School Library Journal's Best Books for 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The 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