Dewey Discoveries: "125 Cool Inventions"

How cool would it be to have a bike helmet that inflates on impact like a car's airbag? Or a camera that can rest on your fingertip? These and more crazy and amazing inventions are highlighted in National Geographic Kids' new release, "125 Cool Inventions." From smart gear to solar boats, You'll be wowed by the ingenuity of these inventions. It even has a section on crazy inventions from the past that never made it big. Great for third grade on up. To request a copy, click on the link above.

Dewey Number: 609


--Andrea W., Headquarters

check out the Ostrich Pillow!

The Fine Art of Reading: A review of "Roger is Reading a Book" by Koen Van Biesen

Reading is not always easy, as Roger discovers in "Roger is Reading a Book" by Koen Van Biesen. Grown-up Roger sits in a room, attempting to read a book while young Emily is entertaining herself in the room next door. Loudly. After shushing Emily for playing drums, tap dancing, singing, and other things, Roger has a bright idea. He goes out and finds a book for Emily, and Emily settles in to read quietly. All seems well until someone else has a different idea. With sparse, humorous illustrations, little text, and loads of onomatopoeia, this book will tickle the funny bone of most young readers, as well as adults. Best for preschool to grade one. Click on the link above to reserve a copy today.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Travel the Universe with Cinderella!

Do you like outerspace? Do you like fairy tales? Have I got a book for you! "Interstellar Cinderella" by Deborah Underwood and Meg Hunt takes the picture book fairy tale places it's never been before. 

"Once upon a planetoid,/amid her tools and sprockets,/a girl named Cinderella dreamed of fixing fancy rockets." 

In this tale, Cinderella spends time fixing household appliances, all the while studying to be a rocket mechanic. When the opportunity to attend the Prince's Royal Space Parade passes her by, Cinderella's fairy godrobot sets her up in a sweet space suit and she wins the prince's heart with her stellar mechanic skills. The Tomorrowland inspired retro-style illustrations delightfully add to the fun, rhyming text. This unique twist on an old tale will tickle the funny bone of any child, from preschool to third grade. Reserve a copy today by clicking on the link above.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Kids Music Friday: "Cookie-Tin Banjo" by Benjamin Scheuer & the Escapist Papers

Happy Father's Day from Kids Music Friday! Dads, gather your kids around and celebrate your love for each other and for music with this cute and loving song from Benjamin Scheuer & the Escapist Papers.

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Dewey Discoveries: "A Ticket Around the World" by Natalia Diaz

 Calling all world travelers (or those who want to be)! Checkout Natalia Diaz's new book "A Ticket Around the World." You'll get a glimpse of countries like Greece, Botswana, and the Philippines through the bright and friendly illustrations of Kim Smith. There are a few important facts on each country, told in narrative travel-book style form, so it doesn't feel anything like an encyclopedia. Broaden your horizons and request this book by clicking on the link above. Great for kindergarten to second grade.

Dewey Number: 910

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Dewey Discoveries: "Curious Critters: Marine" by David FitzSimmons

David FitzSimmons is back with the extraordinary "Curious Critters: Marine." The same fabulous photographs on a stark white background highlight the colors and shapes of a fun collection of marine animals. Each animal is accompanied by a humorous and informational poem or monologue. It is a treat for the eyes! Great for all ages.

Dewey Number: J591.77

--Andrea W., Headquarters

Summer Science: Butterflies!

Summer is the perfect time to explore and learn fun new things about the world around us! Take advantage of the longer days and (hopefully!) more free time to get outside with the kids in your life and celebrate science.

Nothing is more enchanting than a butterfly on a sunny day. Take your family on a butterfly hunt with a field guide in hand, or head to the Butterfly House or St. Louis Zoo Insectarium if it's raining out. Or, if you're feeling ambitious, plant a butterfly garden in your yard. Request the books below to help you out.

"Butterfly Park" by Elly Mackay

This beautiful book tells the story of a little girl who discovers a park with no butterflies. She enlists the help of her neighbors to bring back the butterflies, and eventually the whole neighborhood comes together in a celebration of flowers and butterflies.

"Caterpillar to Butterfly" by Laura March


Teach your young ones about the life cycle of a butterfly in this gorgeously photographed reader from National Geographic.












"Butterfly Gardens" by Alcinda Lewis

Use this handy guide to plant your own butterfly garden!










"Butterfly and Moth" by Paul Whalley

Here's a handy guide to all things butterfly








Happy hunting/planting!
--Andrea W., Headquarters