MUSIC, WORDS AND NAIL POLISH

In Sarah Weeks' new novel, instead of a cat, she writes about a dog plus the usual friendship between a girl and a boy set in a small town with seemingly random characters and unrelated stories. 

There are 100 colors of nail polish created by BB, the new beauty shop owner in Royal, Indiana.  Melody and her friend Nick are off to the new beauty parlor to find out who her father is calling "Honey" over the phone.  Her mother died when she was born and life has just been about Melody and her father since then.  

Has he found a wife finally?  Who could it be? She desperately wants her father to be happy and has been making the same wish on her birthday for as long as she could remember but is her dream about to burst when she hears that her awful math teacher is also getting married?!  Could her father be marrying her?!!

Honey is a magical tale of loss, love and the search for a happy ending for everyone.  A solid and lovely story as good as Pie that's perfect for a summer read. 

For readers in 4th - 6th grades.  

THE MYSTERY OF THE MOSAIC

In trouble? Ask Ethan and Ella for help. These twins have a keen eye for clues. When their mother, Josephine Brair, was to start her new job as a travel writer, the entire family had to travel with her.  Their father, Andrew Brair, a history professor was to homeschool his twins.  While exploring Venice, Italy, the twins receive a clue from their grandfather that will take them on an adventure searching for a missing mosaic and a stolen gondola.  

Read the story by Harper Paris to find out if the characters ever uncover the mysteries. The Mystery of the Mosaic is part of the Greetings from Somewhere series. This is a very short chapter book that covers different genres: mystery and adventure.  The illustrations are wonderfully presented in black and white drawing.  The story also covers interesting facts about Italy.

For grades 1-3

FRIENDSHIP IS LIKE A SEESAW

Friendship has its highs and lows.  Sometimes friends can be inseparable, and other times friends need some space or 'quiet time' to sort out their feelings.  In Friendship is Like a Seesaw, author Shona Innes tenderly brings to light the changes friends might experience.  Sometimes, with time, friends can be even better friends especially when 'space' is respected.

An important book to share before a child starts school or as friends struggle with hurt feelings.

THE ANIMALS BEHIND THE STORIES

Winnie-the-Pooh and, much more recently, Ivan the gorilla have become beloved children's book characters. But both characters were also based on real-life animals, and the books Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh by Sally M. Walker and Ivan: the Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate tell the little-known stories behind the celebrated ones.

The story of Winnie (originally named Winnipeg) begins with an army veterinarian in Canada who finds her at a train station and buys him from a man for $20. The bear shadows the vet as he works in army camps, endearing herself to all the soldiers, but after war breaks out, Winnie must begin her life at the London Zoo. It is there where a young boy named Christopher Robin and his author father meet Winnie, and so begins idea for one of the most beloved children's book characters of all time. Walker's story is engaging and gently told, and historic photographs of the real Winnie and her life in the army on the endpapers supplement the sweetly charming watercolor illustrations by Jonathan D. Voss throughout the story.

Though the story of Ivan the gorilla's time spent as a spectacle in a shopping-mall display is much newer to young readers, it has also captured their imaginations in a big way, and the children's novel The One and Only Ivan won Applegate the Newbery Award in 2013. Now she has turned to the non-fiction picture book to tell Ivan's story for children too young for the award-winning novel and provide extra background for those who loved it and want to know more. The warm and delightful artwork by G. Brian Karas pairs nicely with Applegate's simple but evocative words, and will pull young readers as they learn all about the esteemed gorilla's life from wild to shopping mall to zoo.

Both animal biographies are ideal for first graders and up.  

THE FARMER'S AWAY!

When the farmer is away, the farm animals are set to have some fun!  From enjoying a casual ride down the river to having picnics and dances, the animals are elated to roam about and be free.  But when the farmer heads back to the barn at sunset, the animals must act quickly and get back to doing the things farm animals usually do. 

In her colored pencil and acrylic ink, Anne Vittur Kennedy masterfully paints rollicking scenes.  One can't miss the sheer joy the animals feel.  Although the text is sparse and colored with animals sounds, the story conveys joy, and the illustrations quickly fill this book with the kind of fun readers will want to enjoy over and over again and find new things to laugh about.

CHRONICAL OF A SIXTH GRADE YEAR

From Theresa, Central Library / Children’s Librarian

In The Meaning of Maggie, author Megan Jean Sovern introduces a remarkable character, Magnolia Jane Mayfield. The year is 1988 and Magnolia or Maggie as she prefers to be called is getting ready for a big change in her life—sixth grade and middle school. For some kids that starting the new school year, particularly middle school is something to be dreaded but not for Maggie. She is one of those kids who loves school and is anxious for it to start again. 

This year she has decided to start writing her memoir because as an aspiring president of the United States it will come in handy. It is here that Maggie shares her story with the reader and lets us know about her love of school, reading, the big changes in her family, dad gets sick and mom goes back to work, and their love of music. Her observations are wide ranging from her dad’s multiple sclerosis, butterscotch to the unbreakable Law of Mom are sometimes serious but always entertaining. Follow along as this unforgettable character negotiates her way through a challenging year. 

For readers in grades 4-7

LATEST eBOOKS- THE EARTH KINGDOM CHRONICLES SERIES

Earth, Fire, Water, and Air are the four nations that live in Aang's world.  When Aang was twelve years old, the leader of the Fire Nation became power hungry and wanted to take control of all four nations.  Aang was the last known survivor of the Air Nation, so he had to encapsulate himself and his trusted pet Apa in ice in order to survive.  For one hundred years, no one knew he had survived until two people form the Water Nation discovered his ice tomb and rescued him.  Now that he's free, it is up to him to learn the ancient fighting techniques from all four nations.  Who will teach him?

Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko are the creators of this incredibly exciting adventure filled with humor, suspense, love, and friendship.  Readers in the 4th grade and up can now enjoy The Earth Kingdom Chronicles as an eBook in OverDrive.  Other books in the Avatar: the Last Airbender series are also available to checkout or reserve a copy today.

GOODNIGHT ALREADY!

Bear is exhausted and he's ready to cuddle up in his cozy bed and hug his stuffed bunny until he falls into a peaceful slumber. (Bear is so adorable I just want to tuck him into bed myself!)  Duck, Bear's neighbor, on the other hand, is wide awake and wants to STAY awake.  He thinks up a number of activities that they can do together.  Bear kindly refuses, but, as he grows more tired, his impatience grows.  Eventually he chooses words that get Duck to listen.  Will Bear now enjoy a long slumber or will he actually try out some of Duck's ideas?  

Along with Jory John's humorous dialog, Benji Davies' illustrations adds the right touch to this bedtime story. From the start, readers will just want to tuck Bear into bed.  For adults and children, Pre-K to 2nd, to enjoy together.

LAST WEEK OF PROGRAMS

Last week of storytimes.  
We will have one scavenger hunt May 4-10.  
Lego times, Train Time will continue all through May.  

Summer Reading Program will begin May 28th!  
Get ready for Read to the Rhythm.  
Look for our flyer with all our musical events and special performers.  

TAKE A WALK IN THE WOODS... IF YOU DARE!

This retelling of the Brothers Grimm folktale Hansel & Gretel from Newbery-winner Neil Gaiman and illustrator Lorenzo Mattotti is not for the faint of heart, but should prove a spine-tingling treat to readers who crave spooky stories or like their folktales to maintain some of the original grit. The tone of the tale is as masterfully dark as the black-and-white artwork, appearing every few pages in a breathtaking spread. 

The bleakness of the setting and the desperation of the woodcutter are made palpable through story and pictures, and even readers already familiar with this tale of the siblings lost in the woods and their subsequent encounter with the old woman in the gingerbread house will be newly surprised by the details in this spare but affecting version. However, as grave as this telling can be, it also offers some hope and levity in its conclusion. Gaiman has also included an author's note on the origin and history of the Grimm folktale, which can make for some fascinating reading and may inspire further comparisons with other versions.


Best enjoyed by intrepid readers in grade 3 and up.

CLICK, CLACK, PEEP!

The animals on Farmer Brown's farm eagerly wait for the new addition to the family.  After all, it's been much too quiet on the farm lately.  With an egg cracking here and an egg cracking there, a new baby duck finally arrives!  The animals are elated to have such a cute duckling on the farm.  But they quickly learn how energetic and vivacious a little duck can be, especially when they try to help it settle down for some quiet time. The cows and sheep think of ways to lull this baby duck to sleep, but their efforts fall short.  The one and only Duck thinks of a plan that will leave Farmer Brown speechless and many readers of this feathery tale wanting more.

Doreen Cronin & Betsy Lewin team up again for another humorous adventure that will leave readers wanted more of their stories.  Click, Clack, Peep! will surely be a fun read for children K-2nd grade.

GRAPHIC NOVEL: HIDDEN

Late one night a young girl coaxes a long silenced memory from her grandmother’s childhood. Thus unravels the tale of Dounia, a young Jewish girl living in France, in a Holocaust story set amid the German occupation and French Resistance. Suddenly and inexplicably ostracized from her peers, Dounia endures ridicule at school, separation from her family and home, the rejection of her identity, and the uncertainty of ever again seeing her parents. 

Loic Dauvillier’s graphic novel Hidden: A Child's Story of the Holocaust is a story of injustice, fear, bewilderment, and cruelty. And yet it is also one of compassion, bravery, perseverance, and hope; through the determined efforts of French Resistance groups, many Jewish children like Dounia were clandestinely transported to relative safety. 

As a Holocaust story told to child from a child’s limited perspective the narrative is surprisingly gentle for its subject matter. The illustrations are appealing, if slightly cartoonish, and the text never overwhelms the page. 

An illuminating and worthwhile read for grades 3-6.

AUTHOR VISIT TODAY

Local author Frans Vischer will be visiting the Children's Room Thursday, May 16th at 4 p.m. Join us for a read aloud of Fuddles the Cat's fun adventures.  

Children's Room 
Central Library on Harvard 

FRANS & FUDDLES ON THURSDAY

Frans Vischer will be in the Children's Room tomorrow to read his book Fuddles to help us celebrate National Library Week. 

Join us Thursday, 4/16 at 4-5 p.m. for this author program.  

His books will for be available for purchase through Once Upon a Time Bookstore. 

For more information contact us at: 818-548-2035
Central Library - Children's Room 
222 E. Harvard St. 
Glendale, CA 91205

* This event will be in place of our weekly Art Cart.  

IT'S NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK

Join the Children's Room for a WEEK OF WALDO fun during National Library Week.

WHERE'S WALDO SCAVENGER HUNTS - Find the Waldo eggs hidden in our Children's Room.  Find Live Waldo in the afternoons. 

WALDO BINGO - Tuesday, 4/14/15 at 3-4p.m.

FRANS VISCHER READS FUDDLES & DRAWS - Thursday, 4/16 at 4-5p.m. His books will for be available for purchase through Once Upon a Time Bookstore. 

Check out the other Waldo scavenger hunts at the branches. 

For more information contact us at: 818-548-2035
Central Library - Children's Room 
222 E. Harvard St. 
Glendale, CA 91205

EVA'S TREETOP FESTIVAL

Hoot Hoot! Eva’s Treetop Festival is a cute and quirky early chapter book about an owl named Eva.  Eva’s adorable; she is in Owlementary and decides she wants to organize the Bloomtastic Festival in one week.  Well, what’s an owl to do with such little time? Eva turns to her classmates for help but there’s one girl she dreads asking for help, Sue Clawson (a.k.a. Meany McMeanerson). However, Eva knows she must ask everyone, including Sue for assistance in order for the festival to go on.  Find out if Sue was willing to help out and will the Spring Festival go on? 

This book is the first book in the Owl Diaries Series by Rebecca Elliot.  The book uses a diary-approach to tell a story and it is aimed at newly independent readers.  The pages are filled with easy to read text and illustrations that complement each other.  Elliot covers topics such as friendship and helpfulness.

For grades 2-3 

CAN YOU TALK TO THE ANIMALS?

Meet Ellis Coffey. He's in 4th grade. He makes most of the other kids in class laugh. He's a hard worker. Oh, and he can communicate with animals...sort of. At least that's what he thinks is happening when he finds a "woolly worm" (also know as a caterpillar) that seems to understand everything Ellis says. With such a talent, Ellis thinks he can win the woolly worm race and pay for his dad's much needed back surgery. Will his woolly worm win? THE WORM WHISPERER by Betty Hicks is a cute, simple story with a bit of Christianity thrown in. 

For 3rd through 5th grades.

MARCH 2015

MR. FRANK'S CRAFT

Mr. Frank is a tailor whose career spans over sixty years.  People have worn his pieces during war torn years. Others have enjoyed his craftsmanship during the most exciting eras, when fashion trends were bright and eccentric.  He certainly has made the most exciting pieces!  When Mr. Frank is about to close his shop permanently, he receives a request and is determined to make this last piece the best one ever.

Mr. Frank by author/illustrator Irene Luxbacher is portrayed with such sweetness and shows that he is a master of his craft.  Mr. Frank is a piece of work that resonates with love.  

For families and teachers to enjoy with children ages 5 and up.

THE PIRATE WITH THE GOLDEN TOOTH

Michael, Tyler and Becca Silver experience many different adventures, and Becca always makes sure that Echo the Bat is there to experience them too. During a trip to see their eccentric uncle, they learn from a local merchant that there's a lost treasure on an island haunted by Captain Golden Tooth.  It seems like a place to be avoided, but Echo encounters someone who tells him the exact location of the treasure.  But will he go on this journey alone to protect his friends from the Captain and his ghostly crew?

In Echo and the Bat Pack #8, The Pirate with the Golden Tooth, enjoy this page turning story filled with adventure, friendship, treasure, pirates and a bat who will become more of a friend to you than a scary creature.  For second to fourth graders ready to read a beginning chapter book.

HOORAY FOR HAT!

“Hats: a cure for life’s grumpy days” should be the tagline for Brian Won’s picture book Hooray for Hat! On a morning when Elephant wakes up grumpy, a mysterious gift on his doorstep immediately lifts his spirits. With a cheer of “hooray for hat!” Elephant dashes off to share his amazing new five-tier hat with his friend Zebra. What follows is a growing parade of newly cheered friends spreading the joys of friendship and hats. 

It’s a simple storyline, not precisely original, but a charming one nonetheless. There’s something about the colorful exuberance of this animal troupe with its zany hats that brings a smile to the face. This is a lovely book to share with a group or one-on-one. Just be sure to have everyone join in on the refrain: “HOORAY FOR HAT!” 

For other light-hatted read alouds (terrible pun always intended) try I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, The Magic Hat by Mem Fox, Aunt Lucy Went to Buy a Hat by Alice Low, and the ever classic Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina. For readers of all ages.