New Book Review: I feel Better with a frog in my throat: History’s Strangest Cures

By Carlyn Beccia

Call Number: J 615.88 BEC

Pages: 48

Best for grades 1-5

Pop-Quiz time!

Did any of these cures help with a cough?

A. Caterpillar fungus (Ancient China)

B. Frog Soup (Sixteenth-century England)

C. Cherry Bark (Ancient Native American)



In a multiple choice format “I feel better with a frog in my throat: History’s Strangest Curse” presents many common maladies like colds, sore throats, wounds, stomachache, fevers, and headaches with a verity of cures and treatments that people throughout time relied on. You’ll find out that some worked better than others.

My favorite was learning about how people throughout time cured and treated wounds: from moldy bread, honey, silver, puppy kisses, spider’s webs, mummy powder, maggots, a bulls mouth, and a dead man’s skill (ugh!—which apparently actually worked, who would have thought?!)

Each question is presented, and then each multiple choice option is explained with a “yes,” “no,” or “maybe” with comical illustrations depicting not only the curse, but also the dress , art, and architecture of the time and place from Ancient Egypt and China to Early twentieth century America.

“I feel better with a frog in my throat” is the sort of book that makes the non-fiction collection so much fun! Be sure to check it out!

Click here to view this title in the catalog.

Answers: A: maybe. B: No. C: Yes!



-JW-

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Posted in: New Book Review,Non-Fiction

New Book Review: 13 Photos Children Should Know

By Brad Finger

Call number J 909.82 FIN

45 pages

Best for ages 8-12



What better way to learn history than by learning through the eyes of the people who lived through it? In 13 photos children should know momentous events are captured on film and presented on a large page spread complete with information surrounding the event and a little bit about the photograph.



Some moments children may already be familiar with through school or popular culture, such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, or they may even remember the event such as the 2008 Olympic games in China or last year’s disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.



Others might not be so familiar to them, such as the importance Nelson Mandela being released from prison or how the world changed when the Berlin Wall came down. Each photo is accompanied by a short explanation (with unfamiliar words available in a glossary) and supporting photographs both large and small. Running along the top of each page is a timeline showing important moments leading up to the featured on, and what came after, as well as world events that affect how each event is remembered.



What is especially great about 13 Photos Children Should Know is it gives a great jumping off point to talk more about momentous events of the last century and the people and times surrounding them through real photographs of real people and places. Beatlemania, The Lindbergh flight, the Moon Landing, and so many others children want to know about.



You might even ask the question of what photos do you think are missing… What events are significant enough to change the world?



Click here to view this title in the catalog.



-JW-

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Posted in: New Book Review,Non-Fiction

New Book Review: Amazing Cows

By Sarah Boyton
89 pages
Best for kids ages 6-10 (or all ages up to a hundred and moo)
Call Number: J 818.54 BOY

“Knock knock”
“Whose there”
“Interrupting Cow”
“Interrupt—“
“Moooo!”

Part graphic novel, part joke book Sandra Boyton’s Amazing Cows has everything you (n)ever wanted to know about cows full of cow puns, jokes, stories, graphic novel (the cow version of superman), and many pages of miscellaneous cow related humor fills the pages.

My favorite page shows the “four stages of metamoophosis” for the species: Lepidoptra Bovinae. (spoiler alert: it becomes an “undderfly”).

With quirky pictures and funny puns your little joksters are sure to get their giggle full of all cow related humor imaginable.

It’s amazing what one can find in the non-fiction collection!

Click here to view this title in the catalog.


-JW-

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Posted in: Graphic novels,New Book Review,Non-Fiction

Hurry Up Spring!

When will Spring get here? Don't worry, it's on the way! Until then, spend some time reading about this soon-to-arrive season.


Spring by Jill Kalz
Colors, flowers, holidays and springtime baby animals.

Check our catalog for this title.

Spring by Ann Herriges
Simple text in this beginning reader introduces the changes spring brings.

Check our catalog for this title.

Let's Look At Spring by Sarah L. Schuette
What happens to weather, animals and plants in the spring.

Check our catalog for this title.

Everything Spring by Jill Esbaum
Lovely photographs illustrate this title from National Geographic Kids.

Check our catalog for this title.

Are You Ready for Spring? by Sheila Anderson
I sure am!

Check our catalog for this title.

-gw-

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Posted in: Non-Fiction

New Non Fiction Review: Kakapo Rescue

Kakapo Rescue : Saving the World's Strangest Parrot

Text by Sy Montgomery

Photographs by Nic Bishop
Best for grades 4 and up

Call number J 639.978 MON

I didn't quite know what to expect from the Seibert Medal winner this year. I'm not what you'd call a bird person, but this book made the plight of the kakapo very accessible to me.

These strange parrots found their way to New Zealand, and without any mammals around, and very few predators began to fill niches never thought possible. They lots the ability to fly and grew to enormous sizes for birds (between 5 and 10 pounds), with very soft feathers and a very distinctive sweet smell. They can live up to be over 100 years old, but unlike other parrots, they are nocturnal -- sleeping during the day and wake up and look for food during the night. When faced with an unusual situation is to remain perfectly still and see what happens. These adaptations did not pose well when mammals DID make their way to New Zealand in about 1150 AD.

At the time this book was written there were only 87 known kakapo left on the entire planet! All are currently on Codfish Island near New Zealand, and have round the clock staff and volunteers to care for them and their eggs. Sy Montgomery spend a lot of time talking about the kakapo Lisa-- a first time mom and her egg. Volunteers set up an infrared camera in her nest, and sleep in a tent not far away. When Lisa goes on the move to look for food the team moves in and sets up and electric blanket around the egg to keep it warm-- when there are only 87 of something left in the world they don't take any chances that something can go wrong.

I learned so much about a bird I never new existed, and I learned the great lengths that people go to to protect an entire species, as well as how easily a species once numbered in the millions, can be wiped down to less than 100 birds in just a few centuries.

Nic Bishop's photographs are extraordinary, and certainly make this title worth wining the Seibert award, especially along side Sy Montgomery's easy and informative writing.

You won't want to miss the Kakapo!

Click here to view this title in the catalog

To learn more about this remarkable bird and the efforts of humans to save it, visit the kakapo recovery programme webiste. It keeps a current kakapo count and gives updates on information presented in the book. The efforts of the folks on Codfish island-- Today the Kakapo count is up to 120!

-JW-

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Posted in: Award,New Book Review,Non-Fiction

2011 Award Winners

The committees have spoken and the winners were announced this morning! For a complete list of winners and honorees check out the Press Release. Meanwhile, take a peek at the books we have that you can check out or put on hold...

Newbery Medal

"Moon Over Manifest," written by Clare Vanderpool. Click here to view this title in the catalog

Newbery Honor Books
"Turtle in Paradise" written by Jennifer L. Holm. Click here to view this title in the catalog

"Heart of a Samurai" written by Margi Preus.Click here to view this title in the catalog

"Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night" written by Joyce Sidman. Click here to view this title in the catalog

"One Crazy Summer" written by Rita Williams-Garcia. Click here to view this title in the catalog

Caldecott Medal

"A Sick Day for Amos McGee" illustrated by Erin E. Stead, written by Philip C. Stead. Click here to view this title in the catalog

Caldecott Honor Books

"Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave" illustrated by Bryan Collier, written by Laban Carrick Hill. Click here to view this title in the catalog

"Interrupting Chicken" illustrated and written by David Ezra Stein. Click here to view this title in the catalog

Sibert Medal

"Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World's Strangest Parrot" written by Sy Montgomery, photographs by Nic Bishop. Click here to view this title in the catalog

Sibert Honor Books

"Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring" written by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan, illustrated by Brian Floca. Click here to view this title in the catalog

"Lafayette and the American Revolution" written by Russell Freedman. Click here to view this title in the catalog

Geisel Award

"Bink and Gollie" written by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, illustrated by Tony Fucile. Click here to view this title in the catalog

Geisel Honor Books

"Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same!" written and illustrated by Grace Lin. Click here to view this title in the catalog

"We Are in a Book!" written and illustrated by Mo Willems. Click here to view this title in the catalog . Click here to see our review of this title.

-JW-

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Posted in: Award,Fiction,Non-Fiction,Picture Books

Celebrate the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We honor and celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in January. Discover the life and work of this famous American champion of civil rights.


Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Doreen Rappaport
Exceptional illustrations are the feature of this award-winning biography of Dr. King.

Check our catalog for this title.





March On!: The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World by Christine King Farris
The story of the "March on Washington" through the eyes of Dr. King's sister.

Check our catalog for this title.





Marching For Freedom: Walk Together, Children, And Don't You Grow Weary by Elizabeth Partridge
The story of the civil rights protests that led to Dr. King's famous march from Selma to Montgomery to promote equal rights.

Check our catalog for this title.





King for Kids by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A collection of Dr. King's speeches and sermons to listen to.

Check our catalog for this title.






Coretta Scott by Ntozake Shange
A picture book biography of Dr. King's wife and her part in the Civil Rights Movement.

Check our catalog for this title.








Climbing Lincoln's Steps: The African American Journey by Suzanne Slade
Important moments in African American history that took place at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D. C.

Check our catalog for this title.
-gw-

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Posted in: Non-Fiction

School Library Journal's Best Children's Non-Fiction for 2010

The annual list of best books for children has just been published by School Library Journal. Here are their choices for best non-fiction for 2010. Happy New Year Reading!



Black Jack: The Ballad of Jack Johnson by Charles R. Smith, Jr.
The life story of the first African-American heavyweight boxing champion.
Check our catalog for this title.

Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature's Survivors by Joyce Sidman
14 species who have survived and adapted to life on earth.

Check our catalog for this title.

Pop!: The Invention of Bubble Gum by Meghan McCarthy
How Walter Diemer invented this most favorite kind of gum.

Check our catalog for this title.

Kubla Khan: The Emperor of Everything by Kathleen Krull
This legendary figure comes to life in the beautifully illustrated book.

Check our catalog for this title.






Insect Detective by Steve Voake
Pen-and-watercolor drawings of all the bugs there are to see when you step outside for an excursion.

Check our catalog for this title.

Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
The perfect blend of dance and music in this story of the classic ballet.

Check our catalog for this title.

-gw-

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Posted in: Non-Fiction

Welcome Winter

Winter is only days away. Get to know this season better by checking out these titles.


Winter Wonderland by Jill Esbaum
This short, easy non-ficiton book will introduce winter to the youngest reader.

Check our catalog for this title.






Ken Libbrecht's Field Guide to Snowflakes by Ken Libbrecht
Get "up close and personal" to an amazing variety of snowflakes.

Check our catalog for this title.







Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
This Caldecott winner documents the life of Wilson Bentley, a man who devoted his life to photographing snowflakes.

Check our catalog for this title.






Under the Snow by Melissa Stewart
How do animals survive the snowy winter months?

Check our catalog for this title.







The Story of Snow by Mark Cassino
Amazing close-ups of snow crystals.

Check our catalog for this title.

-gw-

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Posted in: Non-Fiction

Gobble, Gobble

Thanksgiving is more than stuffing and mashed potatoes! Take some time to read about why we celebrate this holiday.


Thanksgiving Day by Rebecca Rissman
Big color photos and simple text explain why we celebrate this holiday.

Check our catalog for this title.







Pilgrims by Mary Pope Osborne
What it was really like to sail to the New World on the Mayflower.

Check our catalog for this title.






Pardon That Turkey by Susan Sloate
Explains how Thanksgiving became a national holiday and why the president always pardons a turkey.

Check our catalog for this title.







Happy Thanksgiving by Abbie Mercer
All the fun of the holiday plus how to make a pinecone turkey.

Check our catalog for this title.








Celebrate Thanksgiving Day by Elaine A. Kule
For older readers, this includes the history and traditions and ways to give back to your community on this holiday.

Check our catalog for this title.


-gw-

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Posted in: Non-Fiction

There's Nothin' Like a Pumpkin

Get your gourd on with some facts about fall's favorite kind, the pumpkin.




The Story of the Jack O'Lantern by Katherine Brown Tegan The legend of why we carve pumpkins into Halloween jack-o-lantern.


Check our catalog for this title.



Seed, Sprout, Pumpkin pie by Jill Esbaum
The story of how a pumpkin turns into a delicious pie.

Check our catalog for this title.







Pumpkins! by Jacqueline Farmer
The history of pumpkins plus some recipes.

Check our catalog for this title.








Pumpkins by Ken Robbins
Gorgeous photographs will make you wish for a pumpkin patch of your very own.

Check our catalog for this title.




From Seed to Pumpkin by Wendy Pfeffer
The growing process for youngest readers.

Check our catalog for this title.

-gw-

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Posted in: Non-Fiction

Shine On Harvest Moon

Fall is the time of the harvest moon. Learn more about earth's nearest neighbor in space, the magical, mysterious moon.


Destination the Moon by Giles Sparrow
All the facts about the moon for the very youngest reader.

Check our catalog for this title.







Moon by Jacqueline Mitton
Stunning photographs illustrate this title.

Check our catalog for this title.







Moon: Science, History, and Mystery by Stewart Ross
Scientific facts and the moon's influence on our culture.

Check our catalog for this title.







The Lunar Cycle: Phases of the Moon by Genevieve O'Mara
Why the moon looks different every night.

Check our catalog for this title.






Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back: A Native American Year of Moons by Joeseph Bruchac
Poems about the moon from Native American legends.

Check our catalog for this title.




-gw-

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Posted in: Non-Fiction

Leaf Me Alone

Fall is all about leaves. Get to know all about them in the following books.

Why Do Leaves Change Color? by Betsy Maestro
Everyone wants to know the answer to this question!

Check our catalog for this title.

Look What I Did With A Leaf! by Morteza E. Sohi
All sorts of ideas for things you can make with a leaf.

Check our catalog for this title.

Leaves in Fall by Martha E. H. Rustad

Leaves put on their biggest show in autumn.

Check our catalog for this title.

Leaves by John Farndon

The different kinds of leaves, how they grow and function.

Check our catalog for this title.

Leaf Jumpers by Carole Gerber
Rhymes about leaves and the trees they fall from.

Check our catalog for this title.

-gw-

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Posted in: Non-Fiction