Great Summer Reads part 2 --- Be Creative @ Your Library

As promised I am back with some more titles  with Creativity as a theme.  For me the best part of reading these books was learning about the arts.  Little tidbits of information would flow from the pages, and I would find myself thinking, wow I didn't know that!  But along with some interesting tidbits, there were interesting tales that wove the arts into a story in ways that were quite different and unexpected.  The Entertainer and The Dybbuk by Sid Fleichman is a different tale on love,  justice, and revenge.   The Great Freddie is a decorated GI, who has stayed in Europe to try his act as a ventriloquist.  What adds spark to his show?  Avrom Amos the dybbuk (wandering soul/ghost) who convinces Freddie to let him speak for the  wooden dummy.  The act is a smash all over Paris.  One problem,  Avrom has an agenda of  his own. With Freddie's  help he tracks down a SS colonel who not only killed him but also tortured children, including his sister.   The story ends on a high note, but it will leave the readers with a haunting horror of how innocent Jewish children were the target of Nazi cruelty. 

Yang the Youngest and His Terrible Ear by  Lensey Namioka is an older book and still has a ring of truth for today's youngsters who are looking for their "place" in their family and the world.    Little Yingtao is part of a very talented, musical family.  His problem is that he does not have the same ear for music as the rest of his family.  To put it politely he just can't play the violin well.  The Yang family has just moved from China to Seattle.   Looking for new students, Yingtao's Father decides to invite his new neighbors and friends to a family recital.  Poor Yingtao wants to help, but  he is afraid his screeching violin will ruin the recital.  Fortunately for Young Yang,  his new friend Matthew will help save the day.   Mixed into this story are Chinese culture and traditions which helps the reader understand  blending America takes a dose humor and friendship.    The first time I read the review for this book, I knew I had to read the book for myself.  

I absolutely adore this book. Stanza by Jill Esabuam, is a quick read about a tough dog by day

and by night he is a poet dog. Why doesn't he come out in the open? His two brothers, Dirge

and Fresco might not understand. However, Stanza love for chicken pot pie inspires him to enter

a jingle contest for his favorite food. What will Dirge and Fresco think of him if he wins? Well,

its a dog tale worth reading to find out how this story ends.

The 39 Apartments of Ludwig Van Beethoven by Jonah Winter is a riot with its clever artwork and quick-paced storytelling with a little bits of facts thrown in just for fun.   The reader goes on a wonderful trip of following Beethoven from apartment to apartment and moving 5 legless pianos 39 times.  The moral of this story:  One might be a musical genius but moving 5 legless pianos is no fun for the moving company!   Good thing Beethoven made up for it by composing the world's best music!

Sometimes talent comes in way that no one can see to appreciate.  Sara Pennypacker reminds readers of this in Talented Clementine.  Clementine is back and this time she is looking for an act to perform in her school's talent show.  Singing, dancing, or playing and instrument are not talents she can perform.   Clementine goes to her overly talented friend Margaret and finds that her best friend can't even help her.  At the talent show, she shows off her unexpected talent to everyone and surprises everyone.   Including herself! 

Well that's all for now.  Catch me next time when I review The Soloist by Steve Perez.  

Great Summer Reads for BE Creative @ Your Library

The weather in Michigan has been pretty cool for summer, but the books that I have been reading are quite hot.  Okay, so that seems a little cheesy to say but the truth is these books are very good, worth the time to find them to take with you on vacation or just read at home.  The mix I have here reflect a nice mix of  children's , young adult and adult titles.   My reading habits range from I want to be a kid again to maybe I should learn something new.  This list has it all.  Drop me a note at anytime to let me know  what you thought of the title and suggest one of your own.  Without further ado, here is the quick summer list for Summer 2009. 

1. Born to Rock -- Korman.  I love this book.  It is funny, nostalgic and a little bit outlandish but hey, who says we can't have a little fun.  Korman is a veteran Young Adult author who knows how to bring a little history into his story.  This particular story introduces us to a Young Republican Leo Carraway who is on a fast track to Harvard, only to find out that his way there has a few minor bumps in the road.  He loses his scholarship because he is suspected of cheating on a test.  Well,  how will he get to Harvard.  Easy.  Convince his suspected biological Father, King Maggot to help pay the tuition and in return he will become a roadie for the King's 80's punk band making a revival tour.  Is King Maggot his father?  Well, Leo finds this out and a whole lot more! 

2 Troll Bridge: A Rock-n-Roll - Yolen  An interesting tale of classical music,  pop boy band, a fox and trolls.   This is a quick,  light-hearted journey into the land of Trollholm.  Moira, a harpist prodigy, and the Griffsons, brothers in a boy band, find themselves lured into this mystical land where they are caught in a tug of war.  The trolls seem eager to get them and Foxs seems to be the only one who can save them from being doomed in this faraway place.    Noting in Trollholm is as it seems and in order to find their way home they realize that they must rely on each other's unique musical talent.

3. Vanished Smile: The Mysterious Theft of Mona Lisa -- Scotti  You don't need to be a art historian to enjoy this book.  It is packed with lots of information but it reads like a novel.  Scotti does a wonderful job to paint the picture of  the summer of 1911 in Paris when Mona Lisa was taken from the Louvre to the moment that she was found in the winter of 1913.    The theft of the century leaves it mark on history and the Mona Lisa becomes more mysterious.  This Book should be on everyone's need to read list. 

4. I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! - Beaumont   If this book is not already on your bookshelf or on your child's bookshelf.  Don't panic!  Run to your nearest bookstore and get a copy.   It is a delightful rhyming story about a little girl who just can't control herself when it comes to making her body a living canvas.  You will never look at paint the same way again. 

5.  A Crocked Kind of Perfect - Urban  Zoe just wants to play the piano and someday make it to Carnegie Hall.  All she needs is a piano to practice. However, when  Zoe's agoraphobic father presents her with a D-60 organ, her musical ambitions takes an unexpected turn.  This charming tale will resonate with eleven year olds everywhere who find themselves chasing a wonderful dream in places that they never dreamed. 

There are lots more titles to come, but consider this an I.O.U for the next time when I list five more titles that are sure to get everyone reading!  

39 Clues ... an interesting concept

Normally,  series titles bore me.  The only series I ever finished as a juvenile reader were the Little House books.  I loved them!  But when Laura Ingells Wilder decided that the stories were over,  I never went back to reading another series.  An occasional Nancy Drew, but never the a series.  For today's young reader, the trend in Children's Literature seems to be that authors have to come up with a series.  There are so many good series out to choose from, that it is quite a task to find the best ones. As a librarian reliving her youth through some of these titles,  I wish these books would have been around when I was a kid.   One of the best series was,  Percy Jackson and the Olympians which became an unexpected thrill through Greek Mythology.   Rick Riordian found gold and the stories are quite a gem.   So it came to no surprise to me that the next adventure he chooses to tackle is the 39 Clues.  

The best way to describe the 39 Clues series is think of the movie, National Treasure, but instead of Nicholas Cage running around the world searching for clues and hidden treasures, it is two young orphans who have conniving relatives,  au pair who is responsible, yet cool in a punk-like way, and a chance to become rich.  The adventures of Dan and Amy Cahill are to say the least outlandish.  Having said that, even though the reader may think to themselves "Yeah, right.",  they are hooked in trying to decipher the clues alongside Amy and Dan.   Each book has it's own set of  trading cards.  The cards can then be used to find additional clues online at www.39clues.com.   It's reading with a board game feel.  

This series has four books out to date and a fifth title in the series due out in August 11th and the final book will be out by September 2010. In order to see all 39 clues and try to win the game, readers read he book collect the cards and choose missions on the website. Fans can't wait to see what happens next, but I got to wonder are there any closet 39 clues addict out there who would want to form an alliance to solve the mystery of the Cahill fortune?   If you have read the 39 Clues,  young or old, and would like to share insights on Amy and Dan's treasure hunt,  leave a post to this blog.  I am not sure where this will lead, but I am hoping that as a librarian this could lead to the rewarding treasure of sharing books with young readers.  

Needed to Read This One!

As  a Youth Services Librarian, I find that summer months are the busiest times at the library.   Kids are off for the summer, and parents are looking to entertain their children as cheaply as possible.  Who can blame them?  Especially in this economy.   (Yes,  another "hurray" for  public libraries  and  the role they play in the community.)   Having said that, I have been busy catching up on  reading  books that I have been on my Need to Read List.  Since I am busier in the Summer, I try to steal as much time as I can to read.  Trust me, it is a challenge.  Next to my desk, I've got a notebook that I have dedicated to Need to Read.  Hardly do I ever say,want to read because for me want and need go hand in hand.  Besides, Need to Read sounds so poetic, doesn't it?  So beginning today, I am going to add a new part of my blog where I will name it "Need to Read".   

For a quick, yet  wonderful story of family, identity and love I needed to read So B. It by Sarah Weeks.  Very few authors can take the ingredients of an unusual situation, a strong female character, a journey of discovery  and turn it into a story that whips up the emotions and imagination.  Ms. Weeks does this with class and style.  Admittedly at first, the premise of a child growing up in a home with a mentally challenged mother and a neighbor who is agoraphobic (fear of going outside)  seemed a bit depressing.  Really, how interesting  could this thirteen year-old's life be? It seemed to be reminiscent of Higher Power of Lucky, which was the worst book that I have ever had the displeasure of reading.  Not another story about a girl who lives in depressing neighborhood, where there is no hope for things ever changing.   Thankfully,  Ms. Weeks tells the story of Heidi's journey in a way that lifts the spirit.  It is a classic underdog story that everyone loves.   Heidi not only wins our attention, she wins in life too. Without giving the ending away, it is safe to say that Heidi not only finds her identity, she is also able to discern what is and is not important to know.  The book is definitely one to pick up at the library or at your local bookstore.  If either places don't have it, ask to  have it interloaned or ordered.  It's that  good! 

If anyone has a suggestion of titles or books that may be deserving of being placed on the Need To Read List, please send suggestions to lvnlibrarian@yahoo.com.  

My Favorite Mommy Books!

Mother's Day is just around the corner.  In my neck of the woods I always get patrons, teachers, moms, dads, kids and just about everyone I know, asking me for suggestions for books to give on Mother's Day.  There are so many books to choose from that it is literally a chore to pick out favorites.  However,  I do have favorite picture books that deal with mommies and babies that will warm the hearts of everyone who ever had a mother.   These books are great gifts for mom because they remind her to take time to relax, be with the  kids  and enjoy a few precious moments with them.    After all they are only little for a while.   So in no particular order, here are some great books. 

Love You Forever  by Robert Munsch 

If this book does not make you cry, I don't know what will.  It's a gentle story about the cycle of life.  One day the child is the baby and the next thing you know he is grown and taking care of his mother.  The significance of this book will go over most children's head, but the adults get it and love to read it over and over. 

Guess How Much I love You  by Sam McBratney

So cute and so rich in soft colors.  Little Joey (as in a Kangaroo)  finds out just how much his mommy loves him.  For all kids this is as comforting as a big bear hug from mom! 

Counting Kiss: A Kiss and Read Book  by Karen Katz

Do you have a kid who won't sit still for story time?  Here is and idea:  Use this book as a wonderful excuse to plant kisses all over baby and teach them to count at the same time.  It works wonders on the kids behavior.   Warning: Some parents have reported that the kisses keep coming even after the book is closed!  Be Prepared! 

Are you my mother?  by P.D. Eastman

A classic!  A little birdie is just  hatched from his egg and goodness,  he can't find mom!  Who is his mom?  A dog, cow or a plane?  Actually it really is a bird just like him and the story ends well. 

My Monster Mamma Loves Me So!  by Laura Leuck and Mark Buehner

Every time I read this book, I get the giggles.  It is so cute!   Why should it be surprising to anyone that baby monsters are just like human babies?  Granted human babies don't go out for moonlit walks or eat creepy things.  When you read this wonderful little rhyming book,  there is a sense of familiarity to it that grabs the imagination and the laughs of children and adults alike. 

Llama Llama mad at Mama  by Anna Dewdeny

The cover says it all!  Little Llama does not want to go shopping with Mama.  Why? Cause its not fun!  Mom and little one will certainly relate this story and probably have a few giggles as they find out how the whole shopping experience ends.  

Time just won't permit me to add more titles to the list.   Don't you worry though,  I'll have a part two soon!  

Have fun reading!  

Books on Honest Abe

Just wanted to let everyone know about two books about our Sixteenth president that caught my eye.   

Lincoln and His Boys by Rosemary Wells and My Brother Abe by Harry Mazer.  Both books are for children age 9-12.  What was particularly interesting about these two titles is that both authors decided to give the point of view to Abraham Lincoln's relatives.  In the Ms. Wells' book, the reader gets a glimpse at how Abe's children looked up to their famous father.  It is a touching tale that includes wonderful colored illustrations which bring out the warmth of the bond between father and sons.    

Mr. Mazer book is told for the viewpoint of  Sally Lincoln,  Abe's older sister.  Here we see Abe as a youngster who was bright,  athletic, humorous and wanted the approval of  his father.  The bond between Abraham Lincoln and  his sister is typical of  siblings in any family.  They fight, they joke and in the end will always stick up for one another.  Mr. Mazer touches upon the strained relationship between Abe and his father.  In the author's end notes, he states that Abraham Lincoln had a better relationship with his stepmother than he did with his own father.  As a matter of record,  Abe never returned to his father's farm, not even for his funeral. 

Both books were a delight to read.  They both give rare insights to the personality of one of  the most interesting Presidents in American history.  Use thee books as a supplement to lessons on Abraham Lincoln and President's day.  If  you know of a reader who is fascinated with Abe Lincoln,  you can't go wrong with either one of these books. 

Why did I do it?

I swore I wasn't going to read the awful book.  I swore I had had way to much exposure to Harry Potter.  I swore the only way to get me to read anything by Rowling again was to put a gun to my head.  Apparently, not only did I read Tales  of Beedle the Bard,  and expose my mind to the world of Harry Potter yet again, and to top it off, there must have been an imaginary gun at to my head because I read the stupid book.  Yes, I mean stupid.  It was awful and a cheap marketing trick for the talentless Rowlings to get make  more off of her uninspiring tale of Harry.   Spare me the details on how this hack of a writer wrote one of the best books of our times.  I can name several authors who are much better at their art then Ms. Rowlings.  She sold out big times with the movies and she never in any of her endeavors match the talent of Lewis or Tolkien.  She is a fraud and even frauds get rich sometimes by  pure luck.   As  the Brits would say, the Tale of Beedle the Bard was a total unimaginative bore!  It was so bad,  I can't even remember half of the stories that glorified the wizards and Hogwarth.  Perhaps it was my mind trying to block out the painful memories of  the book.  Don't waste your precious dollars, or time with this book.  skip it.