness takes over their cabin. Lucia's mother reassures that everything will be fine. The mischievous Lucy does not believe her and she decided to go out in the mountain with her cat and bring back light. On her way, she almost loses her beloved cat, freezes terribly, gets lost in the big mountains and meets some very scary trolls. The illustrations are so well done, that you almost get to feel the cold, see the sun and believe in the trolls. LUCIA AND THE LIGHT by PHYLLIS ROOT with illustrations by MARY GRANDPRE is a story that you don't want to miss.

For K through grade 2.

YOUR FINES ARE FORGIVEN!

This April 16 - 22 ask for all of your past fines to be forgiven.
Sorry we can't forgive lost materials.

Other special events happening this week:
Wednesday at 3:30 in the afternoon come and make your own book with us.

Friday enjoy the movie Stuart Little at 3:30 p.m. in the auditorium.
Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Swazzle will entertain you with their puppets and stories.

SPECIAL PROGRAM AT THE LIBRARY

If you have ever wanted to draw cartoons this Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in the Auditorium at the Central Library is just for you. Jim Gilbert, cartoonist extraordinaire will be here to teach the art of cartooning to artists aged 4 and older as well as their families. Think you can't draw, Jim will prove you wrong as everyone in this program will learn to create a character or critter following his easy instructions.

UNHAPPILY EVER AFTER?

This is a hilarious twist on the classic fairy tale Princess and the Frog. However, these two are not living the "happily ever after" lives as promised in the books. The princess cannot believe why she kissed this slimy creature in the first place. They are always fighting about many things. They are miserable, so miserable that the prince leaves the castle in hopes of finding a witch that will turn him back into a frog and he can go on living his old life.

He does meet many witches on his way, however none of them can help him since they give him a hint as to what will happen to him. A nasty spell, a poisoned apple, etc. Helpless, he realizes few things about life... You need to read this book to find out if the prince will turn back into a frog or if he will find a way to live the "happily ever after" with his princess? This book is called The Frog Princess Continued by Jon Scieszka and the pictures are by Steve Johnson

For grades 1 through 5.

PEEWEE, THE LIBRARIANS AND THE CAR RACE

On the heels of a tornado, four young and determined female librarians, unlike any before, blow intoPeewee's life and little town. The librarians drive cars, have tea parties in the library, encourage storytimes and have taken tomboy Peewee under their wings. At 14, Peewee wants nothing more than to be a mechanic and work alongside her brother but the librarians and circumstances change everything. Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck captures that special moment in time and history when new and exciting changes come at a seemingly rapid pace.

For 6th grade readers and up. Loosely based on a real event.

GO AHEAD, PICK IT UP!

Did you know that archeologists have tasted the honey found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs? This led some to think it is the only food that would never go bad. Or that the only continent with no snakes or other reptiles is Antarctica? How about this one, the only country where cows have the same rights as people is India. Bet you also did not know about the secret members of you favorite bands huh? Well, during some concerts, other musicians play backstage out of sight. It's a clever way of making the bands sound more impressive. You have got to check out this book, called Pick Me Up: Stuff You Need to Know created by David Roberts and Jeremy Leslie. So go ahead, do as it says. Pick it up and you won't want to put it down. You definitely need to know this stuff for yourself and you can also impress everyone around you. It is full of interesting facts about famous people, buildings, countries, trains, music, art, games and so much more.
For grades four and up.

BARK LIKE A DOG, CLUCK LIKE A CHICKEN

After watching Lomax the Magnificent hypnotize someone into thinking she is a chicken, Calvin decides to do the same to his sister. Trouble is, hypnotizing Trudy into thinking she is a dog is not as much fun as he thought it would be. She barks so loudly that the neighbor complains, she eats all of his ice cream and he has to push her around in the heat when she falls asleep. Calvin has had enough, but when he tries to break the hypnotic spell he can't seem to remember the magic word!

Did Calvin really put her under a hypnotic spell, or is Trudy just pretending?

Read Probuditi! the latest book by Chris Van Allsburg.

For readers in 1st -3rd grades who enjoy a little twist in their stories.

COOOOOOOOOKKKKIIIIEEEEE!

Cookie was baked with too much spice and has runaway from Mr. Baker. Willy and Wally, always on the lookout for sweets to eat, go chasing after Cookie but are foiled at every turn. As they are about to give up, their luck changes when a sweet old lady in front of a cottage all covered in candy beckons them to come in and enjoy something warm from the oven.... Uh, oh. Is this who I think it is? Will the boys get the sweet treats they are craving for?

Bad Boys Get Cookie! by Margie Palatini can be enjoyed by readers in Kindergarten through 3rd grade.

LIBRARIES ON THE GO

Have you ever wondered what life would be like without the Glendale Public Library? What about life without any books at all?! In her book, , Margriet Ruurs gives us a very interesting look at some traveling libraries that make books available for communites around the world. Some of these communities are so remote is that the books have to go to them. Here in Glendale, we have our own traveling library, the bookmobile! But in other places, people use bikes, boats, and buses to transport books. Sometimes, even camels or donkeys travel carrying large bundles of books. Read this book to find out more about these special mobile libraries.

This book is best for readers in grades 4 through 8 and is a true story so if you need to do a book report on a non-fiction book, this one is for you!

ELEPHANTS = BIG STORIES

Rosie one of the elephants at the Los Angeles County Zoo is retiring and if you have been interested in following in her story, then the story of Moduc, the greatest elephant that ever lived according to author Ralph Helfer, is the right story for you.

Both of these titles, Mosey, The Remarkable Friendship of a Boy and His Elephant and The World's Greatest Elephant both by Ralph Helfer, are based on the true story of a boy and his elephant. Born on the same day in Germany they develop an unusual bond that makes them inseparable and leads the pair on many thrilling adventures.

Mosey is just right for readers in grades 4 and older and The World Greatest Elephant is for readers in grades 3 and older.

THE AMAZING LIFE OF BIRDS: (A TWENTY-DAY PUBERTY JOURNAL OF DUANE HOMER LEECH) AS DISCOVERED BY GARY PAULSEN

March 21

Dear Journal,

So far this week a cute baby bird appeared outside my bedroom window, a ginormous zit appeared in the middle of my face, I dreamt about ELBOWS (not really elbows if you get my meaning), I babbled like an idiot to the cute new girl in my class, everybody thinks I'm carrying an infectious disease.

Puberty needs to be over already!!!

Your friend, the miserable zit factory,
Duane

For readers in 6th grade and older.

WRITE LIKE A MONK

Have you ever wanted to spend hours poring over an invitation or a special poem, writing each letter meticulously, making sure each stroke is perfect? Calligraphy for Kids will show you how to write beautiful letters just like the monks. Calligraphy for Kids by Eleanor Winters is filled with detailed pictures, directions and examples for you to follow.

For writers in 4th grade and older.

HERE COMES MELANIE

Meet Melanie Martin. This sweet, thoughtful and curious girl who also happens to be an avid diary writer and is going to make you feel like she is your best friend that you have known her all your life. In the book, Melanie in Manhattan by Carol Weston, which is part of a series called Melanie Martin Novels, Melanie has developed an on-line romance with Miguel,who is from Spain. To complicate matters at the same time she also likes another boy who is from her school. Things get more difficult when Miguel announces that he is going to pay her a visit to New York City. Now it is the perfect time to decide who she likes more and why. The whole family takes on an adventurous journey in New York City, visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty. You too can go on a fun trip with her to New York City and have a great time with her and find out what happens to her friendships among other things.

For grades fourth and up.

THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Have you ever seen pictures of the Washington Monument? Has it ever reminded you of asparagus?! Well that's what people were saying about it at the time it was being built. In this book by Susan Rubin, we learn about the history of ten "problem" buildings that caused a lot of controversy when they were first being built and some buildings even caused people to protest. Eventually though these buildings became recognized as important national landmarks or at least became pretty popular for tourists. Most of the buildings mentioned in the book are in the United States except for two French landmarks along with the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. For example, the Eiffel Tower in France was so hated that 47 artists, writers, poets, composers and cultural leaders got together to write a letter of protest about the new "useless and monstrous" tower. Years later some people complained that the spiraled-shaped Guggenheim Museum made them too dizzy. Read There Goes the Neighborhood: Ten Buildings People Loved to Hate to find out more interesting and sometimes amusing stories behind some famous buildings.

HI HO, HI HO, IT'S OFF TO SCHOOL WE GO!

The Unusual Suspects by Michael Buckley

In Book Two of The Sisters Grimm series, Sabrina and Daphne must go to school or risk having to go back to the orphanage with the horrible social worker. But going to school in Ferryport, a New England town filled with disguised fairy and magical creatures that their Grimm ancestors have confined inside the town limits many years ago, is not like any other elementary school. By the end of the first day of school, Sabrina's awful teacher is dead and a student is suspected. Along with their Granny Relda, Puck, The Pied Piper (aka the principal), Prince Charming (aka the Mayor), Snow White (aka the kindergarden teacher) search out the murderer, only known by the scarlet handprint left at the scenes of the crimes.

For 4th - 6th grade readers who enjoy dark yet funny, fantasy, murder mysteries.

YOU'LL NEVER HAVE TO DO HOMEWORK AGAIN!

Four kids have been forced together by circumstance at an after school science club where they become if not friends, at least companions. They think that they will never have to do homework again because of the computerized homework machine invented by the group's "nerd". Can they get away with using this machine do their homework everyday? Things get a little tricky when their teacher starts giving pop quizzes. After reading The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman how would you feel about letting a machine do all your homework for you?

This is for readers in 4th-6th grade. For more ideas for good books to read check out the book lists featured on the Children's Room homepage.

A HORSE THAT NEVER WAS....IS!

This story began over 5,000 years ago. It is a story of a man who was commissioned by the Duke of Milan to construct a bronze horse statute that was to tower over twenty-four feet high. It was a considered to be an almost impossible project. Probably impossible for most people of that time except for one man. This man was Leonardo da Vinci. Most of us know him as one of the greatest painters of all time. But he was also an inventor, engineer, architect, musician, philosopher, and astronomer. His accomplishments are so many, it is almost mind boggling to think that one person had so many talents and abilities. Even though he worked hard on building that horse, war broke between Italy and France and the horse was destroyed. Throughout the remainder of his life, da Vinci regretted his lost horse. In her book, Jean Fritz tells us the story of this horse. A horse that was not completed in Leonardo's lifetime but was in ours! Read Leonardo's Horse to find out how a 5,000 year old dream was brought to life and where Leonardo's horse is now.

THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS AS THEY SEEM

THE STAR OF KAZAN
Eva Ibbotson

Annika’s guardians, Ellie and Sigrid, found her one day in a small country church. They had stopped to rest their tired feet when they heard the sounds of crying and discovered a small baby with a note pinned to her blanket asking that they take her to the nun’s in Vienna. Ellie and Sigrid do just that and through unusual circumstances end up raising her as their own daughter in the professor’s house where they work as housekeepers. While Annika loves both of them dearly she does daydream about her “real” mother and what her life would be like if they were together. One day after returning from school she is surprised to find that her mother is there and wants to see her. Well from then on nothing is as it seems and in order to be with her newly found mother Annika has to leave everything she has known. Doing so she starts off on what turns out to be an incredible adventure that you as the reader of this sometimes funny, sometimes exciting story can share.

IF YOU COULD TRADE LIVES WITH ANYTHING FOR ONE DAY, WHO WOULD YOU BE?

None of this would have happened if Tom hadn't been so bored with his life. Even after he meets a talking cat named Charlie, Tom still doesn't find much to be excited about. But what if Tom and Charlie trade lives? Would Tom have more fun living life as a cat? Well, Charlie finds a way for the two of them to switch places and Tom likes being a cat. Only for a while though. This switch is only for a few days, isn't it?!? You'll have to read Avi's book to find out about Tom and Charlie's fate. You'll also meet a few other characters in this book of short stories that undergo some unexpected and unusual transformations.

To get more ideas for good books like this one and to see a schedule of programs, please visit the Children's Room homepage.

A STORY OF A HAT AND A HILL

Now that Lucy is in middle school, it seems that she has lost her identity. Her uniqueness. In elementary school everybody knew why Lucy wore the green and yellow hat and all that it stood for. She didn't need to explain herself. She knew who her friends were and didn't have to endure daily bra checks from the boys. What has happened to her fire? Will she need to reinvent herself?
Her mother has gone on her annual photography trip so she must rely on her father for help and understanding. Soon more trouble comes as she finds herself pitted against the town patron over the right to use the sledding hill as snow season begins.

That Girl Lucy Moon by Amy Timberlake is for those who loved Frindle and stories about people standing up for something they believe in.

For readers in 5th grade and up.

I LOVE MY LIBRARY DAY!

Come to the Library today not just to check out our wonderful books but our services as well. Every time you stop at one of the service desks be sure to ask for a raffle ticket for a chance at a nice prize. Hope to see you today!

MYSTERY, MAGIC AND MURDER!

Danger in the Dark: A Houdini and Nate Mystery by Tom Lalicki

Can spiritualist Trane really communicate with Nate's dead father and great uncle? Can a chance meeting with a famous magician solve all of his problems? Problems caused by Trane’s revelations to his great aunt Alice which just might leave the family homeless and penniless. While on an errand, Nate meets The Great Houdini and his wife who take him under their wings and help him and his friend Ace dig up evidence to confront the imposter and save his aunt's life.

For 4th grade readers and up.

To get more ideas for good books like this one and to see a schedule of programs, please visit the Children's Room homepage.

HAVE YOU EVER SENT A P-MAIL?

Once Upon a Marigold
By Jean Ferris

Edric is walking through the forest one day when he happens upon a mysterious young boy, Christian. His parents are nowhere to be found so Edric takes him in and raises him as his own. Edric is not an ordinary adoptive father however, but a troll who lives in a forest full of fairies, elves, and other magical creatures. Christian lives happily with Edric and spends most of his time working on his inventions and contraptions. One is a telescope that he uses to look across the woods into the castle of Princess Marigold. Christian can see that she’s unhappy and figures out a way of getting in touch with her using pigeons, p-mail, and thus their friendship begins. Eventually, Christian can't resist leaving his forest life behind and journeys to the castle to finally meet her. But he has absolutely no idea of what lies ahead and that is when the real adventures begins. A fast-paced charming fairy tale that truly is "part comedy, part love story, part everything but the kitchen sink."

To get more ideas for good books like this one and to see a schedule of programs, please visit the Children's Room homepage.

FUN IN THE SUN

What an odd pair walking down the street you think to yourself. The little squirt is green and plump and the taller one is dark and wrinkly. But it isn't you see. It's only Grape and his grandfather, Raisin, on their way to spend a day in the park together. Come along and see what the twosome are up to.

Raisin and Grape by Tom Amico and James Proimos is a perfect story for preschoolers - 2nd grade readers.

P.S. Please don't snack on any grapes or raisins while you're reading this story, it might upset them.

To get more ideas for good books like this one and to see a schedule of programs, please visit the Children's Room homepage.

THE SOUND OF COLORS

The Sound of Colors A Journey of the Imagination written and illustrated by Jimmy Liao is one of the coolest books that you will read and see. It has beautiful illustrations with very vibrant colors. Looking at this book will make you feel as though you are walking in a museum and looking at great works of art. This story is about a girl who is losing her eye sight and has to use the power of her imagination to experience and feel all the pretty things that surround her. This book also has been adapted into a stage play and a motion picture. Go along on this beautiful journey with a very imaginative girl and you will have a great time.


For grades 1st through 5th.

To get more ideas for good books like this one and to see a schedule of programs, please visit the Children's Room homepage.

10 COURSES OF WORM

It's Fiction to Film Friday!

Join us for a treat
Would you eat a worm on a dare?
Would you eat a worm anywhere?
No matter how it is prepared?
Then come and have a seat

Friday, January 19 at 3:30 p.m.
How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell is one of the many book based movies that we're showing at the library. Read the book and watch the movie or watch the movie and read the book.
Rated PG 98 min.

THEY DID WHAT?!

Did you know that Romans used clay to clean their togas? Or that some women in the 1400's wore fancy shoes called chopines that sometimes rose over 2 feet from the ground? What about some of the things that we think we already know? Is there really a five second rule for the food we drop on the ground? Does water really cure the hiccups? Speaking of water, does it really spin backwards in toilets in Australia? To find out the answers to all these questions and many more take a look at They Did What?! Your Guide to Weird & Wacky Things People Do by Jeff Szpirglas. You won't be able to put this book down as you find out about all sorts of wacky people throughout history.

GHOST SHIP

A girl
A boy
A journal
A figurehead from a ship long gone
strange noises in the night
ghostly ancestors appearing

What's going on?
Solve the mystery of Ghost Ship: A Novel by Dietlof Reiche

CLOSED FOR MLK

We'll be closed for Martin Luther King holiday this coming Monday, January 17, 2007.

See you all Tuesday!

LENNY AND MEL ARE BACK!

Lenny and Mel: After-School Confidential by Erik P. Kraft
Lenny and Mel are going undercover to do some investigative journalism on after-school clubs. They attempt to interview the P.E. teacher, check out the glee club, and question the art teacher for the school newspaper. But their spin on the clubs is not exactly what everyone expects.

A hilarious expose of after-school clubs... according to Lenny and Mel.

Ideal for 2nd - 4th grade readers, but good for anyone with a sense of humor.

ALL HAIL SALT!

In Timbuktu people traded gold for salt!
Buffalo, New York started out as a salt lick for buffaloes.
Oil was discovered in Pennsylvannia when some dude was drilling for salt.
So many people were smuggling salt in France that they set up a special police force to stop this crime!

Salt is so much more than something you sprinkle on your fries.

• For lots more fascinating historical facts read The Story of Salt by Mark Kurlansky.
  
  For 4th grade readers and up.

CATCH IT IF YOU CAN!

Go on a mischievous journey with an ice cube that runs out of the freezer and plans on going to the sea where he will grow as big as an iceberg and bump into boats. The story is written by John and Ann Hassett and it is called Can’t Catch Me. This is a very funny story about a boy who does not listen to his mother and opens the freezer. From there on, the ice cube does what he wants to do without taking other peoples suggestions until he finds himself in the sea. You have to read this book to find out if he will complete his mission at the sea.
For ages 4-8. Enjoy the book.

HOMEWORK HELP IS BACK

Tutors are available to help you with your homework beginning today, January 2nd.