Kids Music Friday: "November First (Jump, Run, Shake)" by Eric Herman

Happy November, everyone! Get up out of your seats and get moving to this energetic song by Eric Herman. If you like the video, check out "The Elephant DVD with Eric Herman." 

Happy Groovin'!

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Staff Review: "brown girl dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson

 

Destined to become an award-winning classic, “brown girl dreaming” is a cumulative achievement for award-winning author and poet, Jacqueline Woodson. Relevant and exquisitely written, “brown girl dreaming” is a collection of poetry that conveys both the personal story of the author’s childhood beginning in 1963 as well as the Civil Rights challenges of the day. Amazingly, the poems create a collective narrative, yet each can stand alone. “brown girl dreaming” is a must read for all families and educators.

--Teresa R., Sachs

Staff Review: "The Princess Who Had No Kingdom" by Ursula Jones and Sarah Gibb

We all know the typical princess story: there's a beautiful princess in a tight spot, and a handsome prince comes to save her and they live happily ever after. What if the princess doesn't need saving? And what happens if she chooses her own prince? Find out in the delightfully written and intricately illustrated "The Princess Who Had No Kingdom" by Ursula Jones and Sarah Gibb.

In this story, the princess drives a peddler's cart and has no kingdom. As she searches for her kingdom, princes throw themselves at her feet offering their kingdoms for her beauty, but she refuses to accept them in their misbehavior. Along the way, she manages to stay kind and true to herself, and even snags a kingdom in the heart of a hardworking and kind man. A sweet story that never gets heavy-handed, readers of all ages will delight in this version of a princess story that has all the charm of a shadow puppet show. Click on the link above to reserve a copy today.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Staff Review: "Little Elliot Big City" by Mike Curato

Move over, Babar, Little Elliot is here! If you're on the hunt for an adorable new series, look no further--Mike Curato's "Little Elliot Big City" has everything you need. Sweetly adorable main character (with polk-dots!)? Check! Beautifully atomospheric vintage New York City? Check! Lovely story? Double check! Watch the book trailer below to decide for yourself, then click the link above to reserve a copy today. Appropriate for the preschool to first grade crowd. Keep a watch out for the next installment!





--Andrea W., Headquarters

Staff Review: "The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus" by Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet

There are people in the world that I don't know I'm thankful for until I read about them. Such is the case with Peter Roget, the creator of the thesaurus. Until I read Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet's beautiful book "The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus," I didn't realize what a debt I owe to this man for his life and work.

Peter Roget was born in 1779 and always loved making lists. He kept a book of word lists through college, becoming a doctor, and being a general renaissance man. One day he decided to publish his book of similar words, categorized by meaning, and that is why you can use a thesaurus every time you need to look for the right word.

Jen Bryant tells the story delightfully, and Melissa Sweet's illustrations are so spot on that this biography is a work of art. The text is often laid out in list format, and Sweet incorporates mixed-media lists in many of the pictures. It all harmonizes into a respectful, lovely whole, leaving the reader with the sense of having read a great story, not of having read a boring biography. For ages seven and up. Click on the link about to request a copy today.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

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