“The Town that Fooled the British: A War of 1812 Story”

The quick clip at which our lives race along gains momentum every day and there seems to be less time for everything.

That's a fact, but here's another one: Unless we connect with our children several times a day, there is a strong risk that we will not know who our children are, what they need, or how to help them grow.

In essence, failure to connect with our children means we fail them.

Youngsters need parents to spend time with them every day, to listen to their problems, fears and complaints, their victories, challenges and accomplishments.

Children need a parent to listen to their questions and provide answers without criticism, mockery or sarcasm. Children need unconditional love and someone interested in who they are today and the person they are becoming.

One simple way to spend time with your children is to read together. Twenty minutes of reading aloud to your child every day will accomplish more than you could ever measure.

Challenge yourself to know your child better. No matter how hectic your day, make time to connect with your children. They're counting on you.

Books to BorrowThe following book is available at many public libraries.

“Book! Book! Book!” by Deborah Bruss, illustrated in color by Tiphanie Beeke, Arthur Levine/Scholastic Press, 32 pages; read aloud: age 2 and 3 and older; read yourself: age 7 and older.Down on the farm, everything was wonderful until the children went back to school. Suddenly, the farm animals were bored, sad, and lonely.Finally, the hen resolved to do something about it. She announced that she was heading into town to find something to do, and the rest of the farm animals decided to join her.When the group arrived at the library, the hen knew this was the place they'd been looking for; everyone who came out of the library had a happy face.One by one, the other farm animals insisted on entering the library to see what they could do there, but it wasn't until the hen had a chance to inquire that the librarian understood just what the animals needed — books.Charming illustrations grace this fun book that delivers one very important message: There's nothing quite as entertaining as a good book.

Librarian's Choice

Library: Butler Public Library, 218 N. McKean St.

Library Director: Lori Campbell

Youth Services Librarian: Peter Bess

Choices this week: “Wiggle” by Doreen Cronin;

“Leaf Man” by Lois Ehlert;

“The Tale of Despereaux” by Kate DiCamillo

Books to BuyThe following books are available at favorite bookstores.

“The Town that Fooled the British: A War of 1812 Story” by Lisa Papp, illustrated by Robert Papp, Sleeping Bear Press, 2011, 32 pages, $16.95 hardcover; read aloud: age 5 and 6 and older; read yourself: age 8 and older.The War of 1812 between America and the British Empire had been raging for more than a year. In August of 1813, the small shipbuilding town of St. Michaels had been targeted by the British. Lying on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay, the British had called for the “destruction of the American towns that made the great warships,” and St. Michaels was known for crafting some of the most powerful sea vessels.As the town bustled to prepare, young Henry came up with an idea to fool the British warships that were creeping up the Chesapeake. Would his idea work? Would St. Michaels survive the attack?Beautifully written and illustrated, this exciting work of historical fiction is based on real events that will capture readers both young and old.

“Mouse and Mole: A Perfect Halloween” written and illustrated by Wong Herbert Yee, Houghton Mifflin, 2011, 48 pages, $14.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 and older.The exuberant Mouse and timid Mole are anticipating the arrival of Halloween. Mouse couldn't be more excited, but Mole isn't so keen on Halloween; he thinks it's scary and not much fun at all.Mouse is sensitive to her friend's feelings and is determined to help Mole enjoy the holiday.Gently and enthusiastically, Mouse includes Mole on all of the festive preparations, including reading Mole a special Halloween story to put Mole in happy (and not-so-scared) frame of mind.Told in four short, easy chapters, this delightful tale is bound to be a favorite among early independent readers and children who aren't yet ready to read on their own.