Currently Reading

In an attempt to whittle down my to-be-read pile, I'm currently reading several books in tandem. I don't often do this; I usually prefer to read one book at a time. However, desperate times call for desperate measures, and due dates are looming ominously on the calendar. Instead of offering complete reviews today, I'll tell you a little about my current reads.




Dancing for Degas

This isn't a children's/YA book; I'm reading it for my 10-10-10 adult fiction/nonfiction challenge (read 10 books in 10 different genres by October 10, 2010). I love historical fiction (as long as it's not about the Tudors; I'm sick of them. Pretty much tired of anything to do with British royalty in historical fiction.), I love ballet, and I love Degas. This was pretty much made to order! I don't know how realistic this is (farm girl trains to be a ballerina and meets Degas, unless there really was an Alexandrie in Degas's life; I don't know that yet), but it's escapist and great fun.



Sir Charlie Chaplin: The Funniest Man in the World

YES! My copy came in yesterday; wooo hooo! I just started it last night, but I can already tell that it's terrific. Chaplin's political and romantic controversies didn't come until later in life, so I don't know yet how Fleischman handles them. I may have to check out some Chaplin DVDs after reading this.



Disney After Dark

I'm doing booktalks for our Tween Scene programs, focusing on new and recent titles. This series seems to be quietly popular, so I'm planning to talk about it this week (along with other titles).

I also checked out a mess of picture books because I feel like I don't pay as much attention to them (except for the new titles) as I should. I'll review them later.

June is Busting Out All Over

....with great books!




Biblioburro: A True Story From Colombia

The incredible and inspiring story of Luis Soriano and his faithful donkeys, Alfa and Beto, is now available in picture book form. As a fan of My Librarian is a Camel and Down Cut Shin Creek, I'm definitely looking forward to this story! While you're waiting for our copies, check out this New York Times profile from 2008.




City Dog, Country Frog

What is this? Rumor has it that this is a sweet (yet funny) tearjerker from Mo Willems. I'm a big fan of Willems, but he tends toward the funny and zany. Really excited about this one. This marks his first book as author-only, rather than author-illustrator.

(The final Knuffle Bunny, out this fall, is also supposed to be a tearjerker!)





Emily's Fortune

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is no stranger to tearjerkers herself, but Emily's Fortune seems to be more on the rollicking adventures side of things. Children's books about Western Expansion are sometimes filled with lots of color and hijinks, and I'm confident that Naylor will definitely bring it.




Face to Face With Manatees

I've said it before and I'll say it again: the Face to Face books by National Geographic are *awesome.* This is their latest. I have two requests for National Geographic: please do Face to Face books on pandas and zebras!




Get Real: What Kind of World Are You Buying?

My undergraduate major was in Family, Child, and Consumer Sciences from Louisiana State University; along with classes on family life, human development, and sociology, I also took classes on consumer issues and advocacy, which peaked my interest in consumer issues. Teens have enormous influential buying power, and advertisers and companies have been aware of this for years. I'm thinking that this is in the same vein as Chew On This and the young reader's version of The Omnivore's Dilemma; this will definitely go on my to-be-read list!




Heart to Heart

As someone who was a huge Lurlene McDaniel fan when I was a preteen, I'm amazed that she hasn't run out of life-threatening illness and conditions to write about. Her latest involves a heart transplant (and has received positive reviews). When I fall into a reading rut and nothing interests me, there are a few authors that I can rely on to get me through a reading drought: Ann Martin's The Babysitters Club books (not her later critically acclaimed and Newbery Honor winning books; I love them, but I need Kristy, Claudia, Mary Ann, and Stacey to pull me through), Sydney Taylor's All of a Kind Family books, Betty Smith's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and Lurlene McDaniel's Dawn Rochelle books. In fact, I recently reread the Dawn Rochelle books; it's weird to say that reading about teens facing cancer is enjoyable, but it's definitely engrossing reading (it's not like Children's Hospital, which is a fascinating read even though some of the medical information and statistics are out of date or Ways to Live Forever, which I don't anticipate reading again).




House of Dolls

Children's books about dolls and toys creep me out. Seriously. And Francesca Lia Block can definitely bring the.....well, *not* creepy, but....unusual storyline. House of Dolls, apparently, isn't of this variety. Interesting.





How Animals Work

DK fans, have you had enough? Of course not. I've admitted that DK books can overwhelm me at times, but I definitely have plans for this one when it comes in. Serious animal fans will definitely devour this one.




Little Pink Pup

As a late night talk show host would say, "Didja hear about this? True story!" A dachshund adopts a (porcine) runt of the litter and mothers it along with her own pups. FER CRYIN' OUT LOUD. This sounds like something Dick King-Smith would make up. Don't believe me? Check out proud author Johanna Kerby's site here. Pink is the pig and Tink is the dachshund (an amazing dog). Be sure to compare the "then and now" pictures.




Love Bites: The Unofficial Saga of Twilight

Are we Twilight-ed out yet? We shall see. Eclipse is out in theaters on June 30th, so this will be a great tie-in.






Magic Below Stairs

An orphan. Wizards. And set in England? Hold your horses. Kirkus Reviews gave this an excellent review ("lovely and lively"), and they would have definitely crushed any mediocre Harry Potter wanna-be (they're a little cranky sometimes and less forgiving of children's literature than some other review journals). This isn't one of them.




Not All Princesses Dress in Pink

The mighty Jane Yolen returns (along with her very talented daughter, Heidi Yolen Stemple) with an antidote to the perfect pink princess stories that have flooded the market.



The Other Half of My Heart

I'm eagerly anticipating this story about two biracial sisters (with different skin tones)competing in a black preteen beauty contest.




Pop: The Invention of Bubble Gum

Bubble gum, bubble gum, in a dish. How many pieces do you wish? Kids love bubble gum, so this should be a popular nonfiction title.




The Reinvention of Moxie Roosevelt

A thirteen-year-old decides to change her personality to match her name; sounds cute (and I'm sure there are lessons that are learned at the story's conclusion).




Shooting Kabul

Deborah Ellis's Breadwinner trilogy is extraordinary, but the stories eventually progress to YA. As Afghanistan is still very much in the news, books about this turbulent country will definitely be needed.




Sir Charlie: The Funniest Man in the World

I am insanely impatient to read this. Sid Fleischman did an amazing job writing his Houdini and Mark Twain biographies; I cannot wait to see how he handles a more controversial subject. I know that his political issues are definitely addressed, but I'm very interested in how Fleischman handles Chaplin's personal issues. I'll find out soon enough!




Sisters Red

I can't *quite* figure out what this is, but it looks like shades of Little Red Riding Hood and werewolves. So, sounds pretty awesome?




Sorta Like a Rock Star

The annotation in the catalog is a little misleading (we don't write the annotations), because the ending is apparently a feel-good one, with School Library Journal noting that it's "the answer to all those angst-ridden and painfully grim novels in the shortcut lingo of short attention-span theater." All right, then. Sounds good to me.




SPHDZ

Oh, this shall make for fun reference questions. I can't wait to hear how this title is requested. Apparently, it's "spaceheads." Fabulous. It should be hugely popular; it's by Jon Scieszka ("chess-ka") and involves a fifth grader who thinks two classmates are aliens. Excellent.




The Suburb Beyond the Stars

Not having read this, I'm not sure how to describe it (read the catalog annotation). M.T. Anderson is a unique author, so this should definitely be an unusual reading experience!





The Village Garage

Let's face it: some of the "throughout the seasons" books are not the most exciting or appealing books. This looks like a great addition; workers at the village garage take care of their customers' cars throughout the season.




Volcano! The Icelandic Eruption of 2010 and Other Hot, Smoky, Fierce, and Fiery Mountains

As this is a National Geographic children's book, I'm confident that this will be chock-full of incredible pictures and child-friendly text.





Zombiekins

A zombie book for kids! Very cool. We have YA zombie books, but they're really not suitable for the younger readers. This looks cute (click on "more information" for a summary) and funny, but with zombies. And that's okay.

That should keep everyone busy, right?

Survey Says....

If you're a Fauquier County Public Library patron, we would greatly appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to fill out this survey. Thank you very much!

A Boy Named Charles

I can't remember a time in which I didn't love Peanuts. Every Halloween and Christmas, I check the TV listings to make sure that I don't miss It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Christmas. Yes, we have both DVDs but a) they're always checked out during the holidays and b) it's just not the same watching it on DVD (weird, I know). Later, when I began to follow comics in the newspaper, I would always look for Peanuts.

Several years ago, David Michaelis wrote an exhaustive and memorable biography of Charles Schulz; his depiction of Schulz as a melancholic, narcissistic, and inattentive husband and father drew sharp criticism from Schulz's surviving family members. At over 600 pages, it's obviously not a quick read, but it's a fascinating survey of a complicated man (this is coming from someone who generally dislikes overstuffed biographies and history books).

For children wanting to know more about Schulz, or for anyone who wants a quick glimpse of this unique man, Sparky: The Life and Art of Charles Schulz is a sensitive and moving portrayal of the famous cartoonist. Schulz's manifold personality isn't glossed over (or dwelled on), nor are the more anguished aspects of his life (such as losing a great love that eventually was expressed in the Charlie Brown-Little Red Haired Girl storyline). Peanuts cartoons that aptly express different stages in Schulz's life anchor each chapter, showing that Schulz often expressed his thoughts and feelings through his beloved cartoon. It's an honest tribute to an esoteric man.

Now, I'm just waiting for a more modern children's biography of Walt Disney. Definitely a challenging subject, but it's doable. If Sid Fleischman can do a children's biography of Charlie Chaplin, with all the controversy that surrounded him, I think we can have an honest biography of "Uncle Walt" for middle grade readers. In the meantime, adult readers (or high schoolers seriously interested in all things Disney), should check out Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination. And yes, his family (and some Disney fans) dislike this one, too.

The Birthday Ball

The Birthday Ball

Lois Lowry's take on the Prince and the Pauper story is filled with wild hijinks and laugh-out-loud humor. Princess Patricia is just absolutely bored with her princess-y life; not only that, she's expected to chose a suitor at her 16th birthday ball (making it even worse is that the neighboring principalities have not produced any princes worth getting excited over). Longing to experience the "quaint" life of the peasantry, she switches places with her humble chambermaid. Lo and behold, she finds herself falling for the handsome schoolteacher at the village school. Most unfortunate, for she must marry someone of noble blood. Oh, what to do?

Although centered around princes and wooing and suitors, there's nothing in here that's overly romantic. Everything is quite silly and some of the humor is actually toilet-humor (nothing terribly yucky); if a boy had to read this for a class assignment, he may object at first, but would probably get pulled into the craziness and humor.

After reading and rereading a ton of historical fiction and nonfiction for Jefferson Cup, this was the perfect book to fall into! Lois Lowry is a favorite, and this is a welcome treat.

More Good Stuff

Continuing with our latest batch of new books:




The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School

I ordered several books on dealing with school/puberty/teen life, but I think this will be the most popular. It's something that girls *and* boys won't mind reading (they have girl specific and boy specific tips), which is definitely welcome. The majority of teen self-help books tend to be written for girls, and it's tricky to find something (not specific to puberty) that boys will read. I'm hoping this will be one of them.



The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation

I'm very curious about this book. Not only are the amendments described in graphic form, but the history of the Constitution is also told.




Supernatural Boys

Team Edward and Team Jacob will both flock to this book. Props to the author for not naming this Supernatural Boyz.




Supernatural Girls

Everything you ever wanted to know about Kristin Stewart and the other Twilight ladies.




The Stuff of Life: A Graphic Guide to Genetics and DNA

How can you teach about genetics and DNA through manga? Maybe by including a story about an alien scientist researching humans? Sure, why not?





Songs From the Garden of Eden: Jewish Lullabies and Nursery Rhymes

Jewish lullabies and nursery rhymes from Yiddish, Hebrew, and Arabic languages...yes! I figured that Yiddish and Hebrew would be included, but didn't know that lullabies from Jewish Middle Eastern cultures (other than Israel) would be included. Very nice. A CD is also included.




Over the Rainbow

I don't get too terribly excited about book adaptations of songs. This one, however, might be an exception. For one thing, the song is slow enough that you can sing it (sing it even if you think you can't sing; it's slow enough and soft enough that you can croon it without much effort) and look at the pictures at the same time. Secondly, the illustrations look ethereal, dreamy, and a little bizarre (much like The Wizard of Oz movie). Thirdly, it comes with a CD featuring Judy Collins singing the song (!), plus two additional songs. WOW. Cannot wait.

The text includes an introductory verse that, although recorded by Judy Garland, never made it into the final cut (don't know the reason why, but it seems a bit melancholy for a song that's already melancholy enough).




The Prince of Persia

The Prince of Persia: first a video game, then a graphic novel, then a movie. We're getting the other PoP books as well.




Skip Through the Seasons

This looks like fun; you read a verse about each month and find pictures associated with that month.




Truce: The Day the Soldiers Stopped Fighting

I cannot wait to read this book. It's all about one of the most amazing war stories in modern history. On Christmas Eve, German troops began to decorate their area for Christmas and sang Christmas carols; British troops responded by singing Christmas carols in English. Sometime later, they met on neutral ground, exchanged gifts, and played a soccer game. Of course, army officials on both sides were positively apoplectic at this, and it ultimately didn't change much in the end. It's an unbelieveable story; if someone created this story for a movie, people would call it ridiculous.

There's a fabulous (adult nonfiction) book about this titled Silent Night that I highly recommend. I'm seeing more World War I fiction and nonfiction for children, which I think is very important; it's a war that's been somewhat forgotten, although historians will tell you that ramifications from "the war to end all wars" are still being felt today. It's a subject in which I've recently developed more interest, so I'm eagerly awaiting this book.




Busy Birdies

I love the "Busy ----" board books; each book features wonderful pictures of animals and short rhyming text. We're also getting Busy Bear Cubs. Check out Busy Pandas and Busy Bunnies as well.




Portuguese Water Dogs

Bo Obama is the most famous Portuguese Water Dog, of course; young readers can learn all about this breed (and others) through this set from ABDO/Checkerboard Library. I've been looking for breed-specific children's books for some time; if these are worthwhile, I'd like to order more sets (I also ordered a breed guide from DK).

In my next post, I'll highlight our newest books with publication dates of May or June 2010.

If You Haven't Read It

....it's new to you!

While I'm waiting to get the go-ahead to blab about the Jefferson Cup winners, let me tell you about new books that will be front and center on our new books shelves. While not necessarily brand-new, they're new to our collection:



Pixarpedia

A hefty guide to all things Pixar. While Disney encylopedias are common (I have my eye on a new Disney Princess encyclopedia out in the fall), I've never seen one just on Pixar. Very cool.



100 Most Disgusting Things on the Planet

Oh, this should be vile. Tons of disgusting things, lovingly described and photographed in their glory. Includes a gross rating chart and tips. Fabulous.



First Guitar Tutor

When parents and kids ask for instrument study books, we usually have to refer them to adult nonfiction. Now that we have this book, we can direct them to books in our own collection. We also ordered How To Improve at Playing Piano.



Action Philosophers

Reading about the great philosophers is not most teens' cup of tea. But put their philosophies in a graphic novel format and make the philosophers action/superheroes? That might be a different story. Perhaps not a huge crowd pleaser (which is why I only ordered one copy), but it was so unique that I couldn't pass it up.




Amelia Earhart: This Broad Ocean

The excitement over Earhart's first transatlantic flight is seen through the eyes of a young girl. Told in graphic novel format.




Ask Me Anything

I have to confess that I get weary after reading some DK books, even though I think they are remarkable. There's just so much information and images to read and examine. Ask Me Anything looks jammed with lists, trivia, and quizzes; just the type of things that DK fans (and they are many) crave. This will go over well.




As will Do Not Open, which is another DK book that we recently ordered. Do Not Open is all about the mysterious and the unexplained, as only DK can present. This should go over like gangbusters!



Boy on the Lion Throne: The Childhood of the 14th Dalai Lama

A YA book about the Dalai Lama. Certainly unique!



Captain America: Road to Reborn

The Captain America movie will be out in 2011; we'll have the stories before the movie is out. Woo hoo (doesn't always happen like this; sometimes I find out about this stuff after the movie has been released)!



The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule

The Berenstain Bears are back with an emphasis on Christian teachings and values.




I'm always on the lookout for religion books that go beyond the basics of a particular religion. Which is why I was happy to find In the Prophet's Garden.




Crime Stories

Crime Stories, along with Sci-Fi Stories, were specifically recommended for reluctant YA readers.



Justin Bieber

Bieber fever is alive and well (until the next kid comes along), so far be it for me to deny Bieber-ites the pleasure of reading all about their favorite guy. Just hope no huge scandals come out between now and when the books are on the shelves (I remember when one of the New Kids trashed his hotel room; it was over for them, but they were on their way out anyway).



The Muppet Show Comic Book: Meet the Muppets

I have no idea how this book will go over. The Muppets will always be classic, but they're not constantly in the forefront, except when they have a new movie out (they have a fabulous Youtube channel that's frequently updated). I just discovered a new Muppet manga line, which is, like everything Muppets, rather wild and strange. I'm talking about stories like Robin Hood and Snow White featuring the Muppets in the roles. I only ordered this one, which looks at backstage shenanigans, so we'll see how that goes.

More to come, as they used to say on The Tonight Show.