Staff Review: "Nightmares!" by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller

Charlie Laird can't go to sleep.  His nightmares are so terrifying, he'll do anything to keep them away.  Every time he falls asleep, day or night, the evil witch is there to torment him.  But his wakeful life is getting scary, too.  His new stepmother, Charlotte, is the town's herbalist, always mixing mysterious and smelly concoctions to cure people.  The family moved into her weird old purple mansion: the oddest place in town.  Charlie's convinced she's monstrous, but no one else sees it.  Charlie's nightmares start getting even more intense and happening during the day, and he needs the help of his best friends to face his fears and save his brother.
"Nightmares!" is this the first book in a trilogy written by actor Jason Segel-that wacky guy from The Muppets-and Kirsten Miller.  This is a great read just in time for Halloween.  It is creepy, but not too scary, and also funny and imaginative.  This book is recommended for readers 8-12 years old.  It's great for fans of "Coraline," "The Garden of Eve," "Floors," and Roald Dahl.

--Angie RH, Headquarters

Dewey Discoveries: "Super Sniffers: Dog Detectives on the Job" by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

I'm sure you are aware that dogs are fun, fuzzy, and great pets. Did you know that there are dogs who are trained to sniff out cancer, diabetes, and invasive plant species? Some dogs have jobs and are trained to do all sorts of interesting things. Learn about it from Dorothy Hinshaw Patent's new book, "Super Sniffers: Dog Detectives on the Job." See how trainers prepare dogs for their jobs, and prepare to be amazed by their skills. This book if perfect for readers in grades three to five.

Dewey Number: 636.7088

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Staff Review: "Hug Machine" by Scott Campbell

Are you or your loved ones in need of a good hug today? Do you need a little practice? Never fear! The "Hug Machine" is here! Written and illustrated by Scott Campbell, this deceptively normal-sized picture book contains an ocean of cuteness and is guaranteed to make you smile and hug someone.

The main character is a little guy who calls himself the hug machine, and he shows us the champion hugging action to prove it. A whale? No problem. A porcupine? No problem. A roller skater? Done and done. But even the strongest of huggers runs out of energy sometimes. What then? Who hugs the hugger? Read the book to find out his secrets! Perfect for huggers of all ages. Click the link above to request a copy today!

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Kids Music Friday: "Empty" by Andy Mason and Joshua Belter

Look! On the blog! It's a song and it's a book! How cool is that? Andy Mason put Joshua Belter's "The Story of A Box" to music and created this delightful stop-motion cut paper video for the world to enjoy. It's a sweet song about a journey for acceptance and love. Box love.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Dewey Discoveries: "Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes" by Nicola Davies

Who knew that a picture book about microbes could be so fun? Somehow, Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton have pulled off, "Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes," proving that microbes can be beautiful, charming, and interesting all at the same time. By explaining in words and showing through illustration, this book makes the world of microbes easily accessible to any young reader in second to fourth grade. Don't believe me? Take a look at the lovely paramecium below. Click the link above to reserve a copy today.

Dewey Number: 579

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Books With Alternating Narrators

You need to hear both sides of the story.  Here are a few books that are told from different points of view.

The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman
Four unlikely friends get involved in a crazy scheme to get out of doing their homework.  The chapters rotate between each of the four fifth-graders telling their part in the crime as it's told to the police during their interviews.  The machine was Brenton's idea, and at the first the others were skeptical.  Judy, Kelsey and Sam think Brenton and his homework machine are weird, but once they see it in action, they're all true believers.  Everything is going great: the machine does their homework, they get As, and they have extra time for fun!  Until it goes too far, of course. This is a moving plot and a great choice for reluctant readers and kids who would do anything to get out of doing their homework.  Recommended for grades 4-6.





Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
First year teacher, Mr. Terupt, brings some interesting new techniques to his fifth grade class. This book tells the story of seven students and their experiences.  The students aren't really friends, but because of interactions in and out of the classroom, they become close.  In the end, a tragic event helps all of them learn a valuable lesson.  Recommended for grades 4-6.







Wonder by R.J. Polacio
Auggie Pullman has never been to school before.  He's been home schooled because he's had
numerous surgeries and medical problems from his facial abnormalities.  But in fifth grade, his parents have decided it will be good for him to be around kids his own age.  The chapters are short and each narrator is a realistic, believable character.  The reader enjoys the perspective of Auggie, his sister, Via, his friends, his classmates, his parents, and Via's friends.  This is also an excellent audio book with three readers playing multiple parts in the story.  Recommended for grades 4-7.



Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Juli and Bryce have been neighbors for years.  But now, in eighth grade, Juli is starting to see that handsome and popular Bryce isn't as great as he seems.  At the same time, Bryce realizes that eccentric earth-loving Juli is much more amazing than he ever expected.   The story "flips" back and forth between the two of them,  It's an adorable story of first love and seeing that there's always more to a person than what you see on the outside.  This book was adapted into a major motion picture, and it is fantastic.  Great for a family movie night.  Recommended for grades 6 and up.



--Angie RH, Headquarters

Book Trailer: "Sam and Dave Dig a Hole" by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

I have great news for everyone! Mac Barnett (of "Count the Monkeys") and Jon Klassen ("I Want My Hat Back") have teamed together for another fantastic picture book, "Sam and Dave Dig a Hole." It's a guaranteed delight to read. Watch the trailer and reserve your copy here.

--Andrea W., Headquarters