Thursday, May 30, 2013

Our favorite new book: Odd Duck by Cecil Castellucci

Theodora is a perfectly normal duck. She may swim with a teacup balanced on her head and stay north when the rest of the ducks fly south for the winter, but there's nothing so odd about that.
Chad, on the other hand, is one strange bird. Theodora quite likes him, but she can't overlook his odd habits. It's a good thing Chad has a normal friend like Theodora to set a good example for him.
But who exactly is the odd duck here? Theodora may not like the answer.
Sara Varon (Robot Dreams) teams up with Cecil Castellucci (Grandma's Gloves) for a gorgeous, funny, and heartwarming examination of the perils and pleasures of friendship.
 "Varon’s gentle art and Castellucci’s nuanced writing combine in a sweet, quiet tale that celebrates the joys of being unique." -- Booklist * "This clever celebration of individuality delights." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review "A lively friendship story that shows it’s more fun to be different than “normal,” and most fun of all to be different with a buddy." -- The Horn Book * "Warm and with solid insight into the nature of quirk, this title will amuse most readers, and it may be a welcome balm for those who feel a bit different." -- School Library Journal, starred review
 
 
 

About the Author


Cecil Castellucci's books include Boy Proof (Candlewick, 2005), The Plain Janes (Minx/DC Comics, 2007), and The Year of the Beasts (Roaring Brook, 2012). She collaborated with artist Sara Varon on Odd Duck, a graphic novel for young readers. She is the YA editor of the Los Angeles Review of Books and a two time Macdowell Fellow. She lives in Los Angeles.
Originally from the Chicago area, Sara Varon now resides in Brooklyn, New York. When not drawing, she likes to visit the flowers in her yard and pet the neighborhood dogs. Like Theodora, she might be considered an odd duck. Her books include Robot Dreams, Bake Sale, Chicken and Cat, and Chicken and Cat Clean Up. Odd Duck is her most recent graphic novel.

Wellesley Public Schools K-5 Summer Reading List

Best Books for Summer 2013!
Spend the summer with some new books! While there is no reading requirement, we encourage you to enjoy our suggestions. Find this list at each library’s website, via www.wellesley.k12.ma.us. The list is linked to the Wellesley Free Library online catalog at www.wellesleyfreelibrary.org.
 
 
 
Wellesley Public Schools Elementary Librarians Pamela Allen, Rachel Keegan-McGlinn, Ellen Mandel, Liz Rey, Lisa Rogers, Roxanne Scott, Elisabeth Zimmer

Wellesley Public Schools Grades K-5

Picture Books
Abe Lincoln’s Dream by Lane Smith
Lincoln’s ghost returns to see how things have changed. 32p.

A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Everby Marla Frazee
James and Eamon have a wacky week at nature camp! 40p.

Auntie Yang’s Great Soybean Picnicby Ginnie Lo
A Chinese American girl’s auntie begins an Illinois picnic tradition. 32p.

Because Amelia Smiledby David Ezra Stein
A little girl’s smile inspires a chain of loving reactions. 40p.

Boot and Shoeby Marla Frazee
Life’s perfect and predictable for these two pups, until a squirrel mixes things up. 32p.

The Boy Who Cried Alienby Marilyn Singer
Who will believe Larry when he tries to help a group of friendly aliens? 40p.

Cheetah Can’t Lose by Bob Shea
Cheetah thinks he’s the best, but two clever kitties have other ideas. 40p.

Doug UnpluggedbyDan Yaccarino
A robot unplugs to discover the world around him. 32p.

Dragons Love Tacosby Adam Rubin
What might go wrong at a party for dragons? 40p.
 Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycleby Chris Raschka
Expressive pictures describe the frustrations and joys of learning to ride. 32p.

Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Exclamation Mark tries to blend in but always stands out! 56p.

Extra Yarnby Mac Barnett
With a supply of yarn that never runs out, Annabelle knits and knits for everyone in her town. 40p.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmoreby William Joyce
Dropped into a strange land by a tornado, Lessmore changes lives by giving people books to love. 56p.

Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
How many types of green can you name? This clever, creative book has beautiful art! 36p.

The Granddaughter NecklacebySharon Dennis Wyeth
A mother passes along a necklace with the history of her family’s women. 32p.

Have You Seen My New Blue Socks? by Eve Bunting
A duck misplaces his socks—or does he? 32p.

Hello! Hello!
by Matthew CordellA child tries to communicate with her busy family.

The Highway Ratby Julia Donaldson
A dastardly rat terrorizes the countryside in this story inspired by The Highwayman. 32p.

Harry and Hopperby  Margaret Wild
A touching story about a boy who grieves when his dog dies. 32p.

Homerby Elisha Cooper
A dog is content to watch from the porch as his family goes out to enjoy the day. 32p.

H.O.R.S.E.: A Game of Basketball and Imaginationby Christopher Myers
Two friends compete and learn what’s possible when they dream. 32p.

If I Built a Houseby Chris Van Dusen
Jack from If I Built a Car is back with his futuristic dream home, complete with giant slide! 32p.

I’m Bored by Michael Ian Black
A bored girl tries to convince a potato that children aren’t boring! 32p.

Imagineby Bart Vivian
The ordinary becomes extraordinary in this beautiful book. 32p.

Inside Outsideby Lizi Boyd
Peek through die-cut windows to reveal surprises. 40p.

It’s All About Me-owby Hudson Talbott
A cat gives three kittens advice on charming their new human family. 32p.

Just Ducksby Nicola Davies
Mallard ducks are fascinating—and fun!  26p.

Lucky Ducklings by Eva Moore
It takes a village to rescue five ducklings who fall into a storm grate. 32p.

The Matchbox Diaryby Paul Fleischman
An Italian immigrant’s story told through the contents of an old cigar box. 40p.

Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne and the Secret Mud that Changed Baseballby David A. Kelly
A coach discovers a special mud that
primes baseballs for the game --– and is still used today! 32p.

Mossyby Jan Brett
Mossy is a turtle with a garden on her back that is so beautiful, she’s put in a museum. But is this where she belongs? 32p.

Nelly May Has Her Say by Cynthia DeFelice
Nelly learns a new language to work for Lord Pinkwinkle in this funny tale perfect for reading aloud. 32p.

Nurse Clementineby Simon James
Clementine loves practicing her first-aid skills, but her brother does not want to be her patient! 40p.

Olive and the Big Secretby Tor Freeman
Olive learns the hard way that keeping secrets is tough. 28p.

Open Very Carefully: A Book with Bite.byNick Bromley
What would you do if a crocodile fell into your storybook? 32p.

Peanut and Fifi Have a Ballby Randall de Seve
Peanut doesn’t want to share her new ball. 40p.

Picture a Tree byBarbara ReidA celebration of all kinds of trees, in all seasons. 32p.


Puffling Patrolby Ted and Betsy Lewin
Each year, children on an island off the coast of Iceland rescue puffins. Nonfiction. 56p.

The Quiet Placeby Sarah StewartIsabel’s letters to her aunt tell of her adjustment to life in the U.S. 44p.


Sleep Like a Tigerby Mary Logue
A girl tries to convince her parents that it’s not bedtime. 40p.

Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! A Sonic Adventureby Wynton Marsalis
A rollicking tour through a neighborhood’s sounds. 34p.

Take Me Out to the Yakyu by Aaron Meshon
A boy enjoys baseball, in America and in Japan, with each of his grandfathers. 40p.

The Three Ninja Pigsby Corey Rosen Schwartz
Three pigs train at a ninja school to battle a wolf. 40p.

Who Pushed Humpty Dumpty? And Other Notorious Nursery Tale Mysteriesby David Levinthal
A toad detective tracks down criminals in classic tales. 40p.


Biography
 
A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jennifer Bryant
Pippin overcame obstacles to succeed at his art. See one of his works at Wellesley’s Davis Museum! 40p.

Baby Flo: Florence Mills Lights Up the Stageby Alan Schroeder
The story of the Harlem Renaissance-era dancer, singer, comedian. 40p.

Drummer Boy of John Johnby Mark Greenwood
A fabulous story inspired by the boyhood events of Winston "Spree" Simon, the inventor of the steel drum. 31p.

BecomingBabe Ruth
by Matt Tavares
Ruth’s path to becoming a star player. 38p.

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909by Michelle Markel
One girl helps workers stand up for their rights. 32p.

Electric Ben: The Amazing Life and Times of Benjamin Franklinby Robert Byrd
A fascinating biography of an amazing American icon. All. 40p.

The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau by Michelle Markel.
With no training, 40-year-old Rousseau reinvented himself as an artist. 32p.

Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Millsby Renee Watson
The daughter of former slaves, Mills fought her way to Broadway during the 1920s. 40p.

Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Kellerby Doreen Rappaport
A look at the experiences that shaped Keller’s life.  48p.

Henry and the Cannons: An Extraordinary True Story of the American Revolution by Don Brown
How a bookseller brought cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to drive the British from Boston. 32p.

Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketballby John Coy
The story of the game’s 1891 invention in Springfield, Mass. 32p.

It Jes’ Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to DrawbyDon Tate.
At 85, a former slave began drawing memories of his life in Alabama.  32p.

Looking at Lincolnby Maira Kalman.
A girl wonders about Lincoln’s life. 32p.

Louisa May’s Battle: How the Civil War Led to Little WomenbyKathleen Krull
How Alcott’s experience nursing wounded soldiers influenced her writing. 48p.

Monsieur Marceauby Leda Schubert
The world’s most famous mime spoke volumes without words. 40p.

Mrs. Harkness and the Pandaby Alicia Potter
Ruth Harkness explored China’s wilderness to bring the first Giant Panda to the U.S.  32p.

On a Beam of Light: The Story of Albert Einsteinby Jennifer BerneAn inspiring take on Einstein’s lifelong curiosity and genius. 56p.
The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veteransby Barbara Elizabeth Walsh
How Flanders Fields’ red poppy came to symbolize our soldiers’ courage. 40p.

Silent Star: The Story of Deaf Major Leaguer William Hoy by Bill Wise
The story of the first deaf baseball player to have a long career in the Major Leagues. 32p.

There Goes Ted Williams, The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Livedby Matt Tavares
Lyrical prose and stunning art tell how Ted became the greatest hitter ever. 40p.

Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors? The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell by Tanya Lee Stone
How the first American female doctor opened doors for future generations.  40p.

You Never Heard of Willie Mays?! by Jonah Winter
The all-around great baseball player helped break down barriers for African Americans. 40p.



Poetry



A Meal of the Stars: Poems Up and Down
byDana Jensen
Some poems read up, others down. All are delightful.  32p.

African American Poetryby Arnold Rampersand, ed.
Part of the Poetry for Young People series. Classic poems by Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and more, accompanied by beautiful illustrations. 48p.

The Arrow Finds its Mark: A Book of Found Poemsby Georgia Heard, ed. Poets mash up words found all around: advertise-ments, signs, and Facebook status updates.  40p.
Follow, Follow: A Book of Reverso Poemsby Marilyn Singer
Fairytale-based poems that have different meanings when the lines are read in reverse order. 32p.

National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry: 200 Poems with Photographs That Squeak, Soar, and Roar! by J. Patrick Lewis, ed.
This book combines animal poems with amazing photos. 192p.

Pug and Other Animal Poemsby Valerie Worth
Eighteen beautiful poems with collages by Steve Jenkins. 40p.

Seeds, Bees, Butterflies, and More! Poems for Two Voicesby Carole Gerber
Nature poems designed to be read by two voices. 32p.

Poems to Learn by Heartby Caroline Kennedy, ed.
A varied collection of poems, beautifully illustrated, to share. 192p.

Poetry for Young People (series). Various authors. 

Step Gently OutbyHelen Frost
Gorgeous close-up photographs illustrate a poem celebrating insects. 32p.




Grades K-2


A Little Book of Sloth
by Lucy Cooke
Facts and adorable photos from a sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica. Nonfiction. 64p.

Anton Can Do Magicby Ole Konnecke
The illustrations tell what really happens when Anton makes things disappear! Picture book. 32p.

At This Very Momentby Jim Arnosky
Imagine what marvelous things animals around the world are doing at this second. 32p.

Awesome Coin Tricksby Steve Charney
Step-by-step instructions on how to do magic with coins. Nonfiction. 24p.

Benjamin Bear in "Bright Ideas!" byPhilippe Coudray
One-page comics about the hilarious adventures of a bear who rides a square-wheeled bike. Graphic novel. 32p.

Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Foreverby Kate DiCamillo
Celebrate a fun, entertaining friendship. 96p.

Brigid Lucy and the Princess Towerby Leonie Norrington
Brigid Lucy is sure Princess Rapunzel is trapped inside a tower and decides she must rescue her. 104p.

Castle: How it WorksDavid Macaulay
Take a tour of a medieval castle! Beginning reader. 32p. Also: Jet Plane.

Dodsworth in Tokyoby Tim Egan
Dodsworth’s mischievous duck finds adventure in the big city. Beginning reader. 48p.

Frog and Friends: Best Summer Everby Eve Bunting
Frog loves his pond life, but learns to appreciate new friends. Beginning reader. 45p.

Let’s Go For a Driveby Mo Willems
Elephant and Piggie are back with everything they’ll need for a drive. Beginning reader. 64p.

Like Bug Juice on a Burgerby Julie Sternberg
Eleanor’s excited to go off to camp, but she becomes homesick in this novel in verse
Sequel to Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie. Realistic fiction. 176p.

Libby of High Hopesby Elise Primavera
Horse-loving Libby longs for riding lessons, but how can she convince her mom? Realistic fiction. 192p.

Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay
Lulu brings a duck egg to school even though she knows she shouldn’t. Realistic fiction.104p.

National Geographic Readers: Tigersby Laura Marsh
Fascinating facts and photos. Nonfiction beginning reader. 32p.

Penny and Her Marbleby Kevin Henkes
Penny longs to keep a beautiful marble, though she knows she shouldn’t. Beginning reader. 48p.

Pete’s Big Lunch (Pete the Cat I Can Read series)
by James Dean
What a problem—Pete’s lunch is too big to eat! Beginning reader. 32p.

Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttonsby James Dean and Eric Litwin
Does Pete cry when he loses his buttons? Goodness, no! Picture book. 40p.

Rabbit and Robot: the sleepoverby Cece Bell
Why isn’t Robot following the plan for the best sleepover ever?! Beginning reader. 56p.

Sadie and Ratzby Sonya Hartnett
Hannah and her naughty hands, Sadie and Ratz, get into lots of trouble. Beginning reader. 59p.

That is NOT a Good Idea! by Mo Willems
Goslings warn their mom about the dangers of getting too close to a fox in this cinematic tale. Picture book. 48p.

This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
When a little fish steals a hat from a big fish, trouble follows! Picture book. 40p.

A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouseby Frank Viva
Mouse and his explorer friend journey to Antarctica. Are we there yet? Graphic 32p.

Undergroundby Denise Fleming
A boy plants a tree and wonders what’s going on
just below the surface. Picture book. 40p.





K-2 Series


Amanda Pig
by Jean van Leeuwen

Andy Shaneby Jennifer Jacobson

Bad Kittyby Nick Bruel
Calendar Mysteriesby Ron Roy

Cam Jansen by David Adler

Catwingsby Ursula LeGuin

Cork and Fuzzby Dori Chaconas

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoaby Erica Silverman

Daisy Dawson by Steve Voake

Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes

Elephant & Piggie by Mo Willems

EllRay Jakes by Sally Warner

Fly Guyby Tedd Arnold

Franny K. Steinby Jim Benton

Frog and Toadby Arnold Lobel

Horrible Harryby Suzy Kline

Houndsley and Catina by James Howe

Ivy and Beanby Annie Barrows

Keena Ford by Melissa Thomson

Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik

The Littlesby John Peterson

Max and Pinky by Maxwell Eaton

Mercy Watsonby Kate DiCamillo

Minnie and Mooby Dennis Cazet

My Weird Schoolby Dan Gutman

Nate the Greatby Marjorie Sharmat

Roscoe Rileyby Katherine Applegate

Scaredy Squirrelby Melanie Watt

Skippyjon JonesbyJudith Schachner

Splat the Catby Rob Scotton

You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You by Mary Ann Hoberman

Zelda and Ivy by Laura Krasnovsky





Grades 3-5

The Mysterious Benedict Societyby Trenton Lee Stewart
A peculiar newspaper ad leads four children on a quest to stop villains trying to take over the world. Mystery. 512p.

Navigating Earlyby Clare Vanderpool
Miserable at boarding school, Jack befriends Early, whose obsession with finding his brother leads to adventure. Historical fiction. 306p.

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Carley’s mother is far from perfect, and she longs to stay with her foster family. Realistic fiction. 224p.

One Year in Coal HarborbyPolly Horvath
Primrose tries to save a boy who might be her first best friend. Sequel to Everything on a Waffle. Realistic fiction. 216p.

Penelope Crumb Never Forgetsby Shawn K. Stout
Sequel to Penelope Crumb. Penelope’s best friend is becoming best friends with another girl, so Penelope tries to win her back. Realistic fiction. 211p.

Seymour Simon’s Extreme Earth Recordsby Seymour Simon
Explore the extreme parts of our amazing planet. Nonfiction. 60p.

Splendors and Gloomsby Laura SchlitzA tale set in Victorian England about a girl named Clara, a puppeteer, two orphans and a mysterious witch. Historical fantasy. 384p.
Sports Illustrated Kids Full Count: Top 10 Lists of Everything in Baseball by Sports Illustrated Kids
All the baseball facts you could want to know! Nonfiction. 96p.

Starry River of the Skyby Grace Lin
A runaway finds the key to returning the moon to the sky. Fantasy. 288p.
 Stars in the Shadows: The Negro League All-Star Game of 1934
by Charles R. Smith Jr.
Meet Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson and other famous baseball players in this historic All-Star game. Nonfiction. 106p.

Stay: The True Story of Ten Dogsby Michaela Muntean
How one man rescued dogs everyone else considered hopeless. Nonfiction. 40p.

Storyboundby Marissa Burt
Una finds a mysterious book in the basement of her school library and finds herself written into the land of story. Fantasy. 406p.

The Technology of Basketballby Suzanne Slade
Learn about the technology that has revolutionized the game of basketball. Nonfiction. 48p.

Three Times Luckyby Sheila Turnage
Washed ashore as a baby and yearning for her mother, Mo LeBeau finds herself in the middle of a Southern mystery. Mystery. 256p.

Top 25 Football Skills, Tips, and Tricksby Jeff Savage
Also: hockey and gymnastics. Nonfiction. 48p.

Twelve Kinds of Iceby Ellen Obed
A lovely reminiscence of ice skating on a family’s homemade rink. Memoir. 64p.

Unspoken: A Story From the Underground Railroad by Henry Cole
In this wordless picture book, a girl discovers a runaway slave and decides to help him. Historical fiction. 32p.

Wonderby R.J. Palacio
Auggie's facial abnormalities shock most people when they meet him. He and his new classmates spend the year moving beyond first impressions. Realistic fiction. 315p.

The Year of the Book byAndrea Cheng
When fourth-grader Anna needs company, she turns to her favorite books for insight. Realistic fiction. 146p.

Zombie Makersby Rebecca Johnson
These parasites control the minds and bodies of other animals. For real! Nonfiction. 48p.


 




3-5 Series
 
The Borrowers.
Mary Norton

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Roald Dahl

The Cricket in Times Square.
George Selden

Finn Family Moomintroll.
Tove Jansson

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.
E.L. Konigsburg

Half Magic.
Edward Eager

Henry Huggins.
Beverly Cleary

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles.
Julie Andrews Edwards

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
C.S. Lewis

Little House series.
Laura Ingalls Wilder

Matilda.
Roald Dahl

The Mouse and the Motorcycle.
Beverly Cleary

Mr. Popper’s Penguins.
Richard Atwater

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH.
Robert C. O’Brien

My Father’s Dragon.
Ruth Stiles Gannett

The Phantom Tollbooth.
Norton Juster

Pippi Longstocking.
Astrid Lindgren

The Secret Garden.
Frances Hodgson Burnett

Stuart Little.
E.B. White

The Twenty-One Balloons.
William Pene du Bois.

The Wind in the Willows.
Kenneth Grahame

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
L. Frank Baum

39 Clues.
Various authors

Almost Identical
.Lin Oliver

Alvin Ho.
Lenore Look

Artemis Fowl.
Eoin Colfer

Babymouse
Jennifer Holm

Ballpark Mysteries
.David A. Kelly

Big Nate.
Lincoln Peirce

Binky.
Ashley Spires

Charlie Bone.
Jenny Nimmo

Clementine.
Sara Pennypacker

Daniel Boom, Loud Boy.
David Steinberg

Dragonbreath.
Ursula Vernon

Emily Windsnap.
Liz Kessler

Fablehaven.
Brandon Mull

Jake Maddox
sports series. Jake Maddox

Judy Moody.
Megan McDonald

I Survived...
Lauren Tarshis

Katie Kazoo
Nancy Krulik

Lucy Rose.
Katy Kelly

Lunch Lady.
Jarrett Krosoczka

Magnificent 12.
Michael Grant

Mallory.
Laurie Friedman

Martin Bridge.
Jessica Scott Kerrin

N.E.R.D.S.
Michael Buckley

Nikki and Deja.
Karen English

Origami Yoda.
Tom Angleberger

The Penderwicks.
Jeanne Birdsall

The Red Pyramid.
Rick Riordan

The Secret Series.
Pseudonymous Bosch

Septimus Heap.
Angie Sage

Squish.
Jennifer Holm

Swindle.
Gordon Korman

Who Was?
biographies. Various authors








Classics


The Borrowers.
Mary Norton

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Roald Dahl

The Cricket in Times Square.
George Selden

Finn Family Moomintroll.
Tove Jansson

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.
E.L. Konigsburg

Half Magic.
Edward Eager

Henry Huggins.
Beverly Cleary

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles.
Julie Andrews Edwards

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
C.S. Lewis

Little House series.
Laura Ingalls Wilder

Matilda.
Roald Dahl

The Mouse and the Motorcycle.
Beverly Cleary

Mr. Popper’s Penguins.
Richard Atwater

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH.
Robert C. O’Brien

My Father’s Dragon.
Ruth Stiles Gannett

The Phantom Tollbooth.
Norton Juster

Pippi Longstocking.
Astrid Lindgren

The Secret Garden.
Frances Hodgson Burnett

Stuart Little.
E.B. White

The Twenty-One Balloons.
William Pene du Bois.

The Wind in the Willows.
Kenneth Grahame