Kern County Library Staff Suggests...: January 2009

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Look What's New for Kids!

Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes - Barnes & Noble: "Ever since Barack Obama was young, Hope has lived inside him. From the beaches of Hawaii to the streets of Chicago, from the jungles of Indonesia to the plains of Kenya, he has held on to Hope. Even as a boy, Barack knew he wasn't quite like anybody else, but through his journeys he found the ability to listen to Hope and become what he was meant to be: a bridge to bring people together.

"This is the moving story of an exceptional man, as told by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Bryan Collier, both winners of the Coretta Scott King Award. Barack Obama has motivated Americans to believe with him, to believe that every one of us has the power to change ourselves and change our world."

Read-A-Loud Books for Families

Fiction

Song and Dance Man by Karen Ackerman - Grandpa demonstrates for his visiting grandchildren some of the songs, dances, and jokes he performed when he was a vaudeville entertainer.

My Dad's a Birdman by David Almond -
In a rainy town in the north of England, there are strange goings-on. Dad is building a pair of wings, eating flies, and feathering his nest. Lizzie is missing her Mom and looking after Dad by letting him follow his newfound whimsy. What's behind it all? It's the great human bird competition.

Bub, or the Very Best Thing by Natalie Babbitt - Barnes & Noble: "A very silly, very beautiful picture book, written and illustrated by the Newbery Honor-winning author of Tuck Everlasting. The King and Queen don't know what's best for the Prince. Nobody else knows either, except the Prince himself, and the Court Jester, too--even though they're the only ones who aren't asked about it."

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall - While vacationing with their widowed father in the Berkshire Mountains, four lovable sisters, ages four through twelve, share adventures with a local boy, much to the dismay of his snobbish mother.

Fanny’s Dream by Caralyn Buehner - Fanny Agnes is a sturdy farm girl who dreams of marrying a prince, but when her fairy godmother doesn't show up, she decides on a local farmer instead.

Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary - The family routine is upset during Ramona's year in second grade when her father unexpectedly loses his job.

The Janitor’s Boy by Andrew Clements - Fifth grader Jack finds himself the target of ridicule at school when it becomes known that his father is one of the janitors, and he turns his anger onto his father.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis - The ordinary interactions and everyday routines of the Watsons, an African American family living in Flint, Michigan, are drastically changed after they go to visit Grandma in Alabama in the summer of 1963.

Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech - Thirteen-year-old fraternal twins Dallas and Florida have grown up in a terrible orphanage but their lives change forever when an eccentric but sweet older couple invites them each on an adventure, beginning in an almost magical place called Ruby Holler.

Children of the River by Linda Crew - Having fled Cambodia four years earlier to escape the Khmer Rouge army, seventeen-year-old Sundara is torn between remaining faithful to her own people and enjoying life in her Oregon high school as a "regular" American.

The Day They Gave Babies Away by Dale Eunson - When the six Eunson children were left orphans the day before Christmas, 1868, the oldest, twelve-year-old Bob, took the responsibility of finding homes for his younger brothers and sisters.

The Boy Who Saved Cleveland by James Giblin - During a malaria epidemic in late eighteenth-century Cleveland, Ohio, ten-year-old Seth Doan surprises his family, his neighbors, and himself by having the strength to carry and grind enough corn to feed everyone.

Riches by Esther Hautzig - After following the advice of the wisest rabbi in the area, a rich storekeeper discovers that giving of himself is better than merely giving money.

Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer Holm - As the only girl in a Finnish American family of seven brothers, May Amelia Jackson resents being expected to act like a lady while growing up in Washington state in 1899.

Piper Reed, Navy Brat by Kimberly Holt - Piper is sad about leaving her home and friends behind when her father, a Navy aircraft mechanic, is transferred yet again, but with help from her often-annoying sisters and a surprise from their parents, she finds happiness in their new home in Pensacola, Florida.

The Animal Family by Randall Jarrell - Barnes & Noble: "This is the story of how, one by one, a man found himself a family. Almost nowhere in fiction is there a stranger, dearer, or funnier family -- and the life that the members of The Animal Family live together, there in the wilderness beside the sea, is as extraordinary and as enchanting as the family itself."

Mom Pie by Lynne Jonell - Because their mother seems too busy preparing for company, Christopher and Robbie cook up the idea of a Mom pie to serve as her surrogate.

Mama Do You Love Me? by Barbara Joosse - A child living in the Arctic learns that a mother's love is unconditional.

Martin Bridge: Blazing Ahead! by Jessica Scott Kerrin - In two separate stories, Martin must survive a Junior Badger overnight camping trip with his prankster best friend and help his father fix the old cranky lawnmower.

The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler - After finally convincing her mother that she should take swimming lessons, twelve-year-old Emily discovers a terrible and wonderful secret about herself that opens up a whole new world.

The Mouse Family Robinson by Dick King-Smith - After a close call with the cat who stalks the hallways, a family of wild mice, including adventurous, young Beaumont and elderly Uncle Brown, emigrates to a more mouse-friendly house down the block.

Worth by A. LaFaye - After breaking his leg, eleven-year-old Nate feels useless because he cannot work on the family farm in nineteenth-century Nebraska, so when his father brings home an orphan boy to help with the chores, Nate feels even worse.

A Ride on the Red Mare’s Back by Ursula K. Le Guin - With the aid of her magic wooden horse, a brave girl travels to the High House in the mountains to rescue her kidnapped brother from the trolls.

Day of Tears by Julius Lester - Emma has taken care of the Butler children since Sarah and Frances's mother, Fanny, left. Emma wants to raise the girls to have good hearts, as a rift over slavery has ripped the Butler household apart. Now, to pay off debts, Pierce Butler wants to cash in his slave "assets", possibly including Emma.

I Love My Pirate Papa by Laura Leuck - A pirate's son shares the things he loves about his father, including climbing the mast together to yell "Land ho" and sharing the booty when they find buried treasure.

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry - In this tongue-in-cheek take on classic themes in children's literature, the four Willoughby children set about to become "deserving orphans" after their neglectful parents embark on a treacherous around-the-world adventure, leaving them in the care of an odious nanny.

The Root Cellar by Janet Lunn - Twelve-year-old orphan Rose, sent to live with unknown relatives on a farm in Canada, ventures into her aunt's root cellar and finds herself making friends with people who lived on the farm more than a century earlier.

Baby by Patricia MacLachlan - Taking care of a baby left with them at the end of the tourist season helps a family come to terms with the death of their own infant son.

The Linden Tree by Eleanor Matthews - In 1948, nine-year-old Katy Sue's mother dies suddenly, and she and her family spend the next year trying to recover from their loss, assisted by her Aunt Katherine, who quits her teaching job to help out on their Iowa farm.

Families by Ann Morris - A simple explanation of families, how they function, how they are different, and how they are alike.

Five Minutes' Peace by Jill Murphy - Mrs. Large tries to take a peaceful, relaxing bath but her family has other ideas.

Rascal by Sterling North - The author recalls his carefree life in a small midwestern town at the close of World War I, and his adventures with his pet raccoon, Rascal.

The Borrowers by Mary Norton - Miniature people who live in an old country house by borrowing things from the humans are forced to emigrate from their home under the clock. Includes a letter and a sketch of Homily and Arrietty by the author.

Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor - A young girl who loves fancy things helps her family to be fancy for one special night.

Clementine by Sara Pennypacker - While sorting through difficulties in her friendship with her neighbor Margaret, eight-year-old Clementine gains several unique hairstyles while also helping her father in his efforts to banish pigeons from the front of their apartment building.

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco - A homemade quilt ties together the lives of four generations of an immigrant Jewish family, remaining a symbol of their enduring love and faith.

The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant - The relatives come to visit from Virginia and everyone has a wonderful time.

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto - Maria tries on her mother's wedding ring while helping make tamales for a Christmas family get together, but panic ensues when hours later, she realizes the ring is missing.

A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban - Ten-year-old Zoe Elias, who longs to play the piano but must resign herself to learning the organ instead, finds that her musicianship has a positive impact on her workaholic mother, her jittery father, and her school social life.

Nobody Here But Me by Judith Viorst - With his mother on the phone, his father checking e-mail, and his sister playing with her friends, a little boy feels as if he is all alone in the house, and no matter how badly he behaves, no one comes to stop him.

The Mennyms by Sylvia Waugh - The Mennyms, a family of life-size rag dolls living in a house in England and pretending to be human, see their peaceful existence threatened when the house's owner announces he is coming from Australia for a visit.

Hazel’s Amazing Mother by Rosemary Wells - When Hazel and her beloved doll Eleanor are set upon by bullies, Hazel's mother comes to the rescue in a surprising way.

Our Granny by Margaret Wild - While grannies come in all shapes and sizes "our granny" is unique.

A Chair for My Mother by Vera Williams - A child, her waitress mother, and her grandmother save dimes to buy a comfortable armchair after all their furniture is lost in a fire.

Nonfiction

Family Fun Nights by Lisa Bany-Winters - Barnes & Noble: "Filled with imaginative activities to bring the family together and create lifelong memories, this resource for parents and grandparents is full of activity ideas that require little or no preparation and use materials that are easily found around the house."

The Family Book: Amazing Things to Do Together by Philippa Wingate - School Library Journal: "Think of this as a one-stop guide for all types of activities, from practical jokes to magic, and what to do in an emergency."

Little Britches by Ralph Moody - Amazon.com: "Ralph Moody was eight years old in 1906 when his family moved from New Hampshire to a Colorado ranch. Through his eyes we experience the pleasures and perils of ranching there early in the twentieth century."

Living Green Recommendations

Check out these useful resources on environmental conservation and how to maintain an eco-friendly household. For more information, see the Living Green page.

Nonfiction Books

Go Green, Live Rich: 50 Simple Ways to Save the Earth and Get Rich Trying by David Bach - Barnes & Noble: "Go Green, Live Rich outlines fifty ways to make your life, your home, your shopping, and your finances greener—and get rich trying. From driving the right car to making your home energy smart, Bach offers ways to improve the environment while you spend less, save more, earn more, and pay fewer taxes."

Green Goes with Everything by Sloan Barnett - Barnes & Noble: "A mother of three, a dedicated consumer advocate, Sloan gives us a fast, simple, down-to-earth primer on the ways our homes are making us sick, and what we can all do to transform them into the safe sanctuaries we want and need them to be."

Living Like Ed by Ed Begley, Jr. - Barnes & Noble: "A committed environmentalist for more than thirty years, Ed Begley, Jr., has always tried to 'live simply so others may simply live.' Now, as more and more of us are looking for ways to reduce our impact on the planet and live a better, greener life, Ed shares his experiences on what works, what doesn't–and what will save you money!"

The Healthy House : How to Buy One, How to Build One, How to Cure a Sick One by John Bower - From Library Journal: "Most people feel safest at home; little do they know how many environmental dangers lurk in the average house. While some folks are more sensitive to these pollutants than others, there are numerous real hazards in both existing and new construction. Lead paint, arsenic in pressure-treated lumber, and outgassing from synthetic materials are only a few of the more notorious problems. Bower covers the house from top to bottom, explaining potential problems and offering safe solutions."

The Self Sufficiency Handbook: A Complete Guide to Greener Living by Alan Bridgewater - Barnes & Noble: "Anyone considering a shift to a greener way of living must get this inspirational and practical guide. With easy-to-read layouts and simple text, it runs the full ecological gamut, from geothermal heating to crop rotation to soap making."

Nontoxic, Natural, & Earthwise: How to Protect Yourself and Your Family from Harmful Products and Live in Harmony with the Earth by Debra Dadd-Redalia - Amazon.com: "Debra Lynn Dadd leads the way for consumers to protect both themselves and the environment, by establishing new product-buying criteria that reflects the linkage between environmental protection and our health. Readers will find recommendations for more than 2,000 brand-name products are safe and environmentally sound."

The Nontoxic Home & Office: Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Everyday Toxics and Health Hazards by Debra Dadd-Redalia - Amazon.com: "A guide to finding easy-to-implement alternatives to potentially harmful substances features chapters on cleaning products, household pesticides, tap water, drugs and medications, personal care products, food, clothing, bedding, and furniture."

Green Living: The E Magazine Handbook for Living Lightly on the Earth by E Magazine - Barnes & Noble: "This work, compiled by the editors of E/ The Environmental Magazine, grew out of a regular feature from the publication on how consumers can lessen their impact on the environment. From energy efficient water heaters to environmental banking and ecotourism, the volume provides discussion of how to live more environmentally."

Got Sun? Go Solar:Get Free Renewable Energy to Power Your Grid-Tied Home by Rex Ewing and Doug Pratt - Barnes & Noble: "From Vermont to California homeowners are plugging in to a hot new idea - reducing or eliminating their electric bills by using free energy from the sun and wind. In this straight-talking new book, authors Rex Ewing and Doug Pratt tell other grid-connected homeowners how to capture alternative energy and put it to use in their home."

Power with Nature by Rex A. Ewing - Barnes & Noble: "Be your own power company and let Mother Nature provide the energy! By investing in affordable, new technologies, you can join the thousands of homeowners who get free electricity from the sun, wind and water."

Green Babies, Sage Moms: The Ultimate Guide to Raising Your Organic Baby by Lynda Fassa - Barnes & Noble: "From the trailblazing founder of Green Babies organic clothing comes the very first guide for new mothers in raising a "green" family-and doing it simply and inexpensively."

Planetwalker: 22 Years of Walking, 17 Years of Silence by John Francis - Barnes & Noble: "When the struggle to save oil-soaked birds and restore blackened beaches left him feeling frustrated and helpless, John Francis decided to take a more fundamental and personal stand—he stopped using all forms of motorized transportation. Soon after embarking on this quest that would span two decades and two continents, the young man took a vow of silence that endured for 17 years."

Green Building and Remodeling for Dummies by Eric Freed - Barnes & Noble: "Want to build responsibly, reduce waste, and help preserve the environment? Green Building & Remodeling For Dummies is your friendly, step-by-step guide to every facet of this Earth-friendly method of construction."

The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup, and Fragrances by Julie Gabriel - Barnes & Noble: "Whether switching to organic produce or driving a hybrid car, going green is not only for the earth-friendly, but for today's health-conscious consumer. But what about the latest movement—green for beauty? Celebrities like Angela Jolie and Courtney Cox Arquette are turning organic products into the hottest beauty trend. Thanks to this amazing new beauty guide, The Green Beauty Guide, readers can now learn the look-gorgeous "green" secrets that the rich and famous employ."

Healthy Child, Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home by Christopher Gavigan - Barnes & Noble: "Featuring contributions from environmental science and public-health experts and many celebrity supporters, Healthy Child Healthy World offers parents a definitive guide to creating a healthy, nontoxic, and environmentally sound home."

A Greener Christmas by Sheherazade Goldsmith - Barnes & Noble: "The only guide to celebrating a greener Christmas shows you how to make your home merry, bright, and eco-friendly!"

Sustainable Living for Dummies by Michael Grosvenor - Barnes & Noble: "Fun and easy ways to help protect the environment–every day."

The Green Book of Household Hints: Keeping an Efficient and Ecologically Sound Home by Marjorie Harris - Barnes & Noble: "More than 1,000 ecologically sound and useful tips for efficient house-keeping. The book covers everything from appliance upkeep and internet safety for kids to laundry and bottled water."

The Green Bride Guide: How to Create an Earth-Friendly Wedding on Any Budget by Kate L. Harrison - Barnes & Noble: "The Green Bride Guide offers a comprehensive, go-to resource for anyone interested in planning a green wedding or including a few eco-chic elements in their event."

The Carbon-Free Home: 36 Remodeling Projects to Help Kick the Fossil Fuel Habit by Stephen Hren and Rebekah Hren - Barnes & Noble: "Inspired by their own determination to wean themselves completely from fossil fuels, Rebekah and Stephen Hren provide a map for others interested in the path to producing all their own energy and living a fossil fuel-free life."

Green Living for Dummies by Yvonne Jeffery - Packed with practical and realistic advice, Green Living For Dummies is a comprehensive guide to minimising your impact on the world around you. Here you'll discover effective and simple strategies for making a difference in every part of your life - from reducing energy waste in your home and cutting reliance on your car, to going green in the garden and at work.

The Passive Solar House by James Kachadorian - Barnes & Noble: "This book offers a technique for building homes that heat and cool themselves in a wide range of different climates, using ordinary building materials available anywhere and with methods familiar to all building contractors and many do-it-yourselfers."

Green Your Home by Gary Keller - Barnes & Noble: "Save money and build home equity with a sustainable, ecologically sound home."

The New Consumers: the Influence of Affluence on the Environment by
Norman Myers and Jennifer Kent - Barnes & Noble: "Environmental analysts Myers (Dyke U.) and Kent, who have already published several paper and books together, explore some of the unadvertised effects of economic development in non-industrialized countries, looking at the current and projected impact as many previously impoverished people begin to drive cars, eat meat every day, and keeps lights on all the time."

How to “Cook” Compost: Making and Using Compost by National Trust, London - Barnes & Noble: "Exploring one of the most straightforward and rewarding garden activities, this handy, easy-to-follow guide reveals every aspect of making and using compost—selecting the right type of container, deciding on the recipe that makes best use of the waste materials on hand, and showing the variety of ways in which this almost magical material can be put to work in the garden."

True Green: 100 Everyday Ways You Can Contribute to a Healthier Planet by Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin - Presents 100 strategies for safeguarding the environment.

True Green @ Work: 100 Ways You Can Make the Environment Your Business by Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin - Presents 100 strategies for safeguarding the environment.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Vehicles by Jack R. Nerad - Amazon.com: "With the rise in gasoline costs, the hybrid car has exploded into the fastest-growing segment of the American car industry. This book sorts out the dizzying array of choices faced by American motorists."

The Little Green Handbook: Seven Trends Shaping the Future of Our Planet by Ron Nielsen - Barnes & Noble: "Published for the first time in the United States, The Little Green Handbook is a unique reference work that illustrates the most important global developments facing us today, explains them, and suggests area for positive change."

Grow Organic by Doug Oster - Barnes & Noble: "Grow Organic offers essential insights to help gardeners of all skill levels achieve their organic potential."

The Complete Compost Gardening Guide by Barbara Pleasant - Barnes & Noble: "A natural Six-Way Compost Gardening System provides the ruling principles for successfully improving every garden with healthy compost."

Organic Baby: Simple Steps for Healthy Living by Kimberly Rider - Barnes & Noble: "Record numbers of parents are choosing organic foods and non-toxic products that are healthier for their children and gentler on the planet to the tune of $50 billion dollars spent worldwide last year. Now it's easier than ever to create an eco-friendly environment for little ones without sacrificing comfort and style. Author of The Healthy Home Workbook, interior designer and new mother Kimberly Rider offers parents dozens of solutions that fit their priorities and their lifestyle and their budget."

The Green Book: the Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time by Elizabeth Rogers - Barnes & Noble: "Ellen DeGeneres, Robert Redford, Will Ferrell, Jennifer Aniston, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Martha Stewart, Tyra Banks, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Tiki Barber, Owen Wilson, and Justin Timberlake tell you how they make a difference to the environment.

The Naturally Clean Home, 2nd edition by Karyn Siegel-Maier - Barnes & Noble: "In the second edition of The Naturally Clean Home, Karyn Siegel-Maier offers 150 all-natural recipes for cleaning every area of the home — from bathrooms to bedding, and from carpets to cabinetry."

Generation Green: the Ultimate Teen Guide to Living an Eco-Friendly Life by Linda Sivertsen and Tosh Sivertsen - This book lays out the inside scoop on the biggest issues affecting our planet, such as global warming and overflowing landfills; offers dozens of tips on how to shop, dress, eat, and travel the green way; includes interviews with teens like you who are involved with fun, innovative green causes; shows that being environmentally conscious can be a natural part of your life -- and your generation's contribution to turning things around.

Sara Snow’s Fresh Living: the Essential Room-by-Room Guide to a Greener, Healthier Family and Home by Sara Snow - Random House: "In this easy-to-follow guide, the green-living expert and host of the popular TV shows Living Fresh and Get Fresh with Sara Snow offers busy families simple, affordable ways to create a healthy, environmentally friendly home—room by room." Coming in March 2009.

Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life by Sophie Uliano - Barnes & Noble: "In Gorgeously Green, Sophie offers a simple eight-step program that is an easy and fun way to begin living an earth-friendly life."

Green Remodeling: Your Start Toward an Eco-Friendly Home by John D. Wagner - Amazon.com: "Ultimate Guide to Green Remodeling shows homeowners how they can take part in the "green" revolution through remodeling. Some of the topics covered include reducing home energy use, selecting nontoxic products, saving water, and supporting the environment through the use of products that support responsible manufacturing and the sustainable harvesting of natural resources."

Children's Books

Endangered Planet by David Burnie - Barnes & Noble: "Endangered Planet is a timely examination of the state of the earth's ecosystems."

The Environment in the News by Yael Calhoun - Barnes & Noble: "The Environment in the News examines three critical global concerns-climate change, endangered species, and air pollution."

Green Power: Eco-Energy Without Pollution by David Jefferis - Examines ocean power, solar heating, and solar and wind turbines.

Organic Crafts: 75 Earth Friendly Art Activities by Kimberly Monaghan - Learn with fun-filled craft activities about reusing, reducing, and recycling.

From Windmills to Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Discovering Alternate Energy by Sally Morgan - "Discusses alternatives to traditional energy sources that contribute to global warming and that are increasingly scarce."-- From source other than the Library of Congress

DVDs

The 11th Hour (Produced and Narrated by Leonardo DeCaprio, written and directed by Leila Conners Petersen and Nadia Conners. Warner Home Video, 2008. 124 min. Rated PG.) - Explores the indelible footprint that humans have left on this planet, and the catastrophic effects of environmental neglect and abuse, and calls for restorative action through a reshaping of human activity.

California Young Reader Medal 2008 Winners

The California Young Reader Medal program encourages recreational reading of popular literature among the young people of our state. Since its inception in 1974, millions of California children have nominated, read, and voted for the winners of the California Young Reader Medal. See the California Young Reader Medal official website for more information about the award and past winners.

2008 Winners

Primary: Dex: The Heart of a Hero (originally published as Superdog: The Heart of a Hero) by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by Mark Buehner - Tired of being overlooked because he is so small, a big-hearted dog named Dexter transforms himself into a superhero.

Intermediate: Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles - Comfort Snowberger is well acquainted with death since her family runs the funeral parlor in town, but the ten-year-old is unprepared for the series of heart-wrenching events that begins with the sudden death of her beloved great-aunt.

Middle School / Junior High: The Schwa Was Here by Neal Shusterman - A Brooklyn eighth-grader nicknamed Antsy befriends the Schwa, an "invisible-ish" boy who is tired of blending into his surroundings and going unnoticed by nearly everyone. Anthony, also known as "Antsy," is fascinated by "The Schwa Effect"--the fact that no one ever sees Calvin Schwa. Even when acting weird and dressed like a total freak, The Schwa is only barely noticed. The two boys form a partnership and get away with all kinds of mischief, from conducting experiments at school to confounding opponents on the basketball court. When The Schwa senses that even Antsy is beginning to lose sight of him, he vows to do something that will make him so visible, no one will ever forget him. Any kid who's ever felt unnoticed will identify with Schwa and Antsy and their quest for notoriety.

Young Adult: Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo - When Thomas Peaceful's older brother is forced to join the British Army, Thomas decides to sign up as well, although he is only fourteen years old, to prove himself to his country, his family, his childhood love, Molly, and himself.

Picture Books for Older Readers: Mr. Maxwell's Mouse by Frank Asch - School Library Journal: "A clever game of cat and mouse is presented with delicious humor by this father/son team."

January Recommendations for Kids

Fiction

The Robe of Skulls by Vivian French - Mix together a rebellious prince, an astoundingly beautiful wicked stepsister, a brave beleaguered girl named Gracie, and Marlon a chatty bat. Stir with an aging evil sorceress, Lady Lamorna, who overwhelmingly desires a beautiful new dress trimmed with skulls. Gracie escapes her imprisonment from the cellar prison, and is immediately thrust into an adventure attempting to rescue all of the kingdom's princes which have been turned into frogs by Lady Lamora who plans to ransom the frogs for gold to finance her new frock. Humor abounds in this witty tale.

Melvin Might? by Jon Scieszka - Melvin, a worried cement mixer, is not as adventurous as the other trucks. He overcomes his fears however to rescue Rita. Preschoolers will love the bright, bold trucks!

The Day Leo Said I Hate You! by Robie Harris - Leo is frustrated, and so angry at being told no dropping string beans in the fishbowl, no dancing on the table, and other similar antics, that "I hate you!" just pops out of his mouth! Will his mommy still love him? A good book to read when you or your favorite child is having 'one of those days!'

Babar Comes to America by Laurent de Brunhoff - Babar, King of the Elephants, has accepted an invitation to meet with the President of the United States. This provides an opportunity for his entire family to tour the United States. On the way to Disneyland (which includes a ride in the teacups!), the family passes armies of oil-well pumps. Have you spotted Babar in Bakersfield?

Nonfiction

Blue Moo by Sandra Boynton - With such great songs as "Singing in the Shower", "Your Personal Penguin", "When a Hippo can Dance", and the hilarious "The Uninvited Parade", this book and cd combination can transform the bleakest day. Check this out for your next holiday car ride to Grandma's house.

January Recommendations for Teens

Fiction

Ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley - Charlotte Usher is neither popular nor noticeable, and tries hard to fit into her high school and be noticed. When she chokes to death on a gummy bear, she becomes a ghost and still has to attend Dead Ed. Charlotte continues to think about the living and aches to be accepted and will not let being dead stop her. Check out this fun novel about how hard it is to be popular in school in life and death.

SPUD by John Van De Ruit - Spud Milton is about to begin life at an exclusive boarding school in South Africa. Through his diary you discover his exposure to insanity and weirdness. His fellow students are a colorful bunch: Rambo and Boggo, who cause no end of mayhem, Gecko who succumbs to every passing malady, and Fatty an overeater intent on breaking the school's sustained-fart record. There is an abundance of British humor and some local terms used, but this book is a riot and tons of fun to read.

The Naming by Alison Croggon - Maerad has spent most of her life as a slave, taken as a child after the rest of her family had been killed in war. Life seems grim until she meets the traveling bard Cadvan, and learns that she has a destiny far beyond her imagining. Maerad has a gift, one that is rare and powerful and she must learn to use it in order to save the world from the otherworldly terror known as the Nameless. This is a rich and amazing book that begins an epic story that readers of fantasy will consume.

Child of the Dark Prophecy by T.A. Barron - In this first book of the Great Tree of Avalon, readers are taken to the magical land of Avalon, born from the seed that Merlin planted ages ago. In this land creatures of all kinds live to together in harmony. Until evil starts to roam the land, mysterious disasters, brutal fights, and then suddenly the stars in the sky disappear. The fate of Avalon rests on three young people: Elli, an escaped slave turned priestess; Tamwyn, a homeless wilderness guide; and Scree, an eagleman with a great secret. But unknown to all of them, one is destined to be the child of the Dark Prophecy, and only one of them can save Avalon. Pick up this great escape into a world filled with magic and mystery.

Moribito Guardian of the Spirit by Nahoko Uehashi - Balsa is a fighter, and a protector. She uses her vast amount of skills to serve both the rich and the poor in her quest to redeem the eight lives lost for her sake. In her latest quest she must put all her skill to the test to ensure the Second Prince Chagum survives his quest. Chagum is the Maoribito, or the guardian of the Spirit, and is chosen to deliver the egg of the water spirit from his home to the distant sea. The journey is long and made difficult by the pursuit of the egg eating monster Rarunga and Chagum's own father. This book is full of warriors, honor, duty, and great adventure; great for those who want an epic story without the epic amount of pages.