Dewey Discoveries: "Show Me How Nature Projects" by Steve and Jane Parker

Spring is here, and it's time to get outside! If you need ideas to keep your little ones busy and learning outdoors, check out "Nature Projects" by Steve and Jane Parker. With eighteen projects, described step-by-step with photos and easy-to-understand text, there is something for everyone! Whether you're more into arts and crafts (collage, casts, and tye-dye), or you really want to keep some unusual pets (slugs, worms, or caterpillars), your youngster will be engaged. Great for preschoolers on up.

Dewey Number 508.078

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Dewey Discoveries: "Languages of the World: Swahili" by Catherine Chambers

Young linguists, take note! If you're interested in learning something new, check out "Languages of the World: Swahili" by Catherine Chambers. You will not only learn words and phrases in Swahili, but also see photos and learn tidbits about life in eastern Africa. It's like taking a vacation without leaving home. Kwa herini (goodbye)!

Dewey Number: 496.392

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Graduation Gift Alert!

This is an important bulletin for all you "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" givers at graduation time. While there's nothing wrong with giving someone Dr. Seuss, there are so many other inspirational picture books out there that are appropriate for grads. And so I give you, "I Wish You More" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld. This book is most appropriate for family members to give. Rosenthal's trademark sweet humor is perfectly matched by Tom Lichtenheld's bright and sweet illustrations.

"I wish you more ups than downs./I wish you more give than take./I wish you more tippy-toes than deep.../I wish all this for you,/because you are everything I could wish for. . .and more"

Pick one up for your graduate today.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Kids Music Friday: "Gravy Insane" by Gustafer Yellowgold

Is Gustafer Yellowgold's new music video "Gravy Insane" disturbing, or just plain weird? I can't decide. It is, however, quite funny, and will have your kids laughing until their tummies hurt. Bats that make gravy? What's not to like!

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Andrea's Best of 2015 Middle Grade Fiction

Every year I have the joy and privilege of going into local schools and sharing my favorite books with fourth and fifth grade students. I read lots of middle grade fiction year-round, but only the top twenty or so make it into the final cut. A few of the books are general crowd pleasers, there are several interesting non-fiction titles, some graphics, and hopefully there are some amazing books that I know most students would pass up because of the cover or subject matter. I am excited to present you with this year's list! Click on the titles to reserve a copy of a book.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

FANTASY AND ADVENTURE

"Jellaby" by Kean Soo

 Nerdy and friendless Portia finds a friendly purple monster in her backyard one day. Can she find his home and return him before it's too late?

"The Castle Behind Thorns" by Merrie Haskell

Blacksmith apprentice Sand mysteriously wakes up inside of a fireplace in a deserted and cursed castle. How will he get out?

"The Eighth Day" by Dianne K. Salerni

Jax discovers a secret, hidden world in an extra eighth day of the week when he turns thirteen and realizes that he is not who he thinks he is.

"The Luck Uglies" by Paul Durham

When the Village Drowning is overrun with dreaded Bog Noblins, Rye O'Chanter calls on the feared gang of Luck Uglies to help.

"The Map to Everywhere" by Carrie Ryan and John Parke Davis

Marril and Fin must work together on a magical ship to save the unpredictable Pirate Stream.








NON FICTION

"100 Inventions That Made History" by Tracey Turner

An amusing and informative collection of 100 important inventions.

"Ripley's Believe It or Not! Kids: Fun Facts and Silly Stories: The Big One"

This book is chock full of pictures, stories, and amazing information that will entertain and surprise you.

"Spiders and Creepy Crawlies" by Camilla De la Dedoyere

With so many creepy bugs, this book will leave you amazed and grossed out.

"The Right Word" by Jen Bryant

This beautifully illustrated book is about the wonderful life of Peter Roget, the creator of the Thesaurus.

"Underworld: Exploring the Secret World Beneath" by Jane Price

All things underground are covered in this book, from tombs to hibernating critters to underground cities.








SCIENCE FICTION

"Space Case" by Stuart Gibbs

Dashiell believes that the supposed suicide on Moon Base Alpha was really a murder. Can he figure out who did it before they strike again?

"The Fourteenth Goldfish" by Jennifer Holm

Ellie's scientist grandpa shows up on her doorstep as a teenager, needing her help to break back into his lab before another scientist steals his age-defying discovery.

"The Lost Planet" by Rachel Searles

Intergalactic intrigue and danger surrounds an amnesiac boy who shows up on a distant planet, inside of a very secure compound.

"The Scavengers" by Michael Perry

Ford Falcon must fight against zombies, a giant corporation, genetically modified URCorn, and a violent rooster to reunite her family and save her little brother's life.








REALISTIC FICTION

"All Four Stars" by Tara Dairman

After being mistaken for an adult food critic, Gladys Gatsby must scheme her way into New York City to review a new bakery without her parents knowing.

"Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson

In the 1960's, Jackie grows up spending summers in the segregated south and the rest of the year in New York City.

"Dreamer Wisher Liar" by Cherise Mericle Harper

Ashley's best friend gets to go to camp early while she has to babysit a seven-year-old. Can her summer be redeemed?

"Death by Toilet Paper" by Donna Gephart

Benjamin Epstein tries to keep his family from being evicted by entering all sorts of wacky contests.

"Half a Chance" by Cynthia Lord

Lucy moves to a house on a lake, tries to make friends, and enters a photography contest before starting school in the fall.

"Nightingale's Nest" by Nikki Loftin

While working with his dad over the summer, Little John meets a foster girl with a magic voice.

"Revenge of the Flower Girls" by Jennifer Ziegler

Dawn, Delaney, and Darby try to stop their older sister's wedding in any way they can.

Celebrating African American Children's Literature: Sean Qualls

Sean Qualls’ picture book illustrations, with muted color and mixed media design, bring the stories of families and musicians to life.

Children will enjoy reading “Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane” by Carole Boston Weatherford over and over again. Sean Qualls’ illustrations capture the young John Coltrane as he listens to the music all around him, including his Daddy’s ukulele. his Mama’s phonographs, and the train engines whistling past. The colors and design mirror John Coltrane’s  jazz music, disciplined, exact, and free. Pair this book with a John Coltrane cd  and you’ll share a wonderful moment with young readers.   

“Freedom Song: The Story of Henry “Box” Brown”, written by Sally M. Walker tells the true story of Henry Brown’s escape from slavery by hiding in a crate that was sent by abolitionists in Virginia to Philadelphia in 1849.  Sean Qualls’ illustrations bring historic detail, emotion and suspense to the story. 

“The Case For Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage” is the collaboration  of Sean Qualls and his wife, Selina Alko. This book presents the family behind the Supreme Court Case, Loving vs Virginia,  that overruled the state of Virginia’s ban on interracial marriage in 1967.  With the opening, two page illustration we meet a happy family, Richard and Mildred Loving and their three children, and we learn of their challenges and triumph. Older children might enjoy comparing and contrasting the artists’ individual styles.

--Teresa R., Sachs 

Pete the Cat Visit

Children's Book Week has started and what better way to celebrate than to get a visit from the groovy cat himself?!

Bring your camera and get a photo op at one of these events!

Pete the Cat Visit

Join us for some Pete the Cat fun as everyone’s favorite cool cat visits the library. Bring your camera.

Wednesday, May 6, 10:00 a.m.--Daniel Boone

Wednesday, May 6, 6:30 p.m.--Cliff Cave

Thursday, May 7, 3:00 p.m.--Prairie Commons

Saturday, May 9, 10:00 a.m.--Headquarters




--Desiree S., Headquarters