Greetings from Nowhere by Barbara O’Connor

Most people send postcards from fun and exciting places they have visited such as Florida, Hawaii, or Australia.  In the book entitled Greetings from Nowhere by Barbara O’Connor, you probably wouldn’t find anyone sending a postcard from the Sleepy Time Motel in the Great Smoky Mountains.  Even the name sounds dull! 

It is a run-down motel in the middle of nowhere, and there has not been a visitor there in almost three months!  But something very interesting happens when four families meet under somewhat unusual circumstances.  Read this book to find out how sometimes with a little bit of hope, you can find exactly what you need even in the middle of nowhere. 

Book reviewed by Carol C., Youth Services Assistant

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

If you loved The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick’s latest novel Wonderstruck--told as two stories, one in words and one in pictures--will keep you reading until the very last page.  In 1977, twelve-year old Ben first loses his mother and soon after his hearing when struck by lightning. Discovering some clues in his mother’s belongings he runs away to New York in search of his father.  Fifty years earlier a deaf girl named Rose departs to find the movie star Lillian Mayhew who we learn is her mother.  Each child’s personal quest leads them to an adventure at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.  The two stories weave back and forth until they form a special connection in the conclusion.
A wonderful comparison can be made if you read an earlier classic, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg where two children run away to the Metropolitan Museum in New York, then plan your own scavenger hunt uncovering similarities that Selznick had included in Wonderstruck.

Book reviewed by Marsha D., Youth Services Assistant

Beauty and the Squat Bears by Emile Bravo

Beauty and the Squat Bears by Emile Bravo is a hilarious graphic novel story book mash-up of just about every prince and princess fairy tale you can think of—all with a smart, modern twist.  The squat bears just want to find a prince that can get rid of the weird princess that has barged in on their little cottage.  One squat bear goes on the mission, and ends up with not one, but three rowdy princes.  Unfortunately, the princes end up pushing the fairy godmother too far and things get ugly.  Fractured Fairy Tale fans of all ages will love this very funny story.

Book reviewed by Brad J., Youth Technology Librarian

Kochana Mamusia by Agnieszka Fraczek

Pełna ciepła i humoru wierszowana opowieść o najważniejszej dla każdego dziecka osobie - mamusi. Ladna szata graficzna: urocze pastelowe ilustracje i specjalnie zakomponowane czcionki tekstu doskonale uzupełniaja niebanalny wiersz autorstwa Agnieszki Frączek. Polecam  wszystkim mamom i - dzieciom w każdym wieku. Milej lektury zyczy Maria Garstecki.

Book reviewed by Maria G., Collection Management

 

Toby Alone by Timothée de Fombelle

Looking for a good adventure mixed with eco-friendly fantasy and a hero you’ll love to root for?  Then try Toby Alone by French author Timothée de Fombelle.   Thirteen-year-old Toby—a mere one and a half millimeters tall—in on the run from greedy developers who threaten the Great Oak Tree world that is home to him, his family and his friends.  He’s clever and he’s resourceful, but he’s the only one who escapes exile to the lower branches.  Can he, all alone, expose the developers’ evil plan and save the Great Oak Tree world?  It’s a exciting story and you’ll be cheering all the way for Toby as he meets this challenge head-on! 

We'll be talking about Toby Alone at this month's Chat'n'Chew at the library--click here for more info and to sign up!

Book reviewed by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

The Story Behind Toilets by Elizabeth Raum

The Story Behind Toilets by Elizabeth Raum. Tired of reading yet another biography of George Washington or Amelia Earhart? Why not try a “biography” of toilets? There’s a real story to how people learned to treat their “waste products” (i.e. urine and excrement – we know what those are, right?).  Once people began building bigger and bigger settlements, what to do with this stuff became a really big deal. And some of their ideas just didn’t work that well.  This is an interesting (if you like toilets - and who doesn’t?) and quick reading book, with lots of diagrams and photos. Check it out! Maybe you can read it while you’re in the bathroom!

Book reviewed by Loreen S., Youth Services Assistant

Troublemaker by Andrew Clements

Sixth-grader, Clay Hensley, has been a troublemaker in school since the middle of kindergarten following right in his older brother’s footsteps. His most recent trip to the principal’s office involved a picture he drew in art class of a donkey with an amazing resemblance to Principal Kelling. When Clay’s older brother makes him promise to change his ways Clay learns that it is much easier to get into trouble than it is to stay out of trouble. Troublemaker is another great book you’ll love from favorite author, Andrew Clements.

Book reviewed by Barb M., Youth Outreach and Programming Assistant

Bajki mojego dziecinstwa

Ladnie wydana ksiazka dla dzieci – i rodzicow zaprasza do magicznej krainy, w ktorej zatrzymal sie czas - do krainy literatury dzieciecej. W ksiazce znajdziecie panstwo klasyczne wiersze dla dzieci, ponadczasowe basnie oraz polskie legendy i podania. Znajdziecie tu m.in. wiersze Juliana Tuwima, Marii Konopnickiej, Ignacego Krasickiego, Aleksandra Fredry, najpiekniejsze basnie - m.in. Calineczka, Dziewczynka z zapalkami, Brzydkie Kaczatko i in. oraz legendy i podania - Pan Twardowski, Bazyliszek i wiele innych".  Zycze przyjemnej lektury.

Book reviewed by Maria G., Collection Management

Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat, by Lynne Jonell

In Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat, Emmy longs for the way things used to be, before her parents became rich.  Like when her parents actually liked to spend time with her.  Like when her parents actually cared about her.  Now, Mom and Dad almost act as if  they are under some sort of mean, ignore-our-daughter kind of spell.  Turns out, they ARE!  Watch out for the evil nanny in this story, and watch out for the despicable potions she concocts from magical rodents.  It’s up to Emmy to save the day -- can she do it?  Try this book, especially if you like fantasy adventure and a plucky heroine.

Book reviewed by Mary Ann S., Assistant Head of Youth Services

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm

Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm. "Everyone thinks children are sweet as Necco Wafers, but I've lived long enough to know the truth:  kids are rotten," says 11-year-old Turtle.  It is 1935.  Turtle's mom is a live-in housekeeper so she has had plenty of experience with mean kids like the ones who set her cat's tail on fire.  Turtle's opinion of kids seems unlikely to change after she is sent to live with her aunt, uncle, and three cousins in their crowded house in Key West, Florida.  But before she knows what has happened, Turtle finds herself coming out of her "shell" as she hangs with the Diaper Gang and looks for buried pirate treasure.  Turtle is smart, feisty, and lots of fun.  I hope you enjoy her adventures as much as I did. 

Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head