Being Rich

A lesson in sibling relationships, money handling, and more is wrapped into one book that had first graders listening intently and offering their own tips on saving and spending money.

Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst caught my eye because of the same author's book that many of us were fond of as children: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.  First grade and I agree that Viorst did not disappoint her readers!  

May you be rich in family and friendship this Sunday!

Boy + Bot

Coming soon to the SPAS Library!

 

Wonder

This just in! Wonder by R.J. Palacio is the breakout book of 2012 and we now have a copy in the library.

"August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school- until now. He's about to enter fifth grade at Beacher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid, then you know how hard that can be. the thing is Auggie's just and ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?"

Fun Find

You might have guessed that I am a big advocate for social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. There are many reasons why but today lets focus on this one...

FUN FINDS!!!!! The internet is huge, HUGE!!! Think of all that you are missing out on by not utilizing social networks. Once person can only explore so much of the internet but when you are connected to 1, 10 or 100 people you have a much better chance of seeing the unseen and reaching placed you may never have found on your own.

I'm only following 49 people on twitter but every day those 49 introduce me to some pretty cool stuff which I often pass along to you!

Today I'm excited about this tweet

@prattlibrary Butterbeer, and 8 Other Recipes From Children's Books http://t.co/hU3O1fHY

Um YES PLEASE! Now that I have shared with you I'm off to make Butterbeer, nom nom nom nom 

Great Books to Read Over the Summer (3-5)

Esperanza Rising is based on the real life experiences of the author's great grandmother. It takes place during the Great Depression and tells the story of a girl and her mother working in the California labor camps. This book is truly an enjoyable read that is hard to put down!

Midnight for Charlie Bone. Charlie lives a frustrating life with his widowed mother and two grandmothers. It isn't until he discovers that he can hear people in photographs talking that his life undergoes a dramatic change. I started reading this book earlier this year but never got around to finishing it. I plan on reading the series over the summer.













The Mysterious Benedict Society. If you haven't read this series yet, you should! Quirky and funny the books are really great at making the unbelievable happen. This series is fairly easy to read and lots of fun! It follows 4 gifted and talented children chosen for their intelligence and resourcefulness, as they go on a mission to uncover a secret and save the world.











I really believe summertime is perfect for light, fun lighthearted reading. Postcards from Camp is just that. Micheal's first time at sleep away camp isn't going well. Through his postcards and letters we follow his journey from scared to enthusiastic, even if his counselor is an alien.

Island of the Blue Dolphins is another great summer read. The story follows Karana, a brave 12 year old Native American who refuses to abandon her brother when her tribe is evacuated from their island. After his tragic death Karana waits to be rescued and reunited with her tribe. I loved this story when I read it in 4th grade!

The Top Ten Ways to Ruin the First Day of 5th Grade is the story of Anthony Madison aka Tony Baloney and his obsession with David Letterman. Determined to make it on the late show, Tony comes up with many lists of his top ten. Tony doesn't just stop at making lists, he is determined to get everyone from family, friends and you the reader on his journey to make his dreams come true. A very funny read!






 

Hunger Games/Harry Potter Mash Up

I just adore both the Hunger Games and the Harry Potter series. These are books I could read over and over. Yesterday, the Huffington Post Books did something unique by thinking about which houses the Hunger Games crew would be sorted into if they lived in Harry Potter world. Kinda cool and fun to think about.

Hunger Games/Harry Potter Mash Up

Do you agree or disagree with their sorting?

 

Librarian for the Day!

It is that time of year again! Today we had to special St. Philip's students as Librarian's for the Day. So I'm handing over the Falcon's Fables to them so they can tell you about their day.

It was fun because it was the best day at the school for us. In the library we got to check out the books. We read to the kinder gardeners. My sister picked the books and she choose Arthur's Underwear and Arthur's Chicken Pox by Marc Brown.

We made a quiz for the third graders. It was about the library. Here are some of the questions we asked.

1. What kind of reference tools do we have online? (Databases and Encyclopedias) 
2. What type of book is the World Book? (Encyclopedia)
3. What is our library website called? (The Falcon's Fables)
4. What type of library tool is an encyclopedia? (Reference tool)
5. If you are reading a book and you don't understand a word, what reference tool can you use to find the meaning of the word? (A dictionary)
6. If you were trying to find a fiction book by Betty G. Birney what would the call number be? (FIC BIR)
7. If you were to find a book on California, what part of the library would it be in? (The Non Fiction Section)
8. Can you check out a reference book? (No)
9. What are some ways in which you can use your Destiny Quest account? (Recommend books, write reviews, save books to lists, put books on hold, make friends)
10. If you aren't finished with your library book and it is due what can you do with your book to keep it for another week? (Renew it!)

If a student got the answer right, they would get a book from the book box to keep.

Today, was a lot of fun.


    

Great Books to Read Over the Summer (K-2)

This fictional story is based on the life of Mary Ann Goodnight, a pioneer who in the late 1800's felt there was a need to save the buffalo from extinction. The character in the book is called Molly and it is only after she discovers two abandoned buffalo calves that she slowly starts the first heard of domestic buffalo.

 Jenny and the other city mice decide to go live by the sea where it is more peaceful. At first their new home seems perfect but soon they discover their island is not abandoned and they must contend with The Skog. Is he as scary as they all fear?

A simple book about Hondo the dog and Fabian the cat. Follow their daily actions from eating to sleeping, contending with baby and playing with friends. It is the illustrations by Peter McCarty that make this book a dream to read.

The Chinese have an ancient tradition of kite flying. This book follows a family as they create a dragon kite one windy summer day. As they watch the dragon soar in the sky and talk to the wind, they wonder what he is saying. 

This book is always a fun read!
A boy named Louis, his Uncle McAllister and a "wee bit of Scotland" in the form of a mysterious tadpole named Alphonse. Louis tries his best to nurture and feed Alphonse but when he starts to grow out of control Uncle Mc Allister admits that the tadpole came from a lake known as Loch Ness. Read along as Louis tries his best to build a safe and happy home for his beloved pet. 












The story of a boy who finds a treasure. When he discovers that people are after his treasure he creates Frog Belly Rat Bone, protector of the specks that are his treasure! This book is whimsical and fun. Timothy Basil Ering does a wonderful job of inspiring imagination and wonder.

Pa's Fiddle Project

I am often asked what my favorite book in the library is. Normally I don't like to pick a favorite of anything. Really, there are too many good books out there to choose just one. But there is a series of books that I hold dear to my heart.

I first read Little House on the Prairie in 2nd grade with my class. Now, I don't remember much of 2nd grade except I didn't really enjoy my teacher and reading the Little House book for the first time. I can't remember when I finished the entire series because I feel like I have read them my entire life. As soon as I finished the last book I started over again and again. Laura was me and I was Laura. When I played dress up, I created costumes from the book. I dreamed of eating Vanity Cakes and falling asleep to Pa's fiddle. As I grew older I didn't lose interest in the books. I read them in Jr. High, High School and College. Yes, last year I reread the series again.

Occasionally I find myself reading blogs about Laura and the Little House books. I have planned a dream trip to visit all the Little House sites. As an American Studies major, I spent much time reading and learning about the pioneers. I would say Laura Ingalls Wilder is probably the reason I became and American Studies major.

Would you say the Little House books are my favorites? Perhaps they are. When a 2nd or 3rd grader asks for a book recommendation they are always on the top of my list. Sometimes the children take my advice, sometimes they have already read the book and we discuss our favorite parts. I have even tried to get the boys to read the books.

Middle Tennessee State University's director of The Center for Popular Music, Dr. Dale Cockrell is the founder, owner and president of Pa's Fiddle Recordings LLC. This record label is dedicated to preserving and recording the songs written about in the Little House Series. How cool is that. Many of these American folk songs have become lost to pop culture. We might know of a few here or there but often times while reading the Little House books one can only imagine what pa and his fiddle sound like. Most likely you don't know the song at all. Pa's Fiddle Recordings LLC changes all that. Now you can purchase recordings of songs described in the Little House series. Dr. Cockrell along with MTSU students and renowned Country Music musicians all worked together to film a concert celebrating the Little House songs. Pa's Fiddle: America's Music will air on PBS during their June pledge drives.

I think many of you fellow Little House fans might be just as excited as I am to know that Pa's pioneer spirit and Laura's memories are not only now available in book form but also available for your listening pleasure. Once I get my hands on Pa's Fiddle CD's I think I will read the books again and listen to the songs as they appear in the book. I am one step closer to my childhood dream of being Laura Ingalls Wilder.

As for the PBS special I am very excited to watch it this June. For now, here is a YouTube clip promoting the concert. 



Pa's Fiddle Project

Pa's Fiddle PBS Special

Happy St. Valentines Day

Ah love is in the air and so many different kinds of love too. Years ago, somewhere in my life, high school perhaps, I learned that the English language is seriously lacking in regards to the word LOVE. Such a complex feeling should have more than one word to describe it. Greek, for example, has at least 4 different words for love. Here is how I understand them.

1. Agape means unconditional love. As Catholics we often hear this word as God's love for us. It can also mean true love or the highest form of love. Some people believe that most of us will never truly achieve this love because it really means to love someone more than yourself. 
2. Eros is the love your might feel when you first see someone you think is cute. Perhaps it is love at first sight or attraction. It is an appreciation of the beauty of a person both inside and out. 
3. Philia is the love we feel for friends and neighbors. It is the same love that we extend to many things. It can be the love we feel for our very close friend, the love that allows us to help others and even the love that we feel for animals. 
4. Storge means affection in Greek. This is the love of family. It is a natural love that is steadfast and strong. The love you feel for your mom and dad is a love you are born with. 

Each word, each form of love is very unique and each of us hopes to experience all forms in our lifetime. From the day we are born and experience Storge, to kindergarten when we learn Philia and the love for our friends, to 5th grade and our first crush when we might experience Eros, part of the human experience is LOVE. Each week we attend mass and participate in Agape. Perhaps one day you will fall in love and get married. Perhaps one day you will use Philia to care for others through volunteer work or even your job. I hope you all achieve Agape and learn to love at least one person more than yourself whether is thru God,  with marriage or when you first meet your children.

Here are some library books that describe love in all these ways.

There are three things that will endure - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love. -

1Corinthians 13

Who will be your valentine?

Your mama has enough kisses to last a lifetime.

Storge is the effortless love of family

Celebrate the day of LOVE

Love personified

Cloud Dance

I am a sucker for books with soft dreamy illustrations. Perhaps it is the soothing effect of the artwork or the magical nature of the colors. Either way, when I see such a book I immediately open it up, eager for the happy feelings that accompany such a read.  Cloud Dance by Thomas Locker is such a book. There are no long paragraphs, complicated words or characters to muck up the illustrations. For this type of book, simple is best. Come check it out!

Girl on Fire

Alright, we are all a tiny bit Hunger Games obsessed around here. Last year many students suggested the books to me. Honestly I kept putting off reading the series because the premise scared me. As soon as I was told that it was about a group of children thrown together and told that only one could survive I was put off. It certainly didn't sound like a pleasant read. Mr. W. started to read the series and convinced me to give it a shot. I was so taken away with the story that I finished the series before he did.  The series does take you to some dark places but the message draws you in and makes you think. I love books that make you think. I also believe a strong message is important, even if it isn't all happy.

If you haven't read it, you should! We now have The Hunger Games available for check out in the library.

This morning I came across this InStyle magazine's own tribute to the Hunger Games. They asked famous designers to sketch their take on the famous Girl on Fire scene from the first book. I believe this is probably one of the more anticipated scene for those of us who are anxious to watch the book come to life in movie form. The fire dress worn by Katniss is supposed to be
 beyond belief. In one word, transformative. I know my favorite design, what is yours?

While this dress isn't true to the book description,
 I feel it  has the extraordinary impact
that the dress is mean t to convey. 

The Little Prince

This past weekend the Drama Club had their fall production of The Little Prince. This is a book for all ages. Perhaps the youngest of us may not understand the philosophical reasoning behind the story or maybe, just maybe they are the ones that will understand it the most. After all the main theme of Antoine de Saint-Exupery's story is narrow mindedness and it is characterized by the adults. That doesn't mean the Little Prince is immune. He mistakes mountain echo's for the voices of men and declares them to have no imagination, repeating whatever you say.

Sadly, our library does not have this book in it's collection, something I plan to remedy immediately. This is not a book to be looked over. It asks you to think. I have heard many wonderful things about Drama Clubs performance but the comments I like the most are the ones where people question the meaning behind the story. Adults and children alike want to know what is means and are talking about it. How exciting!

If you would like to see some pictures from Saturday nights performance they are posted on the drama club blog.

Drama Club: Are you ready for a photo bomb?!: Thank you Mr. Bury for these wonderful pictures. Here are some highlights from Saturday night. Becoming Fox Becoming Snake This...

Library Lion

One of my all time favorite picture books is Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen. It is a very sweet tale of a lion that wanders into a library and quickly gains a love for story time. Being an animal lover and book lover I immediately take to these types of books and there are plenty out there. For Example...

Another all time favorite is of course Dewey. While the other books are make believe, Dewey was a real life library cat. Abandoned at birth and left for dead in a library book drop, the small town librarians took pity on the tiny kitten. He was nursed back to health and adopted by the town who in turn named him Dewey.

Oh how I wish and dream of such a thing happening in our library. While I know we couldn't keep a kitten or really, any animal in our library I still find joy in the book.  I find joy in all the books that contain libraries and animals. They are charming and after my own heart. While I try to read a diverse selection of books to the children I find that every year I pull Library Lion off the shelf to read. Good thing the children like it also.


So that brings me full circle, back to the original intent of this post. Last Monday I walked into the library, logged into the computer, worked on my lesson plans, checked in some books, drank my coffee, checked my email. I did not go into the the other room where the book shelves are. At 8:30 2A walked in for their class. We gathered in the other room and I began to let them know what their assignment was for the day. Mid explanation I glanced up and gasped. I don't think I finished saying whatever it was I was saying because there, on top of the bookshelves was our very own library lion. I started laughing, only slightly hysterically, while the 2nd graders became more and more perplexed, unsure if I had lost my mind. After gaining control of myself I let them in on the joke. I pointed to the top shelves and they all laughed in relief that no, Mrs. Natalie had not lost her mind after all.

So now we have our very own library lion. I am happy to say that it came from the book fair. I noticed him there. Of course I loved him and even thought how cool would it be if he were in our library. It would be just like the book. Ahaha little did I know! Thank you to whoever decided the lion needed a home in our library. He warms my heart and brightens up our stacks.

He needs a name! What should we name him?