Nature Spin

"Wow" was the first reaction upon finishing "Swirl by Swirl" by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Beth Krommes. I became absorbed by Krommes’ illustrations of swirls in nature. It seemed like you should be able to feel the texture on the pages of the book. Sidman’s use of scratchboard brings the swirls to life. Be sure to point out the endpages to your child. They are a joy to behold and to get lost in as you identify the various swirls.

Sidman describes different types of swirls in nature from the snuggly kinds that fit into a burrow to the sparkly, starry arms of galaxies. Each species of plant or animal is identified and more information is available in notes at the end of the book.

Robbin O., Headquarters

"The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict" by Trenton Lee Stewart

Did you ever wonder about the founder of The Mysterious Benedict Society? What was he like as a kid? When did the narcolepsy start? Check out this new book by Trenton Lee Stewart to find the answers.

"The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict"
Before there was a Mysterious Benedict Society, there was simply a boy named Nicholas Benedict. Meet the boy who started it all.... Nine-year-old Nicholas Benedict has more problems than most children his age. Not only is he an orphan with an unfortunate nose, but he also has narcolepsy, a condition that gives him terrible nightmares and makes him fall asleep at the worst possible moments. Now he's being sent to a new orphanage, where he will encounter vicious bullies, selfish adults, strange circumstances -- and a mystery that could change his life forever. Luckily, he has one important thing in his favor: He's a genius. On his quest to solve the mystery, Nicholas finds enemies around every corner, but also friends in unexpected places -- and discovers along the way that the greatest puzzle of all is himself.

Staff Review: Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

 "A boy got a splinter in his eye, and his heart turned cold. Only two people noticed. One was a witch, and she took him for her own. The other was his best friend. And she went after him in ill-considered shoes, brave and completely unprepared ('Breadcrumbs', p.155)"

"Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu takes us into a more authentic fairy tale world than Disney, where evil is disguised and brutal, and the stories don't always go the way you want them to. Ursu's lyrical writing and well-crafted plot beautifully portrays this mysterious and dangerous world, and you will want to read it again the minute you finish the story. It is a tale of friendship and love fighting for good even when the odds aren't in Hazel's favor.


Hazel lives in an isolated world. Her Dad moved out, leaving her alone with her Mom, and Hazel is not making any friends during her first year at Lovelace Elementary School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In fact, everyone at school thinks that she's crazy and needs special attention. Thankfully, she still has her best friend Jack, who lives next door. Or at least she does until the day he gets a splinter in his eye and stops talking to her. Confused and lost, Hazel tries to make a new friend, but it feels weird. And so one day, when Jack disappears into the woods with a mysterious woman, Hazel packs her bag and follows him to a magical world where not every story has the ending that you want.

I'm suspicious that this book will end up on my Favorite Books of All Time list, and I recommend it for anyone in the fourth grade on up who loves a good story, classic fairy tales, and excellent writing. As an added challenge, see how many allusions to classic children's books you can find as you read!


Note to parents: Depression, the conflict and confusion of divorce, and loneliness are very well captured in this book, so be aware if you have a sensitive reader at home.

Check out this beautiful book trailer for the magical and wintery tale "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu!

--Andrea W., H.Q.

Staff Review: "Rosie Sprout's Time to Shine"

Rosie Sprout’s Time to Shine by Allison Wortche, illustrated by Patrice Barton

Rosie Sprout’s classmate, Violet, is the girl who is best at everything. Maybe you know a girl like her in your life. You got a good grade on your work? She got a better one. Her clothes are nicer, her stories are more exciting, and even her ponytail is always perfect with a beautiful ribbon and not a hair out of place. Everyone in the class loves her...except Rosie. Rosie would rather enjoy a book quietly or stop to smell the flowers and she is tired of hearing Violet’s praises.

When the class plants their own seeds, everyone expects Violet’s the be the best, and Rosie is fed up. She makes a plan to have the biggest and best plant, and does something dishonest. Out of nowhere, Violet comes down with the chicken pox. Rosie changes her tune and takes care of her plant as well as Violet’s. Of course, when Violet comes back, she says a quick “thank you” and all the time, love and attention Rosie gave to the plant is immediately forgotten. This is not a story of friendship; the girls don’t become buddies after this, and Violet continues to say how great she is at everything. But it’s about how Rosie changes the way she feels about Violet. I especially liked the last page of the book where Rosie and her teacher share a knowing smile that says Violet is not so great after all.

Patrice Barton's illustrations are beautiful and I love Rosie’s sweet half smile, messy pigtails and bright eyes. She’s a hard worker with a kind heart, and I think many school age children relate to her. I recommend this book for children in Kindergarten through second grade. Don’t let the Violets be the best at everything! There are many things that you are best at, and it’s your time to shine-just like Rosie. You can do it too!

--Angie R., Headquarters

Staff Review: "Sylvia and Aki" by Winifred Conkling

“Sylvia & Aki”, by Winifred Conkling, teaches us about segregation and the internment programs in California during the 1940’s through the true story of friendship between two young girls, Sylvia Mendez and Aki Munemitsu. Each chapter begins with a Mexican or Japanese proverb and presents each family’s courageous response to these events. “Sylvia & Aki” will appeal to readers of all ages because of its sincerity and authenticity. The novel also includes an Afterward that explains the history of the Mendez vs Westminster School District court case as well as the relocation of 120,000 citizens of Japanese descent to internment camps. The author also updates us on the lives of the families, including President Barack Obama’s recent recognition of Sylvia Mendez with the Medal of Freedom in 2011.

--Teresa R., Sachs

Cal Ripken Jr. and Family Read Night

St. Louis County Library is pleased to announce our 8th annual Family Read Night with featured guest Cal Ripken Jr. Ripken has written a new series of chapter books for young readers that are sure to please baseball lovers. His newest book "Super-Sized Slugger" will be here soon.
Click here for more information on Family Read Night. 

"Hothead" Connor Sullivan is an All-Star shortstop on his Babe Ruth team, the Orioles. He can hit and field with the best of them, but he's got one big problem: his temper. When he strikes out or makes an error, he's a walking Mt. Vesuvius, slamming batting helmets and throwing gloves. His teammates are starting to avoid him, even his best friend Jordy. His coach is ready to kick him off the team. To make matters worse, things aren't much better at home. His dad is having trouble finding a new job after being laid off. Money is tight. Connor's dream of attending the prestigious Brooks Robinson Baseball Camp this summer seems like just that now - a dream. When the sports editor of the school paper threatens to do a big story on his tantrums - complete with embarassing photos - Connor realizes he has to clean up his act. But can he do it in time to regain his teammates' trust and help the Orioles win the championship against the best team in the league?

Book Trailer: "Winterling" by Sarah Prineas

For your next winter adventure, check out "Winterling" by Sarah Prineas.



--Andrea W., HQ