New Non-Fiction!

We check in new books all the time. Here are a few of the new non-fiction for kids that caught my eye.

Big Brown Bat by Rick Chrustowski (J 599.47 CHR). This is great introduction to bats, with soft illustrations and a simple storyline. Readers follow a bat from pup (which is what the little ones are called) to independent adult. For ages 5-8.

Dr. Frankenstein's Human Body Book by Richard Walker (J 611 DRF). This DK guide is a "monster," with plenty of diagrams, real pictures, and snipets of information. On heavy board paper, this is perfect for budding scientists to explore on their own or with a grown-up. For ages 5-12.

A Year at a Construction Site by Nicholas Harris (J 690). Follow construction workers as the build a new school. With plenty of detail and hidden objects to find, this book is great for youngsters who love heavy equipment, demolition and contstruction. Ages 4-10, for reading together or independent reading.

Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars by Douglas Florian (J 811.54 FLO). I really like Florian's artistry, both with words and illustrations. With page cutouts, collage, and quirky poems, this is a great book for sparking interest in space. Pair with other non-fiction books about the planets and all things out-of-this-world. For all ages.

Books for Sale!

It's time for the Friends of the Tigard Library semi-annual Book Sale! Build up your home library with the great deals offered at the sale.

When : Friday, October 10 from 9 am - 5 pm
Saturday, October 11 from 9 am -3 pm

Where: Library Community Room

What: used books, DVDs, CDs

Funds from the sale support Tigard Library programs and projects (like our book clubs).

Letters about Literature Contest

Do you have a reader in your family who has a profound love for a certain book or author? Perhaps your child reads every book her favorite author publishes, or perhaps a book inspired her to do or believe something new. Well, your children may be interested in participating in a national contest, possibly winning prizes for themselves and their school libraries. Youths in grades 4th-12th are invited to participate, and all they must do is write a personal letter to an author, living or dead, explaining how that author's work changed the student's way of thinking about the world or themselves. Find out more about the contest and download submission forms here: http://oregon.gov/OSL/LD/youthsvcs/aboutlit.shtml

Write on!

Coming up this weekend

Are you looking for something to do Saturday from 1:30 to 2:30? Saturday, October 4 is World Card-Making Day, and the Tigard Library is celebrating by...any guesses? You got it. Making cards! People of all ages will be able to make their own cards and envelopes. We provide the materials, you just bring your creativity.

Learning through Literature

One of my favorite blogs to check out is Open Wide, Look Inside, a non-fiction resource compiled by a college professor and her students who are studying elementary education. Each post usually focuses on a single book as a teaching moment, with accompanying web resources, activity ideas, even coloring sheets. The ideas are labeled with appropriateness for different age/grade levels. Because this is associated with a class, posts can accumulate rather quickly.

The post I looked at yesterday on apples* is already on an "older" page because of ten new posts. While this makes browsing a little hefty, this does mean that there is a wealth of topics covered. *The apples post brought to mind some ideas for home fun. Bring home a variety of apples and have a taste test. Have kids describe the different tastes and textures. Use any leftover pieces for apple prints or painting.

Fun and Frivolous???

For those of you who come to any of the story times at the library, you have probably heard the librarian talk about the six early literacy skills a time or two (or three or four). Early literacy skills are the skills that kids develop before they are actually able to read. One of the six, print motivation, is a child's interest and enjoyment of books. Yes, that is actually considered a skill. Reading books that are silly and entertaining help them to develop print motivation.

Here is a list of my favorite silly books:

Barrett, Judi. Never Take a Shark to the Dentist
Gordon, David. The Three Little Rigs
Greenberg, David T. Skunks!
McMullan, Kate & Jim. I Stink!
Numeroff, Laura. Chimps Don’t Wear Glasses
Numeroff, Laura. If You Give a Pig a Pancake
Pinto, Sara. Apples & Oranges: Going Bananas with Pairs
Willems, Mo. Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late

What's Your Savvy?

Mississippi (Mibs, for short) Beaumont is anxiously awaiting her 13th birthday. In her family, 13 isn't just the start of the parentally dreaded teen years, it's also the beginning of one's savvy or special power. Like her brother...when he turned 13 he caused a hurricane, which is why they now live in the middle of nowhere with absolutely no water around. Her older brother, well, he's got what you might call a static electricity problem. Not all savvies are as unpredictable or violent. Her mother has a perfect savvy. Everything she does is perfect. She even makes perfect messes.

While Mibs waits for her special day, something awful does happen. Her papa is in the hospital. Now Mibs just wants a savvy that will help him wake up. A pink bus, a preacher's boy, and a diner stop later, the wonderful tale of Savvy unfolds with wit, humor, and genuine feelings. From new author Ingrid Law, Savvy is a wonderful debut.

The web page for the book is lots of fun, with computer wall paper, an audio teaser, and a mini interview with the author. The book did land a movie deal a year before published, so here's your chance (and your young readers) to read it before the film!

Savvy, while a completely new story, did bring to mind some other favorite spunky girl characters (Ida B. -- and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disasters, and (Possibly) Save the World by Katherine Hannigan, A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban, and Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale).

(Guitar) Music to Your Ears

With a few more weeks left in September, there are still plenty of Guitar Fest activities to enjoy. The Sunday concerts are a great way for your family to enjoy some late summer sunshine. Just bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics to the library.

Saturday, September 20 1-4 p.m. Guitar Workshop with Michael Suffin and Justin Price. Open to all beginner and intermediate students. (Community Room)

Sunday, September 21 6 p.m. Larry Wilder and Nolan Bronson present finger-picking Americana, country and folk. (Gazebo behind Library)

Wednesday, September 24 7-9 p.m. Presenting one of the films in the iconic blues series by Martin Scorcese. (Community Room)

Sunday, September 28 6 p.m. Cascadia Guitar Duo, classical guitar including Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic, and Contemporary compositions. (Gazebo behind Library)

See the Adult Services web page for more info.

Pirates, Aaargh!

Established by a couple of Oregonians, International Talk Like a Pirate Day, September 19, has gained worldwide recognition. The library, of course, owns copies of the founders' two books Pirattitude and The Pirate Life: Unleashing Your Inner Buccaneer.

In the spirit of this wonderful excuse to sound fierce and funny, here are a few of our recommended readings.

From Anna
Piratepedia by Alisha Niehaus (J 910.45 NIE). A complete guide to all things pirate.
Sea Queens: Women Pirates Around the World by Jane Yolen (J 910.45 YOL). A guide to the lives of women pirates throughout history.

From Holly
How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long (LONG) A how-to story for young pirate wannabees.

Pirates Don't Change Diapers by Melinda Long (LONG) To claim their treasure the pirates must first calm the baby!

The Old Pirate of Central Park by Robert Priest (PRIEST) A retired pirate battles with a retired queen over control of the sailboat pond.

From Lisa
Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean by Justin Somper (J SOMPER) Twins separated in a tragic accident, pirate rescues and vampires? Sounds like an adventure!

I Love My Pirate Papa by Laura Leuck (LEUCK) A papa story with a swashbuckling twist.

From Molly
Pirate Girl by Cornelia Funke (FUNKE) Pirates kidnap a fiesty little girl named Molly, only to find that they're the ones who should be shivering in their boots.

Blog Said, "What?"

Did you see the poll on the right hand side of the page? Since this is a new blog, we'd love to hear what you (yes, you lovely readers) would like to read here. You can choose more than one answer. If we've missed the mark completely, add your comment (Other) to this post. Next time you're at the Children's Desk, you can also give us your two cents!