Children's Corner at Moore Library

2009-12-21T08:51:00.010-06:00

First Day of Winter is December 21st!

The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder
By Mark Cassino with Jon Nelson, Ph.D. and illustrations by Nora Aoyagi

This nonfiction book talks about snowflakes and how they are made. There are lots of little “specks” in clouds, and one of these “specks” is needed to create a snowflake. The book discusses the step-by-step process of the creation of a snow crystal. The book also tells how snow crystals all have different shapes, and what the different shapes are. The book also tells how many sides a snowflake has, and why it can only have that many sides. Finally, the book tells what happens to a snowflake after it falls to the ground. There are pictures of snowflakes throughout the book that have been enlarged by a microscope in order to see what they look like. At the end of the book, there are tips on how to catch your own snow crystals.

Here Comes Jack Frost
by Kazuno Kohara

A little boy lives in a house in the woods, and he has no one to play with, because his friends are all hibernating. Then one morning he sees strange patterns on the window. He goes outside to see who is making those patterns, and sees a white figure putting frost and ice on his house. The boy asks who the figure is, and the figure replies that he is Jack Frost. Then Jack Frost runs away, and the boy chases after him. The boy ice skates across the pond, and then he sleds over the hill after Jack Frost. Then he and Jack Frost have a snowball fight. The boys ask if Jack Frost will play with him, and Jack Frost will. He tells the boy not to mention anything warm, though, or he would have to leave. Will the boy remember not to talk about anything warm? Will Jack Frost stay and continue to play with him?

Chaucer’s First Winter
by Stephen Krensky and illustrated by Henry Cole

Chaucer was a curious bear who liked to look at everything around him. Then one day his friends, Nugget and Kit, tell him that they will miss him during the winter. He asks why, and they tell him that bears usually sleep during the winter. Chaucer’s parents tell him that it is true, but he is not convinced. When his parents went to sleep, Chaucer was not sleepy, so he went outside. He catches snowflakes on his nose and tongue, and as they melt away, he thinks they are magic. Nugget and Kit are surprised to see, and they decide to teach him about snow. They slide down the hill over the snow and slide around on the frozen pond. Chaucer loves winter. One morning, its starts to snow and the wind blows really hard, but Chaucer builds them a safe place to stay. Soon the spring comes, and Chaucer is very disappointed. He goes to tell his parents all about winter, but he soon falls asleep.

Winter is the Warmest Season
By Lauren Stringer

A little boy believes the winter, not summer, is the warmest season. During the winter, he wears warm coats, hats, boots, and mittens. The animals and plants of summer are sleeping under the snow, but the snowmen he builds wear warm scarves. He eats grilled cheese sandwiches, pies, and breads, and he drinks hot chocolate and soup that warm him up inside. During the winter, the radiators keep his house nice and warm, and cats like to sleep in people’s laps instead of the windowsill. There are also fires in the fireplace and candles to help keep the house warm. During the winter, he takes hot baths, and his pajamas have nice warm feet. There are lots of blankets on his bed to keep him warm, people sit closer together to read stories together. This is why he believes that winter is the warmest season.

2009-12-14T08:12:00.008-06:00

The Kids’ Holiday Baking Book: 150 Favorite Dessert Recipes from Around the World
by Rosemary Black

In this recipe book there are hundreds of recipes for desserts for all occasion from around the world. At the beginning of the book, the author lists the different equipment, cooking terms, basic ingredients, and safety tips that children will need before they start making any of these delicious desserts. At the beginning of each holiday, the author provides some facts about the holidays and some history, too. She also tells you about how different people around the world celebrate these holidays. There are recipes for fun drinks, as well as the desserts. Some of the recipes include: Pretty in Pink Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake for Valentine’s Day, Emerald Isle Irish Soda Bread for St. Patrick’s Day, Italian Easter Pie, Patriotic Pound Cake with Three Berries for Independence Day, and Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake with Cranberry Glaze for Thanksgiving.

All for Pie, Pie for All
by David Martin and illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev

One day, Grandma Cat makes an apple pie. After everyone has a slice, there is one slice left. The Cat family takes a nap after eating their pie. The Mouse family smells the apple pie. After everyone is a piece, there are some crumbs left over. Then the Mouse family takes a nap after eating their pie. The Ant family smells the apple pie. After everyone in the Ant family has a crumb, there is one crumb left. Then Baby Ant woke up and took the last crumb of the pie. Grandma Cat wakes up hungry and asks everyone if they would like another pie. The reply from everyone, even the Mouse family and Ant family, is yes. Everyone helps to make the pie, and then everyone helps eat the pie.

The Chocolate Cat
by Sue Stainton and illustrated by Anne Mortimer

There is a chocolate maker who lives alone with his cat and never smiles. His shop is starting to look worn and his chocolates are piling up, as no one really ever stops to buy any. The people thought his cat was lazy, and the cat did not like the people very much. Then one day the chocolate maker makes some chocolate mice with pink-sugar tails. The cat thinks he sees one of the mice move, and then he tries part of a tail. The chocolate made the cat happy. So he takes one of the mice to the greengrocer. Eating the mouse makes the greengrocer come up with an idea, and he takes some fruit to the chocolate makers and dips it in raspberry syrup and chocolate. This did not make the chocolate maker smile, and cat decided to try again. He takes a mouse to the baker. The baker makes some delicious cakes at the chocolate makers. The chocolate maker still does not smile. Cat takes one mouse after the other to different businesses around town, and each person goes to the chocolate shops to make something special. The man at the hardware store also fixed up the chocolate store. After this, the children come and give them chocolate maker ideas. He makes all kinds of different chocolate for them, and one day, the chocolate maker sees one of the mice move, and he tries it and has a great idea. Will this idea cause the chocolate maker to smile again? How will his chocolate shop do in the future?

This Little Bunny Can Bake
by Janet Stein

Class is about to start at Chef George’s famous dessert school. Students have come from all over to study with Chef George. Chef George shows them all about how to create desserts, but the students do not understand. So he decides to start from the beginning. He shows them a pot, spoon, egg, stove, and some of his recipes. Then he tries to teach them to train their noses by covering their eyes and having them figure out what kind of food they have. Then it is time to bake. He tells them to measure carefully, work as teams, concentrate, and make the dessert smell good. He also tells them to keep the kitchen neat as they cook. How will the students do? Will they be able to follow his advice and cook some delicious desserts?

2009-12-07T09:06:00.010-06:00

December is National Hi Neighbor Month!

Ruby and the Sniffs
by Michael Emberley

One day when Ruby and her babysitter Mrs. Mastiff are reading, they hear a loud sound coming from the apartment above them. Ruby is convinced there are cat burglars, but Mrs. Mastiff does not want to go and check it out. Ruby decides to play hide and seek. While Mrs. Mastiff is counting, Ruby disappears upstairs. Soon she meets her new neighbors, the Sniffs, and she tells that about the burglars. The Sniffs see that someone has been stealing their food. Ruby hears a noise coming from the door. When she opens it what will she find? Will she be able to help her new neighbors find their missing food?

Heron & Turtle
by Valeri Gorbachev

Heron and Turtle are neighbors, and they are also good friends. One day Turtle invites Heron to go for a walk with him. Heron’s legs are much longer than Turtle’s, and soon she is walking really far ahead of him. So he decides to go on for a ride in his boat instead. Then on another day Heron decides to pay Turtle a visit at his house. He decides to make them both a delicious lunch. Heron worries that Turtle is going to too much trouble for her, but Turtle does not mind. Finally, one evening both Heron and Turtle sit on a log by the lake. There they talk about all the things they love about their lake, especially spending time together as friends.

Eddie’s Kingdom
By D. B. Johnson

King Eddie decides one day to draw a picture of the people that live in his kingdom. He does not usually like to draw people, because they are not nice to him or each other. He goes to every neighbor that he has in the building. Each neighbor is unhappy about something that the other neighbors do, such as leaving trash in the hallway and playing their music too loud. He tries to solve each problem as he goes from door to door, and he says he is sorry to each of his neighbors, even when he is not the one to make them mad. Finally, he decides to show his picture to all of his neighbors. Will they like his picture? Will they learn to be nicer to one another and to Eddie?

The House of Joyful Living
by Roni Schotter and pictures by Terry Widener

The little girl, her parents, and their neighbors all call their building The House of Joyful Living. Her family and her neighbors liked to be on the roof of the building where there were gardens, sculptures, and the buildings that were all around them. They would also enjoy listening to music and dancing. One of her neighbors is sculpting a surprise for someone in the building, and the little girl hopes it is her. Soon it is the Roof Party that the building has every year, and everyone makes some good food to bring to the party. Her neighbor gives his sculpture to her mother for the new baby. The little girl believes that everyone will pay attention to the baby and forget about her. Will her parents be able to convince her that they will not forget her and neither will her neighbors? Can the little girl be happy about the new baby?

2009-11-30T08:02:00.005-06:00

Tiger Pups
by Tom and Allie Harvey

This nonfiction book is about Isabella the dog and how she decided to take care of three baby white tiger cubs. The tiger cubs were born on July 27, 2008, but their mother, Sassy, decided not to take care of them. The owner’s of the wildlife park, Allie and Tom Harvey, know that the tigers need help, and they decide to take them home. Isabella, their dog, decides to take care of the tigers, and they become tiger pups. Then we they are old enough, the tigers start to play with one another and Isabella, Sonny, and Sadie. Playing teaches the tigers how to be tigers. The tigers’ names are Nasira, Anjika, and Sidani. Along with the story of Isabella and the tiger pups, there are pictures of the three tiger pups, Isabella, Sonny, Sadie, and of Allie Harvey.

Pennies for Elephants
by Lita Judge

When they decide to retire, Mr. and Mrs. William Offord offer to sell the elephants to the city of Boston for the zoo. However, Boston could not afford to pay for the elephants. The Orfords agreed to give the children of Boston two months to raise $6,000 to pay for the elephants. Children like Henry and Dorothy gather up all the coins they can find and donate to the city in order to keep the elephants. They also work doing various chores and jobs to make money to donate. Every day a reporter lists the amount of money that different children donated. Will the children be able to give $6,000, or will the elephants be bought by another zoo?

Would I Trade My Parents?
by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by James Bernardin

Did you ever want to trade your parents for someone else’s? A young boy looks at his friends’ parents and all of the cool things they can do. He also talks about things that their parents let them do that he does not get to, such as letting him watch T.V. until eight and have chocolate milk before dinner. Then he looks at his parents and the cool things they can do, and then he thinks about all the cool things they do for him. Will he decide to trade them?

Don’t Be Afraid, Little Pip
by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman

Little Pip was going to learn how to swim, but she decided that she would rather fly than swim. She tells her mom and dad that she is a bird, and birds fly. They tell her that penguins don’t fly, they swim. When the other penguins line up to learn how to swim, Pip walks away. She soon meets a Snow Petrel. The Snow Petrel tells her to flap her wings, lift up her beak, and leap. When she tries, Pip falls down instead. She soon comes to a Giant Albatross. The Albatross tells her to stand on a ledge, jump, spread her wings, and glide. When Pip tries, though, she falls again. Will Pip be able to fly or will she decide to try swimming instead?

2009-11-23T10:05:00.004-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Thanksgiving Door
by Debby Atwell

It is Thanksgiving day and Ann has just burned the dinner. What will she and Ed do for Thanksgiving now? Ed decides that they should go see if the rest down the street is open, and once they get there, they find that the doors are open. The family in the restaurant tries to get rid of Ann and Ed, but Grandmother tells them that they should share their meal with the couple. So Ann and Ed celebrate the family’s first Thanksgiving together at the New World Café. Then the family asks Ed and Ann to join them in dancing. Ed and Ann really enjoy dancing with the family. The two groups thank each other for a great Thanksgiving. When they get home, Ed and Ann both agree that they are thankful that Ann burned the dinner.

The First Thanksgiving
by Jean Craighead George

Along with beautifully painted illustrations, this nonfiction book tells the story of both Squanto and how he came to know English and the pilgrims and how they all came to be at Plymouth. The book also discusses how they worked together to make sure that there was enough food for everyone and the upcoming winter. In fact, the Pilgrims were able to grow and collect so much food that the Pilgrim planned to have a big feast and invited the Indians that had been so much help to them. This feast that they had together later became a holiday known as Thanksgiving.

The Squirrels’ Thanksgiving
by Steven Kroll and illustrated by Jeni Bassett

The night before Thanksgiving while sitting in front of the fire, Buddy and Brenda’s parents start listing the things they are thankful for, including their family. Buddy and Brenda, though, are not thankful for one another, but their parents really want them to be. The next day, Buddy and Brenda meet their aunt and uncle and their cousins, Penny and Chuck. Penny and Chuck are really mean to one another and to Buddy and Brenda. So Buddy and Brenda realize that they are thankful for each other, and that they do not act like Penny and Chuck.

The Can-Do Thanksgiving
by Marion Hess Pomeranc and pictures by Nancy Cote

Dee decides to buy some peas for the Thanksgiving Can-Do Food Drive for her class, and she pays for them with her own money. Dee puts a note on her can so she can find out where her can goes. Dee does not believe she will find out where her peas went, but the next week, her teacher announces that a church downtown got their cans and wanted their help at their soup kitchen. A little boy named Tyler is there to eat Thanksgiving dinner, and he sees Dee and hopes she can be his friend. While handing out napkins, Dee notices that Tyler also wears glasses, like she does, and she hopes that he could be her friend. Suddenly, someone dropped the green beans on the ground, and they needed more vegetables. Dee suggests that they make a vegetable medley with the vegetables they have left, like she does with her dad. Tyler helps her get the vegetable medley ready. Then they bring the vegetable medley out for everyone to eat. Everyone then gets something good to eat.

2009-11-16T12:04:00.009-06:00

My Family is Forever
by Nancy Carlson

This little girl tells about her family and how she came to be adopted and become part of her family. She sees how other children look like their parents, but although she knows she looks different than her parents, she knows she is loved. Many other families do not always look alike, too. She does all kinds of things, like play catch, cook, and dance with her parents. She sometimes wonders about her birth parents, but hopes they know they know they gave her to a loving family. No matter what happens, she knows that her family will always be there, because “families are forever.”

Part of Me
by Kimberly Willis Holt

This book goes over four generations of one family and how they are affected by one another and books. The story begins with Rose’s story. After her father leaves her family, her mother is forced to move them from their home outside Amarillo back to her home town of Houma, Louisiana. Rose soon gets a job as the bookmobile driver and goes with the librarian delivering books over the area. Then second story is about her son, Merle Henry. Merle Henry really enjoys trapping with his dog, Blue. His mother still has them go to meet the bookmobile every week, and the family reads a lot. Merle Henry is much more interested in trapping, though. The third story is about Merle Henry’s daughter, Annabeth. Annabeth and her brother, Ryan, are staying with their grandmother Rose while their father is looking for work. Annabeth is glad that she will be in a new school and really wants to be popular, and she is working on how to become popular while staying with her grandmother. Rose also takes her grandchildren with her to the bookmobile every week. When she gets back to school, she does not get the popularity that she wanted, but she learns to stand up for herself. The final story is about Annabeth’s son, Kyle. Kyle is more interested in rock music than getting a summer job like his father wants. Then Kyle gets a job helping out in skits at the library. He is still more interested in his music than reading, but one day he picks up Harry Potter, and finds he really enjoys it. Then Rose finds out that an editor had read an article she had submitted to a magazine and wants her to write about her life. Then on the day they celebrate her new book, her family has her deliver the books on the bookmobile to the area libraries.

Kitchen Dance
by Maurie J. Manning

One night two children hear noises coming from the kitchen, and they know that their parents are washing the dishes. Then they hear a strange noise. They decide to go see what is happening. They see their parents are singing and dancing together as they put up the dishes. Then their father dips their mother and catches her. Then their mother and father notice that they are watching, and they bring the children in to dance with them. The children dance and sing with their mother and father. Then when the children get sleepy, their mother and father carry them up to their room and put them back to bed again.

Families
by Sarah L. Schuette

This nonfiction book discusses families, and that there are all kinds of families. Some families live close together and some live far apart. Families do like to spend time with their brothers and sisters, grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts, and cousins. Families love and take care of each other.

2009-11-09T08:18:00.004-06:00

Turkey Surprise
by Peggy Archer and illustrated by Thor Wickstrom

Two pilgrim brothers are on a hunt for a turkey for their Thanksgiving dinner. A turkey is terrified that they will find them and tries to hide. Unfortunately, he is not very good at hiding, but his is lucky that the younger little pilgrim does not want to eat turkey for dinner. Every time the little brother sees the turkey, he directs his brother in another direction. Will the turkey’s luck continue, and he will avoid the two pilgrims. Will the little pilgrim brother continue to pretend not to see him? What if the pilgrims are unable to catch a turkey for dinner?

I’m a Turkey
by Jim Arnosky

This book is also a song that was written and performed by Jim Arnosky. Tom the Wild Turkey introduces us to his family and flock of 102 other turkeys. He also talks about talking to other turkeys, flying, strutting, and avoiding the animals that would like to eat them. Tom even says to gobble at him if you see him, and he’ll “answer back with a gobble or two.”

Gracias The Thanksgiving Turkey
by Joy Cowley and illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Miguel’s dad drives an eighteen wheeler all over the country, and sometimes, he sends packages to Miguel. One day, Miguel’s dad sends him a turkey that his wants him to feed and get ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Miguel decides to call the turkey, Gracias. He and his grandfather build a cage for Gracias for the backyard. Miguel also learns how to take care of his turkey from a book at the library, and he even takes Gracias out for walks. Miguel decides that he does not want Gracias to become Thanksgiving dinner. He wants to keep her as a pet. One day, though, someone steals Gracias from the backyard. Will Miguel get Gracias back? Will his family let him keep her if he does?

Turk and Runt
by Lisa Wheeler and pictures by Frank Ansley

Turk was the biggest, strongest, and most graceful turkey on the farm, and his parents were very proud of him. His brother, Runt, knew that this could lead him to become someone’s Thanksgiving dinner, but no one would listen to him. In November, people would come to pick out a turkey, and Turk would practice every day by dancing and practicing his football moves. One day a ballet instructor showed up at the farm to pick a turkey. Turk did a beautiful dance routine for her, but Runt threw himself on the ground a had a fit, then chased the lady out of the yard. Then a football coach came to pick out a turkey. Turk showed off his football moves, but Runt pretended to be sick and the coach left. Then an old lady comes to the farm and picks out Runt. Will Turk be able to save his brother like Runt had saved him?

2009-11-02T08:24:00.004-06:00

November is National Peanut Butter Lovers’ Month

Peanut Butter Party: Including the History, Uses, and Future of Peanut Butter
by Remy Charlip

This nonfiction book is full of ideas for holding a peanut butter party. There are tips on different shapes to make out of the bread, other toppings and condiments that go well with peanut butter, activities for using peanut butter, such as making edible art, and what materials will be needed in order to create these works of art. The book also tells you how to make peanut butter play dough, so you can make peanut butter creatures, and gives some peanut butter riddles, games, and tricks to use at your peanut butter party.

Mystery at the Club Sandwich
by Doug Cushman

Nick Trunk is a detective that works for peanuts and finds things. One day a lady named Maggie Trouble comes into his office and asks him to find her boss’s, Lola Gale, marbles. These marbles are Lola’s lucky marbles, and she really needs them back. She believes that they were stolen from her dressed room at Club Sandwich. The clues that Nick finds are a feather and a peanut butter smudge on the door. The next night he goes to the club and watches as a magician tries to make a peanut butter jar disappear, but a feather appears, instead. Is the magician the thief? Nick also wonders whether the chef might be the thief, as he cooks with the same kind of peanut butter that was in the dressing room. Or is the thief Maggie Trouble? Will Nick Trunk be able to find the thief and return Lola’s marbles to her?

Peanut Butter
by Arlene Erlbach

This nonfiction book contains all kinds of information about peanut butter. The book tells you how peanut butter is made from the peanuts being grown on the farm, to being harvested, being shelled and blanched, being grinded, then being placed into the jars that you can buy in the store. The book even says who invented peanut butter and when it was invented. There are facts about how peanut butter is good for you, and the book even tells you how to make your own peanut butter. There are also some peanut butter recipes.

The Peanut Butter Cookbook for Kids
by Judy Ralph and Ray Gompf and illustrated by Craig Terlson

This cookbook contains many different kinds of recipes that include peanut butter as an ingredient. There are also facts about peanuts and peanut butter and its history and how peanut butter is good for you. There are instructions on how to grow your own peanuts and how to make your own peanut butter. There are also some instructions on how to use a microwave, break an egg, use a measuring cup, and how to make sure that something is done. The recipes include snacks, soups, dressing, nachos, pizza, muffins, pinwheels, cookies, and brownies. There are drawings throughout the recipes that show you what to do. Try not to get too hungry while reading this book.

2009-10-26T09:24:00.006-05:00

Miss Smith and the Haunted Library
by Michael Garland

Miss Smith takes her class to the library one fall day to meet the librarian and hear spooky stories, and she takes her Incredible Storybook with her. The librarian, Ms. Creeper is not what the students expected, but she starts reading them a story from the storybook. Suddenly, the different characters from those stories appear in the library. The students are frightened at first, but soon they are having fun with the different characters. Then Ms. Creeper remembers that it is time for the seniors’ book club. Will they be able to get the characters back into the book and clean up the library before the seniors see?

The Biggest Pumpkin Ever
by Steven Kroll and illustrated by Jeni Bassett

One day two different mice see the same pumpkin and want it to grow very big. Clayton wants to win the grand prize at the pumpkin contest, while Desmond wants to make the biggest jack-o-lantern in the neighborhood. Clayton takes care of the pumpkin by watering it, using fertilizer, and giving it sugar water. The pumpkin keeps getting bigger and bigger. Then one night when it gets cold, both Clayton and Desmond run out to cover the pumpkin in blankets. They both see that having both taken care of the pumpkin is why the pumpkin is so big. Will Clayton and Desmond be able to share the pumpkin? Will the pumpkin win the contest or become a jack-o-lantern?

Waltz of the Scarecrows
by Constance W. McGeorge and illustrated by Mary Whyte

One day Sarah is awoken by the sound of her grandfather looking around in the attic. When he comes down stairs, she sees that he is carrying clothes. After breakfast, he tells her that the clothes will be used to make scarecrows. Sarah wonders why the scarecrows will be wearing dress clothes. Sarah’s grandparents explain that the people of the town once scared off the crows from their crops by wearing their best clothes during a party. After that, the people in the town starting putting those best clothes on their scarecrows to keep the crows away every year. Her grandfather also tells her that some people have seen the scarecrows having a waltz in their nice clothes. Sarah then sends an old party dress to her grandparents. Why do you think she does this?

Captain Nobody
by Dean Pitchford

With a superstar football playing brother Chris, Newt is used to not being noticed. Even his parents tend to ignore him as they conduct their everyday business. Then Newt’s brother is injured during the Big Game and goes into a coma. Newt’s friends, JJ and Cecil, talk him into dressing up as Captain Nobody for Halloween in some of his brother’s old clothes. Then as Captain Nobody, Newt starts helping people and feeling more confident about himself. But will Captain Nobody be able to help the person who needs it the most?

2009-10-19T08:57:00.007-05:00

Sensational Human Body Science Projects
by Ann Benbow and Colin Mably and illustrated by Tom Labaff

This nonfiction book has ways to investigate how things about the human body. These things include how well you hear things, feel things, taste and smell things, how fast your reactions are, what the most common eye color is, and how finger prints are similar and different. There are ideas for science fair projects after each investigation. There is also a list of books and websites that could also be consulted for ideas for science fair projects and further information about health and the human body.

Ready for Anything!
by Keiko Kasza

Raccoon and Duck had planned to go on a picnic, but Raccoon no longer wants to go. He ask Duck what would happen if certain things, like being attacked by bees or get stuck in a storm occur. Both Duck and Raccoon agree that picnics can be dangerous, but duck asks what if they find butterflies instead of bees and there is a light breeze instead of a storm. They then decide to go on the picnic, but raccoon wants to be prepared for anything. Will they be able to have a picnic? Will that picnic go smoothly?

Peeny Butter Fudge
by Toni Morrison and Slade Morrison and illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Mom has to go and leaves grandma to watch the kids. Grandma and the kids have fun while following the schedule that their mom left for them. After lunch they all lay down for naptime followed by story time. Then they all have fun in the backyard. Next is snack time and then more time for playing doctor. Then grandma and the children do some dancing together and work on a puzzle. Before their mom comes home, grandma wants to make some Peeny Butter Fudge. What will Mom say when she gets home?

The Kingdom Keepers
by Ridley Pearson

Disney transforms Finn Whitman and four other children into holograms (or DHI forms) that were created to show people how to get around in the parks of Disneyworld. One night, though, Finn finds himself, in his holographic form (or is he?), inside the Magic Kingdom. Finn is told by Imagineer, Wayne that the Magic Kingdom is in danger. Maleficent, and other Disney characters, are called the Overtakers, and these Overtakers are plotting to destroy Disneyworld and maybe even more. Can Finn and the other kids defeat the Overtakers and save the park?

2009-10-12T09:28:00.010-05:00

Benito’s Sopaipillas/ Las Sopaipillas de Benito
by Ana Baca and illustrations by Anthony Accardo

A grandmother tells her granddaughter that she is going to show her how to make sopaipillas and that it will rain. Then she tells her a story about her great-grandfather, Benito. Benito’s family was in trouble, because there had been no rain and the crops were dying. Benito had taken water when it was not his turn to have water. As punishment, he had to plow up his neighbors’ fields. It was when he was plowing that he passed out, and when he woke up a scarecrow asked for his help in saving the crops. The scarecrow tells him how he can help make it rain. Will Benito be able to make it rain? Does it rain when the girl and her grandmother make sopaipillas? The book is written in both English and Spanish, and there is a recipe for sopaopillas in the back of the book in both English and Spanish.

Scarecrow!
by Valerie Littlewood

This nonfiction book goes over the purpose and the history of the scarecrow, which has been used since the time of ancient Egypt. It discusses the different types of birds that feed on the crops, the different scarecrows that farmers create, stories about scarecrows, and instructions on how to make your own scarecrow.

Farmer Ham
by Alec Sillifant and illustrated by Mike Spoor

The crows on Farmer Ham’s farm sit all day and eat his corn and are very happy. Farmer Ham tries to get rid of them, but they just come back again and call him “Silly Old Farmer Ham.” But was he really? One day Farmer Ham starts fishing some boots, a hat, a scarf, and a jacket and trousers out of the pond. The crows just laugh at him and call him “Silly Old Farmer Ham!” Then he takes these things with him into his barn. What do you think he is making? Do you think it could be used to scare the crows away?

Scarecrow
by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Lauren Stringer

Did you ever consider what a scarecrow’s “life” is really like, as he stands out there on his post in the field? Do you know what the birds think about him? Do you think he knows what is going on around him? Do you think he likes staying up on the pole and watching everything? This book has some insight into what a scarecrows life is like and what he might be thinking.

2009-10-05T09:08:00.006-05:00

October is National Popcorn Poppin’ Month

The Popcorn Book
by Tomie DePaola

Tony and Tiny decide to have some popcorn after seeing a popcorn commercial on television. Their mother tells them it is in the refrigerator. They both wonder why she keeps the popcorn in the refrigerator. Tiny decides to look up the answer in a book and explains to his brother not only why the popcorn is stored in the refrigerator, but he also describes where popcorn came from, how it was made and used throughout history, and how much popcorn is eaten in the United States. Will they be able to successfully make popcorn? See for yourself how the popcorn turns out for the two boys. There is also two different ways of making popcorn listed at the end of the book.

Aliens for Lunch
by Jonathan Etra and Stephanie Spinner and illustrated by Steve Björkman

Richard and Henry decide to have a snack of popcorn one day, and out of the bag of popcorn pops a little alien named Aric that Richard had previously helped in Aliens for Breakfast. Aric once again needs their help. Aric’s home planet of Ganoob had sent a very special package on a cargo ship to the planet Threll, but that ship had been stolen by the Graxians. If the package is not recovered, the desserts of Threll will not taste good, and the people of Threll will then attack Earth and steal all of the desserts. Can Aric, Richard, and Henry get the package back, deliver it to Threll, and save all of the desserts on Earth?

Popcorn!
by Elaine Landau and illustrated by Brian Lies

This nonfiction book has lots of fun facts about popcorn, such as October is National Popcorn Popping Month, but the book also discusses how and where popcorn is grown, how it pops, the history of popcorn, and how popcorn is good for you. There are also suggestions to make your popcorn taste even better and lists of websites and other books that are about popcorn.

The Popcorn Dragon
by Jane Thayer and illustrated by Lisa McCue

Dexter finds out one day that he can blow smoke. The other animals see him blow smoke, but they find that they cannot blow smoke like Dexter. Dexter then shows off by blowing smoke rings and doing other tricks with the smoke. The other animals get jealous and decide they do not want to play with Dexter. Sadly, Dexter lay down in among some cornstalks. Can you guess what happens next? Will Dexter be able to get his friends back?

2009-09-28T11:17:00.014-05:00

Wild Card

by Tiki and Ronde Barber with Paul Mantell

Tiki and Ronde have entered the eighth grade season for the Hidden Valley Eagles, and everything is working out for the team. Everyone is getting along with each other and the coach. The boys believe that they will make it into the play-offs. Then when report cards go out, it is bad news. The kicker, Adam Costa, receives a bad grade and is put on the bench. The team believes that they have lost their shot at the play-offs. Will this be the first time in seven years that the Eagles are not in the play-offs? Will the team be able to help Adam improve his grades by studying together?

Grand Canyon National Park: Adventure, Explore, Discover
by Doreen Gonzales

This nonfiction book contains facts about the canyon, how the canyon was made, the park itself, the plants and animals that live there, and the challenges that the park faces. There are many beautiful pictures of the park, the canyon, and the plants and animals that can be found there throughout the book. At the beginning of the book, there is a map of the park, and at the end of the book, there is a website listed that has links to other websites with information about the Grand Canyon and the Grand Canyon National Park. There is even a glossary at the very end of the book.

Stagecoach Sal: Inspired by a True Tale
by Deborah Hopkinson and pictures by Carson Ellis

Sal is a young girl who loves to sing and ride with her father on the stagecoach while taking the mail and passengers from one place to another. The passengers and horses also enjoy her singing. Then one day, her father is stung by hornets, and it is up to Sal to get the mail where it needs to go. Her parents are afraid for her, because there is a bandit named Poetic Pete out there who likes to hold up stagecoaches. Sal knows, though, that Poetic Pete is incredibly polite and will not talk while a lady is talking. Then she sees a man in the road that needs a ride. She knows it is Poetic Pete, but she has a plan. Will her plan work? Will she be able to get the mail to town safely? This story is based on the life of Delia Haskett Rawson, who was the first woman to carry the mail by stagecoach in California. There is more information about Delia Haskett Rawson at the end of the story. The author even lists a website where you can go to hear some of Sal’s favorite songs.

Camping with the President
by Ginger Wadsworth and illustrated by Karen Dugan

This easy reader book is about the time when Theodore Roosevelt, after having read John Muir’s book Our National Parks and having read other books about nature, decided to go visit Yosemite and camp with John Muir. He also wanted to talk to John Muir about the park and Muir’s conservation ideas. Roosevelt was amazed by the beauty of the park and the giant sequoias, and was unhappy to see that some had been cut down. They camped for three days, and then Roosevelt thanked Muir for a great time and went back to Washington. The author writes about Roosevelt and Muir and their communication with one another. She also mentions that her story came from one eyewitness record of the trip. She also lists books that both men wrote themselves and books that are about them.

2009-09-22T14:04:00.014-05:00

Friendship

Dot in Larryland: The Big Little Book of an Odd-Sized Friendship
by Patricia Marx and illustrated by Roz Chast

Dot is very, very small (smaller than a glot and a zot), and for this reason, she is very, very lonely. It is very hard to make friends when you are that small, and all of the things her size do not have time to play. Larry is very, very tall, and he is also very, very lonely. The things that are his size do not want to play with him either. When these two meet, will they be able to be friends?

Karate Kick
by Stephanie True Peters

Cole Richards is about to take a test to advance for the next belt level, but at the same time, the dojo announces a “create your own kata” contest for the same day as his test. Cole is not sure whether he should focus solely on his test or try to come up with a kata for the contest. His friends try to help him, but he does something that may ruin their friendship. Will Cole be able handle all of this pressure? This book is part of the Matt Christopher sports series.

Two of a Kind
by Jacqui Robbins and illustrated by Matt Phelan

Anna and Julisa are friends, and they have a lot in common. Kayla and Melanie are called “two of a kind,” but they are not nice to others. Then one day Kayla and Melanie offer to let Anna be their friend. Anna is happy to have new friends, but she feels guilty about leaving Julisa. Kayla and Melanie are also mean to Julisa and others, and Anna does not like that. Will Anna choose her new friends over Julisa?

Very Best (Almost) Friends: Poems of Friendship
collected by Paul B. Janeczko and illustrated by Christine Davenier

What is it like to have a friend? These poems are about the ups and downs of friendship, from looking for a friend, to being angry with a friend, to really being happy that you have a friend. And remember to share these poems with a friend.

2009-09-14T11:14:00.012-05:00

International Clean Hands Week

September 20-26

Keeping Clean
by Sharon Gordon

This book has good tips on how to stay clean and healthy. It discusses taking baths, washing hands, washing clothes, brushing teeth, and keeping your room and house clean. The book also has a list of key terms.

Hygiene and Your Health
by Jillian Powell

This books explains why good hygiene can keep you clean and healthy. The book goes over hand washing, keeping your skin clean, brushing your teeth, washing your clothes, keeping your room clean, keeping your food safe, bugs and infections, and fighting disease.

Wash Your Hands!
by Tony Ross

A princess wonders why she has to wash her hands after playing outside and with the dog and other daily activities. No one tells her the real reason until the maid finally tells her about “germs and nasties” and how they could affect her. With this in mind, the princess wonders about the state of other people’s hands.

Washing My Hands
by Elizabeth Vogel

Vicky’s mom tells her why she must wash her hands, and the book explains when it is a good time to wash your hands. The book also walks you through the process of washing your hands, and it names the key tools needed for good hand washing.

2009-09-04T16:06:00.022-05:00

Encyclopedia Brown, Super Sleuth
By Donald J. Sobol and illustrated by James Bernardin

Known as Leroy only to his parents and teachers, Encyclopedia Brown (age 10) often helps his dad, Chief Brown, solve cases in his hometown of Idaville. Of course, his dad does not tell anyone that his son helps with his cases, as Encyclopedia wants to be a normal fifth grader. With these cases, you can try to figure out how the bad guys are committing their crimes, and if you get stumped, you can find the answers at the back of the book. Do you have what it takes to keep up with Encyclopedia Brown?

Homegrown House
By Janet S. Wong and illustrated by E. B. Lewis

As her family is constantly moving, a little girl learns from her grandmother that it takes time to settle into a house and get it “homegrown.” Grandmother tells her granddaughter it takes about thirty years. The little girl knows the perfect house, her grandmother’s, and wishes that she could have a “homegrown” house, as well, and not move all the time.

Sol a Sol: Bilingual Poems
Written and selected by Lori Marie Carlson and illustrated by Emily Lisker

The poems in Sol a Sol celebrate daily family life, and the poems are in both English and Spanish. There are poems about mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, friends, and even favorite foods and activities. The pictures are beautiful, very colorful, and really complement each poem.

The Spooky Tire
Written by Jon Scieszka with characters and environments developed by the Design Garage

Melvin has a flat tire and needs to find a new one. In a “spooky” junkyard he finds a golden one, but he is soon followed by a “spooky” voice asking “Who took my golden tire?” What will happen if that voice catches up to Melvin?

2009-08-31T08:58:00.029-05:00

Hyperactive
By Scott Christian Sava with art by Joseph Bergin III

This graphic novel is about a boy for whom nothing moves fast enough, certainly not school. Then one day his metabolism goes into overdrive and he can move SUPER fast. Joey, his friend, and his mom and dad think it’s great, but are there individuals out there that will want to use Joey’s new speed for their own schemes?

Saurophaganax and Other Meat-Eating Dinosaurs
By Dougal Dixon and illustrated by Steve Weston and James Field

This book is about meat-eating dinosaurs, such as the Saurophaganax, and how they caught their prey. It also compares the different ways these dinosaurs hunted to present day animals, such as lions, polar bears, and hyenas. The book has illustrations of the dinosaurs and their prey and compares the size of the dinosaurs to the elephant.

Spot the Plot: A Riddle Book of Riddles
By J. Patrick Lewis and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger

This book gives little riddles that describe the plot of a famous children’s book or story, and the object is to figure out which story the riddles are talking about. There are little clues within the lines and the illustrations that can help the reader figure out the riddles.

The Wild Washerwomen

By John Yeoman and illustrated by Quentin Blake

There were seven washerwomen who were the best washerwomen around. However, they grew unhappy and tired of the bigger and bigger stacks of laundry that their boss brings them to wash and iron. Then one day they decide not to do the laundry but to go wild through the town and through other villages. How will these villages deal with these wild washerwomen? Will they ever wash laundry again?

2009-08-24T08:38:00.028-05:00

The Hair of Zoe Fleefenbacker Goes to School by Laurie Halse Anderson and illustrated by Ard Hoyt

Zoe’s hair is beautiful, wild, and can be very helpful to have around the classroom, according to her kindergarten teacher. But her first grade teacher does not seem to think so. How will Zoe handle her hair and follow the rules of her new teacher?

Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney

Llama Llama is very excited about his first day of school. That is, until his mother leaves. Llama Llama then finds he misses his mama too much to do much of anything. The other students try to help, but will Llama Llama be able to make it in school without his mama?

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute
by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Serving justice! And serving lunch! is the motto of the Lunch Lady. In this graphic novel, the lady lady is a crime fighter, and she smells something fishy about the new substitute teacher. Using gadgets that look like innocent food items, will she find out what is going on and be able to stop it?

My School in the Rain Forest: How Children Attend School Around the World by Margriet Ruurs

This book discusses schools from all over the world and the unique ways that the students attend these schools. Some students have to travel by boat or attend school on the computer or outside. There are color pictures of the schools and students, and there is also a small section with a few facts about each of the countries.

2009-08-17T08:02:00.011-05:00

Far Far Away!

By John Segal

A little pig decides to run far, far away from home. His mother reminds him of what he will want to take on his trip. Will the little pig decide to stay home instead?

Lulu the Big Little Chick

By Paulette Bogan

Lulu is constantly being told that she is too small to do things. When her mother tells her she is too small to be away from her, Lulu decides that she wants to go far away. Once she gets there, will she decide that being far away from her mother is what she wants?

Mom and Me

By Marla Stewart Conrad

This book tells the story of mothers and what they do for their children. It is full of colored pictures of mothers from all around the world caring for their children.

Please Pick Me Up, Mama!

By Robin Luebs

The little raccoon in the book wavers between wanting to be carried by her mother and put down for daily activities. This would be an excellent bedtime story.

2009-08-11T08:27:00.005-05:00

BEING A PIG IS NICE:
A child’s-eye view of manners.

by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Do animals have manners?

If they did, would they be like people manners?

ONE WORLD, ONE DAY
by Barbara Kerley

You get up; then what do you do?

Check this book out to see how children from around the world do things just like you.

Superhero School
By Aaron Reynolds

Math! Who needs it?

Check this book out to see how the superheroes used their math skills to save the day.

THERE
by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

Are we there yet? That’s a good question.

How many times have you asked it?

2009-08-03T15:06:00.005-05:00

BRIDGET FRIDGET AND THE MOST PERFECT PET!
By Joe Burger

If you asked your parents for a pet, what would it be?

Bridget always wanted a unicorn.

Did she get it?

CAMPING DAY
By Patricia Lakin

The friends thought they would go camping.

Check this book out to see what they did when they got there!

PEEP! A Little Book About Taking a Leap
By Maria Van Lieshout

Did you ever say “I can’t do that”?

Little Peep thought he couldn’t either.

Check this book out to see if he did.

ZOO DAY¡ OLE!
By Phillis Gershator

Count in English and Spanish as you go to the zoo.

2009-07-27T13:55:00.006-05:00

BERTIE: JUST LIKE DADDY
By Marcus Pfister

Bertie wants to do things just like his Dad.

His Dad knows he can’t do those things yet, so he lets Bertie know some fun things he can do NOW. Daddy says he would even like to share in the fun.

DOWN BY THE STATION
By Jennifer Riggs Vetter

This nursery song gets new lyrics about all kinds of transportation, even a rocket!

FARLEY FOLLOWS HIS NOSE
By Lynn Johnston

What do dogs smell?

Farley smells lots of good things that lead him to adventure!

IMAGINARY GARDEN
By Andrew Larsen

Imagine a garden you would like to grow;
Would it have more than flowers?

Theo and her grandfather “grow” a garden on a piece of canvas they have put on the balcony
of their apartment.

Check this book out to see the surprise at the end.

2009-07-20T13:09:00.007-05:00

BULLIES NEVER WIN
By Margery Cuyler

Jessica was a worrier, and Brenda was a bully.

Check this book out to see how Jessica stood up to Brenda.

IF I WERE A JUNGLE ANIMAL
By Tom and Amanda Ellery

Do you ever daydream?

The boy in this book starts daydreaming in a very unusual place.

Does it get him in trouble?

Check this book out to see.

OH NO! TIME TO GO!: A Book of Goodbyes
By Rebecca Doughty

Hello! Goodbye! How many ways can you say it?

Check this book out to say a few.

TOUGH CHICKS
By Cece Meng

Have you ever heard this…”Make those children behave.”?

The three chicks were a little tough, but Mother always said they were “good”.

Check out this book to find out how their toughness saved the day.

2009-07-13T16:19:00.006-05:00

BIG, BIGGER, BIGGEST!
By Nancy Coffelt

How many ways can you say “yes”?

Okay!

This book asks you to think of other words that mean the same as…

HARRIET’S HAD ENOUGH!
By Elissa Haden Guest

Clean up your room!

Have you ever heard that before?

Harriet got mad at her Mom because her Mom wanted Harriet to clean up the mess in the living room; so mad that Harriet decided to run away!

Does she and her Mother make up?

Check out this book to see.

LET’S DO NOTHING
By Tony Fucile

There is nothing to do!

Have you ever said that?

The boys in this book try to do nothing, nothing at all.

Can they do it?

Check it out!

WHERE’S JAMELA?
By Niki Daly

Moving is hard on everyone.

Jamela likes her old house, but she knows that they have to move because of Mother’s new job.

Check this book out to see how the family helps each other until they get to their new location.

2009-07-06T11:53:00.009-05:00

A BOOK
By Mordicai Gerstein

This book looks down on a family that is telling a story.
Everyone has a story to tell except the girl.
As she looks for her story, so do you.

MONSTER BABY
By Dian Curtis Regan
How big were you when you were a month old?
Monster Baby was taller than his house, and he had already graduated from college!

Check this book out to see how he got along with the “little” people.

RIKI’S BIRDHOUSE
By Monica Wellington

What does it take to build a birdhouse that attracts birds?
Riki finds out it is more than putting boards together.

Follow Riki thru the seasons of the year to see if he makes a “good” birdhouse.

In this book you will also find show-and-tell, journals,

bird food recipes, and birdhouse building instructions.

YES DAY!
By Amy Krouse Rosenthal

If you could spend a day getting the answer “Yes” to everything you asked, what would you ask?

There is only one thing that you don’t want to ask!

Check this book out to find out which questions you wouldn’t want answered “yes”.