PETER NIMBLE, MASTER THIEF INDEED!

From the Casa Verdugo Children's Librarian Vivian:

Peter Nimble is a blind, ten-year-old master thief. With heightened senses and skills, he is able to pick the most sophisticated locks, even those used by a cruel beggarmonger. An life changing opportunity arises when he runs away and steals a box with mysterious items--three pairs of eyes. As he inserts one set into his own eye sockets, he is transported to an island where he must make a life changing decision--either go back to the cruel beggarmonger or save those living in a Vanished Kingdom.

This book is filled with adventure, suspense, and fantastical creatures that will keep readers guessing about Peter's fate in Jonathan Auxier's Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes.

POOR MOE

Moe is a button on Mattie's nightgown in a book called HOUND DOG TRUE by Linda Urban. Mattie is a shy girl who lives with her mother and her Uncle Potluck. Uncle Potluck is a Custodial Arts professional at the school Mattie will be starting in a few weeks. Only Mattie would rather be her Uncle's custodial apprentice than go to yet another school. Her Uncle tells great stories, that he swears are "hound dog true." Mattie is hoping that her mother doesn't pick up and leave any time soon, because she's finally found a place she can be comfortable instead of worrying all the time. Worry is what got rid of Moe in the first place! For grades 4 and up.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

All of the Glendale Libraries will be closed for the New Year holiday starting Saturday, December 31 and remain closed until Tuesday January 2, 2013 when the regular schedule will resume.

MOM IS A ZOMBIE… NOW WHAT?

From Jennifer at the Montrose Branch Library:

Zombie Mommy (Pals in Peril Tale) by M.T. Anderson 

Now that Lily is showing up in books (as a character), her mom is worried. Why do all the moms get killed? Is her own life in danger? After reading an about the “Undead Capitol of the U.S.,” Lily’s mom decides she’d be safer there. At least for a few days. What she doesn’t realize is that the “capitol,” Todburg, is actually home to vampires, zombies, and ghosts. Lily is relieved when her mom returns home. But her mom is acting strange, no— possessed. 

Lily and her friends go to Todburg to find out where Lily’s “real mom” is. Things don’t go according to plan. In a comedic turn of events, however, an Adirondack tarantula becomes the story’s heroine. The fifth book in Anderson’s “Pals in Peril Tale” series, this book delivers. While the writing isn’t perfect, there’s enough humor and adventure to keep kids eagerly turning pages.

A funny, fast-paced adventure. For grades 4-6.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

All of the Glendale Libraries will be closed from Saturday, December 24 through Monday, December 26. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday, December 27.

ONE LIBRARIANS FAVORITE CHRISTMAS BOOK

Every year a family makes a pilgrimage to decorate a certain tree in the forest. They make peanut butter pine cones, apples on strings and other tasty treats for the animals to have for Christmas. When finished hanging the treats on the tree, they stop to drink some cocoa and sing a few Christmas carols though the youngest child wants to sing Old MacDonald instead. Night Tree by Eve Bunting is a lovely story about what Christmas is really about, sharing and it's a real treat to share this with a favorite child at this time of the year.

For all ages.

THE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS GIFT

Several years have passed since Johnny’s parents announced that they would be spending Christmas with Johnny’s grandparents in Connecticut. One of his cherished memories was riding a beautiful hand-carved wooden horse on wheels. Johnny loves his little brother Liam and he would love to give that horse to his brother as a Christmas present. When the family arrives, Johnny discovers that the wooden horse has vanished. His grandfather tells him that the horse had never been returned from an antique toy exhibition where it was on display. Johnny wishes and wishes that the horse would be returned so that his little brother could experience the same joy that he had years before. Just before Christmas, Johnny wanders into his grandfather’s attic and search through some old trunks. In one of these trunks, Johnny finds the horse, but to his surprise, it was broken in pieces. Nevertheless, his father and grandfather offer themselves to restore the horse on time for Christmas to give to Johnny’s little brother as a gift. It would certainly make an excellent Christmas gift.! Classic Christmas book for family holidays and grandparents would love to share with their young grandchildren. Colorful book with beautiful pictures . Recommended for children 4-8. The Magical Christmas Horse written by Mary Higgins Clark, illustrated by Wendell Minor.

WHAT'S LUCK GOT TO DO WITH IT?

The Button family doesn't seem to have much going for them. In fact, they haven't ever really accomplished much of anything. But Tugs (middle name Esther) is bound and determined to make a name for herself and her family. With Brownie camera in tow, and a new rich and popular friend to hang out with, she's well on her way to fame and glory. As Tugs spends her summer taking pictures around town, she suddenly finds herself involved in a great mystery as well. THE LUCK OF THE BUTTONS by Anne Ylvisaker is a really cute historical fiction, with a fast pace and great dialogue. For 4th grade and up.

HOW LOUD CAN YOU BURP?

I am sure there are a lot of more challenging questions in this world than the noise level of our burps. However, this very intriguing book caught my attention so fast, that I just had to tell you all about it. So here it is...HOW LOUD CAN YOU BURP? by GLENN MURPHY is one of the funniest and coolest books that I've read in a long time. It has tons of very fascinating questions with some very hilarious but factual answers. So if you want to know...
How loud the loudest burp is?
Why grass is green?
Why we need sleep? and much more, than you need to read this very funny but all so true book.

For grades 5th and up!

LITTLE MAN

Little Man is a city boy with a big dream. He wants to be a drummer. He wants to take drum lessons and he needs a bike to transport him there. Little Man keeps practicing every day while taking on odd jobs to earn money for the bike. Despite his brother and friends making fun of his drum playing, he doesn’t get discouraged.

Soon he has enough confidence to play the drums at the local block party. His drumming not only has everyone up and dancing, it also turned his dreams into reality when his neighbors take up a collection for him. Now Little Man has money to buy a new bike to transport him to the drum lessons.

Motivating story full of ideas for kids to find good ways to get what they want. Little Man also includes an audio CD narrated by Dianne Warwick and also a demonstration of the parts of a drum set. Ages 4 and up. Written by Dianne Warwick and David Freeman, illustrated by Fred Willingham.

THE SILENCE OF NO BIRDS SINGING

SYLVIE AND THE SONGMAN by Tim Binding sounds musical and uplifting. But really it is about a world without music. That is, the music we take for granted - the birds whistling in the trees, the crickets chirping, the woof of the dog who's happy to see you are home. Sylvie is on a quest to find her father, who's been taken by the Songman. The Songman has taken many animals' songs, and there is no telling what other music he is out to destroy! Once the adventure begins in this story, it continues at a frenzied pace until the very last few pages. It introduces you to the animal kingdom as you've never known it before, taking you into their inner most thoughts. There's beautiful places and touching scenes, and there will be times when you just want to put the book down and not continue. But it is important to remember that even when things are uncomfortable, there might be something we need to learn. Grades 6 and up.

ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL!

In this story, you will meet Jason who is an autistic boy trying to get through his usual day. What might look very simple to a person of no mental challenges looks extremely difficult for him. However, at least there are some things that he enjoys doing, such as writing stories and publishing them online.
He connects with a girl who often provides with the appropriate feed backs on his stories… The rest of the story, I am sure can be easily guessed…However, there are some twists and turns that will make you not put down the book until you have learned of them. This is a serious book which will allow you to think outside of the box and make you understand of people who might act or be different in your environment.
ANYTHING BUT TYPICAL is by NORA RALEIGH BASKIN and is anything but a typical book!

For grades 7th and up.

R MY NAME IS RACHEL

This is the story of Rachel, a brave, loving and responsible twelve-year old girl, who lives in the time of the Great Depression. Rachel’s mom died when she was 2 years old and her father is a single dad. Pop loses his job at the bank and there isn’t any job available in the city., Rachel tries to find comfort in her books, and at school, but the more support she gets is with Miss Mitzy the lady who owns the flower shop. Rachel and her brother and sister hope that their father and Miss Mitzy will get married one day. Miss Mitzy seems to be the closest thing they have to a mother. One day Rachel and her family receive the good news that Pop has been offered a bank job in a town upstate and they have to move away from the city to a lonely farm. When they arrive at the farm, they realize that life in the country is as hard as in the city. Unfortunately the family hopes are ruined when the job is offered to somebody else. The father, more desperate than ever, and with no money to move again, decides to leave the kids to survive on their own while he finds a job. Rachel finds herself in charge of her two siblings who must learn to work together in order to survive, plant a garden, fish in the stream, and raise chicks and a goat. It’s very scary to be on their own, but somehow they manage. They’re determined to run the farm by themselves, and survive until Pop gets back. Sweet and charming historical fiction filled with strength and hope. Written by Patricia Reilly Giff .Recommended for children 8 and older.

A SURPRESENT FOR ANY READER

Delaware Pattinson, who goes by Delly, is always getting in trouble for one thing or another. She doesn't MEAN to get in trouble, but it seems to always find her. So when the principal and her parents threaten to send her off to reform school, she has to learn to straighten up - AND QUICK! TRUE (...SORT OF) by Katherine Hannigan is a dellylicious story about a girl coming to terms with being responsible, meeting new friends, learning patience, and feeling loved. The characters each have their own issues to deal with, and the author does a fantastic job of letting each one take the spotlight in some way. For grades 4 and up.

A CIVIL WAR GOTHIC

Jennie's fiance died under suspicious circumstances in the war, however, she believes that his spirit is angry and is trying to tell her something. Only her fiance's twin brother made it back alive, and is showing her kindness unlike before the war. Is it possible that can she love both brothers? Jennie isn't certain about anything, anymore. Was her fiance the wonderful person she remembers or in reality a criminal? She must find out what truly happened that day her beloved Will died.

Picture the Dead by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown is told mostly through letters and photographs (illustrations). This Civil War gothic romance takes you through twists and turns and comes to a satisfying end. For mature middle school - high school readers in 7th-12th grade.

THE CASE OF THE MISSING CHICKS

J.J. is an old retired rescue dog who can find anyone, even missing chicks. When Moosh's chicks begin to disappear from the farm, J.J., for a well done cheeseburger, reluctantly takes the case where the scent leads to the house dog, Vince the Funnel.

The Trouble With Chickens: A J.J. Tully Mystery by Doreen Cronin is a fun and quirky beginning chapter book for readers in 3rd-4th told from two dogs' points of view.

GHETTO COWBOY

Cole is twelve years old. Having been raised only by his mother, Cole is getting in trouble again at school for the last months. He’s bored in classes and between not attending school for the last four weeks and staying out late wandering around the streets with his friends, he’s at risk of getting kicked out of the school. Cole is pushing his mother too far; therefore she is driving Cole to Philadelphia where she intends to leave him in his father’s care, Harper, whom he never met before. Cole finds himself abandoned and rejected by his mother in the ghetto and left with a stranger whom he is told to be is his father. This is the last place Cole would expect to find a horse. He does not like horses cause he finds them large and intimidating. It is also hard for him to accept the fact that someone can be a black cowboy in the middle of the ghetto. Harper his father, is one of the Philadelphia’s urban cowboy, building stables and rescuing old racehorses to bring into the neighborhood where he lives. There, the cowboys care for horses, teaching the neighborhood kids to ride and care for the horses as well. Even the gang members respect the area not bringing guns and fights to the area.
In one occasion, a storm causes great damage to the stables, and the city’s authorities moves in and claims neglecting of the horses. When some horses are taken away, including Boo, the horse that Cole was slowly growing attached to, the young boy decides it’s time to act.
Written by G. Neri, illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson. Real life scenario. Recommended for 6th graders and up.

NO ROOM OF HER OWN

Lucy Wu thought that with her older sister going off to college she would get a room all to herself. NOPE! Her beloved grandmother's long lost sister has been invited to come to visit, all the way from China and of course Lucy will be expected to share her room. Her great aunt doesn't speak English and Lucy's Chinese is... well,you'll see.

Things as you know, in books and in life, never turn out the way you plan them. The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang is a journey of family, love and understanding. A beautiful well written book for readers 5th - 8th.

ROBIN HOOD!

I am pretty sure that you are already familiar with the story of Robin Hood. However, if you want to read it in a different format, than here is a great title for you! OUTLAW- THE LEGEND OF ROBIN HOOD: A GRAPHIC NOVEL by TONY LEE. The young Robin Hood witnesses the shooting of his father’s friend by non other than his own father… Shocked and confused, he asks his father why he did the unimaginable…The answer to that question confuses and shocks him even more. Hence, begins his adventures and his countless victories, including taking money from the rich and giving it to the very poor! The story is well written and the graphics have a very realistic look to them.

For grades 4th and up!

A HOB IN THE ABBEY

After finding a hob (hobgoblin) trapped and injured in the woods, Will, take it back to Crowfield Abbey to heal. And so begins the strange events and visitors to the Abbey. It all harkens back to something that happens many many years ago waiting to be unearthed.

The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh is an fantasy suspense thriller set during the end of the Middle Ages when people had their faith, believing in the good, the evil and the fantastical. For readers in 6th-8th grade.