Don't Be Scared!: A Review of "I Used To Be Afraid" by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

When you are little and new at life, many things can seem scary--spiders, shadows, the dark--even big brothers. Caldecott Award-winning author and illustrator Laura Vaccaro Seeger is back with “I Used To Be Afraid,” a book about turning fear into wonder.The little girl in this book tells the reader about all of the things that she used to be afraid of. On the following page, Seeger’s bright illustrations reveal how the girl’s fear changed to wonder and enjoyment, as each segment is tied together with a whimsical cutout. For instance, “I used to be afraid of being ALONE” shows the girl waving as a school bus full of children pulls aways from her and she’s left standing unhappily alone. Then, on the following page, “but not anymore,” the girl happily reads under a beautiful tree with a red wagon full of books nearby. An enjoyable read for anyone, “I Used To Be Afraid” would be an excellent way to have some conversations with an anxious child about dealing with fear. Appropriate for preschoolers to kindergartners.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

“Big Bear little chair” by Lizi Boyd

Calling all big bears and little bears to find your favorite chair and read book creator Lizi Boyd’s newest creation! In this modern and seemingly minimal picture book, readers are introduced to a variety of opposites centering on animals and things that are “big”, “little”, and “tiny”. Utilizing only the colors red, grey, black, and white, Boyd exposes young readers to a wide range of images from a big plant with a little cocoon on its branch to a big seal building a little castle with a tiny bucket. A wonderful introduction to the concept of opposites as well as a great vocabulary builder, "Big Bear little chair" is great for preschoolers and young school age children. Walk through a big meadow with a little salamander as you have a blast exploring all types of animal friends and opposite sizes!

--Alison R., Headquarters

Kids Music Friday: "Walking My Cat Named Dog"

The rumor is out that They Might Be Giants is working on a new kid's album. Could this be one of the songs? It's a remake of Norma Tanega's classic, "Waking My Cat Named Dog," and the animation is sure to make you laugh. Keep your eyes and ears open for further news. To request some of They Might Be Giants' kids albums, click on the link.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

“Strictly No Elephants” By Lisa Mantchev & Taeeun Yoo

"Strictly No Elephants" by Lisa Mantchev and Taeeun Yoo shares the story of what happens when one little boy and his “tiny elephant” are not allowed into the neighborhood Pet Club. With vivid illustrations and imaginative storytelling, children learn how to carve their own path when faced with the challenge of “not fitting in”. A tale of friendship and acceptance will capture children’s hearts as they meet a diverse array of children and their unusual pets. A great pick for preschool and school age children, curl up and find a spot to read this book while discovering what it is like to come together in a tree house where “all are welcome.”

--Alison R., Headquarters

“Music Class Today!” By David Weinstone & Vin Vogel

Check out "Music Class Today!" by David Weinstone and Vin Vogel. With high energy colorful illustrations, this story teaches children about the courage it takes to try something new! This is a great pick for preschoolers or any little music maker who might still be a bit apprehensive or hesitant about the classroom setting.  

This reassuring story of a day in music class offers a diverse collection of children and parents coming to life on every page. Pull out your shaker eggs, rhythm sticks, and scarves and make music right along with the teacher as he strums his guitar. After all of the twirly dancing and band marching, children are shown the importance of lending a hand to help with cleaning up. 

--Alison R., Headquarters

Adorable Overload Alert: "Happy in Our Skin" by Fran Manushkin

"This is how we all begin:

small and happy in our skin."

So begins this delightful ode to the wonders of our skin. In "Happy in Our Skin," Fran Manushkin explores all the things that our skin does for us--goose pimples, healing scabs, freckles, dimples, tickles and scratches, and of course, "It keeps the outsides out/ and your insides in." I'm grateful for that, aren't you? Lauren Tobia's joyful illustrations perfectly highlight the gently rhyming text with a colorful and playful cast of characters who clearly love their skin. Read this with your preschooler and be thankful for your skin!



--Andrea W., Headquarters

A Story for the New Kid in Town: "I'm New Here" by Anne Sibley O'Brien

It can be hard for a child to move. It's especially hard when you move to a new country and have to learn a new language and customs. It's also sometimes hard for children to understand other people's differences. Anne Sibley O'Brien does a fantastic job of taking the reader through the experience of a child moving to a new country in "I'm New Here." With a cast of children from around the globe, the story starts in sadness and confusion as the children realize that their new home is very different from their old home. But as they settle in and begin to make friends, they see that maybe their new home is not so different from their old home after all. This book is timely and a fantastic way to talk to your kindergarten or first grade student about what it's like for immigrants, refugees, and expatriates.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Kids Music Friday: "Tailfeather" by Josh and the Jamtones

Shake your tailfeather along with this psychedelic video by Josh and the Jamtones!

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Dewey Discoveries: "Cars, Traines, Ships and Planes"

There are so many fantastic ways to get where you need to go, all over the world. "Cars, Trains, Ships and Planes" by Clive Gifford documents vehicles from all over the world through pictures and a few short words about each vehicle, whether it travels by land, sea or air. This book is perfect for the transportation-minded child in your life. Appropriate for preschoolers on up.

Dewey Number 629.04




--Andrea W., Headquarters

2015 Holiday Gift Guide

'Tis the season for finding gifts for all of the little people in your life! To help you out, we've compiled a list of our favorite books published over the last year or two for kids of all ages. 

Click on the links for each book to request them from the library or to read reviews.

Board Books

"A is for Airplane A es para Avion"  by Theresa Howell: Vibrant illustrations bring the life basic vocabulary and letters in both Spanish and English.

"The Bus Driver " by Todd H. Doodler: A clever counting book chronicling a typical day and route in a bus driver's life.

"Go! Go! Go!" by Fiona Land: Touch-and-feel cars, boats, planes, and more!

"Good Night Missouri" by Adam Gamble: The title of this one explains it all.

"The Ants Go Marching!" by Dan Crisp (Child's Play): The ants are marching through the rain, but there is always something to distract Little Ant Can you find him on each page, even though the column of ants gets bigger?

"Baby Party" by Rebecca O'Connell: At this baby party, basic shapes are a cause for celebration!

" Whose Tools?" by Toni Buzzeo: An ode to building a house from the ground up features six kinds of craftsmen and the 24 tools they use, accurately labeled.

"Babies and Doggies Book" by John Schindel: When you stop and think about it, babies and doggies do many of the same things. They squirm, sniff, sit, and splash.

Picture Books

"Where's Walrus and Penguin?" by Stephen Savage: When Walrus and his friend Penguin escape from the zoo, Will the zookeeper must find them.

"In a Village By the Sea" by Muon Van: Moving from the wide world to the snugness of home and back out again, this story is about longing for the comforts of home.

"Sidewalk Flowers" by Sydney Smith: A little girl collects wildflowers while on a walk with her distracted father. Each flower becomes a gift, and whether the gift is noticed or ignored, both giver and recipient are transformed by their encounter.

"Wait" by Antoinette Portis: A book about the joys of waiting and taking in what is around you.

"Beautiful Birds"  by J. Roussen & E. Walker: This stunningly illustrated introduction to the world's most beautiful birds pays homage to an alphabet of birds in all their feathery fancies. 

"Firebird" by  Misty Copeland: American Ballet Theater soloist Misty Copeland encourages a young ballet student. Includes author's note about dancers who led her to find her voice.

"Touch the Brightest Star" by Christie Matheson: An interactive picture book showcasing the beauty of nighttime. "I am Helen Keller" by  Brad Meltzer: The story of Helen Keller, who learned to read and write despite being deaf and blind, and became an activist who fought for the rights of disabled people. "This Old Van" by Kim Norman:When Grandma and Grandpa get a very special invitation, off they race in their trusty hippie van.  "The Three Ninja Pigs" by Corey Rosen Schwartz: A twist on the traditional three little pigs tale. ”A Piece of Cake"  by LeUyen Pham: Mouse has baked a special treat for Little Bird's birthday, but delivering it to his friend isn't easy--not when everyone he meets along the way offers to trade something for a piece of cake. "Little Roja Riding Hood"  by Susan Middleton Elya: A rhyming twist on the classic fairy tale in which a little girl saves her grandmother from a wolf. Includes glossary of the Spanish words sprinkled throughout the text. "Goldilocks and Just One Bear" by Leigh Hodgkinson:  Little Bear, all grown up, finds himself lost in a noisy, busy city where he happens to bump into someone with golden hair who remembers exactly how he likes his porridge.

Early Chapter

"Dory Fantasmagory" by Abby Hanlon: Dory is a girl with a very active imagination She spends the summer playing with her imaginary friend, pretending to be a dog, battling monsters, and generally driving her family nuts.

 "Cakes in Space" by Phillip Reeve: When ten-year-old Astra and her family move to a new planet, she must save the spaceship and its crew from man-eating cakes, aliens, and more

"Little Robot" by Ben Hatke: When a little girl finds an adorable robot in the woods, she presses a button and accidentally activates him for the first time.

"Hilo" by Judd Winick: When a mysterious boy falls from the sky, friends D.J. and Gina must discover the secrets of his identity and help him save the world.







Middle Grade

"The Dungeoneers" by John David Anderson: When his gift for pickpocketing is noticed by the mysterious Finn Argos, Colm begins training to become a member of Thwodin's Legions, a strange group of warriors, mages, and hunters who search for treasure.

"Circus Mirandus" by Cassie Beasley: When he realizes that his grandfather's stories of an enchanted circus are true, Micah Tuttle sets out to find the mysterious Circus Mirandus--and to use its magic to save his grandfather's life

"Sunny Side Up" by Jennifer Holm: Sunny Lewin's teenage brother is struggling with substance abuse so she has been packed off to Florida to live with her grandfather for the summer.

"Secret Coders" by Gene Yang: Attending an elite school where enterprising students are challenged to solve a variety of clues and puzzles using computer programming, Hopper and her friend, Eni, resolve to crack the school founder's most elusive mystery together.
 

"Big Game" by Stuart Gibbs: Someone is trying to hunt FunJungle's Asian greater one-horned rhinoceros, and twelve-year-old Teddy Fitzroy is on the case. Sequel to "Poached."

"Fuzzy Mud" by Louis Sachar: Two middle-grade kids take a shortcut home from school and discover what looks like fuzzy mud but is actually a substance with the potential to wreak havoc on the entire world.
 

--Headquarters Youth Staff

  

25 Days of Christmas Books

The holiday season has its traditions, and one of my family's favorite is the 25 Days of Christmas Books.  I usually choose all of the books, surprising my family with the titles.  Then, starting December 1st, we read one book aloud each night.  Why not try it with your family?  It works with children of all ages.  If the 25 days is a little daunting, try 12 days instead.  Here are the titles we will be sharing this year:

1. Homemade Together Christmas by Maryann Cocca-Leff
2. Enzo and the Christmas Tree Hunt by Garth Stein
3. An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff
4. Carter's Christmas by Lisa Bullard
5. Rudolph Shines Again by Robert L. May
6. Click, Clack, Ho Ho Ho! by Doreen Cronin
7. Waiting For Santa by Steve Metzger
8. Snow Bunny's Christmas Gift by Rebecca Harry
9. The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
10. The Legend of St. Nicholas: a Story of Christmas Giving by Dandi Mackell
11. Me and My Dragon: Christmas Spirit by David Biedrzycki 
12. Welcome Comfort by Patricia Polacco
13. Cork and Fuzz: Merry Merry Holly Holly by Dori Chacanos
14. All I Want to Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey
15. Shooting at the Stars: the Christmas Truce of 1914 by John Hendrix
16. Boris and Stella and the Perfect Gift by Dara Goldman
17. Smallest Gift of Christmas by Peter Reynolds
18. The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
19. Little Elfie One by Pamela Jane
20. You Are My Merry by Marianne Richmond
21. The Gingerbread Man Loose at Christmas by Laura Murray
22. The Best Parts of Christmas by Bethanie Deeny Murguia
23. Samurai Santa: a Very Ninja Christmas by Robin Pingk
24. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, adapted by Daniel Kirk
25. One Special Christmas by Christina Butler

--Angie R-H, Headquarters