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.