MR B. AT GRANDVIEW LIKES...

This “High School Musical” for the younger set by Dan Gutman is a page turner from the tornado that destroys the school library (and a lot of the rest of the Kansas town) through the trials, tribulations, and auditions for the benefit talent show, to the tornado that nearly whisks away the talent show itself and the rest of the town in the concluding pages. Between the storms are some great-hearted, believable, and talented youngsters, as well as some not so talented but ever so sympathetic. Adventurous humor amid natural disaster – a timely theme and a great read.

LIKE, I AM TOTALLY NOT AFRAID OF GHOSTS

Sherry is SO not afraid of ghosts. Well, most ghosts that is, because her mom is a ghost. But someone, or something, is out to get Sherry's step mom Paula, and Sherry has to help before something really bad happens. So, on top of celebrating her 2 month anniversary with her boyfriend, and trying to keep a good friendship with her BFF Junie, NOW she has to solve the mystery of who or what is ruining her step mom's life. I SO DON'T DO SPOOKY by Barrie Summy is a fun yet suspenseful story for grades 5 and up.

A FAVORITE FROM THE MONTROSE BRANCH

Children's Librarian Jennifer from the Montrose-Crescenta Branch likes this laugh out loud and thinks that you will as well.

Clementine by Sara Pennypacker is a laugh-out-loud chapter book. Clementine, a quirky third grader, has trouble paying attention. She frequently gets in trouble. This week has been especially bad. Okay, disastrous. First she cut her best friend’s hair. Then she cut her own hair to make her friend feel better. Clementine has good intentions. But she can’t seem to stay out of the principal’s office.

An endearing, unforgettable story. For grades 2-3.

THE BABY BEEBEE BIRD

The zoo is a noisy place - during the day that is. But when this nocturnal bird becomes the zoo's latest edition, he must conform to their night-napping ways or be kept awake all day! Will any animals get any sleep ever again? THE BABY BEEBEE BIRD by Diane Redfield Massie is a hilarious NOISY story to read aloud to big groups or small, and definitely loved by kids from age 2-10.

CASA VERDUGO BRANCH LIBRARY LIKES

Vivian the children's librarian AT Casa recommends the following new book:

Thomas and the Dragon Queen

By Shutta Crum

Thomas, a rather small boy, won’t let his size get in the way of fulfilling his dream of becoming a knight. This fantastical tale of knighthood, princesses, and dragons is sure to delight the child who has the everlasting hope of becoming someone important; and, in Thomas’ case, to become a knight and serve his King because size really doesn’t matter!

PIZZA OR FISH GUTS

CAMILLE MCPHEE FELL UNDER THE BUS... by Kristen Tracy is a good book and a surprising book, but never a dull book. Camille is in fourth grade. She knows life is not fair. But she just didn't realize how unfair life could be! Falling under the bus is only one of the many unfair things that happen - some of them funny, some of them sad. She tries being a Dingo about it...until she realizes Dingoes aren't as tough as she thought. In the end, she realizes it's not about dwelling in the unfairness, but how you move past it. This book will remind some readers of Beverly Cleary. For 4th - 6th grades.

I REPEAT, DON’T CHEAT!!!

Jessica and Lizzie are good friends. They share the playground at school and do activities together, but Jessica starts to worry when she realizes that Lizzie is a cheater. Lizzie tries to cheat by copying from Jessica’s spelling test and she gets very confused and don’t know what to do…. Jessica cares about the consequences she may receive from accusing her friend. If she talks, her friend would be angry with her, and if she says nothing she will feel dishonest . Lizzie returns to cheat one more time and that is when Jessica loses her temper. The teacher intervenes and Jessica tells the whole truth. The message that this book presents is excellent for a class discussion. Ages 4-8. Written by Margery Cuyler, illustrated by Arthur Howard.

PACIFIC PARK LIKES...

Katherine the Children's Librarian from the Pacific Park Branch suggests:

Shoe Baby by Joyce Dunbar is perfect for storytimes and one-on-one sharing. With this tale of travel and adventure, storytellers can practice character voices and get audience participation with the repetitive phrase, “How do you do?” The charming illustrations of Polly Dunbar beautifully compliment the lyrical words of her mother, Joyce. A surprise ending will leave children clamoring for more.

For Preschool – 2nd grade.

COME MEET A FIRE CHIEF AND FIRE ENGINE

The Glendale Fire Department and the Glendale Public Library are joining together to promote Fire Prevention Week.

When: Saturday, October 9, 2010, 2 p.m.

Where: Central Library, 222 E. Harvard Street, Glendale, Ca 91205

What: Join us and a Fire Chief for a story, a chance to see a fire engine up close, get some fire safety tips and a few other surprises. Refreshments will be served and you may end up on TV as GTV6 will be filming this program. For children 4+ and their families. For additional information, please call (818) 548-2035

HARVEST TIME FAVORITE

Every now and then we all have one of those nights where sleep just does happen. One where our thoughts or other distractions keep those eyes glued open. In the classic title, Barn Dance by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault that's exactly what happens. Music comes wafting it's way through the air from the barn into the room of a young boy. The rhythms are so enticing that he sets off following them to the barn and what's happening there is a very unusual sight...the animals are having a hoedown!

Parents read this one to yourself before sharing it, as if it is read at the author's intended pace the reader's voice becomes the music of the dance. A magical experience.

EVERY ROSE HAS ITS BULLY

When all you want is a basketball, and you get a plot of dirt, wouldn't you be annoyed? Jackson Jones is less than thrilled when his mom gives him a garden plot for his birthday instead of a basketball. But Jackson turns lemons into lemonade by planting beautiful flowers he can sell to buy his own basketball. His plans are ruined one day when a mystery blooms smack dab in the middle of his flower bed. Can you figure out who is trying to ruin Jackson's plans before he can? Jackson is funny and smart, and comes up with some great ideas for pleasing his mom, avoiding his six-year-old neighbors, and still getting what he wants in the end. JACKSON JONES AND THE PUDDLE OF THORNS by Mary Quattlebaum is a fun book for 3rd-6th grades.

A STORYTIME FAVORITE

Children's Librarian Vivian Dulay from the Casa Verdugo Branch
enjoys reading this title to the children who attend her storytime programs.

Just A Little Bit by Ann Tompert…

Elephant and his friends love to play at the park! When things don’t work out on the swing, Elephant suggests playing on the seesaw but it will take more than one friend to make Elephant happy!

CHASING VERMEER!

Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay are the heroes in this book which has many similarities to the DaVinci Code. The story is about these two kids who are in the same class but not close to one another and don’t know much about each other. However, on a museum field trip they realize that they do share something that each person values: these are the love for the arts, their teachers and blue candy:) However, they become much closer when a very famous and expansive painting by Vermeer gets stolen with some trails of its whereabouts left by the thief. However, it is not an easy task to recover something as precious as a Vermeer painting. They do not give up and through their curiosity and analytical minds, try to find solve the mystery of the stolen Vermeer painting. CHASING VERMEER by BLUE BALLIETT and illustrations are by BRETT HELQUIST.

For grades 5th and up.

ANOTHER LIBRARIAN FAVORITE

Edgar Bullington from the Grandview Branch reccomends:

I like/use RUMBLE THUMBLE BOOM! By Anna Hines:

We don’t have many thunderstorms in SoCal. This book is noisy, warm, calming, reassuring, informative and funny at the same time, making it an excellent choice for a storm-time story-hour or class visit. It even works in the days following an earthquake. I also used it with success (according to the parents present) on the Friday following the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001.

JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL TREAT

When: Saturday, September 25, 2 p.m.

Where: Central Library Auditorium, 222 East Harvard Street, Glendale, CA 91205

What: A special concert presented by the Topanga Banjo/Fiddle Contest and Folk Festival. Join us and the award-winning band SOMETIMES IN TUNE who will be singing the sunny side of folk songs, blue grass and old-time favorites!

As with all Library events, this one is free and while it is being hosted by the Children's Room, it is suitable for the entire family. For further information please call (818) 548-2035

AN OLDIE BUT A GOODIE

Ten years-old Melanie is not quite ready to travel to Italy with her family, especially when she is charged with keeping an eye out for her wandering little brother. This is another winner in the series, with lots of art, gelato, pizza, all recorded in Melanie's travel diary with a great dose of humor of a long suffering older sister.

The Diary of Melanie Martin or How I Survived Matt the Brat, Michelangelo, and the Leaning Tower of Pizza by Carol Weston is still funny. A perfect read for 4th - 6th graders.

SUGGESTION FROM A LIBRARIAN'S MEETING

All of the children's librarians meet monthly to look at the new books, share their personal reviews, tips and updates from their various sites.

Jennifer Boyce from the Montrose-Crescenta Branch suggests:

ART APPRECIATION: IN A PICTURE BOOK

Artful Reading by Bob Raczka introduces art made in homage to reading. Through a series of 32 paintings, the author describes the ways, reasons, and places people read. Children will discover that reading can take many forms, be done for work or pleasure, and has captured artists’ hearts and minds for centuries.

A lovely homage to art and reading. For Preschool – 2nd grade.

HUGO AND WOW WOW WUBBZY CREATOR IS COMING...

THIS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 AT 2 PM. at the Central Library.

Hugo joyfully follows a red string across the town and over streams and we happily follow along with this adorable hippo and the other critters we meet along the way. It's a nicely illustrated wordless book that's perfect for an afternoon browse under a shady tree. Hugo and the Really, Really, Really Long String by Bob Boyle is reminiscent of Harold and the Purple Crayon and The Red Balloon, perfect for readers of all ages.

BIBLIOBURRO, THE DONKEY LIBRARY

Luis is a school elementary teacher in the small town of La Gloria in Colombia. He loves to read, but soon his house is so full of books that there’s barely room for the family. Then he comes up with the brilliant idea to create --a traveling library! He buys two donkeys--Alfa and Beto--, loads the donkey’s back with lots of books and travels through the Colombian state of Magdalena bringing the educational and cultural material to the children who don’t or can’t attend school. Based on the true story about the school elementary teacher Luis Soriano devoted his life to bringing books and culture to rural children who have no access to any bookstores or libraries. No doubt that the teacher Soriano will inspire respect and admiration. Ages 7-8. Written by Jeanette Winter, illustrated by author.

A CROOKED SCIENTIST

Graphic novels (also known as comic books) are not like the Archie and Veronica or even the Garfield strips of old. You can see it in the new crops of books like this one: The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook by Eleanor Davis.

The drawings are really sharp and dynamic and printed on heavy glossy papers in hardback so it will last as you read and reread this story. You will definitely want to pore over the many diagrams of our clever heroes' inventions.

It's a story we've seen before, a nerdy kid finds like-minded friends and overcomes the odds and fights the bad guys. But what makes this better than your average story is the illustrations, color choices, details and panel layouts or in some cases lack of panels.

For readers in 4th and up.