Yoko, Keisha Ann and Splat the Cat

Rosemary Wells has done it again! Her new book, "Yoko Writes Her Name", features Yoko, a kind and gentle Japanese kitty. When she goes to school and writes her ABCs as she did in Japan, two mean classmates make fun of her and tell her she will never graduate because she can't write them in the English alphabet. The next day, with the help of her understanding teacher and a new friend, Yoko begins to enjoy her new school and, when it becomes appparent the mean girls may not graduate because they can't write their names in Japanese, Yoko graciously steps in to save the day.
In "Keisha Ann Can" by Daniel Kirk, Keisha Ann demonstrates that she can follow the rules to make school fun. Each page begins with rhyming questions ("Who can catch the school bus for the early-morning ride? Who can wait in line until it's time to go inside?) and ends with a resounding "Keisha Ann can!" Your children will love to join the refrain. This is a much needed positive introduction to the first day of school.
Splat the cat is afraid of his first day at school. He finds every excuse not to go, from not having clean socks to "the front door won't let me out, Mom." What Mom doesn't know is that Splat has packed his pet mouse in his lunchbox for company. Just think...a mouse in Cat School...doesn't sound good, does it? Mouse manages to help out the class in a time of need and the cats' perception of mice changes. Rob Scotton is both author and illustrator of "Splat the Cat". Splat has a soft, gently disheveled look, making him the perfect cat for this book.

School's Almost Here!

Wow, we just finished the summer reading program with a successful pool party. Did you know we hosted about 230 people? No wonder the snacks disappeared quickly! Better yet, WE READ OVER 7000 BOOKS! Pat yourselves on the back and be sure you mention to your teacher how many books you read this summer. Did you know that summer reading serves a real purpose, other than winning awesome prizes? Each summer, as you read, your brain is exercising, getting ready to return to school. When school starts, you will find it much easier to resume your studies because your brain is now buff! So, goodbye summer reading.

Buff brains, report to school!

Goodbye Home Run Wednesdays, Hello Dolphin Lake!

Well, our Home Run Wednesdays will draw to a close next week. The lucky few who got free tickets to the Windy City Thunderbolts will have a blast! Don't forget to show Ms. Dee or Ms. Sarah your little blue ticket to get a little special something at the game. Then we're off on August 1st to the Dolphin Lake pool for our Gold Medal Splash Fest summer reading finale. You'll find your ticket in the completion bag that you can pick up at the Youth Services Desk. Lots of good snacks and fun in the cool water with your reading pals--what's better than that!
It's hard to believe but I'm already making plans for the fall K-2 Storyhour. You'll remember that last year our K-2 kids heartily embraced healthy snacks at storyhour and I plan on some yummy, healthy and unusual snack surprises again this session. So enjoy the end of our summer reading program but keep in mind that, really, K-2 is not that far in the distance. See you at the pool!

We Have Zoo Passes!

Did you know that the library has Brookfield Zoo passes available for its Homewood and East Hazel Crest patrons? For a cash deposit of $25, you will receive a pass for four to Brookfield Zoo, good for three days! Only one pass per family.
Here are four cautions:
1. There is no grace period so a $2 a day late fee will be added should you return the passes late.
2. You may not return the pass through the book drop.
3. If you were to lose the passes, there is a $10 fee in addition to the not refunded deposit.
4. The passes are available on a "first come, first served" basis.
So grab some sunscreen, your kids, and your library card and treat yourself to a day of wonder at the Brookfield Zoo! Questions? Call us at (708) 798-0121 x 222. Check out Brookfield Zoo's website, too!

Illinois Authors

I've just read two new books whose authors have ties to Illinois. In "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix, adopted Jonah and his best bud Chip receive mysterious envelopes in the mail. Opening them up, they find a plain white card that says "They are coming for you." Chip snoops around and finds out his parents have not been honest with him and that Chip was also adopted. Mix in a freaky black jet full of infants and you have an awesome tale of suspense and time travel. Haddix's tie to Illinois? She used to be a professor at a college near Danville in central Illinois. In Andrea Beatty's "Cicada Summer", silent Lily lives unnoticed in her small rural town during the Depression. Her brother has died and Lily has not spoken since that day, preferring to let the town folk think she is brain damaged. She "borrows" books from the school library and hides to read them. One day Tinny moves in with her aunt Fern and begins to torment Lily. But Lily has noticed Tinny stealing food and money from her aunt. What is Tinny up to? And who is the repairman who wears shiny city shoes in the country? This book of historical fiction comes to an exciting end and I know you'll all enjoy it! Did you know that the author, Andrea Beaty, lives in a suburb of Chicago? Wonder if it's Homewood? Here are a few other authors from Illinois that you might want to explore: Jim Aylesworth, Blue Balliett, Candace Fleming, Arthur Geisert, Michael Hays, Laurie Lawlor, Tom Lichtenheld, Kevin Luthardt, Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu, Bob Raczka, Laura Ruby, Natasha Tarpley, and Amy Timberlake.

Even More Graphic Novels

Eight new junior graphic novels have arrived! Look for them in Youth Services' new book section.
Spider-Man: Fiercest Foes
Spider-Man: Forces of Nature
Spider-Man Power Pack: Big-City Super Heroes
Ironman: Heart of Steel
Ironman Power Pack: Armored and Dangerous
Fantastic Four Power Pack: Favorite Son
Hulk Power Pack: Pack Smash!

New Graphic Novels

Well, after all the excitement of summer reading sign-up day, I am glad to get back to checking in some new graphic novels. We have just received the second, third and fourth in the Yotsuba&! series. That charming Yotsuba tries her hand at art, has an experience with a water gun, takes to the street as Flower Cupid and masters rock-paper-scissors. We've also received the second and third of the Baby-Sitters Club graphic novels. In "The Truth About Stacey", Stacey moves to a new town, deals with her diabetes and finds three new friends. In "Mary Anne Saves the Day", Mary Anne has an atomic meltdown and loses her Baby-Sitters Club friends. Will Mary Anne find her way back to her friends? We hope so! Remember the Hardy Boys? They are now also available in graphic novels and we now own "Dude Ranch o' Death." Frank and Joe are sent to a "tough love" camp to find several missing teens and to figure out just what is going on at that camp. These graphic novels are all waiting in our new book section.