Show children your library
Libraries are like a treasure chest, brimming with wonderful books for a child to discover. Children who have early, regular exposure to visiting the public library will develop a positive, eager attitude to those library visits, both in school and out.
To reinforce how much fun libraries are, today's reviewed books focus on books that promote just that. There is a good chance your local library could already have the books listed under "Books to Buy." Be sure to also look under "Librarian's Choice," where a local library in your area is featured. Your local librarian has carefully selected titles available at that library that are sure-fire hits with children.
The sooner you take the initiative to get kids connected with books in a positive way, the better. Why wait? Visit your library today!
The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"The Library"</B> by Sarah Stewart; illustrated by David Small; Farrar, Straus & Giroux; 32 pages; read aloud: age 4 to 7; read yourself: age 7 to 8."Elizabeth BrownPreferred a bookTo going on a date.While friends went outAnd danced till dawn,She stayed up reading late."In fact, ever since she was a little girl, Elizabeth Brown preferred reading to roller skates, dolls or anything else. And not only does Elizabeth read countless numbers of books, but she collects them as well.Over the years, Elizabeth's books have been her entire focus, but now that she is an adult, her books number far too many. Her shelves are collapsing and she can't even find her front door. Feeling she has no other recourse, she makes an important decision — one that makes Elizabeth and the entire town very happy.A marvelous book filled with comical text and illustrations while promoting the joys of reading, this selection will be enjoyed by book lovers of all ages.
<B>Library: </B>North Trails Public Library, 1553 West Sunbury Road, West Sunbury<B>Library Director:</B> Kathy D. Kline<B>Choices this week:</B> <B>"Chicka Chicka Boom Boom"</B> by Bill Martin Jr.; <B>"Big Max"</B> by Kin Platt; <B>"The Prophecy of the Stones"</B> by Flavia Bujor
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Bats at the Library"</B> written and illustrated by Brian Lies; Houghton Mifflin, 2008; 32 pages; $16 hardcover; read aloud: age 4 to 8; read yourself: age 7 to 8.It's an exciting night for the bats. Someone left a window ajar at the library, and the bats can't wait to explore all the library has to offer. Best of all is storytime!"And if we listen, we will hear some distant voices drawing near — louder, louder, louder still, they coax and pull us in, until ¿ everyone — old bat or pup — has been completely swallowed up and lives inside a book instead of simply hearing something read. Breathless, lost within the tale, no one sees the sky grow pale."Whoops! It's almost morning — time to go. The bats whoosh out the window, filled with wonderful stories to think about over and over. As they fly home, each one hopes that a librarian will leave the window open again sometime very soon. ¿Cheery, snappy verse, wonderful illustrations, and an excellent message combine to make this a brilliant little book!<B>"The Best Book to Read"</B> by Debbie Bertram and Susan Bloom; illustrated by Michael Garland; Random House, 2008; 32 pages; $14.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 3 to 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 to 8.A book-loving boy and his class are going to visit the library, and everyone is eager to find the best book. But with so many choices, it won't be easy. Luckily, the friendly librarian is there to help the children discover picture books, chapter book, pop-up books, nonfiction, fairy tales and more.Told in rollicking rhymes, this upbeat story conveys a very positive message about the exciting, custom-tailored discoveries one can make at the library.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.
