NEVER AFTER CONTINUED

After Raven Queen decided not to sign the Storybook of Legends, Ever After High has been turned upside down.  It's Rebels vs. Royals, with Raven leading the rebels and Apple White leading the Royals, but neither of them can seem to get the two groups talking and getting along again.  That is, until they all have a cause to unite behind when Madeline Hatter gets into trouble and might be expelled out of Ever After High - forever!  Can Raven and Apple bring the school back together?  Can they reconcile their own differences?  Will Raven's mom, the Evil Queen make an appearance in her mirror and wreck havoc?  Find out in Shannon Hale's second installment of Ever After High, The Unfairest of Them All for kids in grades 6-8.

JACOB'S NEW DRESS

Jacob loves to swing on the monkey bars, race toy cars, and play with dinosaurs. One of his favorite areas in the room is the dress-up corner, where he tries on different outfits.  He enjoys it so much that he requests to wear a similar outfit the next day. Although he is teased and bullied, his parents and teacher offer much support, love, and honor his curiosity and creativity. 

Sarah and Ian Hoffman offer a gentle story about a boy who wants to wear clothes outside the norm.  By doing so they thoughtfully address the topic of gender non-conformity in this picture book story. 

For families and educators to share with children Pre-K to 2nd grade.

GUM CHEWING IS A SUPER POWER

Gabby Gomez loves chewing gum and when she gets gum in stuck in her hair her mom put her foot down and said no more!  Gabby can't help herself and breaks her promise when she finds a piece of stray gum t in her room.  This gum turns out to be a special gum, turning her into a superhero.  With her new sticky super power, she saves a woman's purse from a purse snatcher, cat in a tree and even a plane by using her gum to hold the wings together. However, on the other side of town, little does she know that there's a villain lurking in a spatula factory keeping an eye on her.  

The Gumazing Gum Girl!: Chews Your Destiny by Rhode Montijo gives us a new female superhero who sprinkles her speech with Spanish words and exciting gum popping adventures.  

For beginning chapter book readers in 3rd-4th grades. 

ANOTHER FROG READER SERIES

Long time author, Eve Bunting's new beginning reader series about Frog and his friends is fun and bright.  In Frog Saves the Day, there's a new animal coming through the forest.  It's loud, big and it eats people.  You can see all the people inside that it has eaten, though frightened,  the forest animals feel very safe that it at least doesn't eat animals .  

During a fun day of picnicking, possum Baby Five falls in the river and who comes to the rescue, but Frog, the hero.

For beginning readers in K-2nd grades who want some fun adventurous reading. 

POPPY AND THE RIGHT BOAT

Poppy gets a new scarf with skulls and cross bones on it making her very excited to get on a boat just like a real pirate dog. But, each time she gets on a boat, it's too windy, too scary or too wet.  It's not at all what she imagined being on a pirate ship would be like.  Will this pirate dog ever find the right pirate ship for her? 

Poppy the Pirate Dog by Liz Kessler & illustrated by Mike Phillips is a fun beginning chapter book reader with some lovely illustrations that's perfect for summer reading.  

For readers in 2nd - 3rd.  

AN OLDIE BUT A GOODIE

Picture yourself lying on the beach one day, a breeze swishing across your face, and the sun shining down on you as you lay in the sand. All of a sudden twenty wild hairy ponies come galloping by at top speed, whinnying and snorting their way down the beach. That's what it's like on the Island of Chincoteague, and every year the people on the mainland try to catch a few wild ponies and tame them. Some become work horses, some become show horses, and some get to race. Paul and Maureen Beebe are determined to get themselves one of these beautiful wild ponies to raise and care for, and hopefully someday race! MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE by Marguerite Henry was written a long time ago, but the story is full of excitement and adventure. The best part about this book is that it is based on a real place and a real pony! For 3rd - 6th grades.

MAY 2014

JUNE BOOK CLUB TITLE

A BOOK CLUB FOR BEGINNING CHAPTER BOOK READERS.  

• Read For Fun
• Snack
• Discuss
• Only ½ hour
• 2 times per month
• Join us at either locations below:

AT CENTRAL

MONDAYS, 5PM

6/9 & 6/23

AT CASA VERDUGO

WEDNESDAYS, 5PM

6/11 & 6/25

A KOALA KIDNAPPING MYSTERY

Poached by Stuart Gibbs, author of Belly Up, Spy School, and Spy Camp is back with another hilarious and action packed adventure/mystery set once again in FunJungle.  

This time, he's starting at  a new school and the school bully decides it would be fun to drop a fake arm in the shark tank and watch the mayhem. Teddy winds up taking the fall for the shark incident because of his past history playing pranks and Marge, now head of security.  The fake arm is one thing but when the new loan, Kazu the Koala, from Australia comes to FunJungle goes missing, Marge suspects only one person, Teddy. He has to prove his innocence and get Kazu back before he's arrested  and sent to juvie.  

For readers in 6th grade and up. 

SCHOOL'S OUT! SUMMER READING'S IN!

For many of you students in Glendale, today is the last day of school.  So hop over to the library and pick up your summer reading logs.  Just like last year, you only have to read eight books, any eight books, in any language (that's for all of you in the language immersion programs) from now through mid August.  

For more details visit us or call one of our branches.  

DETECTIVE MURILLA IS BACK

Murrilla Gorrilla is back with another case in Murilla Gorilla and the Missing Yellow Parasol by Jennifer Lloyd.  

Parrot's yellow parasol is missing and he wants Murrilla, the detective, to help him find it.  Murrilla is easily distracted by other yellow things she sees while looking for clues.  Will Murrilla ever find Parrot's yellow umbrella?  

 For beginning readers to practice their reading skills

1000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN!

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THE PRESCHOOLERS AND THEIR PARENTS, FOR SUCH A GREAT DANCE-OFF  FOR OUR NEW 1000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM.   If you took pictures will post them to our facebook?  Remember, music is a gateway to language acquisition.  

• Sign up your little ones (babies through pre-K) for our new reading program.  Runs all year long.  
• Sign up your little and big ones (babies through 8th grade) for our summer reading program, June-August.  

SEE YOU ON WEDNESDAY MORNING!

All Glendale Public Libraries will be closed for the Memorial Day Weekend, May 24 -26, 2014.

Join us on Wednesday morning preschoolers for our 1000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN kick-off at Central's auditorium.  

KIDS READ! LIFE OF PI

Here's a review from 6th grader Naomi:

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

An Indian boy named Pi is trapped on a lifeboat with a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Royal Bengal tiger after a mysterious shipwreck. Stuck with no food, water, or safety, he is forced to stay on the boat. Eventually, almost every animal dies except the tiger which is named Richard Parker. At first he is scared of the tiger, but as time moves on, Pi gets used to being around Richard. He learns many practical skills during this voyage to help him survive.

In this book, there were some rather gory scenes and descriptions that I would have preferred not to read.The author was very descriptive in his writing. I could not tell if this story was based on Pi's imagination or reality. I liked this book because of the intensity and emotion the author has expressed. It was made into a movie which almost matches the book.

For readers 6th grade and up. 

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

Thirteen-year-old Theodora Tenpenny’s grandfather’s last words to her before he dies are “It’s under the egg.” He tells her that there is a letter and a treasure under the egg, and she should find them before it’s  too late. Theo guesses that her grandfather meant the egg painting above the mantelpiece, under which she placed the best, most perfect egg from their chickens every day since she was little. As she is looking for the letter and the treasure under the egg, she accidentally spills a bottle of rubbing alcohol on the painting, which causes the paint to peel off and expose a different painting underneath. The painting looks suspiciously like a stolen masterpiece by a well-known artist, so Theo embarks on an adventure to find the real artist of the painting and its owner. Along the way, Theo will discover her grandfather’s secrets, a great deal of art and history, and a best friend.

Under the Egg has got it all - a page-turning mystery, art, history, and humor. It is a smart, witty book that has great writing and will continue to surprise the reader until the very last page. 

For grades 5-8.

SRP IS COMING!

So many books to read this summer. Bet you can't wait to put your paws on some books. Write them down in your reading log. Once you finish 8 books, you get a new paperback book as your prize. 

This year we  start on May 28, before school ends.  

NEW KIWANIS READ-ALOUD BOOKS

For Children's Book Week, May 12-18, check out our new (and old) books,  in the specially designated and revamped Kiwanis Read-Aloud Collection.  Below are a few noteworthy titles from the new additions. 

Training Tallulah by Rosie Reeve is a sweet and quirky cat and girl story about how each  make each other feel comfortable around each  other. 

An unusual book about the moon hanging so low that a young boy could touch it.   But soon the the low moon begin to have strange effects on  the citizens of the town in Moonday by Adam Rex.   

Dinosaur Kisses by David Ezra Stein is fast becoming the Children's Room favorite, when a baby dinosaur attempts to kiss everyone but it keeps getting it all wrong.  A hilarious trial and error story. 

Froggy Gets a Doggy by Jonathan London is a new addition to the ever popular Froggy series.  

READ YOUR FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK

Children's Book Week, May 12-18, 2014, is all about celebrating your favorite books, authors, and illustrators! From comics to mysteries, magic to history...you can find anything between the pages of a book!

Download an ebook or audiobook onto your device.    

BEAUTIFUL NEW TALES

The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney 
Spare in text but not in visuals. 



Beauty and the Beast by Ursula Jones and Sarah Gibb 
Visually appealing and atmospheric. 


Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella by Jan Brett 
Opulent visuals a la Brett. 

SUMMER READING IS COMING IN JUNE!

PAWS TO READ is 2014's summer reading theme.  Don't forget to come and pick up your log and write down all the books you're reading.  Read 8 books and you get a paperback book as your prize.  This program is open to children from babies to incoming 8th graders, but parents should also check out the Teen and Adult Summer Reading Programs. 

June 2-August 2 come get your logs and take join us for at all the special events. 

CELEBRATE BOOKS

From May 12-18, 2014 visit your library and read your favorite children's books. You can also download an ebook or audiobook onto any device.    

Children's Book Week is all about celebrating your favorite books, authors, and illustrators! From comics to mysteries, magic to history...you can find anything between the pages of a book!

DO OR DO NOT. THERE IS NO TRY.

Roan has always wanted to go to the Pilot Academy, just like his dad and his big brother.  After his exams, however, it turns out Roan is not meant to be a pilot but rather a farmer - doomed to spend the rest of his life on Tatooine killing plants.  Because he sure knows he doesn't know how to grow any.  That is, until he gets a letter from the Jedi Academy inviting him to study with the elite Jedi.  Although Roan knows nothing about being a Jedi, other than most of them are recruited as younglings, he figures anything is better than farming and heads off to Coruscant to learn about Wookies, Light Sabers, and "The Force".

Join Roan as he finds his place in the world in Jeffrey Brown's novel for 3rd and 4th graders, Star Wars: Jedi Academy.

MAKE YOUR OWN MUSIC

A review by Theresa: 

With school soon to start, Lewis Blake, the main character in Eric Gansworth’s If I Ever Get Out of Here, decides to do something drastic and take another shot at making friends. As the only kid from the Tuscarora Indian Reservation in the brainiacs track at school, Lewis had spent the past six years not fitting in with the other kids. His solution is to chop off his braid and to hide the fact that he is on the free lunch program. Of course, it’s not that simple, the school bully starts torturing him, his classmates still ignore him and if anything he is on a downward spiral until he meets the new kid. They were an unlikely pair, George a middle class kid from an Air Force family and Lewis the poor kid from the reservation who bonded over a shared love of the Beatle’s music. 

The author paints a very realistic and likable story of two kids who stretched both cultural and economic boundaries to become friends. 

For grades 6-8.

LAST WEEK OF PROGRAMS UNTIL SUMMER

JOIN US FOR THE LAST FEW DAYS OF LIBRARY PROGRAMS.  WE'LL BE  GEARING UP FOR SUMMER DURING THE MONTH OF MAY.   

THIS MIGHT BE A GOOD TIME TO CHECK OUT THE NEWLY RENOVATED BRAND  LIBRARY AND PARK.  

YOUR NEW SUPERHERO IS A GIRL

The Adventures of Jo Schmo by Greg Trine is the latest series by the author of the Melvin Beederman series. 

In Dinos Are Forever, Jo Schmo is the latest caped crusader in a family of caped crusaders living in San Francsico.  Along with her sidekick dog, whose weapon is creating a puddle of slobber, Jo tackles villains of all sorts after receiving a red cape in the mail from her newly retired uncle.  

After some training from her grandfather, 4th grader, Jo goes after an evil scientist who tries to resurrect dinosaurs in order to rob banks.  Greg Trine gives us another fun action-packed series with a cast of outrageous characters, but in a believable setting.  

This new superhero series is perfect for beginning chapter book readers 2nd-4th graders. 

SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND

World War II home front and magical realism seem like an unlikely pairing, but they work together beautifully in Beholding Bee by Kimberly Newton Fusco.

 While World War II is waging overseas, eleven-year-old Bee is fighting a war of her own. Orphaned at a young age, Bee works at the hot dog stand of a traveling carnival. She lives in the back of a hauling truck with Pauline, a young woman who works at the carnival and is the only person looking out for Bee. But, what makes Bee stand out is the “diamond” on her cheek. Born with a large birthmark covering one side of her face, Bee tries her best to be happy despite the cruel stares and taunts she endures on a daily basis. But, at least she has Pauline, who Bee knows will always protect her from the world. There is also the strange, yet comforting presence of the lady in the orange flappy hat, who it seems only Bee can see and who only shows up on days that have been particularly difficult.

When Pauline is sent to work for another carnival, Bee is left truly alone and must face the harsh realities of the world.  Accompanied by her dog, Peabody, and the baby pig she smuggles out of the carnival, Bee digs deep within herself to summon strength and courage she didn’t know she possessed. Her journey of self-discovery and renewal is inspiring as Bee carves out a new life for herself and learns that she is not the only one who has faced hardship in their life.

Beholding Bee is an unusual and unexpected story. The cover art looks like a contemporary novel, but after a few chapters it’s clear that this is historical fiction that reads like a fairy tale. The stark realities of this country during the 1940s are apparent; polio, rationing, families broken apart by the war, and the treatment of children with special needs are all woven into the story. But, like any good fairy tale, there are bright points and moments of whimsy. Throughout it all, the character of Bee sparkles as she learns who she is and what she is capable of.

Recommended for 4th grade and up.

WHERE'S WALDO AT THE LIBRARY?

WALDO IS EVERYWHERE!   YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO SEARCH FOR WALDO BEFORE HE TRAVELS TO ANOTHER PLACE.

WOOF, IS AT MONTROSE!

No, it's really McEnroe, the Barks and Books volunteer reader joining in the Waldo fun.  Be sure to drop into Montrose Branch for their Waldo Scavenger hunt this week, too.

KIDS READ! ARTEMIS FOWL

Here's a review by 6th grader Grace of the Montrose Branch:

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer is a book about magic, fairies, and deranged criminal masterminds. Most of the time when you pick up a book and read the word fairies or magic, you would set the book back down. When you read that word, you instantly picture tiny little creatures with wings and flower dresses. Not Eoin Colfer's version. He brought together both fairies and criminal masterminds to make a whole different kind of book. In this book these "fairies" are not wand-carrying Tinkerbells,  but highly advanced creatures who can do magic and are extremely dangerous. This criminal mastermind and his bodyguard set off to find the "People" and attempt to steal their gold, which involves a dangerous plan, luck, and a certain female LEPrecon captain. 

Once you get a hold of this book and start reading you can't put it down. Eoin Colfer has concocted a book with a pinch of humor, a dash of magic, a sprinkle of adventure, and a whole lot of fun. So keep calm and read on!

For readers in 4th-8th grade.

CAN YOU FIND WALDO?

  Tomorrow, come to the Central Library and find the Waldos.  Find those staff members with the special Waldo pins.  Pick up your hunt sheet in the Children's Room and start your search.  

CELEBRATE LIBRARIES WITH WALDO

IT'S TIME TO FIND WALDO AT THE LIBRARY.  April 13-19 is National Library Week.  Bring in your overdue books and the fines will be waived. Then hang out with us and search for Waldo, our striped shirt world traveler.   Each library site will have their own Waldo activity.  

SPARKS FLY WITH THIS EARLY READER!

On one fine day, a very small dragon was born.  His parents look him over and are proud of his unique features- a pointy tail and incredible sparks coming out of his big snout! Spark, as he's called by his parents, has a difficult time controlling his fiery breath so they refer to a book that could help solve the problem.  After being taught three lessons, the only thing that Spark really needed was time to develop his own skills.  

A gentle and wonderful tale by Kallie George for beginning readers. 

NEVER TIRE OF READING

FEWER THAN HALF OF CHILDREN IN THE UNITED STATES ARE READ TO DAILY.

THE SINKING OF THE TITANIC, 1912

 

George Calder, a ten year boy travelling with his Aunt Daisy and younger sister Phoebe, is captivated by the Titanic's size and grandeur. George gets an opportunity to meet the ship's designer and its Captain and can't help but explore every inch of the grand ship on his own.  He soon learns from a fellow passenger that a treasure is kept within the baggage compartment and decides to venture off down below the deck. George's excitement soon turns to fear when he encounters a robber who wants to cause him great harm but an unexpected jolt occurs and an object injures the robber.  As George runs back to his quarters for safety he hears that the Titanic had hit an iceberg.  Will George and his loved ones survive?  

Lauren Tarshis does a wonderful job of blending the facts of one of the greatest events in maritime history with the story of a boy filled with hope and courage.  The facts presented at the end of I Survived: The Sinking of the Titanic, 1913,  will also captivate readers.  

For 8 years and older.

THE NEXT LAST DRAGONSLAYER

In case you were fascinated-and a little horrified-by the creature that is "one tenth Labrador, six-tenths velociraptor and three-tenths kitchen food blender," from the Last Dragonslayer, you can find out more in the second book, The Song of the Quarkbeast. With the Great Zambini still missing, Jennifer Strange continues to be the acting manager of Kazam Mystical Arts Management, and it is not the easiest of jobs. With the rise of Big Magic, Jennifer, Tiger Prawns, and the accompanying cast of strange but generally well-meaning magicians are the only ones who can prevent King Snodd and iMagic from using magic for personal gain, rather than the common good. The troubles start when a mysterious client recruits Kazam's talents to find a ring that does not want to be found, and only escalate when King Snodd appoints Blix from iMagic to Court Sorcerer, requiring Kazam to obey all of iMagic's wishes. Will Jennifer and Kazam be able to resist Blix and King Snodd against all odds? And most importantly, why is there a mysterious Quarkbeast roaming in the streets of Hereford?
 

The Song of the Quarkbeast  by Jasper FForde is as lough-out-loud witty as its prequel. In fact, it is possible that it might be even better. If you like a good deal of laughs with your fantasy and science fiction, you might have just met your favorite new series.

For readers in 4th-8th. 

IT'S ONLY 15 MINUTES A DAY. READ ALOUD!

Since early 2012, the Read Aloud 15 MINUTES National Campaign has brought together community leaders and the key groups who reach parents from birth to age 5 with messaging, materials, and parent engagement programs.

Read aloud to your child.  The books are free at the library!  

FAMILY FUN AT THE BRAND LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, 
March 30, 2014
12 – 4 pm 

A family fun filled day at our special art & music library and park to celebrate the grand re-opening.  Join us for a tour, music, crafts, food trucks & more.

Brand Library & Park
1601 W. Mountain St.
Glendale, CA 91202
818-937-7888
www.brandlibrary.org

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION TODAY

Join other beginning chapter book readers and Children's Librarian, Vivian, at Casa Verdugo this afternoon at 4 p.m. for a discussion of the book I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1913.  if you didn't get a chance to read it, check out a paperback copy of this popular new series, I Survived.  

Ask the reference desk about April's book club title.   

KEEP ON READING

Research shows that reading aloud is the single most important thing you can do to help prepare a child for  reading and learning.

ATTENTION: NO STORYTIME THIS FRIDAY

ON MARCH 21, 2014 THERE WILL BE NO BABY STORYTIME AT 10:30 AT THE CENTRAL LIBRARY, CHILDREN'S ROOM.  WE WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK, MARCH 28.  

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED 1PM  WOODEN TRAIN TIME AND AT 3PM FOR THE ART CART.

EXPULSION BY APPLE

Sierra is the picture perfect student.  She is a member of the leadership club, sings in the school choir The Octaves, and has only received one B in her middle school career.  So why is she suddenly risking expulsion? She understands her school's Zero Tolerance policy.  No drugs, no weapons, no exceptions.  Except what happens when you accidentally take your mom's identical lunch bag to school and inside is a paring knife for her apple?  And you turn it in right away?  

For Sierra, this means a week-long in-school suspension which might lead to an expulsion.  This seemingly unfair act calls into question Sierra's sense of fairness and right and wrong. In Zero Tolerance by Claudia Mills, Sierra learns that life and rules are not always black and white and people are not always what they seem on the outside.  For grades 6 and up.

MARCH TO THE LIBRARY

 "Catch the Read Aloud habit" 

Don't be a statistic, read aloud to your child every day.  

Read Aloud 15 MINUTES. Every child. Every parent. Every day.

BOOK GROUP MEETS TODAY

Our book group for beginning chapter book readers meet today at Casa Verdugo to read I Survived: The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912. 
Casa Verdugo, 3/12 at 4 p.m.  

If you can't come, pick up the book and meet us in two weeks for the book discussion.  
Central, 3/24 and Casa, 3/26 both are at 4 p.m. 

OBSERVE! OBSERVE! OBSERVE!

Wilmer Dooley doesn't just love science, he LIVES science.  His family's motto, as any good scientist family's motto should be is: Observe!  And Observe Wilmer does.  He observes his absent-minded scientist dad forgetting his pants and his mom creating interesting dinner concoctions everyday.  He has recently observed that all of the kids in his school have suddenly begun to change colors and bounce off the walls (literally).  Wilmer doesn't want to just know why, though, he wants to find a cure!  Which would be easy if his scientist father let him use his lab.  But instead he must sneak into his biology teacher's lab when she isn't looking and hope he doesn't get caught.  Either by her or his archnemesis Claudius.  


Can he do it?  Can he save the school and win the 6th grade science fair medal?  Find out in The Contagious Colors of Mumpley Middle School by Fowler Dewitt for grades 5 and up.

WHO YOU THINK YOU ARE IS NOT WHO YOU ARE

That's what Laura Ebony found out during a two week forced stay with her grandmother.  Although she wants to be a fashion model and popular, she's more of an outsider, called Larda by her classmates and the popular girls.  She thought all that would changed this year until she finds out that her class will be going on a field trip to her family's "slave shack". A shack to Laura's mind that has nothing but bad memories and now the whole class will know about her family's horrible past.  

The Laura Line by Crystal Allen turns in another engaging coming of age story weaving in history, genealogy, self esteem and even baseball.  For readers in grades 5th -8th. 

WHAT LIFE LESSONS CAN A PERSON LEARN FROM BULLYING?

After a brief suspension, Julian Twerski is exempt from writing a Julius Caesar report.  Instead, his English teacher and father ask him to journal the events of his middle school life.  Since academic success comes so easily to Julian, he thinks this project will be a breeze.  When he starts, he focuses on journal basics: who, what, when, where, why and how.  He documents his time with his best buddies and his best friend's feelings towards a girl at school.  As the days pass, his writing starts to change when he journals about his discovery of first love, or his experiences with the neighborhood loner, Stanley Stimmel.   Julian reflects more frequently and more intensely about his interactions with his best buddies, Stanley, and the irresistible Jillian, and he learns a great deal about empathy, remorse, and heartbreak.  

The reader cannot help but get drawn in to his reflections, regrets, and growth.

From first time junior novelist, Mark Goldblatt, Twerp sheds light on how a group of middle schoolers can be friendly towards some and be troublesome for others.  Twerp is best for 7^th grade and up.