Dewey Discoveries: "Fangs n Fire" by Chris Mould

Everyone needs more dragons in their life.  Thankfully, we have authors who write fabulous books like Chris Mould's "Fangs 'n' Fire: Ten Dragon Tales." Mould, author of the "Something Wickedly Weird" series, has gathered ten dragon stories--some myths and some newly imagined tales. From eyeless Chinese dragons to fire-breathers so small they can swim in your teacup, there's a dragon that's just right for you! Reserve your copy by clicking on the link above and go on a dragon hunt of your own!

Dewey Number: J 398.2

--Andrea W., H.Q.

Discover Non-Fiction

Sometimes in our excitement over the latest and greatest picture and chapter books, we overlook some great gems in the non-fiction section. We hope to remedy that oversight with a new feature called "Dewey Discoveries." When we find a great new non-fiction book we will highlight it on this blog.

Why call it Dewey Discoveries? Well, we could give a history lesson about libraries and Melvil Dewey but, it all boils down to the fact that those numbers on the spine labels act as an address label to help us (and you) find the books you need. 




Just for fun, here is a quick general breakdown of the Dewey Decimal System:

• 000 – Computer science, information and general works
• 100 – Philosophy and psychology
• 200 – Religion
• 300 – Social sciences (includes fairy tales)
• 400 – Language
• 500 – Science (includes math, habitats, animals)
• 600 – Technology and applied science (you will find inventions, pets and cooking)
• 700 – Arts and recreation (sports books and manga/graphics)
• 800 – Literature (poetry and joke books)
• 900 – History and geography

Kid's Music Fridays: "Tomboy in a Princess Dress" by Suzi Shelton

This one's for the all the young ladies out there! Channel your inner tomboy princess and rock to this tulle-tastic music video! For more Suzi Shelton, click on the album below to reserve a copy.

--Andrea W., H.Q.

December 1st is Rosa Parks Day

Celebrate African American history on December 1^st with “Rosa”, a children’s biography of Rosa Parks, beautifully written by Nikki Giovanni and illustrated by Bryan Collier. December 1^st marks the anniversary of Mrs. Parks’ refusal to move from her seat on a municipal bus in segregated Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955. “Rosa” presents the story of this inspiring act of courage and the Montgomery bus boycott that followed with detailed, colorful, realistic illustrations. “Rosa” is a treasure for readers of all ages.

--Teresa R., Sachs

Staff Review: "A Boy and a Bear in a Boat" by Dave Shelton

Once in awhile a book comes along that defies explanation. Whether it's genre-bending, complex of plot or character or just plain weird, these books make people scratch their heads and often leave readers polarized--they either love it or hate it. This doesn't happen too often in juvenile fiction, but Dave Shelton's book "A Boy and a Bear in a Boat" really leaves me at a loss for words. It was an enjoyable read, but it left me a little perplexed.

To summarize the plot, read the title closely. It's a story about a boy and a bear in a boat on the ocean. It starts with the little boy stepping into the bear's boat, and chronicles their perilous sea voyage, fraught with "unforeseeable anomalies." There may or may not be a nuclear sandwich, a sea monster and a ghost ship involved. There is no major conflict other than getting across the ocean, there is no resolution and there isn't a ton of character development. My English Lit education tells me that this book shouldn't work, and yet it does. I love the quirky bear, get a bit miffed at the boy, and want to know what happens to them next. Shelton's illustrations add humor and suspense to this quiet and simply told story. 

People who enjoy plot-driven stories will hate this book. People who love to get inside of a character's head will be frustrated by this book. But those of you who enjoy a quiet, weird read will love Shelton's tale. It's just shy of three hundred pages, but with illustrations, simple text and large font is seems half as long. I enjoyed this book because it left me a little puzzled, made me smile, and left me feeling peaceful. Because no matter what happens next, I know that the bear and the boy with still be together.

Recommended for grades 3-6.  

--Andrea W., H.Q.

Catch this clip of Dave Shelton quietly reading an excerpt of his quiet book. It all makes sense, doesn't it?

Staff review: "Sarah Gives Thanks" by Mike Allegra

Why is Thanksgiving on a Thursday in November?  When did America decide to celebrate Thanksgiving?  What are we supposed to be thankful for? 

"Sarah Gives Thanks," by Mike Allegra, is the true story that answers these questions.  Patriot, mother and author Sarah Josepha Hale knew that America needed to be thankful.  Not about Puritans, Native Americans, turkeys or an extra day off from school!  She knew that the country needed Thanksgiving because it promoted "family, friendship, gratitude and religion".  She used her position as editor of a woman's magazine to spread her ideas and encourage others to be thankful.  Sarah's suggestion was rejected by four presidents for 36 years!  Because of her determination, President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863, and we have celebrated it every year since.  This book would be a great family read aloud, best suited to children 6 years and older.  Remember Sarah this year on November 22 as you celebrate with your loved ones. 
--Angie R., Headquarters

Kid's Music Fridays: "Clap For Love" by Little Miss Ann (with Suzi Shelton)

Are you feeling a little folksy today? Grab the family and have a sing-along with Little Miss Ann and Suzi Shelton. For more fun, click on the album below to reserve a copy.

--Andrea W., H.Q.