WALDO IS PLAYING MINI GOLF IN THE LIBRARY!

What?! 
We can play golf at the library you say?  
In the Children's Room?  
No way!!  

Yes! 
Golf with us this Saturday.
Waldo will be waiting for you.

WHERE'S WALDO AGAIN!

National Library Week is Waldo + Fine Forgiveness Week

Hunt for Waldo and play all our Waldo games this week as we celebrate National Library Week with the ever popular Waldo in the Children's Room and at the branches. 
If you have fines we'll wipe them out during this week.  Bring in those books you've forgotten about under the bed or in the trunk of the car and no fines will be charged. Sorry, lost materials don't count.

April 11- 17
Library Hunts - different hunts throughout the week
Mini Library Golf - Saturday, April 16 10-5:30 pm
DIY Waldo Game (Fictionland)- Tuesday, 3:30 -5 pm

ALL KINDS OF PETS

In If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, DON'T! by Elise Parsley, Magnolia, wants to bring her alligator to school for share day, but learns the hard way that it can cause all kinds of chaos at school and the teacher might not be so impressed with your share and might send you to the principal's office after all. Note that Mr. Alligator has taped a construction paper halo above his head (wink).  

Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev illustrated by Taeeun Yoo is visually appealing with muted colors and retroish style illustrations about a little boy who is turned away from a pet club because his pet is too unusual - it's a tiny elephant.  This sweet pet story with a moral would be a great read aloud or as a one on one to allow for a discussion belonging and friendship.

For ages 3 & up

HelloooOOOHHH! BUNNIES!!!

Tromping through the forest like a gleeful toddler, an endearing blue monster greets all the local sights: “Hello, tree. Hello, Clouds. Hello, Butterfly.” Suddenly, the monster chances upon a group of colorful “BUNNIES!!!” Understandably spooked, the bunnies speedily flee, leaving behind the despondent little monster, who soldiers on in hopes of catching the elusive “BUNNIES!! BUNNIES!! BUNNIES!!!”
Kevan Atteberry’s Bunnies!!! perfectly captures the emotional highs and lows of young children’s days, appealingly illustrating their unexpected fixations (and limited attention spans). It’s a lovely story to share with your own toddler friend.
For another simple story about toddlers’ emotional experiences, try Ed Vere’s Banana!
Ages 2+

THE MALONEYS' MAGICAL WEATHERBOX

The Maloney siblings Neil, Liz and Owen have a secret: their father is the Weatherbox keeper.  Right outside of the family's house is an old telephone booth.  Now this isn’t just any old telephone booth….this one is MAGICAL!  Mr. Maloney has a tough job.  Four times a year the phone rings and he must answer it to change the season, but when autumn comes and the phone doesn’t ring the Maloneys become anxious.

Will there still be a chance for the Maloneys to save the seasons? Maybe they should turn their attention to their new tourists.  After all, the chaos started after they showed up.  Or, maybe it’s the most mysterious character of all, Mrs. Fitzgerald, their neighbor.  Will the Maloneys and the rest of Midland Ireland be doomed forever?

The Maloneys’ Magical Weatherbox by Nigel Quinlan takes place in Ireland in this engaging tale full of unique characters all tangled up.  The book touches on gender bias, the climate and team work.

For ages 9-12

NOT YOUR AVERAGE TRAIN BOOK

I don't normally read train books or alphabet books, usually a quick glance through will suffice, but the cover art caught my eye. I noticed the power lines in the background are actually held up by letters. Very clever. I decided to take give it a more thorough look through and Alphabet Trains by Samantha R. Vamos and illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke is a delightful book filled with different types of trains from a to z. The main body of the book is written in short, single, informative sentences but the back two pages are a fount of information on the real trains that inspired this book. 

The author and illustrator have put together a great train and alphabet book that everyone will love to read. It certainly made me think about taking one of these train rides. Perhaps the next vacation will include a terrific train trip or a fabulous funicular field trip.

For ages 1 and up.  

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT YOU'D OUTGROWN YOUR IMAGINARY FRIEND...

Jackson is big on facts. And these are the pertinent facts in his life at the moment: His family has fallen on hard times; there's barely enough money for rent; and they've had to get pretty creative about finding ways to procure free food. And, if something drastic doesn't change soon, Jackson, his little sister, and his parents, might have to go back to living in their minivan. 

So when Crenshaw, a giant cat who was Jackson's imaginary friend way back in first grade, suddenly reappears in his life, Jackson is sure he must be making things up, or just plain losing his mind. Fifth grade is way too old for an imaginary friend, especially when you know better. There's no way Crenshaw can be real, is there? 

Newbery-Medal winner Katherine Applegate's newest novel, Crenshaw, is a funny and poignant novel best for readers in 4th grade and up. This off-beat and original tribute to the power of friendship and family is certainly not to be missed. 

THERE WAS AN OLD WOMAN WHO LIVED IN A SHOE

The classic nursery rhyme, There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, has been retold many times since its origin. This particular retelling has been adapted into a playful picture book. Author-illustrator Jane Cabrera illustrates an old woman who not only adopts nine multiracial children but several animals as well. As problems arise throughout the story, the old woman manages to find solutions to each one. Whether it's repairing clothes or fixing furniture, she manages to get by with what little resources she has and, through it all, she always has a smile. The last page is sure to leave a smile on your face as well.

This modern adaptation of a nursery rhyme has beautiful illustration and is a great read-aloud or lap reading that's sure to keep children engaged. This story is recommended for infant-kindergarten.

BEAR & HARE: SNOW!

Emily Gravett’s perfect pair from Bear & Hare Go Fishing return for another sweet story in Bear & Hare: Snow!
One morning, Bear and Hare don their winter scarves and venture out into an unexpectedly snowy world. Hare loves snow, and his exuberance is plain to see as the two friends spend the day catching snowflakes, making snow prints, forming snow angels, building snow creatures, and rolling snowballs. Meanwhile, Bear’s somewhat aggrieved expression throughout the pair’s activities belies the gentle text, providing an undertone of gentle humor.
This is lovely story to share with younger children to introduce the concept of snow. Many young children, particularly in Southern California, have never seen snow before. Sharing books about unfamiliar things can help children become aware of new things and new experiences in the world. The pictures and stories in books also help pave the way for more in-depth understanding when they eventually see the real thing.
Explore more wintry stories for younger children (ages 0-2) with Under My Hood I Have a Hat by Karla Kuskin, Jingle Jingle by Nicola Smee, and Red Sled by Lita Judge. For preschool aged children, check out Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London, Rabbit's Gift by George Shannon, and Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson.
Ages 0+

KEEP YOUR SUNNY SIDE UP!

Sunny is sent off to stay with her grandfather for a month in a retirement community in Florida with visions of Disney World dancing in her head but instead they do "fun" stuff like go to the post office and early bird specials - all you can eat dinner at 4 p.m. with the "girls".  

Her summer seems like a bust because her parents have to deal with an incident with her older brother drinking and using drugs until she meets another kid at the retirement home who introduces her to finding golf balls and superhero comic books.  

Sunny Side Up is a touching story set in 1976 that's semi-autobiographical by Jennifer Holm and her brother Matthew regarding substance abuse and keeping secrets.  For readers 5th-8th and fans of Jennifer Holm's other books with similar tones such as Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf and Turtle in Paradise.  

A RUDE AWAKENING

Sometimes the sweeter the treat, the ruder the cake.

If that statement sounds ridiculous, it’s only in keeping with the tone of this droll picture book by Rowboat Watkins. How else could you describe a book in which an ill-behaved, two-tiered, pink confection learns the value of politeness when she finds herself in the company of surprisingly well-mannered giant cyclopes who favor jaunty little hats?

At its core, Rude Cakes is a book about manners. It’s a tale for those who never say please or thank you, never play nicely, never listen, never share, and absolutely never apologize. It’s also a story for anyone who already does all those things, because it’s just hilarious and silly fun for everyone.

For other quirky books about manners, please check out and share Meg Rosoff’s Meet Wild Boars, Ame Dyckman’s Tea Party Rules, and Laurie Keller’s Do unto Otters. Thank you for reading!

Ages 4+

IT MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA TO LISTEN TO WHAT THEY SAY

A review by Theresa: 

Daniel and his sister Erica are moving to a new home in West Virginia.  This is not their choice, as it seldom is with kids. Their parents have moved them into an old farmhouse surrounded by a forest and miles from town. The family does not flourish in this new environment, the parents have trouble finding jobs, Daniel can’t make friends and Erica withdraws further into herself having long conversations with her doll. The local kids don’t want much to do with these outsiders except to fill them in on the local legends about their old house and a child who disappeared. 

Of course there are also ghosts and very spooky critters rumored to actually eat folks appearing in these tales. Daniel doesn’t want to believe any of what they tell but when his sister suddenly disappears, he knows that he must do something. In the very exciting and spooky book TOOK by Mary Downing Hahn the author tells this tale from Daniel’s perspective with the occasional voice of the ghost of the old conjure woman. 

This one will have you on the edge of your seat at times and is a good choice for the lover of “scary stories.” Best for readers in grades 5 and older.

BAD KITTY VS. THE AUTHOR

Bad Kitty is at it again in Bad Kitty Drawn to Trouble by Nick Bruel. This wacky entry in the series doubles as a primer on story writing and structure in addition to being a hilarious tale in its own right. Over the course of the story, young readers will learn about protagonists (the one and only Bad Kitty, of course), antagonists (Puppy, the long-suffering and none-the-wiser foil to our main character), conflict (time to go on a diet Bad Kitty!), and plot points (a frequently-interrupting turnip, giant octopuses, and creepy zombies to name a few). But what kind of ending should a story have? When kids are the authors of their own stories, it will be up to them decide! 


Not only will this Bad Kitty book leave second through fourth graders literally laughing out loud, it might just inspire them to write a story of their own. 

Fans of Bad Kitty take note: There will be a Bad Kitty Library Hunt the week of March 20th, in addition to a Bad Kitty Party on Saturday, March 26th. Come join us in the Children's Room for activities and crafts celebrating the wild and wonderful world of Bad Kitty! 

ALL YEAR ROUND

Shapes, colors, months and more…turn to All Year Round by Susan B. Katz.  This book is filled with wonderful information concentrating on two concepts shapes and months.  Each page describes what each month is like and how connects with each month. For example, oval is March’s shape. It is the shape of an egg.

The pages are also filled with bold and colorful illustrations by Eiko Ojala that complement the rhyming words. 

For ages 4-6

STEP RIGHT UP FOR THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!

Come one, come all and read something truly spectacular! Prepare to witness the Greatest Show on Earth in Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley with striking black-and-white illustrations by Diana Sudyka. Micah has grown up hearing his grandfather Ephraim spin some pretty amazing tales of his time spent at a magical circus when he was a young boy, and Micah is totally convinced that magic is real.

And now more than ever, with his beloved grandfather on his deathbed and his truly awful great-aunt stepping in to take care of him, is the time Micah needs a miracle to happen in order to cure the person he loves most in the world. What's more the Lightbender--the most powerful magician at Circus Mirandus--had promised Ephraim a miracle once upon a time, so what could possibly stop him from making Micah's grandfather well again? Unfortunately, something is preventing the magician from keeping his promise, but Micah refuses to take no for an answer and, with the help of his new friend Jenny, is determined to do anything it takes to get the Lightbender to grant the miracle he needs before it's too late.

With humor, heart, adventure, and more than a little magic, this captivating and poignant middle-grade fantasy will have readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.Best for readers in 5th to 8th grades.

FISHING AND FRIENDSHIP

Bear and Hare Go Fishing by Emily Gravett is really a sweet story about two friends spending time together. They try to fish but bear and hare are not very good at fishing. They catch everything but fish.  

Short sentences on each page go with the beautiful silly illustrations.  It's perfect for a read a loud between two people or for group storytime.

For toddlers through Kindergartners. 

THE INGREDIENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BEDTIME

A Recipe for Bedtime, written by Peter Bently and illustrations by Sarah Massini, is the perfect book for reading aloud during bedtime and storytime.  A baby’s bedtime routine is unfolded in each rhyming verse.  On each page, the animals work together to guide a child through a bedtime ritual.  Once they have followed all the “ingredients” for bedtime, the animals end with a sweet lullaby.

With bright and colorful illustrations and wonderful writing, this book is highly recommended to be shared with young children.   

For ages 1-5.

HOW TO CATCH A MOUSE

Clemmie is an intrepid and vigilant mouse catcher. The adorable ginger kitten has carefully honed her hunting and chasing skills through relentless training. Don’t be fooled by that exuberant yarn play; it’s a huntress at work. Yes, Clemmie would be very proud indeed to say that she has never ever seen a mouse in her house.
Problematically, however, Clemmie has never actually seen a mouse. Period. Gathering her knowledge from books, the little kitten stalks from page to page, pouncing at wispy pink (hat) “tails” and round (stuffed panda) ears. Meanwhile, a ridiculously disguised mouse saunters in the background, leaving the kitten none the wiser. But never fear! A true mouse catcher will always find a way to catch her prey, even if it means taking a leaf out of her target’s book.
How to Catch a Mouse by Philippa Leathers is a charmingly playful picture book read. Observant young children will enjoy tracking the little mouse’s stealthy appearances throughout the story. Share with cat lovers and other pet fans. For other great feline reads, check out Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes, There Are Cats in This Book by Viviane Schwarz, and Katie Loves the Kittens by John Himmelman. Continue the cat and mouse chase with Ed Vere’s Max the Brave and Ellen Stoll Walsh’s classic Mouse Paint.
Ages 4+

SPLAT THE CAT: I SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM

ICE CREAM! ICE CREAM! Who doesn't love ice cream? It was an ideal class field trip for Splat, Plank, Spike, and Seymour. When the class arrived at the ice cream factory they were taken to the back room where Mr. Jellybean lectured about freezers. This isn't what the friends anticipated and splat became so bored that he dozed off and accidentally hit the emergency button. After that the ice cream factory was a scene of destruction. 

Splat the Cat: I Scream for Ice Cream by Laura Driscoll is another hilarious story from the Splat the Cat Series. This book is for beginning readers and is part of the Level One I Can Read Books. This series allows the reader to learn to sound out words and sentences. 

Ages 5-8

THE FELONY BAY DETECTIVES

Abbey Force is living with her awful uncle Charlie, a degenerate drunken gambler,  and his wife after her father falls into a coma in what looked like an attempt to hide jewels he had stolen from a wealthy client.  Still living on the plantation her family had once owned she yearns for everything to return as it once was, her father healthy, having Reward Plantation back, riding her horse and going to her old school.  

Alas, she's now helping the new owner also named Force, whose ancestors were once slaves owned by Abbey's ancestors.   Beatrice, the daughter her age, while recovering from a car accident explores her new home with Abbey and they accidentally stumble on some suspicious activities on a piece of the bay that should belong to the new plantation owners, Beatrice's family.   

Follow Abbey Force, one spunky and determined twelve year old who has more character than most adults, as she seeks to right  injustices, find truths and a way to pull her father out of his coma.  

The Girl From Felony Bay by J.E. Thompson is a fantastic new mystery series with a two amazing sleuths. The author beautifully weaves the issue of slavery and what it means in present day South Carolina through the point of view of these amazing protagonists. The second title, The Hangman's Bluff,  is also available. 

PINKALICIOUS AND THE SICK DAY

Pinkalicous is honored to be the principal of the day for her perfect attendance. With much excitement, she practices her role as the principal all day long. When she wakes up on the big day with a fever she must stay home. Although she enjoys being taken care of by her mother, drinking a pink tea called elderberry tea, she was sad to learn she had to miss the big day.  

Read and find out whether Pinkalicuous will get a second chance to be the principal for the day.  Pinkalicous and the Sick Day by Victoria Kann is part of an early reader series. This is a great book for children who are learning how to sound out words and read simple sentences.

For ages 4-7. 

FINDERS KEEPERS?

A warm red scarf lies at the center of this clever and deceptively simple winter picture book. In Lost. Found. by Marsha Diane Arnold and illustrated by Matthew Cordell, the two titular words are repeated over and over again as the story progresses, and readers must pay close attention to the details in Cordell's charming pen-and-ink-with-watercolor art, where the true story unfolds. When bear loses his cozy red scarf in the cold winter breeze, it finds and loses several other woodland animal successors, each time being reinvented to serve many a varied purpose--hat! rope swing! trampoline!--along the way. But trouble ensues when all the animals try to claim the scarf for their own and it becomes unraveled. Can they possibly put it back together and discover a way for all the animals to use it together? 

This delightfully inventive picture book is wonderful to share with preschoolers through first graders in a group, but even more so in a one-on-one setting, where they will have the chance to really pore over all the finer details of this lovely story. Either way it's the perfect find. 

SUMMER VACATION FUN

While sitting in his classroom, Charlie wonders where his parents will take him and his younger brother Max on vacation.  After all, how can they beat canoeing with reptiles in Okefenokee or eating exotic insects in Mexico?  When he arrives home and settles in for dinner, the grand announcement is made.  The vacation will be unlike any other!  Thanks to Charlie's ingenuity, he and his brother, Max, learn that adventures during vacation can really happen at anytime and just about anywhere!

Marie-Louise Gay's book, Summer in the City is a surprisingly fun read with many adventures that really don't cost much.

For 3rd-5th grade.

A GIRL AND HER UNICORN

What would you do with one magical wish?
When Phoebe unexpectedly frees a vain unicorn entrapped by the beauty of her own reflection, the bright-eyed four grader is granted a single wish. After addressing the irony of having her initial requests for “infinity more wishes”, “infinity dollars,” or “superpowers” rejected as being “unrealistic” by a magical unicorn, Phoebe ultimately makes an impetuous wish that secures the magical unicorn as her best friend
Despite her narcissistic tendencies, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is clearly fond of her new obligatory human best friend. And Phoebe, though young, is nobody’s fool. Together the two share all the sort of adventures expected of a young girl and her imaginary friend (including sleepovers and magical hair braiding), with the added benefit of having other people acknowledge the magical friend’s existence.
Told through a series of witty comic strips, Phoebe and Her Unicorn is sure to appeal to fans of classic comic strips such as Peanuts, Calvin and Hobbes, and Garfield, as well as contemporary comic stories like Babymouse. With casual references to video blogging, popular cat video trends, texting, and smartphone use, Dana Simpson has created a charming modern day heroine for a new generation.
Grades 3+

THE MAGNIFICENT LIZZIE BROWN AND THE DEVIL'S HOUND

Lizzie Brown and the Penny Gaff Gang’s latest adventure takes place in Kensal Green, England.  After the traveling circus halts in rural England, it isn't long before the magnificent Lizzie Brown finds herself at the graves of the local cemetery. 

When one of the Sullivan twins get hurt during practice they meet Dr. Gladwell’s elderly housekeeper. Soon, strange activities begin occurring. As the performers practice for their upcoming shows, Lizzie’s premonitions get stronger.  Lizzie’s curiosity compels her to sneak around the cemetery to catch the grave-robbers and the devil’s hound.

Don’t be left out! Read The Magnificent Lizzie Brown and the Devil’s Hound by Vicki Lockwood and find out who’s behind the sinister robberies. Will Lizzie’s premonitions help save her life this time?

Ages 10-12

A JACK IN THE BEANSTALK FRACTURED FAIRY

Sophie and her family live in a quiet town.  They work hard, enjoy each other's company, love to read, and share stories.  When night comes, their town is awoken by the  STOMP! STAMP! SHAKE! of the Giant who lives at the top of the beanstalk.The people are frightened by the loud, disruptive noise.  Sophie decides that something must be done, so she climbs to the top of the beanstalk to see what's going on.  

When she discovers that Giant has a hard time sleeping, she attempts to share ideas of what people do in order have a peaceful slumber.  Things are difficult at first, but they change when she refers to a good ole' storybook  Sophie ends up learning more about Giant, and caring for him even more. 

The Princess and the Giant written by Caryl Hart and illustrated by Sarah Warburton is fairy tale with a twist. It includes roles that are not found in traditional fairy tales.  Princess Sophie is courageous and takes charge.  Princess Sophie is a true heroine in every way!  A wonderful story to enjoy alone, or with a group, and for those who believe in the power of reading. 

For PreK- 3rd grade.

STRANGE NEIGHBORHOOD

Reviewed by Theresa: 

Meet the Iremongers a very large and quirky, to say the least, family who live in a strange pieced together dilapidated mansion in the middle of a vast pile of junk near London, England. When a new Iremonger is born they are given what they call, a birth object that represents them and shapes who they become. One of the narrators, Clod Iremonger, aged 15, has a bath plug for a birth object. Some of the others have items that are even stranger. Clod though has the ability to hear these items speaking and when they start whispering more loudly and start disappearing, he teams up with Lucy, one of the servants, to solve the mystery.

If you enjoyed Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, then this new series is a good match for you.   Heap House by Edward Carey is best for readers in grades 6-8.

KEEPING UP WITH AUNT KATE

In the 1860s before Abraham Lincoln became president, an orphan girl, Nell Warne, was dropped off at the doorstep of her only living relative Aunt Kate.  Aunt Kate wanted no part of Nell since leaving their small town after the death of her husband. You see, she blamed Nell's beloved father for that particular tragedy and has never gotten over it.  Nell was determined to change Aunt Kate's mind by being helpful as possible so she won't be sent away to some orphanage to live with total strangers which Aunt Kate kept threatening her with.

So begins the relationship between Nell and Aunt Kate based on necessity and mutual respect as the two hire themselves as undercover female detectives with The Pinkerton Detective Agency to root out crime and deceit.  The story is loosely based on the real life Kate Warne told through the point of view of fictional Nell through narrative and letters with her best friend of the same age whose family escaped slavery by using the Underground Railroad.  

Readers will enjoy the adventures of Nell and her no nonsense Aunt Kate in The Detective's Assistant by Kate Hannigan. For readers in 6th- 8th grade who enjoy historical fiction and strong female protagonists in an action packed story. 

THREE LITTLE PIGS AND THE BIG BAD COLD

Blow Your Nose, Big Bad Wolf! In this fractured fairy tale written by Steve Smallman and illustrated by Bruno Merz, the classic story of the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf is revisited and interwoven with a humorously presented lesson about spreading germs.

Three little pigs each leave home with money, a box of tissues, and mother pig’s gentle admonishment to please use a tissue when sneezing. Following the structure of the original fairy tale, the three little pigs each meet a seller and build homes from straw, stick, brick in turn.

Meanwhile, poor Big Bad is suffering from a nasty cold with a dreadful runny nose. All the (really quite nice) wolf wants when he knocks politely on the newly settled pigs’ doors is  A-A-A-A-TISSUE! * for his nose. But when each little pig in succession rejects his plea, Big Bad’s enormous, snotty, slimy, sneezes inadvertently blow their houses down!

Big Bad ultimately gets A-A-A-A-TISSUE! * that he so desperately needs, while the three little pigs get A-A-A-A-LESSON! * much deserved in sharing and germ control.

For other fun fractured versions of The Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf, check out The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs allegedly by “A. Wolf” as told to Jon Scieszka and Huff & Puff by Claudia Rueda.

Ages 4+

(*Gesundheit!)

SQUISH, THE SUPER AMOEBA IS HERE!

Squish is a science wiz who enjoys eating Twinkies and reading his comic-books.  When his teacher announces that a science exam is coming up, it becomes clear to Squish that not all of the students are prepared to take it.  Squish is likable and would be willing to help others prepare for the exam.  But his generosity is tested when a classmate insists that he should help (or else!).  What would you do if you were an amoeba named Squish?  

The is the first adventure of Squish: Super Amoeba by Jennifer and Matthew Holm.

DOUBLE THE TROUBLE

Miles and his family move to Yawnee Valley.  Miles had been known as the prankster at his previous school and hopes to maintain his reputation at his new school, the Yawnee Valley Science and Letter Academy.  Upon his arrival, Miles discovers that there is another prankster already at work.  Someone has already managed to move Principal Barkin’s car to the top of the stairs of the school entrance, where it is blocking any access into the school.  Miles is very impressed with the prank but is surprised when the principal begins to suspect that it was him.  

As Miles begins to familiarize himself at his new school, the student helper, Niles Sparks, is asked to show him around.  As the days and weeks go by, Miles is surprised that there are no signs of who the prankster could possibly be.  Even though the principal continues to suspect it’s him, he doesn’t want to take credit for something he didn’t do, so Miles gets to work on creating his own prank. 

With two unknown pranksters in the same school, this is a formula for a very interesting and unexpected school year.  Will the school pranksters reveal their identity and collaborate with one another to prank Principal Barkin and the Yawnee Valley Science and Letter Academy? Read to find out.

The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John, with illustrations by Kevin Cornell, is a funny book that will appeal to students grade 3-6. This is the first book of the series. 

LOOKING FOR MOM IN MANY STRANGE PLACES

Julia lives with her grandmother and aunt in an old house called Windy Ridge. Her mom has been gone quite some time, and Julia has pretty much settled into a life with her friend Belfry, taking pictures with her Brownie camera of things she finds interesting. Well, her grandmother decides to die one day, so Aunt Constance and Julia pack up the house and head out on the road to find Julia's mother. Without any idea of where they are going, quite a quirky, entertaining adventure unfolds. With a bit of humor and a whole lot of weird, this historical fiction just may capture the attention of even the most reluctant reader. JULIA AND THE ART OF PRACTICAL TRAVEL by Lesley M. M. Blume is an entertaining read for 5th - 8th grades.

NOV 2015

DOES BAD KITTY NEED A BATH?

Kitty is smelly, dirty, and grimy.  Although she uses the traditional technique of licking herself clean, she would benefit from a proper bath in clean, cool aromatic suds. It sounds simply divine, but Kitty would rather not take one. Will she ever take a bath? or will she be content simply licking her fur for cleanliness.  Kitty is neither completely good or bad. She just knows what she wants, and its up to the readers to decide if her reputation as Bad Kitty holds true.

Bad Kitty Gets A Bath is the first chapter book in this series by Nick Bruel.  He introduces a fun loving, smart, and mischievous kitty who is bound to have many fans! For a list of books in the series, visit Novelist K-8.  This resource can be found on our library's website under Articles and Databases, or click on the link: http://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/library-arts-culture/articles-databases

SURE BEATS BOILING OIL

If you read Harry Potter or the Hunger Games, and you like stories where society is out to destroy the lives of children, then THE UNWANTEDS by Lisa McMann is a good book to read along the same lines. In the dark, dreary land of Quill, some kids become "wanteds" and some are relegated to "unwanted" status, which means they are sent to die in a giant pit of boiling oil. Only the unwanteds actually end up in a magical world of creativity and free thought, something completely frowned upon in the land of Quill. Kids learn magical fighting techniques, in preparation to fight for their beliefs in a battle that comes when not everyone is prepared to fight. It's not to difficult to read, it is action-packed, and reflects positively on those that are more creative than calculating. For grades 4 and up.

WHERE ARE BAD KITTY'S PRESENTS?

It's Bad Kitty's birthday, and her owner wants to celebrate with an event to remember.  A number of cats, each with distinct personalities, bring a unique gift to the party.  Kitty goes with the flow and enjoys the party until she learns that someone has tampered with her birthday gifts.  That's when another side to Kitty comes out.  Will she behave as she tries to solve the mystery of her missing gifts? Readers are left to wonder if she's truly a bad kitty or one they'd want in their homes.  A fun read with adorable characters that will leave others wondering why you-the reader-is laughing out loud!  

Nick Bruel's second book, Happy Birthday Bad Kitty is filled with comical black and white illustrations which makes this series even more fun!  For Ages 8-10.

WE'RE NOT IN BROOKLYN ANYMORE!

First they visited their long-lost mother in Oakland in One Crazy Summer, they returned to life with their father in Brooklyn in P.S. Be Eleven, and now the Gaither girls are back--this time visiting their paternal relatives in rural Alabama--in Gone Crazy in Alabama, the third and final installment of the series from award-winning author Rita Williams-Garcia. 

Much like the previous two novels, Williams-Garcia paints an all-at-once funny, poignant, and unflinchingly realistic look at life in the 1960s for these three young black girls and their family. As their father reminds 12-year-old Delphine and her younger sisters Vonetta and Fern while he's telling them to be on their best behavior, "the South's not like Bed-Stuyvesant and you can't get more southern than Alabama." 

And truer words have never been spoken: they get their milk and butter from a cow, the best entertainment is hearing their great-grandmother and great-aunt tell conflicting stories about their decades-long feud, and, perhaps most notably, they experience the very real presence of the KKK. But when a potentially deadly storm strikes, things get even more real as Vonetta goes missing after a fight with her sisters. Will the Gaither girls and their family ever be the same after their time in the deep South? 

This historical fiction novel really tells it like it was, and will make a gripping read for 5th to 8th graders, whether or not they've already enjoyed the previous two books in the series. 

WHERE WILL BEAR SLEEP?

Bernard is exhausted, but he can't find a quiet and comfortable place to sleep.  He goes for a walk through the forest to find an ideal location.  He encounters a number of animals who kindly offer their homes.  A lily pad, a tree, or burrow might be right for those animals but not for Bernard.  A small unassuming mouse offers a suggestion which piques Bernard's interest but will it be the right bed for Bear?

Clive McFarland's A Bed For Bear is a wonderful story to share with young children during the fall and winter seasons, especially before bedtime.  

For PreK-2nd grade.

THE SKY IS FALLING!

Is the sky really falling?  Ask Chicken Little why she’s in a frenzy as she does the mambo.  Well it all started one day when an acorn fell on Chicken Little’s head… and it went downhill from there.  Chicken Little truly believed that the sky was falling, so of course she didn't listen to Squirrel's explanation and created chaos on the farm. 


Chaos meaning all the chickens began to dance; they did the moonwalk, the twist and the waltz.  Soon enough all the other farm animals joined in the dance even though they knew better; the animals even did the hokey-pokey.  It wasn’t long before the clever Fox showed up to stir some trouble. He believed that he could actually fool the animals to come to his den.  Read to find out if the Fox accepts the chickens challenge.

The Sky is Falling by Mark Teague is a hilarious read-a-loud picture book. This is a great twist for a classic tale, teaching the importance of listening skills, especially when creating unnecessary confusion. The illustrations are colorful and cartoon-like.  

Ages 3-5

IS THE MOON REALLY FOLLOWING YOU?

The Moon is Going to Addy's House written and illustrated by Ida Pearle takes a simple but universal idea and turns it into an inventively breathtaking picture book. On her way home with her family after a playdate at her friend's house, Addy is intent on watching the moon in the sky as it appears to follow her along the way. 

Pearle uses the perspective in her brilliant cut-paper art in mesmorizing ways to relate that familiar childhood feeling that the moon is moving across the sky as you travel, alternately high and low, near and far. The simple yet rhythmic text--"Look way up high and way down low. There it is, still!"--pairs seamlessly with the dreamy illustrations to explore this enigmatic natural phenomenon. 

This versatile book is perfect both for sharing with a group or exploring one-on-one at bedtime with toddlers and preschoolers alike. 

HOLIDAY CLOSURE

THE LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED FROM SATURDAY JANUARY16 - 18, 2016 FOR MLK DAY.  WE WILL REOPEN ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 19. 

SEVERAL OF OUR BRANCHES WILL BE OPEN ON FRIDAY JANUARY 15 FOR YOUR LIBRARY NEEDS.  

A TOAST TO BACON

Everyone loves Bacon: Egg, Waffle, Pancake, Hot dog, Pickle, Chile, Garlic... and especially Bacon himself. French Toast doesn’t love Bacon, but that’s because French Toast apparently doesn’t like anyone. Bacon plays the ukulele, tells funny jokes, drives fancy cars, wears fancy hats, and grows a fancy mustache-- and everyone knows that fancy mustaches are amazingly lovable.

Bacon thoroughly enjoys his sizzling celebrity status, but as his fame heats up and spreads from his local 24-hour diner home he begins to snub his old friends. After all, what’s a delicious breakfast food to do when everyone loves you and you smell so good?

Kelly Dipucchio’s Everyone Loves Bacon, illustrated by Eric Wight, is a quirky cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris. It’s a food punny picture book with a premise so ridiculous it’s bound to elicit giggles from listeners. Share this delicious story just before breakfast... with a toast to bacon!

Ages 4+