ZZZZZZZ

Cozy up in your cave this winter and share these books about hibernation

Chaucer's First Winter

By: Stephen Krensky

Chaucer does not want to miss the magic of his first winter and so decides to skip hibernation this year.

Find this title in our catalog

Sleep, Black Bear, Sleep

By: Jane Yolen

It is getting cold outside and it is time for all kinds of animals to snuggle up for their winter nap. Rhyming, lyrical text make this a great cozy bedtime book.

Find this title in our catalog

Time To Sleep

By: Denise Fleming

When bear and the other forest creatures begin to notice the signs of winter approaching they begin to prepare for their long winter naps.

Find this title in our catalog

Hibernation

By: Margaret Hall

Beautiful nature photographs and simple text fill the pages of this non-fiction book about how and why some animals hibernate.

Find this title in our catalog

Sleepy yet? -cm

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Posted in: Picture Books,Staff Favorites

The Eyeball Collector

The Eyeball Collector

by F. E. Higgins (Childrens New Books)(J Higgins, F.)(2009)

for ages 12 and up

Hector Fitzbaudly's father has been blackmailed by a clever con man, the eyeball collector. The boy is orphaned after his father's sudden death. After having lived his days on the wealthy side of town, he is now thrust into the seemy side of Urbs Umida where he is taken in by a home for orphans. He uses his knack for riddles to make a living, until the fateful day he runs across the same con man, Gulliver Truepin, aka Bovrik de Vandolin.

His knowledge of butterflies is called upon to take him to Withypitts Hall, where Lord and Lady Mandible live. A giant feast is in the works and both he and the con man Truepin are useful for the preparations. Hector plots revenge, while Gulliver Truepin has his own plans, which include acquiring a different jeweled eyeball for each day of the week. It turns out Lady Mandible has plans of her own as well and the night turns out to be unforgettable as all the plans collide.

This book is a "polyquel" to the Black Book of Secrets and the Bone Magician. The books all stand alone, but there is some cross-over in characters so it is doubly intriquing if you are familiar with the other books. The book moves along and easily absorbs its reader. -SC-

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Posted in: New Book Review

Chapter Book Chips - "The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis" by Barbar O'Conner

Popeye lives in Fayette, South Carolina, a place where nothing much ever happens. He spends his summer days with his grandmother, Velma, who likes to teach Popeye new vocabulary words for fun. Popeye's only real friend is his dog, Boo. But that all changes the day the Jewell family Holiday Rambler gets stuck in the mud on the road outside Popeye's house. The Jewell's have six children, including Elvis, the oldest. He and Popeye strike up a friendship that leads to adventure. Some mysterious person is sending "Yoo-hoo" boats down the creek by Popeye's house. The little boats have secret messages inside. But where do they come from and who is sending them? As the two boys solve the mystery, Popeye leaves behind his lonely days and even learns to be a "Royal Rule Breaker", sometimes. This gentle, quiet story will touch your heart as Popeye finds the very thing he longs for, a friend. -gw-

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Posted in: Chapter Book Chips

The Year's Best in Picture Books

School Library Journal has published their picks of the best children's books for 2009. Here is a sampling of picture books included on their list.
Yummy: Eight Favorite Fairy Tales by Lucy Cousins
"Little Red Riding Hood", "The Three Little Pigs" and six other stories with Lucy Cousin's trademark illustrations. Perfect for young fairy tale lovers.

Check our catalog for this title.





Thunder-Boomer by Shutta Crum
A hot summer day, a big, nasty thunderstorm and then a surprise.

Check our catalog for this title.







Let's Do Nothing by Tony Fucile
What do two boys do when there is nothing to do? Why nothing!


Check our catalog for this title.






Birds by Kevin Henkes
Henkes' delightful illustrations will make you long for spring and the chance to look for some beautiful birds.

Check our catalog for this title.






The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
Stunning illustrations fill this book about Aesop's timeless fable.

Check our catalog for this title.

-gw-

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Posted in: Picture Books

Penny's Puppets, Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.

Penny and her delightful puppets return to the library for some new year fun. Join us for her show "Winter Magic" on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. in Meeting Rooms A & B. This program is for ages 0 to 6 and accompanying adult and no registration is required. For more information, please phone (503)350-3600. -gw-

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Posted in: Special Programs

New Non-Fiction: Princesses

By Nancy Hajeski
2009
J 398.22 HAJ

If you are anything like me you can’t seem to escape the Princess frenzy surrounding the new Disney flick The Princess and the Frog. We have a new book at our library that is all about Princesses—from traditional Fairy tales, to Disney, and even real princesses of the world today. Even Star War’s Princess Leia gets in on the action! From the Hammond World Atlas publishers, this book is laid out like the popular DK Eyewitness series with lots of photographs and captions, and just a little introduction to the information presented. By following the princess theme through this book I learned about the governmental structures and folklore of many countries throughout the world. So if you’re looking for an educational book to check out for your little princess take a look at what this has to offer.

To view this title in our catalog click here.
-JW-

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Posted in: New Book Review,Non-Fiction

New After School Club for Kids Who Like to Knit and Crochet

Do you like to knit or crochet? Or have you always wanted to learn how? Our new after school club, Stick Buddies may be just for you. Our group will meet Thursday, January 21, 2010 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Stick Buddies is for beginning and more experienced stitchers. You can bring a project that you are working on to stitch or you can come and learn some basic stitches from our volunteer teachers. This program is for grades two through five and accompanying adult. If you are a beginner who wants to learn some simple stitches, please bring your own yarn and needles or hooks. Grown-ups are invited to bring along their stitching projects too or bring some yarn and needles to practice with. Registration is required for Stick Buddies. You can sign up in person at the Children's Desk on the first floor of the library or register by phone at (503)350-3600. Registration begins Monday, December 21, 2009. -gw-

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Posted in: Special Programs

The Magic of Christmas

As Christmas draws closer, some lovely new picture books that celebrate the holdiay.


The Christmas Baby by Marion Dane Bauer
A simple re-telling of the Nativity story that is perfect for very little ones.

Check our catalog for this title.

What's Coming for Christmas by Kate Banks
While all the people in the small village get ready for Christmas, the farm animals also get ready for a special event.

Check our catalog for this title.

The Twelve Days of Christmas illustrated by Gennady Spirin
Exquisite illustrations are the star of this picture book version of the tradtional carol.

Check our catalog for this title.

On this Special Night by Claire Freedman
Kitten and her mama go to find out why such a bright star is shining
over the stable.

Check our catalog for this title.

The Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson
Far up north, Santa gets ready to bring his Christmas magic.

Check our catalog for this title.

-gw-

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Posted in: Picture Books

Chapter Book Chips - "The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity" (The Brixton Brothers) by Mac Barnett

Steve Brixton wants to be a detective. He's read The Bailey Brothers' Detective Handbook so many times he has it memorized. A freak essay assignment from his teacher, Ms. Gilfeather, sends Steve to the library for a book on early American needlework. This sets in motion a real-life crime case. The book Steve checks out, An Illustrated History of American Quilting, is the key to finding the Maguffin quilt. No ordinary quilt, this is a top-secret quilt where all the information about America's most top-secret secrets is stitched. The chase is on as Steve is followed by the mysterious Mr. E, who is looking for the Maguffin quilt. And Steve is also being chased by the United States Librarians, "the most elite, best trained secret force in the United States of America. Probably the world." They want the quilt back too. Along the way, Steve is almost arrested, kidnapped and late for class on Monday morning. Will Steve get away? Will he find out where the stolen quilt is? Will he finish his essay in time for class? The answers lie in The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity. A great read for fourth and fifth graders. -gw-

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Posted in: Chapter Book Chips

New Picture book review: Stormy Weather

By Debi Gliori
2009
For ages 3 and older
Call Number: E Gliori, D

The last few nights of heavy winds and days of freezing temps are a little bit scary and give me the shivers. Luckily a new book has come to our shelves. Stormy Weather by Debi Gliori tells a sweet and comforting tale of animals being tucked in at night, even in the scariest weather. The bold watercolor and ink illustrations of animals in their habitats give much for children and adults to look at together, and complement the rhyming text quite nicely. My favorite part about Stormy Weather is the detail in the illustrations—it is clear that the grown-up Fox is reading Stormy Weather to the baby fox: it’s really a nice touch and adds a fun preview and reflection of the previous pages. So if you’re looking for a new bedtime book, or one to comfort during our changeable weather, check out Stormy Weather.

Click here to see this title in our catalog.

-JW-

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Posted in: New Book Review,Picture Books

Winter Break Programming for Children at the Beaverton City Library

If you are looking for something fun to do over the upcoming winter break from school, please check out some of the fun events planned for kids here at the Beaverton City Library.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Meeting Rooms A & B
Jingle Babies
Jingle, jangle and bop to fun holiday music to celebrate the season. For ages 0 to 6 and accompanying adult.

Monday, December 28 through Thursday, December 31, 2009
2:00 p.m.
Library Auditorium
Holdiay Movie Matinee
Enjoy a new release kid's movie each day. For all ages. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Meeting Rooms A & B
"Bored" Games Day
Family board game fun. Come and try out some new games you haven't played before. For ages 5 to 10 and accompanying adult.

-gw-

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Posted in: Special Programs

World Language Storytime Program, December 14 - December 18, 2009

Please join us for our second World Language Storytime program the week of Monday, December 14, 2009 through Friday, December 18, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. each morning in the library's Storytime Room. No registration is required. For more information, please phone (503)350-3600. Below is the schedule:

Monday, December 14: Stories in Japanese
Tuesday, December 15: Stories in French
Wednesday, December 16: Stories in Russian
Thursday, December 17: Stories in Arabic
Friday, December 18: Stories in German
-gw-

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Posted in: Special Programs

Sign Language with Dawn Prochovnic

Local author Dawn Prochovnic will pay a visit to the Beaverton City Library on Friday, December 18, 2009 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dawn will share her new book about learning sign language and teach some basic signs. This event is for children ages 4 to 10 who are interested in learning American Sign Language. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required. This program will be held in Meeting Room B on the first floor of the library.
-gw-

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Posted in: Special Programs

When Will It Snow?

Will it snow? I don't know! But we can read some new picture books about snow and dream.

When Lucy Goes Out Walking by Ashley Wolff
Lucy sees her very first snow and lot's of other kinds of weather before she turns one year old.

Check our catalog for this title.






The Smallest Snowflake by Bernadette Watts
Will the very smallest snowflake of all find a home?

Check our catalog for this title.







Mine, All Mine by Claire Hawcock
Squirrel doesn't want to share his snowflake with anyone.

Check our catalog for this title.







Little Snow Goose by Emily Hawkins
Can a fox and a goose really be friends?

Check our catalog for this title.







Here Comes Jack Frost by Kazuno Kohara
Sometimes winter turns out to be your best friend.

Check our catalog for this title.







Baby Polar by Yannick Murphy
Baby and his mama get separated in a blizzard. Will baby find her?

Check our catalog for this title.





-gw-

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Posted in: Picture Books

Chapter Book Chips - "Wild Girl" by Patricia Reilly Giff

Twelve-year-old Lidie is a wild girl, who lives to ride horses. Lidie's mother died long ago and she has been separated from her father and brother. They went to New York to make a living raising and training horses. She has lived in Brazil with her aunt and uncle. But now the day has come and she is finally off to reunite with her father and brother and be a real family once again. But things don't go smoothly. Her father and brother still think of her as a little girl. Lidie has problems at her new school. And most frustrating of all, no one seems to understand what a strong rider she is. While Lidie's story unfolds, another story spins out in this book. A young foal, Wild Girl, is born but separated from her mother and taken to a new stable far away. The young foal and Lidie cross paths and each helps the other adjust to their new lives. This is a wonderful story about the bond between people and animals and the love and support you find with your family. This book is for grades four and five. -gw-

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Posted in: Chapter Book Chips

New Book Review: Tollins: Explosive Tales For Children

Tollins: Explosive Tales For Children

by Conn Iggulden

(J Iggulden) (2009)

For ages 10 and up.

A tollin is not a fairy. Tollins are bigger and not very delicate. They have wings to get them from flower to flower, but not much farther than that. They can wrestle bees. They cannot be seen by humans, that is, until humans realized they could see a tollin if they wore specially filtered glasses.

These particular tollins live near a human Fireworks Factory. One day a tollin accidentally gets shot off in a firework experiment. Gradually humans deduce that the here-to-fore unknown tollins are what give the fireworks that extra "bang." With the invention of special glasses the humans can find and collect tollins for their fireworks. One clever tollin stumbles upon a way to save his kind, but he must break their number one rule to do it.

This book has three stories about tollins: How To Blow Up Tollins, Sparkler and the Purple Death, and Windbags and Dark Tollins. The illustrations, part photograph and part drawing are exceptional. The book starts off with a cast of characters and a map, a la J.R.R. Tolkein. It is a humorous tale that is sure to catch children's attention and keep them intrigued and amused. It is at a 3rd-4th grade reading level.

-sc-

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Posted in: Fiction,New Book Review

New Book Review: Al Capone Shines My Shoes

Can you imagine living on Alcatraz, an island housing a prison of the worst convicts, while notorious gangster Al Capone is there? Well Moose Flanagan does, because his dad is a prison guard. This suspenseful new book by Gennifer Choldenko tells the adventures of Moose and the other kids that live on the island--Jimmy is obsessed with training flies, Annie plays baseball better than most boys, Piper is a troublemaker and the warden's daughter, Janet is a busybody, and Natalie is Moose's autistic sister.

This is the second book about Moose's story, and while you will understand the plot and characters without reading the first book (Al Capone Does My Shirts) I would recommend reading the other book first. This will just add to your enjoyment of this book, which has five times the excitement of the first one. Moose has received a secret favor from Al Capone and now Capone wants a favor in return! Moose deals with girl and friend trouble and a major moral dilemma, but he manages to be a hero both to his family and the whole island. I'd like to tell you more, but I don't want to ruin any surprises. This book will definitely have you on the edge of your seat!

Find this in the catalog. Recommended for Grades 4 and up.

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City of Beaverton Tree Lighting and Open House, Friday, December 4, 2009

Plan to attend the 6th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Open House on Friday, December 4, 2009 beginning at 5:30 p.m here at the Beaverton City Library. Between 5:30 and 6:50 p.m., the City of Beaverton will hold an open house inside the library, with a children's holiday craft workshop presented by Radio Disney and light refresments provided by Costco and the City of Beaverton. You can visit several booths to find out more about City programs, events and projects. And you will have a chance to meet Santa!

At 6:50, walk down Candy Cane Lane from the open house to the tree lighting program outside in City Park. Radio Disney, Beaverton Youth Cheer and a local choir will perform before the 110-foot Ponderosa Pine is lit with more than 13,000 LED lights. There will also be drawings for tickets to various events including the Portland Auto Show and a Disney production of Beauty and the Beast.

At 8:00 p.m. the Beaverton Civic Theater will present "It's a Wonderful Life: a Live Radio Play" in the library auditorium. Tickets are $5.00 with a new toy donation to the TVFR Toy and Joy drive. Otherwise, general admission is $15.00, $12.00 for students, seniors and groups and $5.00 for children ten and under.

For more information, please visit the City of Beaverton web site. In the case of inclement weather, check they City's website or call (503)350-4097 after 2:00 p.m. on the day of the tree lighting for updated information. -gw-

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Posted in: Special Programs

Chapter Book Chips - "A Season of Gifts" by Richard Peck

If you enjoyed reading Richard Peck's Newbery-award book "A Year Down Yonder" and his Newbery honor book "A Long Way From Chicago" be sure to check out "A Season of Gifts". The year is 1958 and Grandma Dowdel is still a force to be reckoned with. A new family has moved in next door to her and 12-year-old Bob is convinced Mrs. Dowdel's house is haunted. Bob, his older sister Phyllis and his younger sister Ruth Ann are the new kids in town and "P.K's", or preacher's kids. Their dad is a minister, trying to fix up a rundown church and find a congregation. Over the course of an eventful autumn and the Christmas holiday, Bob and his family come to know and love Grandma Dowdel and appreciate her generous, if slightly eccentric, spirit. My favorite part of the story is when Mrs. Dowdel puts 12-year-old Bob behind the wheel of his family's car and they set off to chop down a Christmas tree. It is a ride you won't forget. This is a great book for fifth and sixth graders making the step to Young Adult books and is a wonderful holiday story. You will find yourself chuckling and with tears in your eyes at the bond that forms between this family and their remarkable neighbor. -gw-


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Posted in: Chapter Book Chips

More Holiday Picture Books

The Beaverton City Library has more brand new holiday picture books we want to tell you about. It's beginning to look a lot like reading!


The Sound of Kwanzaa by Dimitrea Tokunbo
Bright, bold illustrations help explain the seven principles of this holiday.

Check our catalog for this title.

Hoppy Hanukkah! by Linda Glaser
In this cozy story, Violet and Simon learn all about the traditions of Hanukkah.

Check our catalog for this title.

Mama, Will It Snow Tonight? by Nancy White Carlstrom
Oh, please say yes!

Check our catalog for this title.

Hanukkah Lights by David Martin
Gentle illustrations and simple text help explain this holiday to the very youngest child.

Check our catalog for this title.

Carl's Snowy Afternoon by Alexandra Day
Carl and baby Madeleine go sledding, skating and build a snowman on their snowy afternoon outing.

Check our catalog for this title.

-gw-

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Posted in: Picture Books

Spend Some Time in the 500s

A Selection of Super Cool Science Books

Actual Size
By Steve Jenkins
(J 591.41 JEN)

Paper collage illustrations bring texture and life to the animals that fill the pages of this book. Each page features a new animal or two shown at actual scale along with a few fascinating facts.

Find this title in our catalog

Spiders
By Nic Bishop
( J595.4 BIS)


Nic Bishop's detailed nature photographs give readers a close-up look at the creepy, crawly world of spiders.


Find this title in our catalog

11 Planets: A New View Of The Solar System
By David Aguilar
(J 523.2 AGU)

A beautifully illustrated and current account of what is going on in our solar system.

Find this title in our catalog


When Fish Got Feet, Sharks Got Teeth, and Bugs Began to Swarm
By Hannah Bonner
(J 560 BON)

If you think dinosaurs were take a look at the toothy placoderms or the ruthless Pterygotus, a giant relative of the scorpion that could get up to six feet long! This book takes you on a factual, yet humorous, journey through evolution with some of the earliest life-forms on our planet.

Find this title in our catalog

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Posted in: Non-Fiction

New book Review: Vegetarian Food

Susannah Blake
2009, 24 pages
For ages 9 and up

I just can’t get enough of cook books! Here’s a new one that will get your tummy growling with some yummy recipes just in time for Thanksgiving. Learn your way around the kitchen making tricolore salad, hummus, or chunky pasta and many more delicious vegetarian recipes.
These appetizers, sides, and main dishes are easy to follow with numbered steps several informative photographs and added information in handy green boxes to learn more about the food you eat (like why onions make your eyes water, or what a potato tuber is). These books are perfect for kids taking the lead in the kitchen, with only a little help needed for stove and oven work.
Just make sure that you read all the instructions for these recipes before you begin. It looks like a few may be out of order.
For more cook books for kids click here.

-JW-

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Posted in: New Book Review,Non-Fiction

Chapter Book Chips - "N.E.R.D.S." by Michael Buckley

Jackson Jones was the coolest kid at Nathan Hale Elementary School, until the fateful day he got braces. This unfortunate event ended Jackson's career as king of the school. Friendless and alone, Jackson begins to notice something unusual about the other social outcasts at his school. One day, he follows them and steps through a locker door into the world of the N.E.R.D.S. - the National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society. Jackson longs to join the team with his new "enhanced" braces and team nickname "Braceface." But will his past as the school bully and his failure at N.E.R.D.S. training keep him from helping to save the world? Or will his career as a secret agent be stopped by his sentence to after-school detention? Be sure and take a ride on the "school bus" to Nathan Hale Elementary and watch out for the school cafeteria lady and especially the school janitor.

Check our catalog for this title.

-gw-

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Posted in: Chapter Book Chips

Chapter Book Chips - "The Revenge of the Itty-Bitty Brothers" by Lin Oliver

Daniel Funk is back for another toe-sized adventure with his "little" brother, Pablo. You haven't met Daniel? Let me tell you about him. He is a normal, average grade school boy who loves to torment his three sisters. His mom is a vet, and he lives with his sisters, his mom, and his two grandmothers. Daniel's dad has died. Oh, and one more thing. When Daniel "giccups" he shrinks down to the size of his fourth toe. And Daniel has a twin brother, Pablo. Pablo stays toe-sized all the time. The only other person in Daniel's family who knows about Pablo is Great Granny Nanny. Now that Daniel has mastered the art of shrinking and resizing back to normal whenever he wants, he and Pablo and Granny Nanny plan a fun day off from school. They surf big waves in the bath tub and snowboard down a hot fudge sundae. But their best fun idea is to launch themselves in the model rocket Daniel has constructed for Science Club. Except the launch takes place over the famous La Brea Tar Pits. Will they make it out or will they become one with the tar? Find out by reading "The Revenge of the Itty-Bitty Brothers" by Lin Oliver.

Check our catalog for this title.

And be sure and check out the first two Daniel Funk adventures: Attack of the Growling Eyeballs and Escape of the Mini-Mummy.
-gw-

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Posted in: Chapter Book Chips

CHAPTER CHIPS - Love, Aubrey

Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you were in charge? What if you could stay up as late as you wanted, wear what you wanted, and even buy your own food at the grocery store? Aubrey opens her story with this line: “It was fun at first, playing house.” When mom never came back, playing house wasn’t fun anymore. It was scary. Now Aubrey spent her days trying to keep adults from finding out that she was alone in the house. That meant no answering the phone, no opening the door when people knocked, and certainly not having friends over. Finally, Gran, after not getting any answers by phone, came for a personal visit, and wouldn’t take “No” for an answer when Aubrey didn’t want to let her in. Unwilling for Gran to take her all the way to Vermont with her, Aubrey destroys her ticket just before the train is ready to leave. Gran sends Aubrey right back to the ticket counter to buy another ticket. With love, honesty, and wisdom, Gran helps Aubrey, and later, her mom, sort out the pain and trauma of losing dad and Savannah in a car accident. When Aubrey is ready, she is allowed to decide whether to return to Virginia to live with Mom. Along the journey, Aubrey writes letters to Savannah in which she remembers how things used to be, and makes a wonderful friend, Bridget, who accepts that sometimes Aubrey might not act the way other kids would in the same situation.

Check our catalog for this title.

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Posted in: Chapter Book Chips

Holiday Picture Books

The library has added some wonderful new picture books for the upcoming holidays. Enjoy one of these new titles as you get ready for this magical time of year.

A Pinata in a Pine Tree: a Latino Twelve Days of Christmas by Pat Mora
An adaptation of the famous song featuring words in Spanish and traditions from many Latin American countries.

Check our catalog for this title.





That's Good! That's Bad! on Santa's Journey by Margery Cuyler
Santa is suddenly accident-prone. Will the presents get where they need to go?

Check our catalog for this title.





The Gingerbread Pirates by Kristin Kladstrup
These gingerbread pirates battle Santa for the cookies on Chrismtas Eve.

Check our catalog for this title.






Suzy Goose and the Christmas Star by Petr Horacek
Wait till you see the star Suzy tries to put on the Christmas tree!

Check our catalog for this title.







Fancy Nancy's Splendiferous Christmas by Jane O'Connor
Nancy's special Christmas tree topper gets broken. Will Christmas be ruined?

Check our catalog for this title.

We'll have more holiday books a little later in the month. Happy Reading!
-gw-

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Posted in: Picture Books