Carolyn’s Picks:

This Book Just Ate My Dog by Richard Byrne  E BYR

A great interactive book. What happens when Bella’s dog disappears into the book? Will she be able to get him back? Read and watch each page to find out!

The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors  by Drew Daywalt  E DEW

Each of our heroes is superior in their own domain. Will any of them find a worthy opponent to battle? This book tells the funny story of how this game will never end.

The Julian Chapter by R.J. Palacio  Audio CD J F PAL

Julian is a bully when it comes to Auggie Pullman, but what makes him that way and will he change? If you’re a fan of the book Wonder, you will enjoy listening to Julian’s version of what happened.

The Ice Dragon by George R.R. Martin  J MAR

Discover this short Game of Thrones style story about a young girl who is not affected by the cold, and her special relationship with an ice dragon during the battles in her ancient world.

Get into Art by Susie Brooks  J 704.9432 BRO

Colorful, animal art from various artists will inspire you to make your own animal art. In this book, you get to learn about the artist, their art, and how to create your own art!

Around the World Cookbook by Abigail Johnson Dodge  J 641.59 DOD

This cookbook is full of food you’ve heard about, and maybe even tasted, but now you can make it yourself! Start out by learning your way around the kitchen, the tools you’ll need, and the terms that are used in cooking. Next, find a recipe you want to try. You might try making Tandoori Chicken Legs from India or Vanilla Panna Cotta from Italy. There are step-by-step instructions, colorful pictures, and fun facts about the food. Remember to always ask a grown-up for help before starting!

Dana’s Picks:

The Story of Snow by Mark Cassino  J 551.784 CAS

A snow photographer and a snow scientist explain how snowflakes develop and the different shapes that snowflakes take. Enjoy the photographs of enlarged snowflakes and learn the best way to catch your own snow crystals.

Elvis: The Story of the Rock and Roll King by Bonnie Christensen  J B PRE

In this beginning biography, Christensen shares information about the very early years of Elvis Presley. From his birth to his first recording for Sun Records; learn how this legendary talent first developed.

Eight Dolphins of Katrina: A True Tale of Survival

by Janet Wyman Coleman  J 599.53 COL

Marine Life Oceanarium in Gulfport, Mississippi was destroyed by a forty foot storm surge during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Eight dolphins housed there were discovered missing after the hurricane. This is the story of their rescue. Also included is additional information about dolphins.

Two for One by Kate DiCamillo & Alison McGhee  J DIC

In this second Bink & Gollie story, the two best friends have adventures at their local state fair.

Year Comes Round: Haiku Through the Seasons by Sid Farrar  J 811.6 FAR

If you enjoy haiku poetry, try these poems that simply describe what the seasons mean to us.

My First Day by Steven Jenkins & Robin Page  J 591.392 PIN

What do newborn baby mammals, insects, and amphibians experience on the first day they are born? Read this non-fiction title by Jenkins and Page to find out.

Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song

by Andrea Davis Pinkney  J 323 PIN

Through words and music, Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahalia Jackson were forces of change during the Civil Rights era of the 1960’s. In Martin & Mahalia, Pinkney eloquently shares their stories.

Alissa’s Picks:

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier  J GN TEL

Raina Telgemeier is fantastic at telling stories about sisters, and this is book is no exception! The story of two sisters who move from their home to Northern California- the sea air is good for younger sister Maya’s cystic fibrosis- where everyone is obsessed with ghosts. As the Day of the Dead celebrations draw near, the sisters learn more about their Hispanic heritage, and older sister Cat tries to make peace with her sister’s illness.

The Danger Box by Blue Balliett  J M BAL

Zoomy is a kid who sees the world a little differently. Abandoned to his grandparents as a baby, mystery abounds when his father shows up with an odd box, which sets in motion a strange series of events. Readers who loved Chasing Vermeer by Balliett are sure to enjoy this mystery, too!

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

PLAYAWAY J F KEL

Callie is a girl growing up in 1899, but she isn’t interested in things she “should” be. Instead of learning to be the lady of a well-to-do household, she would much rather run around the woods with her grandfather, seeking out the science in nature. Narrated by Natalie Ross, this great story will be an inspiration to kids everywhere who want to nurture a passion, even if it’s not the popular thing to do.

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet J B SAR

Everyone loves a parade, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the most famous, beloved parade of all! But who was the first person to create the iconic balloons? And how did they become such a key part of American culture? Meet Tony Sarg, a puppeteer who designed the first balloon marionette for Macy’s Parade in 1928. His unique story proves that a little ingenuity can go a long way.

Tales Our Abuelitas Told by F. Isabel Campoy

J 398.2 CAM

Folktales from around the world always make for interesting reads, and this collection of Latino stories is no exception! Witty, funny, and heartfelt, these tales will introduce readers to a whole new slate of characters and may inspire them to learn more about the Latino cultures they come from.

Kids’ Embroidery by Kristin Nicholas J 746.44 NIC

Winter is a  great time to learn a new skill and cross stitch embroidery is coming back into popularity! This great book walks readers step-by-step through different stitches and techniques, and is great for beginners of all ages! From scarves to coasters, the variety of projects makes for fun crafting.

Steffanie’s Picks:

Grounded: the Adventures of Rapunzel

by Megan Morrison  J MOR

In the country of Tyme, no one is luckier than Rapunzel. She lives in a magic tower, reads books that she stars in, and has a loving Witch who protects her from evil princes and unhappy thoughts. Then a stranger named Jack breaks into her tower to steal an enchanted rose! Jack is the first person, besides Witch, that Rapunzel has ever met. He infuriates Rapunzel by implying that Witch is lying to her. Driven by anger, Rapunzel descends to the ground for the first time, and finds a world filled with beauty and adventure.

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Perez  J PER

Twelve-year-old Maria Luisa (though you better call her Malu) likes zines, Chuck Taylors, and punk music. She’s an outcast at her new school where she annoys the most popular girl in school, forms a band with other outcasts, and stands up to an anti-punk school administrator to fight for her right to express herself.

Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian  E AUS

Worm and Worm fall in love with each other and want to get married. Their friends want to know, who will wear the dress and who will wear the tux? The answer is : it doesn’t matter who wears what because Worm loves Worm.

Escargot by Dashka Slater  E SLA

Escargot is a cute little French snail who only wants two things in life. He wants to be your favorite animal and he needs to get to the delicious salad at the end of the book. When he finally gets to the salad he finds there’s a carrot in it. Escargot hates carrots. With a little help from the reader, he tries one and discovers that carrots aren’t so bad after all.

Tell Me a Tattoo Story by Allison McGhee  E MCG

A father tells his son the story behind each of his tattoos and together they go on a journey through family history. There is a tattoo from his favorite book that his mother used to read him, and one from the longest trip he ever took. The best tattoo of them all is a little heart with numbers inside.

Ruby on the Outside by Nora Raleigh Baskin  J BAS

Eleven-year-old Ruby Danes is starting middle school and only her aunt knows her deep dark secret: her mother is in prison. Ruby is desperate for friendship but doesn’t get too close to anyone due to her secret. Until Margalit Tipps moves into Ruby’s condo complex and Ruby thinks Margalit could be her first true friend. Can she let her in on the big secret? Maybe not. It turns out that Margalit’s family seems closely connected to the very event that put her mother in prison.

 

 

 

 

The weather outside is getting colder. It is a great time to curl up with an awesome book. If you are struggling with ideas about what to read we have some great suggestions from our amazing Youth Services Department.

Leslie’s Picks:

Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner  E BUE

Have you ever wondered what your snowman does after you go to bed? Pick up this book and discover their nighttime secrets.

The Bravest Dog Ever: the True Story of Balto              by Natalie Standiford  ER STA

In 1925, the town of Nome, Alaska was taken over by a deadly illness called diphtheria. The only way to cure people was to get medicine from over 650 miles away. Teams of sled dogs began to help carry the medicine until a storm made it impossible to get through. How did the dogs and owners survive?  What made Balto the bravest dog of all? Enjoy different medias to experience this story: chapter book, audiobook, or dvd.

Bad Kitty Does Not Like Snow by Nick Bruel E BRU

Kitty is curious about snow and goes outside to explore the winter white. Will Kitty like the snow? This book is great for early readers.

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

J M WAR

If you are looking for a young reader series, this one’s for you. Four young children, left to fend for themselves after parents’ death, find an abandoned train boxcar. They begin their new life in the boxcar and uncover a fabulous secret.

Paddington Bear by Michael Bond E BON

Take a wild journey with a talking bear named Paddington. He has many curious adventures with the Brown family, from eating on the table to flooding the house. Step into the pages of this beautiful book and enjoy your adventure with Paddington the Bear.

Ghosts: Truth and Rumors by Lori Shores J 133.1 SHO

Are ghosts real? Do they haunt graveyards, old mansions, and objects? Learn how to hunt for ghosts and find evidence of their existence.

The Marvels by Brian Selznick  J SEL

Don’t let the size of this book scare you. Open it up to find a fantastic story in pictures. This imaginative story takes you on an adventure about a famous acting family. As you begin your journey, another story will unfold that will leave you speechless.

Liz’s Picks: 

The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz E SCH

What do you get when you cross martial arts and the three pigs? This awesome fractured fairy tale!

Snowman Magic by Katherine Tegen E TEG

After a heavy snowfall, George builds a snowman who comes to life!

Where Do Fairies Go When It Snows?

By Liza Gardner Walsh E WAL

This fanciful tale questions what fairies do during the winter months.

Baking Day at Grandma’s by Anika Denise E DEN

A sweet rhyming story about three bear cubs who tromp through the snow to grandma’s for a day of baking.

Harriet the Invincible by Ursula Vernon J VER

Cursed soon after she is born, Harriet will prick herself on a hamster wheel when she turns 12. At 10, she learns of her fate but thinks it’s great and takes off across the country to experience adventures. Why not? Nothing can happen to her until she is 12. Upon returning home, she meets the evil fairy that cursed her and something unexpected happens. Harriet is a strong female role model that you will enjoy in any of her books.

No Passengers Beyond This Point 

By Gennifer Choldenko J CHO

This is a strange story of three siblings who are on their way to Colorado to stay with an uncle who they do not very well. On the way, their plane ends up in a place called Falling Bird, where the kids are treated like celebrities, but quickly turn into fugitives.

Sheena’s Picks:

The Wish Tree by Kyo Maclear  E MAC

Charles believes there is such a thing as a wish tree and he’s determined to find it, despite what his brother and sister say. Along with his trusty sled, they brave the wintry wonderland and search high and low. They meet some furry friends on their journey, but does Charles ever find his wish tree? This is a sweet story about kindness and how wishes come true in the most unexpected ways.

Little Red Gliding Hood by Tara Lazar  E LAZ

Little Red Gliding Hood’s ice skates are worn-in and worn-out. As she skates her way to grandma’s house, she sees an ad for a skating competition to win a new pair of skates, but there’s just one problem- she has no partner. Goldilocks, the Gingerbread Man, and Humpty Dumpty, among others were all taken. Turns out Big Bad Wolf wants to enter the competition and is need of a partner, too. In this fun, humorous tale, we see that maybe Big Bad Wolf isn’t so bad after all.

Child of Wonder: Nurturing Creative and Naturally Curious Children by Ginger Carlson PC 153.35 CAR

Kids are naturally curious and creative beings, but in today’s fast-paced, technology driven world, sometimes curiosity and creativity can be stifled. This book will give you the tools to provide an environment that encourages your child to play, imagine, create, and explore. In doing so, it will help their creativity bloom, and at the same time, help your child develop cognitively and emotionally.

Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea: Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor by Robert Burleigh J B THA

Even as a little girl, one of the most important female scientists, Marie Tharp, loved maps. Not only did she think they were beautiful, but she felt as though they called out to her- “have an adventure!” What an adventure she had! In this gorgeous illustrated biography, we learn about the first person to ever successfully map the ocean floor and her journey was not easy, but inspirational.

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu  J URS

An equal mix of magical and realistic elements, this retelling of a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, “The Snow Queen, ” is about the friendship between Jack and Hazel. When Jack disappeared into the woods one day, Hazel feels it is up to her to rescue him. Despite her insecurities, will she survive the journey and save Jack from the witch dressed in white.

A Mother’s Journey by Sandra Markle  E 598.47 MAR

In this beautifully written text, we follow the daunting journey of an emperor penguin as she goes on a quest to find food miles and miles away from her newborn chick and her mate. She faces some major obstacles, from the harsh wintry landscape to dodging sneaky predators. Will the mother make it back to her baby?

Jen’s Picks:

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick  J SEL

Brimming with gorgeous black and white artwork, this book tells two stories told 50 years apart. One story is told in words. The other story in pictures. Ben is a 12 year old in 1977 Minnesota and Rose is the same age, living in 1927. Both kids are feeling lost and looking for something to feel connected to and both end up finding their way to New York. The kids discover along the way that we are all a cabinet of wonders. This illuminating book also offers a very insightful look into the world of the deaf.

Kringle by Tony Abbott  J ABB

No one ever thinks about Santa ever being a boy but long, long ago there was a young orphan boy named Kringle who fought for good at a time when things seemed to be at their darkest. Fantasy lovers and Narnia fans will eat this up as Kringle encounters elves, pirates, goblins, and flying reindeer.

Who Were the Brothers Grimm? by Avery Reed J B GRI

Discover the world of the brothers who are considered to be the fathers of fairy tales. Where would “Once Upon a Time” be without them? Explore all of the “Who Was?” series of books to read all about some of your favorite famous people throughout history.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland by Richard B. Smith

E SMI

The classic song about exploring the winter world around you comes to life in this whimsically illustrated book that celebrates the joy of snow.

Where is Stonehenge? by True Kelley  J 936.2 KEL

Uncover the mysteries of Stonehenge. Did you know Stonehenge is as old as the Great Pyramids in Egypt? Who made it? Did aliens build it? What was it used for? If your inquiring mind is curious, try to solve the mystery yourself by reading all about it in this book.

Manga Claus: The Blade of Kringle 

by Nathaniel Marunas  J G MAR

When Fritz, the angry, disgruntled elf creates an army of evil ninja teddy bears. Santa must break out his ancient samurai sword to save Christmas.

COMING SOON: YOUTH SERVICES STAFF PICKS 

PART TWO!