A SECRET REVEALED

From Theresa, Children’s Librarian at the Central Library

Ally, a sixth grader now at her seventh school, works hard to hide her terrible secret from her teacher and classmates. It’s not that she isn’t smart, she’s great at math and a talented artist. She’s also often in trouble and spends a lot of time in the principal’s office. When Ally inadvertently gives her teacher who was going on maternity leave a sympathy card instead of a congratulations on the birth of your baby, it wasn’t done to be mean but happened because she just does not know how to read. The kids in her class particularly a couple of “mean girls” often bully and make fun of her which makes school an even bigger challenge. When the new teacher takes over the class he is much more difficult to fool than any of the other teachers have been but fortunately for Ally he diagnoses her problem and offers to help.

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullay Hunt deals with some very sensitive issues, dyslexia, bullying, friendship and courage. She does not sugar coat any of these but chooses to develop them fully in the middle school setting. In the end there is no miracle cure but there is progress brought about by small steps and lots of work. Ally is one of those characters that most readers will be glad they met. 

For readers in grades 4-6

PARTY WITH ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE!

PARTY WITH ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE ON TUES., JUNE 16TH AT 2PM.

GAMES, CRAFTS AND FUN ACTIVITIES FOR FANS OF GERALD AND PIGGIE.  

CHILDREN'S ROOM 
CENTRAL LIBRARY 
818-548-2035

A PRANKSTER'S PARADISE

Yawnee Valley: where a cow was once elected as Mayor due to a balloting error, and then reelected to a second term following record-high approval ratings. This bovine-enthusiast’s paradise, notable for counting moos as a popular pastime, is hardly Miles Murphy’s idea of a great place to live. 

Miles doesn’t know much about cows, nor does he care to. After being forced to abandon his familiar friends and home, all he wants is to reestablish his reputation at his new school as biggest prankster. There’s just one fly in the ointment: another prankster has already taken up residence, and truly masterful one at that. Miles isn't about to be cowed by some amateur, but when he finds his first big prank foiled, he’s given a proposition: he’ll  have to choose to beat ‘em at their craft or join ‘em. So let the pranking war begin…

With dry wit, quirky characters, comical illustrations, and some serious pranking Mac Barnett and Jory John’s The Terrible Two is a natural next read for for fans of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. A humorous read for grades 4 and up that will have kids cracking up until the cows come home.

A PUPPET MUSICAL THIS SATURDAY

Saturday, June 6, 2015 Noteworthy Puppets will perform JACK AND THE BEANSTALK:  THE PUPPET MUSICAL. You've never heard of singing puppets, you say?!  Well, then you must come and see this live performance yourself.  You all know the story, now come hear the songs.    

Central Library - auditorium 
2 pm. 
818-548-2038

A CRAYON'S STORY

Red crayon can’t seem to do anything right. Despite his bright red factory-applied label and very determined efforts, his artistic attempts are all decisively blue: blue strawberries, blue firetrucks, blue traffic lights, blue ants, etc. And, though well-meaning, his family’s suggestions fail to engender either change or satisfaction. Soon everyone is chiming in with commentary, critiques, and counsel: tape thinks he might be broken inside; scissors wonders if his label is too tight; amber questions whether he’s really red; fuchsia suggests that he might not be very bright… Ever keen to conform to expectations, red crayon diligently follows the advice of fellow art supplies, though it’s clear to readers from the start that mislabeling is the true source of the problem. The solution, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to longtime fans of the genre, is a celebration that comes from defying labels and embracing one’s true identity. Deceptively simple, Michael Hall’s Red: A Crayon’s Story is a fantastic picture book addition to the ever popular genre of identity and self-acceptance.

For more picture books exploring identity try The Crocodile Who Didn't Like Water by Gemma Merino, Zero by Kathryn Otoshi, and A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni. Or, for another imaginative crayon story that colors outside the lines, check out Drew Daywalt’s The Day the Crayons Quit.

For ages 4+

MUSICAL MAGIC

From Theresa, Children’s Librarian, Central Library: 

In her multilayered novel Echo, Pam Munoz Ryan, author of Esperanza Rising, takes us on a journey across time and geographical boundaries following a very unique harmonica, one that not only changes owners but lives as well. The first owner Otto is given the instrument when he was lost in the forest.  He is rescued by three sisters who were trapped there by a witches spell until they saved a life, coincidentally the girls were also characters in a book Otto bought from a gypsy. He promises to help them escape and carries their spirits out of the woods in the enchanted mouth harp. From there the harmonica travels to three different children, an aspiring Jewish conductor in pre-World War II Germany, two very poor orphaned brothers in Pennsylvania and the daughter of migrant workers in California. This special mouth harp works its magic on those it comes into contact with and they discover not only a love but an exceptional talent for music.  Each child’s story gives the reader a good picture of their time, circumstances and location and while the stories seem to end badly, please keep reading. 

For grades 5-8

LET'S PARTY WITH THE WIMPY KID!

COME TO THE DIARY OF A WIMPY KID PARTY.

TUESDAY, JUNE 2^ND AT 2PM. 

PLAY PARTY GAMES, MAKE SOME CRAFTS AND TEST YOUR DWK TRIVIA.

HANG OUT WITH OTHER DWK FANS FOR SOME FUN. 

CHILDREN'S ROOM 
CENTRAL LIBRARY 
818-548-2035

SUMMER READING IS HERE!

  

Pick up your summer reading logs at any of the Glendale Library Arts and Culture branch beginning tomorrow, Thursday, May 28.

This Saturday, May 30, at 2 p.m. Dan Crow will have you singing along with him in the Children's Room.  It's musical fun for the whole family.  

A VIOLIN FOR ELVA

When Elva was a young girl, she heard beautiful music. Unfortunately, her parents couldn't hear what she had heard, so they are quick to deny her request for a violin.  Although downhearted, this doesn't stop Elva from listening to the music that played in her heart and soul.  As she gets older, she continues to listen to music on the radio to fill that special something that is missing her life. Elva finally decides that it's never too late to enjoy music, so she gives herself the gift that will last her a lifetime.

A lighthearted story about a young girl who grows into adulthood, and never lets go of something that meant most to her.  A story to warm the heart. A Violin for Elva by Mary Lyn Ray is for adults and children, K-3rd grade, to enjoy together.

WHAT IF YOU SUDDENLY HAD THE POWER TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE?

From Theresa, Children’s Librarian / Central Library

Right from the start you need to know that this is a very unusual tale. It has all the elements of a family story, two kids living with their father on a farm in Montana. There is a missing mom who has moved to New York to pursue her career as a writer but that is not what even comes close to making this a very odd book. What happened that very stormy day in Fiona and Fenton’s yard was, as they say, “a big game changer.” When that bolt of lightning hit the maple tree in the front yard and left behind what looked like a ball of lightning everything changed.  The twins managed to capture it and accidentally discovered that it was capable of bringing dead things back to life. 

Starting small they experimented with dead bugs, small rodents, a favorite dog and ultimately their grandfather who had been killed in a car accident. While the ball brought the dead back to life, no one was quite the same. The maple tree suddenly started bearing apples and the dog was not so friendly. Though to be honest does anyone really want to be friendly with a skeleton dog? Even their grandpa Wade was a different man, much nicer than the cranky guy they remembered. But as we find out in Evan Kuhlman’s book, Great Ball of Light, bringing the dead back can get complicated particularly when they stick around. Not always a dark tale of death and zombies, this one has some very funny and warm moments. 

For grades 4-7.

ROSARIO'S FIG TREE

Rosario is a gardening magician according to his young neighbor next door.  Rosario knows exactly when to plant the vegetable seeds and she loves helping Rosario care for the garden. One day, Rosario decides to dig a hole for a potted fig tree he recently bought.  He takes the tree out of the pot and places it in the ground and watches it grow.  He gives figs to his friends and neighbors but when winter rolls around his young neighbor could not understand why Rosario would bury the tree.  

In Rosario’s Fig Tree, author Charis Wahl has written a simple story about the young neighbors' experience with gardening.

For ages K-2nd grade

MUSIC, WORDS AND NAIL POLISH

In Sarah Weeks' new novel, instead of a cat, she writes about a dog plus the usual friendship between a girl and a boy set in a small town with seemingly random characters and unrelated stories. 

There are 100 colors of nail polish created by BB, the new beauty shop owner in Royal, Indiana.  Melody and her friend Nick are off to the new beauty parlor to find out who her father is calling "Honey" over the phone.  Her mother died when she was born and life has just been about Melody and her father since then.  

Has he found a wife finally?  Who could it be? She desperately wants her father to be happy and has been making the same wish on her birthday for as long as she could remember but is her dream about to burst when she hears that her awful math teacher is also getting married?!  Could her father be marrying her?!!

Honey is a magical tale of loss, love and the search for a happy ending for everyone.  A solid and lovely story as good as Pie that's perfect for a summer read. 

For readers in 4th - 6th grades.  

THE MYSTERY OF THE MOSAIC

In trouble? Ask Ethan and Ella for help. These twins have a keen eye for clues. When their mother, Josephine Brair, was to start her new job as a travel writer, the entire family had to travel with her.  Their father, Andrew Brair, a history professor was to homeschool his twins.  While exploring Venice, Italy, the twins receive a clue from their grandfather that will take them on an adventure searching for a missing mosaic and a stolen gondola.  

Read the story by Harper Paris to find out if the characters ever uncover the mysteries. The Mystery of the Mosaic is part of the Greetings from Somewhere series. This is a very short chapter book that covers different genres: mystery and adventure.  The illustrations are wonderfully presented in black and white drawing.  The story also covers interesting facts about Italy.

For grades 1-3

FRIENDSHIP IS LIKE A SEESAW

Friendship has its highs and lows.  Sometimes friends can be inseparable, and other times friends need some space or 'quiet time' to sort out their feelings.  In Friendship is Like a Seesaw, author Shona Innes tenderly brings to light the changes friends might experience.  Sometimes, with time, friends can be even better friends especially when 'space' is respected.

An important book to share before a child starts school or as friends struggle with hurt feelings.

THE ANIMALS BEHIND THE STORIES

Winnie-the-Pooh and, much more recently, Ivan the gorilla have become beloved children's book characters. But both characters were also based on real-life animals, and the books Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh by Sally M. Walker and Ivan: the Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate tell the little-known stories behind the celebrated ones.

The story of Winnie (originally named Winnipeg) begins with an army veterinarian in Canada who finds her at a train station and buys him from a man for $20. The bear shadows the vet as he works in army camps, endearing herself to all the soldiers, but after war breaks out, Winnie must begin her life at the London Zoo. It is there where a young boy named Christopher Robin and his author father meet Winnie, and so begins idea for one of the most beloved children's book characters of all time. Walker's story is engaging and gently told, and historic photographs of the real Winnie and her life in the army on the endpapers supplement the sweetly charming watercolor illustrations by Jonathan D. Voss throughout the story.

Though the story of Ivan the gorilla's time spent as a spectacle in a shopping-mall display is much newer to young readers, it has also captured their imaginations in a big way, and the children's novel The One and Only Ivan won Applegate the Newbery Award in 2013. Now she has turned to the non-fiction picture book to tell Ivan's story for children too young for the award-winning novel and provide extra background for those who loved it and want to know more. The warm and delightful artwork by G. Brian Karas pairs nicely with Applegate's simple but evocative words, and will pull young readers as they learn all about the esteemed gorilla's life from wild to shopping mall to zoo.

Both animal biographies are ideal for first graders and up.  

THE FARMER'S AWAY!

When the farmer is away, the farm animals are set to have some fun!  From enjoying a casual ride down the river to having picnics and dances, the animals are elated to roam about and be free.  But when the farmer heads back to the barn at sunset, the animals must act quickly and get back to doing the things farm animals usually do. 

In her colored pencil and acrylic ink, Anne Vittur Kennedy masterfully paints rollicking scenes.  One can't miss the sheer joy the animals feel.  Although the text is sparse and colored with animals sounds, the story conveys joy, and the illustrations quickly fill this book with the kind of fun readers will want to enjoy over and over again and find new things to laugh about.

CHRONICAL OF A SIXTH GRADE YEAR

From Theresa, Central Library / Children’s Librarian

In The Meaning of Maggie, author Megan Jean Sovern introduces a remarkable character, Magnolia Jane Mayfield. The year is 1988 and Magnolia or Maggie as she prefers to be called is getting ready for a big change in her life—sixth grade and middle school. For some kids that starting the new school year, particularly middle school is something to be dreaded but not for Maggie. She is one of those kids who loves school and is anxious for it to start again. 

This year she has decided to start writing her memoir because as an aspiring president of the United States it will come in handy. It is here that Maggie shares her story with the reader and lets us know about her love of school, reading, the big changes in her family, dad gets sick and mom goes back to work, and their love of music. Her observations are wide ranging from her dad’s multiple sclerosis, butterscotch to the unbreakable Law of Mom are sometimes serious but always entertaining. Follow along as this unforgettable character negotiates her way through a challenging year. 

For readers in grades 4-7

LATEST eBOOKS- THE EARTH KINGDOM CHRONICLES SERIES

Earth, Fire, Water, and Air are the four nations that live in Aang's world.  When Aang was twelve years old, the leader of the Fire Nation became power hungry and wanted to take control of all four nations.  Aang was the last known survivor of the Air Nation, so he had to encapsulate himself and his trusted pet Apa in ice in order to survive.  For one hundred years, no one knew he had survived until two people form the Water Nation discovered his ice tomb and rescued him.  Now that he's free, it is up to him to learn the ancient fighting techniques from all four nations.  Who will teach him?

Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are the creators of this incredibly exciting adventure filled with humor, suspense, love, and friendship.  Readers in the 4th grade and up can now enjoy The Earth Kingdom Chronicles as an eBook in OverDrive.  Other books in the Avatar: the Last Airbender series are also available to checkout or reserve a copy today.

GOODNIGHT ALREADY!

Bear is exhausted and he's ready to cuddle up in his cozy bed and hug his stuffed bunny until he falls into a peaceful slumber. (Bear is so adorable I just want to tuck him into bed myself!)  Duck, Bear's neighbor, on the other hand, is wide awake and wants to STAY awake.  He thinks up a number of activities that they can do together.  Bear kindly refuses, but, as he grows more tired, his impatience grows.  Eventually he chooses words that get Duck to listen.  Will Bear now enjoy a long slumber or will he actually try out some of Duck's ideas?  

Along with Jory John's humorous dialog, Benji Davies' illustrations adds the right touch to this bedtime story. From the start, readers will just want to tuck Bear into bed.  For adults and children, Pre-K to 2nd, to enjoy together.

LAST WEEK OF PROGRAMS

Last week of storytimes.  
We will have one scavenger hunt May 4-10.  
Lego times, Train Time will continue all through May.  

Summer Reading Program will begin May 28th!  
Get ready for Read to the Rhythm.  
Look for our flyer with all our musical events and special performers.  

TAKE A WALK IN THE WOODS... IF YOU DARE!

This retelling of the Brothers Grimm folktale Hansel & Gretel from Newbery-winner Neil Gaiman and illustrator Lorenzo Mattotti is not for the faint of heart, but should prove a spine-tingling treat to readers who crave spooky stories or like their folktales to maintain some of the original grit. The tone of the tale is as masterfully dark as the black-and-white artwork, appearing every few pages in a breathtaking spread. 

The bleakness of the setting and the desperation of the woodcutter are made palpable through story and pictures, and even readers already familiar with this tale of the siblings lost in the woods and their subsequent encounter with the old woman in the gingerbread house will be newly surprised by the details in this spare but affecting version. However, as grave as this telling can be, it also offers some hope and levity in its conclusion. Gaiman has also included an author's note on the origin and history of the Grimm folktale, which can make for some fascinating reading and may inspire further comparisons with other versions.


Best enjoyed by intrepid readers in grade 3 and up.

CLICK, CLACK, PEEP!

The animals on Farmer Brown's farm eagerly wait for the new addition to the family.  After all, it's been much too quiet on the farm lately.  With an egg cracking here and an egg cracking there, a new baby duck finally arrives!  The animals are elated to have such a cute duckling on the farm.  But they quickly learn how energetic and vivacious a little duck can be, especially when they try to help it settle down for some quiet time. The cows and sheep think of ways to lull this baby duck to sleep, but their efforts fall short.  The one and only Duck thinks of a plan that will leave Farmer Brown speechless and many readers of this feathery tale wanting more.

Doreen Cronin & Betsy Lewin team up again for another humorous adventure that will leave readers wanted more of their stories.  Click, Clack, Peep! will surely be a fun read for children K-2nd grade.

GRAPHIC NOVEL: HIDDEN

Late one night a young girl coaxes a long silenced memory from her grandmother’s childhood. Thus unravels the tale of Dounia, a young Jewish girl living in France, in a Holocaust story set amid the German occupation and French Resistance. Suddenly and inexplicably ostracized from her peers, Dounia endures ridicule at school, separation from her family and home, the rejection of her identity, and the uncertainty of ever again seeing her parents. 

Loic Dauvillier’s graphic novel Hidden: A Child's Story of the Holocaust is a story of injustice, fear, bewilderment, and cruelty. And yet it is also one of compassion, bravery, perseverance, and hope; through the determined efforts of French Resistance groups, many Jewish children like Dounia were clandestinely transported to relative safety. 

As a Holocaust story told to child from a child’s limited perspective the narrative is surprisingly gentle for its subject matter. The illustrations are appealing, if slightly cartoonish, and the text never overwhelms the page. 

An illuminating and worthwhile read for grades 3-6.

AUTHOR VISIT TODAY

Local author Frans Vischer will be visiting the Children's Room Thursday, May 16th at 4 p.m. Join us for a read aloud of Fuddles the Cat's fun adventures.  

Children's Room 
Central Library on Harvard 

FRANS & FUDDLES ON THURSDAY

Frans Vischer will be in the Children's Room tomorrow to read his book Fuddles to help us celebrate National Library Week. 

Join us Thursday, 4/16 at 4-5 p.m. for this author program.  

His books will for be available for purchase through Once Upon a Time Bookstore. 

For more information contact us at: 818-548-2035
Central Library - Children's Room 
222 E. Harvard St. 
Glendale, CA 91205

* This event will be in place of our weekly Art Cart.  

IT'S NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK

Join the Children's Room for a WEEK OF WALDO fun during National Library Week.

WHERE'S WALDO SCAVENGER HUNTS - Find the Waldo eggs hidden in our Children's Room.  Find Live Waldo in the afternoons. 

WALDO BINGO - Tuesday, 4/14/15 at 3-4p.m.

FRANS VISCHER READS FUDDLES & DRAWS - Thursday, 4/16 at 4-5p.m. His books will for be available for purchase through Once Upon a Time Bookstore. 

Check out the other Waldo scavenger hunts at the branches. 

For more information contact us at: 818-548-2035
Central Library - Children's Room 
222 E. Harvard St. 
Glendale, CA 91205

EVA'S TREETOP FESTIVAL

Hoot Hoot! Eva’s Treetop Festival is a cute and quirky early chapter book about an owl named Eva.  Eva’s adorable; she is in Owlementary and decides she wants to organize the Bloomtastic Festival in one week.  Well, what’s an owl to do with such little time? Eva turns to her classmates for help but there’s one girl she dreads asking for help, Sue Clawson (a.k.a. Meany McMeanerson). However, Eva knows she must ask everyone, including Sue for assistance in order for the festival to go on.  Find out if Sue was willing to help out and will the Spring Festival go on? 

This book is the first book in the Owl Diaries Series by Rebecca Elliot.  The book uses a diary-approach to tell a story and it is aimed at newly independent readers.  The pages are filled with easy to read text and illustrations that complement each other.  Elliot covers topics such as friendship and helpfulness.

For grades 2-3 

CAN YOU TALK TO THE ANIMALS?

Meet Ellis Coffey. He's in 4th grade. He makes most of the other kids in class laugh. He's a hard worker. Oh, and he can communicate with animals...sort of. At least that's what he thinks is happening when he finds a "woolly worm" (also know as a caterpillar) that seems to understand everything Ellis says. With such a talent, Ellis thinks he can win the woolly worm race and pay for his dad's much needed back surgery. Will his woolly worm win? THE WORM WHISPERER by Betty Hicks is a cute, simple story with a bit of Christianity thrown in. 

For 3rd through 5th grades.

MARCH 2015

MR. FRANK'S CRAFT

Mr. Frank is a tailor whose career spans over sixty years.  People have worn his pieces during war torn years. Others have enjoyed his craftsmanship during the most exciting eras, when fashion trends were bright and eccentric.  He certainly has made the most exciting pieces!  When Mr. Frank is about to close his shop permanently, he receives a request and is determined to make this last piece the best one ever.

Mr. Frank by author/illustrator Irene Luxbacher is portrayed with such sweetness and shows that he is a master of his craft.  Mr. Frank is a piece of work that resonates with love.  

For families and teachers to enjoy with children ages 5 and up.

THE PIRATE WITH THE GOLDEN TOOTH

Michael, Tyler and Becca Silver experience many different adventures, and Becca always makes sure that Echo the Bat is there to experience them too. During a trip to see their eccentric uncle, they learn from a local merchant that there's a lost treasure on an island haunted by Captain Golden Tooth.  It seems like a place to be avoided, but Echo encounters someone who tells him the exact location of the treasure.  But will he go on this journey alone to protect his friends from the Captain and his ghostly crew?

In Echo and the Bat Pack #8, The Pirate with the Golden Tooth, enjoy this page turning story filled with adventure, friendship, treasure, pirates and a bat who will become more of a friend to you than a scary creature.  For second to fourth graders ready to read a beginning chapter book.

HOORAY FOR HAT!

“Hats: a cure for life’s grumpy days” should be the tagline for Brian Won’s picture book Hooray for Hat! On a morning when Elephant wakes up grumpy, a mysterious gift on his doorstep immediately lifts his spirits. With a cheer of “hooray for hat!” Elephant dashes off to share his amazing new five-tier hat with his friend Zebra. What follows is a growing parade of newly cheered friends spreading the joys of friendship and hats. 

It’s a simple storyline, not precisely original, but a charming one nonetheless. There’s something about the colorful exuberance of this animal troupe with its zany hats that brings a smile to the face. This is a lovely book to share with a group or one-on-one. Just be sure to have everyone join in on the refrain: “HOORAY FOR HAT!” 

For other light-hatted read alouds (terrible pun always intended) try I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, The Magic Hat by Mem Fox, Aunt Lucy Went to Buy a Hat by Alice Low, and the ever classic Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina. For readers of all ages.

CENTRAL LIBRARY CLOSED TONIGHT!

 Tuesday, March 31, the Central Library will be closing at 6 p.m. for an adult author visit.  All our other branches will be opened at their regularly scheduled hours of operation.  We apologize for the inconvenience.  The Children's Room staff. 

THE MAGIC BOX

Want to solve a good mystery? Do you have what it takes to be a good detective? Well, join Max and Larry to find out what happened to the little girl named Daisy. Max Monroe is a smart young boy in The Magic Box. When Max’s mother dies and his father becomes increasing busy at work, Max goes to stay with his grandfather, Harry.  Upon arriving at his grandfather’s house Max begins to hear crying from behind the house. When he goes after the sound he stumbles upon a small house behind the bushes with a sign reading “The Monroe Detective Agency.”  Max’s excitement fills the air as he rushes to his grandfather to learn more about the old wooden detective house. To his surprise, Max meets his grandfather's brother, Larry, the ghost. Yes, you read correctly-- a ghost.

As soon as Max comes to the understanding that Larry is really a ghost, his grandfather tells him to spend time with Larry.  Max and Larry take a look around the old wooden detective house when they get a phone call for detective work.  Both Max and Larry must work together to find out what happened to Daisy, the girl who disappeared from her own birthday party.

The Magic Box is the first book in The Ghost and Max Monroe series by L.M. Falcone.  Those that love detective stories will also love this humorous, early chapter book. The pages have very minimal black and white illustrations.

For grades 2 and up.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF SUPERPOWER

Cece was a regular kid, living a carefree life with her parents and siblings until she is diagnosed with meningitis when she is four. After spending a long time at the hospital, Cece finally gets to go home, but things are not the same. Two weeks after going home, Cece finds out that she hadn't been able to hear anything since she got sick. Her parents take her to a doctor, and she gets a hearing aid, but her hearing is far from being normal. When she starts kindergarten, Cece goes to a school with other kids like her. She loves her teacher Dorn, who teaches her how to understand what people are saying by reading their lips. But when Cece starts first grade, she has to go to school with other kids. She also gets a brand-new hearing aid, the new and powerful Phonic Ear, which helps her hear better but is really big and she has to wear it like a backpack, which makes Cece self-conscious and afraid that everyone will think she is not cool because she has a hearing aid. But Cece does make some friends - some better than others - and on one occasion has everyone in the class thinking that the Phonic Ear is really cool! The Phonic Ear gives Cece a superpower - she can hear everything her teachers are doing when they are not in the room, so Cece imagines herself as the powerful superhero El Deafo, which helps her deal with the challenges of fitting in despite her challenges.

El Deafo is the story of writer Cece Bell's childhood, written in a graphic novel format. It is a story of a girl trying to have a normal life despite the bulky hearing aid that she is forced to carry with her at school. With cute, quirky drawings, Cece shows us what her childhood was like - going to school, trying to make friends who didn't treat her differently, and her first crush. This book makes it really easy for readers to put themselves in the shoes of someone who has different abilities. Like Cece's friends, some of us may not know what it is like to not be able to hear without aid. If we had to speak to someone who is deaf, we might not automatically know that we should not turn away or cover our mouths when we speak so that the person can read our lips.

Finally, what makes this book great is that it is not a sad story made to make us feel bad or sorry for the main character. Although what happened to Cece was bad and unfair, she was able to lead a good childhood and grow up to be a writer who could tell everyone about her experience. El Deafo is a great choice for readers grades 4 and up.

WATCH OUT FOR THE PRINCESS IN BLACK!

Princess Magnolia is beautiful, well-mannered, prim, and proper.  She lives in a castle where the rooms are well organized and just about spotless.  When Duchess Wigtower pays an unexpected visit to the castle she senses that Princess Magnolia is flawed in some way.  She is determined to discover what it is.  During Wigtower's visit, something is amiss near Princess Magnolia's castle.  The goats are in danger!  But never fear, 'Princess in Black' is near. She'll fend off anyone or anything in order to keep the land safe.  

The Princess in Black is courageous and fearless and will protect Princess Magnolia's land.  Will the two ever meet?
Shannon and Dean Hale join forces to create an adventurous chapter book for children ages 7-9.  Fun characters and light humor make this an enjoyable read.

FOURTH GRADE IS HIGHLY OVERRATED

A review by Theresa from the Children's Room: 

For most people the fourth grade isn’t a major roadblock, reading, times tables and cursive writing have all been mastered. The social aspects are mostly easily navigated. However for Lucy in Pack of Dorks by Beth Vrabel what should have been the biggest day of the year, the one that would guarantee her position as the coolest girl in the fourth grade instead ends up plummeting her down to the dork table in the cafeteria.

It was the day that she and her best friend Becky were to kiss the boys they liked at recess on the playground with their class looking on, but sadly for Lucy when it came time to do it all she could muster was the briefest of pecks while Becky’s smooch was worthy of an Oscar. Overnight Lucy found herself with a green finger from a supposed diamond ring, hated by the boy she kissed, dumped by her best friend because of her new lack of social status, big sister to a baby born with Down’s Syndrome, ignored and unloved by parents who are preoccupied by the new arrival and eating lunch with a group of what she considers to be the school losers. Lucy’s trials and how she ultimately deals them are what makes this a solid and honest story that even a boy might like. 

For grades 4-7.

FIBONACCI TO FIBS

Everyone in Greg's family loves math and lives for math.  The only math thing he gets is pie not pi and he has to deal with daily grilling and teasing from his family for his lack of mathematical apptitude.  Greg loves writing but he has to hide this from his family because they just don't get why his world doesn't involve math, too.  

All is coming to a head now that Gregory wants to go to a writing camp with his best Friend, Kelly, because she is moving away but in order to go, he has to pass his math class and enter the City Math, a long family tradition.  The camp, the contest; all lies as part of his plan but the lies keep piling up and he will have to come up with something fast or else.  
For readers in 4th-8th grade.  

A HAMSTER HOSTING A GAME SHOW?!?!

In Janet and Jake Tashjian's latest mother/son team effort calle EINSTEIN THE CLASS HAMSTER AND THE VERY REAL GAME SHOW, Ms. Moreno's class is off to compete on a televised game show with another elementary school. Along for the ride are Einstein, the class hamster, and his classroom comrades Ned, Bonnie and Marlon. The show is ready to go when the school principal decides it's a good idea to bring out Twinkle, the pet python! Well this sends the regular game show host flying out the door in fear, and it's Einstein's turn to shine - or is it? Pretty good follow up to the first Einstein book, and will entertain many beginning chapter book readers. For 2nd - 5th grades.

FEBRUARY 2015

WHAT DOESN'T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER

Life is not easy for ten-year-old Ada, living with her mean mother and younger brother in London at the eve of the Second World War. Born with a bad foot, Ada never learned to walk right, which made her mother ashamed of her. Ada is not allowed to go outside, or talk to anyone, and barely gets enough food from her mother. But Ada is a fighter, and takes care of her younger brother and tries to survive to the best of her ability. When the war starts, children are evacuated to the English countryside, away from major cities that might get bombed by the Germans, and Ada and her brother finally get away from their mother to live with a lady named Susan. Although Susan never wanted children, she takes care of the two children, and Ada's life truly begins, and it includes learning to ride a horse, making a friend, and even catching a spy. But what happens when the war ends?

The War that Saved my Life is a beautiful, sad, and heartwarming tale about a girl faced with the worst circumstances who decides to fight for her life. It is also a book about love and family, and the way that both can be found in unexpected places. Ada is a wonderful character to read about, because even though she is hurt, she is brave enough to take care of herself and find her voice.

Although this is mostly the story of Ada and her brother, it is also a historical fiction book. The descriptions of daily life in the English countryside at the beginning of the war are fascinating to read about. Ada and her brother Jamie have to live with a stranger, just as many children had to do to get away from the danger of large cities. And besides that, they have to live on food rations and stand in long lines to get any food at all. They have to look for suspicious activity and report it, and even take care of wounded soldiers. But all that seems bearable with caring people around them as the village comes together to help each other.

This is a book you won't want to put down until you get to its bittersweet conclusion. Fans of The Book Thief will especially enjoy this book.

For readers in 5th-8th grade.

A MAGICAL TOWN

A Snicker of Magic is all that's left behind in a town called Midnight Gulch after a curse has been put on the town many many years ago.  Felicity, hoping with the help of her friend, Jonah, the town Beedle, will bring a little joy and magic to everyone, especially to her own mother, who is cursed with a wandering heart.   Natalie Lloyd has written a beautiful story of longing, friendship and magic all wrapped up in some delicious ice cream and words. 

For readers who really enjoy the magic of reading from 5th-6th grades. 

A MODERN DAY PIRATE TREASURE HUNT

Ollie is told by the FBI to lie low since his last treasure hunt blew up all over the news and some really bad guys went after him and his friend, Moxie.  Now he's going to lay low with a bunch of super competative scouts on an island off the coast of Boston but  he's already starting off on the wrong foot without realizing it and the Park Ranger wants to enlist him in finding a 200 year old pirate treasure "privately".  It's not going to be an easy 2 weeks that's for sure.  He just wanted to stay off the radar, but the games, real or not, are drawing him in. Hopefully  he will survive this scouting trip.  

Ollie and the Science of Treasure Hunting:  A 14-Day Mystery by Erin Dionne is a fast paced adventure for 6th-8th grade readers.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Living in the mountains can be very lonely experience for a twelve-year old when you don’t have a friend. In Francis O”Roark Dowell’s Anybody Shining the reader is introduced to Aire Mae Sparks who right away shares her complaints about the available children who might be friend material that live in her North Carolina mountains…” These mountains are near to spilling over with children, and none of them is worth two cents. They are all too old or too young or just plain disappointing.” While she does have brothers and sisters, they all have friends of their own to occupy their time. 

To solve her problem Aire starts writing to a cousin that she’s never met, the daughter of her mother’s sister who left the mountains to marry a doctor and live in the city. The letters go unanswered but that does not deter their writer who details her summer in the mountains that suddenly is full of new children and a bit of local excitement. A natural born storyteller, Aire gives the reader an intimate glimpse of life in rural North Carolina in the 1920s.

For 5th and  up. 

THE BOOK WITH NO PICTURES

I can’t deny that I have a weakness for humorous, metafictional, crowd-pleasing read alouds with stunning illustrations. B.J. Novak’s The Book With No Pictures only meets 3 out of the 4 criteria, but what it does with those 3 is more than enough to compensate. Have you ever paused to consider: what is a picture book without pictures? 

This one, at least, is hilarious. Filled with hijinks, nonsensical words like BLORK and BLUURF, and declarations that the reader (that’s you, by the way) is a self-taught robot monkey reading in a robot monkey voice, this book presents itself as a gift to young children to savor the written word at the expense of its (often adult) readers. The premise that readers must say aloud every single word without exception is hardly unexplored territory, but this book is truly masterfully attuned to its young audience. By the time it finishes explaining “how books work” it is already eliciting giggles; the kids are in on the joke. 

Now imagine their reaction when you’re forced to admit that your only friend is a hippo named BooBooButt. 

Though there aren’t any pictures (see: book title) typography goes a long way to provide visual interest and subtext. It’s a great book both to teach print awareness (understanding that words have meanings) to pre-readers and to cultivate an appreciation for the written word, particularly in young readers who are transitioning to books without illustrations and possibly feeling daunted by the prospect.

For another book featuring the funny things readers can't help but say, see We Are In a Book! by Mo Willems.

THE GRAPHIC NOVELS

Two hilarious graphic novels (comic books) which somehow got missed: Sidekicks by Dan Santat  and Mr. Pants: It's Go Time! by Scott McCormick and R. H. Lazzell.  

Mr. Pants and his siblings are cats but his mom is human and once you can suspend that belief, the can story begin. Mr. Pants is not very nice and he always wants things his way. He tries to manipulate his family members to go along with his way of thinking.  Hmmm... sound like any family members you know?

For readers in 2nd and up.

Sidekicks is Dan Santat's  full color graphic novel about a human superhero who is the town superhero but he's off his game due to a bad allergic reaction during a capture and decides maybe he needs a sidekick to help him out. His house pets go into overdrive to come up with ways to get ready for the audition but they soon discover his old sidekick, the cat, is still alive and secretly working his own form of vigilante justice in the dark alleys. This is graphic novel is colorful, action packed and a whole lot of wacky fun.  

For readers in 4th and up.

THE STORY CONTINUES

The second book in the Sixties Trilogy, Revolution by Deborah Wiles is set in 1964 during Freedom Summer in a small town in Mississippi. The story is told by twelve-year-old Sunny who not only narrates what is going on in her family but also the story of what is happening in her town. Both her personal life and that of her town are being invaded. Her dad has recently remarried a woman with two children and the town is the site of college students working to register the black vote and to integrate public venues.

It is a troubling time on all fronts and like the previous volume (Countdown) this one also includes many photographs, song lyrics, and quotes from the period. To extend the story the author has included many film clips from the period that can be found on http://ow.ly/vBGTc. This is an important story that will linger long after the book is closed.

For readers in grades 5 through 8.