Blog of Note

Jon Scieszka (SHEH-ska) was born September 8, 1954; he is the author of many hilarious children's books.  In  2008, Jon was named the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.

His blog, Jon Scieszka Worldwide http://www.jsworldwide.com/ , covers every imaginable topic realted to Jon Scieszka, including news about his books, Frequently Asked Questions, his touring schedule and his personal history, all reported with great humor.

 Well known for his fractured fairy tales (The Frog Prince, Continued, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, and The Stinky Cheese Man and Fairly Stupid Tales), Jon has developed a devoted fan base that ranges from middle-grade readers (The Time Warp Trio) down to the pre-school set (Trucktown). His Guys Read website http://www.guysread.com/ addresses the specific needs of boy readers, a group that could benefit from a little attention now and then.  His mission is to help boys become self-motivated, lifelong readers.

Jon Scieszka - Exclusive Video Interview

Junibacken

Junibacken is a children’s museum devoted to Swedish children’s literature, featuring Astrid Lindgren, author of the Pippi Longstocking books.  The museum includes a theater, restaurant and the largest children’s bookstore in Sweden.  http://www.junibacken.se/lang/english

Galarvarvsvagen Stockholm 115 21
Sweden

46 8 587 230 00

http://www.youtube.com/user/junibackenstockholm

2007 Harry Potter Night at the Wellesley Free Library

Anita Silvey talks about Wemberly Worried!

For some children, the end of August means preparing to go to school for the very first time. For them August has been designated Get Ready for Kindergarten Month. If you are hunting for a book that might help the very young overcome some of their anxieties about school, today we’ll look at Kevin Henkes’s Wemberly Worried and tomorrow, Antoinette Portis’s Kindergarten Diary.
First published in 2000, Wemberly Worried appears to be one of the many Kevin Henkes titles headed for classic status. As a young artist, Kevin got a head start on creating books for children. He always knew he wanted to write and illustrate books, and he got his foot in the door of a publisher when he was nineteen. Since then, he has crafted one fabulous book after another.
Although Kevin is now married with children of his own, he is one of those gifted creators who has never forgotten what it feels like to be small and young and vulnerable. His books always have a truth to the way children think and feel.
In our book of the day, Kevin opens the story with these words: “Wemberly worried about everything.” And readers get to see all the things that concern our mouse heroine—such as shrinking in the bathtub. Although everyone in her family tries to tell her not to worry—including her pretty hip grandma mouse sporting a “Go with the Flow” T-shirt—Wemberly just can’t help the thoughts that go through her mind. The radiator might contain a snake; a tree might fall on their house. So when school looms, she worries about the beginning of school. On a two-page spread her worries are even listed in large type: a mean teacher, a smelly room, finding the bathroom.
But of course, in Kevin Henkes’s universe, everything turns out for the best. Wemberly finds a friend and discovers that her teacher, Mrs. Peachum, may not be so bad. By the end of the first day, she jauntily walks out of the room, telling everyone she’ll return. “I will,” she says. “Don’t worry.”
By creating a character full of neuroses, Kevin Henkes allows children to laugh at their own fears and feel that, in the end, going to school might just not be so bad after all.
So to relieve your children’s anxiety—and your own—about the beginning of a new school year, pick up Wemberly Worried. I should probably read it to my graduate students on the first day of class—it applies equally to them.
Here’s a page from Wemberly Worried:

 

Because even dogs have birthdays...

We had a lovely birthday party for Mariah tonight!  Mariah is one of our Read to a Dog hostesses and turned 11 today.  Please check our calendar http://www.libraryinsight.com/calendarkids.asp?jx=ji for upcoming Read to a Dog events this fall!

E.B. White Award for Picture Books

WINNER: The 2010 E.B. White Award for Picture Books



The Curious Garden
by Peter Brown
978-0316015479
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Price: $16.99 HC
Pub date: 4/09
While out exploring one day, a little boy named Liam discovers a struggling garden and decides to take care of it. As time passes, the garden spreads throughout the dark, gray city, transforming it into a lush, green world. One boy’s quest for a greener world… one garden at a time.

The committee said: “One of those books that shows what effect one person can have. The art and language works together beautifully; it’s inspiring, but not at all preachy. Bravo!”

---

Peter Brown will be visiting the Wellesley Free Library in September; stay tuned for details!

Reading Rainbow

Reading Rainbow may have gone off the air in 2006, but we have DVDs in the children's room; come in and check one out!

Along a Long Road by Frank Viva --- anxiously awaited!!

Follow that road!

Speed off on an eventful bicycle ride along the bold yellow road that cuts through town, by the sea, and through the country. Ride up and around, along and through, out and down.

Frank's striking graphic style is executed in just five joyous colors, and his spare, rhythmic language is infectious.

Hit a bump?
Get back on track!
Reach the end?
Start again!

Frank Viva is an illustrator and graphic designer who has won more than 300 awards. His illustrations have appeared in Time, Esquire, the New York Times, the Boston Globe ­and on the cover of the New Yorker. A past president of The Advertising & Design Club of Canada, he is passionate about cooking, wine, and his daily bike ride to the office. This is his first children's picture book.

Quote of the day...

"It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer."

— E.B. White (Charlotte's Web)

Under One Sky-A Multicultural Celebration with Davis Bates & Roger Tincknell

Changes in our collection...

Easy 1 and Easy 2 picture books are now united in one wonderful collection!  Shelved alphabetically by the author's last name, the picture book collection is one of the jewels in the children's room; come in and explore!

Young Scientists Program August 4, 2011

A recent Young Scientists program at the Hills Branch; reptiles were presented by the Museum of Science!

New Book Group This Fall!

Chick Chat is a book group for young adults in grades 6,7, and 8. While the group focuses primarily on “chick lit,” the group is open to everyone. Light refreshments will be served. We hope to see you there!

Chick Chat's first title will be Bras and Broomsticks by Sarah Mlynowski. Living in New York City with her mother and her younger sister, Miri, fourteen-year-old Rachel tries to persuade Miri, who has recently become a witch, to help her become popular at school and to try to stop their divorced father's wedding.

Chick Chat's first meeting will be on Saturday, September 17th at 3 p.m. in the Quigley Youth Room.  For more information or to pick up a copy of the book, stop by the children's room or call 781-235-1610.

More about Mo

"My work in children’s books, animation, television, theater, and bubble gum card painting have garnered 3 Caldecott Honors, 2 Geisel Medals, a Geisel Honor, 2 Carnegie Medals, 6 Emmys, and multiple bubble gum cards."

To look at the doodles of Mo Willems and much, much more:

http://mowillemsdoodles.blogspot.com/2011/07/updates.html

Are you a Mo Willems fan?

Reaching an almost cult-like status, Mo Willems has made an enormous impact in the world of children's literature in recent years.  His Knuffle Bunny series is so popular at the Wellesley Free Library that patrons are unlikely to find an available copy on the shelf, and his Elephant and Piggie beginning reader series is gobbled down in huge greedy mouthfuls by happy families, to the point where we are finding that over 7 copies of each title is not enough to satiate rabid fans.  And let's not forget the Pigeon!  His sarcasm and dry wit has won over millions; follow him on Twitter @The_Pigeon

For more on Mo Willems go to:
http://www.mowillems.com/

Anita Silvey's Book-a-Day Almanac

Daily children’s book recommendations and events from Anita Silvey.
Discover the stories behind the children’s book classics . . .
The new books on their way to becoming classics . . .
And events from the world of children’s books—and the world at large.

http://childrensbookalmanac.com/

Anita Silvey has been the editor of The Horn Book review journal and the publisher of children’s books at Houghton Mifflin. She estimates that she’s read about 125,000 kids books over the past 40 years. When she’s not reading, she teaches courses in children’s literature, writes nonfiction, and travels all over the country talking to parents, teachers, and librarians about the best books for kids. Visit her at anitasilvey.com.

Blog of Note

Try Roger Sutton's blog, Read Roger.  He's been the editor in chief of The Horn Book, Inc, since 1996 and was previously editor of The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books as well as a children's and young adult librarian.  Read Roger is a great source for the latest and greatest information in the world of children's literature as well as bursting at the seams with lively conversation.

http://readroger.hbook.com/

Hilary and Abe

Enjoy this animated short featuring Abraham Lincoln and Hilary Clinton discussing the merits of modern libraries!

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/12333641/dancing-with-abe

Cricket Magazine

Bursting with fiction, fantasy, folk tales, adventures, poems, history, and biography, Cricket magazine has won nearly every award given to children’s literary magazines. For over 30 years, Cricket has delivered quality writing and illustrations from authors and illustrators like Lloyd Alexander, Tomie DePaola, and Trina Schart Hyman. Advertisement-free, this magazine creates a space where children’s voices can be heard through its monthly story, poetry, art, and photography contests and its lively “Letters to the Editor” page, known as “The Letterbox.”  In this day and age filled with commercial offerings for children, Cricket magazine gives us sanctuary and nourishment, a safe place for children to explore the world. 

Recommended for ages 9 to 14.

Francesca Lia Block

Who is Francesca Lia Block?  This Los Angeles native writes postmodern, magic-realist tales that are at once both gritty and beautiful.  Her descriptive writing style is sparkly and transcendent, lending an otherworldly quality to harsh urban landscapes. She describes her own work as “contemporary fairy tales with an edge.”

The Youth, Young Adult and Adult Fiction collections feature such Francesca Lia Block titles as Weetzie Bat,  Echo, Girl Goddess #9, The Hanged Man, I Was A Teenage Fairy, The Rose and the Beast: Fairy Tales Retold, Wasteland, and Violet & Claire.

To learn more about Francesca Lia Block, log on to  http://www.francescaliablock.com/books

or follow her on Twitter @francescablock

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

Homer and his older brother Harold are orphans living on their uncle's farm in Maine during the Civil War. Harold is tricked into joining the Union Army and Homer wants to rescue him from military service. Since their uncle is a hard task master both boys would love to run away and have a life of their own. What follows is an adventure in running away, encountering outlaws and other nefarious characters. Fortunately help comes along from a Quaker farmer active in the Underground Railroad and a naiive clergyman who accompanies Homer on his quest to save Harold. The fun of the adventure is Homer's ability to reinvent the truth and tell tales or lies as needed to escape various situations. The book is a very satisfying and humorous read. You also get a first person account of what life was like during the Civil War.

Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick

Life is difficult and often unexpected in 1910 frontier Alaska.  Sig's father dies, accidentally frozen to death when he attempts to cross a thawing lake.  Fourteen year old Sig is left to guard the corpse while his step mother and sister travel to the distant town for help. Sig's grief and loneliness is soon interrupted by a violent mysterious stranger who claims that Sig's father owes him a fortune in gold. Sig knows nothing about any fortune, but he does know that there is a loaded Colt revolver hidden in the cabin. If only he could get to it -- then again, Sig's only fired the gun once in his life, and never thought his life might depend on aiming it at another human being, no matter how terrifying the circumstances.

This is a taut, tightly written novel of suspense with the added pressure of the forbidden frozen Alaskan landscape. Give yourself lots of time -this is a hard one to put down!

check the catalog

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

In 1899 in rural southern Texas, girls were expected to learn to keep house, make fine embroidery and cook for their families. Calpurnia Virginia Tate, known as Callie Vee, feels this is most unfair and would much prefer to spend time with her grandfather exploring nature and learning about Charles Darwin. She would like to have the same opportunities for an education and a paying job as her 6 brothers do. Her parents disagree of course. Only her grandfather understands and it is his interest in her and his sense of humor which save the day for both of them.

Crispin: the end of time by Avi

This is the final book in the trilogy which began with Crispin, the Cross of Lead. Crispin and Troth are in rural France. They are lost and do not speak French. Some helpful villagers lead them to a convent where Troth feels more at home than she has ever felt before. Crispin reluctantly leaves her behind to search for the country of Iceland where Bear had told them they would find a land of freedom. He finds a way when he meets a company of musicians and thieves. However he must escape from them to pursue his dream of reaching Iceland. If you have read the first two books you will want to finish the journey. If you missed the first two books, the story will still satisfy your sense of adventure in a dangerous and exciting land.

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

What is time? Can you move between time now and another time? Can a person reach out to help another person in another time and place? If you have read A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle you will appreciate the connections with this book. It is the main character, Miranda’s favorite book and helps her understand some mysteries involving several unusual people in her New York city neighborhood.

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Finn is a prisoner in one of the worst prisons imaginable, Incarceron, a dilapidated wasteland where no one leaves --ever.  No matter, Finn is sure he came from Outside, and is determined to somehow return there.  Claudia lives Outside, but her life isn't so easy either.  She's a pawn in a complicated game of political intrigue involving arranged marriages, secret alliances, lies and half-truths.  They'll need each other to solve their problems, but what they need more is to understand Incarceron.  It's more and less than they think it is, and time is running out for both of them. 
Incarceron is the first of a two book series, and sure to be a popular with fans of The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner or anyone who appreciates well-written, complex, action adventures.  The sequel Sapphique is due out in December 2010, but the good news is that Fisher has several other excellent fantasy series available.
check the catalog

The Dreamer by Pam Munoz Ryan illustrated by Peter Sis

Neftali is keenly aware of his environment including his family and things he finds and collects while exploring outside. Because he is sickly he is often confined inside and must rely on his younger sister’s description of what she sees from the window. Unfortunately for both of them their father is overbearing and determined to make them physically strong and intellectually brilliant. Naturally this leads to conflict and this conflict finally leads Neftali to leave for university in a distant city.
The story is based on poet Pablo Neruda’s life. He also had a difficult father and left his family when he went to the university. Later he became one of the most famous poets in the world. The illustrations perfectly show the details which Neftali sees and feels but in a day dreaming kind of way. The three panels at the beginning of each chapter outline the progression of events in the chapter.
Neftali cares deeply about people’s feelings and fairness. Through his story you will also gain insights into what it means to have dreams you want to pursue. The library has a biography of Neruda in the Children’s collection, and many volumes of his poetry and stories in the adult collection.
check the catalog

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

The latest and greatest from Rick Riordan (author of the Percy Jackson series) doesn't disappoint. True, it's a bit long and provides the reader with tons of information about Ancient Egypt and 21st century siblings Carter and Sadie Kane, but Riordan's thrilling new series starts off with a bang!

Carter and Sadie Kane see each other only twice a year. Older brother, Carter lives (or rather travels) with his father an archeologist specializing in Egyptian artifacts who drags Carter around to different dig sites. Sadie has been living in London with her grandparents since her mother mysteriously died several years ago.

On one of their rare family outings they travel with their father to the British Museum where strange things begin to happen and Carter and Sadie are thrust into a world they never knew existed. With help from a few new friends, the siblings must work together to complete a dangerous journey and uncover the mysteries of their family's ancient history.

check the catalog

Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Originally published in 1993, one of Zafon’s earliest works has finally been published in English. A suspenseful tale about a dark and mysterious presence in a small Spanish costal town; Zafon does not disappoint with this thrilling, dark and adventurous tale. Realistic relationships, brilliant writing and vivid details make The Prince of Mist another Zafon triumph.

Siblings, Max and Alicia Carver and their family move into a house once inhabited by the Fleischmann family; sadly the house has a tragic past as young Jacob Fleischmann drowned on the beach just meters from his home. Almost immediately, young Max experiences a dark sense of foreboding… something evil is lurking in the sleepy costal town and it’s only a matter of time before danger strikes and the mysteries of years past are revealed.

As Max, Alicia and their friend Roland explore the town and the ominous Orpheus, a ship that sank off the coast 25 years ago questions arise and the sinister feeling about the town intensifies. The three friends feel that answers lie with Roland’s grandfather, Victor, who is unwilling to explain all he knows about the ship and the person known as the Prince of Mist. Unanswered questions, eerie statues hidden in the mist, tragic deaths, and the lure of a dangerous magician, set the friends on a perilous and deadly path.
check the catalog

Time of the Witches by Anna Myers

Ever wonder how the Salem witchcraft hysteria started? What were the real reasons the entire town was caught up in the accusations, trials and executions? Time of the Witches explores the household of Mistress Putnam who was troubled by the deaths of many of her infants. She had one healthy daughter but was unable to truly run her household and care for her family. In this book the story is told by an orphan who lives in the household as a companion to the daughter. Through her eyes we see the role Mistress Putnam plays in influencing events in the community. Her motivations and relationships with neighbors are portrayed as an important key to understanding what really happened. Compare this book with Beyond the Burning Time by Kathryn Lasky
Check the catalog

13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison

Tanya is being bullied by fairies that only she can see.  Far from being sympathetic, her irritated mom sends her to live with a cranky grandmother in a dark and gloomy English manor house. Tanya is warned against entering the equally gloomy forest that surrounds the house, but  of course, she has to enter the forest . . . where she encounters Fabian (the caretaker's son), a long dead ghostly girl, and even more fairies; who all seem to know who she is -- even though she can't tell a goblin from a pixie. This is one of those atmospheric, gothic fantasy stories that make you want to curl up, read, and let the whole world disappear.  Originally published in England, this book won the independent bookseller's Waterstone award for children's books, and will most likely show up on many 2010 best-of-year lists, an honor that this absorbing modern-day fairy tale well deserves.
check the catalog

Cosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Liam, an unusually tall twelve year old, fakes his way onto a space rocket, the ultimate thrill ride, posing as the dad of a classmate. Not a problem, until things don't go as planned, and Liam is supposed to be the grown-up in charge.  Yikes!   Think Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, but without any adults, and  flying out of control through space.  Good thing Liam has trained for this very situation with his extensive background in online gaming. 
Check the catalog

The Cookcamp by Gary Paulsen

A short quick read, memories of a 5 year old who spent some time, maybe several months with his grandmother. She was a cook for a road crew building a road in rural Minnesota during WWII. Before and after this visit he lived with his mother while his father was away in the war.

From the road crew he learns to enjoy being a boy who will become a man. He is befriended by the 9 man crew and warmly looked after by his grandmother.
Check the catalog

Season of Gifts by Richard Peck

Fun read with the continuing story of Grandma Dowdel. We learn more about her through her new neighbors, the preacher's family. She is up to the task of helping a neighbor and helping the town deal with the area bullies and their families.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

I just finished Hatchet a book I should have read ages ago.
It lived up to its reputation as a good read and a good adventure. It seemed as though Brian, the main character figured out more that could be expected to survive in the wilderness. However, the themes of patience, listening, awareness and appreciation were well represented and good ones for any coming of age story. I especially identified with his appreciation of the openness and quiet of the setting when looking toward the western sky and the setting sun.

Check the catalog

Herbert's wormhole

A wormhole is a connection to time travel in the future. Herbert and Alex travel through their video grame's wormhole to a future ruled by aliens.Herbert meets his future self who along with Sammi the girl next door, are instrumental in them defeat the aliens in a ball game and return home.

Freaky Monday

The model president

Brian Tacang has written a story about true friendship in the format of candidates for election to school council. The fashion design and modeling school in town has closed temporarily for renovationsand the student will be attending the regular school in town. Of course the 2 groups don't mix or even get along and when it looks like the fashionable Fiona might win the election to class president,ordinary Millicent needs to find a way to be herself and win the election. Her true friends come through and help. Fortunately, the renovations are completed quickly and Fiona and friends can return to their own school.

Poppy and Ereth

Avi has written the last book in the Poppy series. In this book Poppy's husband, Rye, dies unexpectedly, Poppy and Ereth both mourn him in their own ways. But Poppy's grandson Spruce is able to bring the family and friends together and look forward to new life in Dimwood forest.

Crows and Cards by Joseph Helgerson

I was interested in reading this because of a review which compared it to Mark Twain. the review was right on! The book takes place on the Mississippi river, riverboat, gamblers, and runaways all included. The main character, Zebulon Crabtree, age 12, is sent downriver by his parents to apprentice with a great uncle in a tannery. He falls under the influence of a riverboat gambler, Chilly, and never makes it to his great uncle's place. Instead he learns alot about who he is and life in general from the gamblers, a runaway slave and a blind Indian chief and his daughter. At the end he decides of course that gambling is not for him. The fun is watching the tale unfold and seeing how Helgerson puts it all together. Wonderful characters and lots of fun.

Check the catalog

Umbrella Summer

great read - http://library.minlib.net/record=b2670456

Freaky Monday by Mary rodgers

Like Freaky Friday, this time the English teacher and a student trade places when they read a passage from a book together. this creates chaos for both in their ordinary days, and confusion for classmates and fellow teachers. but in the end they both have a greater appreciation for the others viewpoint.

Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls

Fun story about a girl and her brothers who are moving to a new house in the middle of the school year. Allie isn't happy about the move and tries to stop her parents' plans. Chaos results but the move turns out OK thanks to Uncle Jay's words of advice.