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!!