Staff Review: "Zar and the Broken Spaceship" by Dinosaur O'Dell

One seemingly normal day. a group of children find a friendly alien who needs help fixing his ship. Through movements and silly space alien phrases, the friends send Zar back to his home planet. This lyrical book with repetitive phrases is perfect for preschoolers. It could be as interactive as you want; the children could all stand up and act out the story, or it could be a nice read for a gentle one on one share. I especially enjoyed the space alien-English glossary in the back to brush up on your alien terms!  The author knows what appeals to the younger ones and throws in a few jokes for older kids, too, making this a great family read.  

This is Dinosaur O'Dell's first book, but he has been "tricking children into learning since 2003" through his music. He's been a summer reading club performer and taught song writing workshops for the library.  I can't wait to see what he does next!

--Angie RH, Headquarters

Dewey Discoveries: "Earthling" by Mark Fearing

Ahoy, space travelers! There's a hilarious new graphic novel just waiting for you to check out at the library! Read "Earthling!" by Mark Fearing today.

Bud is nervous about starting his new school after moving with his dad from Minnesota to New Mexico. When he gets on the bus the first day, things go from new to weird at warp speed--it's an intergalactic bus filled with space kids heading to Cosmos Academy! Luckily, friendly Gort helps Bud navigate his new school and takes him in as an exchange student. Unfortunately, everyone at Bud's new school is terrified of Earthlings, so he has to pretend to be something he isn't. As he tries to get back home, Bud discovers a few nefarious secrets and new-found skills. But are they enough to save the Earth from total annihilation? With engaging artwork, readable dialog and lots of creative gadgets and aliens, anyone from third to seventh grade will chuckle along with Bud and Gort's adventures.

Dewey Number 741.5973 Fearing

--Andrea W., H.Q.