New, old and new books?

Well simply said we just received some donated books! We love book donation around here. Often times it means that the books are tried and true, guaranteed to entertain and delight! For example, take The Big Book of Boy Stuff. Published in 2004, the book isn't new, but it is new to the library and still interesting to read. Yes, I know I'm a girl but I couldn't help peaking, shhhhhhh...

On the first page, what do I find? The activities section of course. First activity is this...

"Try to say the alphabet without moving your lips or your tongue at all. No cheating! Whenever I do this, every letter sounds exactly the same; try if for yourself." (pg. 1)

HA! Yeah I tried it and cracked up laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.  It was so silly I felt like posting it as my Facebook status just so I could imagine all my friends doing it. Instead I decided to blog about it so I can imaging all you lovely falcons doing it.

Anyway, some of our other new old books are:

• The Dork Diaries (series)
• Ramona and Her Mother
• The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary
• Have You Ever Seen a Jackalope?
• Vanished
• Mission (un)Popular
• and many more!

For the complete list check the Destiny Quest home page. 
 
 

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!

Thank You!

Well another book fair has come and gone. It is probably one of my favorite events. I just adore seeing children and parents getting excited over books. As part of the St. Philip's book fair tradition parents are given the opportunity to purchase books for the classrooms and library. I thought I would give a shout out to the people who donated to the library. So here goes....

Donated by Alisa Balian

Donated by Alexander Balian

Donated by The Norton Family

Donated by Roxanne Key

Thank you for the wonderful books!

How I start off the new school year

I like to start every new school year by reading a book about libraries to the students. This year I choose The Library by Sarah Stewart. I am often discovering library books that I didn't know we had. This is one such book.  After reading it I was charmed by the sweet and engaging pictures as well as the rhyming sequences.

Elizabeth Brown doesn't like to play with dolls, and she doesn't like to skate. What does Elizabeth Brown like to do? She likes to read lots and lots of books. The story follows Elizabeth from birth, when she dropped out of the sky to old age when she donates her house and books to her town.

I love the pictures by David Small. This is one of those books that ask you to take a close look and find hidden objects within the main picture story. In almost every illustration we see Elizabeth's teddy bear. Often times the bear is imitating her. There are also lots of cats and even a few dogs hidden in each photo.

The rhymes help children anticipate the story. Most classes who have heard the story end up finishing the sentences for me.


"Elizabeth Brown
Walked into town
that very afternoon.


Elizabeth Brown
Walked into town
Whistling a happy tune.


She didn't want a bicycle,
She didn't want silk bows.
She went strait to the courthouse-
'May I have one of those?'


The form was for donations.
She quickly wrote this line:
'I, E. Brown, give to the town
All that was ever mine.'"

If you have not read this book, I highly recommend you check it out as well as other books by husband and wife team Sarah Stewart and David Small.

New Arrivals

A new shipment of library books came into the library this week!  I felt as giddy as a kid on Christmas as I unpacked the two giant boxes of gorgeous books and placed them on the shelves for the students to enjoy.  Of course the first thing I said to the 4th graders that came just as I was finishing up was "We just received over 70 new books!"  They were ecstatic and anxious to see what they were.  Within the hour, 5 brand new books went home with delighted kids eager to explore their pages. A few days before the new books arrived a 1st grader asked me, "Do you have any cool books?" Well, I certainly think all the books in the library are cool, but apparently he does not necessarily agree. However, with just a little digging I was able to get to the source of what "cool" was and he ended up happily taking home a leveled reader on Prince Caspian from the Narnia Chronicles. As I unpacked the boxes of new books I could not help wondering which ones my little 1st grade friend would classify as "cool." I'm guessing the books on Ninjas and Military Fighter Planes make the list.  What do you think? Here is a just a sampling of the new books ready to be checked out.  The publisher's descriptions are underneath to give a little taste of what each book is about: 355.548 MAT Mattern, Joanne, 1963-. Ninjas : masters of stealth and secrecy. New York : Children's Press, 2005. Presents a brief introduction to ninjas, including their history, mythology, beliefs, weapons, and traditions. 362.196 WAT Watters, Debbie, 1961-. Where's Mom's hair? : a family journey through cancer. Toronto : Second Story Press, c2005. In a way that provides clear and non-frightening answers, this personal journey highlights the kinds of questions children have when a loved one gets cancer. 385 DUN Dunn, Joeming W. Building the transcontinental railroad. Edina, Minn. : Magic Wagon, c2009. In graphic novel format, this book offers an account of the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad. 597.6798 WAL Walker, Sally M. Seahorse reef : a story of the south Pacific. 1st ed. Norwalk, CT : Soundprints, 2000. Describes a sea horse living in the coral reefs of the central Philippines, its habitat, life cycle, food, and how it protects itself from predators. 597.8 GIL Gilpin, Daniel. Tree frogs, mud puppies, & other amphibians. Minneapolis, Minn. : Compass Point Books, 2006. Introduces the species of amphibians including information on physical characteristics, habitats, and life cycles. 597.965 KLE Klein, Adam G., 1976-. Yellow-bellied sea snakes. Anniversary ed. Edina, Minn. : Abdo Pub., c2006. Presents an introduction to yellow-bellied sea snakes, in simple text with illustrations, and includes information on their size, color, habitat, food, and life cycle. 599.8 DEL De la Bédoyere, Camilla. 100 things you should know about monkeys & apes. 2009 ed. Broomall, Pa. : Mason Crest Publishers, 2009, c2008. Presents one hundred details about primates, including information about different species, how they communicate and move, their intelligence and family life. 616.9 OLL Ollhoff, Jim, 1959-. What are germs? Edina, MN : Abdo Pub. Co., c2010. This book describes scientists' discoveries of microbes (germs), including how they spread; how some of them cause diseases, and how medicines are used to control these diseases. 623.746 BUR Burgan, Michael. The world's fastest military airplanes. Mankato, Minn. : Capstone Books, c2001. Explains how jet planes operate and some of the uses that the military makes of them. 636.9359 LEA Leavitt, Amie Jane. Care for a pet chinchilla. Hockessin, Del. : Mitchell Lane Publishers, 2010. Provides advice on having a chinchilla as a pet, discussing its behavior, housing, life cycle, selection, feeding, and handling. 796.334 HUR Hurley, Michael, 1979-. Great World Cup moments. Chicago : Heinemann Library, c2010. Recounts some of the greatest moments in World Cup history and profiles the soccer stars and teams that made them possible. 956.014 MAC Macdonald, Fiona, 1958-. You wouldn't want to be a crusader! : a war you'd rather not fight. Brigton, BNI : Book House ;, 2005. Cartoons and facts combine to describe the experiences of European knights fighting in the Crusades. 973.0496 BOL Bolden, Tonya. Tell all the children our story : memories and mementos of being young and Black in America. New York : Abrams, 2001. Photographs, illustrations, and text describe the experiences of African-American children growing up in the United States from the first African-American baby born in the Jamestown colony through the children growing up in the dawn of the twenty-first century. B GOO Haugen, Brenda. Jane Goodall : legendary primatologist. Minneapolis, Minn. : Compass Point Books, c2006. Studies the life of Jane Goodall, whose research and dedication has ensured the survival and well-being of chimpanzees in Africa. FIC WIL Wilson, Nathan D. The Chestnut King. 1st ed. New York : Random House, c2010. Twelve-year-old Henry York, finally reunited with his family, works with them and the Chestnut King, the long-deposed and mythic leader of the faeren people, to destroy Nimiane and her forces of evil. FIC CRO Crowne, Alyssa. Pink princess rules the school. New York : Scholastic, 2009. Juliet Henry is planning a party for her seventh birthday, and she wants to invite only girls and have everything pink, from the food to the outfits. But the boys in her class don't want to be left out of the fun. Will they spoil the pink princess party? HAPPY READING!

The Top Five Library Books Last Week

Sometimes it is really hard to write this blog. I feel like I should be posting at least three times a week if not more. But you and I both know, I don't usually make my three times a week goal :(  Anyway, I have been thinking all day, "what to write, what to write, what to write...." Sorry, I just had to share the inner thoughts of this librarian. At last a few minutes ago it hit me! I always write about books that I like or have noticed. But what about the books the children, our library patrons, have proven they like. Destiny Quest keeps a top five of the week. It is always on the computer when the students use the system to look up books. But you at home can't see it. So, I thought I'd share and try to keep you up to date on the Children's favorite books.

1. Twilight by Stephenie Meyers: I have noticed this book is being checked out more often. While it is reserved for 5th grade and up it has been on the top five for quite some time. I don't think it's popularity is fading anytime soon. 
2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kiney: Again, not really a huge surprise here. We have two copies of this book and it is hardly ever on the shelf. I have read the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid but not the subsequent volumes. I definitely see the appeal of these books. 
3. The Lacemaker and the Princess by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley: This is a new book and a few of the older girls have noticed it and checked it out. It is historical fiction so of course I have been very interested in checking it out. It is the story of a lace maker's granddaughter and her relationship with Marie Antoinette's daughter, Princes Therese. 
4. Who Was Walt Disney by Whitney Stewart: Perhaps this book is in the top five because the 5th graders had their biography reports. It is unusual to see any biography in the top five and we have a few in the top ten this week. If I expect to see any the book would most likely come from the "Who Was" Series. This popular series is illustrated and for 3rd through 5th graders. 
5. Star Wars: the Wind Raiders of Taloraan script by John Ostrander: We have a few of these Star Wars comic books and wow are they popular. I cannot keep them on the shelf. The second one is checked in it is checked right back out. 

Thats All Folk!

Warrior Cats

Since last year I have been asked by various students and parents if the library had the Warrior Cats series. The first time I was asked I had never heard of it. The second time I did a little investigating and the third and fourth time I seriously thought about acquiring this series in the library. We finally have the first series of books known as the Warriors Series. These are the original books starting with the first installment titled Into the Wild and ending with The Darkest Hour. While the author of the books is listed as Erin Hunter there are actually four authors. Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry, Victoria Holmes and Tui Sutherland all work together to write these books. They use the name Erin Hunter as their pseudonym. A pseudonym is a fake name usually used by authors and artists.

This series tells the tale of Rusty an ordinary house cat (kittypet) who seeks adventure in the wild. He soon discovers there are many wild cats that are made up into four clans. Each clan follows a strict warrior code of honesty and loyalty to the clan. The series follows Rusty as he transforms from a cautious kittypet into a wise, just, loyal and fearless warrior known as Fireheart. While this series is thrilling and full of adventure each book become a little darker as the series goes on. As you can imagine, books about warriors, even cat warriors, can become quite serious and dark at times. Yet, I think children will find them exciting to read. They certainly will love following Rusty through his journey toward becoming a Warrior Cat.



 

A Northern Light

I wanted to read a few books over Christmas break. There are so many library books that I haven't read. Unfortunately I only managed to read one book. A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly is one of our newer additions to the Junior High Fiction section of the library. I am always drawn to historical fiction and this one looked especially promising because the fictional characters are intertwined with a real life turn of the century mystery.

Mattie Gokey is 16 when her mother dies and leaves her with the heavy burden of caring for her younger brothers and sisters and a father who perhaps relies on her a little too much. She struggles between embracing her dreams and putting them aside out of obligation to her family. Secretly she applies to Barnhard College and is accepted. At the same time she accepts the proposal of her handsome neighbor Royal Loomis even though it doesn't seem as if he truly loves her. While working at a hotel during the summer Mattie comes in contact with Grace Brown and her mysterious letters. The summer changes Mattie as she comes to realize she cannot live for others but must live for herself.

This is a great read for grades 7th and 8th. It is historical but the events  and growth Maddie experiences ring true for today's audience.

Duck

We just recieved a small shipment of new books. Most of the books have been requested by various children. But I also ordered a few that looked cute, cool and interesting. Today I read one of our new picture books to Kindergarten. Let me tell you, I was simply delighted with Duck by Randy Cecil and I believe the Kindergarteners were too!

The illustrations are done in oil and are vibrant yet soft at the same time giving it a dreamlike appearance. The story is of Duck, a carousel animal who longs to fly. While she dreams of flying like a real duck she knows she cannot. One day a lost duckling wanders into the amusement park and catches Ducks attention. Soon Duck and Duckling are inseparable. Duck takes Duckling under her wing, mothering him and teaching him. You will be touched by the mother and child theme the author takes and perhaps even cry a little when Duck realizes the most important thing for Duckling is to teach him how to fly, even though it means being left behind. I won't lie, my eyes teared up a bit while reading to Kindergarten.

I am always looking for ways to introduce classics to our children. In an age where pop culture rules it is sometimes difficult to get the children excited about books that come from a different time and place. Case in point: Shakespeare. When I was younger the word scared me. I will never forget my freshman year of high school when we had to read Romeo and Juliet. I could not wrap my head around the language. I am ashamed to say I developed a mild hatred for William Shakespeare and a slightly deeper hatred for teachers who assigned such drudgery.

This is not a story that ends wonderfully. As an adult I still dislike Shakespeare. That is not to say I don't value the importance of reading his works and dissecting them. Instead, I am annoyed at my own inability to grasp the words and rhythm that are so important. I can't help but think that perhaps if I had been introduced to Shakespeare in a different way I would have developed a love or at the very least a better understanding of his works.

Yet, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I have recently come across a very interesting collection of books that introduces Shakespeare to young readers. If you have read my previous post you will know that I am indeed a fan  of graphic novels. It does not matter to me if they are original works or based on classic stories I appreciate their ability to speak to children of this age. So YES, I ordered a set of four books from the series Graphic Shakespeare. These books are great because they still use Shakespeare's language but they also include explanations of the dialogue. Of course they also draw the children into the story because they are illustrated. I hope the children enjoy them and begin to appreciate Shakespeare in a new way because honestly, once you get past the language the stories written by Shakespeare are truly exciting!

We now have: Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night and Macbeth as part of our collection.

For the Love of Soccer!

Three-time world cup champion Pelè has written a children's book about his passion for soccer. Part biography and part simple enthusiasm for an exciting game this book is thrilling in both text and illustration. We are lucky enough to have two versions of the book in our library; one in Spanish and one in English. Both books have you join Pelè as he celebrates the thrills of his favorite sport. For the Love of Soccer  is particularly fun because the illustrator, Frank Morrison accompanies Pelè's words with two stories. The first story is of Pelè's rise to fame. The second of a young fan's enthusiastic journey to follow in his hero's footsteps. Both stories are told through illustration to accompany Pelè's words. Read the book if you too love soccer. Read the book because it shares the importance of team work and working hard to achieve your goals. Read the book in Spanish to improve your understanding of the language. It doesn't matter if  you call the game soccer or football this book is a fun read in either language.

Book Fair Earnings

Yesterday was a lucky day for the library. We received half of our shipment of books from Mrs. Nelson's Bookstore. Thanks to the amazing book fair turn out we had enough credit to add around 150 new books. Let me tell you, this falcon was giddy with excitement and absolutely gorged herself on book shopping! So you may be asking yourself, "well what did we get?" Among the cool new books on sports, dancing, animals, biographies, picture books and chapter books, we added the rest of the Mysterious Benedict Society series. Today I want to talk about Trenton Lee Stewart's brilliant books of mystery. 

When I first picked up The Mysterious Benedict Society I was only mildly interested in the book. But, so many SP students had recommended it I wanted to see what all the excitement was about. I should listen to the advice of the students more often!!!! I could not put the book down! The characters Reynie, Kate, Sticky and Constance are some of the most lovable characters I have ever encountered. Each child is an outcast yet, they entertain and delight everyone who truly gets to know them.  After the book was finished and the mystery solved I wanted to read more and so did the SP students.

Well kiddos thanks to book fair earnings we now have The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey AND The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma as part of our collection. Three cheers for Mr. Benedict and his children. Two more adventures are in store for you and I!