Weekly Spotlight

Traveling for the holidays and dreading that long car trip? This week's spotlight, The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy, is a perfect story for the whole family to listen to while stuck on a long car ride. What is this story about? Well, the title sums it up pretty well - while on their summer vacation, four sisters meet the boy living next door to their rented cottage and have all sorts of adventures together. As much as they try to stay out of trouble, trouble just seems to follow them around.

If you like this book, there are currently two others in the series, The Penderwicks on Gardham Street, and The Penderwicks at Point Mouette.

Want to check this book out? Written by Jeanne Birdsall, the audiobook can be found shelved in our media area under the author's last name, and the book itself is shelved under the tree, also under the author's last name.

Read Anything Good Lately?

I do my best to post some of my new and old favorite books to the blog on a fairly regular basis (I know, I'm not very good about the whole "weekly" thing...). And hopefully, some of you have found something new and interesting to take a look at. Now I want to hear from you! What are some of your favorite books? New, old, picture book, non-fiction - it doesn't matter, I just want to know what they are!

I look forward to hearing from all of you in the comments!

-Kari

Weekly Spotlight

This week's spotlight by Holly Meade, is all about how scary it is to try something new. In it, a little bird is trying to decide if he is brave enough to try flying for the first time. With it's wonderful language, and beautiful illustrations, this picture book is definitely worth a look - both by kids and adults!

Want to check this book out? If I Never Forever Endeavor is located in our "NEW Picture Books" bin on the train.

Weekly Spotlight

Did you love the Harry Potter books? Have you read everything by Rick Riordan and are anxiously awaiting more? Then here's a new series for you - John Stephen's The Books of Beginning. The first book, The Emerald Atlas, just came out this fall and it is definitely worth a read. It has a perfect blend of magic, suspense, and adventure and will keep you on your toes. I promise, once you start this book, you won't be able to put it down!

For those of you who like listening to books, The Emerald Atlas is read by the same man (Jim Dale) who did the Harry Potter books. If you don't know who Jim Dale is, believe me, listening to anything he reads is a real treat.

Have you read this book? Please let us know what you think in the comments!

It's Here!

Rick Riordan's latest, The Son of Neptune has been out for just over a week. I'm happy to announce that our copies have arrived! Make sure to get your name on the waiting list, or check our Express Collection the next time you are in the library.

And for those of you have already finished the book - what did you think? Please leave your thoughts in the comments! (But remember - no spoilers please!)

-Kari

Weekly Spotlight

Love Shel Silverstein? Great news! A new collection of his poems has just been published. This book is full of never-before-seen poems and drawings pulled from Silverstein's personal archives. This is definitely a book that any fan won't want to miss.

Want to check this book out? Every Thing On It is located in our NEW Nonfiction under the call number 811.54 SILVERSTEIN.

Love the Percy Jackson books? Want to know more about some of the characters Percy and his friends meet? Then take a look at Greek Myths - the book is just what the title says. It's full of stories and myths from Ancient Greece. Find out the full story of Jason and the Golden Fleece, read about how Persephone was trapped by Hades, hear about Theseus' encounter with the Minotaur. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Want to check this book out? Greek Myths is located in our NEW Non-Fiction collection under the call number 398.209 FREEBERG. Please ask at the desk if you have trouble finding it!

Sequels You Can't WAIT to Read

There seem to be an awful lot of sequels being published this fall. Probably the two most anticipated books are the next "Wimpy Kid" book, Cabin Fever, and the next book in Rick Riordan's "Heroes of Olympus" series, The Son of Neptune. Listed below are some other sequels coming out this Fall that might interest you. Which are you most excited to read? Any big ones that I missed? Please share your thoughts/answers in the comments!



Darth Paper Strikes Back: An Origami Yoda Book by Tom Angleberger (8/23/11)
The Popularity Papers: Words of (Questionable) Wisdom from Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang by Amy Ingatow (10/1/11)
Ranger's Apprentice: The Lost Stories by John Flanagan (10/4/11)
Sammy Keyes and the Night of Skulls by Wendelin Van Draanen (10/11/11)
Inheritance (The Inheritance Cycle) by Christopher Paolini (11/8/11)
Ivy and Bean: No News is Good News by Annie Barrows (11/2/11)
How to Train Your Dragon: How to Break a Dragon's Heart by Cressida Cowell (11/7/11)
Warriors: Omen of the Stars: The Forgotten Warrior by Erin Hunter (11/22/11)



-Kari

Weekly Spotlight

Owen Jester is not happy that his family has moved in with his grandfather. And he especially does not like the know-it-all girl, Viola, who lives next door. But late one night, something happens that changes everything. A mysterious "thing" has fallen off a passing train, and Owen finds it in the woods. Just what is this fantastic item? And can he and his friends really keep it a secret? Pick up a copy of The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester by Barbara O'Connor find out!

Want to check this book out? This book is located in our Children's Fiction section that surrounds the tree. It is filed under "O" for O'Connor.

Weekly Spotlight

Ten birds have the job of finding their way across a bridge. Each one has it's own, creative, way of getting across. Just how do the birds decide to cross the bridge? And why does one of the birds "need improvement?" Cybele Young's Ten Birds is a great story to share together. Look closely! The pictures tell just as much of the story as the words do.

Want to check this book out? Ten Birds can be found in one of our "New Picture Book" bins on the Train.

Enjoy!

Weekly Spotlight

Okay, I'll admit, this "Weekly Spotlight" hasn't been very "weekly" lately. The summer was so busy here at the library that the blog got overlooked. But the school year has started now, and with that, I'm going to do my best to be more regular with my posts.



This week's spotlight is on The Lemonade Crime by Jacqueline Davies. Did you know that the 2011 Nutmeg winner, The Lemonade War has a sequel? Especially for those of you who voted for The Lemonade War, this book is definitely worth checking out. Evan and Jessie are back - and this time they are holding a trial for one of their classmates. Is Scott Spencer really a thief? You'll just have to read and find out!



Want to check this book out? The Lemonade Crime is located in our New Fiction section. This section is in alphabetical order by author's last name, so it is filed under "Davies."

Fall Storytimes

Now that summer vacation is officially over, we are gearing up for our Fall Storytimes. Dates and times for all of our programs are listed below - we hope to see many of you soon!

Itty Bitty Babies (12 months and under)
Thursdays at 1:30
September 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20, 27
November 3, 10

Waddling Ones (13-24 months)
Thursdays at 10:00
September 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20, 27
November 3, 10

Musical Mother Goose (1-2 years)
Tuesdays at 6:30
September 13, 20
October 4, 11, 18, 25
November 1, 8

Wednesdays at 10:00
September 14, 28
October 5, 12, 19, 26
November 2, 9

Preschool Storytime (3-5 years)
Mondays at 10:00
September 12, 19, 26
October 3, 17, 24, 31
November 7

Wednesdays at 1:30
September 14, 21, 28
October 5, 12, 19, 26
November 2, 9

Thursdays at 6:30
September 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20, 27
November 3, 10

Please note that Wallingford residents are given priority for all of our storytime programs. Especially for Musical Mother Goose, please make sure to have your Wallingford library card or ID with you as this program is often full.

Summer Wrap-Up

Wow, was this a busy summer in the Children's Library!

Over 1,200 kids participated in our Summer Reading program (wow!), and everyone did a FANTASTIC job with all of their reading! This was the first year we ran a program online. And even though it wasn't perfect, it seems that most of you liked this new feature. We do want to know what you thought of the program. Especially if you have any comments on how we did, or suggestions to make the program better, please take our survey, or leave your thoughts in the comments.

Wallingford is definitely a town full of great readers! Thanks to all of you for helping us make this summer a success!

Summer Reading

School's out, and you know what that means! It's time for the Wallingford Public Library's Summer Reading Program to begin. Join us this year as we explore the wonders of Ancient Egypt. We've got another amazing game board all ready for you - so if you haven't already done so, make sure to register today!

Sign-ups are all online this year - to sign-up from home, click here. Or, stop by the Children's Library and we will be happy to help you. (Please note: your USERNAME will be your library card number, and your PASSWORD is the last four digits of your phone number.) Once you're signed up, start logging the books you've read and make sure to stop in the library to take your turns on the Ancient Egypt Gameboard. Or, for kids who aren't in school yet, you will be helping us build a giant pyramid in the middle of the Children's Library.

Don't miss out on all the fun! We hope to see you soon!

-Kari

Weekly Spotlight

A pig parade really is a terrible idea. Why? Well, for one thing, pigs hate to march in straight lines. To find out all the other reasons (and there are a lot) why you shouldn't try to have a pig parade, take a look at Michael Ian Black's very funny new picture book. I promise it will keep you giggling from the first page to the last!

Want to check this book out? A Pig Parade is a Terrible Idea is shelved in with our regular Picture Books, under "B" for the authors last name. (You might also want to try looking in our "Pig" bin on the train if you can't find it on the regular shelf.)

Weekly Spotlight

Amazing Tricks with Everyday Stuff is the perfect book for beginning magicians. Full of really cool tricks that can be done just with things you can find around the house, this book will help get you started on the road to becoming a great magician.

And if you love magic, don't miss our Summer Reading Kick-Off with Danny Magic on June 29th at 7:00pm. Stop by the Children's Desk for more information.

Want to check this book out? Amazing Tricks by Steve Charney will be appearing on our NEW Non-Fiction shelves very soon, so keep your eyes peeled!

Weekly Spotlight

Looking for a good mystery? Then be sure to check out Doreen Cronin's new book, The Trouble with Chickens. This hilarious chapter book stars J.J. Tully, a retired search-and-rescue dog who is just trying to get a little peace and quiet at his new home on a farm. Instead, he is roped into helping a mother hen search for her two missing chicks. She is convinced they have been kidnapped, and for the price of a cheeseburger, J. J. Tully is on the case.

Want to check this book out? The Trouble With Chickens is located in our NEW Children's Fiction Collection, shelved under "C" for the author's last name.

Be a Summer Volunteer!

If you are a Wallingford student going into grades 5, 6, or 7 in the fall of 2011, you are eligible to volunteer to help us run our summer reading program in the Children’s Library. This summer kids will be exploring the wonders of Ancient Egypt and we will have a fantastic new game setup as well as an online program. We are expecting many enthusiastic players and we need our volunteers to help us run the game.

Volunteers commit to working two hours each day for one week. If you have the time to commit, please print an application or pick up one at the library. Read the application carefully with your parent or guardian, fill it out and return to us by June 8.

It's Here!

The next Kane Chronicles book has arrived! I know many of you have been anxiously waiting for Rick Riordan's next book, The Throne of Fire, and I'm happy to say that the Wallingford Children's Library now has 5 copies in the collection. Two of these are in our "Express Collection," so if the waiting list is just too long for you, take a glance at our Express Shelf the next time you are in the library - it might just be your lucky day! (Don't know about our Express Collection? Just ask at the Children's Desk.)

And for those of you who have ALREADY finished the book (I know there are some of you out there!), what did you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments. Please be careful with what you say - you don't want to spoil the book for anyone else.

-Kari

Weekly Spotlight

Spring seems to have finally arrived - and you know what that means! It's baseball season! This week's spotlight book highlights some of baseball's greatest players. From Babe Ruth to Jackie Robinson to Ted Williams, this book has 'em all. If you're a baseball fan, then this book is definitely worth checking out! Heroes of Baseball: The Men Who Made it America's Favorite Game by Robert Lipsyte shows just how these greats made baseball what it is today.

Want to check this book out? Heroes of Baseball is located in our Nonfiction Collection under the call number J796.357 LIP. If you need help finding the book, please ask!

---
Follow-up Question:

Who is your favorite baseball player of all time? Why?

Please leave your answers in the comments!

Harry Potter Mania

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 has finally arrived on DVD! If you are like me, whenever a new movie in the series comes out, it makes me want to go back and re-read the book that movie was based on. For those of you who have read all the books before and are looking for something a little different, I highly recommend checking out our audiobook versions. The narrator, Jim Dale, has done a fantastic job with them, and you will find yourself falling in love with the books all over again.

And just a few questions to think about:

• Which Harry Potter book was your favorite? Why?
• What do you think of the Deathly Hallows movie?
• Who is your favorite Harry Potter character?

Please leave your answers in the comments!

~Kari

Weekly Spotlight

Like Cows? Like to Laugh? Then this is just the book for you. Sandra Boyton's newest book, Amazing Cows: Udder Absurdity for Children, is chock full of information...erm, well, made up facts...about cows. In the book you'll find jokes, a mini comic, stories, funny pictures, and lots and lots of chickens. Why are there chickens in a book about cows? Well, I guess you'll just have to read to find out.

Want to check this book out? Amazing Cows is one of our NEW picture books, so it can be found in one of the "NEW Picture Book" bins on the train.

Weekly Spotlight

Poor Hilda Mae Heifer loves to sing - but singing all by herself is very lonely. Her barnyard friends decide to form a backup chorus for Hilda, hoping to cheer her up (and maybe drown out her sound...she's not all that good at singing). What will Hilda think? To find out, take a look at Boo-Hoo Moo by Margie Palatini. This noisy story is full of fun!

Want to check this book out? Boo-Hoo Moo is shelved with our picture books under the author's last name, Palatini. If you can't find it there, take a look in our "Farm" and "Silly" bins on the train - or just ask at the desk!

Spring Storytimes: Coming Soon!

After just a two-week break, our story times will be starting up again next week. Here's a rundown of what we have going on:

Itty Bitty Babies
(birth - 12 months)

Thursdays @ 1:30 p.m. in the Collins Room
March 31
April 7, 14, 21, 28
May 5, 12

Waddling Ones
(13-24 months)

Thursdays @ 10:00 a.m. in the Collins Room
March 31
April 7, 14, 21, 28
May 5, 12

Musical Mother Goose
(1-2 yrs. old)

Tuesdays @ 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room
March 29
April 5, 12, 19
May 10

Wednesdays @ 10:00 a.m. in the Community Room
March 30
April 6 {special program April 20}
May 4, 11

Preschool Storytime
(3-5 yrs. old)

Mondays @ 10:00 a.m. in the Children's Program Room
March 28-May 9 {no program May 2}

Wednesdays @ 1:30 p.m. in the Children's Program Room
March 30-May 11 {no program April 20}

Thursdays @ 6:30 p.m. in the Children's Program Room
March 31-May 12

Hope to see you there!

Weekly Spotlight

Poor Michael K. has only been in his new school for 20 minutes and all ready he's in trouble. All he wanted to do was to make some friends and fit in, but the teacher stuck him with the two class weirdos: Jennifer and Bob. Jennifer likes to eat pencils, and both kids keep spouting out slogans from TV commercials. Either these kids really are just weird, or they are aliens from another planet. And these aliens want Michael K. to join them to help save the world. To find out what Michael K. decides, take a look at Spaceheadz by Jon Scieszka. And if you like this book, good news! Spaceheadz #2 is out now, with more books to follow!

Want to check this book out? Spaceheadz is located in our Children's Fiction section (the books that spiral around the tree) under S for Scieszka.

Weekly Spotlight

Spring is almost here, and you know what that means! Rain, rain, and MORE rain. (Okay, maybe it means warmer weather and flowers beginning to pop up too.) The Spring rains have definitely started and I'm sure we are in for our first big thunderstorm very soon. Have you ever wondered exactly what happens during a thunderstorm? What exactly are thunder and lightning? For the answers, take a look at Thunderstorms by Chana Stiefel, or one of our many other weather related books.

Want to check this book out? Thunderstorms is located in our Nonfiction Collection under the call number J551.554 STI. (All of our other true fact books about weather are right there too.)

Nutmeg Books

The 2012 Nutmeg Nominees have been out for a couple of months now and our copies of the books have been flying off the shelves. Since everyone seems to be enjoying them, I thought I'd ask - does anyone have a favorite yet?

-Kari

Weekly Spotlight

Here's an oldie, but goodie. Animalia is an ABC book - with a twist. Along with stunning illustrations for each letter of the alphabet, a little boy is hidden in the picture on each page. Look carefully! Sometimes all you will be able to see is a hand or a leg. For those of you interested in playing a little bit of "Where's Waldo?" while learning your alphabet - this book is definitely for you!

Want to check this book out? Animalia by Graeme Base can be found in the "ABC" bin on the train in the Preschool Area. Please ask if you have trouble finding it.

Weekly Spotlight

Are you a guy? Think you don't like poetry? Then I highly recommend taking a look at Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys. I guarantee you will be proven wrong.

What is haiku, you ask? Haiku poems are short observations about nature. Each poem is only three lines long - with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third. In Guyku, Bob Raczka has included poems about all of his favorite things to do when he was a boy: splashing in mud puddles, collecting bugs, climbing trees, etc. Here's one of my favorites:

If this puddle could
talk, I think it would tell me
to splash my sister.

Want to check this book out? This book is shelved with our NEW Nonfiction under the call number, J 811.6 RACZKA.

Weekly Spotlight

Calling all fairy-tale lovers! If you haven't read anything by Gail Carson Levine, I highly recommend checking her out. The author of the popular Ella Enchanted, Levine has written several other wonderful novels in the fairy-tale realms.

In Fairest, Aza lives in a world that values beauty and a person's singing ability above all else. Aza has a beautiful voice, but she is big-boned and clumsy. Because she isn't considered to be "pretty"she is usually ignored. And then suddenly Aza is pushed into the spotlight and the fate of her country lies in her hands. In this fast-paced adventure, set off with Aza as she tries to save her country. And maybe, just maybe, she'll find love and acceptance along the way.

Want to check this book out? Fairest is shelved in the "L's" under Levine in our Fiction Collection that surrounds the tree. And if you like this book, make sure to check out Gail Carson Levine's other books too!

Nutmeg 2012

Thanks to all who voted for their favorite Nutmeg book this year! The winner of the 2011 award should be announced sometime in the next couple of weeks.

While you wait for the big announcement, check out the next batch of nominees. The Children's Library has just put out copies of the 2012 nominees out on the shelves. We've got a great batch of books to read this year - there is definitely something for everyone!

2012 Nominees
Masterpiece by Ellen Broach
Extra Credit by Andrew Clements
Signal by Cynthia DeFelice
The Gollywhopper Games by Jody Feldman
Deep and Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn
Stolen Children by Peg Kehert
Dying to Meet You: 43 Cemetery Road by Kate Klise
Savvy by Ingrid Law
Herbert's Wormhole by Peter Nelson
The Key to Rhondo by Emily Rodda

For more information on the Nutmeg Award and it's nominees, please visit www.nutmegaward.org.

Weekly Spotlight

I don't know about you, but I've had just about enough snow for one winter! If, like me, you're looking for some distraction from all the cold and snow, take a look at Seymour Simon's Tropical Rainforests. This book takes you on a walk through a blazing hot rainforest and will introduce you to all of the fascinating creatures living there. Full of fun facts and beautiful (if sometimes a little creepy) photos, Tropical Rainforests is sure to help you forget about the snow - if only for a little while.

Want to check this book out? Tropical Rainforests is one of our NEW Nonfiction titles. It is shelved with the New Nonfiction, under the call number J578.734 SIMON.

Preschool Education and Information Fair

This Saturday, January 22nd, we are having a Preschool Education and Information Fair here at the WPL. This fair is designed to help parents make the tough decision on just which preschool is right for their child. Many of Wallingford's Preschools will be in attendance, along with several other youth agencies. If you have a child who is almost ready for preschool, drop on by to take a look!

The fair will run from 9:30am to 12:30pm, and is being held in our big Community Room downstairs. (If you come in through the back entrance you won't be able to miss it.) Stop by the Children's Desk, or give us a call for more information.

We hope to see you there!!

Weekly Spotlight

Are you a Percy Jackson fan? Are you looking for more stories about the Greek gods & goddesses? Then take a look at George O'Connor's Olympians series. Two books are out so far (Athena: Grey-Eyed Goddess and Zeus: King of the Gods), and a third book about Hera is scheduled to be released in July. These books are written as graphic novels - which means they look a lot like a comic book. Chock full of adventure, these exciting stories will leave you begging for more.

Want to check one of these out? The Olympians series is located in our Graphic Literature collection. This is a browsing collection, so the books are not in any particular order. Please ask at the desk if you have trouble finding one of the books!

Nutmeg Voting Has Begun!

It's January, and you know what that means! It's time to vote for your favorite Nutmeg Nominee. Stop by the Children's Library to cast your vote. Don't worry if you haven't read ALL the books - you can still vote even if you've only read one nominee. As a reminder, here are this year's contenders:

One Handed Catch by Mary Jane Auch
Iron Thunder by Avi
No Talking by Andrew Clements
The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
The Thing About Georgie by Lisa Graff
Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff
Swindle by Gordon Korman
Night of the Howling Dogs by Graham Salisbury
Elephant Run by Roland Smith
First Light Rebecca Stead

May the best book win!

And the Winners Are...

The winner's of the 2010 Caldecott and Newbery Awards were just announced this morning!


Caldecott Award

Winner:
A Sick Day for Amos McGee written by Philip Stead, illustrated by Erin Stead

Honor Books:
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave written by Laban Carrick Hill, illustrated by Bryan Collier
Interrupting Chicken written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein

Newbery Award

Winner:
Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

Honor Books:
Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman
Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm

Story Times Are Almost Back!

That's right folks! Starting next Monday (January 10th), all of our story time programs will be back for the winter session. Most days and times are the same as last fall, but here's a rundown of what we've got going on:

Itty-Bitty Babies (birth through 12 months)
Thursdays @ 1:30p.m. in the Collins Room

Waddling Ones* (13-24 months)
Thursdays @ 10:00a.m. in the Collins Room

Musical Mother Goose* (1-2 years)
Tuesdays @ 6:30p.m. in the Community Room
Wednesdays @ 10:00a.m. in the Community Room

Preschool Story Time (3-5 years)
Mondays @ 10:00a.m. in the Children's Program Room
Wednesdays @ 1:30p.m. in the Children's Program Room
Thursdays @ 6:30p.m. in the Children's Program Room

Me Gustan Los Libros! (Bilingual, 3-8 years)
Fridays @ 10:00a.m. in the Children's Program Room
January: 14, 28
February: 11, 25
March: 11, 25

*These programs fill up quickly, please bring proof of Wallingford residency (license, library card, etc.) as Wallingford residents are given priority.

Weekly Spotlight

Want to become the next master baker? Need something to do inside on a cold, wintry day? Look no further! From "Cat in the Hat Cupcakes" to "Tunnel of Fudge Cake," Cool Cakes & Cupcakes has some truly yummy dessert ideas. The book also introduces the "tools of the trade" and includes some great tips to help get you started. And if you like this book, there are several others in the series - including one with recipes to make pet treats!

Want to check this book out? Cool Cakes & Cupcakes by Pam Price is located in our Children's Nonfiction Collection, with the call number: J641.8653 PRICE. Other books in the series are nearby, but please ask at the desk if you need help finding them!