Where Are My Books?

Where Are My Books? by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
I don't even remember why I requested this book , but it was a simple story about a boy missing his favorite book about Narwhale. He makes a surprise discovery and is transformed into a
mini-librarian. Of course, there is a happy ending.

A Nest is Noisy

A new non-fiction book came in and the illustrations are beautiful. It describes all the different kinds of nests there are in nature. (Alligators make nests too.) There are a lot of cool facts to go along with the beautiful illustrations.

Creepy Carrots and The Dark

   

Following my theme of looking for fun scary bedtime books, Halloweenish kids books, two of my favorites are Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds and The Dark by Lemony Snicket. They would both pair well with the book from my last post, The Wolves in the Walls by Neil Gaiman. I have previously posted about The Dark, but Creepy Carrots is equally as good. Kids love this book and it was repeatedly requested when I worked at the school library. Why are those carrots stalking Jasper Rabbit? Was it just his imagination? You'll have to read to find out.

The Wolves in the Walls

The Wolves in the Walls by Neil Gaiman

While thinking about Halloweenish books for Storytime, or maybe just a drop-in storytelling session, I remembered Neil Gaiman has written a few children's books. I decided to check them out and found The Wolves in the Walls. The title and the cover art told me The Wolves in the Walls would be a good book. Well, after reading it, I can say I did really like it, but I do not know what age to recommend it for. I would say parents should read it first and see if they think their kids could handle it. I would not recommend it for younger than elementary school. Too scary even with the almost "happy" ending. 

The main character, Lucy hears noises in the walls she believes to be wolves, but no one believes her. Finally, the truth is revealed, and the family runs out of the house until they decide to take it back. Although Lucy is frightened, she conquers her fears. I think the illustrations (which I LOVE) are scarier than even the story. I will be reading it as a "let's have fun getting scared" family bedtime book, but not at Storytime.

Have You Seen My Dragon?

 

Really it's:

 

Just a little fun reference about one of my favorite shows. Lol! Actually, this new picture book is a counting book that goes up to 20. Illustrations are black and white except for the counting item. The little dude goes around the city looking for his dragon. Book is a little of a snooze fest to me, but how many different ways can we count to 20 in books?

The Recess Queen

The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill and Laura Huliska-Beth is a great storytime or anytime book about bullies, and friends. Kids will instantly recognize Mean Jean as a bully on the playground. When a new kid comes along, everything changes. Funny sounding and repetitive words are great and could help kids "read along" with the story. The bright, colorful pages will draw their eyes into the story. Paired with Enemy Pie by Derek Munson and Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy, you have a great lesson on being kind and dealing with bullies.

   

Anya's Ghost

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol. Graphic novel. Yes, another in my quest to enjoy reading graphic novels. This is one read via a co-worker's recommendation. It's definitely YA. Some inappropriate language for younger kids, smoking featured. Violence, cheating. All these elements are appropriate for the story for the YA crowd, but not tweenagers. (Although, I'm sure it's nothing new to them, but some parents may object.) I really did like this graphic novel and would recommend it as an easy read for a teen. Looks like I'm getting into graphic novels.

The story centers around a teen girl who encounters a ghost. The girl is struggling with many issues teens do in school: being popular, being cool, grades, crushes, etc. The ghost "helps" Anya but soon Anya discovers a secret about the ghost and has to face the truth of what is really going on. FYI...Don't make ghosts mad!