New Books at the Library

Our new books collection gets updated quite frequently with the latest new titles. We are very lucky to have such a diverse selection for all age groups. For me this is the perfect combination- new books and a chance to check them out right away. This week I checked out a few of the new picture book arrivals, they are so much fun:

 

Believe Me, Goldilocks Rocks! The Story of The Three Bears as Told by Baby Bear by Nancy Loewen, illustrated by Tatevik Avakyan, Picture Window Books, 2012. K-2  grade.  In this version of the story Baby Bear, a.k.a  Sam, is a pre-teen bear not to happy with being called “Baby Bear”, having to eat porridge for breakfast or a way to small chair but that all changes when Goldilocks breaks in on a truth or dare challenge from Red Riding Hood.  Now they are exchanging cell phone numbers, taking pictures, and jumping on beds.  I enjoyed the sense of humor on the story and the animated illustrations that aid to this sense of “grown up bear” feeling.  The book includes guided questions and comparisons to other versions of the story, websites, additional stories, and other books in the series. The illustrations are colorful and detailed overtaking most of the page.Check this book out at my library.

   

Snowboy 1,2,3 by Joe Wahman, illustrated by Wendy Wahman, Henry Holt & Company, 2012. PreK-2 grade. This is a cute counting and rhyming book for the younger readers, with vivid whimsical illustrations and lots of bright reds, yellows, blues, and greens. The large numbers and black text pops up to the reader. I liked how the reader goes from one snowboy to ten party favors, and back to “1 One snowboy all alone.” The front cover is very tactile and visual with glitter and textured designs.Check it out at my library.

 

It’s All About Me-Ow by HudsonTalbott, Penguin Young Readers, 2012. K-2 Grades.  Like the title suggest this book is all about cute, extrovert, funny cats.  Told from an older wise cat perspective the younger generation learns about cat culture and how to achieve “catitude”, master the art of charming humans, and all the tricks of the trade.  The book is highly entertaining with cleaver illustrations and visual detail, humor and reminders of all the things we do for our love for cats.  At the same time there is a surprising amount of information and facts for older readers’ enjoyment. Check it out at my library.

 

I’m Bored by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Simon & Schuster, 2012. This is a hilarious book that every kid should read…and parent when their kids say “I’m bored”. Our protagonist tries to explain how there is nothing boring about being a kid….to a potato.  The illustrations are precious, minimal color and lots of think black lines that create movement and expression. Oversized pictures and text aid the reader and would help younger readers develop critical early literacy skills (phonological awareness, writing, reading, playing, etc.) This is probably one of my favorites and one that I will use for my Tots programs.Check it out at my library.

I just started working as a children's librarian at the Homewood Public Library, this is my dream come true.  Two years ago I decided to pursue my passion and went back to graduate school for my MLIS degree, never imagining that I would be as lucky as to get to work here.


As a children's librarian I have the privilege of working with children all day long helping them connect with great books.  My programs are for the tiny ones- babies & tot's- how much fun! I am really looking forward to make my programs fun and exciting for both children and parents/caregivers.

One of my goals is to review books and share my thoughts with all of you.

One of my first selections is Andrew Drew and Drew  by Barney Saltzberg, K-2 grade, Appleseed Press, 2012.  I loved the flaps and folds into Andrew's imaginative drawings where a simple line turns into a dragon just by lifting a flop.  The minimal use of black illustrations with lots of white space gets the reader to just focus on Andrew and his yellow pencil. Minimal text can allow readers to imagine what they would draw themselves. Check it out at my library.



This is a beautiful story about acceptance and new beginnings. Oliver by Birgitta Sif, K-2 grade, Candlewick Press, 2012.  I just loved the pencil drawings on this book, everything is done with the most exquisite details. Oliver is a different child, who is not afraid of being his own. He lives through his adventures until one day when he finds a kindred spirit. The text is minimal again but the message is strong and would resonate with different readers.  The illustrations alone can tell the story which makes it a great story time book.  Check it out at my library.