Fancy Nancy, Speed Racer and Star Wars

The new "Fancy Nancy and the Museum" and "Fancy Nancy and the Boy From Paris" by Jane O'Connor have hit the shelves and flown right out again! This time, the books are in an easy reader format--an easy reader is the easy chapter books your child will begin reading in first and second grade. These books will certainly encourage all your little princesses out there to read! Arriving soon: the new picture book "Fancy Nancy and the Bonjour Butterfly". For all you guys out there, we have purchased two new Speed Racer books in anticipation of the movie release. "Challenge of the Masked Racer" and "Great Plan" are currently on shelf and four others are on order. If you are a race car fan, place your hold now before the movie is released! The Speed Racer books would appeal to third through fifth graders. Last but not least, we have purchased three new Star Wars easy readers: "Ready, Set, Podrace", "Beware the Dark Side", and "A Queen's Diary" all by Simon Beecroft.

Happy Valentine's Day!

This valentine is for you!

Time to register for March K-2 Storyhour!

Believe it or not, it's already time to register for our March session of Kindergarten thru Second Grade Storyhour. Registration begins on Saturday, February 9th. This session we will make no-bake cookies, try out some new-to-you fruits, munch on carrots and, of course, read some exceptional books. Good food and good books always go hand-in-hand, don't you think? (Well, clean hands, though!) The K-2 class is limited to 20 so hurry in or call Youth Services at (708) 798-0121 x 222. When you register, please let us know if your child has any food allergies.

New Graphic Novels

We've received three new junior graphic novels that I think you'll enjoy. "Gear School" by Adam Gallardo is a futuristic novel that deals with a thirteen-year-old cadet, Teresa Gottlieb, who is learning to drive war machines in the attempt to defeat the alien invaders. She is also learning about boys, school and awful instructors at the same time. Finally, action graphics for girls!
A new series called Twisted Journeys begins with "Captured by Pirates" by Justine and Ron Fontes. In this graphic novel series, you choose your own fate, either as a pirate or a member of the Navy. Last but not least, "Artemis Fowl the Graphic Novel" has arrived! (Don't you think it should have been a graphic novel first?) Mulch Duggins, in all his gaseous glory, and Holly Short, that spunky fairy, finally have been drawn and they match perfectly with what I imagined them to be.

Read Them or Weep!

Every so often we run across a book that we know has a great storyline but it just hasn't been checked out very often. Unfortunately, those books usually are removed from the collection for lack of activity. We've assembled a display, entitled it "Read Them or Weep" and showcased these poor overlooked books. There are horse stories, historical fiction about Native Americans, girlie books, boyish books and other savory tidbits. You'll find this display in the former reference area of the Youth Services department. So read these books and save their lives! Well, perhaps that was a bit dramatic but please take a look and try a few. We're sure you'll enjoy them.

Fun Polaroid craft!

Do your parents still own a Polaroid camera? Try this fun craft that you can do with your parents. Take a picture of someone you love. The Polaroid camera makes instant prints and takes some time to develop. When the picture is almost developed, cut off the surrounding white frame. Gently peal away the front from the back. You should have a thin piece of see through plastic with some goo still attached. Using rubber gloves and damp paper towels, have your parents gently wipe off the goo but be very careful, as it is toxic. You will go through many paper towels! When you have removed all the goo, you will be left with a ghostly image! Then, for fun, go back and check out the back part of the picture. It will have a really unusual greenish, purplish image of your loved one. How should you use these? Well, you could put it in your family's scrapbook and surround it with pics of your house--ooooo ghostly! Be cautious and don't place your backing pic too near a window, as the sun will slowly fade it. Have fun, be creative and I'd love to see your craft when you come to the library. Want more ideas? Check out this craft video from YouTube!

Quotes to live by

Fun quotes from two of your favorite characters:

"A little glitter can turn your whole day around." Junie B. Jones

"Singing a song is like taking your voice on a little field trip....It deserves to have a little fun." The Riot Brothers.

Try out this song found in the back of the Riot Brothers new book,"Stinky and Successful".

To the tune of "Row, Row, Row Your Boat":

Flare, flare, flare your nostrils
Gently in the air
Flap your arms and wiggle your rear
Only if you dare.

Oh my! There are two more goofy songs included in the back of that book. Enjoy!