May 2012 Staff Picks
New staff picks are blooming at the library! For May the youth services staff seems to have animals on the brain, come grab your favorite (or 3) and read them when not enjoying the beautiful May weather!
Alyssa’s Pick:
The Great Paper Caper by Oliver Jeffers – E JEF
For grades K – 3: Published 2009
Synopsis: When tree branches begin disappearing and paper airplanes are left in their place, the forest creatures carry out an investigation to find the culprit who has been stealing their homes.
Alyssa says: This simple but whimsical “whodunit” is a great way to introduce kids to mystery stories and deductive reasoning, as well as to encourage them to solve little mysteries on their own. As an added bonus, the story subtly promotes environmental awareness and teamwork!
Alyssa also suggests:
Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Noisy Problem by Chris Monroe – E MON
Joey and Jet in Space by James Yang – E YAN
Darlene’s Pick:
Won-Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku by Lee Wardlaw – E WAR
For ages grades 2 – 5; Published 2011
Summary: Nice place they got here.
Bed. Bowl. Blankie. Just like home!
Or so I've been told.
Visiting hours!
Yawn. I pretend not to care.
Yet - I sneak a peek.
So begins this beguiling tale of a wary shelter cat and the boy who takes him home. Sometimes funny, sometimes touching, this adoption story, told entirely in haiku, is unforgettable.
Darlene says: A fun and innovative way to tell a classic story.
Darlene also suggests:
Pick a Pup by Marsha Wilson Chall – E CHA
“Let’s Get a Pup!” said Kate by Bob Graham – E GRA
Debbie’s Pick:
 The Prince’s New Pet by Brian Anderson – E AND
For ages 4 – 8; published 2011
Synopsis: Prince Viridan's father, King Cerulean, bans all color from his kingdom. But on the prince's birthday, a special package anonymously arrives that is meant to change all that. Can the prince keep the evil color catcher from ruining his only wish to have color restored in the kingdom?
Debbie says: Prince Viridan lives a dull, drab, colorless life until a special gift arrives on his birthday. The gift has the power to restore light, color, and happiness to the kingdom. Can Prince Viridan save his precious gift from the terrible color catcher? Beautifully illustrated.
Debbie also suggests:
What Color is Caesar by Maxine Kumin – E KUM
Blue Chameleon by Emily Gravett – E GRA
Dia’s Pick:
Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen – J F PAU
For grades 4 – 7; Published 2009
Summary: Things get out of hand for a twelve-year-old boy when a neighbor convinces him to expand his summer lawn mowing business.
Dia says: In honor of Gary Paulsen’s birthday on May 17th and to encourage career- minded kids to continue to focus on their dreams, I’ve selected Lawn Boy Returns by Gary Paulsen as my Youth Services Pick of the Month. I liked the first book because of the grandfather’s wisdom. I appreciate the sequel because of the grandmother’s resilience.
Dia also suggests:
Lawn Boy Returns by Gary Paulsen – J F PAU
Flat Broke by Gary Paulsen – J SER LIA
Jenn’s Pick:
 Where the Mild Things Are by Maurice Send-Up – E SEN
For ages 4 – 7; Published 2009
Summary: When his monster parents become angry with him for being so mild, Mog is transported to Dullsville, a place so boring that Mog heads back home to his parents and promises never to be mild again.
Jenn says: Where the Wild Things Are was my husband’s favorite book growing up, when I saw this on the shelf I just had to pick it up. I think kids will find Mog funny but there are some jokes thrown in for adults too. A good family book.
Jenn also suggests:
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak – J CALD SEN
Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody by Michael Rex – E REX
Kelsey’s Pick:
 Today I Will: A Year of Quotes, Notes, and Promises to Myself by Eileen & Jerry Spinelli – J 082 SPI
For grades Pre-K – 2; Published 2006
Synopsis: The popular husband-and-wife authors join together in this new direction for both: an advice book. Arranged in a chronological format, with one page dedicated to each day of the year, the book features three sections in each daily entry: a quotation from a children’s book, a short passage of advice, and an affirmation. Readers can dip in at random and read a page per day or as many as they choose. The advice, while often humorous, is practical and age appropriate.
Kelsey says: Even though it’s considered children’s nonfiction, I feel like I need this book now as an adult sometimes to remind me of things like believing in yourself and trying to always be kind to others. It’s a fun and inspiring book, especially for the preteen group.
Kelsey also suggests:
Middle School: The Real Deal by Juliana Farrell – J 373.18 FAR
Yikes! A Smart Girl’s Guide to Surviving Tricky, Sticky, Icky Situations by editors of American Girl – J 646.708 YIK
Ofilia’s Pick:
 Princess Super Kitty by Antoinette Portis – E POR
For grades Pre-K - K; Published 2011
Synopsis: Maggie, a little girl with a huge imagination, becomes a cat, a superhero, a princess, and more in the course of a day.
Ofilia says: I cannot be completely certain; however I’m pretty sure that Antoinette Portis followed me around as a child, took copious notes and then wrote this book. It should be subtitled “The biography of Ofilia.” Adorable, playful and clever—this is a must read!
Ofilia also suggests:
Imogene’s Antlers by David Small – E SMA
Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole – E COL
Veronica’s Pick:
Above World by Jenn Reese – J F REE
For ages 10 and up; Published 2012
Summary: In a future of high technology and genetic modification the Coral Kampii, like legendary mermaids, live isolated from the Above World, but when the devices that allows them to breathe underwater start to fail, thirteen-year-old Aluna and her friend Hoku go to that forbidden place to find help.
Veronica says: This book transported me into the story. It starts off with a bang and held my interest up until the very end. The world the author created was amazing and I was inspired by Aluna’s and Hoku’s determination and bravery. Two kids standing up for their beliefs when no one else would, I found this to be very inspiring. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Veronica also suggests:
Ingo Series by Helen Dunmore – J SER ING
Kid vs. Squid by Greg van Eekhout – J F VAN
April 2012 Staff Picks
March 2012 Staff Picks
February 2012 Staff Picks
January 2012 Staff Picks
September 2011 Staff Picks
October 2011 Staff Picks
November 2011 Staff Picks
December 2011 Staff Picks |
