Perry Library KidLit

Sometimes Math is like Spinach

2011-06-20T17:31:00.025-04:00

Believe it or not, these books are about math and science! You can just let the kids think they are fun stories if you like....they'll get the science and not even realize it! (like hiding the spinach in the pasta sauce).

Come See the Earth Turn: the Story of Leon Foucault By Lori Mortensen , Illustrations by Raul Allen
Have you ever gone to a science museum and seen the giant pendulum hanging from the ceiling slowly swaying and knocking down pins? Thank Leon Foucault. Leon Foucault was he the first person to photograph the sun and accurately measure the speed of light. However, his most important discovery proved that the earth spins on an axis. "Come See the Earth Turn" shows how Léon created his world famous pendulum, an invention that would prove to the public and his critics that the earth rotated.

The Rabbit Problem by Emily Gravett
Rabbits multiply.... in this endearing picture book full of pop-ups and flaps you will meet a rabbit family as they progress through a year of welcoming more and more little ones into their family. You might inadvertently learn about an amazing math concept called a Fibonacci sequence. But this is a book about rabbits.

The Fibonacci sequence is: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55,89, 144,… you add the previous two numbers to get the third. (you can see where the rabbits come in here!) The Fibonacci numbers appear everywhere in nature, from the leaf arrangement in plants, to the pattern of the florets of a flower, the bracts of a pinecone, or the scales of a pineapple.

Fibonacci is still recognized today as the greatest European mathematician of the middle ages. He was one of the first people to introduce the Hindu-Arabic number system into Europe -the same decimal system we now use today. In 1202 he studied the mathematics of reproducing rabbits.

To learn more about Fibonacci, read "Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci" by Joseph D’Agnese.

Ewww Gross!

2010-05-07T12:13:00.018-04:00

In the spirit of spring and rain and mud I had to mention my favorite gross book, "Toad," by Ruth Brown. This is one of my favorite examples of a children's book with wonderfully descriptive language.

"He's nasty, septic, toxic and bitter"

"He's odorous, oozing, foul and filthy"

"You will just fall in love with him!

A new twist on an old fable

2009-10-10T14:22:00.007-04:00

Here is a delightful new twist on an old fable by Aesop. Margie Palatini's Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes adds some wonderful new characters and loads of personality to the old tale of "The Fox and the Grapes." You won't be able to resist adding voices for each character with this book that is fun to read aloud to children of all ages.

A President's Best Friend

2009-08-28T15:00:00.007-04:00

President Franklin Roosevelt was a very busy man with little time for fun. No matter what, he always made time for his best friend Fala, a little black Scottish terrier. In "First Dog Fala" , by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk, you'll meet this sweet little dog and learn how he made the dark days of World War II a great deal sunnier for one our most beloved presidents.

Sir Ryan's Quest

2009-06-29T20:03:00.012-04:00

In the book, Sir Ryan's Quest by Jason Deeble, Ryan takes the reader on an imagination adventure. Ryan's adventure begins when he crawls into the kitchen cupboard. The pots and pans inform Ryan he must take his armor and begin a quest. While on his Quest, Ryan climbs mountains, trapses through the jungle,visits a castle and even encounters a monster. This is a great story with eye-catching pictures. If you want to find out what happens on Sir Ryan's adventures check out this book!

Quiet in the Garden

2009-05-29T12:34:00.019-04:00

After a long and cold winter it is so nice to be able to enjoy the warm weather! Along with warm weather comes beautiful gardens. Quiet in the Garden written and illustrated by Aliki provides the reader with vibrant and vivid pictures as well as an interesting story. The little boy in the story explains that while you sit quietly in the garden you will find there is more than meets the eye. The quiet boy is able to see and hear all sorts of sounds coming from the animals. The last page in the book also shows you how you can make your own quiet garden! If you would like to experience the colorful pictures and clever story be sure to check out Quiet in the Garden.

What do Naked Mole Rats Wear?

2009-02-17T17:48:00.005-05:00

Q: What do Naked Mole Rats Wear?

A: Anything they want! (or not!)

Don't miss Mo Willems' charming new book "Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed." Wilbur the mole rat likes to wear clothing despite the disapproval he gets from the other mole rats. When they tell him that mole rats do not wear clothes, he replies "Why not?" This is a great book about asserting your individuality.

Also try "Hop Jump" by Ellen Stoll Walsh where Betsy, a young frog who loves to dance, helps the others to realize there is room for everyone - hoppers, jumpers, and dancers alike.

Fa La La La La Fantastic!

2008-12-08T16:48:00.007-05:00

Here is a great new book to share this Christmas!

Deck the Halls by Norman Rockwell

The artwork by Norman Rockwell is as timeless as the song. Sing along and enjoy!

Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Publisher's Synopsis:

Written in the sixteenth century, "Deck the Halls" has been a favorite holiday song for generations of Americans. Now see it brought to life like never before as it is set with classic, Americana images by the master of all things festive, Norman Rockwell, Children go sleigh riding and wait anxiously for the arrival of Santa Claus, families sing Christmas carols, and Santa gets ready for his big night in this Christmas-themed tribute to Norman Rockwell and the American culture so beautifully immortalized in his art. With a foreword by Norman Rockwell's grandson, John Rockwell, this book is a treasure that families will love to sing along with.

Anne of Green Gables is 100!

2008-11-10T11:35:00.009-05:00

Happy 100th Birthday to Anne of Green Gables!

L.M. Montgomery first published this classic story in 1908. She actually wrote it in 1905, but couldn't get it published. After tucking it away in a hatbox for a few years she found success on her second try and it was an instant bestseller. Much of Montgomery's childhood and adult life is reflected in the Anne stories and her depiction of Prince Edward Island brings the beauty and history of the island to life.

Visit http://www.lmmontgomery.ca/node/42 for more about the author and her work.

See all the celebrations on PEI and find lots of activities and printables at http://www.anne2008.com/

For some fun, visit http://www.tickledorange.com/LMM/QuizzesandGames.html for some fun games and puzzles . Do a crossword, find out which LMM heroine you would be, or to find out how much like Anne you are.

A Woman for President?

2008-10-03T16:35:00.007-04:00

You Bet! Just read Lane Smith's new book "Madam President" for a glimpse at what little girls can aspire to. My favorite part is her rendition of "Hail to the Chief." Reserve a copy here to read for yourself. You'll be humming it all day long!

You might remember Lane's other great book "John, Paul, George, & Ben" as well as his illustrations in Jon Sciezka's "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales."

From bn.com: "A little girl imagines what her day would be like if she were Madam President. There would be executive orders to give, babies to kiss, tuna casseroles to veto (or VETO!)...and so much more! Not to mention that recess would definitely require more security. With deadpan wit and hilarious illustrations, best-selling picture book creator Lane Smith introduces readers to an unforgettable new character."

A chilling ghost story

2008-09-15T14:00:00.000-04:00

Seer of Shadows by Avi

This is the next book we will be reading for our saturday morning KidLit book group. Reserve your copy today!

"Newbery Medalist Avi weaves one of his most suspenseful and scary tales—about a ghost who has to be seen to be believed and must be kept from carrying out a horrifying revenge. The time is 1872. The place is New York City. Horace Carpetine has been raised to believe in science and rationality. So as apprentice to Enoch Middleditch, a society photographer, he thinks of his trade as a scientific art. But when wealthy society matron Mrs. Frederick Von Macht orders a photographic portrait, strange things begin to happen. Horace's first real photographs reveal a frightful likeness: it's the image of the Von Machts' dead daughter, Eleanora. Pegg, the Von Machts' black servant girl, then leads him to the truth about who Eleanora really was and how she actually died. Joined in friendship, Pegg and Horace soon realize that his photographs are evoking both Eleanora's image and her ghost. Eleanora returns, a vengeful wraith intent on punishing those who abused her. Rich in detail, full of the magic of early photography, here is a story about the shadows, visible and invisible, that are always lurking near. "

Favorite Childhood Books

2008-09-02T09:10:00.014-04:00

In a few weeks our book group will be sharing our favorite childhood books. These are a few of mine.

"The Velvet Room" by Zilpha Keatley Snyder - Robin and her family have spent several years moving from place to place trying to find work and a home. When Robin's father finally finds a job, all are happy except Robin. She explores the countryside, finds new friends, and discovers a secret. A wonderful glimpse of life in a migrant family.
"The Golden Name Day" by Jennie Lindquist - While nine-year-old Nancy is staying with her adopted Swedish grandparents for a year, everyone tries to figure out how she can celebrate a name day since her name isn't Swedish.
"All of a Kind Family" by Sydney Taylor - The series depicts life and adventures of a poor Jewish family in the early 1900's in New York City. Siblings Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte, Gertie, and baby Charlie grow from their younger childhoods up to teen years and marriage in the series.
"Myeko's Gift" by Kay Haugaard" - This is the book that sparked my interest in Japanese culture and language which is still strong today.

What are some of yours?

Stories for the end of summer

2008-08-11T17:30:00.011-04:00

As much as we hate to say it, the time has come to think about summer ending and kids going back to school. Some great stories to read before the school bell rings are:

Up North at the Cabin by Marsha Wilson Chall: Summer vacation up north at the cabin provides memorable experiences with the water, the animals, and the other faces of nature.

Those Summers by Aliki : A little girl remembers summers at the seashore where children swim, romp on the beach, collect shells, build sandcastles, and enjoy other fun-filled activities.

The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant: Fond memories of the time the relatives come to visit from Virginia and everyone has a wonderful time.

Travels With my Family by Marie-Louise Gay : A young boy tells the adventures of his family's summer vacations as his parents choose unusual places to visit.

Albie the Lifeguard by Louise Borden : During the summer Albie learns to swim the whole length of the pool without stopping.

Sand in my Shoes by Wendy Ann Kesselman : A young girl regretfully says goodbye to her beach house, the seashore, and the summer as she prepares to return to the city.

Summer's End by Maribeth Boelts: With the summer almost gone, a girl thinks sadly that her fun is over, but then she recalls some interesting things about school.

The Dead and Gone

2008-07-10T11:32:00.008-04:00

The much anticipated sequel to Susan Beth Pfefffer's "Life as We Knew It" is out and just as haunting and thought provoking as the first book. You may remember that in "Life as We Knew It" a meteor hits the moon, knocking it out of its orbit, creating devastating tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions worldwide. People on earth must struggle to survive the severe climactic changes. "The Dead and Gone" follows the same natural disaster but from the point of view of a 17 year old boy in New York City. When Alex's parents disappear in the aftermath of tidal waves, he must care for his two younger sisters, even as Manhattan becomes a deadly wasteland, and food and aid dwindle. Even if you missed the first book, read this one....just not right before bed.

A Great Bath and Bedtime Duo

2008-06-26T14:00:00.007-04:00

Pair these two picture books for a great bath and bedtime duo. "The Amazing Adventures of Bathman" by Andrew Pelletier and "Captain Pajamas" by Bruce Whatley. In "Bathman" join our toweled / caped crusader as he rescues Ducky from the dreaded Captain Squeegee. One of my favorite characters is the bar of soap...his reactions are not to be missed! In "Captain Pajamas," Brian tries to convince his sister Jesse that aliens have invaded their home. She just wants to go back to sleep. In this one, keep your eye on the dog...his expressions are priceless!

World Travels with Local Author

2008-06-21T15:44:00.007-04:00

Local author Tanya Pilumeli takes readers all around the globe in this recently released fantasy /adventure "The Dragonfly Keeper." Join Sisters Manuela and Silvia and their dog Fritz as they quest to save the last DragonFly keeper and to keep the evil Rogs from taking over the human world. Lots of adventure, excitement, and good food for the tween-age crowd!

Meet Tanya Pilumeli July 1st at Perry Public Library!

A Rip-snortin', Root-n-tootin' Good Story!

2008-06-17T20:30:00.000-04:00

If your book selections have lately been lacking that certain SOMETHING...this just might be the right story to spice things up a bit.

This outrageously funny story combines cowboys, old fashioned home cookin', and a hungry creature from outer space.

Even though "The West Texas Chili Monster" by Judy Cox is sadly, already out of print, it is one of those easily overlooked books you should go out of your way to find and read.

Great for Thunderstorms!

2008-06-13T14:04:00.000-04:00

The thunder is rumbling outside the library and we are due for a big thunderstorm this afternoon. If you want a great story to read during a thunderstorm, try "Jimmy Zangwow's Out-Of-This-World Moon Pie Adventure" by Tony DiTerlizzi (of Spiderwick fame). Meet the alien Grimble Grinder that "RUMBLE GRUMBLE!"s his way through the story. My kids love reading this one during storms to scare the loud thunder away. The louder you "RUMBLE GRUMBLE!" the sooner the storm passes.

This story will have you hunting every grocery store for Moon Pies!...Don't forget the milk!

How far would you go to get your favorite snack?