Favorite Summer Reading Picture Books

I love to read picture books, didn't thought I would at first but the complexity of the stories- when you think of a subject from a four-five year old to the beautiful illustrations just won my heart.  This summer I am reading lots and lots to my own kids since we have a story time break. This is giving me the opportunity to find some new picture books for my fall story time sessions.  Just yesterday I found a great new book for this fall.  We had just started reading this book last night when the wind picked up and the leaves started to fall down. It was the perfect setting for Flora's Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall, illustrated by Matt Phelan.
I found the story to be absolutely adorable and one that most kids with younger siblings can relate to- who hasn't dreamed of giving away a pesky little brother or sister.  In the book Flora has the perfect opportunity to give Crispin, her younger brother away when the wind whisked them away.  She gets offers from a dragonfly, a bird, a rainbow, and even the man in the moon. But at the end she decides that is best to bring him back home, just in case mom would get upset. I am a big fan of watercolors and Phelan's illustrations are perfect. The balance of colors and light, the characters' moods like mom's tired face or the man on the moon sad face are all convey with the subtle pastel colors, dark grays, and autumn browns.  Check it out at our library.

 

Let's Go, Hugo! by Angela Dominguez. Another great picture book with a strong message and adorable illustrations.  Set in Paris, Hugo is a lovely little bird who rather walks instead of flying-truth be told because he is afraid of flying.  Until he meets Lulu, who is determined to fly over Paris with him, will Hugo finally learn to fly? Hugo uses every excuse he can think off to avoid flying but with the help of Bernard the Owl, Lulu's encouragement, and his own courage Hugo faces his fear and learns to fly.  I love the watercolor illustrations and the nostalgic feeling they evoke, but the main reason this book is special is because of its message. This book teaches children to overcome their fears and to being open to those around them for help facing life's challenges.Check it out at our library. 
 

Monarch Picture Books

 

Biblioburro: a true story from Colombia by Jeanette Winter, Beach Lane Books, 2010.This is a true story about the power of stories.  Luis Soriana loves books and wanted to share them with others in their remote Colombia town.  Since he lacked any form of transportation he used the only transportation he had available, his trusty burros Alpha and Beto. He built some crates and started bringing books to kids in other towns.  He became a storyteller and reader advisory guru all in one.  I love the acrylic illustrations depicting Luis storytelling tales like “The Three Little Pigs”, Winters uses bright details  to create images of the native landscape and the challenges Luis encountered like no road or bandits.  The story reminded me of other traveling librarians like  “The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq”  which I found out was written by the same author.  

 

I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, Candlewick Press, 2011.I read this book a while back to a class of preschoolers and loved the settle humor on it, and was surprised at how young children seem to got it too.  Bear has lost his hat and he almost gives up until he remembers a key detail that will get him his hat back.  Klassen’s illustrations are captivating and a bit spooky as I realized the character’s eyes were following us throughout the story when I re-read it to my son.  

Summer Reading is Finally Here!

The last few weeks have been consumed with Summer Reading planning and school visits.  I have had so much fun visiting all our schools and interacting with the students. This year we have moved our entire process online- no more paper slips to fill and tally. We are excited and we think our patrons are too. We actually know that they are liking registering online with over 350 children and teens already registered.   The entire process is easy to follow simply create an account, log books, you are done! It is environmentally friendly and accessible 24/7 so you don't need to depend on the library been open to log your books.  It is interactive allowing patrons to submit reviews and even share them via Facebook.

We have planned 6 weeks of fun activities, reading, contests, stories at local parks, and much more.  Our teen programs is also packed with hands on events like "Make It- Take It" and a Hunger Games Geocatching event at Iron Oaks. For our younger readers we have movies, an animal awareness show with exotic animals, a magician, and a race car show. Our finale will take us to Izaak Walton, a local forest preserve, for an all family fun picnic with lots of outdoor games.

Our theme is "Have Book, Will Travel" with an emphasis on traveling around our community.  I loved this theme because it truly touches my heart. As a kid I didn't traveled much, but grabbing a book was my way to escape, to make new friends, to have adventures, and to travel all without leaving my room.  I hope all our young patrons enjoy their "travels" this summer.

New Arrivals

A couple new books that just arrived at our library, make sure to check them out.



The Black Rabbit by Philippa Leathers. Rabbit's day is off to a great start until he turns around and finds he is been followed by a giant black rabbit. No matter what he does, no matter where he goes, he can't lose him.  In his desperation, he goes into the deep dark wood and finally he is alone....but not for long as wolf starts to chase him! Who would come to his rescue? None other than the black rabbit. I enjoyed the simple illustrations and how they help convey the full range of emotions rabbit experiences. Check out our copy.

 
Building Our House by Jonathan Bean. I loved this story and its illustrations.  I don't think there is a kid out there that doesn't like construction stories and this one shows a family building their own house from scratch.  I know I already mentioned butt I truly adore the illustrations and all the little details, the soft colors against off white backgrounds, how the author uses several images spread over a page. The author's note about his own memories and how it took almost five years for his family to build their home makes it even more unique.  Check out our copy.

Award Winners continued...

Here are a few more award nominated books.


 










I, Emma Freke by Elizabeth Atkinson, Carolrhoda Books, 2010.  Emma is an unusual 11 year old, taller than most with fiery red hair.  Her family lives up to their "freaky" name.  Donatella, her mom, acts more like an older sister, which leaves poor Emma in charge of their store and living arrangements. Her dad is MIA and until now she only has one friend. 
Emma has never felt like she belonged  but all that changes when she finds out that there is a whole side of her family she never knew. When she meets the other Freke at their annual Family Reunion she starts to see that there is a lot more to her than just her odd name.  I loved Emma's  transformation throughout the book from self-doubting to self-confident.  This book will be a great read for both boys and girls dealing with change and acceptance.

 
Calli Be Gold by Michele Weber Hurwitz, Wendy Lamb Books, 2011. Another book about an 11 year old girl dealing with a family situation.  I wasn't hook onto this book right away with the story dragging on until the last chapters when you can see the Gold's transformation. The best way to describe Calli's family is to say they are overachievers. Their goal is to excel at everything they try.  They reach for the gold just like their last name.  The family calendar is crowded with post it notes for all of Calli's siblings  extra curricular activities...except for Calli, she hasn't found her passion yet and not for lack of trying.  She hates the family competition but doesn't know how to make them stop.  Truth be told all of them are tired but can't imagine giving up or admitting that they would rather do something else. What would it take for this family to change? I enjoyed the ending of this book when we are all given permission to just be who we are.

 
Close to Famous by Joan Bauer, Viking Children Books, 2011. This is a sweet story about struggling dreams and how to make them come true. Foster McFee's dreams of becoming a chef and she has the goods- cupcakes- for it to be a reality. Her mom dreams of being the lead singer instead of back-up. Her friend Macon wants to be a documentary filmmaker once he gets his first camera. And Miss Charlenna just needs to believe she can be the actress she once was.  Their little town is full of dreams and they will all  have a chance to make them come true when the town is put on the map big time.