Saturday, October 29, 2016

This week at the library; or, Now we are very busy

This is a mummy
What's Happening
  • Monday
    • Ooshy Mooshy Gooshy: Sensory Playgroup (Jess)
    • Tiny Tots (Pattie)
    • Read with Pearl
    • In which the kids see the new arrangement of the teen area for the first time. They seem to approve and spread out. Also, Jess covers sensory playgroup for the first and last time. Some programs you can only get subs for once...
  • Tuesday
    • Toddlers 'n' Books (Pattie)
    • I was at work for a few hours in the morning and then bravely set out for a conference. I will talk about it later - I'm covering all the backlog of professional development in November.
  • Wednesday
    • Outreach Storytime: Autumn (5 sessions)
    • Kindergarten field trip (Jess)
    • Youth Center (Jess)
    • It rained miserably all day. Jess went to the school b/c they couldn't walk over and took catapults to the youth center.
  • Thursday
  • Friday
    • Spooky Craft-o-rama
    • I opened the Storyroom from 10-5 and had the leftovers from yesterday's program plus paint and some extra paper and stuff I dug out of the back. I worked on the Fairy Tale Adventure all day. I am really tired.
Reader's Advisory
  • Lexiles. This was one I couldn't help with - I just encouraged the parents to talk to the teacher and school librarian. Very high level lexile plus reluctant reader - sometimes you just can't win!
  • Bone
  • More lexiles.
  • Tractor books
  • Lots of requests from teachers

Friday, October 28, 2016

Meet the Bobs and Tweets by Pepper Springfield, illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

I have mixed feelings about this title. Despite the less-than-stellar reviews, I requested it specifically because this year I have a population of very young kids with high reading levels (a three year old who reads chapter books, etc.).

The Bobs are a family of slobs (all except for Bob Seven). They are kicked out for being so messy and noisy and quick-thinking real-estate agent Mo sells them a new house on Bonefish Street. At the same time, the Tweets, a family of obsessive cleaners, are looking for a new home as well. Except for Tweet Seven. She's untidy, lazy, and doesn't like to participate in all the organized activities of the Tweets. Once again, Mo sells a house on Bonefish Street. When the two families meet at the pool, a wild fight ensues! Will there every be a peaceful solution? Maybe. Sort of.

The Seuss-inspired art is colorful and cartoonish, showing the wacky and eccentric Blobs and the super-tidy Tweets. Silly details like Tweet Seven's Pretty Kitty and Bob Seven's carefully organized wardrobes point up their differences in their own families. The story is written in brisk rhyme that sometimes falters unsteadily or hits bumps. More troubling is the small type; for a book aimed at beginning chapter readers, the smaller, faint type will be the most difficult aspect of the book.

There isn't a really strong plot here, or much of a plot at all. None of the characters have personalities beyond their outward appearance and the Seven's sudden friendship seems unrealistic. Sometimes the art doesn't completely match up with the text, as on the odd frowns on the Tweets' faces on the last page.

Verdict: While this isn't a first choice for beginning chapter books and is unlikely to appeal to older children, younger, strong readers may enjoy the light-hearted goofiness in this homage to Dr. Seuss.

ISBN: 9780545870726; Published 2016 by Scholastic; Review copy provided by the publisher

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Masters of Disguise: Amazing Animal Tricksters by Rebecca L. Johnson

Johnson is back with another disgusting, fascinating, and completely engrossing book.

Like Lunch fights back and Zombie Makers, this title explores a selection of unique animal abilities. In this case, camouflage and mimicry and the way animals use the art of deception to hunt, hide, and otherwise benefit themselves.

The featured animals include the assassin bug, pictured on the front cover, who disguises itself with a "coat of many corpses" and uses this disguise to catch its prey, ants. Then there's the chick of the cinereous mourner, which is disguised as a poisonous caterpillar or the caterpillar of the Alcon large blue butterfly which uses scent and song to trick ants into caring for it. Harlequin filefish disguise themselves as coral to confuse predators and the Cyclosa spider takes things even farther by creating a large decoy of itself to scare away predators. A gliding lizard looks enough like a leaf to distract predators for a few precious moments, the cuckoo finch tricks other birds into caring for its own eggs, and, most amazing of all, the Grote's tiger moth actually avoids bats by jamming their echolocation!

Each chapter features a different animal and lasts 3-4 pages, with plenty of stunning photography. The animal and its ability is introduced in a short narrative and then there is a section titled "The science behind the story" which explains how scientists discover and research the animals' behavior. An afterword discusses instinct and genetics and how creatures learn the behavior described in the book. There is also a page dedicated to the scientists introduced in the book, source notes, glossary, bibliography, and further research and reading.

I love the way the author combines "isn't this gross/amazing/weird" with science, especially where the scientists talk about how they're still studying to learn how/why the creatures do what they do. It's written in a fresh, engaging way that doesn't over-dramatize the freaky parts and also keeps the science brisk and readable.

Verdict: This book will grab readers' attention from the first sentence and keep them absorbed until the end. Definitely worth the slightly higher price of Millbrook's titles - highly recommended.

ISBN: 9781512400878; Published 2016 by Millbrook Press; Purchased for the library

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Read, Read, Read, said the Baby: Who is smiling? by Yusuke Yonezu

Oh, this was very, very clever! The first page shows a set of apparently random dots and lines and a question. The facing page has a die-cut shape. Turn the page and the die cut shape, random dots and lines, all combine to create new animals!

The smiling face on the cover becomes the muzzle of a monkey. A straight line and dot on one side and a smiling green oval become, respectively, a fish and a frog. The book continues through various animals and ends with a smiling baby.

While most of the clues are far too abstract for a toddler or even preschooler to guess, once they've read the book a few times they'll have a better idea of what to look for. Babies will also enjoy the sensory experience of the die cut shapes.

The book is a sturdy square with glossy pages that will be easy to clean. The die cut shapes are situated firmly in the center of each page and, other than the front cover, are not large enough to weaken the structural integrity of the book.

Verdict: Sturdy, clever, and child-friendly this is a board book that children and adults will enjoy reading over and over again.

ISBN: 9789888341030; Published 2016 by Minedition; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Hey, Coach! by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Kim Smith

Cheerful rhymes present a diverse group of small children, both genders and multiple races present, and their coach. After deciding on a name, The Sparks, the kids are ready to learn! Anyone who's ever tried to organize a large group of small children will be laughing hysterically as they recognize the chaos that ensues. Running the wrong way, forgetting what to do, stopping to check their clothes, important bathroom (and snack) breaks, all the fun of sports are here.

Although I'm not a sports fan myself, many kids of all ages are and of course I need to cover their interests in our collection! It's hard to find sports books for very young fans, even though rookie sports are super popular in our town and presumably elsewhere. I liked that the coach and umpire (a dark-skinned girl) both appeared to be teens - many of our local sports teams are at least partially run by enthusiastic teens and it's great to see how involved they get with the small kids. I strongly appreciated seeing the involvement of girls, often left out in sports books, and the emphasis on the kids learning and having fun, not necessarily winning.

Verdict: If, like me, you are trying to build a sports collection for your youngest readers (and players) this is a must-have. Both parents and children will enjoy this cheerful story of participation.

ISBN: 9781454916079; Published 2016 by Sterling; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library

Monday, October 24, 2016

Nonfiction Monday: My first book of hockey

Ah, now this is a sport that makes sense. Only a few players, a simple goal, you whack each other in the wrong place you get into trouble. What could be simpler?

I'm not a sports fan. Clearly.

However, even I enjoy these simple explanations of popular sports, along with cartoons and jokes. Photographs of two teams, along with a cartoon player, walk the reader through the basics of hockey. The page backgrounds are brilliant colors and the book is divided into periods, instead of chapters.

Although there isn't a source or bibliography, this is so simple that there really isn't much need for one. There is a small ad for Sports Illustrated Kids magazine in the back.

Verdict: It's difficult to find books on sports for the very youngest of kids, and yet both they and their parents are often interested in this subject. This is a great series for little players and highly recommended, although I do hope the series will continue with women's teams at a later date.

ISBN: 978168931771; Published 2016 by Time Inc.; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library

Saturday, October 22, 2016

This week at the library; or, The calm before the storm

What's Happening
Maybe I shouldn't write these titles before the week begins. Calm? What calm? It was a crazy week!
  • Monday
    • Autism Support Group
    • I took the day off to finish some work at home - writing, reviewing, and some other projects. Like making a giraffe.
  • Tuesday
    • Toddlers 'n' Books (2 sessions)
    • Very busy day. Catching up on all the things that accumulated over the weekend and my Monday off.
  • Wednesday
    • No outreach? What will we do? All the things. I swear the teens have gone insane. You leave for ONE DAY....
  • Thursday
    • Books 'n' Babies (open playgroup)
    • Lego Club
    • Some days all you can say is that nobody died (yes, the teens have been biking through the parking lot again. We have discussed this people!). I tried to get things done around my program etc. but it was just too busy.
  • Friday
    • We were closed for our staff work day. We had an all-staff meeting - we can only do this a couple times a year and even now not everyone can come, like my teen aides. We had some training for those who wanted/needed it on using the staff side of the catalog. Then we all worked on projects. Some major moving projects for the adult department, city guys came to help out with moving shelves, I worked on various projects and the basement. Went home a little before 4. I'll do pictures later of the rearrangement of the teen area.
Professional Development and Other Projects
  • I've been reading Melissa Stewart even more closely, as I chair the Cybils nonfiction category and this was a simple but clear post on why we Dewey - in neighborhoods and in our juvenile nonfiction section. http://celebratescience.blogspot.com/2016/09/disturbing-dewey-its-good-thing.html
  • I made a short Utube video of our Lego Building Club over the years. Very short.
  • Working on Fairy Tale Adventure
  • Working on toy collection
Reader's Advisory
  • reluctant reader about 9, likes animals and riordan but only on audiobook. recommended dog diaries, heroes of olympus, and ninja meerkats
  • about 1st grade, ready for beginning chapter books but wants pictures, struggles to read comics. recommended Branches (esp. Boris)
  • seasons
  • animal tracks
  • Halloween crafts
  • high level reader who doesn't like "bad guys". Recommended Henry Reed, Farley Mowat, and Paddington. Parent also took Clementine.
  • easy reader questions. 

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Sugar and Ice by Kate Messner

[Digging through the archives...]

I write this on a cold evening in March when my internet has mysteriously died again, sigh, and I am on a review splurge. So.

Claire Boucher loves to ice skate. She skates on the pond by her family’s maple farm, she teaches smaller children in their skating club, and she’s been working for months on a solo routine for the Maple Show with her warm and beloved coach. She loves their maple farm, her best friend Natalie who is a keeps bees, and math. Then Groshev, a famous skating coach, shows up at the Maple Show and offers her a scholarship to train at Lake Placid. Claire isn’t sure how she feels about this. Her older cousin, Charlotte, is in training to be a professional skater and she knows it’s hard. She’s not sure she wants to give up so much. But everyone thinks it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, everyone is making sacrifices so she can go, so…she does.

She finds out it’s harder – and more painful - than she had expected. She barely has time for her schoolwork, let alone her friends and her family. Groshev isn’t warm and understanding like her old coach, and the competition is fierce. Worst of all, some of the other girls will do anything to discourage her, from mean whispers to vandalism. Is it worth it? Does Claire really want to be a professional ice skater? If she does, does she have what it takes?

Messner does an excellent job not only portraying the competition, ambition, and squabbles in an extremely competitive sport but also the real characters of the people involved. She doesn’t sugarcoat the emotional and physical hardships that accompany this competitive sport, but she also writes enthusiastically and beautifully about the people who enjoy it and the beauty of figure skating. Claire is a wonderful character, realistically excited and nervous about trying something new and difficult, confused and hurt as she tries to fit into another world, and finally triumphant as she stands up for herself and makes her own decisions. There is a little bit of innocent romance as she makes friends with a boy in her skating group, but the main focus of the story is on Claire and her trials and triumphs.

Verdict: Highly recommended. I think it’s mainly going to appeal to girls, since so much of the story is focused on Claire and her female friends and enemies, but it will definitely appeal to any middle grade or young teen girl who likes realistic stories, whether or not she’s into skating or other sports. I would really like to buy this one but I don’t think I can fit it into my budget; I’ve already bought a lot of “girl” realistic fiction this year. However, I will crunch a few more numbers and we’ll see…

[Revisited: This title is still in print and still popular in my library. I don't know that I've ever gotten any boys to read it, but girls like the mild romance and the ice skating aspect. The cover hasn't dated much and it's available in both hardcover, paperback, and prebound]

ISBN: 9780802720818; Published December 7, 2010 by Walker Childrens; Borrowed from another library; Purchased for the library

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Small Readers: The Cookie Fiasco by Dan Santat

Elephant and Piggie are gone but not forgotten. Mo Willems has started a new imprint, with stories introduced and epilogued by the duo, featuring a variety of fun, well-known authors and illustrators.

One of the first two books is written by Dan Santat, creator of Beekle and other favorites. Hippo, Croc, and the squirrel siblings have a plate of delicious cookies. But there are only three! Someone will not get a cookie! Or will they? Fractions and hilarity ensue.

I have loved Dan Santat ever since I encountered his illustrations in Attack of the Fluffy Bunnies (ask me about the stuffed vampire bunny with hypnotic eyes I sewed) but I have to admit this wasn't all I had hoped for. Is it funny? Yes. Is the addition of fractions subtly and skillfully done? Yes. Are the illustrations and speech bubbles delightfully positioned? Yes. Is it a good easy reader? Well....

Santat's style is colorful with sharp lines and edges but also tends toward the crowded and close-ups. I felt like a lot of the story was shouting in my face and the rapid jumps from capitals to smaller fonts was disconcerting. Also, for readers trying to practice fluency and comprehension, expecting them to pick up on the mathematical concepts is too much.

Verdict: Will kids love this? Absolutely. Should you buy it? Definitely. It's not necessarily what I'd promote as a great easy reader per say though. It will be a better choice as a read-together or for more advanced readers.

ISBN: 9781484726365; Published 2016 by Hyperion; Purchased for the library

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Imagine a city by Elise Hurst

This book took me back to many beloved British fantasy classics as soon as I saw its Victorian setting and black and white drawings.

The magical journey begins on an old-fashioned steam train as two children embark on an imaginative journey to a mysterious city where animals mingle with people and strange buildings tower over the crowds. The wind catches umbrellas, swooping the people and animals on the streets off to the next adventure and they fly through the sky on a floating fish, visit a library where the books come alive, and explore all the wonders of the imaginary world. The story ends with the marvelous world held in a globe and the children fast asleep on the train.

I loved the art but felt that it could easily have stood alone without the accompanying text. The words didn't add anything to the plot or the experience of the book itself and were a distraction from delving into the pictures. I don't generally care for rhyming picture books and thought the words were superfluous at best and saccharine at worst, "The past carries on/and sunlight is breathed in a murmuring song" accompanies pictures of a vaulted hall with giant sculptures, skeletons, flying fish and pterodactyls, and a mix of people from a lady wearing a kimono to a fox reading a brochure.

Verdict: Use this as a wordless book to inspire imagination in older children or for quiet readers to pore over on their own. An additional purchase, but one that will resonate with a number of readers.

ISBN: 9781101934579 ; Published October 2016 by Doubleday; F&G provided by publisher for review

Monday, October 17, 2016

Nonfiction Monday: Real or Fake? by Emily Krieger, illustrated by Tom Nick Cocotos

National Geographic rules in the genre of what I like to call "factoids"; collections of fun facts. This book challenges kids to analyze photos and "facts" and figure out which are real and which are fake.

The introduction gives three criteria for deciding what is true and what isn't; check the details, compare the story to your own experience, and be skeptical of things that sounds too good to be true.

The stories range from fake new stories (there will be six days of total darkness this December!) to gags that people took seriously, like the BBC's documentary about spaghetti trees. There's also wacky true tales, like the battle over guano-covered islands in the Pacific or elephants' ability to communicate long-distance through seismic signals.

Interspersed with these longer (four page) stories are quick quizzes of facts and photos. Some are odd jobs (Hotel Bed Warmer is an actual job) or multiple choice quizzes - mosquitoes, not sharks, are the deadliest animals on earth, etc. The photos include obviously photoshopped images as well as tricky perceptions and wacky poses.

The book is illustrated with a combination of photos, collages of images, and lots of splashy color and layouts.

Verdict: While kids will certainly enjoy skimming through this, I didn't feel that the brief introduction offered enough information on how to evaluate the information. So, I wouldn't use this for teaching information evaluation skills, but just for fun!

ISBN: 9781426324055; Published 2016 by National Geographic Kids; Review copy provided by publisher

Saturday, October 15, 2016

This week at the library; or, We plan all the things and realize that we may possibly have planned too many

What's happening at the library and in my head
  • Monday
    • Playgroup with Pattie
    • Tiny Tots (Pattie)
    • Read with Pearl
    • The day started. I was happy and upbeat. Then the printer happened. Now I hate everything.
  • Tuesday
    • Toddlers 'n' Books (2 sessions) (Pattie)
    • Rock 'n' Read
    • Girl Scouts
    • Now the laminator hates me. WHY.
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
    • Workshop
Professional Development

  • Youth Services Workshop
    • Some great takeaways from the teen presentation by Emily Ellis and of course as always we enjoyed our colleague Abby Bussen's spirited presentation. She rocks!

Projects in progress and completed
  • Back to working on toys again. Updating, cleaning, repacking and more.
  • Cleaning out YA storage books
What the kids are reading
  • Week of Mondays (threw me b/c it was a kid and I couldn't place the book, then realized the older sibling wanted it)
  • Ugh lexiles. Talked the parent into taking Summer I saved the world anyways as well as Notebook of Doom.
  • I survived
  • Princess Pink
  • Bad Kitty
  • Mouse soup
  • books about puppies
  • storybook movies - Scholastic
  • construction
  • Pete the Cat
  • sports books for 4th grader
  • american chillers
  • baseball
  • hank the cowdog (we don't have any)
  • movie recommendations - found someone to appreciate wind in the willows!

Friday, October 14, 2016

Squish: Captain Disaster by Jennifer and Matthew Holm


[Digging through the archives...]

I purchased this for the library of course. Squish isn't quite as popular as Babymouse, but mostly because not all the kids have realized there's another series. I probably should have shelved Squish with Babymouse.

Squish tackles the world of sports in this title, joining a soccer team, the Water Fleas, and dealing with constant losing. He's thinking of himself as Captain Disaster, when he figures out how to play to his players' strengths and they start winning.

However, his friends, dad, and coach all insist that he's being mean by not allowing everyone a chance to play and have fun and that's what sports is all about (never mind the other teams who made fun of them when they lost). Squish lets his other friends play and they lose, but everyone has fun.

I don't remember the other Squish stories having quite as much sarcastic snark, but it's been a while since I read one and I don't think most kids would notice it anyways. I didn't care much for the message of this one myself, but mediocrity seems to be the goal in education now and a lot of parents and teachers will like this. The kids just like the weird amoebas.

Verdict: If you're buying Squish, and of course you are, buy it. Library bound. Feel free to roll your eyes in private if you, like me, are not an advocate of teaching children that hurty feelings are the most important things in the world.

[Revisited: Eventually I reorganized the graphic novels and both Babymouse and Squish are now shelved together under Holm (along with all her other titles). Squish shot up in popularity and we recently used it in book club to great enthusiasm from the kids. This particular title is not much of a stand out though the series as a whole is great.]

ISBN: 9780375843921; Published 2012 by Random House; Review copy provided by publisher (added to summer reading prizes); Purchased for the library.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Small Readers: We are growing! by Laurie Keller

Elephant and Piggie are gone but not forgotten; their legacy continues in a new imprint, Elephant and Piggie Like Reading! This is one of the first two titles to debut in the series.

Laurie Keller, author of such oddball favorites as Arnie the Doughnut and The Scrambled States of America, does not disappoint in bringing her trademark humor to this comic-style easy reader. Eight blades of grass are all the same until they start growing. Soon they begin to have different shapes - the tallest, the crunchiest, the dandiest - but what is Walt? While they're trying to decide, BUZZZ along comes the lawnmower. Now nobody is the -est at anything anymore. Or are they?

The story is bookended by Elephant and Piggie introducing an exciting new story and then commenting that it is the "funniest". Keller's art focuses on the eight grass blades. Although it lacks the white background of Willems' work, the soft shades of green and faint shadows work admirably and the contrasting colors of the speech bubbles are an excellent choice for beginning readers.

Verdict: A great first entry in a new series, sure to charm children and grown-ups alike.

ISBN: 9781484726358; Published 2016 by Hyperion; Purchased for the library

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

The summer Nick taught his cats to read by Curtis Manley and Kate Berube

Nick does everything with his cats, Verne and Stevenson, except read. The cats are really not into the whole reading thing. Nick just can't fathom not sharing one of his favorite activities with his best buds, so he decides to teach them to read. At first, it doesn't go so well, but then Verne gets interested.

But not Stevenson. No matter how much fun Verne and Nick have reading together, Stevenson remains obdurate. But then they discover that it just takes a little searching to find the right book - and Stevenson becomes a reader. The rest of the summer is an exciting journey through books as Nick reads and adventures with his favorite friends.

Berube is a bright new talent in the picture book world and her watercolors are just perfect, showing the cats' opinion of being taught to read, from grumpy face to snarly whiskers, as well as Nick, a cheerful boy with a swirl of curls and an imagination that just doesn't stop.

While I'm usually not a fan of library or book-themed books - I feel like it's preaching to the choir and a bit self-indulgent - I can really get behind this one. It has a strong, humorous plot besides the "love reading" message and even sneaks in a subtle hint; Stevenson gets into reading after drawing and being allowed to choose his own books.

Verdict: A perfect summer read. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9781481435697; Published 2016 by Paula Wiseman/Simon and Schuster; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

Monday, October 10, 2016

Nonfiction Monday: Pink is for Blobfish by Jess Keating, illustrated by David DeGrand

I finally got my hands on a copy of this unique new nonfiction title. It's a concept book, an animal book, a fact book - it's just fun! It's also, hopefully, the beginning of a new nonfiction series - The World of Weird Animals.

Keating, author of quirky middle grade novels like How to outrun a crocodile when your shoes are untied, uses her zoology background to introduce readers to pink like they've never seen it before. From blobfish to pink fairy armadillos to pink land iguanas, pink is everywhere in the natural world. But there's more to these animals than just their color. Interesting history and quirky facts are included as well as basic stats about each animal. So, for the spread featuring roseate spoonbills we not only get a lovely photograph of this stunning bird, we also see some silly cartoons, learn what makes their feathers pink, and their history of near extinction and conservation. There's also a column of facts from their species name, size and physical description, to habitat and predators and threats. Back matter includes a map showing pink animals around the world, a glossary, and further information.

Verdict: This is a great gateway title to get kids who are past the typical "animal fact" fare but not ready for more challenging series like Scientists in the Field engaged in nonfiction. I'm looking forward to more titles in the series. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9780553512274; Published 2016 by Alfred A. Knopf; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library

Saturday, October 8, 2016

This Week at the Library; or, Cough Cough

What's happening at the library and in my head
  • Monday
    • 1st grade class visits (2 visits)
    • Read with Pearl
    • Autism Support Group
    • Oy. What a day. I still have a cough from my sinus infection, which is annoying. Sick staff, schedule changes, staff meeting, phone calls, emails, working on reports, packing outreach baskets, and on and on. I am thankful to the fate which determined this would be the one time I have my phone by my bed (something I normally never do) and so was able to come in and meet the 1st graders! Two very sweet classes - especially loved the kids who helpfully translated their classmate's remarks for me, when I couldn't understand him. We read Eat Like a Bear and talked about omnivores and what bears do to get ready for winter, Round Robin and talked about birds flying south and Tap the Magic Tree and talked about how leaves change (which I may have made up - I should check that) and how important bees are. Phew! I'm also grateful for our awesome reading dog and her mom, who can handle things without me!
  • Tuesday
    • Toddlers 'n' Books (2 sessions) (Pattie)
    • Bookaneers
    • Pattie made glittery pumpkins with the toddlers and they were many happy faces meandering around the library. Happy babies always makes the morning more cheerful. I worked on this week's programs, av orders, and some possible grant stuff. We had a very loud and enthusiastic book club. We were so chatty we barely had time to pick our next books! Making our own escape plans a la The Great Pet Escape was a favorite activity. Some of us wanted to talk about Rosa Parks, but things were a bit too loud and raucous for serious conversation at that point. Some important things I couldn't leave until later so I finally left well after six. I'm tired.
  • Wednesday
    • 2nd grade community walk (2 sessions) (Jess)
    • Outreach Storytime: Autumn (4 sessions)
    • Youth Center: Oven-Bake Clay
    • Jess covered the 2nd grade community walks while I did outreach storytimes in the morning and afternoon. Then I worked again on reports, then I went out to the youth center. Although the kids had really, really wanted clay again they were more meh this time. Still, about 10 participated. They are very worried about Killer Clowns (and Trump). Then I finally finished my reports.
  • Thursday
    • Books 'n' Babies
    • Messy Art Club: Leaf Art
    • Sara the Librarian came to my rescue with leaves! Most of the morning was taken up with the latest news: Trump is definitely coming to town this Saturday (the middle schoolers were correct on this one, but I am not taking their word for the killer clowns). The fair grounds are up the street from the library so we need to be prepared. At Messy Art Club I had a huge group at the beginning and then suddenly everyone left! But many leaves were used.
  • Friday
    • Outreach Storytime: The library is fun! (5 sessions)
    • Phew. I love all my four year old and five year old kindergarteners but that was a marathon, especially since I still have a miserable cough. I did three back to back morning storytimes at once school, raced across town to do another, then back to the library to grab some lunch and then an afternoon storytime. I spent the afternoon working on scheduling staff and programs for the next couple months. I have some shopping for work to do this weekend, but other than that the week is over!
Projects in progress or completed this week
  • Monthly outreach baskets to 4K packed and sent
  • Updating schedules through December. This was very complicated and involved Math.
  • Monthly report
What the kids are reading: A selection
  • books about solar energy for younger kids (teacher request) - gap in collection.
  • level 1 readers for school visit - kids really wanted Scooby-Doo but I don't have any readers
  • wimpy kid
  • talked to several fans about new manga coming (as soon as I finish reviewing it)
  • fall, apples, pumpkins. will I ever have enough?
  • Open Up, Please! and Shapes, Reshape! were both super popular at storytime

Friday, October 7, 2016

The Ballpark Mysteries 6: The Wrigley Riddle by David A. Kelly, illustrated by Mark Meyers

[Digging through the archives]

This is a new (to me at least) beginning chapter series that was completely off my radar until the publisher sent me some review copies.

It's a pretty typical beginning chapter series - some nondescript kids, simple mysteries, and a quirk that defines the series. The quirk for this series is that all the mysteries are set in famous ballparks. Cousins Mike and Kate are the detectives and Kate's mom is a sports reporter, which provides the backstory for them having access to so many famous ballparks. In this particular mystery, someone is cutting the historic ivy in Wrigley Field and the kids have to decide who's a suspect, look for clues, and set a trap to catch the culprit.

Along the way there's lots of history about the ballpark and the teams who have played there as well as the fans. The "Dugout Notes" at the back add even more details and context for the various events and traditions referenced in the book.

Verdict: This is a nice idea - mysteries with a baseball theme - and while there's nothing outstanding about it, it's a perfectly serviceable series. It's a nice touch to make the mom a sports reporter; I have a lot of girls ask for sports books and this does a good job of having a female detective and showing a nice balance of male and female fans. If you have space for another beginning chapter mystery series, this is a good choice.

[Revisited: This series is up to 12 with more titles coming in 2017 as well as some super specials. Kelly has also started a second sports-themed mystery series, MVP, Most Valuable Players. This series has grown in popularity and is definitely a good choice to add to your beginning chapter mystery series. It may eventually replace older staples like A to Z mysteries and Cam Jansen.]

ISBN: 9780307977762; Published 2013 by Stepping Stone/Random House; Review copy provided by the publisher; Donated to the library and the rest of the volumes in the series purchased.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Weekends with Max and his Dad by Linda Urban, illustrated by Katie Kath

Max is nervous about spending his weekends with Dad, now that his parents are divorced. It seems like his dad doesn't know him well at all - he's not into football anymore! The apartment is bare and lonely too. Fortunately, both Dad and Max are willing to compromise and talk things out. Each weekend they have a new adventure, from being spies to taking out a neighbor's dog, to a school emergency. Finally, Max feels at home in both his homes - his house and his apartment.

Black and white illustrations dot the story, showing quirky Max, his nerdy Dad, and their gentle adventures.

I am very much torn about this book. On the one hand, there are very few titles for younger readers that portray divorce. This is matter-of-fact, without angst, and shows Max dealing with changes in his family in a gentle, friendly way. It also portrays a fun sense of imagination and exploring the city. On the other hand, Max feels very young for a third grader. I have a hard time seeing any third graders I know wanting to go out and play through a complicated spy scenario to the extent of dressing up. There's also little to no mention of electronics, a big part of life for most kids this age. At 150 pages, it's too long for the younger audience and the general tone of the characters and "adventures" is too young for kids who could handle that length.

Finally, the whole divorce scenario just didn't match with the real-life experience of most kids in my community. I generally see parents racing around to get kids to all their scheduled activities, handle a complicated schedule of handing the kids back and forth, and basically just getting on with life. The slow, relaxed pace of the story just dragged after a while. Max's dad's ignorance about his changing tastes was odd - was he absent from Max's life for a long time? Why is he such a stranger to Max? For a dad who is planning to be this involved in his child's life, his uncertainty doesn't ring true.

Verdict: While this will be perfect for some communities - I'm thinking higher income, urban scenarios - it doesn't fit my community. The childishness of the characters and length of the book make it difficult to find an audience as well.

ISBN: 9780544598171; Published 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Small Readers: Pug by Ethan Long

I have to admit that, in general, I do not share the public's adoration of pugs. I am really not a fan of small dogs in general. However, I am a fan of Ethan Long and he rocks the easy reader format in this entry in Holiday House's I Like to Read series.

Pug looks out the window and sees his friend Peg going on a walk, in the snow. He tries to coax each member of the family into taking him out but to no avail until he threatens Tad with a leg lift. But is he too late? Will he find Peg?

Long's cartoon art has been compared to Mo Willems but he has a style that is very much his own, Sleek, clean lines blend with solid blocks of color to create pictures that are funny without too many intricate details distracting from the text. The text itself is one of the rare titles that is truly an emergent reader with simple, repeating words and phrases.

The only drawback is the format of the book, which for this series is in picture book size, and the lighter color of the font - I prefer a darker, more contrasting font myself.

Verdict: Although I have some issues with this series, this book is almost perfect and I strongly recommend adding it to your easy reader sections. I usually request multiple titles from this series for use in early literacy classes and this one is definitely going on the list.

ISBN: 9780823436453; Published 2016 by Holiday House; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Nobody likes a goblin by Ben Hatke

There aren't a lot of truly magical, as in fantasy, picture books out there but Ben Hatke seems to have caught the knack. Fun for younger kids, full of sly humor for older kids, and even more subtle jokes for the adults.

Nobody likes a goblin. But he has his friends, like Skeleton, and plenty to do in the caves. But what's a goblin to do when his best friend gets stolen? A determined goblin puts on a crown and marches out into the sunlit world to find his friend.

Unfortunately, nobody likes a goblin. He gets chased, yelled at, threatened, and finally he's trapped. Or is he? Turns out, there might be someone out there who does like a goblin after all...

Hatke's cinematic art is the perfect match for this story, which both incorporates and flips fantasy tropes. Shaded caverns, recognizable adventurers, and an adorable pop-eyed goblin, determined to save his friend, ramp through the pages. I especially liked the surprise of the fate of the girl at the end...

Verdict: A unique and delightful story, perfect to fill gaps in your collection and enjoyable for all ages.

ISBN: 9781626720817; Published June 2016 by First Second; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

Saturday, October 1, 2016

This week at the library; or, I'm not at the library

Vacation! I was off Monday - Thursday and came in on Friday and Saturday. I had Craft-o-Rama on Friday, which is basically the Storyroom open with crafts all day long, 10-5pm. On Saturday, I worked the information desk and Pattie ran "It's Great to be Three" a program for three year olds.

During vacation I reviewed books, cleaned my apartment, gardened, had a sinus infection, put together a new chair (old one broke), worked on Cybils, went out to eat with Sara the Librarian, cataloged my trashy romance ebooks, worked on the brick walls around my garden, read books, did paperwork, cleaned the kitchen, and went on walks. I felt miserable for most of it, but at least I was productive, even though I didn't feel particularly productive.

In the day and a half back at work and in between desk shifts, I tackled updating the outreach plans (needed for next week), cleaned off my desk, wrote reports and processed statistics, started prep for book club on Tuesday, updated outreach schedules, answered emails, refilled displays, tackled more of the toys waiting to be updated, worked on Facebook posts, and worked on planning the fairy tale adventure.

I'm not sure if I'm rested or not.

I went to a wedding. It was lovely - the bride was a fairy princess! I have never been interested in having a wedding, but after seeing that dress....