This week at the library; or, Goodbye February

Happening at the library

• Monday
• Open Storyroom
• Paws to Read
• Teen D&D
• Intern
• Tuesday
• Craft-o-rama
• VIP Volunteers
• Girl Scouts
• Wednesday
• Early Literacy Outreach Storytimes (4 sessions)
• Drop-in Winter Wigglers
• Intern
• Friends Meeting
• Thursday
• Books 'n' Babies
• Intern
• Friday
• Early Literacy Outreach Storytimes (3 sessions)
• Library on the Go (3 sessions)
• Free Lego Build
• Saturday
• Worked at the library 41 hours; 16.5 hours on desk; 7 programs

Notes

• I was congratulating myself on Friday that I left on time at 1pm. Then I remembered that I was supposed to leave at 12:30. Or earlier, b/c of all the extra hours I've put in recently. Also that I had not eaten lunch. Oh well. I am not sorry to see February go.

Beetle Battles: One Scientist's Journey of Adventure and Discovery by Doug Emlen

This slim nonfiction chapter book starts out as a scientific examination of the biology and evolution of beetles, but then expands into a much wider exploration of weaponry and evolution.

Emlen begins by taking readers through his scientific journey as a young student studying beetles in the jungle. He was fascinated by the horns and weapons of various beetles and, after an abortive search for one species, settled down to study dung beetles in Panama. His pivotal discoveries included the use of beetle horns as well as the way beetles with no horns or small horns "cheated" to win against the bigger, more heavily-weaponed beetles.

From this biological beginning, Emlen goes on to consider how weaponry is used in other species, including humans. He shows how his studies into the rise and fall of weaponry in beetles, and other animals, could be used in the study of human weaponry. The last few chapters explore the growth, design, and pitfalls of human arms races and how they can be compared to the animal world. The story comes full-circle as Emlen revisits his original study site in Panama with his children.

This isn't exactly a young reader's edition, more of a companion volume to Emlen's 2014 adult book, Animal Weapons. Back matter includes an epilogue, author's note of further reading and resources, photo credits and index.

I'm trying to keep a balance between high-interest, low-level nonfiction, which is the backbone of our juvenile nonfiction collection, and more challenging, high-reading level narrative nonfiction. About one-third of my nonfiction circulation is teacher requests, and I've seen, especially over the past few years, that kids simple can't read the more challenging books. However, I do have individuals and some teachers ask for the more challenging nonfiction. One teacher visits from almost an hour away to browse and make selections for her class from our nonfiction collection! Nonfiction is a personal interest for me as well and I'm dedicated to making sure I have a wide range of topics and reading levels.

Verdict: While this is fairly challenging as far as vocabulary and concepts, and readers will need to have a high level of comprehension to follow the reasoning and how the different subjects fit together, it's also fascinating, full of interesting information and anecdotes, and a mix of subjects that will appeal to a wide readership. It's less than 200 pages, so although the text is pretty dense it's not as intimidating as it might be. This won't be for every collection, but for high-level 5th grade readers on up, especially those with an interest in science and the military, this will be of great interest.

ISBN: 9781250147110; Published December 2019 by Roaring Brook; Purchased for the library

Unicorn Diaries: Bo's magical new friend by Rebecca Elliott

Back in the day, when Scholastic was first starting its Branches line and I reviewed Owl Diaries, I was skeptical. Sure, the illustrations were colorful, but would any kid really get into it? Several years (and a LOT of Owl Diaries) later and I admit the error of my ways. This time, when Rebecca Elliott released a new series, about unicorns no less, I bought 4 copies of each title to start with.

Rainbow Tinseltail, Bo for short, is a teal-green plaid unicorn with rainbow horn and a curly pink, star-studded tail. Bo lives in a magical forest with the other unicorns, who appear on a full moon. Each unicorn has a special power; Bo is able to grant wishes. When Sunny, the newest unicorn appears, he doesn't know his power and Bo, who wants a best friend as well as to earn a special patch, befriends Sunny while trying to get him to make a wish to know what his power is.

After various mild adventures, Sunny and Bo fall out over Bo's efforts to get Sunny to use a wish, but they become friends again and Sunny eventually figures out his power on his own. It isn't, as I expected, something lame like "making people laugh" which I expected after the story's plethora of sweetness.

Like Owl Diaries, the story is bright and colorful, with lots of rainbow hues, pink and sparkling touches, and things like cloud sleeping and Unipods. However, it's also more sophisticated than one might expect. The unicorns are both male and female, and their powers are not particularly stereotypical. Bo is never given a specific gender; Sunny, Jed, and Monty appear to be male and Nutmeg, Scarlett, and Piper female. Jed can change the weather, Monty can change his size. Nutmeg can fly, Piper can heal, and Scarlett can find useful things. Their teacher is a mustached unicorn, Mr. Rumptwinkle.

The plot of friendship is more than just "be nice to others." It delves into learning and growing at your own pace and how Sunny wants to find his unicorn power on his own.

Verdict: This has all the bright colors that unicorn fans will love, as well as a simple but thoughtful message. Whether or not you have Owl Diary fans, you are sure to have Unicorn Diary fans, so buy in bulk!

ISBN: 9781338323320; Published December 2019 by Scholastic; Purchased four copies for the library

The society of distinguished lemmings by Julie Colombet

The Society of Distinguished Lemmings, a collection of fluffy, striped critters with heavy-lidded eyes rimmed in black, live underground. In their elaborate burrows, they follow the Society’s rules to the T, performing many distinguished acts. But one lemming, Bertie, has had a bit much. He goes outside the burrow for a break and meets… a bear.

Neither one has heard good things of the other. Aren’t bears rather… dim? And aren’t lemmings terrible show-offs? But the bear is willing to be friends and Bertie tries to show him his favorite things, like painting masterpieces. The bear doesn’t care for those pastimes and suggests climbing in trees and jumping in puddles and Bertie… likes it?

Just when they are enjoying a nap, all the rest of the lemmings show up and immediately insist on trying to make the bear more distinguished, so he can be a lemming. The bear tries his best, but… he’s not a lemming. Left alone again, Bertie comforts the bear and when the rest of the lemmings go on a trip, it’s up to Bertie and the bear to save the day! In the end, the lemmings agree with Bertie that the bear is indeed distinguished and everyone can be distinguished - “in any way they choose.”

What sets this apart from the many other “be who you are” picture books, is the hilarious chatter of the shaggy little lemmings, including the hapless Nigel, and their dedication to their artistic and “distinguished” pursuits, which the reader will quickly realize are anything but! The small text - the font of the general text is small as well and often laid over darker backgrounds - and many details make this less than ideal for storytimes, but it would be a hilarious one-on-one read or for children to pore over on their own.

Verdict: Purchase if you have many independent readers who like funny picture books, or small group read-alouds.
ISBN: 9781682631560; Published March 2020 by Peachtree; F&G provided by publisher; Purchased for the library

A trapezoid is not a dinosaur by Suzanne Morris

The shapes are getting ready for a show! But who's this weird blue shape? A dinosaur? No dinos needed for this space show! The different shapes, Square, Circle, and Star, all audition and Triangle gives them parts, but they don't want this weird shape at all! Unless it wants to be a dinosaur. But Trapezoid is NOT a dinosaur! It's a shape all on its own and one that has an important part to play in the space show!

This pun-filled picture book is fun and informative on several different levels. I picked it up while I was looking for additional books for my STEAM activity calendars, and it has lots of geometry involved. Each shape explains itself, using words like "parallel" and "angle" and is compared to the other shapes, so readers can see the similarities and differences. Then there is the social element, as the other shapes learn to call Trapezoid by their correct name and realize that they have contributions to make too, even though they are a different shape. On top of all that, it's funny! Cute cartoons show colorful shapes bouncing around the stage and simple panels showing the show before the show as they get things going. Pun-lovers will be in heaven here, with a generous helping of gems like "Sorry, Trapezoid. You just don't fit in./But I have some good points, too."

Verdict: I read this with 1st graders, who had coincidentally just finished learning about trapezoids and other shapes, and they had a lot of fun identifying the shapes and laughing at the story. We also had some good discussions about "parallel" and what that means. A great addition to storytimes for older kids and to your picture book STEM collections.

ISBN: 9781580898836; Published November 2019 by Charlesbridge; Purchased for the library

This week at the library; or, Will this month never end?

Happenings at the library this week

• Monday
• Open Storyroom
• Paws to Read
• Manager's Meeting
• Intern training
• Tuesday
• Toddlers 'n' Books (2 sessions)
• VIP Volunteers
• OPtions Board Meeting
• Wednesday
• Winter Wigglers: Dance Party
• SRP Workshop
• Intern training
• Thursday
• Books 'n' Babies
• Book-a-Librarian: Sewing (1 session)
• Intern training
• Friday
• Free Lego Build
• Worked at the library 40 hours; 11.5 hours on desk; 1 program
• Worked at home about 3 hours following up on issues at work

Notes

• My head hurts.
• I turned in another grant, worked on juvenile weeding, planned programs, cleaned off holds and checked school cards, got staff and volunteers started on a bunch of projects, ran a 2-hour book-a-librarian sewing session, covered the information desk for staff who were gone, and went over the whole schedule from March to May.
• My staff trained the new intern, attended the SRP workshop, offered programs, helped floods of people, rode herd on increasingly naughty after school kids, and tackled the accumulation in the workroom from the Maker Faire.

Killer Style: How fashion has injured, maimed, and murdered throughout history by Serah-Marie McMahon and Alison Matthews David

This reminded me a little of Sarah Albee's Why'd they wear that? but it's a shorter, more tightly focused book. Working from the head down, each "chapter," one spread or two pages, looks at a different lethal fashion accessory or manufacture and relates it to a modern equivalent.

You may know of the origin of the "mad hatter" with the poisonous use of mercury in making men's hats, but did you know that the use of mercury wasn't regulated in the US until the 1990s? The deadly use of mercury in hat-making began to die an (unnatural) death in the 1960s as fashion changed, but there was never any oversight of the process or its deadly effect on the workers.

Lead in makeup sounds terrifying, but it was only used in ancient and medieval times, by people like Queen Elizabeth I. Right? Wrong. Toxic levels of lead have been found in makeup as recently as 2017.

Exactly how dangerous are corsets? Are your clothes infested with deadly body lice (probably not)? How do your jeans get those fashionable faded streaks and who's dying to put them there?

The brief afterword reflects on the changes in fashion; some dangers in the book were chosen by their victims, some were not. Manufacturing became safer because of inventions, changes in fashion, and, more rarely, regulation. But the authors suggest readers take a few extra moments to think about their fashion and who it might be affecting, from wearing dangerously high-heeled shoes, to thinking about the most vulnerable workers in other countries. The book ends with sources, credits, and a brief index.

Verdict: This isn't as complete an overview as Albee's book, but it's a great browsing choice for readers who like interesting and sometimes gruesome facts. It doesn't instruct or demand changes in how we experience fashion, but it does lay out facts and true stories and suggest readers think and choose for themselves. A good addition to your nonfiction sections on fashion and/or social justice and global community. This would also be of interest to teens and I plan to add it to my YA nonfiction section.

ISBN: 9781771472531; Published April 2019 by OwlKids; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library

What is the story of the Wizard of Oz? by Kirsten Anderson, illustrated by Robert Squier

This is a new mini-series coming from the popular Who Was series.Who Was titles are biographies, Where is focuses on geography/culture, and What was is generally history of culture. This fits into the What Was section, but is its own little section, "What is the story of...?"

Each book, in the popular format, explores a different pop culture show or icon. Other titles include Frankenstein, Dr. Who, Scooby-Doo, and Hello Kitty. I picked this one up because I like Oz stories, although I wouldn't exactly call myself a fan (of anything).

It starts with a quick recap of the life of L. Frank Baum and his creation of Oz, along with the early incarnations of it on the stage. It covers the main continuations by Ruth Plumly Thompson and continued efforts to reproduce the beloved stories on stage and screen. Of course, the famous MGM production, along with trivia and its initial reception (not good) are covered and later popular versions including The Wiz and Wicked.

Most time is given to the MGM movie and the stage show of Wicked. Simple black and white illustrations mimic the styles of Neill and Denslow, as well as showing appropriate clothing styles for the various time periods.

Verdict: This is a nice overview of a pop culture moment that kids may or may not be aware of. It's briskly written with a sprinkling of drawings. Fans of the series are sure to be interested in picking up this and other entries in this new mini-series.

ISBN: 9781524788308; Published October 2019 by Penguin Workshop; Purchased for the library

Read, Read, Read, said the Baby: Goodnight, Rainbow Cats by Barbara Castro Urio

This looked very attractive, but no libraries in my consortium had it to preview, so I decided to take a chance and buy it. It’s a Spanish import and won the 2019 Bologna Ragazzi Award (I have no idea if that’s something really outstanding, or more like being on the bestseller lists).

The cover shows colorful cats, each a pastel swoosh of color with white eyes, rolling, playing, and stretching across the cover. A die-cut rectangle at the base middle of the book goes to the back page. On the first page, we see the die-cut is the door of a house, a simple bare outline of a block house with a chimney. One window shows red (this is the one flaw in the book - in my opinion, this is red-orange, heavy on the orange, and not really red at all). On the left side of the page, the text reads, “Who is asleep in the big white house? It’s Little Red Cat, resting up in her room! Goodnight, Little Red Cat. Now, here comes Little Green Cat. Where are you going, Little Green Cat?”

Turn the page, and a green window has been added - Little Green cat is resting in the big white house. The story continues through all the colors, from a simple yellow and brown, to light-blue, to crimson and lime-green. In the end, all 12 windows have a color and the last page shows the 12 cats curling across the inside of the house in just the right way that their colors shine through.

My only quibble with this is that some of the colors don’t seem quite right; this could be the result of the new publication or maybe it’s just a cultural thing. Otherwise, this story is perfect for what it does - put kids to sleep.

Verdict: This isn’t a storytime book; it’s a lovely, peaceful bedtime story and I can imagine reading it over and over with a little one to send them peacefully to sleep.

ISBN: 9781452182131; Published November 2019 by Chronicle; Purchased for the library

One snowy morning by Kevin Tseng, illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte

This is a light and fun new take on the classic “animals finding something in the snow and getting confused” trope, i.e. The Mitten. These animals, a squirrel and a chipmunk to be precise (Yes, chipmunks hibernate in the winter and it’s the same size as the squirrel. Let’s call it a ground squirrel and then they can both be up and about) find a bunch of weird things stuck in the snow.

Of course, kids will instantly realize they’re looking at a snowman, complete with classic top hat, mitten hands, scarf, buttons, coal eyes, and a carrot nose. After they play around with the bits and pieces for a while, attracting the interest of other woodland friends like a mole, bird, owl, and rabbit, they come up with a plan. Using the coal and sticks as fuel, the hat, scarf, and buttons as a table and settings, they make “dragon tooth soup” out of the carrot nose. However, the next morning they feel a little guilty at taking all the things so they put them back, in almost the same spots! The story ends with a fox and cardinal toting off the remaining hat, mittens, and other pieces for their own celebration.

The endpages at the beginning show the building of the snowman, adding each piece to its proper place, while the final endpapers show the wacky recreations of the snowman’s accessories, with the scarf as giant bunny ears, multiple button eyes, or the hat and a stick as a goofy tail. Wulfekotte’s simple, sweet illustrations have just enough detail to attract kids who like to see little animal houses and a gentle humor that goes well with the classic storyline.

Verdict: The simple text and predictable elements of humor make this that rare item, a good toddler storytime book and it’s sure to be a hit whether or not you live somewhere with snow. Recommended for storytime collections

ISBN: 9780735230415; Published November 2019 by Dial Books; Purchased for the library

Fred's Big Feelings: The life and legacy of Mister Rogers by Laura Renauld, illustrated by Brigette Barrager

This is a picture book biography of Fred Rogers. Like many picture book biographies, I have the feeling that it's really directed more at adults than kids, but it would probably work fine in a school setting.

The story starts with Fred Rogers' childhood, when he was a shy, pudgy boy with asthma. He liked playing with puppets and the other kids teased him for his weight and his sensitivity. Freddy learned to handle his feelings through music and through the unconditional love of his grandfather. Fred's life changed further in high school when he became friends with a popular football player and saw how he could be a leader and spread kindness. The story continues through Fred Rogers' journey towards creating his television show and giving children a voice for their feelings, to his testimony in front of the Senate. The story ends with the ending of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.

An author's note goes into more detail on Fred Rogers' life and influence, which continued into the future. Barrager's art is colorful and simple, showing emotions, especially love, radiating throughout the book through colorful lines and artwork.

Verdict: Adults are sure to appreciate this book and it's a good choice to have on hand to talk about handling emotions, kindness, and how one person can make a difference.

ISBN: 9781534441224; Published January 2020 by Atheneum; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library

This week at the library; or, Maker Faire

Happening this week

• Monday
• Books for bedtime
• Open Storyroom
• Paws to Read
• D&D
• Girl Scouts
• Tuesday
• Toddlers 'n' Books (2 sessions)
• Pokemon Club
• VIP volunteers
• Lakeland tour
• Wednesday
• Winter Wigglers: Fit Kids
• Lakeland Tour
• Thursday
• Lakeland field trip
• Books 'n' Babies
• Library on the Go outreach: OPtions
• Friday
• Free Lego Build
• Saturday
• Maker Faire Workshop: D&D
• Maker Faire Workshop: Escape Room (3 sessions)
• Sunday
• Maker Faire
• At work approx. 42 hours; 10 hours on desk; 3 programs
• Approx. 5 hours work at home

Notes

• It was a crazy week. 30+ people showed up for Pokemon Club and the Maker Faire was a LOT.
• The first Pokemon Club we tried was just for middle school and teens. We had 3 middle schoolers and 2 high schoolers who wandered in later. Lots of parents asked for something for the younger kids, so we opened it up. Phew! There were a LOT more kids than I expected! We had them all packed into the Storyroom, some playing/trading cards, a bunch making Pokemon t-shirts, and then we had to reshift the whole group to set up the movie. Next month, we'll be spreading things out. The kids who want to play/trade cards will go upstairs in the Friends room. The kids who want to do activities will be using fabric crayons on squares to make their own Pokemon quilts. Then about 30 minutes in, at 5pm, we'll start a movie in the teen area.
• I am REALLY grateful that my awesome colleagues at the school run the Maker Faire. My little part in it is a very minor one and it's a lot of work - can't imagine what they go through! They registered over 2,000 free pre-tickets and we had a pretty steady stream past our booth, especially in the afternoon. This year I brought the sewing machines but we never used them - I think I won't bring them next year. We didn't use the button-maker either. Our two main projects were crocheted beaded bracelets and cardboard loom weaving. We did show a number of kids how to do this, and other kids just got to take something. I got a lot of sign-ups for maker workshop email news and that was the main thing I wanted. We also got rid of *cough* gave away about... 200? kits for sewing aprons and potholders branded with the logo of a local sports team. The school gave us the opportunity to try them this year - they got a really good bulk discount. The aprons were pretty popular and aren't too hard to make (especially if you don't pay too much attention to the instructions.) The potholders are a different matter and... don't do well near heat. Which kind of defeats the purpose. We did end up next to a drum demo too, so I've run out of voice, but really I have no complaints - very well-run faire and our part was easy! Also, it was not freezing cold and raining this year, another bonus.

Caught: Nabbing history’s most wanted by Georgia Bragg, illustrated by Kevin O’Malley

Georgia Bragg wrote the popular How they croaked and How they choked history tidbit collections telling of famous deaths and failures. Both are frequent circulators in my library, especially 4th grade and up, and I was surprised and excited to find out I’d missed a new book in the same vein.

This is a mix of different historical characters, most, though not all, criminals, how they were caught, and what happened to them afterwards. The brief introduction, “Either way, they’re all famous” isn’t really true, since several are obscure, as even the text admits, but explains that they are all people who were “caught” doing something. The chapters average 10 pages long and each begins with the person’s name, birth, and death dates and ends with a spread or two of facts and stats about the person and their time period. It’s illustrated with black and white cartoons and includes a bibliography and index.

The people included are Joan of Arc, Sir Walter Raleigh, Caravaggio, Blackbeard, John Wilkes Booth, Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Mata Hari, Typhoid Mary, Rasputin, Vincenzo Peruggia, Bernard Otto Kuehn, Anna Anderson, and Al Capone.

I had mixed feelings after I read this. On the one hand, it’s not as funny as Bragg’s other books and the collection of people included isn’t really very organized. There’s not really much that Al Capone and Joan of Arc have in common! The “caught” theme is pretty loose and I think Bragg would have done better to continue her series and go with a more organized theme, like how criminals were caught or something. However, it is light and amusing to read, well-researched, and offers young readers a different viewpoint on people who they may have only heard briefly in passing, if ever.

Verdict: Buy where Georgia Bragg’s other books are popular.

ISBN: 9781524767419; Published September 2019 by Crown Pub; Purchased for the library

Read, Read, Read, said the baby: Baby Loves a first book of favorites; photographs by Molly Magnuson

This photographic board book was recommended in several blogs and definitely lives up to the hype. Smiling babies, three white and three with darker skin and two with textured hair, are pictured individually with an item that they love. On the facing page, a circle of related items are shown and readers are encouraged to find what the baby is holding.

So a brown baby with curly, textured hair in a yellow onesie is shown clutching a red sippy cup with the text, “When Baby is thirsty… Baby loves a full SIPPY CUP.” The opposite page says “Find the SIPPY CUP! and pictured are the red sippy cup, a purple bib, yellow mug, red bowl, blue-handled spoon, and lime-green plate.

Readers will find a banana among fruit, puppy amidst familiar animals, ball with classic toys, and red sweater with other pieces of clothing. The book ends with a reiterated picture of all five babies from the story and a new baby holding up their arms and inviting a hug, “babies love to feel LOVED!”

Part of the genius of this, besides the clear, simple layouts and nice mix of races and poses shown in the babies, is that it truly is designed for babies and toddlers; it doesn’t matter if the child doesn’t know the names for things or is still working on recognizing their colors. They can match the correct item to the one being held by the baby in the picture. Caregiers can also expand the book by discussing the other itmes in the pictures.

Verdict: A must-have for your board book shelves.

ISBN: 9781419737367; Published October 2019 by Abrams; Purchased for the library

Let's dance by Valerie Bolling, illustrated by Maine Diaz

The endpages of this new dancing book are covered in all kinds of different dancing shoes, from cowboy boots to toe shoes. Each spread shows a different dance, from a different country, all demonstrated by a variety of dancers, including a boogie dancer in a wheelchair. The text is brief and simple, "Boogie down/to the ground/Up on toes/strike a pose/leap high/fly, fly, fly" covers two spreads. The first shows boogie dancers in a disco, the second ballet dancers (one in a hijab) floating across a colorful background.

The art is colorful with a smooth, animation-like finish. At the end of the book, there is a brief sentence giving the name and origin of each dance; "African-American youth created Breakdancing. Breakdancers can do amazing stunts, like handstands and headspins!"

When kids ask me for books about dancing, they're usually girls wanting ballet books. However, I am also in the process of collecting books that encourage movement and work well in a storytime context. My staff are now in charge of our winter movement series, Winter Wigglers, and more movement-based books are always useful. This is a friendly introduction to many different kinds of dances for young children, perfect for preschool and kindergarten storytimes and movement programs. One-on-one readers can encourage listeners to match the shoes to each dance and if you have a little extra time you can expand the book into a series, trying out a different dance each time. Don't forget the fun dress-up clothes!

Verdict: If you're in on the trend of movement in libraries, this is a great introduction to familiar and unfamiliar dances (depending on your community's makeup) and will get kids leaping, wiggling, jingling, and dancing. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781635921427; Published March 2020 by Boyds Mills Press; E-ARC provided by author; Purchased for the library

The first dinosaur: How science solved the greatest mystery on earth by Ian Lendler

Although this book is purportedly about dinosaurs, it’s really about the history and development of modern science. Using the discovery and research into dinosaurs and fossils, primarily in the fossil-rich land of England, Lendler shows the development of science through the Industrial Age and into modern times. The various characters are vividly portrayed, from Mary Anning, ignored because of her working-class origins and femininity to William Buckland, a charismatic teacher and key player in early geology and paleontology, now mostly forgotten. Lendler details the human aspects of science, showing the one-sided feud of Richard Owen and Gideon Mantell, and how Owen’s attempts to destroy Mantell’s career and reputation persisted.

Along the way, Lendler brings in historical context, dinosaurs in fiction, politics, and the early creation of academic research into the past history of the world. He deals respectfully but honestly with religion, showing how many of the early scientists were also ministers who struggled to reconcile their faith with their scientific discoveries. The book is peppered with sidebars, illustrations, and other fascinating bits of information.

An epilogue gives more detail about the careers and fate of the main players, including places, animals, and fossils, starting with Nicolaus Stend, who died in 1686, and ending with the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs, which are currently being renovated and restored for a new generation to enjoy and wonder at. The book includes a bibliography, acknowledgments, credits, and index.

There is one glaring error, which I suspect is a result of the printers, not the publishers. On page 182-183, the illustration of a titanosaur stretches across the page, and a chunk of text at the bottom of the page of 182 is missing. The text reads, “It just so happened that the only three dinosaurs that had been discovered back” and continues on the next page “of the carnivorous Megalosaurus, genuinely terrifying). I would guess the illustration bumped it off the page and somehow nobody noticed.

Verdict: Despite this error, which I hope will be rectified in future editions, this is one of the best narrative nonfiction books I’ve seen in a long time. While centering on England and the scientific development there, it doesn’t shy away from the cultural context, mentioning the exclusion of women and the class struggle that left many unrecognized, even when they had done the work of discovery. It’s a riveting account of the rapid way scientific discoveries changed the world and the way we think. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9781534427006; Published October 2019 by Margaret K. McElderry; Purchased for the library

This week at the library; or, Book Club Week

I would not like to think that anyone missed this moment
I present: the bandage in the book

Happening this week

• Monday
• Open Storyroom
• Paws to Read
• Girl Scouts
• D&D
• Manager's Meeting
• Tuesday
• Toddlers 'n' Books
• Library on the Go: OPtions
• Rock 'n' Read
• VIP volunteers
• Wednesday
• Early Literacy Outreach: Get up and move (5 sessions)
• Winter Wigglers: Fit Kids
• Thursday
• Books 'n' Babies
• Bookaneers
• Friday
• Book Fanatics
• Teen D&D
• Free Lego Build
• Saturday
• A Valentine for you
• At work 41 hours; 9.5 hours on desk; 9 programs

Notes

• Between All the Book Clubs, I am working on figuring out the new report/statistics requirements, end of month reports, and still weeding the juvenile fiction. Also prep for the Maker Faire coming up. I still have a miserable cough and illness stalks the library like a... sick thing coughing on everybody (no, I'm not coughing on everyone. I just need more sleep and lots of staff are sick and we have a major upsurge in behavior issues, and it's not a good start to the month)
• In addition to updating the toys and kits, I'm putting together more detailed instructions for my staff for cleaning and keeping them updated.
• Craft notes: J took stamp art to OPtions and they loved it. I did washi tape on reading notebooks with Book Fanatics. I had a large group (8 I think) but had to kick out a kid halfway through and probably should have made others leave earlier too. I did get some of them to check out books though.

Collection Development

• Very pleased that I filled a school request for animal books and had multiples on every animal! Well, except camels.
• Teacher request for a student who loved Stella Diaz has something to say. Put the next book in the series on hold, Lola Levine, Bea Garcia, Dessert by Durand, Frankie, and Sarai.

New/updated circulating toys and kits

• Storytime kit: Human body
• Maker Kit: Electricity
• Imagine a story: Panda play
• Imagine a story: Horses
• Maker Kit: Beading Crafts

Gold Medal Winter by Donna Freitas

[Originally written January 2014]

Where have you been all my life, beautiful book?

It's not amazing literature. It's not the World's Greatest Plot. It's not award-winning or deathless prose. It will probably never be on a school list and is unlikely to Change Your Life. But this is the book that hits everything girls have been asking me for over the past five years and I am IN LOVE.

Esperanza, Espi for short, never dreamed that her love of skating would come to this point. Self-taught, and then with the support of her mom, coach, local businesses, and friends she's made it to the US championships and now...the Olympics! It's exciting and frightening and challenging and unbelievable, but she has confidence in herself, her coach and her family and friends are behind her, and there's some support from an unexpected quarter as well...or is there? As Espi encounters drama, bad choices, and starts losing her confidence, will she make it to the Olympics after all, or will she lose sight of what's most important?

I'm just going to check off all the things I've wanted in a book and that this book hits so perfectly

• A girl playing a sport with plenty of detail and action (I get a LOT of requests for "sports books with girls")
• A popular, eye-catching sport (Figure-skating probably comes in second to gymnastics for sports most-often-requested)
• Light romance - nothing graphic or inappropriate, but a few mild kissing scenes, lots of fuzzy feelings and a little hand-holding. Perfect for middle grade girls who want something a little romantic, and even teaches some gentle lessons about thinking through relationships and not making bad choices.
• A genuine Latina character whose heritage and family are seamlessly woven into the story without the Main Point being Culture

Of course, there's also the perennial popular topics of mean girls, True Friendship, and an exciting climax to round things off. Sure, some of it's probably wish-fulfillment, but that's not the point. The point is that girls who like sports should have books that feature girls playing sports. Latinas should have a wide range of books about Latinas - not just historical fiction and books about their culture, but contemporary, light, fun stories featuring Latina girls who have everyday worries, romantic entanglements, and friendship drama.

[Revisiting this in 2020: It still circulates regularly and is in no danger of being weeded any time soon. When it is weeded it will be for condition and I will replace it if possible!]

Verdict: Great literature? No. But it is reasonably well-written, well-researched, and will fly off your shelves. Buy extra copies, because you will want to hand this to every girl who loves figure-skating, who wants books about girls in sports, and to your Latina readers who would love to see a girl like themselves finally take center stage. The publisher suggests age 10-14, but I have no problem putting this in my juvenile section and recommending it to middle grade, roughly 8-12.

ISBN: 9780545644730; Published January 2014 by Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic; ARC provided by publisher; Purchased for the library (there's a gymnastics one too, Gold Medal Summer - I purchased that as well)

Read, Read, Read, said the Baby: Scratchie by Maria Putri

I can clearly see that this book won't last long - the copy I borrowed from another library has clearly already seen much scratching - but while it lasts, it will be so fun!

On the first spread, readers meet "Scratchie, the cat." who likes to scratch things. She stretches out her black paws, white claws at the ready, her pink toes perfectly round, and invites the reader to have fun scratching things with her! First you scratch a fuzzy, felt doormat together, "Come on, human. Use your claws and try scratching it!" Then climb up a table, scratching wood (vinyl) in the process. Once on the table, you'll find an interesting plastic cup to scratch, a paper (cloth) towel, and a shiny pot. A "soft and squishy" (vinyl) sponge is next, and then, of course, there are cardboard boxes!

The next spread shows Scratchie's owner at the corner, long black hair and a white hand visible, with Scratchie looking (mildly) guilty, trying out her claws on a shirt in the midst of the wreckage in the kitchen. Scratchie stretches, unconcerned, and invites readers to give her a scratch on her fur while she curls up to dream of what she'll scratch tomorrow!

This probably wouldn't work with a large group, but one-on-one it's a funny book that kids, even those without cats, will giggle through. Wide-eyed black Scratchie is an adorable cat, innocently wreaking havoc in the kitchen as she explores and finds things to test her claws on.

Verdict: Be prepared to replace frequently (and maybe shelve near a copy of instructions on how to clip your toddler's nails, just in case).

ISBN: 9781534437654; Published May 2019 by Little Simon; Borrowed from another library in my consortium

Dandy by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Charles Santoso

For all those who love dandelions and wild areas, who abhor the constant, destructive mowing of suburban life, and the sterile lifelessness of lawns... and for everyone who wants a funny story, here it is.

The endpages and title page show a carefully tended suburban neighborhood, not a leaf or tree out of place. The story opens with Daddy lion, looking happily through his window... until he sees "something scary." But when he arrives with the clippers at the terrible dandelion, Sweetie, his little girl, has gotten there first and is watering her flower. Named Charlotte. Her new best friend. The game's afoot and Daddy, urged on by neighbors peering over the hedge, tries everything he can to destroy the hated "weed" but every time Sweetie innocently stymies him. He "gets serious" with disguises, from ninja to pirate, but nothing works. Until Sweetie goes off to swim practice. Then there's no one to stop him from destroying that weed, complete in lawn-grinding lawnmower with spikes and flames! Or is there? Peace is finally declared, and the lawn war ends. For now...

Verdict: This is hilarious and also might give just a few hints to those a little too obsessed with their lawns!

ISBN: 9780316362955; Published April 2019 by Little Brown; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Purchased for the library

The brain is kind of a big deal by Nick Seluk

Although I’m familiar with the author as the creator of The sun is kind of a big deal, a fun and informative picture book in the same cartoon vein as this, apparently he’s known as the creator of a popular webcomic, Heart and Brain. Anyways, he brings his cartoon style to a picture book introducing the brain. The endpages are decorated with cartoons of body parts and goofy pop-culture references, but the book is accessible to a wide variety of ages and interests.

It starts by portraying the brain at an old-fashioned command center, wearing a helmet that connects by wires (nerves) to lots of different body parts. Beginning with the illustration of simply turning the page, Seluk explains how your brain is needed to control, direct, and organize all your body parts and movements. Readers will learn about neurons and synapses, seeing messages carried along the highways of the nerves in little blue cars. Separate cartoons show the brain running the heart and lungs, while a sidebar explains the difference between voluntary and involuntary movement. More complex things, like personality and emotions are also addressed. There is a two-page glossary and a set of brief cartoons about different animal brains at the end.

Verdict: This isn’t a storytime, read-aloud book, but it’s perfect for young elementary kids who can read on their own or with help and want to learn about how the body works. It’s also a great supplement for classroom teaching; caregivers may wish to encourage kids to draw their own cartoons about how the body works as well as think about how they can keep a healthy brain so all their body processes move smoothly.
ISBN: 9781338167009; Published October 2019 by Scholastic/Orchard Books; Purchased for the library

This week at the library; or, Here we go again

I was going to put a picture of the soiled bandage I found
being used as a bookmark, but I left the camera at work

Happening this week at the library

• Monday
• Books for Bedtime
• Open Storyroom
• Paws to Read
• Girl Scouts
• Teen D&D
• Tuesday
• Toddlers 'n' Books (2 sessions)
• VIP volunteers
• Wednesday
• Winter Wigglers Drop-in
• OPtions open house outreach (2 sessions)
• Thursday
• Books 'n' Babies
• Book-a-Librarian Maker Space: Sewing (2 sessions)
• Open Storyroom
• Friday
• Free Lego Build
• At Work 39 hours; 12.5 hours on desk; 3 programs

Notes

• I'm still helping my mom after surgery, so I came in late on Monday.
• OPtions open house was a bust - only two families. Well, we tried! I think I got more traffic at the open house in the fall.
• Long day of sewing, cleaning the basement, and more sewing. We tested some of the kits we got for the Maker Faire. Well.... they were free....