December Book Buzz

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Here's what the staff has been busy reading:

The Dunderheads by Paul Fleischman

Miss Breakbone may be intimidating (she gives herself gold stars for making kids cry), but she is no match for her resourceful students. When Miss Breakbone confiscates a gift intended for a child’s mother, Einstein, Junkyard, Clips, Spitball and others students decide they must take action. Clever and entertaining, the colorful illustrations will leave kids cheering for the Dunderheads! Meghan (J Fiction)

My Name is Jason. Mine Too: Our Story. Our Way. by Jason Reynolds

This is a coming of age story about two best friends, one is an artist the other a poet. After college they move to New York City to start their careers… but things weren’t that easy. Their struggles are unfolded through their original artwork and poems. This is an inspiring and fast read about aspiring artists! Jaclyn (YA Non-Fiction Graphic Novel -Y 811 Reynolds)

The Duchess of Whimsy by Randall de Seve

The Duchess of Whimsy is the life of the party. She’s fussy and fancy and fun. The Earl of Norm is the complete opposite. He’s plain and ordinary through and through. He also adores the Duchess, even though she ignores him. But when the chef gets sick and the Duchess and her friends have to make food, it’s the Earl who comes to the rescue. Fans of Fancy Nancy will enjoy this original fairy tale and, like the Duchess, they may even learn to appreciate the simple things in life. Alia (Picture Book)

Mudshark by Gary Paulsen

Mudshark is just his nickname, his real name is Lyle Williams and he is twelve. He gets his nickname from being so good at the game of Death Ball, which is played in the mud. He is also very good at observing things; he pays attention and therefore is able to help his classmates solve mysteries. The current big mystery at school is where and why are all the school’s erasers disappearing? He may need a little help in solving this one though, but wants to solve it before the school parrot does. Kristin (J Fiction)

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

Micah admits on the very first page that she is a Liar. She has lied about being born a boy, she has lied about her father being an arms dealer, and she has lied about not being romantically involved with the handsome Zach. That is until Zach turns up dead and the police start to question Micah about her involvement in his murder. From this moment forward Micah swears to tell only the truth. In the end it is up to you to decide whether Micah is telling the truth. Make sure to read this along with your friends; you’ll want to discuss what is real and what are lies. Recommended for grades 8 and up. Michelle (YA Fiction)

Picture This: Art Exploration For Kids

Here are the pictures from our recent Picture This program. We explored the art of Andy Warhol and created some pop art with familiar characters. Can you spot our favorite pigeon?

Making the List

Looking for book recommendation? Need some great gift ideas? Now is the time that everyone is coming out with their best books of 2009 lists. Here are a few to get you started:

The New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2009

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Gift Guide 2009

Reading Rocket Holiday Buying Guide 2008

And don't forget to check out our monthly Book Buzz and our K-5 book lists on this blog for book suggestions!

Story Time Book List

Week of 11/16/09 -- 11/20/09

Tales For Two's and Three's:
Itty Bitty written and illus. by Cece Bell
Exactly the Opposite by Tana Hoban
Big Frog Can’t Fit in written and illus by Mo Willems

Fun for Four's and Five's:
Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes
Run, Turkey, Run by Diane Mayr
This is the Turkey by Abby Levine
I Know an Old Lady who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson

Family Fun Night:Who Loves the Fall? By Bob Raczka
Possum’s Harvest Moon by Anne Hunter
Leaves by David Ezra Stein
Farmer Ham by Alec Sillifant

These Programs are for the Turkeys!

Turkey Tales
Thursdays, November 19
7 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Story and Craft Room, Upper Level

This event is a great opportunity to spend time with your child and hear some of our favorite turkey tales. Enjoy making a special craft that might even become the centerpiece of your family’s feast. All materials provided.

Please join us in the spirit of giving and bring a canned good with you to this event. It will be donated to the township’s Thanksgiving food drive which benefits Cherry Hill families.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Magic Tree House Book Club: Thanksgiving on Thursday
Monday, November 23
7 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Story and Craft Room, Upper Level

Are you a Magic Tree House fan? Come listen to excerpts from Thanksgiving on Thursday and enjoy fun activities and snacks. Grades 1-3.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Guest Review!

Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade by Barthe DeClements

Review by Star B.

It's about a girl that is kind of round and how everyone hates her then in the end she makes a friend, Jenny.

P.S. In the book there are lots of surprises and when you read 4 pages you will want to read the whole book.

Hey kids, do you want to see your book review here? If you want your review published fill out the book review form at the youth sevices desk and turn it into us. You'll be able to see your review online and see what other kids are reading.

Join us for Family Fun Night!

Monday, November 16

7 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

Story and Craft Room, Upper Level

Wear your PJs and bring the whole family to enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more.

This month’s theme is:

Fall Stories.

NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Story Time Book List

Week of 11/9/09 -- 11/13/09

Tales For Two's and Three's :
Duck Soup by Jackie Urbanovic (author and illustrator)
Wild Boars Cook by Meg Rosoff and illus. by Sophie Blackall

Fun for Four's and Five's:
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza by Philemon Sturges
The Great Nursery Rhyme Disaster by David Conway
Waking Beauty by Leah Wilcox
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka

Pictures from our Halloween Party

Check out the pictures from our Halloween Party. There were some great costumes, spooky stories, monster-making, and sweet treats. We can't wait to do it again next year!

Remember, Remember the Fifteenth of November

That's when registration begins for our December programs. So if you're interested in any of our Registration Required programs (such as Baby Bounce, Strollers, Terrific Tales for 2's and 3's, Fun For 4's and 5's and more!) make sure you visit our online registration (click on Library Events at the top of this blog) or call 856-903-1229 if you need assistance. Events do fill up quickly so don't forget!

November Book Buzz

Letters from Camp by Kate Klise
If you are a fan of Kate Klise’s “Regarding” series then you don’t want to miss this fun summer camp mystery. The story is unfolded through a series of letters, memos, post-its, news articles, and shopping receipts. It takes place at Camp Happy Harmony, a summer camp run by the once famous Harmony Family Siblings, who topped the charts decades ago. The camp was created to help siblings who don’t get along improve their relationships with one another. The campers discover that the Harmony Siblings are not who they appear to be and they begin to piece together a devastating mystery. Jaclyn (YA Fiction Grades 5-8th)

The Maze of Bones, The 39 Clues series by Rick Riordan
This is a great mystery starring Amy and Dan Cahill, a brother and sister, who are orphaned, and in the care of their elderly aunt. Their grandmother passes away, whom they love, and she leaves all the heirs with a choice of 1 million dollars or solve a centuries old Cahill family mystery. They must go on to solve 39 clues to win the prize, only one team will win and the competition is tough. Kristin (J Fiction)

A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck
Though Mrs. Dowdel “doesn’t neighbor”, she manages to have quite an impact on the new preacher and his family who moves in next door. She helps bring big crowds to the struggling church with a funeral for an authentic Kickapoo princess, and she adopts little Ruth Ann as her shadow (and partner in crime). Mrs. Dowdel shares important gifts with each member of the Barnhart family in this hilarious new book. Meghan (J Fiction)

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
When sixth grader Miranda receives a note that says, “I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own.” she ignores it. Her life’s already complicated since her best friend Sal stopped talking to her out of nowhere and she has to make all new friends at school. But the mysterious notes keep coming and whoever is leaving them knows things about her, things that have not even happened yet. Could it really be a message from the future? And if it is, can Miranda figure it out in time to save a life? Alia (YA Fiction)

Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko
This was a great book and as soon as I read the first chapter I remember why I loved the first book! Meet the families of the guards who work on Alcatraz in 1935. Moose, being the ultimate nice guy and good kid tries to make everyone happy, but ends up getting everyone mad at him in the process. He and his friends get into a bit of trouble with the cons and Piper, the warden’s daughter, doesn’t help the situation. This is the sequel to Al Capone Does My Shirts which was also an excellent book. Kristin (YA Fiction)

The Lightning Thief

The Lighting Thief, the first book in the Percy Jackson And The Olympians series is being made into a movie. If you're not familiar with the Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan, it's a great time to check them out from the library. The series follows the adventures of young Percy Jackson, a kid who always manages to find trouble. After getting expelled from school again, Percy is sent to Camp Half-Blood and there he learns the truth about his identity. He is a demigod - the child of a human and an immortal Greek god. Even more shocking is the news that Percy's father is one of the three most powerful Greek gods. No wonder trouble follows him! This is an exciting series, full of quests, monsters, and special powers. Kids who liked the Harry Potter series will find a lot of similarities between Harry and Percy. Check out the trailer for the movie below!