TWO MORE COOKBOOKS FOR KIDS!

These are two more children's cookbooks from the library's collection and with the holidays and vacations coming up, take a through some of these recipes to see if there's some fun cooking to be had with your family.

The Piccolo Chef Cookbook :  Healthy Cooking With Your Kids by Fanelli Moraccini and Lilian Palmieri from the children's culinary school in Los Angeles. This book is full of easy recipes for children to follow.  

Chop Chop:  the Kid's Guide to Cooking Real Food with Your Family by Sally Sampson is the bound book version of their magazine's recipes for kids.   On top there's a bar that tells you prep time, cook time and if adult help is needed (mostly yes).  

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Florian, a 7th grader, is once again at another new school in a new city, despairing about his predicament when the neighbor across the street forces herself into his house and befriends him after demanding to be   shown how TOAST works. TOAST is Florian's methodology of Schedule
observation which helps him adjust to new situations in his life.  While testing out his observational method, the two inadvertently stumble onto the mystery of stolen paintings at the National Gallery where both of Florian's parents work.  

Framed!  A T.O.A.S.T. Mystery by James Ponti is for those who love a good mystery, Sherlock Holmes and a dash of international spy thriller--you will love this book. 

For readers in 6th - 8th grades. 

LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP

Plum, the dog does not love the new surprise in this new picture book, Plenty of Love to go Around by Emma Chichester Clark. The new pet is a cat, Binky, which is as white as Plum is black.  Binky follows Plum everywhere and gets the attention Plum feels should be his alone.  All his humans love him but Plum's dog friends teases him relentlessly about Binky so he's going to have to something to put an end to all of this unwanted attention. 

Will Plum reject Binky or open his heart to Binky? A touching book about caring and loving of all kind to read to book lovers of all ages.  

A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE

"The cat walked through the world, with its whiskers, ears, and paws..." So begins author-illustrator Brendan Wenzel's newly-awarded Caldecott Honor Book, They All Saw a Cat. While most readers can conjure up a pretty standard image of a black cat, this thought-provoking and innovative picture book makes clear that even something as uniform as that image is still in the eye of its beholder. 

Though the book features simple, streamlined language, it is in the clever and inventive art (which even uses different materials and techniques depending on the page) where the true heart of the story lies. As the cat strolls from page to page, a child, a dog, a mouse, a snake, a bat, and many other animals along the way, each see him very differently, and the fluctuating representation of the black cat--on one page a fierce predator and on another as plump and docile prey, for example--allows the reader a glimpse of the subject from another animal's perspective. 

Even with the concise text, the ideas examined are complex, making this title a good pick for sharing on different levels with preschoolers through second graders. Furthermore, this book would make an engaging introduction to point-of-view and seeing the world through one another's eyes. 

A TREAT FOR ANY SEASON

When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons, by Julie Fogliano and illustrated by Julie Morstad, is nothing but a pure delight. The poems, grouped by season from spring to winter, focus on small moments of the day in perfectly childlike yet lyrically evocative language. Be it getting rain boots soggy, eating peanut butter sandwiches at the beach, watching the last leaf fall from a tree, or sitting by the fire on a cozy snow day, Fogliano finds innovative new ways to relate these universal experiences through the lens of childhood wonder with a striking economy of language. 

Meanwhile, Morstad's lovely goache-and-pencil-crayon illustrations perfectly compliment the simple yet charming words, showcasing a diverse cast of children experiencing all the earthly pleasures each season has to offer. 

This makes a perfect book to share with preschoolers through second graders, no matter the date on the calendar. 

THE WALLS HAVE EARS

Things can change in a heartbeat. Just ask Noah. One moment he's a pretty regular eleven-year-old living in Oasis, Virginia, looking forward to his friend's birthday party over the weekend. The next, his parents pick him up from school and tell him his name is actually Jonah, he's really only ten, he's from Roanoke, and he's on the way to the airport that very minute to move to East Berlin without taking anything with them. And, since the year is 1989, that means his family will be moving behind the Iron Curtain, where his every move and utterance will be monitored and nothing less than total compliance to the Communist way of life in the German Democratic Republic will be tolerated, where maps show the other side of the Berlin Wall as nonexistent blank space. 

When Jonah (née Noah) meets Claudia--whose parents have disappeared--it seems that she's the only other one who is interested in finding out what's really going on, despite the many strict rules they are told to adhere to--remember they are always listening, don't call attention to yourself, don't let your worries show, never talk about your old life, and so on. Why did his family really come here? What happened to Claudia's parents? And what happens to kids who don't follow the rules? 

This captivating novel packed with strong characters, vivid historical details, and plenty of fast-paced intrigue will keep fifth through eighth graders turning the pages to find out. 

JACK AND THE SCARY BEANSTALK : A GRAPHIC NOVEL

In Mighty Jack:  Book One, Ben Hatke twists the classic story of Jack and the Beanstalk into a more diabolical tale where the plants are not helpful tools leading Jack to fame and fortune, but evil forces to be reckoned with.  The author gives Jack an autistic younger sister, responding only to the seeds and plants that come alive in their yard.  Jack also has a another female spitfire in a new home-schooled neighbor, who loves fighting with cool weapons and dragging Jack headlong into anything that looks like an adventure.  

This is for readers in 4th - 6th grades, especially lovers of graphic novels and Ben Hatke. Keep an eye out for the sequel.  

MEET THE FLETCHER FAMILY

Watch out for the Fletchers!  The eldest, Sam, is athletic and an all-around great big brother.  Jackson is hard working in school and enjoys being at the same school as Sam.  Elliot, on the other hand, decides to venture off in a different direction from his brothers and attend a school for exceptional students. Frog, the youngest Fletcher, is absolutely the sweetest youngster in his class. 

The Fletcher boys are incredibly close, even as they encounter challenges that fall out of their normal school routine.  Thankfully, they have their loving parents to help each of them get through it all.  Adventures sometimes pull families together.  But for the Fletchers, it’s the misadventures that draw them closer together.

Dana Alison Levy weaves a family tale that highlights the importance of respect and individuality.  The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher is a surprisingly fun read!
For 4th - 8th grade

ASTRONAUT!

What does an astronaut do while on the job?  Follow Jenny, Chen and Kim as they demonstrate their daily tasks. A Robo-bot is also on board with them at the space station when they realize that he is broken.

Astronaut by Lucy M. George and Ando Twin wonderfully illustrates the life of astronauts through fictional characters.  The text is short, yet uses advanced vocabulary.  This book includes detailed, clear and bright drawings with accompanying text.

Great for early elementary school readers!

SUMMERLOST

It’s been one year since 12-year old Cedar Lee’s father and autistic younger brother Ben both died in a car accident. Now Cedar, her mother, and youngest brother are spending the summer in the small high desert town of Iron Creek where her mother grew up. It’s a summer where everything is the same, and nothing is the same.

Cedar soon befriends a boy associated with the Summerlost Festival, Iron Creek’s distinguished Shakespearean festival, and becomes preoccupied with the decades old, unexplained death of one of its star actresses. Meanwhile, random trinkets, things that would have caught Ben’s attention, mysteriously appear on Cedar’s windowsill at night. Cedar doesn’t believe in ghosts, but what if Ben is sending her a message?

Summerlost is a middle-grade story of friendship, mystery, grief and healing. Ally Condie beautifully and heartbreakingly captures the complexity of love and guilt experienced by a sibling to a special needs child.

Share with theater lovers and fans of Gary Schmidt, Richard Peck, Cynthia Lord, and Ingrid Law.

Grades 5-8

DEATH EXPLAINED SIMPLY

Two amazing picture books to explain death euphemistically and ritualistically to a child should you need to.   


Cry, Heart, But Never Break by Glenn Ringtved and illustrated by Charlotte Pardi (translated from Danish)

AND

Dead Bird by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Christian Robinson. 

For ages 4 and up.

LOCKER HERO

Max Crumbly is in 8^th grade and for the first time he is attending public school.  For all of his life he has been homeschooled so he had never experienced social issues such as bullying until now.  After an unfortunate encounter with the school bully, Doug “Thug” Thurston, Max gets trapped in a school locker and no one knows he is there. Worse, it's a three day weekend.  As he tries to get himself out, he soon finds out that his school is being robbed.  Does Max figure a way out and go home or should he stay and try to be the school hero?

Locker Hero, the first title in this new series is brought to us by Rachel Renee Russell, author of the popular Dork Diaries, and is a great read for students grades 4 and up. 

THIS MARY HAS LOTS OF GLAM

Mary Had a Little Glam by Tammi Sauer and illustrations by Vanessa Vrantley-Newton is a delightful adaptation of the classic nursery rhyme, Mary Had a Little Lamb.  In this retelling, this little Mary loves to accessorize.  With her very stylish fashion, she helps her classmates add a little “glam” to their fashion. 

Children who enjoy series such as Pinkalicious and Fancy Nancy will enjoy this book.  This is a wonderful story to share with children ages three and up with its beautiful illustrations and a message for little girls to be creative.

A CAT BY ANY OTHER NAME

The neighborhood cat featured in this captivating picture book leads a very busy life. He saunters from house to house on Blossom Street, answering to many different names and helping the people he meets carry out a number of miscellaneous activities: eating fresh fish at number three, bird watching at number one, still-life modeling at number eighteen, gardening at number fourteen, and swing dancing at number six, to name but a few. There's only one house that doesn't normally get a visit from the street's resident feline celebrity: number eleven, where life is much quieter. One day, when the cat strays from his much-anticipated regular rounds, the cast of diverse neighborhood characters come out in full force looking for their beloved (and, unbeknownst to them, communal) pet. Where has he gone and who does he actually belong to? 

Archie Snufflekins Oliver Valentine Cupcake Tiberius Cat, written and illustrated by Katie Harnett, is simply a delight. Preschoolers through second graders, as well as assorted cat ladies and gentlemen of all ages (and maybe even some dog people too!), will take pleasure in this charming offering, whether shared in a group setting or one on one. Perhaps, as this reviewer suspects, this sweet tale of friendship and community could even win over Grumpy Cat herself.

AMUSEMENT PARK ADVENTURES

Little Elliot and Mouse venture off to Coney Island and Mouse is very excited to show Little Elliot all the attractions at the amusement park.  Upon arrival, Little Elliot is overwhelmed by the rides and attractions.  Mouse tries to help his friend find rides that are more suitable for his pace.  

Will Elliot overcome his fears and try some of the rides?  Will the two friends enjoy their experience at the amusement park? 

Little Elliot Big Fun by Mike Curato is the third book in the Little Elliot series.  This book teaches us about friendship and how we can be different from one another but still enjoy each other’s company. This is also a great story to help children deal with anxiety when approaching new things.  A lovely story with beautiful illustrations makes it a great read aloud for children ages 2 and up. 

GRUMPY PANTS

It happens to everyone. You wake up on the wrong side of bed. There’s no milk for your cereal. You’re hungry. It’s raining. You’re cold. Your favorite teddy is missing. And your mother gives you cherry juice with your lunch. Cherry! The official flavor of cough syrup-- yech!

The point is, it’s a Grumpy Pants kind of day, and sometimes the only thing to do is strip off those grumpy layers, count to three, and wash it all away.

Grumpy Pants by Claire Messer is a toddler-friendly story designed to send the grumps on their way. Pair it with other grumpy picture books, including Brian Won’s Hooray for Hat!, Jeremy Tankard’s Grumpy Bird, Kristine A. Lombardi's The Grumpy Pets, and Samantha Berger’s Crankenstein.

Ages 2+

Disclaimer: Grumpy Cat read this book, and she thought it was awful. (Don't listen to Grumpy Cat)

BEAUTIFUL SCRATCH BOARD ART

Before Morning is a beautifully illustrated story about a hard working mother’s commitment to duty and her family.  After tucking her child into bed, she heads off to the airport to fly passengers to their destinations.  As the night wears on, a wintry storm strengthens, the child longs for her mother's warmth within their cozy home.  What will happen before morning?

Joyce Sidman’s Before Morning is an endearing story about a child's wish.  Although the text is spare, Caldecott award winner Beth Krommes extraordinary art on scratch board and water colors captures the heart of a family's love. 

For readers in K-2nd grades. 

FOOD, FRIENDSHIP AND UNDERSTANDING

A story told from two points of view, Joe and Ravi. 

Ravi is a star pupil just transferred from India.  
Joe, a student needing a little extra help in school. 

Ravi wants to be liked by the only other Indian boy in the class. 
Joe just wants the other Indian boy in the class to leave him alone. 

Ravi's mom cooks his lunches everyday. 
Joe's mom feeds him constantly.  

The two are not so different after all. 

Save Me a Seat  by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan are two amazing authors with one amazing story about friendship.  

For readers in 4th - 6th grades.

ALL HAIL THE KING!

Though King Baby is certainly a benevolent ruler, he is not all magnanimous smiles and coos. On the contrary, he has many demands of his adoring parents royal subjects: "Feed me! Burp Me! Change me! Bounce me! Carry me!" for starters. And of course he wants them to bring him the thing. No, not that thing--the other thing! King Baby clearly rules all--but for just how long? 

Told in understated text and illustrated with simple but bold drawings, this marvelously droll take on the new-baby picture book from celebrated author-illustrator Kate Beaton is sure to rise above the rest and win accolades from kids and parents alike. 

King Baby will make an entertaining read-aloud as well as a solid choice to share individually with ages 3 and up. And to keep the royal treatment rolling, make sure to check out the mischievously whimsical The Princess and the Pony by the same author.  

IXCHEL WOULD LOVE TO WEAVE!

In the high mountains of Guatemala, Ixchel is in awe of her mother’s talent and craftsmanship.  Her mother can weave thread into the most beautiful pieces of art.  Ixchel is excited to produce her own piece of art.  Sadly, her request to weave is denied, but she turns her disappointment and sadness into ingenuity and resourcefulness.  As a result, she creates a rainbow of colors from unconventional means, and her mother quickly sees her daughter in a different light.

High praise for Linda Elovitz Marshall and her story Rainbow Weaver!  Accompanied by Elisa Chavarri’s intricate designs and a palette of beautiful colors, Rainbow Weaver offers a unique telling of making something out of nothing. In this story, unwanted trash bags littered in a community are made into bags and clutches.  The Author’s Note includes valuable insight to the lives of Mayan weavers and how their handwork helps to provide resources to their community.

A wonderful book to read in either English or Spanish.  For 6 years and up.

TWO MORE WONDERFUL PICTURE BOOKS

In this new Lauren Child book, Absolutely One Thing Featuring Charlie and Lola, the story captures a young child's understanding of counting and numbers, especially if that thing is something you really really want.  

The Bunny Burrow Buyer's Book - A Tale of Rabbit Real Estate by Steve Light is an unusual story of a bunny couple looking for just the right burrow for their rather large family.  The story is very similar to the Fairy tales for Mr. Barker  by Jessica Ahlberg, where there are holes in each page leading to a burrow or scene of different characters.  

Both are highly recommended for preschoolers and up.

TAKING A STAND ONE ARGUMENT AT A TIME

In I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark, author Debbie Levy tells the life story of the respected justice of the Supreme Court as seen through her opposition to various obstacles and injustices from childhood to current day. The narrative, illustrated boldly and effectively by Elizabeth Baddeley, shows Ruth Bader Ginsburg standing up for what she believes is right by rallying against the status quo at the time--whether that be "No Jews" and "Whites Only" signs she saw around her; being told she had to write with her right hand even though she was left handed or that she had to take home economics instead of shop in school; or the prevailing belief of the day that women should have families but not careers--all with a litany of synonyms for dissent. And of course that passion for respectfully resisting injustice by dissenting (disagreeing, disapproving, differing, objecting...) cultivated in her early years has served her well first as a lawyer, then as a justice on the United States Supreme Court, where she continues to oppose to inequality under the law. 

This impassioned picture book biography of Ginsburg's life so far offers a portrait of a strong, determined, and accomplished woman as it deftly explores the idea that disagreeing doesn't necessarily make someone disagreeable, especially when she is fighting for equality for all. 

Recommended for 1st through 4th graders, particularly those with an interest in history or social justice, and includes informative back matter for those who want to find out more. 

WE HAD AN AMAZING 10TH YEAR!

Katherine Applegate, author of The One and Only Ivan, giving an amazing presentation.

Katherine Applegate ready for the book signing. Thank you everyone for coming to hear the author.

Staff of Glendale Library Arts and Culture Children's Services with KA and the end of the One Book, One Glendale...for younger readers. 

A NECESSARY JOURNEY

Kate Di Camillo and Chris Van Dusen have partnered up once again for a third Tale From Deckawoo Drive: Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln? Baby Lincoln, whose real name is Lucille, strikes out on a necessary journey after an inspirational dream.   She packs her suitcase with a few necessary items and sets off to the train station to go as far as she can with the money in her pocket.  With the help of Stella, Baby Lincoln sets off for the town of Fluxom, on her own without her bossy older sister.  During the train ride she meets new people and makes her own discoveries about life, herself, family and friends.  

The creative duo has created another sweet and touching offshoot for the people connected to Deckawoo Drive  and fans of the Mercy Watson series.  

For readers in grades 1st to 3rd.  

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM KATHERINE APPLEGATE

Our One Book One Glendale ... for Younger Readers author, Katherine Applegate, will be coming to speak about her Newbery Award-winning book, The One and Only Ivan this Friday, December 9th at the Adult Recreation Center next to the Central Library. It's the 10th year that Children's Services is bringing you amazing local California authors to speak about their writing inspirations. Watch Katherine's special message to Glendale young readers below! 

A LESSON LEARNED

Chuck befriends Scooter the squirrel who is a great artist and baker who now outshines him as the best in the forest. Chuck is not so happy with his new friend or himself once he realizes how badly he's behaved.  With the help of his many forest friends, Chuck gets a reality check and they help him to see his talent and joy in making art.

A well written story for those almost ready to start reading a chapter book solo or a great family read aloud. What's Up, Chuck? by Leo Landry is a sweet tale of morality. 

For 1st through 3rd graders.

AN ORDINARY BOY MEETS AN EXTRAORDINARY WATCH

A review by Adam: 

Trenton Lee Stewart, author of The Mysterious Benedict Society series, is back with The Secret Keepers, a new mystery where an ordinary boy goes on the adventure of a lifetime.

Living in a tiny, rundown apartment, Reuben Pedley and his widowed mother spend their evenings together dreaming and drawing up blueprints for magical homes filled with firefighter poles and hidden staircases. During the day, while his mother is at work, Reuben spends his solitary afternoons wandering the streets of New Umbra. As he explores the nooks and crannies of the city Reuben tries his best to avoid the searching eyes of the Directions, a group of sinister men who terrorize the citizens of New Umbra under the orders of a secretive and tyrannical figure known only as The Smoke.

One day while climbing up a perilously tall building Reuben comes upon a mysterious pocket watch. To Reuben’s surprise the watch doesn’t tell time, but instead gives Reuben an incredible power and launches him on a whirlwind journey as he attempts to stay one step ahead of The Smoke’s searching grasp and uncover the secret behind the watch’s mysterious origin.

4^th to 8^th graders will love the twists and turns Reuben’s journey takes, and will delight in uncovering the book’s many mysteries along with Reuben.​​

HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY!

Bob Shea's newest picture book, The Happiest Book Ever! gives other books about feelings a run for their money. Instead of focusing on just plain happiness or sadness or anger, with no allowance for anything in between, this very meta book subversively examines the complex ways emotions can be expressed and shows that it's okay not to feel happy all the time. 

Right away, this book introduces us to some of its so-called happiest friends, an inexpressive frog and a dancing cake. The dancing cake is rendered in simply-drawn, brightly-colored caricatures, like the rest of the over-the-top happy cast (cheerful clouds, contented kittens, and a whimsical whale, to name just a few), that is, except for "grumpy" frog, the only photo-realistic image in the entire story and the unwitting monkey wrench in the book's goal of total happiness domination. 

Will the happiest book ever wear down frog with its incessant outward displays of the only socially-acceptable emotion allowed within its pages, and make frog turn his "unhappy" deadpan expression upside down--or else? This thoughtfully engaging yet ultimately entertaining meditation on expressing one's feelings and giving others the space to express theirs makes a fun read-aloud, as well as a compelling book to share one-on-one. 

Recommended for preschoolers to 2nd graders. 

RORY THE DINOSAUR WANTS A PET

Rory the dinosaur, who made his first appearance in Rory the Dinosaur: Me and My Dad, returns in this story about finding the perfect pet.

After an exuberant morning of playing fetch and hide and seek with his friend’s exciting new pet hermit crab, Rory is determined to seek out a pet of his own. He earnestly scours his island home, but is dismayed to discover that none of the other animal inhabitants are keen to play his pet. Just as he’s resigned to his pet-free fate, Rory proves that, with a bit of creativity, we can find friendships in all places and forms.

Liz Climo’s Rory the Dinosaur Wants a Pet is a quirky picture book that charmingly captures the preschool-aged imagination and spirit. For more endearing, if odd, picture books about unconventional pets and friends, check out Peter Brown’s Children Make Terrible Pets and Pat Zietlow Miller’s Sophie’s Squash.

Ages 4+

VISUALLY APPEALING VEGETARIAN COOKING

Here's Erin Gleeson's forest feast for younger cooks featuring some fabulous photos and vegetarian recipes.  Set with large text, these very easy recipes are for kids who are adventurous eaters.  Recipes such as Kale Tacos or Pesto Pepper Pizza may be easy but kids with difficulty reading or not yet fluent will need adult help since each recipe is in a different font style, size and have directional arrows pointing to things may make it difficult to track.   

All in all, Forest Feast for Kids : Colorful Vegetarian Recipes that are Simple to Make is a very stylish and visually appealing cookbook like its adult counterpart.  Look through this cookbook for some holiday cooking choices along with the children's cooking magazine Chop Chop. 

For 4th-8th graders. 

APPLES AND ROBINS

All you need for apples are circles and the color red.

As summer ends, the apples in a tree hang just out of reach. What would you need reach the fruit? In this French import by Lucie Félix, cut-out shapes and bold colors ask and answer a series of questions to tell the story of an apple tree through the seasons.

The magic of this deceptively simple picture book is in the author’s ability to transform ordinary shapes and colors into tangible solutions. Six rectangles make a ladder. Two circles become an apple with a single missing bite. Three triangles, two circles, and an oval take flight as a red-breasted robin.

Apples and Robins invites young readers to exercise their problem solving abilities and imagine the potential in shapes. Pair with Christie Matheson’s delightful interactive book Tap the Magic Tree.

Ages 4+

A STATE-OF-THE-ART HISTORICAL MYSTERY

Laura Marx Fitzgerald, author of Under the Egg, is back with a new art-centric mystery in The Gallery. It's the height of roaring twenties, and twelve-year-old Martha O'Doyle finds herself employed as a servant for the wealthy, pompous newspaper magnate, Mr. Archer J. Sewell. The grand Fifth Avenue mansion is a far cry from the tiny Brooklyn apartment she shares with her family, and our inquisitive heroine wastes no time exploring every opulent corner. But it is the ever-absent eccentric mistress of the house--Mrs. "Wild Rose" Sewell, supposedly bedridden due to her madness--who really piques Martha's curiosity. What drove her so crazy in the first place? What is the story behind her hidden collection of world-renowned paintings? And what can a mere maid like Martha possibly do to bring all the secrets of this mansion to light? 

This compelling middle-grade novel features a spunky and relatable protagonist, backed by a cast of intriguingly quirky characters, fascinating historical details, and an action-packed mystery that will keep young readers in 5th to 8th grades turning the pages all the way to the very end. 

THE MISSING FOOD INVESTIGATORS ( MFIs)

Suspects:  Fowler the Owl, Porcini the Pig, or Hot Dog the Dog? 
Victim:  Miss Rabbit
The Case: The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake by Robin Newman Illustrated by Deborah Zemke

Our hardworking mice detectives are on the hunt for the thief who stole Miss Rabbit's Carrot Cake.  Doggedly following all the crumbs and interviewing all suspects the two detectives track down the cake thief and it's not who might have suspected. This is a fun beginning reader with lots of puns and word plays.

For 1st - 2nd grade readers.

FRIENDSHIP MEANS NEVER HAVING TO SAY...ANYTHING AT ALL?

Dennis is a regular boy in some respects, but has a markedly unconventional way of expressing himself. Why does he speak through movement instead of just talking when he has something to say? It's because Dennis is a mime. It's not easy for the other kids to relate to "Mime Boy," who dresses in a top hat and stripes, wears white face makeup and gloves, and only acts out scenes during show-and-tell and on the playground. Living a silent yet poignantly dramatic life can get a bit lonely sometimes. Will Dennis ever find a friend who understands how he sees the world and speaks his language? 

Be a Friend is sparely written and strikingly illustrated by Salina Yoon, so that, much like Dennis himself, the book is more visual than textual. Yoon articulates Dennis's expressive movements with a red dotted line to make his mime skills really come alive. This fascinatingly offbeat yet compellingly sweet picture book will make an affecting read for preschool through second graders, whether in a group or one-on-one setting. Just be sure to get your jazz hands ready!

WHEN THE LIGHTS WENT OUT

A review by Theresa: 

The whole town including Charlie and his friends had gathered together to celebrate the New Year and also to watch what was supposed to be an extra spectacular night viewing of the northern lights. Rodman Philbrick’s THE BIG DARK begins with the town standing out on the baseball field under a sky that is so bright that “shadows could be seen on the snow,” enjoying the intense colors and flashes of the light show. Suddenly there the sky was filled with an enormous burst of light followed by intense darkness. 

All the electric power was knocked out, no cars, no phones, no lights, no TVs or radios—nothing not even batteries or generators. Things get even worse when the area is hit by a major blizzard, an attempted take-over of the town by hate-mongers and arsonists and a medical emergency involving Charlie’s mother.  It’s up to the kids and the town’s lone volunteer policeman to save the day if they can in this very suspenseful disaster-survival story. 

The author includes some follow-up leads for the curious who want to know more about geomagnetic events.

For grades 5-8

ABZZZ.. IT'S MORE THAN JUST THE ALPHABET

Have you've been looking for the perfect alphabet story to read to a child right before nap or bedtime? Well here it is! Introducing... ABZzz...A Bedtime Alphabet.

As expected, this story starts with the letter A and ends with the letter Z. but in between the pages you'll see more than just the rest of the alphabet.  The book is loaded with questions for the reader and young child to consider.  It's absolutely fun, thought-provoking, and a great way to share some memories before heading off to dreamland.

Isabel Minhos Martins and Yara Kono's delightful story and illustrations make this an ABC favorite, along with Bill Martin Jr. and Lois Ehlert's Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.  

For PreK- 2nd grade.

SPOILER ALERT

There’s nothing worse than having someone spoil the ending to the book you’re reading. I mean, unless you’re the type that’s into that sort of thing. Spoiler alert: this reviewer is.

As it happens, the young hero of Minh Lê’s picture book Let Me Finish!, illustrated by Isabel Roxas, most emphatically is not. In fact, there’s nothing he’d like more than to be left in peace to finish reading his books. This proves surprisingly difficult when every animal in the vicinity is clamoring to share very specific thoughts on his reading material.

When a long-awaited, scarlet book arrives in the mail, the exasperated boy is determined to make it to the end on his own. He’ll traverse forests, oceans, and mountains, all the while stalked by bright-eyed, garrulous, book-ruining animals. I won’t ruin the surprise ending, but spoiler alert: it’s a good one.

Ages 6+

ANIMALS ALL AROUND

Ah-Choo!  A big brother wants a pet but his little sister is allergic to animals so off they go to find one that won't make her sneeze.  A silly romp through the zoo and the alphabet is what they do until they find an unusual animal from Mrs. Grey's Pet store that has no hair, feathers or fur.  Written by Lana Wayne Koehler & Gloria Adams and illustrated by Ken Min.

A Hungry Lion or a Dwindling Assortment of Animals by Lucy Ruth Cummins surprises us all with lion's choices. A fun and unexpected choice for everyone.  

The Sloth Slept On and on and on until he finds himself in an unfamiliar place having slept through everything. Frann Preston-Gannon's story of a "lost" sloth who through many helpful hands makes it back "home", or is it home? 

For ages 4 and up. 

  

A STRANGE SUMMER ADVENTURE

A review by Theresa:

In Elizabeth’ Atkinson’s THE ISLAND OF BEYOND the reader learns immediately how big a disappointment  11-year old Martin is to his father.  So much so that Dad has decided to send Martin off for a month of his summer vacation to visit his, never met before,  great-aunt Lenore who lives on a tiny island in the middle of a remote lake in Maine to do some “boy stuff” and toughen him up.  To say that Martin hates everything about the island and the creepy house would be an understatement. There is no cell reception, no video games and no food he likes. Lacking self- confidence Martin is afraid of everything he encounters, the creaks the house makes, the rustling of the bushes, his great-aunt and most of all the lake. Eventually he meets Solo, a wild child who appears to do as he pleases with no parental supervision. Warned by the aunt’s caregiver to stay away from this boy, Martin admires his new friend’s abilities and is drawn to him even though there are trust issues. Solo does become his guide though and encourages him to try new things which Martin does hesitantly.  

For Martin, this becomes a summer of meeting challenges and self-discovery. Things on the island are not always as they seem, neither is the reason for his being sent to the island. This title is part adventure, a little mystery and a coming of age story all in one. Gary Paulsen’s fans will find much to like here. 

For grades 5-8

A NEW ITALIAN COOKBOOK (FOR US)

The Silver Spoon for Children: Favorite Italian Recipes by Phaidon is presented in the style of the Moosewood Cookbook series, with simple text and illustrated cooking techniques easy enough for the beginning cook to follow.   There are great classic recipes like potato gnocchi, leg of lamb, and stew, just to name a few.  It's a beautiful book with photos of each finished dish so you can see what the dish will or should look like at the end of the cooking process.  It's a slim, large formatted book which will lay flat so that it is easy to read from as you cook, just put plastic over it so the next person can enjoy it stain free.   

For ages 10 and up. 

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN A CHILD WANTS MORE!

Henry laughs when he's lifted into the air by his Papa.  He enjoys playing the piano with his Grandma, and he plays fun games with his siblings.  At the end of the day, Henry gets to cuddle up with his Mama and listen to the best stories ever! With all this adventure, it's no wonder why Henry Wants More! He's truly loved by his family.  

Linda Ashman's delightful story about a young child who enjoys a variety of activities, especially with the people he loves the most. Brooke Boynton Hughes adds a sweet touch of color to this very loving family. 

Pre-K- 2nd

LEO CAN SWIM

Summer vacation may be drawing to a close, but here in sunny Southern California the heat rages on. It’s the perfect time to head to the pool or to share a lovely pool story with your little one.

Anna McQuinn, author of the lovable Lola series, adds a second picture book to her newest series, illustrated by Ruth Hearson, about Lola’s baby brother, Leo. In Leo Can Swim Leo and Daddy are taking baby swim lessons. The story follows the pair each step of the way as they ready themselves for the pool, from changing into a swim diaper and trunks to taking a well-deserved post-swim nap, with lots of splashy fun along the way.

There are plenty of familiar faces among the diverse group of babies and caregivers returning from Leo’s first outing, Leo Loves Baby Time. As a fun side note, to prepare for swim class Leo and Daddy read what appears to be Eric Carle’s undersea classic, Mister Seahorse; Leo later snuggles and snoozes with his own little board book version. Reading about everyday experiences helps children develop text-to-self connection. Share Leo Can Swim with your child to prepare her for her own pool playtime.

For ages 0 to preschool.

READ ALL THINGS STAR WARS IN OCTOBER!

What do a princess, a scoundrel, and a farm boy have in common? There's at least one thing: a desire for adventure.  Unfortunately, deep within the Galaxy an evil Empire is gaining control over different star systems and killing off the galaxy's great peace keepers- the Jedi Knights.  

What roles will the princess, scoundrel, and farm boy play in this struggle?  Will they find ways to get along after their paths merge? Andrea Brackenberg's junior novelization of Star Wars: A New Hope is a welcome addition to the sci-fi genre.  She provides such interesting insight to each of the key characters' thoughts as they move through key scenes in the story.  Both humorous and memorable, this is best for 4th grade and up, or for budding Star Wars fans.  

For 4th grade and up.

CENTRAL LIBRARY STORYTIMES WILL RESUME IN OCTOBER!

We are excited to announce that just across the street from the Central Library, which is currently closed for renovation, librarians from the Central Children's Room will be offering a Babies, Toddlers & Preschool storytime at the Glendale Presbyterian Church, located at 125 South Louise Street. Join us on Wednesday and Friday mornings from October 5th through November 18th at 10:30-11:00 am for these highly-interactive programs for infants to age 5, including books, songs, movement, and other fun activities! Parking is available in the MarketPlace structure on the corner of Harvard and Maryland and the first 90 minutes are free. We hope to see you there this fall!