A MO AND DALE MYSTERY

In The Odds of Getting Even by Sheila Turnage nothing goes as planned and everything goes sideways before Mr. Macon even sets foot in the courtroom to stand trial where Dale, his youngest son, must testify against him.  In this third story of Mo and Dale, of the Desperado Detective Agency, set inTupelo Landing, NC, the two must solve multiple crimes seemingly linked to Mr. Macon, but Dale is sure that his father is being framed. After all, a professional criminal such as Mr. Macon would never leave such obvious clues at the crime scenes to incriminate himself.  

Sheila Turnage, the author of Three Times Lucky and The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing tells another amazing story of these two best friends and the cast of characters living in their small town.  

For readers in grades 6th-8th.  

AN UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER FRIENDSHIP

Two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo has done it again and given us another gem in her beautifully written and profoundly heartfelt middle grade novel, Raymie Nightingale. Things aren't going so well for Raymie, but she has a foolproof plan to get everything back to normal: if she learns how to twirl a baton, she can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire 1975 competition--and when her father sees her picture in the paper, he'll have to forget about the dental hygienist he ran off with and come back home. Simple as that. 

But when she shows up at baton-twirling class instructed by former world champion Ida Nee, she meets a couple of other girls with alternate plans of their own--guileless Louisiana Elefante with her pink bunny barrettes needs to win the pageant to help save her long lost cat, Archie, while tough-talking Beverly Tapinski, whose father is a cop, wants to sabotage the competition altogether. But despite their plans being directly at odds with one another, the unlikely threesome soon form a strong bond that leads them through some unforgettable summer adventures and changes them all more than they ever thought possible.

The wealth of quirky characters and simple but deeply evocative writing will appeal to kids in fourth grade and up. 

SHERLOCK HOLMES - THE HAMSTER VERSION

A pun filled  beginning reader where detective Hamster Holmes and firefly sidekick Dr. Watt help Springy Beaver, a stupendous inventor, solve the case of mysterious things being disturbed in his workshop.
A light mystery with clues and red herrings to mislead the reader while trying to solving this unusual mystery.

Hamster Holmes: On the right Track is just one in the series of Hamster Holmes books.  For readers in grades 1-2.

BRING A SWEATER TO THE SHOW!

Luce Puppet Company is coming to the Central Library on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 11:00 am.

Join us for a great retelling of The Reluctant Dragon.  An amazing story for children ages 4 and up.  

Please bring a sweater because the Children's Room now has air conditioning! 

PUPPET SHOW IS TOMORROW!

Luce Puppet Company is coming to the Central Library on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 11:00 am.

Join us for a great retelling of The Reluctant Dragon a great story for children from ages 4 and up.  

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Thunder Boy Jr., the first picture book from Sherman Alexie, bestselling author of the National Book Award-winning young adult novel The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian among many others, tells the story of a son and a father and their shared name. In this loving Native-American family of unspecified tribal background, beautifully depicted by Caldecott Honor recipient Yuyi Morales in bold illustrations that seem like they might leap off the page, the titular young boy feels frustration about not having a name of his own and imagines other names for himself based on his own accomplishments and life experiences. But what kind of name can at once affirm the deep love he has for his family and yet assert his own identity in the world? 

Simply but dynamically told, this lively story of identity and family is best shared with children in preschool through second grade. 

CROOKED GRANDMA

The Classy Crooks Club by Alison Cherry stars our soccer fiend, AJ, or Annemarie as her grandmother prefers to call her. She must spend a month with her disapproving wealthy grandmother when her parents have to go to the Amazon for work. She only gets to go to soccer practice, she can't have her dog or sleepovers, or hang out with her best friend, but she does get etiquette lessons.  Whoopee. The only silver lining is that Stanley, grandmother's hunky chauffeur, drives her to soccer practice and she is the envy of all.    

AJ thinks that her grandmother's friends just get together and play bridge, but they are really "liberators".  The ladies liberate lots of things from their undeserving or bad owners like a macaw who doesn't get any love.  Even AJ gets liberated, unwillingly.

There's a mean girl and her crew, a misunderstanding with friends but it's a fun and mostly predictable adventure with a twisted ending. Great for readers who love a good spunky girl story.

For readers in 6th - 8h grades.

SUMMER SPECIAL PERFORMERS

BUBBLEMANIA 
Bubble fun for ages 4 and older.   A few more performances left in July at the following branches.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 6:30 pm 
Pacific Park 

Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 1:00 pm
Central Library, Children's Room

Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 5:00 pm 
Casa Verdugo 

LION & TIGER & BEAR: TAG! YOU’RE IT!

Tag you’re it! AAAAAHHH, leave me alone!!! This is Lion, he is so caught up in his painting that he doesn’t want anyone or anything to interrupt him, even his best friends.  When Bear and Tiger come out to play a game of tag, they ask Lion to join in on the fun, but Lion had other plans. Read and find out how far Lion goes to get some peace and quiet.

Ethan Long's story is about the friendship between Lion, Tiger and Bear. The story also teaches about respecting your friend’s wishes.  

This is a fun picture book for ages 5-7.   

TRANSPORTED TRANSPORTATIONS

This is a very silly book about transporting a lawnmower by all modes of transportation in order to mow one eensy weensy little patch of grass on a teeny tiny island on a Thursday.  Tom Angleberger strikes again with his wicked and sly humor about a toad riding a lawnmower.  

The illustrations by John Hendrix are so much fun to look at. This is the book for children who love all things transportation. 

McToad Mows Tiny Island by Tom Angleberger and illustrated by John Hendrix. 
For ages 2 and up.  

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY !

The Children's Room at the Central Library will be closed for the July 4th weekend, but this Friday we will be open for Lunch and Books from 11am to 1pm.  

We will see you again on Tuesday, July 5, 2016.  

THE PRINCESS AND THE SUMMER CAMP

One very, very spoiled princess, "a royal pain" really, is sent away to summer camp in order to learn how to make a friend or two.   To her surprise, no one takes her luggage to her cabin or brings her breakfast in bed!  Tuna Fish Girl from the bus becomes her bunk mate and shows her around.  After she "rescues" Princess Lulu from "drowning" and Princess Lulu rescues her from a skunking, the two become great friends.  

Princess Lulu Goes to Summer Camp by Kathryn Cristaldi is a great beginning reader.  A fun and sweet story for all.   

SPECIAL SUMMER PERFORMERS

The fabulous Annie Bananie uses twisted balloons to tell a fun futuristic story with the help of kids from the audience. Join her for this summer's adventure, THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE - IN SPACE.
Children's Room, Central Library 


Annie Bananie, Tuesday, June 28 at 11:00 am. 
For ages 4 and older.  

SPECIAL SUMMER PERFORMER

Joe Gandelman, comedic ventriloquist extraordinaire will be performing and entertaining us onThursday, June 23 at 1:00pm.  

Children's Room, Central Library 
For ages 4 and older.  

Join us for some family fun.  

WE ARE OPEN!

Today, Wednesday June 22, 2016 the Children's Room will have storytime  in our room and lunch outside under the tree.  We are now open. 

Our Thursday special performer, ventriloquist Joe Gandelman, will perform at Central Library as scheduled.  Join us tomorrow, Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 1 pm. for more stories and fun.

We apologize for the inconveniences.  

THE CHILDREN'S ROOM WILL CLOSE TODAY

Due to the high temperature, the Children's Room will be closed today, June 21, 2016. We will continue to serve lunch for children in the ARC next door.  Pete the Cat Book Bash is canceled.  We apologize for the inconvenience. Most of our branches are open today if you need books and other materials. 
If you need to speak to someone at Central, please call 818-548-2021.  

SPECIAL SUMMER PERFORMERS

Joe Gandelman, comedic ventriloquist extroardinaire will be performing and entertaining us all Thursday, June 23 at 1:00pm.  

Children's Room, Central Library 
For ages 4 and older.  

Join us for some family fun.  

HISTORY THAT PACKS A PUNCH

The phrase "Remember the Alamo!" is about the extent of what many people remember about the Alamo. But what else are we supposed to remember? There's so much more to the historical incident, packed full of exciting, treacherous, and gory details, all laid out to uproarious effect in Alamo All-Stars, the most recent entry in the Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales graphic novel series from author-illustrator Nathan Hale. 

Like the other books in the series, this historical tale is told through the perspective of the spy (not the author!) Nathan Hale delaying his impending execution in 1776 by telling thrilling stories from American history to his eager hangmen. In this installment, they are joined by Hale's Mexican counterpoint, Vincente Guerrero, and his firing squad, and together they explore the events surrounding and key players involved in this piece of American and Mexican History: the state of Texas's fight for independence from the Mexican government. How did the small, ragtag bunch of frontiersmen end up blocked in a fort and fighting against a whole army? Why did Mexico mess with Texas? How exactly did Texas become a part of the United States? And what did Davy Crockett have to do with it? These answers and much, much more are found in this latest installment of the highly entertaining and informative graphic series that shows how it all went down. And don't skip the endpapers, title page, and other backmatter: every page is chock full of fascinating--and hilarious--information.

Other recent illuminating entries in the series include The Underground Abductor and Donner Dinner Party. Perfect for graphic novel fans, history buffs, and anyone else in grades 4 and up.  

LET'S GO TO THE HARDWARE STORE

Need a handyman? Not Flora’s family.  When the family moves into a new house there are endless small projects that need fixing. So Flora, her brother and their father visit the new town’s hardware store to purchase all the necessary tools to repair the new house.  The family dives right in and selects a hammer, ladder, tape measure, screwdriver and other essentials.

Let’s Go to the Hardware Store by Anne Rockwell is the perfect book for young children to read before exploring their town’s hardware store. Children who are captivated with building projects will find this book as the perfect reference source.  Rockwell describes their journey in simply sentences and provides the names of the tools at the bottom of the page which introduces a sophisticated vocabulary.  Melissa Iwai, the illustrator, uses pastel colors and fine details for the images.

Ages 4-7

OUR SUMMER SPECIAL PERFORMERS

KIDDLE KAROO 

Join us for a Puppet show presented by the fabulous Kiddle Karoo.  

Thursday, June 16 at 1:00pm
Central Library
Children's Room 
818-548-2035

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.