THE SNOW GOOSE

This timeless, classic story will touch your heart and stay with you for a long time. The story is set against the backdrop of World War II in a small town where a man has become a recluse do to his hunched back. Eventually he meets a girl named Frith who has brought in a wounded goose. Frith sees how the lonely man slowly heals the wounds of this goose and during this time a friendship develops. The goose heals and flies away only to come back and set her home where the man lives. However, all that changes when he is needed in the war for his sailing skills.

And...You need to read the book to find out what happens next...

The illustrations in the story are as beautiful and telling as the story.

THE SNOW GOOSE by PAUL GALLICO and the illustrations by ANGELA BARRETT.

For grades 5th and up.

TALES AREN'T JUST FOR WAGGING

Some people just don't understand that when you adopt a puppy, that puppy will be with you their entire lives. Or that's how it SHOULD be anyway. But some dogs are abandoned, left all alone in the big cold world. Waggit is one of those dogs. WAGGIT'S TALE is a heart-warming story of loss, love, friendship and adventure. WAGGIT AGAIN continues Waggit's adventures when he escapes from a farm. Just when he thinks life is great, his owner leaves him all alone in a big park. It isn't long before Waggit stumbles across a band of wild dogs struggling to survive, and he joins them in all their adventures and misfortunes. WAGGIT'S TALE by Peter Howe is the story of the return to his owner and civilization. Both are great books for 4th grade and up.

Like animal stories, then check out this book list.

HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A P.I.?

Well, this is the tale of one boy who wanted it more than anything else.

There was an Irish boy named Fletcher Moom, who only wanted one thing and that was to be a private investigator. He even took the online course from Bob Bernstein, the famous FBI agent turned private eye. He was first in his class and had a real badge to prove it, too. He just wanted to do some good and be a voice for justice against those who would bully and lie and cheat. You can see where this is heading....

One day, his badge was stolen and everyone doubted his abilities despite all his boasting. To prove himself and get it back, he took on a case for April Deveraux. As he got closer to finding the thief who stole her special lock of hair, Fletcher was accused of arson and jailed. His nemesis, a member of the notorious criminal Sharkey family, sprang him from police custody and together they forged an uncomfortable alliance to clear both their names of the recent rash of thefts and mayhem in the town.

A great detective novel full of twists and red herrings written with humor and full of characters you'll want to root for.

Half-Moon Investigations by Eoin Colfer is for fluent readers 6th and up.

MEET AN OWL ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

What: Meet one of natures largest owls, the Great Horned Owl.

When: Saturday, October 17, 2:00 p.m.

Where: Central Library
222 East Harvard Street.
Glendale, CA 91025

The Wildlife Waystation, a non-profit refuge for wild and exotic animals, will bring an owl to the Library for you to meet up close. For additional information, please contact the Children's Room (818) 548-2035. For ages 4+ and their families.

EL BARRIO

El Barrio.

A young boy explores his neighborhood . Celebration of Hispanic culture and urban life is sure to fire children’s curiosity about where they live and what they can discover in their own neighborhood.

Bilingual edition written by Deborah M. Newton Chocolate, illustrated by David Diaz.
Ages 4-8.

DON'T FORGET

This is your chance to voice your opinion about this year's One Glendale/One Book...for younger readers. Snacktime Reader's will be meeting on Wednesday, October 28 at 7:00 p.m. to do just that. Plan on joining the group, sharing your ideas and enjoying our snacks.

Those attending this group will get the chance to attend a special pre-talk visit with the author on the evening of November 19. Details and invitations will be available at the end of the discussion group.

For Grades 4-8 and their parents

Snacktime Readers
Wednesday, October 28, 7-8:00 p.m.
Children's Room
Glendale Public Library / 222 East Harvard St. / Glendale, 91205

TALES OF ENCHANTMENT

Wouldn't you want to have a bell that whenever you ring it, the world gets filled with sweetness and light? Most likely we would all like to have a bell like that. The stories in this small book are just that! They are out of this world, strange but yet appealing to our minds, even though we know the possibilities of them being true are very slim.

TALES OF ENCHANTMENT by PLEASANT DESPAIN does just that and more! These stories are in volume seven of "The Books of Nine Lives" series and they will make you to think, smile, giggle and with no surprise, enchant! The tales are from countries like Russia, Germany, Ireland and Holland. They are short, simple and fun.

For grades 2nd-4th.

DON'T DRINK THE FIT MIX

Can you imagine a world with no living animals? Can you imagine a world where they stop having children for thirty years? Much like Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, there exists a world controlled by a video game. In THE ROAR by Emma Clayton, Mika is lost in the dreary world that exists below the rich of society. His twin sister is supposedly dead, but Mika still feels her. In a surreal combination of space, the future, ghosts and machines, this story unfolds into a visual portrayal of an alternate society that is ultimately changed by the children who live there. This is a fantastic book for 5th grade and up.

THE BEST HALLOWEEN EVER!

This book made me LOL so much that I began to question my own state of mind. The story is about the Herdmans, who have always caused way too much trouble in their town... stealing candy, painting over things that are not theirs, terrorizing their neighborhood in ways that are mischievous and unforgiving.

The mayor of the city thinks that he has had enough of their antics and decides to cancel Halloween all together in order to punish them. However, what the mayor does not know is that the Herdmans are one group that will always find ways to make the worst of things to the best of things. They find clever ways to do almost everything and more. You will laugh out loud reading this book from the first page until the last word of the last page.

THE BEST HALLOWEEN EVER by BARBARA ROBINSON

For grades 4th and older.

DANCE, NANA, DANCE (BAILA, NANA, BAILA)

This is a collection of 13 bilingual folktales in English and Spanish from Cuban folklore, representing the cultures of Spain, Africa and the Caribbean. Called "Baila, Nana, Baila", it offers the readers a variety of humorous and colorful characters, such as a yam that terrifies the bravest man in the army, a boy who can never remember what his mother wants from the store, an old lady who can dance for days, and the man who had never done a day’s work in his life.

A good read-aloud, written by Joe Hayes and illustrated by Mauricio Trenard Sagayo.
Ages 9-12.

TANGLED LIVES

Amedeo Kaplan, same first name as Modigliani, is new in town and befriends William who is helping his mother with the estate sale of his other new neighbor in St. Malo, Florida. He is intrigued by William and by his desire to be a discoverer, and soon they "discover" a sketch by Modigliani that takes them on a journey of the nature of heroism, history of degenerate art & the Nazis. The lives of people in the past and the present are all interwined in this complex story where people aren't just good or bad but are just...people.

The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World by e. l. Konigsburg is for mature readers in 7th grade and up.

COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER

Little Audrey by Ruth White is historical fiction about a young girl living in a coal mining camp during the Great Depression. As Audrey herself is struggling to recover from the illness which left her underweight and with bad vision, she has to also cope with the loss of a little sister that has left her mother with depression. Her father is an alcoholic mine worker who spends the little money he gets on drinking if he goes to work. There is always shortage of food and hunger lingers at home. The only two people who seem to notice her and like her for who she is, are her teacher and best friend Virgil and she loves them back because they are the only ones who seem to understand her.
Little Audrey's father dies in a car accident while drunk, which devastates the family even more, but ironically his death also brings the end of the tunnel in sight, as they become forced to move out of the mining camp. Her mother will now be able to earn money and bring it all home and Little Audrey and her three other sisters can go to a better school. For grades 5-8.
--Evelyn, Library Assistant

ANOTHER CINDERELLA

Snacktime Readers met last night to talk about this month's book Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah. This is the true story of one very young Chinese girl who overcomes great odds to ultimately have a very successful life. Treated badly by her family because they considered her to be at fault for the death of her mother who died giving birth to her, she endures not only that loss, but also the loss of every other family member who was important to her. The story takes place in mainland China in the period right before WWII and gives the reader a glimpse of what life in China was like during that period.

While the group was small this month the discussion was lively. Here's how they rated Chinese Cinderella:

Brittany - 10 I loved this book. The fact that it was a true story was amazing. Even though it was very sad, it kept my interest and I could not put it down.

Jaime - 5 It was an interesting book but sometimes it was just too sad to keep reading.

NEVER ENOUGH FAIRY TALES...

RAPUNZEL AND OTHER MAGIC FAIRY TALES selected and illustrated by Henriette Sauvant, and translated by Anthea Bell was a short but sweet conglomeration of some all-time favorite fairy tales and some I'd never heard. I was initially attracted to this collection of fairy tales because of it's size and beautiful cover page. I especially liked this collection because you could easily read these fairy tales out loud to a group of kids without losing their attention. The illustrations are gorgeous and tell a tale by themselves. A great book to read for grades 2 and up!

BIG BOOK SALE

Booklovers Book Sale at Chevy Chase Branch

Saturday, September 26, 10 am - 4 pm
Sunday, September 27, 10 am - 4 pm
3301 East Chevy Chase Drive, Glendale, 91206
MAP

Worth the drive up the canyon! More than 15,000 used Library books for children and adults will be on sale. Proceeds will benefit the Chevy Chase Branch Library. The sale will include adult and children's books on all subjects and of all types; something for every book lover. Sponsored by the Friends of the Glendale Public Library.

Early Birds: On Saturday, September 26, Friends of the Library members can attend the sale from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.

For more information call (818) 548-2047.

THE THREE LITTLE TAMALES

This is a variation of the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs. Tio Jose and Tia Lupe own a taqueria in Texas. Three little tamales, two sisters and a brother want to run away from the taqueria before they can be eaten. They ran off into the desert. Each tamale built a little casita to live in. The first one build a house of sagebrush. The second build his casita of cornstalks, and the third builds hers out of cactus. Eventually Señor Lobo, the Big Bad Wolf, comes around looking for some lunch and with plans to blow their houses down.

Tamales are adorable, especially the smart one with her big glasses, and the brother with his dramatic eyebrows and mustache. Some Spanish words are scattered. There is a glossary at the front if you need help with the pronunciation. Pictures are wonderfully done. Written by Eric A. Kimmel. Illustrated by Valeria Docampo. For readers 4-8. Grades 1-2.

DOWN ON THE BAYOU - SOUTHERN GOTHIC FOR KIDS

There are many emotional animal stories dealing with adventure and tragedy, but none as poetically beautiful as THE UNDERNEATH by Kathi Appelt. Many creatures lurk in dark places, waiting to come out into the light. Some are evil, but some, like two frisky kittens and their mom, are innocent and curious. Unfortunately, from their home underneath the porch of a mean old man called Gar Face, the cat family and their trusty watch dog and companion Ranger rarely get to experience the light. When they dare to risk it, their lives are changed forever. Written with captivating imagery and the dark enchanting tone of a much more mature novel, this story will draw readers in to its tangled web of raw feelings and vivd personification of the many animal characters. Appropriate for grades 6 and up.

ONE BOOK / ONE GLENDALE

The Library is pleased to announce this year's One Book / One Glendale...for younger readers selection, Poison Ivy by Glendale author Amy Goldman Koss. This book deals with the very important issue of bullying among peers and as the book cover states, it does so from several points of view.

There's a lot to talk about in this one and Snacktime Readers will be featuring this title for its October 28 meeting, more details to follow.

Ms. Koss will be speaking at the Central Library on Thursday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m.

For more information, please call the Library (818) 548-2035.

LEAVING THE GLORYTOWN: ONE BOY’S STRUGGLE UNDER CASTRO

As a very young child, Eduardo Calcines had the good fortune of living in a small community in the town of Cienfuegos, Cuba, with loving parents and grandparents, close friends and economic security. However, all this changed in 1959 when Fidel Castro became prime minister of Cuba. Castro’s regime gradually took away almost all luxuries, many basic needs and even some fundamental human rights that people had enjoyed in Cuba before the Revolution. Hunger, fear and isolation became ways of life, particularly for families who did not join the Communist party and instead applied for exit visas to leave Cuba for the United States. Viewed as worms and traitors, Eduardo and his family lived through a series of tribulations and grievances while they waited to get selected by the Cuban immigration to leave the country. Eleven years passed before Eduardo and his family finally arrived to the United States.
This excellent memory will help readers to understand the struggles that people experienced under Castro’s leadership and the opportunities that come with freedom.
For readers ages 12-14. Grades 7-9. Written by Eduardo F. Calcines.

BOOK FIESTA!

BOOK FIESTA!: CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S DAY/BOOK DAY

In this bilingual story, children read aloud in various settings to celebrate El Dia de Los Niños, or Children’s Day. Includes facts about Mexico’s annual celebration of children and the book fiestas. A letter from the author and suggestions for celebrating el Dia de los Libros/Children’s Day/Book Day. Colorful illustrations. Bilingual edition written by Pat Mora, illustrated by Rafael Lopez. Kindergarten, Ages 3-6.

WINDS OF DESTINY

Anybody who has immigrated to this country or has family members who are immigrants will find great escape in reading this book, and those who never had to deal with immigration will find great appreciation and empathy towards it.

WINDS OF DESTINY by SERPOOHI CHRISTINE JAFFERIAN is an incredible story of human survival and adaptability. At times maybe this topic might sound cliche of some sort, but in life one must have the ability to cope and adapt in order to survive. Serpoohi who is the protagonist in the story takes everything that life bring in stride. With ease, she assimilates with different cultures without abandoning her roots.

It's not always easy to be a good person, to say the right things and to do the right things, however after reading this book, one can at least see the many possibilites...

For grades 5th and older.

A PUNNY BUG DETECTIVE GRAPHIC NOVEL

Who better to be a private eye then a fly with eyes which can see almost 360 degree and therefore would have great observational skills. Joey and sidekick Sammy are hired by to find a stolen diamond pencil box. The two detectives wade through urban landscape, clues & insect suspects to track down the culprit.

Cleverly done in mostlly hues of blues to convey the sense of pulp fiction and black and white noir films of old. It's a fun cheeky story where all the characters are bugs and the bugs are characters.

Joey Fly Private Eye in Creepy Crawly Crime by Aaron Reynolds is a definite must read for those who like the Chet Gecko mysteries.

For 4th & up.

COCO THE THE CARROT!

Coco, the carrot was living in a cold, small vegetable bin and she hated every minute of it. All of the other vegetables in the bin were as miserable as she was. But no one was as brave as Coco. She decides to take off and travel to Paris. Her journey takes a rocky turn when the chef of the ship decides to use her in his soup. However, she is able to escape and land to her dreamt destination. Coco the Carrot becomes an icon in the town. Designing beautiful hats for people all over the world...This is a fashionable, charming and creative story that will inspire you...COCO THE CARROT by STEVEN SALERNO is a runaway smash.

A PERFECT SEASON FOR DREAMING/UN TIEMPO PERFECTO PARA SONAR

Octavio Rivera is an old man who enjoys the most beautiful dreams. At first Octavio tells no one, but as his dreams becom more vivid, he is eager to share them with somebody.... but who? He dares not to tell anyone in the family for fear they think he's going crazy, until finally he realizes that there is only one person that would understand and who loves dreams as much as he does, his granddaughter Regina.

Bilingual edition, written by Benjamin Alire Saenz, illustrated by Esau Andrade Valencia. Best for grades 2-3.

SNACKTIME READERS FOR AUGUST

The group met last night to talk about Norton Juster's Phantom Tollbooth. This was probably the most highly rated of title of any in the group's history. Here's what they thought:

Tamar 10+++ Whenever I just read a chapter, I just read more and more.

Crystal 9 I highly recommend this. I found it wonderfully imaginative.

Michael 300 Million This is a real good book. It is good for your brain.

Celena 10 I thought that it was funny. It is something I am going to make my sister read.

Allisyn 10 It is my all-time favorite book. The story goes beyond all expectations.

Jamie 10 It is a page turner. I could read it a hundred times and not get tired of it.

Brittany 9.8 I really love that it got my imagination going even though it was slow at first.

Shannon 9 It took my imagination to another level and me look at things differently.

Josie 10

Snacktime Readers will meet on September 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Children's Room at the Central Library, 222 East Harvard, Glendale, CA 91205. We will be reading the Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah. For additional information please call (818) 548-2035. See you there!

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.

EVERYTHING IS NOT FINE

Much like Ann Dee Ellis's last book, EVERYTHING IS FINE leaves a lot to the imagination at first. Mazzy's mother has been in bed for over a month. Her father is nowhere to be found. To top it off, Mazzy, who tells the story, seems to have some serious mental issues herself. The story unravels through little windows into Mazzy's life, with a cast of characters helping the plot along. Mazzy has discovered art to help her deal with the madness of her life. She ties her different emotions to different art mediums, such as when a boy she likes is being a jerk, she calls it "chalk on paper" or if it's something she feels good about, it's "oil on canvas." Not everyone will like this book, but there is a shocking secret that explains everything. For grades 6 and up.

MARCO FLAMINGO

MARCO FLAMINGO/MARCO FLAMENCO

Marco Flamingo lives in a tropical paradise but he gets curious about why snowbirds migrate south in the winter. He resolves to flies north and see what winter is all about.
This book is part of The Marco Flamingo Series. Very nice illustrated. The story itself is very cute and easy for children to follow especially if they love birds. Bilingual read-aloud written and illustrated by Sheila Jarkins.
Kindergarten, ages 4-8.

PENNY FOR A PENCIL IN PAKISTAN

This is an adapted version of the adult book for younger readers. While not as fluid as the original book of the same title, it still has the power to inspire readers with Greg Mortenson's determination to honor his promise to a village and bring schools to remote sections of Pakistan & Afghanistan.

This version of three Cups of Tea features more photgraphs & a Q&A with Mortenson's daughter, Amira, as she follows in her father's footsteps in promoting Pennies for Peace and the Central Asia Institute, which help raise funds to build and maintain these schools.

Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Journey to Change the World.. One Child at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.

For readers 4th & up.

AUTISM FROM THE INSIDE

Many of us see people with autism, and they are different in some ways. They may scream out in school or flap their arms or bang their head against a wall. This might seem strange to some, but what must it be like for the person who has autism? How do they see themselves? What goes on in their heads? ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL by Nora Raleigh Baskin tells the story of a 12-year-old boy with autism from HIS perspective. How he feels when he starts getting wound up, what causes him to do certain things, and what it is almost like to fall for a girl online who doesn't know he's autistic. This story will show you what it is like to be autistic in a way that will keep you turning the pages until you've finished the book. For grades 5 and up.

HAUNTED IN JAPAN

Hannah's Winter by Kierin Meehan

Hannah's mom decides to do research on Japanese horticulture ( fancy word for gardening) and is dragging Hannah with her. Staying with old acquaintances may be fun for her mom, but she doesn't know these people. The worst of it is that Hannah thinks the house is haunted! Fantastic! She's living in a foreign country with strangers being haunted by a little boy from hundreds of years ago. Yes, she will certainly never forget this trip.

For readers in grade 6 & up.

HUMAN VS. FAERIE

Imagine a world where fairies/faeries actually exist. Now imagine the faeries and the humans have a big war with each other and destroy parts of each others worlds. It's dangerous to be a human. Most people don't even leave their villages (formerly big cities). When they do venture out into the world, it's almost as if all of nature is out to get them. But Liza is different. She has a little faerie in her blood, and sets out on an adventure that will create a bridge between faeries and humans once again. Good story for 5th-8th grade.

NEW BEGINNING CHAPTER BOOK SERIES

If you like Star Trek, and all things space and science fiction, then you will love Julian Rodriguez. This boy believes he is from outer space disguised as a human boy and sent to Earth to learn how humans live. He's on an undercover mission and must live with these two "parents".

Not so fast, Julian. You've got to go to school, eat your oatmeal and take out the trash. Alas, Julian, you are just a boy.

Julian Rodriguez: Episode one: Trash Crisis on Earth by Alexander Stadler

For readers in 2nd & up.

THE FANTASTIC JACQUES COUSTEAU

Dive into the life of Jacques Cousteau who was a world famous explorer of the sea. His inspiring story is truly amazing. Being a sickly boy growing up, he had very few options. Until one day his doctor suggested him to start swimming in order to strengthen his muscles. His life as he knew it changed drastically... he fell in love with the ocean and the undersea. His attempt to create a colonized ocean fell short because people need sunlight to live a happier lives. However, he dreamt other dreams and was one of the best advocates for ocean life. This particular book called THE FANTASTIC UNDERSEA LIFE OF JACQUES COUSTEAU by DAN YACCARINO is a beautiful book with some wonderful illustrations. It's a short, beautiful story that will make you want to run to the ocean.

For grades 2nd and up.

GROWING UP WITH TAMALES/LOS TAMALES DE ANA

This is a touching story of two sisters, six-year-old Ana and eight-year-old Lidia. It's time for the family's annual Christmas tradition making tamales. Ana helps with the dough while Lidia spreads it on the cornhusk leaves. Ana wishes she was older so that she could do what Lidia does. As the years pass, Ana is given more and more responsibility with the tamales, but being the big sister, Lidia always does more.

Charming bilingual picture book for children to look into sibling rivalry and an important Hispanic tradition.

Ages 4-8. Bright colorful illustrations. Written by Gwendolyn Zepeda, illustrated by April Ward.

THE TRUE MEANING OF STRUGGLE

Isabel is a slave. Her mother is dead, she is sold to dreadful owners, her sister is sent away, and she suffers physical and mental punishment on a daily basis. But CHAINS by Laurie Halse Anderson (who also wrote the award winning novel SPEAK) is a fascinating book. Not only do you get a grueling perspective on the life of a slave, the story provides a unique window for seeing what it was like during the Revolutionary War. As Isabel struggles to decide her fate, she spies on the King's supporters and delivers food to the prisoners the British have captured. It isn't long before everything spirals out of control and Isabel must make some major decisions. This is the first in a new series. For grades 4 and up

COMFORT

World War II has ended and Ann Fay's back from the polio hospital and her dad is back from the war but instead of things settling down and getting everything is rapidly changing for the worse in Comfort by Joyce Moyer Hostetter.

Ann Fay is one of the lucky ones as she has the chance to get further physical therapy to overcome her polio at the Warm Springs Foundation in Georgia. This is the same place that President Roosevelt spend time. While there she thrives and makes lots of new friends but her family does not and she has some hard decisions to make.

For grades 5 through 8.

FROM THE READERS

Snacktime Readers met last night and this is what they thought about The Secret Garden (10 being the highest possible rating):

Tamar - 9.5

Michael - 9 It is really important to read so that you can exercise your mind.

Crystal - 10 A pleasure to read.

Allisyn - 8 I loved the descriptions and that the author portrayed the characters so well that you could picture them in your mind.

Garo - 9

We'd love to hear what you think about The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, our book for next month.

THE BEST MARIACHI IN THE WORLD

THE BEST MARIACHI IN THE WORLD/El mejor mariachi del mundo.

Gustavo is a boy who wants to be part of a Mariachi Band. Everyone in his family is in the band except for Gustavo. He becomes very sad. He goes out to the desert at nights and sing. Each night he stays longer until one night his family and all the town people hear him sing. Everyone is very much impressed how good he is until he finally joins the Mariachi band as a singer. Now he is the best mariachi in the world!
The story has an inspiring message about self confidence and determination.
Bilingual English-Spanish written by J.D. Smith, illustrated by Dani Jones. Ages 4-8.

SQUIRES, TEMPLARS, BATTLES AND THE HOLY GRAIL

The Youngest Templar Keeper of the Grail - Michael Spradlin

After years of living in a monastery, Tristan, becomes a squire to Sir Thomas, a knight off to fight in the Crusades. Being an orphan, he would have to strike out on his own soon anyways, so why not take the Knight up on his offer of what seems like an unbelievably exciting future that would never come his way again.

It seems that all they do is battle and prepare for upcoming battles. But Tristan soon learns that they fight to that special and holiest of religious object, the Grail, safe. As Sir Thomas realizes the fortress will fall into the hands of the enemy, the Saracens,Tristan and his fellow squire are entrusted to secrety take The Grail safely back to England.

Travel from England to the Holy Land with Tristan as he learns the art of fighting, defend his master and begins the most dangerous journey of his life.

For readers 6th and older.

WHO LIKES COCKROACHES?

CLARENCE COCHRAN, A HUMAN BOY by William Loizeaux is a very strange boy indeed. He's not really supposed to be a boy, he's supposed to be a cockroach. In fact he comes from a fine family of cockroaches he cannot believe he's somehow turned into a tiny human boy over night! At first Clarence is humiliated, but as the story continues, Clarence learns a little more about himself and the world around him. For 4th-6th grades.

SNACKTIME READERS

It's time to meet, eat and talk about the book and this month's is a great one. Join us for Snacktime Readers at the Central Library, 222 East Harvard Street, Glendale 91205 on Wednesday, July 22 at 7:00 p.m.

For readers in the fourth grade and older and their parents.

THERE ARE BIRTHDAYS AND THEN THERE ARE....

Birthdays are always a big deal specially your first one as a teenager. In the Beaumont family the thirteenth birthday is a very important one as it is when their savvy strikes. For one of the brothers that mean that his touch produced electricity and another caused hurricanes. Not your average family is it? Savvy's birthday is approaching rapidly and she wonders what her savvy will be but when her father is seriously injured in a car accident all she wants is one that will save his life in SAVVY by Ingrid Law. This title was a Newbery Honor medalist in 2008.

For grades 5-8.

LOVE THAT CAT?

FEBRUARY 2009

Jack's Journal

Pondering on poetry and purrs
Dog done died
Mother mum and mine
Hisssss! Black cat
Meow... Meow...
Love little linus?


Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech is a wonderful sequel to Love That Dog.
For readers in 4th -6th.

THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS...

Dogs or cats...? This question seems to be one that never goes out of fashion for as long as I can remember. At times we judge people based on this simple personal preference. However, it seems that only dogs and cats know the real truth about themselves.

The book DOGS AND CATS by STEVE JENKINS is filled with unique and informative facts about these animals that many of us have as pets. The colorful illustrations and the easy-to-read text will definitely make it a quick additive to your animal report as well as for reading it aloud.

For grades 3rd and older.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

The Library will be closed for the Fourth of July weekend. See you on Monday, July 6!

ADIOS OSCAR!: A BUTTERFLY FABLE

Oscar is a caterpillar who lives on a plant near the window. Oscar is heartbroken when he comes out from his cocoon and discovers he has short grey wings instead of the gorgeous orange-and-black ones he expected. And instead of the urge to fly to Mexico, he has the urge to eat sweaters and old socks! And fly around a light! Oscar’s friends all mock him for the time he spent learning Spanish and Mexican culture, and he is heartbroken. But that all changes when he finds a note, Edna, his bookworm friend, left behind for him. This book includes after words with some information on monarchs and moths and the difference between the two. The author also scatters Spanish phrases throughout the book. Very colorful illustrations. Written by Peter Elwell. Ages 4-8.

RULE THE SCHOOL!

If you like books like The Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Captain Underpants, than RAYMOND AND GRAHAM RULE THE SCHOOL by MIKE KNUDSON is for you. It's pact with funny situations about all things school related... I know, I know, only few weeks left to school, but you still have time!

Raymond and Graham are best friends who feel that they have earned the right to rule since they are the oldest in ther school based on their age. However, things almost never turn out to be the way people have planned. And so begins the adventures of these mischievous knuckleheads. The non-stop adventures include from having one's eyebrow shaved to having a severe upset stomach do to too much consumption of prune pudding (go figure!)

For grades 4th and up.

NO REST FOR THE FAMOUS DETECTIVE DUO

Alex just wants to lay low and avoid the fame from the last two mysteries but unfortunately, Yasmeen, his friend and partner, just can't let go of a new mystery that has literally been mailed to them. Someone has just tried to kidnap Alex's baseball coach while he was in a Porta-Potty! In order to capture the criminal though, they have to sort through old bags of trash for clues ...from the Fourth of July picnic.... a month ago! Who Stole Uncle Sam? by Martha Freeman is the third case for Alex and Yasmeen. Great for 5th & older.