AWARD WINNERS

Yesterday the American Library Association, Children's Division awarded two of the highest honors for children's literature. These are awarded yearly at the organizations mid-winter conference.

The Newbery Award, named for 18th century English book seller John Newbery, is given for the most significant contribution to American literature for children. This year the recipient is Rebecca Stead for her book When You Reach Me.

The second award given to the most distinguished American picture book for children is the Caldecott, named for 19th century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. This year it was awarded to Jerry Pickney.

Both books are available for check out, click on the cover to find a library with a copy.

THE WOODCUTTER’S GIFT/EL REGALO DEL LEÑADOR

When a violent thunderstorm knocks down the giant mesquite tree in the town square, some of the villagers see it as only worth firewood. However, Tomas, the woodcutter, sees as material for carving a beautiful zoo animals for the children of the town to enjoy. Included here are colorful full-page illustrations that picture a daily life in a small community. The Woodcutter's Gift by Lupe Ruiz-Flores, illustrated by Elaine Jerome is a good story to share with ages four and older.

MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY

All of the Glendale Libraries will be closed in honor of the Martin Luther King Holiday from Saturday, January 16 though Monday, January 18, 2010.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING

Out of a lot of Martin Luther King books, this is unique because its written by none other than King's own sister, CHRISTINE KING FARRIS who gives the reader a much more intimate look at this amazing person who believed in human equality and pursued it with great passion. The illustrations done by LONDON LADD are beautiful with paintings alive with color and texture. Throughout the book, Martin Luther King's quotes are highlighted in red, giving the reader an instant access to his now famous quotes. The overall tone of the book is very inspiring and with his birthday approaching, this is the perfect time to read another story about his lasting legacy.

For grades 2nd-4th.

THE BEST GIFT OF ALL/ THE LEGEND OF LA VIEJA BELEN

The author Julia Alvarez recreates the legend of this Dominican folk character “La Vieja Belen”

LaVieja Belen is an old woman who is always busy doing housework and caring for guests.
This bilingual picture book is an original story about the Dominican folk character who delivers toys to poor children in the Dominican Republic the week after Three Kings Day. The story is told in rhymes. Colored-pencil and beautiful watercolor illustrations. Written by Julia Alvarez, illustrated by Ruddy Nuñez. Kindergarten, Ages 5-6.

CASE OF THE CRYPTIC CRYNOLINE

Enola meets Florence Nightingale, a woman of definite independence and progressive ideals, when her landlady asks Enola for help after getting threatening messages. Enola, this time crosses paths with her older and famous brother, Sherlock, as both work on the same case but from different angles. Determined to help her landlady Enola discovers that maybe Florence Nightingale was not just a nurse during the Crimea War, but perhaps also a SPY!

Another super suspenseful adventure in which Enola Holmes tries to outwit her brother and villanous lords. The Case of the Cryptic Crynoline by Nancy Springer is for 6th - 8th graders.

FINDERS KEEPERS

Once upon a time there were two grandmothers. One wrote books for children, and the other illustrated books for children. They had two grandsons - Nat and Will. One day they decided they would collaborate their talent and write a book dedicated to their two grandsons, and they even made the main character's name an anagram of the two boys -Tillawn. Till, for short, was very sad because his dog has disappeared, and he's worried he'll never find her. Along comes a strange little old man who seems to appear from nowhere and calls himself a "finder." He's come to help Till find his beloved dog, but he sure has some weird ways of doing things. This is a quick read, with some quirky twists and turns, and even has two lady characters that are very similar to the grandmothers. Good book for 3rd-5th graders.

THE GINGERBREAD MAN/EL HOMBRE DE PAN DE JENGIBRE

This classic story is about an old man and an old woman who make a gingerbread cookie in the shape of a man. The gingerbread man comes to life and runs from all those who try to catch him in order to make a little tasty snacks out of him. This beautifully illustrated classic tale – retold in English and Spanish will capture children’s imagination page after page.

For readers Kindergarten, 5-6. Retold by Catherine Mc Cafferty, illustrated by Doug Bowles.

TREASURE! GOLD! ADVENTURE! COMING SOON...

It's 1973 and a massive hurricane is coming. Michael and Kyle are desperate to find the rumored Civil War gold coins lost off the coast of Mobile Alabama. For Michael, a coin collector, this could be the discovery of a lifetime, but there are other treasure hunters out there who would hurt the boys for the same riches.

A fantastic adventure! Go on a treasure hunt with Michael and Kyle in Double Eagle by Sneed B. Collard III. For readers in 6th-10th graders.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

All of the Glendale Libraries will be closed to celebrate the New Year's Holiday starting December 31 at 5 p.m. through January 3, 2010. On Monday, January 4, regular hours will be in effect.

MAYTE AND THE BOGEYMAN/MAYTE Y EL CUCO

Mayte and Pepito are convinced that Don Aparicio, the grumpy ice cream seller, is really the bogeyman. Don Aparicio constantly complaints about badly behaved children who need to be taught a lesson. Mayte comes to believe that he is the Bogeyman (el Cuco) who kidnaps bad children and eats them or sells them at the market.

One day, Mayte and Pepito spy Don Aparicio carrying a bag with something strange inside. They follow him to the marketplace in hopes to rescuing the victim.
Beautifully illustrated in English and Spanish.
For readers Grades 1-2, ages 6-7.

Written by Ada Gonzalez, illustrated by Christina Rodriguez.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

All of the Glendale Libraries will be closed for the Christmas holiday from December 24 through December 27. They will reopen on Monday December 28 at the regular times. Best wishes for the season.

CAN YOU BE AN ECO WARRIOR?

His carefree mother finally got a grant to photograph China so that means Julian is sent to stay with his wealthy aunt and uncle. His little cousin is cool, but all he can think about is a whole summer with his awful aunt and mean uncle who hated his father. It seems they don't even want him around but intend to send him away for to math camp. MATH CAMP!? That's like not having summer vacation at all!

Julian and his friends set in a motion a plan that will take care of two things at once: to actually have a fun summer vacation and to see these redwoods that his uncle's company is trying to cut down and sell for a huge profit.

Set in Northern California, five kids set out to save a grove of almost extinct trees taller than the Statue of Liberty and older than the United States. Operation Redwood by S. Terrell French is a great story about kids who act on what they believe in even if the ending is a bit unrealistic. But that's why this is fiction. Great for readers 6th-8th grades.

WHAT DOES SEVENTH GRADE LOOK LIKE?

Emma-Jean Lazarus is NOT your typical seventh grader. At least in this book, her perception of her friends, family and the world around her is not the same as most seventh graders you'll meet. She is EXTREMELY logical and scientific. She does not bubble and squeal over the upcoming Spring Fling. She doesn't understand why boys are suddenly getting her attention. It's like her life is one big science experiment. EMMA-JEAN LAZARUS FELL IN LOVE by Lauren Tarshis is the sequel to EMMA-JEAN LAZARUS FELL OUT OF A TREE, but you don't need to read the first to enjoy the second. Even though Emma-Jean isn't your usual seventh grade girl, the way she sees life is fascinating and makes the book worth reading. For grades 4-8.

Charro Claus and the Tejas Kid

Vincent is a young boy spending Christmas Eve with his tio Pancho that is a farmer living down in south Texas. As Santa getting older, he calls on family, specifically his cousin Pancho to help him out to delivery toys to the boys and girls along the Texas-Mexico border. Pancho gracefully volunteered and Santa using his magic stardust, transformed Pancho into Charro Claus with his incredible burritos, Rigo, Jaime, Freddie and Little Joe as Vincent spies through the window. Charro Claus and the Tejas Kid is a bilingual colorful and funny Christmas story written and illustrated by Xavier Garza. For ages 4 and up.

ARE YOU AFRAID YET?

1. An actual headless chicken lived eighteen months without a head.
2. When we get scared, our brain orders the release of adrenaline and a flood of other hormones into the bloodstream. Instantly, the body is ready to fight or flee.
3. A pumping heart has enough pressure to blast blood 30 feet into the air.
4. The ancient Egyptians were able to pull their brains out of their noses.
5. Black cats are actually good luck instead of bad (there is a scientific explanations as well)

Guess what? All of the above is true, now you need to read the book to find out the who’s and the how’s of this scary, mysteries book that has great illustrations as well as few cartoons to show us the seemingly impossible.
ARE YOU AFRAID YET? THE SCIENNCE BEHIND SACRY STUFF is written by STEPHEN JAMES O’MEARA and the illustrations are by JEREMY KAPOSY.

For grades 4th and older.

KIDNAPPING AND CLASSICAL MUSIC?

Rescuing Seneca Crane by Susan Runholt is perfect for adventurous, and fearless middle school girls.

A second mystery adventure has the two friends off to Scotland for the Edinburg Music Festival. Just as they are befriending this amazing pianist, Seneca, she's kidnapped and held for a million dollar ransom. Kari and Lucas are determined to rescue her themselves, because, really, what adult would believe them, especially the ones they suspect are involved in Seneca's kidnapping.

QUINITO, DAY AND NIGHT/QUINITO, DIA, Y NOCHE.

Quinito’s daily life is full of opposites. His sister Clara gets up early, while older brother Juan sleeps in, his mommy is short and his daddy is tall, he points out who is neat and who is messy, and so on. Whether he's happy or sad, quiet or loud, Quinito is always up to something……
This delightful bilingual picture book explores the concept of opposites. Written by Ina Cumpiano, illustrated by Jose Ramirez. Kindergarten, Ages 5-6.

ONE SMALL STEP

ONE SMALL STEP: CELEBRATING THE FIRST MEN ON THE MOON is one of the coolest non-fiction books that I have seen/read in a long time. The book is pact with great, colorful pictures of the Apollo 11 spacecraft among other really interesting stuff. The uniqueness of the book is in its scrap book format, flipping through the pages, you will feel as though you are reading someone's actual personal creation. It also has things such as a copy of the actual food menu of the Apollo 11, among other must see things. Even if you are not interested in space, you will not want to put down this fascinating book. The creative team for the book is JERRY STONE, TERRY PASTOR AND ANDY MANSFIELD.

For grades 4th and older.

A LIBRARIAN SAVES THE DAY

THE SMASHING SCROLL by Michael Dahl is the perfect mystery for you if you are just starting to read chapter books. Scary things happen. Giant scrolls telling the "World's Last Story" start rolling down the road, threatening to cover the Earth with it's parchment! And of course - the librarian saves the day!

For 2nd - 4th graders.