A Wynk, a Blynk and a Nod to Books

Imagine Your Story: Summer Reading Celebration 2020 A Wynk, a Blynk, and a Nod to Fractured Fairy Tales It’s not summer without the Library’s Summer Reading Celebration. This year’s children’s SRC theme is “Imagine Your Story,” which can take on many different possibilities. We’ve decided to concentrate on fairy tales, but not just your traditional tales ... we’re looking at those with an imaginative twist. Does it bother you that Goldilocks just breaks into the Three Bears’ house, eats their food, breaks their stuff, then runs away without so much as an apology? Or that Snow White is happy to work as housekeeper for the dwarves until she elopes with a handsome prince she hardly knows? Or that the King in Rumpelstiltskin marries the miller’s daughter for her money-making ability? Or do you just get tired of telling the same old tale over and over again? Then … FRACTURE THOSE FAIRY TALES! Once upon a time, favorite fairy tales got twisted and tangled, and everyone lived happily ever after. Fractured fairy tales provide comic relief in children’s literature. But for these fractured tales to “work,” kids need to have a basic knowledge of the classic tales. The library owns all the classic tales. Our collection is extensive. We also own MANY newer, twisted versions. So why not check out a few … or several … and embark on a reading adventure!   ELLA ENCHANTED by Gail Carson Levine This 1998 Newbery Honor winning title which gives new twists to the classic Cinderella story has become a classic. It is a rich and creative retelling in which Ella struggles against a childhood curse of obedience. She overcomes her struggle thus becoming a strong and resourceful heroine. [...]

It looks like spring has finally sprung, and it’s here to stay! In honor of this much anticipated season, we’ve included lots of new books to help you celebrate spring’s arrival and spring into reading! A Wynk, a Blynk, and a Nod to New Books about Spring All Around Bustletown: Spring by Rotraut Susanne Berner This is a German import, and Berner is one of Germany’s well-known children’s authors. It’s springtime in this imaginary town with lots going on. Children should enjoy looking at all the springtime activities.             The Bear’s Garden by Marcie Colleen, illus. by Alison Oliver A little girl with a lot of imagination turns the empty lot across from her apartment building into a community garden. The illustrations are transformative as well, as color takes over throughout this tale of urban renewal.       Easy Peasy: Gardening for Kids by Kirsten Bradley, illus. by Aitch This book for older children includes 20 projects and provides easy step-by-step instructions accompanied by watercolor illustrations. The projects include growing vegetables indoors, making seed balls, and making a terrarium, to name a few, and all should appeal to a wide variety of interests.           Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring by Kenard Pak A little boy observes how the season changes from winter to spring. This is the third in the series of seasonal books by Pak.       Grandma’s Gardens by Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, illus. by Carme Lemniscates In this picture book, Chelsea and Hillary Clinton share their memories of Hillary's mother, Grandma Dorothy, who loved gardens and gardening. This is a wonderful tribute to the late Dorothy Rodham. Also available in e-book. [...]

Summer has passed and it’s time for class. There are plenty of terrific books that are perfect for the first day of school. There are stories about everything from first-day jitters to socializing with classmates. We’ve included lots of books to hopefully make the transition a little easier and calm those first day jitters. And for the seasoned pro, we’ve included some school stories that are just for fun! New School Stories The Best Seat in Kindergarten by Katharine Kenah, illus. by Abby Carter This beginning reader is a great introduction for those who are excited, yet nervous about starting school.   Big Shark, Little Shark Go to School by Anna Membrino, illus. by Tim Budgen Big Shark and Little Shark are opposite in every way. Little Shark is excited for the start of school, but Big Shark doesn’t want to get out of bed. Will they be late on their first day of school?   Brown Bear Starts School by Sue Tarsky, illus. by Marina Aizen Brown Bear overcomes his nervousness and makes friends in the process. The illustrations are charming and have the feel of children’s artwork. Clothesline Clues to the First Day of School by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook, illus. by Andy Robert Davies Who wears what on the first day of school? Catchy rhymes as well as clothing and accessories hanging on a clothesline provide clues as to what friendly faces will be encountered on the first day of school, from custodian to teacher to crossing guard. Hannah Sparkles: Hooray for the First Day of School! by Robin Mellom, illus. by Vanessa Brantley-Newton Hannah is about to begin first grade where she has a little trouble connecting with her new [...]

“All You Need is Love” Valentine's Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not just love, but also kindness, thoughtfulness and consideration.  So, we’ve not only included books about the holiday itself, but several others that just seem to fit. Really, all you need is love … and a few good books! Click Clack Moo: I Love You! by Doreen Cronin, illus. by Betsy Lewin Little Duck and her farm friends prepare for a big dance to celebrate Valentine’s Day. What will happen when an unexpected guest arrives? This is the latest in the Click Clack Moo books by Cronin and Lewin.   How Do I Love Thee? By Jennifer Adams, illus. by Christopher Silas Neal Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s famous sonnet is reimagined in this lovely picture book. Browning’s love poem is adapted to become a celebration of friendship among three diverse friends as they enjoy nature in a variety of settings. The mixed-media illustrations are imaginative and child friendly, bringing the poem to life. Browning’s original sonnet is included in the backmatter as well as a brief bio. This is really a quite lovely book. A Hug is for Holding Me by Lisa Wheeler, illus. by Lisk Feng A father and daughter discover all the things a hug can be while taking a nature walk. A bird’s nest, a cocoon, and a seashell all provide hugs in their own way. The artwork, which has a retro look, is a perfect complement to the minimal text. I’ll Love You Till the Cows Come Home by Kathryn Cristaldi, illus. by Kristyna Litten Through a series of fantastical scenarios, love is expressed in immeasurable ways. The text is rhyming and lyrical and the illustrations whimsical. It’s a very [...]

S’mitten with Books One of our all-time favorite winter stories is the Ukrainian folktale, The Mitten. This story about a lost mitten that provides warmth and shelter for a litany of animals has been retold throughout the years, and its various retellings are all available at the library. Jan Brett’s adaptation, perhaps our favorite, was originally published in 1989. She has continued to delight readers with her wintery tales and signature Scandinavian-style drawings. Her newest book, The Snowy Nap, does not disappoint. So, why not keep warm by snuggling up with a good book or two that your children are sure to enjoy. We’re s’mitten with snowy stories and hope that you will be too!   A Wynk, a Blynk, and a Nod to New Winter Books All Right Ready! A Snowy Story by Jory John, illus. by Benji Davies Duck is very excited over the snow and can’t wait to get outside and enjoy it. He wants his reluctant friend Bear to share in his excitement. Will Ducks persistence prevail? The illustrations are expressive and should bring a few chuckles. Captain’s Log: Snowbound by Erin Dionne, illus. by Jeffrey Ebbeler A young boy has just finished a school report about Ernest Shackleton's Endurance voyage when he and his family become snowed in due to a major storm. His imagination takes over as he records his adventures as though he were Shackleton himself. It’s a clever story with great illustrations by local artist, Jeff Ebbeler.   First Snow by Nancy Viau, illus. by Talitha Shipman The rhyming text and sweet illustrations help celebrate the first snowfall of the season.   Good Morning, Snowplow! by Deborah Bruss, illus. by Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson A snowplow [...]

August is here, and so begins the start of a new school year. For many children this can be an anxious time. We’ve included lots of books to hopefully make the transition a little easier and calm those first day jitters. And for the seasoned pro, we’ve included some school stories that are just for fun!   All are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, illus. by Suzanne Kaufman This picture book celebrates diversity in the context of going back to school. The rhyming text and colorful illustrations help to deliver this important message.             Cece Loves Science by Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. Johannes, illus. by Vashti Harrison This picture book provides a fun introduction to scientific method. The illustrations depicting the science classroom are detailed and interesting. Kids are sure to admire Cece and her tenacity.             Click, Clack, Quack to School! by Doreen Cronin, illus. by Betsy Lewin The farm animals are excited to go to school until they learn of the rules. This is the latest from the creators of Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type. It’s another fun adventure for Farmer Brown and his cast of animal characters.               Dear Substitute by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick, illus. by Chris Raschka Through a series of letters, a student realizes that having a substitute isn’t so bad after all. The watercolor illustrations by Caldecott medalist Chris Raschka are expressive and whimsical. The story works well as a read-aloud but is also appropriate for early readers.             Did You Hear What I Heard?: Poems about School by Kay Winters, illus. by Patrice [...]