PET RESCUE WITH AN ATTITUDE

Move over, Grumpy Cat and make room for The Grumpy Pets written and illustrated by Kristine A. Lombardi. Billy is not like most of the other kids he sees around him--he can't seem to shake his permanent frown. In the hopes of buoying his spirits, his mom takes Billy and his sister to the pet rescue in town. Everywhere he looks he sees plenty of adorable and excitable animals charming their equally effervescent soon-to-be owners, but Billy just can't relate... until he makes his way to the back of the shelter and finds a different group of pets waiting there. This ragtag bunch of animals are definitely more moody, scruffy, and just downright grumpier than the others, but will Billy finally meet his perfect match? 

The simple and compelling story paired with the pitch-perfect illustrations, makes a great read for preschoolers through first graders, and will win over even the most grumpy of readers with its doggedly genuine heart. 

WHAT ARE YOU, SOME KIND OF CHICKEN?

Lily is a quintessentially mild-mannered animal--she stays within the lines when she's coloring, doesn't like to raise her wing in school even when she knows the answers, and is definitely not ready to take off her training wheels on her bike even when she's being left in the dust by her friends. And she certainly can't imagine getting up onstage in front of everyone for the Grand-Slam Poetry Jam when everyone else around her can't wait. What's a poor chicken to do? 

This warm and gentle picture book by Lori Mortensen, with charming illustrations by Nina Victor Crittenden, explores childhood social anxieties in a authentic but lighthearted way, reassuring introverts of all ages that sometimes the risk of putting yourself out there comes with great rewards. 

Chicken Lily is a perfect read for preschoolers through second graders, especially those timid ones in need of a helpful--not didactic--boost of confidence for dealing with the everyday jitters. 

OUR SUMMER SPECIAL PERFORMERS

THE ARTY LOON SHOW is coming!

Silly family fun for at the Central Library, Children's Room and Adams Square.  Watch some magic and balloon artistry with our special guest performer.  Tuesday, 6/7 at 11am, Children's Room, Central Library  Monday, 7/25/ at 6:30pm at Adams Square For ages four and older.

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!

Have you ever heard of any famous female magicians? Anything But Ordinary Addie: The True Story of Adelaide Herrmann Queen of Magic is a fascinating book about a currently little-known but certainly extraordinary woman. Mara Rockliff's fast-paced and engaging text and Iacopo Bruno's vibrant and larger-than-life illustrations pull young readers into Addie's exciting world of adventure, intrigue, and magic. 

Growing up, Addie was not content to fade into the background. She joined a dancing troupe and dazzled audiences at a time it was a bit shocking for women to appear onstage. When she met and fell in love with magician Alexander Hermann, it was Addie who proposed marriage to him. First, she became his assistant, helping him perform such illusions as setting her on fire and making her vanish. But when his resident acrobat goes missing, she volunteers to have him shoot her from the cannon, even though she has no training. The only trick she won't let her husband perform? The bullet-catching trick--definitely way too dangerous. 

But when the the unthinkable happens and Alexander unexpectedly passes away, the show must go on. And what better way to convince audiences to come see (gasp!) a woman perform magic than by performing the death-defying bullet-catching trick? 

This captivating picture book biography makes readers feel like a part of the action--as if they have front-row seats for the dazzling show that is Addie's life. It might even inspire some extra research to find out more about the Queen of Magic, who was famous in her own time but almost unheard of today. 

Recommended especially for readers in first through fourth grades. 

TEN PIGS: AN EPIC BATH ADVENTURE

What will it take for one little pig to have a fun bath time alone? In the Ten Pigs: An Epic Bath Adventure by Derek Anderson, one pig decides to take a bath but soon he is joined by another pig, then another, until there are ten pigs stuffed in the tub.

Read to find out how this little pig’s clever idea allowed him to have the tub to himself again.  The book has colorful illustrations across two page layouts with large text. 

Ages 3-5

A SPECIAL PUPPET SHOW

Noteworthy Puppets will be performing their two amazing puppet shows at the branches this summer.  

The company's new show, Sherlock Homerun: A Whodunit Puppet Musical, based on this year's summer reading theme has it all - sports, music, mystery!  Best of all,YOU, the audience gets to decide the ending!!!

Cental Thursday, 6/2 @1pm
Casa Wednesday, 6/29 @ 6:30pm
Montrose, Tuesday, 7/19 @4pm

Jack and the Beanstalk:  The Puppet Musical will be performed at these branches:

Chevy, Saturday, 6/4 @2pm 
Grandview, Thursday, 6/9 @3pm 
Adams, Monday, 7/11 @ 6:30pm

A BOOK SCAVENGER FINDS A BOOK

Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman is a book lover's adventure that's described by the author as a mix of geocaching, scavenger hunting and Bookcrossing.com.  In this story, people hide books and provide clues online for others to decipher in order to find the hidden books and with each successful find the hunters earn points.  

San Francisco, California is the next city Emily and her family are headed for on their quest to live in all 50 states.  Her parents' jobs and nomadic lifestyle has left her with one thing that she clings to and can always count on to do in each new city, The Book Scavenger game started by Garrison Griswold.  As soon as she arrives in the city, Griswold is mugged and in the hospital.  Emily finds a book thinking it's part of the game but as she and her new friend, James, begin to decipher each clue and code they realize this new game has become more and more dangerous.  

For 5th-8th grade readers who really enjoy decoding, a mystery and an adventure in one of the most amazing city in the country.  

OUR SPECIAL SUMMER PERFORMERS

Noteworthy Puppets will be performing their two amazing puppet shows at the branches this summer.  

The company's new show, Sherlock Homerun: A Whodunit Puppet Musical, based on this year's summer reading theme has it all - sports, music, mystery!  Best of all,YOU, the audience gets to decide the ending!!!

Cental, Thursday, 6/2 @1pm
Casa, Wednesday, 6/29 @ 6:30pm
Montrose, Tuesday, 7/19 @4pm

Jack and the Beanstalk:  The Puppet Musical will be performed at these branches:

Chevy, Saturday, 6/4 @2pm 
Grandview, Thursday, 6/9 @3pm 
Adams, Monday, 7/11 @ 6:30pm

BOOGER INSPIRED

Billy's Booger: A Memoir (sorta) by William Joyce and his younger self

Once upon a time there was a boy who loved the Sunday comic strips, drawing and creating all kinds of things.  he entered a book writing contest at the behest of his school librarian.  He included all the things he thought would be interesting:, space travel, mucus, meteor, and more in his book hoping to win.  

Readers in 3rd - 6th grade should read this fantastic story illustrated by award winning author William Joyce and be inspired.  

SUMMER READING STARTING SOON

READ FOR THE WIN!  is this year's summer reading theme.  Come for some olympic fun but reading is always our game.  You are always a winner when you read so beat that summer slide and pick up your reading log at your nearest library branch.  

First prize: Win a book after you read eight books. 
Second prize:  Win a book after you read eight books. 
Third prize:   Win a book after you read eight books. 
You can do it!  Everyone can do it! 


New this year: Sign up for the new online reading program, too. 

For all ages.  

A NEARER MOON

A Nearer Moon written by Melanie Crowder is a story about a young girl, Luna, who is determined to save her little sister.  The story takes place in a village where over the years the swap water, as the elders say, has been cursed.  Luna’s mother had three rules never to be broken:  don’t go past the bend in the river;  don’t go below the dam; and steer far away from the slick.

The book touches on important topics such as sisterhood, environment and determination with Luna’s character portraying bravery and wholesomeness and amazing sisterly love.  

This book is for ages 8-12 but it is slow-paced and a little complex in the beginning.

A HAUNTING SUMMER

A review by Theresa : 

It"s summer time and school is out which means that it is off to grandmother’s Tennessee farm for 12-year-old Avery and older brother Blake and days spent playing a make-believe game of their own invention. But this year Blake feels that he is too old for this pastime and plans to spend the summer reading for school. Avery is very upset at the prospect of a long uneventful summer in the country. All that changes though when she meets Julian, an aspiring filmmaker, who wants to film a ghost story at the very old and very spooky house on her grandmother’s property.  

The big glitch is that Avery is not allowed to go anywhere near the place but after some convincing by Julian and some research into the history of her family, she breaks that rule. The house is as spooky as promised and the two would-be filmmakers are in for some very thrilling times trying to discover the mystery of the house and make their film in Sonia Gensler’s Ghostlight. 

This is a hard story to put down, ghosts and mystery an unbeatable combination.  For readers in 5th grade and up. 

ONE SECOND AROUND THE WORLD

The World in a Second is captured in this picture book by Isabel Minhos Martins and Bernardo P. Carvalho to show the concept of a moment captured in time anywhere in the world.  A horn is being honked in Mexico City, a package arrives at someone's home, or an orange falls in an orchard. The book is simply and graphically illustrated with strong colors and outlines alongside some simple poetic text.  At the end, there's a spread of a world map indicating where each moment took place moving across the world and time. 

Almost every continent was represented in this lovely book. Great for readers of all ages.

AN UNUSUAL FAMILY

A review by Theresa: 

Their divorced family is a bit unusual as mom and dad are still friends and very involved with their twins, Nick and Eryn. When mom suddenly announces that she and her long-time boyfriend Michael are getting married, the expectation is that very little will change. But that may not be the case in Margaret Peterson Haddix’s book Under Their Skin. First of all they are going to move into a new house. Then the twins discover that Michael has two children that they have never met and there are no plans to get the kids together even though they are close in age. Very quickly changes come flying at the twins and the discovery that they make on a snowy day will change their lives forever. 

This new two-part series is a combination of science fiction, suspense and mystery guaranteed to keep the reader guessing. For readers 5th grade and up.

TUTUED COCKATOOS CAN CAN-CAN, TOO

In Cockatoo, Too, two cockatoos meet two tutued cockatoos; then they want two tutus, too. The two pairs of tutued cockatoos soon join two pairs of tutued toucans can-canning.

Sparely written, Bethanie Deeney Murguia’s Cockatoo, Too is a simple story told in clever homonym wordplay and attractive watercolor illustrations. As the dedication indicates, it’s the perfect picture book “for word lovers and bird lovers.” Share it with older readers to exemplify the versatility of language, or share it with younger readers just for fun!

For another picture book featuring delightful word and punctuation play within a simple story, try Emily Gravett’s Orange Pear Apple Bear.

Ages 2 and up

CREEPY AND TWISTED

Tabitha, an unwanted child of two very selfish parents, is about to be left at the doorstep of the local orphanage, when she and five other children are  invited to a spend the weekend at the mansion of a wealthy but reclusive countess.  Strange things begin to happen as soon as they arrive.  The maid dies right at the dinner table and the children begin to dissappear one by one.

Tabitha sets out to investigate the secrets she's sure is hiding in the mansion and with the seemingly more and more unstable countess.  Nooks and Crannies by Jessica Lawson is a Dahlish gothic novel set in some nebulous Dickensian time period.  It's a perfect read for those looking for something different to read.

For readers in 4th-6th grades.  

FRACTURED AND FRUSTRATED SNOW WHITE

Snow White and the 77 Dwarfs by Raphaelle Barbanegre is a another twist on the original tale where Snow White meets and takes care of not 7 but 77 dwarves!  She has to memorize all their names, make lunches and help maintain their beards. When no one would help she decides is due for some much needed rest. 

This is perfect for those who know the original and are looking for something a little different.  No helpful woodland creatures here!  For preschool readers and up. 

BLUEBERRY FEVER

Newbery-honor author Cynthia Lord takes readers back to her home state of Maine in her newest middle-grade novel A Handful of Stars. There we meet twelve-year-old Lily, her beloved blind dog, Lucky, and--when Lucky slips his collar to pursue a tasty sandwich--Salma Santiago, whose family are migrant workers only in town for blueberry season. Lily has never gotten to know any migrant workers before, even though they come every summer, but she finds she and Salma have more in common than she ever would have expected, including a love of dogs and painting as well as a personal history of loss. They also both have some lofty goals: Lily yearns to earn enough money to help fix Lucky's eyesight, while Salma is determined to enter the local Blueberry Queen pageant and take home the first-place prize even though no migrant worker has entered before. 

This delightfully heartfelt novel is a true testament to the power of friendship and the love of family, beautifully exploring what it really means to reach for the stars. 

Perfect for readers in 4th grade and up. 

I REALLY LIKE SLOP!

Slop anyone? Piggie’s latest is making slop that’s part of “pig culture.” Gerald, the elephant, can’t stand the smell or the look of Piggie’s treat; partly because it has flies buzzing around it but as Piggie says, “that’s how you know it’s ripe.” Although the slop isn’t appealing to Gerald, he tries it because Piggie is his friend.

I Really Like Slop! by Mo Willems is the 24th book in the Elephant and Piggie series. This particular book teaches that it’s okay to try something and not like it. The illustrations are simple and the text is short and funny.

For ages 6-8

WAITING FOR JUNE

We've had a great winter storytime session and now we are getting ready for our summer session.   We'll see you the first Monday in June, June 6, 2016.  
Check our online calendar for all the upcoming summer events at all our branches. Have a good May. 

Remember that this week, the Central library's Children's Room will open at 2:30pm due to construction in the room.  

NOT YOUR AVERAGE GRANDMA

What would you do if your grandma was a ninja? Well for Ethan, it's all a reality. Not only does his grandma teach the other students karate moves, but Ethan and his grandma zip line to school while all the other children have to take the bus. The students find her pretty cool up until she accidentally deflates the team's soccer ball. Ethan and all the students get very upset and that's when he wishes his grandma was just normal. Can Ethan forgive her? Read this story to find out. 

"My Grandma’s a Ninja," by author Todd Tarpley and illustrator Danny Chatzikonstantinou is an interesting and funny story about a grandma who happens to be a ninja. This is a great story to be shared with a grandchild and it also makes for a good read-aloud for children ages 3 and up.     

CHILDREN'S ROOM HOURS NEXT WEEK!

We apologize for the inconvenience but the Children's Room at the Central Library will open at 2:30 pm next week, Monday-Thursday, May 2- 5 due to our renovation project. Our nearby branches will be open in the mornings for your library needs.  Below is the link to all other locations and their hours. Please call us at 818-548-2035 if you have any other questions. 

http://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/library-arts-culture/locations-hours

NEW PICTURE BOOKS WITH A MORAL

Louis I:  King of the Sheep  by Olivier Tallec

An accidental crown rolls onto Louis the Sheep's head and he becomes KING! This leads to all types of kingly things, like having a scepter, making speeches to his flock and hunting lions, until one day the wind blows off his crown and there ends his reign as King of the Sheeps. An unusual morality tale translated from the French original about how easy things come and go.  

Steve, Raised by Wolves:  The story of a wild boy and his first day of school by Jared Chapman

A boy raised by a wolf mom has a hard time adjusting to school, but his mom keeps encouraging him to be himself and all will be fine.  Howling while on top of the desk , pouncing on other students and drinking from the toilet bowl is just not good behavior when you're in school. But when the class pet hamster goes missing, his wolf skills lead the class on a search to find the missing rodent and he finally finds his stride with his classmates.   Simple clear illustrations make this a fun story.  

A Beginner's Guide to Bear Spotting by Michelle Robinson illustrated by David Roberts 

Brown bear and black bear are two different types of bears you see in the woods and depending on which you encounter will determine your behavior.  Playing dead or running can have lethal consequences if you do the wrong thing with the wrong bear.  But what is a boy to do when he encounters BOTH,  a black bear AND a brown bear!  A treacherous yet hilarious walk for one little boy. What's the moral of this story i ask?!

These stories are great for readers from 3 and up. 

A JOB FOR FRANCINE

In this new Mercy Watson series spin off, Francine, fearless animal control officer, runs into an animal that even she may have difficulty with. When Francine is called to catch a raccoon from Mrs. Bissinger's roof, not only does she fail to catch it, but falls off the roof and ends up in the hospital with major injuries. While recuperating, she reevaluates her job and dedication to animal control and wonders if she's cut out for it at all.  

A fun adventure in The Deckawoo Drive series by Kate DiCamilo. Catch her previous one, Leroy Ninkler Saddles Up while waiting for the next book. 

For beginning chapter book readers in 2nd-3rd grades. 

I LOVE YOU ALREADY!

What happens when two friends have vastly different personalities and notions of friendship? Quiet and introspective, Bear would happily while away the day alone, while friendly and effusive Duck would prefer to do just about everything with his best friend.

Poor Bear! All he wants is a quiet morning to himself. With a cup of steaming tea, a selection of books, and a reclining chair, Bear is ready to start his relaxing day. His solitary plans are foiled, however, when his garrulous friend and neighbor, Duck, comes knocking at his door peddling conversation and exercise. Bear’s dismay is palpable throughout the story as he morosely responds to Duck’s ceaseless chatter. Though in the end it’s a bewildered Bear who reassures his friend, “I love you already!”

I Love You Already! by author Jory John and illustrator Benji Davies is an introvert’s nightmare. But it’s also a lighthearted reminder that, though we might express our feelings differently, we can still love our friends all the same. Read more about Bear and Duck in Goodnight, Already!

For another humorous tale of reluctant friendships, check out Peter Brown’s You Will Be My Friend!

Ages 4+

RE: THE DRAGON

Petsitting a temperamental creature is no easy task―especially when that pet happens to be a full grown, fire breathing dragon. When Eddie’s family agrees to care for his Uncle Morton’s unusual pet, they have no idea what to expect. They certainly aren’t prepared for burnt curtains, noxious poop, ravaged refrigerators, crisped petunias, and singed mailmen.
Eddie narrates the dragon’s escapades through, largely unanswered, emails to his Uncle Morton. The dragon’s bad behavior continues to escalate with each frantic message, and if you think dog poop on your bedroom carpet is bad, just imagine cleaning up after a vindictive dragon! Soon Eddie’s irate mother is appealing to local zoos, animal shelters, and even the fire department for help. Problematically, when you’re dealing with mythical creatures people tend not to believe you... or they think you’re crazy.
Josh Lacey’s The Dragonsitter is a humorous epistolary chapter book, told through fraught email exchanges and picture attachments.
The first in series for grades 2-4.

ROLLER GIRL COMING AT YOU!

Fans of Raina Telgemeier will cheer for Roller Girl, a fun and poignant graphic novel by Victoria Jamieson. When twelve-year-old Astrid discovers roller derby, she is instantly enamored. What's not to love about powerful women with cool names playing a tough and exciting sport? Especially the star of the Rose City Rollers, Rainbow Bite. Astrid can't wait to sign up for the summer Junior Derby Camp and assumes her best friend will too, but is in for a rude awakening when Nicole decides she'd rather be at dance camp with Astrid's longtime sworn enemy, Rachel. Roller Derby is a lot harder than she'd ever thought, especially without her best friend there for support. But rather than quit when things get hard, Astrid buckles down and focuses on her dream of becoming a real roller girl, like her idol Rainbow Bite. She faces more than a few embarrassing falls, bumps, bruises, and other assorted humiliations along the way, but she also finds out just how tough she really is. 

Readers will root for Astrid as she learns to skate, experiences her first real bout, picks her roller derby name, and discovers who she really is on her own. This entertaining graphic novel, which boasts relatable characters, exciting action, coming-of-age drama, and plenty of heart, will make a perfect read for fourth graders and up. 

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.