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/.