Middle Grade Books Rock!

This is a cute way to recommend some good middle grade books from the folks at Book Riot. I myself enjoy a middle grade book quite often. And if you're someone who works with this age group and have to discuss books, you already know there are a lot of good books written for this age group. Next up for me, I think I'll try Almost Astronauts by Tanya Lee Stone, Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin and I've heard a lot of good buzz about El Deafo by CeCe Bell.

Bear Alert!

Here's another Monarch nominated book for the 2016 ballot. Bear Alert by David Biedrzycki.

The bears head into town after their hibernation is over. The news is all over the story! There is a news "scrawl" text at the bottom of the pages as the bears go on their adventure.  Side humor kids may or may not get like a sign describing porridge or clothing reminiscent of other famous bears. Cute story to read with funny voices. I like the cartoon artwork.

READ THIS BOOK!!!

Lego Engineering!

Well, my combined STEAM: Lego Engineering and Jr. First Lego League Showcase was a big hit 2 Sat. ago. as previously posted. However, Legos will be on the back burner during summer reading, so here's a few last pics.

The Adventures of Beekle

The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat is a 2015 Caldecott Medal winner. It's a beautifully told and illustrated picture book about an imaginary friend waiting for a human friend to discover him. Not wanting to wait, he takes matters into his own hands to find a friend. Sweet ending for imaginary and real friends alike. You may have noticed, I like book trailers. Here's the one for Beekle:

  

And here's a link to get Beekle activities to go with the book: Beekle Party Kit.

Enjoy!

Indie Bookstores are sooo Cool!

Just came across this article by MPR News online about the resurgence of independent book stores. I'm a huge advocate for community libraries, but sometimes you just have to own that special book or give the gift of reading and what great businesses these places are for their communities. Check out the full article: http://www.mprnews.org/story/2015/04/30/books-indie-bookstore-day.


The Village Bookstore in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
I love this place! I've been here many times.
http://www.villagebookstoremn.com/


Birch Bark Books and Native Arts in Minneapolis, MN.
Owned by author Louise Erdrich.
I have this place on my to-do list next time in MN.
http://birchbarkbooks.com/


Another cool bookstore in my old neck of the woods.
http://www.excelsiorbaybooks.net/
Any cool book stores in your neck of the woods?

Summer Reading in January?

Summer is a month away. In Libraryland, it is THE season. It's showtime! It is so important we start planning in January (at least getting a theme to get the ball rolling).

Now that it is right around the corner, we are putting together the final touches on our programs and schedules. It's exciting! We get to try new programming ideas, order fresh supplies, see some new kids, get to know the new volunteers, hear stories of fun summer activities. I am planning 3 events. Basic themes: Minecraft Music Party, Nature's Music, and a Just Dance Party.

  

Details are coming together and the supply list is being made. What a joy it is to get to plan parties. It was one of my favorite things to do as a mom and now I get to be paid to do it! Figuring out what kids will like, what experiences will be meaningful to them, what will bring them in to participate in reading books, and what will work for the community and the library, is such a cool part of working at the library in June, July AND January. Summer Reading=Work=Fun!

Happy Friday!