CCLS Children's Spot

2012 Caldecott Medal Announcement

2012-01-31T15:58:00.010-05:00

On Monday, January 23^rd the authors and illustrators of this year’s best children’s books were celebrated. The 2012 Caldecott Awards were announced, as well as many other awards for children’s literature. The Caldecott Medal is awarded annually to the artist (illustrator) of the best children’s book of the year. Books that receive a Caldecott Honor were also considered for the top prize.

The 2012 Caldecott Medal is awarded to……

A Ball for Daisy by Chris Rashcka

This wordless storybook follows the life of a dog named Daisy and her beloved red ball. But when Daisy’s ball is damaged by another dog, will Daisy ever want to play again? Children will want to tell their version of the story over and over again.

Caldecott Honor Books:

Blackout by John Rocco

When everyone is too busy to play a board game, a boy goes to his room to play a video game by himself. But when the power goes off his family finds new ways to enjoy the night, their neighbors and each other!

Grandpa Green by Lane Smith

In this story a young boy shares his grandfather's history through the topiaries his grandfather created. In the garden the topiaries mark each special event in his grandfather’s life, good and not so good. A sweet story about a boy’s love for his elderly grandfather and the gifts his grandfather passed on to him.

Me…Jane by Patrick McDonnell

A young girl named Jane and her stuffed monkey, Jubilee set out to investigate the world. She dreams of helping animals and going to Africa, and one day…. she does! This biographical introduction of Dr. Jane Goodall is set in a children’s book, but shows children that they too, can make their dreams come true!

The Chester County Library has copies of these award-winning titles and many others. Check them out @ your library!

Math and Science Programs for 4-6 year olds

2012-01-18T16:08:00.000-05:00

Did you know that Chester County Library offers FREE science and math programs for children ages 4-6? The following are being held in February and March:

Mother Goose Asks "Why?"
Fridays - February 3-17, 2012
10:00-11:00 am or 1:00-2:00 pm
- This is a family literacy program for children ages 4-6 and their caregivers that uses picture books and fun hands-on activities to introduce science concepts to children.
- Each program is limited to 20 children for each session. Every child must be accompanied by a caregiver for each class. No siblings, please.
- You can register by going to our web site http://www.ccls.org/ -- Find an Event calendar -- Chester County Library -- February -- February 3 Mother Goose Asks Why? -- Register

You Can Count on Mother Goose
Fridays - March 2-16, 2012
10:00-11:00 am or 1:00-2:00 pm
- This is a family literacy program for children ages 4-6 and their caregivers that uses picture books and fun hands-on activities to introduce math concepts to children.
- Each program is limited to 20 children for each session. Every child must be accompanied by a caregiver for each class. No siblings, please.
- You can register by going to our web site http://www.ccls.org/ -- Find an Event calendar -- Chester County Library -- March -- March 2 You Can Count on Mother Goose --Register

If you have any questions, please call the Children's Reference Desk at Chester County Library at 610-280-2630.

Hugo Cabret on the Big Screen

2011-11-11T15:53:00.001-05:00

Attention, all Hugo Cabret fans! A Martin Scorsese-directed adaptation of Brian Selznick's stunning book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, is coming to the big screen on November 23rd. Here's the plot: Twelve-year-old Hugo, an orphan who lives and repairs clocks within the walls of a Paris train station in 1931, meets a mysterious toy seller and his goddaughter. Hugo and the girl team up to solve a mystery involving his late father, the toy seller and a heart-shaped lock.

Asa Butterfield stars as Hugo, and other cast members include Chloe Moretz, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jude Law and Christopher Lee. I saw a preview of this movie a few weeks ago, and the scenery and special effects are spectacular! If anyone sees this movie, I would love to hear from you. Looking forward to this one!

Meet the Musicians at CC Library!

2011-10-04T10:54:00.000-04:00

Did you ever wish you could meet the creators of some of the greatest music of all time? Now you can! Come to Chester County Library for Meet the Musicians, which is a series of three programs for children in first grade and older:

MEET BEETHOVEN
Friday, November 11, 2011
7:00-8:00 pm
Chester County Library - Struble Room
Learn how Ludwig van Beethoven's revolutionary expression of emotions in his works broke away from the elegant and refined music of his predecessors, producing some of the most stormy and beautifully moving music ever written. The story poignantly portrays Beethoven's struggles with an unhappy childhood and the onset of deafness, as well as his valiant triumph over these obstacles.

MEET MOZART
Friday, January 13, 2012
7:00-8:00 pm
Chester County Library - Struble Room
Discover the tragic and colorful life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This child prodigy, prolific composer and embodiment of the Classical era was never fully appreciated in his own lifetime. The delightful and charming melodies of Mozart are revealed in excerpts of his symphonies, operas, piano concertos, chamber music and piano solos. His music remains among the most cherished possessions of our time.

MEET JOPLIN
Friday, March 9, 2012
7:00-8:00 pm
Chester County Library - Struble Room
Listen to the toe-tapping syncopations of Scott Joplin's Ragtime music and explore what life was like, socially and personally, for a black man of his talents during the turn of the 20th century. The "King of Ragtime" drew on West African rhythms, European harmonies and plantation songs to create a new and distinctly American genre. Dennis Kobray portrays a student and friend of the composer.

You can register for these events by going to http://www.ccls.org/ and clicking on the Find an Event icon. For more information, call the Youth Services Department at 610-280-2630.

Little Golden Books - 2 billion and counting!

2011-08-09T10:18:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not, this September marks the 69th anniversary of the publication of the Little Golden Book, The Poky Little Puppy! Since 1942, it has sold more than 14 million copies, and it remains popular today.

I remember Little Golden Books from my childhood -- The Little Red Hen was a favorite. But where did it all begin? The first Golden Books were printed in 1942 by the West Side Printing Company in Racine County, Wisconsin. The first 12 books were hardbound, 24 pages long, and cost 25 cents each. A variety of authors and illustrators have contributed to these books, including Margaret Wise Brown, Mercer Mayer, Richard Scarry and many Disney artists. To date, more than 2 billion Golden Books have been printed!

Besides The Poky Little Puppy, other best-sellers include Tootle by Gertrude Crampton, The Saggy Baggy Elephant by Kathryn and Byron Jackson, Scuffy the Tugboat by Gertrude Crampton, and Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt. In 2001, Golden Books launched Little Golden Book Classics, which are reprints of old favorites such as The Good Humor Man, The Poky Little Puppy, Seven Little Postmen and The Shy Little Kitten.

If you ever want to locate a Little Golden Book but can't remember the title, you can register on the Collecting Little Golden Books Forum and ask a question. It's a great resource for finding all things Golden!

Lisa U.
Chester County Library

Book Review: Ducks in a Row

2011-07-06T11:57:00.000-04:00

Ducks in a Row is a story by Lori Haskins Houran that is based on Jackie Urbanovic's unforgettable Max the Duck character. This I Can Read Level 1 book opens with Max relaxing at home with his friends. He realizes that everyone has something to do, and he doesn't. Max wants to feel needed, but no one wants his help with anything!

Then his three aunts stop by to visit before the first snowfall sends them flying south for the winter. Suddenly Max is in demand! Before long, he can hardly wait to get back to relaxing.

This book's colorful illustrations hilariously depict Max's emotions and frenetic movement throughout the story, and the cast of characters adds to the hilarity. This book's worth a look!

Lisa U., Chester County Library

Children's Books on the Big Screen

2011-06-09T12:11:00.000-04:00

Summer 2011 is finally here, and it features some well-known children's books coming to the big screen:

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer
Release Date: June 10, 2011
Synopsis: When her parents take an unexpected trip to California, third grader Judy Moody (Jordana Beatty) creates a series of dares in order to have the most thrilling summer of her life. Her cool Aunt Opal (Heather Graham) and little brother Stink (Parris Mosteller) join in the adventures.

Mr. Popper's Penguins
Release Date: June 17, 2011
Synopsis: The life of a businessman begins to change after he inherits six penguins, and as he transforms his apartment into a winter wonderland, his professional side starts to unravel. Jim Carrey stars as Mr. Popper.

If you go to see either of these movies, I'd love to hear from you! Please give your opinion: Did the movie follow the book? Were the actors right for their roles? Thumbs up or down?

Lisa U., Chester County Library

2011 Summer Reading Club

2011-05-18T14:03:00.000-04:00

Summer Reading 2011's theme is One World, Many Stories. You can sign up for the Summer Reading Club at your local library starting on Monday, June 13, 2011. You can win cool prizes, attend fun events and check out great books all summer long! For more information, call or visit your local library.

Caps for Sale

2011-04-15T16:47:00.000-04:00

If you want to hear some great storytelling, go to YouTube for Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina (click on this link). It's narrated by the radio guys from LivefromthePath.org. The narration is accompanied by instrumental music, and the monkey voices are hilarious! It's just six minutes long, and it'll leave you smiling.

March is Women's History Month

2011-03-11T15:47:00.000-05:00

March is Women's History Month! You can find many women's biographies for children in the Chester County Library System. Read below for a small sampling of what you can find at CC Library in Exton:

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart
By Candace Fleming
Age Level: Grades 4-7
Tells the story of Amelia Earhart's life--as a child, woman and pilot--and describes the search for her missing plane.

America's Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle
By David Adler
Age Level: Grades K-4
Describes the life and accomplishments of Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel and a figure in the early women's rights movement.

Eleanor, Quiet No More
By Doreen Rappaport
Age Level: Grades 3-6
The biographical details of Eleanor Roosevelt's life are combined with moving illustrations and quotations.

Mother Teresa
By Demi
Age Level: Grades 2-5
A biography of Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, known as Mother Teresa, who spent most of her life serving "the poorest of the poor" in Calcutta, India.

Sacagawea: Crossing the Continent with Lewis & Clark
By Emma Carlson Berne
Age Level: Grades 5-8
This book separates truth from legend, and offers some ideas on what eventually happened to Sacagawea, the native American who made it possible for Lewis and Clark to explore America's then-uncharted West.

When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson, the Voice of a Century
By Pam Munoz Ryan
Age Level: Grades K-5
Presents the life of Marian Anderson, extraordinary singer and civil rights activist, who was the first African-American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera, whose life and career encouraged social change.

See Max and Ruby live, on stage!

2011-02-22T11:57:00.000-05:00

Attention, all Max and Ruby fans! You can see Max and Ruby live, on stage at the Keswick Theatre on Saturday, April 30th. Here is a brief summary of Max & Ruby: Bunny Party.....

It's a surprise party for someone special, and Max and Ruby have many things to do before the big event. Follow them as they go on a musical bus ride to East Bunnyhop General Store, where they deliberate on what to buy for the special birthday guest. Max and Ruby never quite want the same thing, and their plans always collide--with hilarious results!

Back at home, Louise arrives with her beauty kit, and everyone gets a makeover--even Max! When everything is all set for the party, Ruby discovers some uninvited guests, including a robot, a giant spider and an adorable slug. Who could the mystery guest be? Come to the show to find out!

Showtimes for this 90-minute production are 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm on Saturday, April 30, at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA. Ticket prices range from $25-$45. For more information, go to http://www.maxandrubyontour.com/. You can purchase tickets at http://www.keswicktheatre.com/.

Caldecott Medal Winner: A Sick Day for Amos McGee

2011-01-31T19:46:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for a sweet picture book about animals, humans and friendship, you should read A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Phillip Christian Stead. Amos McGee is an elderly zookeeper who always makes time to visit his good friends--the chess-playing elephant, the race-running tortoise, the shy penguin, the runny-nosed rhino and story-loving owl. One day, Amos catches a cold and stays home from work. His animal friends miss him so much that they take a bus to his house and take care of him in the same loving way that he has taken care of them. The soft colors and illustrations give this book an old-fashioned feel, and enhance the overall tone of the story.

I loved this book even before I found out that it had won the Caldecott Medal! This one's worth a look.

Lisa U., CC Library

Book Review - Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes

2010-12-22T16:01:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for a good read-aloud, check out Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, written by Eric Litwin and illustrated by James Dean. You can download the story and song from www.harpercollinschildrens.com/petethecat and then play it as you turn the pages of the book.

Here's the story: Pete is an optimistic cat who loves his white shoes, even when he steps in strawberries, blueberries, mud, and water, which turn his shoes red, then blue, then brown, then white again. In the end, Pete says, "No matter what you step in, keep walking along and singing your song.....because it's all good." A good life lesson -- take it all in stride, because life is too short! The illustrations are colorful and funny, and capture the essence of Pete perfectly. And Pete's song is catchy, and will get your little ones singing and groovin' to the music. Good vibes here!

Lisa U., CC Library

Online Registration for Storytime!

2010-12-09T11:53:00.000-05:00

On January 4, 2011, you can register ONLINE for storytimes at Chester County Library! You'll need to go to the CCL home page www.ccls.org, and click on the Find an Event icon. Then choose Chester County Library, Children's programs, and January 2011. Then find your child's storytime day and time, and click on the registration icon. We hope that you find this new process easy to use. Please give us your feedback !

Lisa U., CC Library

Barack Obama's children's book

2010-11-09T15:40:00.000-05:00

President Obama has written a book, Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters, which will be released on November 16th. It features 13 inspirational Americans, including George Washington and Jackie Robinson. All profits from the book for the President will be donated to a scholarship fund for children of fallen or disabled soldiers.

Heroes of Olympus series

2010-10-19T11:46:00.001-04:00

Attention: All fans of Percy Jackson and the Olympians! Rick Riordan has written a new series called Heroes of Olympus. Book 1 is The Lost Hero, which introduces readers to the next generation of demigods who arrive at a rebuilt Camp Half-Blood and must prepare for a new quest. But to survive their journey, they need the help of some familiar demigods (including one with the initials PJ.....) One caveat: The next book in this series isn't coming out until Fall 2011!

Lunch Lady to the Rescue!

2010-09-29T16:06:00.000-04:00

Are you looking for an unlikely superhero -- someone who secretly fights crime and then dishes out salisbury steak to students? If so, then you should meet Lunch Lady, the star of a children's graphic novel series by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. In these tongue-in-cheek stories, Lunch Lady and her sidekick Betty use fish-stick nunchucks, cafeteria-tray laptops, and other food-themed gadgets to save her students from evil-doers. With its entertaining mix of action and humor, children and adults alike will enjoy these graphic novels:

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute

Lunch Lady and the League of Librarians

Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta

Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown

Lunch Lady and the Bake Sale Bandit (available Dec. 28, 2010)

Lunch Lady and the Field Trip Frenzy (available Summer 2011)

Lisa U., Chester County Library

Knuffle Bunny Finale!

2010-08-19T11:21:00.001-04:00

Attention: All Knuffle Bunny fans! The third and final tale--Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion--is being released on September 28th. In this bittersweet story, Trixie is a little older, and she travels with Knuffle Bunny to visit her grandparents. The review in Booklist says, "This denouement is enough to give you goosebumps, and young readers may be wiping the tears from their parents' cheeks. Good night, Knuffle Bunny." Can't wait for this one!

Children's Summer Programs at Chester County Library

2010-06-16T15:42:00.000-04:00

Summer programs at Chester County Library begin next week -- the week of June 21, 2010. Here is a summary of what's happening:

MESSY MONDAYS
Children of all ages can do arts and crafts (while supplies last) in the Children's Department all day.

TELL-TALE TUESDAYS
Come to our storytime for preschoolers! No registration is required. The storytimes last 30 minutes and start at 9:30 am, 10:15 am, 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

WACKY WEDNESDAYS
Come to the library for a list of events. Age requirements are also listed. No registration is required.

THRILLING THURSDAYS
Come to the library for a list of events, which are held from 1:30-3:00 pm each Thursday. These events are for children ages 6 and up.

Make a Splash at your Library!

2010-06-03T13:50:00.000-04:00

Summer 2010's theme is Make a Splash - Read! You can sign up for the Summer Reading Club at your local library starting on Monday, June 14, 2010. You can win cool prizes, attend fun events and check out great books all summer long! For more information, visit or call your local library.

Book Review: The Case of the Missing Family

2010-04-27T14:59:00.000-04:00

The Case of the Missing Family

(The Buddy Files, Volume 3)

By Dori Hillestad Butler

Ages 7-10

Buddy is a dog and also is a detective. He recently adopted a new family consisting of a boy named Connor and Mom, both of whom he likes very much. But Buddy used to have a different family and a little girl of his very own named Kayla. In fact, he can see his old family's house from his new family's house. He and Kayla used to solve mysteries together. Buddy does not know what happened to his old family or why Uncle Marty took him to the pound. Now Buddy has to solve mysteries by himself, especially The Case of the Missing Family.

These are the things that Buddy knows:

-- His family went to visit Grandma in Springtown, and they said they would be back in one week.

-- They never came back.

-- There was a tornado in Springtown.

These are the things Buddy doesn't know:

-- Are Kayla and Dad at Grandma's house?

-- Did the tornado hit Grandma's house?

-- Are Kayla and Dad okay?

One night Buddy looks out at his old family's house and notices that the kitchen light is on. What is going on? Buddy is a very clever dog but will need help if he is going to solve this mystery. To find out what happens, read The Case of the Missing Family by Dori Hillestad Butler. If you like this book, you might enjoy other books about Buddy: The Case of the Lost Boy and The Case of the Mixed-Up Mutts.

Katie G.

Chester County Library

Judy Moody turns 10!

2010-04-14T16:02:00.000-04:00

Judy Moody is celebrating her tenth birthday! To commemorate this special occasion, the series is being reissued in hardback and paperback with a new cover design, and the paperback features an exclusive interview with Judy Moody herself. The newly launched companion web site, http://www.judymoody.com/, has a fan club, downloads and interactive games. If you're a JM fan, it's worth a look!

Book Review: Word Nerd

2010-03-09T16:42:00.000-05:00

Word Nerd
By Susan Nielsen

Ambrose is an awkward 13-year-old with no friends and an overprotective mother (but one might give her a break, as Ambrose’s father died on a construction site from a brain aneurysm and then Ambrose nearly died at age 3 from a peanut butter sandwich). His mom changes jobs and towns every couple of years.

With this new move, Ambrose is determined things will be different; he will make things easier on his mom so she will worry less. Ambrose begins to weave a web of lies: yes, Mom, I have friends, school's going great, and to the school bullies, my parents are rich. However, the bullies quickly realize Ambrose is full of baloney with his knock-off shoes, and they spike his sandwich with a peanut. Ambrose nearly dies, ends up in the hospital and all the lies unravel.

Homeschooling appears to be the perfect answer to keep Ambrose safe from the torture of school and the bullies. When the landlord’s son, Cosmo, moves home (after being released from jail), Ambrose’s mom starts her cycle of worry. Cosmo will be a bad influence on her son. Ambrose gets Cosmo out of a tight spot with a former “business partner” and secures a free ride to Scrabble Club. Ambrose begins to weave lies again…the lies to his mother regarding his friendship with Cosmo and the lies to his friends at Scrabble Club continue to build until they explode, landing him at a police station. Can Ambrose mend his lying ways and keep his mom from uprooting him from his only friends?

Karen C-O, Chester County Library

Talking Books for Children

2010-01-27T14:45:00.000-05:00

Did you ever wish that you could have access to children's books without having to buy them at the book store or borrow them from the library? Now you can! Just go to Chester County Library's web site (http://www.ccls.org/) and click on the TumbleBooks icon at the bottom of the page.

TumbleBooks are a FREE collection of talking books that teach children the joy of reading in a fun format. Once you access the TumbleBooks web site, you can search for books by genre (e.g., Adventure, Holidays, Sports/Activities) or by an index (alphabetical listings of book titles and authors). There are Story Books and Tumble Readables, which include Early Readers (e.g., Dimples Delight by Frieda Wishinski), Read-Along Classics (e.g., Black Beauty by Anna Sewell) and Chapter Books (e.g., Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew #1: Sleepover Sleuths by Carolyn Keene).

Once you select a book, the narration begins and the pages turn themselves. If you want to turn the pages yourself, you can switch to Manual mode. At any time, you can turn the sound off to read to yourself at your own speed. You can add books to your Favorites list, and the "My Play List" feature allows you to build a list of TumbleBooks that you can play one after another - very cool!

The TumbleBooks site also features puzzles and games to play, as well as audiobooks (narration with no text). Some audiobooks include Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll and The Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum.

Best of all, TumbleBooks are FREE and available to you 24 hours a day, every day! This is a great way to entertain your children -- I wish that TumbleBooks were around when I was a kid!

Lisa U., Chester County Library

2010 Award-Winning Children's Books

2010-01-22T10:47:00.001-05:00

The American Library Association has announced the Caldecott and Newbery winners for 2010! The Caldecott Medal is given to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. The Newbery Medal is given to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

CALDECOTT MEDAL WINNER:
The Lion and the Mouse
By Jerry Pinkney
In this wordless retelling of an Aesop fable, an adventuresome mouse proves that even small creatures are capable of great deeds when he rescues the King of the Jungle.

CALDECOTT HONOR BOOKS:
All the World
By Liz G. Scanlon
Follow a circle of family and friends from morning till night as they discover the importance of all things great and small in our world, from the tiniest shell on the beach, to warm family connections, to the widest sunset sky.

Red Sings from Treetops
By Pamela Zagarenski
Nature displays different colors to announce the seasons of the year.

NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER:
When You Reach Me
By Rebecca Stead
As her mother prepares to be a contestant on the 1980s television game show, "The $20,000 Pyramid," a twelve-year-old New York City girl tries to make sense of a series of mysterious notes received from an anonymous source that seems to defy the laws of time and space.

NEWBERY HONOR BOOKS:
Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice
By Philip Hoose
Based on extensive interviews with Claudette Colvin and many others, Phillip Hoose presents the first in-depth account of an important yet largely unknown civil rights figure, skillfully weaving her dramatic story into the fabric of the historic Montgomery bus boycott and court case that would change the course of American history.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate
By Jacqueline Kelly
In central Texas in 1899, eleven-year-old Callie Vee Tate is instructed to be a lady by her mother, learns about love from the older three of her six brothers, and studies the natural world with her grandfather, the latter of which leads to an important discovery.

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg
By Rodman Philbrick
Twelve-year-old Homer, a poor but clever orphan, has extraordinary adventures after running away from his evil uncle to rescue his brother, who has been sold into service in the Civil War.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
By Grace Lin
Minli, an adventurous girl from a poor village, buys a magical goldfish, and then joins a dragon who cannot fly on a quest to find the Old Man of the Moon in hopes of bringing life to Fruitless Mountain and freshness to Jade River.

2009 Holiday Books

2009-12-02T15:16:00.000-05:00

No matter the time of year, books are always in season -- but this is especially true during the holidays. This winter, celebrate with these holiday books from 2009:

Auntie Claus, Home for the Holidays

By Elise Primavera

Ages 4-8

When Sophie is cast as the Sugar Plum Fairy in her school's performance of the Nutcracker, her Auntie Claus forgoes her usual fall business trip and transforms New York City into the North Pole, with some unpleasant consequences.

The Christmas Genie

By Dan Gutman

Ages 8-12

When a meteorite crashes into a fifth-grade classroom at Lincoln School in Oak Park, Illinois, the genie inside agrees to grant the class a Christmas wish--if they can agree on one within an hour.

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas

By Jane O'Connor

Ages 4-7

Nancy is devastated, which is even worse than heart-broken, when her fancy Christmas tree topper breaks, threatening to ruin Christmas.

Hanukkah Around the World

By Tami Lehman-Wilzig

Ages 8-11

Introduces Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, and describes how it is celebrated in different areas of the world, including Israel, Istanbul, Italy, Poland, and New York City. Includes glossary and recipes.

Heart of a Snowman

By Eugene Yeichin

Ages 4-8

On Christmas Eve, young Owen visits a magical factory run by animals, where he both teaches and learns some interesting things about snowmen.

A Season of Gifts

By Richard Peck

Ages 9-12

Relates the surprising gifts bestowed on twelve-year-old Bob Barnhart and his family, who have recently moved to a small Illinois town in 1958, by their larger-than-life neighbor, Mrs. Dowdel.

The True Gift: A Christmas Story

By Patricia MacLachlan

Ages 7-up

While spending Christmas at their grandparents' farm, Lily becomes convinced that her younger brother Liam is right about White Cow being lonely and helps him seek a companion for her, leaving little time for Christmas preparations or reading.

Looking for Good Read-Alouds?

2009-11-20T14:01:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for good read-alouds for children? You should check out the nominees for the 2009 E.B. White Read Aloud Awards. These awards, established in 2004, honor books that reflect the universal read-aloud standards that were created by the work of the author E.B. White in his classic books for children--Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and The Trumpet of the Swan. There are two categories: Picture Books and Older Readers.

Books are nominated for their universal appeal as a “terrific” book to read aloud. The Association of Booksellers for Children (ABC) receives a list of book nominations, which is pared down to a short list of four books in each category. A committee of booksellers, chaired by an ABC board member, then decides the winners. Here are the winners and honor books chosen this year:

E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Picture Books:
A Visitor for Bear
By Bonny Becker
Bear's efforts to keep out visitors to his house are undermined by a very persistent mouse.

E.B. White Read Aloud Picture Book Honors:
Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken
By Kate DiCamillo
Longing for adventure, intrepid Louise leaves her comfortable nest and goes to sea.

One
By Kathryn Otoshi
A number/color book that reminds us that it just takes one to make everyone count.

Too Many Toys
By David Shannon
Although he finally agrees that he has too many toys and needs to give them away, there is one toy that Spencer absolutely cannot part with.

E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Older Readers:
Masterpiece
By Elise Broach
After Marvin, who is a beetle, makes a miniature drawing as an eleventh birthday gift for James, a human with whom he shares a house, the two new friends work together to help recover a Durer drawing stolen from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

E.B. White Read Aloud Older Reader Honors:
The Magic Thief
By Sarah Prineas
A young thief is drawn into a life of magic and adventure after picking the pocket of the powerful wizard Nevery Flinglas, who has returned from exile to try to reverse the troubling decline of magic in Wellmet City.

The Willoughbys
By Lois Lowry
In this tongue-in-cheek take on classic themes in children's literature, the four Willoughby children set about to become "deserving orphans" after their neglectful parents embark on a treacherous around-the-world adventure, leaving them in the care of an odious nanny.

Zorgamazoo
By Robert Paul Weston
Imaginative and adventurous Katrina eludes her maniacal guardian to help Morty, a member of a vanishing breed of zorgles, with his quest to uncover the fate of the fabled zorgles of Zorgmazoo as well as of other creatures that seem to have disappeared from the earth.

Looking for book ideas for boys?

2009-10-21T15:24:00.000-04:00

Are you looking for book ideas for boys? You should check out Jon Scieszka's Guys Read web site. It's a web-based literacy program for boys whose mission is "to help boys become self-motivated, lifelong readers."

Book recommendations are listed by category, such as "Outer space, but without aliens," "Mysterious Occurrences," and "Monkeys and/or Apes," just to name a few. October's book-of-the-month is the non-fiction Battle in the Arctic Sea, and the New Book on the Pile is Billy Twitters and his Blue Whale Problem by Mac Barnett.

Jon Scieszka (pronounced CHESS-ka) wrote The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, the Time Warp Trio series, and Squids Will Be Squids, among other books. He is also the first (and current) Children's Ambassador for Young People's Literature.

This blog is worth a look!

The Latest Movies Based on Kids' Books

2009-10-09T15:21:00.000-04:00

Seems lately that best-selling books translate well to the big screen. Here's a run-down of the latest ones:

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Based on the book by Judi Barrett
Movie Release: September 18, 2009
In the land of Chewandswallow, food (rather than rain or snow) falls from the sky. But something goes awry -- the food falling from the sky gets larger and larger, causing residents to make an escape before being squashed by giant pancakes.
CAST: Anna Faris, Bill Hader, Bruce Campbell, James Caan, Andy Samberg, Tracy Morgan, Mr. T

Where the Wild Things Are
Based on the book by Maurice Sendak
Movie Release: October 16, 2009
Max is sent to bed without supper and imagines sailing away to the land of Wild Things. Max is loved by the wild creatures who make him their king, though he soon longs to be back home with his family.
CAST: Max Records, Catherine Keener, Pepita Emmerichs, Forest Whittaker, James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians)
Based on the book by Rick Riordan
Movie Release: February 12, 2010
Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson learns he is a demigod -- the son of a mortal woman and a Greek god. He and his new friends set out on a cross-country adventure to catch whoever stole the lightning bolt and to settle an ongoing battle between the gods.
CAST: Logan Lerman, Catherine Keener, Alexandra Daddario, Pierce Brosnan, Jake Abel, Demitri Lekkos

Middle School Mysteries

2009-09-28T16:06:00.000-04:00

If you're looking for a fun mystery series for middle schoolers, check out the following:

Chasing Vermeer
By Blue Balliett
Illustrated by Brett Helquist

When a book of unexplainable occurrences brings sixth graders Petra and Calder together, strange things start to happen: Seemingly unrelated events connect, an eccentric old woman seeks their company, and an invaluable Vermeer painting disappears. Before they know it, the two find themselves at the center of an international art scandal, where no one is spared from suspicion. But tracking down the Vermeer isn’t easy, as Calder and Petra try to figure out what a set of pentominos (mathematical puzzle pieces), a mysterious book about unexplainable phenomena and their nervous teacher have to do with a centuries old artwork. Can they solve a crime that has stumped even the FBI?
Sometime called The DaVinci Code for kids, Chasing Vermeer will have middle grade readers scrutinizing art books as they try to solve the mystery along with Calder and Petra. In an added bonus, artist Brett Helquist has also hidden a secret pentomino message in several of the book’s illustrations for readers to decode.

SEQUEL TO CHASING VERMEER:
The Wright 3
By Blue Balliett
Illustrated by Brett Helquist

Spring semester at the Lab School in Hyde Park finds Petra and Calder drawn into another mystery when unexplainable accidents and ghostly happenings throw a spotlight on Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House, and it's up to the two young sleuths to piece together the clues. They become tangled in a dangerous web thanks to the return of Calder's friend Tommy, H.G. Wells's The Invisible Man, 3-D pentominoes, and the hunt for a coded message left behind by Wright.

SEQUEL TO THE WRIGHT 3:
The Calder Game
By Blue Balliett
Illustrated by Brett Helquist

When Calder Pillay travels with his father to a remote village in England, he finds mazes and mystery, including an unexpected Alexander Calder sculpture in the town square. Calder is strangely drawn to the sculpture, while other people have less-than-friendly feelings towards it. Both the boy and the sculpture seem to be out of place…and then, on the same night, they disappear! Calder's friends Petra and Tommy must fly out to help his father find him. But this mystery has many twists and turns that will keep readers guessing!

Award Nomination - I Love My Librarian!

2009-09-21T15:29:00.000-04:00

Have you been impressed by a librarian in your community? Now's your chance to nominate that person for a special award! The "I Love My Librarian" award is sponsored by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and The New York Times. Nominations close Oct. 9, 2009. Winners will be announced in early November.

According to the American Library Association, librarians in our country’s 123,000 libraries make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans every day. On the nomination form, you can explain why your librarian should receive this prestigious honor.

Each of the up to ten librarians selected will receive $5,000 and will be recognized at a special awards ceremony. Nominations are being accepted in three categories: public librarians, school media specialists, and college, community college and university librarians.

To access the nomination form, click on this link: http://www.ilovelibraries.org/lovemylibrarian/public.cfm.

Chester County Library Fall Storytime Registration

2009-08-25T10:01:00.000-04:00

Registration for Chester County Library's Fall Storytimes is on Tuesday, September 1st, at 9:30 am. You may register for one five-week session, and you must register IN PERSON. Children must be the required age when the session begins. Check out our web site at http://www.ccls.org/ for more information and for storytimes at other CCLS libraries!

Get Ready for Kindergarten - Book List

2009-05-19T11:50:00.000-04:00

With my daughter’s PreK graduation a few weeks away, we have been getting excited for kindergarten! I have been bringing home a lot of picture books to share with her to ease those jitters. Here is a list of “Get Ready for Kindergarten” books. Share them all summer long so you and your little one will be ready for September, too!

Who Will Go to Kindergarten Today? by Karl Ruhmann
The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
Tiptoe Into Kindergarten by Jacqueline Rogers
Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGhee
Kindergarten Kids by Ellen B. Senisi
Kindergarten Rocks by Katie Davis
Kindergarten Countdown by Anna Jane Hays
Little Bear Goes to Kindergarten by Jutta Langreuter
Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlson
Ms. Bitsy Bat’s Kindergarten by Pamela Duncan Edwards
Off to Kindergarten by Tony Johnston
A Place Called Kindergarten by Jessica Harper
Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell
Kindergarten ABC by Jacqueline Rogers
Tom Goes to Kindergarten by Margaret Wild
My First Day of School by Nancy J. Skarmeas
Will I Have a Friend? by Miriam Cohen
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
A Pocket Full of Kisses by Audrey Penn
I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas
The Berenstain Bears Go To School by Stan & Jan Berenstain

Suzanne M., Spring City Public Library

World Premiere of EGGS

2009-04-20T14:16:00.000-04:00

Are you a fan of Jerry Spinelli? You can see the world premiere of Eggs (based on Spinelli's novel) at People's Light & Theatre in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Here is a brief synopsis of the story:

Nine-year-old David and 13-year-old Primrose are both pretty unhappy with life at home. David is sent to live with his grandmother after the death of his mother, and Primrose's mom is a fortune teller who barely notices when Primrose moves into the van parked outside their house. Their unlikely friendship includes midnight trash-picking, bickering over gulps of Mango Madness, and hanging out with Refrigerator John, the local refrigerator repairman. They set off on an unexpected journey that leads to self-discovery and new perspectives on friendship and family.

The play runs from April 23-May 24, 2009. Tickets start at $20. For more information, you can call 610-644-3500 or see their web site at www.peopleslight.org.

Staff Picks -- Favorite Read-Alouds

2009-03-26T15:05:00.000-04:00

Whether it is at home reading to my kids or conducting a library story time, these are some of the books that I love reading out loud. From stubborn pigs to grumpy fish, they are fun for audiences of all ages!

Pigs in the Mud in the Middle of the Rudd
By Lynn Plourde
Pigs are blocking the road and no one can make them shoo—not brother, sister, father, or mother. Looks like it is up to Grandma to save the day!

Llama, Llama Red Pajama
By Anna Dewdney
Little Llama should be asleep but he wants his mama. Where is she? Parents will especially relate to all the “llama drama” at bedtime!

The Pout-Pout Fish
By Deborah Diesen
Grumpy Mr. Fish spreads his “dreary wearies” all over the ocean. The other fish try to cheer him up, but Mr. Fish is destined to be glum…..or is he?

A Visitor for Bear
By Bonnie Becker
A persistent mouse tries to befriend a cranky old bear. Will he succeed? And will you succeed in reading this book without giving mouse a British accent?

“Stand Back,” Said the Elephant, “I’m Going to Sneeze!”
By Patricia Thomas
Oh no—elephant is going to sneeze! All the animals remember what happened last time elephant sneezed. Now the monkeys and leopards and zebras are scared!

Jump, Frog, Jump!
By Robert Kalan
Will frog get away or will he be caught? This cumulative story will have little ones warning “Jump, frog, jump!” Great for interaction!

Suzanne M., Spring City Public Library

Where the Wild Things Are -- Movie

2009-03-19T12:10:00.000-04:00

Maurice Sendak's classic children's story, Where the Wild Things Are, is being made into a movie! The story is about Max, a disobedient little boy sent to bed without his supper, who creates his own world--a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures who crown Max as their ruler.

Voices for the characters are provided by Forest Whitaker, James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara, Paul Dano and Lauren Ambrose. The scheduled release date is October 16, 2009. Can't wait to see this one!

Lemony Snicket Picture Book

2009-03-06T10:35:00.000-05:00

For all of you Lemony Snicket fans.....Daniel Handler (a.k.a. Lemony Snicket) has collaborated with composer Nathaniel Stookey to create a classical music mystery picture book! The Composer Is Dead comes with a CD of the author as narrator and the San Francisco Symphony performing Stookey's music.

Finding a dead composer, a detective questions all the usual suspects--sections of the orchestra, from the violins to percussion. The detective cites many dead composers, such as Bach, Beethoven and Schubert, while trying to solve the mystery. The Composer Is Dead was first performed in San Francisco in 2006, and the collaborators will perform on March 7th at New York's Carnegie Hall.

The book is published by HarperCollins and retails for $17.99. It's worth a look and a listen!

The Berenstain Bears on Stage!

2009-02-17T15:14:00.000-05:00

Coming to Philly this spring......The Berenstain Bears' Family Matters! This new show for kids is an hour-long musical that weaves classic Berenstain Bear books into one big bear of an adventure. Shows will run March 20-April 4 at the Walnut Street Theatre, located at 825 Walnut Street in Philadelphia. For tickets and more information, visit http://www.walnutstreettheatre.org/.

Great 2008 Picture Books

2009-02-12T15:47:00.000-05:00

Although they missed out on Caldecott accolades, here are some other fantastic picture books from 2008 you’ll want to enjoy:

In a Blue Room
By Jim Averback
Alice can only sleep in a blue room. Will the moon work its nighttime magic? Soothing illustrations and smooth language make this a new bedtime favorite.

Hello, Day!
By Anita Lobel
Say “Hello!” to these friendly animals! Stunning illustrations juxtaposed with simple text make this a fabulous addition to birth through preschool collections.

Old Bear
By Kevin Henkes
Bear is hibernating and having the most beautiful dreams. The illustrations have an older, charming feel that will make you wish you were dreaming right along with Bear.

The Little Yellow Leaf
By Carin Berger
Will Little Yellow Leaf ever be brave enough to leave her tree? Beautiful art and rhythmic language will make this a new fall favorite!

A Kitten Tale
By Eric Rothman
Four little kittens see snow for the first time. Will they have the courage to go out and play in it? Rothman gives us a short but sweet tale complete with wonderful illustrations.

A Visitor for Bear
By Bonny Becker
Will grumpy Bear succeed in chasing away a persistent little mouse? This incredibly irresistible story makes for a wonderful read-aloud and plenty of laughter.

Suzanne M., Spring City Public Library

Staff Pick

2009-02-10T11:36:00.000-05:00

The Underneath

By Kathi Appelt

Grade 4-up

Awarded a Newbery Honor last week, Kathi Appelt’s The Underneath is one of the best books for young readers I have read in a long time. It features an odd array of characters, including a snake, an alligator, an old hound, a cat and her kittens, and the sinister Gar-Face. This old-fashioned tale of friendship and family includes elements of mysticism and magic, love and betrayal. Appelt does a masterful job of building suspense—will good triumph over evil? Even if you are not an animal lover, The Underneath is a captivating read and will absolutely steal your heart.

Suzanne M., Spring City Public Library

Award of Outstanding Nonfiction for Children

2009-02-05T14:05:00.001-05:00

The National Council of Teachers of English has established the Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, which recognizes excellence in the writing of nonfiction for children. The name Orbis Pictus commemorates the work of Johannes Amos Comenius, Orbis Pictus--The World in Pictures, published in 1657, which is considered to be the first book actually planned for children. The following is a list of the winner and honor books:

ORBIS PICTUS AWARD WINNER:

Amelia Earhart: The Legend of the Lost Aviator

By Shelley Tanaka

Illustrated by David Craig

Describes the life of aviator Amelia Earhart from age eleven, when someone points out a plane to her, to the day she disappears on an airplane, in a text accompanied by illustrations, photographs and quotations.

ORBIS PICTUS AWARD HONOR BOOKS:

George Washington Carver
By Tonya Bolden

The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary
By Candace Fleming

Washington at Valley Forge
By Russell Freedman

We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
By Kadir Nelson

When the Wolves Returned: Restoring Nature's Balance in Yellowstone
By Dorothy Henshaw Patent

2009 Children's Book Award Winners

2009-01-29T11:47:00.000-05:00

The American Library Association (ALA) has announced the top books, videos and audiobooks for children and young adults--including the Caldecott, Newbery, Printz and Coretta Scott King awards and others. The following is a partial list of award winners and honors. A complete list of awards and honors can be found at http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2009/january2009/ymawrap.cfm.

CALDECOTT MEDAL WINNER (best American picture book for children):
The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson

CALDECOTT MEDAL HONOR:
A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee
How I Learned Geography by Uri Shulevitz
A River of Words by Jen Bryant

NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER (most distinguished contribution to children's literature):
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

NEWBERY HONOR:
The Underneath by Kathi Appelt
The Surrender Tree by Margarita Engle
Savvy by Ingrid Law
After Tupac and D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson

MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD WINNER (excellence in literature for young adults):
Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

MICHAEL L. PRINTZ AWARD HONORS:
The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation by M.T. Anderson
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
Nation by Terry Pratchett
Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan

CORETTA SCOTT KING AUTHOR AWARD WINNER (outstanding book by an African-American author):
We Are the Ship by Kadir Nelson

CORETTA SCOTT KING AUTHOR AWARD HONOR:
Keeping the Night Watch by Hope Anita Smith
The Blacker the Berry by Joyce Carol Thomas
Becoming Billie Holiday by Carole Weatherford

New Magic Tree House book

2009-01-26T15:32:00.000-05:00

Get ready for the next Magic Tree House book! In Moonlight on the Magic Flute (#41 in the series), Jack and Annie head to 18th century Austria, where they help a musician named Mozart. During their adventures they encounter a little boy who follows them everywhere. When the boy lets the animals out of the palace zoo, Jack and Annie have to use the only magic at their disposal to save themselves and the naughty little boy. Moonlight on the Magic Flute will be available on March 10, 2009.

School Library Journal's Best Books for 2008

2008-12-04T10:44:00.000-05:00

In their December 1st edition, School Library Journal lists their Best Books for 2008. Below is an excerpt from the article. For the complete article, go to Best Books for 2008.

Of the more than 5,000 books reviewed in SLJ’s pages in 2008, the 67 books listed below stood out as having distinctive voices, singular vision, and/or innovative approaches. They include books for toddlers and preschoolers, terrific picture books and easy readers, and some highly original novels. Fantasy, historical fiction, science fiction, humor, mystery, affecting family stories, and adventure all make an appearance. It was an amazingly strong year for YA novels, several with hard-hitting, powerful themes. There’s also some spectacular science and history. Deciding among all of the books about Lincoln published this year was not easy; we selected two that we felt were the most unusual and creative. The arts fared well also, with lively titles about Alexander Calder, Mark Twain, Billie Holiday, and William Carlos Williams.

The Tale of Despereaux

2008-11-17T20:06:00.000-05:00

For all of you who loved the book by Kate DiCamillo......The Tale of Despereaux movie is being released on December 19th. Here is a brief synopsis:

Tiny and graced with oversized ears, Despereaux was born too big for his little world. Refusing to live his life cowering, he befriends a Princess named Pea and learns to read (rather than eat) books—reveling in stories of knights, dragons and fair maidens. Banished from Mouseworld for being more man than mouse, Despereaux is rescued by another outcast, Roscuro, who also wants to hear the tales. But when the Princess dismisses Roscuro’s friendship, he becomes the ultimate rat and plots revenge with fellow outsider Mig. After Pea is kidnapped, Despereaux discovers he is the only one who can rescue her…and that even the tiniest mouse can find the courage of a knight in shining armor. In this tale of bravery, forgiveness and redemption, one small creature will teach a kingdom that it takes only a little light to show the truth: what you look like doesn’t equal what you are.

This movie features the voices of Dustin Hoffman, Sigourney Weaver, Matthew Broderick, Emma Watson, Christopher Lloyd, William H. Macy, Kevin Kline, Stanley Tucci and Robbie Coltrane.

Great Web Sites for Kids

2008-11-07T10:20:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for good web sites for your children or students? Check out Great Web Sites for Kids, which is published by the Association for Library Services to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association. Great Web Sites for Kids features links to web sites of interest to children, organized by subject headings such as animals, literature and languages, math and computers, the arts, and history and biography. There also is a special section with sites of interest to parents, caregivers and teachers, plus an area devoted to sites in Spanish. Great Web Sites for Kids is maintained and updated by an ALSC committee.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

2008-11-05T16:44:00.000-05:00

For those of you who liked the book The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, the movie is being released this Friday, November 7. Here is a brief synopsis:

Through the lens of an eight-year-old boy largely shielded from the reality of World War II, we witness a forbidden friendship that forms between Bruno, the son of Nazi commandant, and Schmuel, a Jewish boy held captive in a concentration camp. Though the two are separated physically by a barbed wire fence, their lives become inescapably intertwined. The imagined story of Bruno and Shmuel sheds light on the brutality, senselessness and devastating consequences of war from an unusual point of view. Together, their tragic journey helps recall the millions of innocent victims of the Holocaust.

Cast: Asa Butterfield, Jack Scanlon, Amber Beattie, David Thewlis, Vera Farmiga. Director: Mark Herman

Phillies Phever

2008-10-30T13:04:00.000-04:00

For all of you Phillies phans who want to know more about the Fightin' Phils.....here are some good reads you can find in Chester County Library's Children's Department:

The Philadelphia Phillies
By Mark Stewart
j796.357 Ste (2008)
Presents the history, accomplishments and key personalities of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. Includes timelines, quotes, maps, glossary and websites.

The Story of the Philadelphia Phillies
By Michael E. Goodman
j796.357 Goo (2008)
Highlights the key personalities and memorable games in the history of the team that has played in Philadelphia since 1883. Part of the Baseball: The Great American Game Series.

PHILLIES ARE 2008 WORLD SERIES CHAMPS!!

Lisa U, CCL

An American Landmark

2008-10-15T11:36:00.000-04:00

During this election year, you may be looking for some patriotic books about our country. Head to the library and check out Lady Liberty: A Biography by Doreen Rappaport. You and your children won't be disappointed.

Told in verse, this book chronicles the building of the Statue of Liberty from many points of view. Starting with an idea sparked in 1865 in Glatigny, France, and the first pieces being created in 1876 in Paris, to digging the statue's foundation pit in 1884, Rappaport draws the reader into the statue's origins. Then she presents the many people who played a part in its coming to life -- sculptors, assistants, engineers, construction workers, journalists and children.

Matt Tavares' illustrations capture the essence of each time period, and are done in watercolor, ink and pencil. At the end of the book, the author includes quotes from people who saw the statue for the first time, as well as a list of the statue's dimensions, a timeline of important events and a list of selected sources for further reading. All in all, this is a great book for students aged 8-13 and casual readers of all ages.

Lisa U, CCL

35 years later -- Free to Be....You and Me

2008-10-07T12:10:00.000-04:00

The best-selling classic Free To Be....You and Me will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a new, expanded edition. Author Marlo Thomas thinks the timing is perfect because those who grew up with the original can now share the updated version with their children.

The stories and songs in Free To Be....You and Me, originally published in 1973, conveyed the message that children could be different and that was fine. Original contributors included author Judy Blume, author Shel Silverstein, and actor Carl Reiner. The new edition features the original material plus 14 new contributors, including best-selling children's author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, illustrator Tony diTerlizzi, and illustrator LeUyen Pham. The new book's message will remain the same.

Magic Tree House: The Musical

2008-10-01T16:05:00.000-04:00

In The Magic Tree House series, readers can travel to the times of dinosaurs, knights, mummies, and Shakespeare, just to name a few. Now you can experience a Magic Tree House musical on stage by Will Osborne and Randy Courts. Will and Randy's magic will send you soaring with Jack and Annie to more wonderful, faraway places. For information about the 2008-2009 nationwide tour schedule, go to http://www.mthmusical.com/nationaltour.html.

New Berenstain Bears Series

2008-09-30T16:47:00.000-04:00

In October 2008, readers will see a new series of Berenstain Bears books with a faith focus. Mike Berenstain says, "Over the years, my parents and I often heard from Christian families how much they appreciate the values-based themes of our books. By dealing with religion through the fun and laughter of the Berenstain Bears, we hope to nurture these families in their goal of raising children secure in their faith." The first four (of 12) titles to be published October 1st will include The Berenstain Bears Say Their Prayers, The Berenstain Bears Go to Sunday School, The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule, and The Berenstain Bears: God Loves You!

Books About Books and Libraries

2008-09-24T12:03:00.000-04:00

Are you looking for books about books and libraries? Here are some that are worth a look:

Bats at the Library
By Brian Lies
Bored with another normal, inky evening, bats discover an open library window and fly in to enjoy the photocopier, water fountain, and especially the books and stories found there.

The Best Book To Read
By Debbie Bertram
A young boy goes to the library with his class and hears about the many kinds of books that can be found there.

Edward and the Pirates
By David McPhail
Edward is a boy who loves to read. One night, while reading a book about pirates, Edward finds himself surrounded by the salty sailors who think his book might tell them where their treasure is buried. They beg Edward to give them the book, which he eventually does. As it turns out, the pirates can't read, so Edward must read the book aloud to them.

The Librarian from the Black Lagoon
By Mike Thaler
Join Hubie as he faces his comically horrific fears during his first trip to the school library. Featuring a librarian called "The Laminator" and a library where all the books are bolted to the shelves, this story will amuse and quell fears of new experiences at the same time!

Margret & H.A. Rey's Curious George Visits the Library
By Margret and H.A. Rey
George is lucky to arrive at the library just in time for story hour. But it's not easy for a little monkey to sit still too long. From selecting books to getting his very own library card, George's day at the library makes reading fun.

What Happened to Marion's Book?
By Brook Berg
Young Marion the hedgehog, who wants to be a librarian when she grows up, learns how to treat library books with respect.

Wild About Books
By Judy Sierra
A librarian named Mavis McGrew introduces the animals in the zoo to the joy of reading when she drives her bookmobile to the zoo by mistake.

Autumn Picture Books

2008-09-11T12:23:00.000-04:00

Looking for books about the fall season? Here are some good picture books to check out:

Arthur Jumps into Fall

By Marc Brown

Dappled Apples
By Jan Carr

Four Friends in Autumn
By Tomie dePaola

Mouse's First Fall
By Lauren Thompson

Red Are the Apples
By Marc Harshman

Who Loves the Fall?
By Bob Raczka

Staff Picks

2008-09-05T15:23:00.000-04:00

Edwina the Emu
By Sheena Knowles
Preschool-Grade 1
Edwina and Edward are expecting ten little emus, so she tells him, "I'll look for a job, you stay on the nest." Edwina tries many different jobs, but eventually realizes where she really needs to be. Rod Clement's illustrations of Edwina, with her tiny ponytail wrapped in a purple band, and the many human caricatures, are hilarious and jump off the page. Knowles' rhyming text makes this a good storytime book for all ages.

Now and Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin
by Gene Barretta
Grade 2-4
This book, which is aimed at younger readers, covers more than 20 of Ben Franklin's inventions, including bifocals, lightning rods and odometers. Gene Barretta's cartoon illustrations are bright and inviting, and depict Franklin's many roles -- writer, printer, diplomat, scientist, inventor, humorist and humanitarian. While the author does not include much biographical information or suggestions for further reading, this book is a great introduction to the many accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin.

Lisa U, CCL

Chester County Reading Olympics

2008-09-04T12:00:00.000-04:00

All students in grades 1-12 in Chester County can participate in the Reading Olympics. What is it? The Reading Olympics is a phenomenon whose goal is to increase the quality and quantity of books that students read for enjoyment. The Olympics are primarily a celebration of reading rather than a contest. All participants are awarded ribbons. Since the teams generate much excitement about this reading event, the experience is rewarding for everyone involved.

To learn more about Chester County's Reading Olympics, go to their web site at http://readingolympics.cciu.org/.

Staff Picks

2008-08-27T15:21:00.000-04:00

Good Thing You're Not an Octopus!
By Julie Markes
Preschool-Grade 1
When a little boy doesn't want to do daily tasks like getting dressed or brushing his teeth, the author presents the tasks from a different point of view -- "You don't like to get dressed in the morning? It's a good thing you're not an octopus. If you were an octopus, you would have eight legs to put in your pants!" The accompanying illustration shows a weary creature trying to fit all of his limbs into a large pair of multi-legged pants. This colorful, funny book shows preschoolers that they don't have it that bad! It's a great read-aloud for kids and parents alike.

Sarah, Plain and Tall
By Patricia MacLachlan
Grade 4-5
After Papa advertises for a wife and mother in the newspaper, the family receives letters from Sarah in Maine, and she eventually joins them in their prairie home. Sarah learns how to plow, but she also teaches the family about the colors of the sea and the importance of music and laughter. This tale has the feel of the Little House on the Prairie series, and has several nice sequels, which include Skylark, Caleb's Story, More Perfect than the Moon and Grandfather's Dance.

Lisa U, CCL

CC Library Fall Storytime Registration

2008-08-26T15:55:00.000-04:00

Registration for Chester County Library's Fall Storytimes is on Tuesday, September 9th, at 9:30 am. You may register for one five-week session, and you must register IN PERSON. Children must be the required age when the session begins. Check out our web site at http://www.ccls.org/ for more information and for storytimes at other CCLS libraries!

2008 CCL Summer Reading Club Update

2008-08-18T14:25:00.000-04:00

Now is the time to redeem your Book Bucks for great prizes at Chester County Library's Bug Bazaar!! Our store is open from August 18th to September 12th, and the raffle for the grand prizes will be drawn on September 12th. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Staff Picks

2008-08-15T15:16:00.000-04:00

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog
By Mo Willems
Preschool-Grade 1
That lovable pigeon from Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! meets his match: a pesky duckling who covets the pigeon's hot dog. Mo Willem's simple drawings and hilarious dialogue convey the birds' emotions and antics. This book is a great read-aloud for anyone in the mood for a funny give-and-take story.

Ramona Quimby, Age 8
By Beverly Cleary
Grade 3-5
The infamous Ramona Quimby begins third grade at a new school and is determined to do her share for the family. She has a lot to deal with -- her mother works, her father returns to college, her sister starts junior high, and Ramona must go to Howie's grandmother's house after school, where she encounters Howie's pesty little sister. While she tries hard not to, Ramona gets into all kinds of adventures, including getting egg on her face when her mother accidentally sends a raw, rather than hard-boiled, egg for lunch. Beverly Cleary depicts Ramona's spunky personality, family and school life in a way that kids can relate to.

Th e Kid Who Ran for President
By Dan Gutman
Grade 4-7
When sixth-grader Judson Moon's best friend convinces him to run for President, our country is never the same. After choosing his elderly African-American former babysitter as a running mate, and lining up a cute blonde as his "First Babe," Judson establishes the Lemonade Party and promises to abolish all homework if his peers convince their parents to vote for him. Dan Gutman raises some interesting political issues such as why someone younger than 35 can't run for president, and how amendments to the Constitution are established. This funny, preposterous story is a timely read during an election year where change is inevitable.

Lisa U, CCL