Thursday, August 28, 2008

New Recorded Book

The Missing Book 1 - Found
by Margaret Peterson Haddix (j CDBK Fic Had)
Thirteen-year-old Jonah has always known that he was adopted, and he's never thought it was any big deal. Then he and a new friend, Chip, who's also adopted, begin receiving mysterious letters. The first one says, "You are one of the missing." The second one says, "Beware! They're coming back to get you."

Jonah, Chip, and Jonah's sister, Katherine, are plunged into a mystery that involves the FBI, a vast smuggling operation, an airplane that appeared out of nowhere -- and people who seem to appear and disappear at will. The kids discover they are caught in a battle between two opposing forces that want very different things for Jonah and Chip's lives.

Do Jonah and Chip have any choice in the matter? And what should they choose when both alternatives are horrifying?

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

More good ones!

The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg (j E Ahl)
"One day that little pencil made a move, shivered slightly, quivered somewhat . . . and began to draw."


Mouse Island by Eve Bunting (j E Bun)
Mouse lives on an island. At night he watches the lighthouse beacon flash across the water, a warning to ships to stay off the rocks. One day a boat sinks near the island, and Mouse swims to the rescue of a strange, furry creature that has been tossed in the ocean. What is it? What kind of dangerous creature has Mouse saved?


Our Library by Eve Bunting (jE Bun)
When Miss Goose announces that the library is going to close forever, Raccoon and his friends spring into action. Where will they get the help they need to save their beloved library? In books, of course!


Old MacDonald had a Farm by Jane Cabrera (jE Cab)
Old MacDonald had a farm with an adorable cow, some precious pigs, cute little lambs and a whole barnyard of irresistibly cute animals. By the end of the story he has the most precious animal of all, a very tiny and very young MacDonald. Young readers will love singing along with Old MacDonald's rambunctious animals in this uproariously funny picture book.


Hooray for Reading Day! by Margery Cuyler (jE Cuy)
When Jessica tires to read aloud in class, she stumbles over the words and everyone laughs. Now the upcoming Reading Theater day has her more worried than ever. What if she makes a mistake in front of all the parents?

With the help of her family, and some practice with her dog, Wiggles, Jessica faces her reading worries—and finds that reading aloud can be as easy as A-B-C!


No Hugs till Saturday by Julie Downing (jE Dow)
When Felix gets in trouble for playing ball in the house, his mother takes the ball away for the rest of the day. So Felix decides to take something away from his mother—hugs. "No hugs till Saturday!" he declares. But then Felix finds out Saturday is a whole week away, and both he and Mama soon realize that just one day without a hug can be a very long time.


'Twas the Day Before Zoo Day by Catherine Ipcizade (j E Ipc)
This delightful adaptation of the children's classic, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," takes readers to the zoo, as preparations are under way for "Zoo Day." But things aren't going according to plan . . . The llamas won't quit spitting, the giraffes are drooling, and the zebras aren't happy at all with their stripes. Meanwhile, the zookeepers are scurrying this way and that, cleaning up poop, ringing mealtime bells, and trying to get the animals bathed. But are the naughty elephants listening? Not a chance. And if that weren't bad enough, a poor alligator mistakes a bee for a fly, and instead of eating supper, he gets stung in the eye! Does it all work out? Will the zookeepers end up spending the night at the zoo? Will "Zoo Day" go off without a hitch, or will the dancing monkeys take over?

Baron Von Baddie and the Ice Ray Incident (j E McCle) When Baron von Baddie defeats his nemesis, Captain Kapow, he discovers that it is not as much fun to create chaos and engage in bad behavior if no one tries to stop him.

Pilot Pups by Michelle Meadows (j E Mea)
Start the engine,
buckle up.
Down the runway,
Pilot Pups!


When a couple of kids forget to put away their toys, it's up to Pilot Pups to go on a special search and rescue mission to bring their toy buddies back home.

A Babysitter for Billy Bear by Miriam Moss (j E Mos)
Having a babysitter for the first time is a big moment.

Something's bothering Billy Bear and his toy rabbit. They want to go to Mom's pottery class but they have to stay home. For the first time, a babysitter will be putting them to bed, and it's just not the same. Will she forget to kiss Rabbit good night? What are those scary noises in Billy's room? And how will Mom find her way home in the dark?

The House in the Night by Susan Swanson (j E Swa)
A spare, patterned text and glowing pictures explore the origins of light that make a house a home in this bedtime book for young children. Naming nighttime things that are both comforting and intriguing to preschoolers—a key, a bed, the moon—this timeless book illuminates a reassuring order to the universe.

New Non-Fiction Titles

I'm Just Like My Mom
Me Parezco Tanto a Me Mama
by Jorge Ramos (j468 Ram)
The author explores how children are like their parents.
English and Spanish text.

SABERTOOTH by Patrick O'Brien (j 568.74 OBri)
From ancient bones and massive teeth, scientists are learning
amazing facts about these enormous prehistoric cats.

Awful Ogre Running Wild by Jack Prelutsky (j 811.54 Pre)
Irresistibly gross and awesomely awful adventures with the
endearing, unforgettable Awful Ogre.

Frankenstein Takes the Cake by Adam Rex (j 811.6 Rex)
Full of funny stuff like rotting heads and giant gorillas and
zombies. Oh, my!

Dancing to Freedom by Li Cunxin (j 921 Li)
The true story of a boy who became a world-famous
dancer during China's Cultural Revolution.

Wangari's Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winter (j 921 Maathai)
True story of the life of the environmentalist Wangari Maathai
who was determined to help save the forests of Kenya.

OBAMA A Promise of Change by David Mendell (j 921 Obama)
An adaptation for young readers of OBAMA: From Promise to Power

King George What Was His Problem? by Steve Sheinkin ((j973.3 She)
Everything your schoolbooks didn't tell you about the American Revolution

New-est Chapter Books

Lost and Found by Andrew Clements (j FIC Cle)
How would you like to be an identical twin and
move to a new school? Scary?? or fun????

Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell (j FIC Jon)
Emmy was a very good girl. But then there was the Rat. . .

Goof-Off Goalie by Betty Hicks (j FIC Hic)
Here is the second book of the action-filled Gym Shorts
series. A short novel for kids new to reading.

All Shook Up by Shelley Pearsall (j FIC Pea)
What if you were thirteen and your dad looked
like Elvis? That happened to Josh and he is
ALL SHOOK UP!

Dodger and Me by Jordan Sonnenblick (j FIC Son)
Willie has a best friend who is 1) imaginary,
2) oversized and blue, and 3) driving him CRAZY!

Winning Words by Charles R. Smith Jr. (j FIC Smi)
Short sports stories and photographs

Maybelle Goes to Tea by Katie Speck (j FIC Spe)
Maybelle, the cockroach, has another tasty adventure
when she goes to Mrs. Peabody's Ladies Spring Tea.
By the author of Maybelle in the Soup.

Keena Ford and the Second-Grade Mix-Up
by Melissa Thomson (j FIC Tho)
Keena Ford is NOT a troublemaker. No, she's
not!! It just happens.

Nurk by Ursula Vernon (j FIC Ver)
Nurk is neither big, nor brave - but this spine-
tingling, life-threatening, unexpected adventure might
be the best thing that's ever happened to a quiet little
shrew.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Bear bags, wilderness showers, and telling the temperature by counting the cricket chirps...

Whether you're planning an over night in the backyard or a weekend in the wilderness, this book is packed with stuff to know. The basics, from gearing up to choosing a site to building a tarp tent. Tasty outdoor recipes: Solar Oven Pizza, Chow Down Chili and s' more's of course-with 8 variations.





The Spiderwick Chronicles leave the old-fashioned charm of New England far behind and head south for some fiendish faerie fun in the hot Florida sun. Eleven-year-old Nicholas Vargas only thinks his life has been turned upside down after his developer father remarries and moves his new wife and daughter into the soon-to-be completed Mangrove Hollow.

But an "expedition" to a nearby lake turns up a little nixie with a giant problem - the huge, lumbering, fire-breathing variety - and it's up to Nick; his stepsister, Laurie; and his big brother, Julian (plus a familiar face from the original Spiderwick Chronicles) to figure out the best way to stop a host of rampaging giants before all of Florida goes up in smoke.
Hop in! The bold illustrations and playful sound words in these two board books with die-cut pages will beckon to preschoolers who love things that go.

What could be more fun than an old-fashioned train ride? Off go the passengers, past the town, into the woods (SHHH, SHHH), over the bridge (CLACK, CLACK), into the tunnel (TOOT, TOOT), and back out into the sunshine. Who could guess that the destination is a day at the seaside?



It's Library Day-It's library day, and these kids can't wait. One girl has just learned to read, another loves trains and another especially enjoys scary stories.


Can Mercy Watson outwit . . . Animal Control? The porcine wonder's on the lam in her latest tongue-in-snout adventure!

Eugenia and Baby Lincoln may live next door to a pig, but that doesn't stop them from living a gracious life. And the amiable Mercy Watson is equally determined to follow the delightful scent (and delicious taste) of the pansies her thoughtful neighbors are planting to beautify their yard. "Where have all the flowers gone?" shouts Eugenia, who is finally ready to take extreme measures and dial Animal Control! Has Mercy's swine song come at last? Or will her well-pampered instincts keep her in buttered toast?

New Non-Fiction for Fall!


Tasmanian Tiger -The Tasmanian tiger does not look at all like a tiger. With his pouch for carrying his live birth pups, he is something like a kangaroo. With the stripes on his back, he looks similar to a zebra, and with his shape and pointed nose, he resembles a neighborhood dog. However, this tiger was very fierce and strong. His daily diet consisted of small animals and birds, but when hunting in a pack with other tigers, he might capture larger animals like kangaroos.


Origami for children-Origami for Children is the perfect introduction to origami, the fun Japanese papercraft for parents and children of all ages. Divided into six sections, the projects cover a whole range of themes, from classic origami designs such as animals to party decorations and modern vehicles. There's even a project showing how to create the classic Japanese arcade character Pacman. You'll be amazed at how much you can create using sheets of paper and a few simple folds. Every stage is described in a series of clear step-by-step photographs, showing all the techniques you will need to complete each of these great designs. Over 35 designs with comprehensive step-by-step instructions. Cute and cool ideas for boys and girls flower baskets, rabbits, a space shuttle, and samurai helmet. Perfect for all occasions, from rainy-day activities to party games.



Nature's Playground- Activities, crafts and games to encourage children to get outdoors!
Introducing children to the excitement of the natural world, this guide to outdoor adventure provides hours of creative, safe, and fun activities. Children will learn how to build a den from branches, make twig boats to sail across a pond, and voyage through the backyard to find tiny insects and creatures. Activities include invigorating games, natural crafts, and lively adventures, all of which are organized by season. An additional chapter also addresses safe activities for children after dark. Perfect for families, caretakers, and educators, this creative resource encourages children to turn off the television and play outside all year round.

Gone Away Lake - When Portia sets out for a visit with her cousin Julian, she expects fun and adventure, but of the usual kind: exploring in the woods near Julian's house, collecting stones and bugs, playing games thoughout the long, lazy days. But this summer is different. On their first day exploring, Portia and Julian discover an enormous bolder with a mysterious message, a swamp chocked with reeds and quicksand and on the far side of the swamp...a ghost town.



From the spring day in 1962 when Willis Merrill and his pet raccoon arrive in Maywood, Indiana, they are nothing but trouble for Lydia Carson. Lydia nicknames Willis "Ratboy" and wonders why he can't be more like his handsome older brother, Elliot. Life gets more complicated when Lydia alienates Elliot by insulting Willis and comes to a standoff with her mother. In her struggle to make amends with all, Lydia finds an ally in Willis and discovers the good in herself.








Home of the Brave-
A deeply poetic and affecting novel about the contemporary immigrant experience.

New on the J Fiction Shelf!





The Edge Chronicles Volumes 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9



Vox -The sixth part of this dramatic and exuberant fantasy adventure series.

This is the second title to feature young librarian-k
night, Rook, as he and his co-rebels combine forces to challenge the dark might of the Guardians of the Night who are taking more and more of the power in the Edgeworld. The oily Vox, once Most High Academe, and now a puppet ruler in New Sanctaphrax, becomes the focus in this dramatic and thrilling new adventure which is embellished throughout with marvellously imaginative black and white illustrations.


The Last of the Sky Pirates-
A dramatic and exuberant fantasy adventure filled with colourful and imaginative characters and illustrated with exquisite detail.

Fifty years after the floating city of Sanctaphrax was swept away, the Edgeworld has changed for the worse. Cruel shrykes control the great Mire Road, while slave labor is endemic.

When a young apprentice knight-academic, Rook, sets out on a perilous journey through the Deepwoods, he meets a mysterious stranger living with the banderbears and is propelled right into the middle of a dangerous adventure in which a small group of fighters must challenge the dark might of the Guardians of the Night.



Clash of the Sky Galleons-
In the penultimate book in the Edge Chronicles series, Quint is travelling with his father, Wind Jackal, on a mission to track down and bring to justice Turbot Smeal, the man who started the fire that killed their family. Having left behind his studies at the Knights Academy, Quint is now eager to learn from his father what it really means to be a sky pirate. But, consumed by his desire to capture Smeal, Wind Jackal's judgment is flawed, and his actions endanger the lives of his crew and his son.

As they travel from the taverns and backstreets of Undertown and the wonders of the shipbuilders' yards, to the dark dangers of the Deepwoods, Quint and Maris become separated from the rest of the crew. Finally, at the mysterious, ghostly sky-wreck in Open Sky, they discover the truth about Smeal.




Freeglader-

Fleeing from the ruins of New Undertown, Rook Barkwater and his colleagues the librarian knights, Felix Lodd and his banderbear friends must lead the escaping population to a new life in the Free Glades. But perils aplenty are ahead for the crowd not to mention some goblins with plans of their own. This is the dramatic and exciting conclusion to the Rook Barkwater sequence that takes the reader on a thrilling journey across the Edgeworld.

Winter Nights -
In the great floating city of Sanctaphrax, blizzards howl through the streets as the Edgeworld descends into an endless winter. Quint, the son of a sky pirate, has just begun his training at the Knights Academy training that involves heading out over the Edge on tethers to develop his flying skills. But when Quint breaks the rules and heads out to Open Sky on his own, he runs into the great sky leviathans known as cloud-eaters and must use all his skill and ingenuity if catastrophe is not to strike the Edgeworld. . . .