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