“See What a Seal Can Do”

When a child is born, if he or she was able to write a letter asking his or her parents for some life essentials, it might say something like this:

Dear Mom and Dad,

Even though I can't speak yet, my mind is going a million miles an hour and I'd like to make a few small requests.

Throughout my childhood, I need you to feed my mind with fascinating books that provide answers to questions I don't even know to ask.

I need steady, consistent exposure to the things you want me to know — things like how to be kind, to feel compassion and empathy, to be fair and honest, and so on. I will learn these things through your actions, because I will imitate you.

I will learn these qualities through your words, because I will listen to what you tell me. I will understand these traits even more so when we read books that explain these things in a wide variety of ways.

I also need unconditional love, lots of laughter, and a family that spends time together. I think if I can count on you for these few simple requests, my life, your lives, and our lives together should turn out pretty smooth and awesome.

I want to make you proud of me; please give me the tools I need to make that happen.

Love,

Your Child

The following book is available at many public libraries.“Shredderman: Secret Identity” by Wendelin Van Draanen, illustrated by Brian Biggs, Alfred A. Knopf, 138 pages; read aloud: age 8 and older; read yourself: age 9 and older.Bubba Bixby is a bully, prone to using his fists, name-calling, intimidating other kids, stealing other children's stuff, and causing nonstop trouble. Nolan Byrd is half Bubba's size, a math genius, and known as Nerd. Both are in Mr. Green's fifth-grade class.When Mr. Green announces the new project for the month, Nolan hatches a daring plan for his project that might make Bubba stop being a bully.He knows his plan is risky, and to pull it off will take more of a superhero than a Nolan Byrd, but maybe Nolan is more courageous than he realizes. If so, Bubba better watch out.Filled with humor, truth, and peppered with wisdom, this book is excellent in more ways than one.<B>Librarian's Choice</B>Library: Saxonburg Library, 240 W. Main St., SaxonburgLibrary Director: Erin WincekChoices this week:“Pale Male — Citizen Hawk of New York City” by Janet Schulman; “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds; “The Boy Who Lost His Face” by Louis Sachar<B>Books to Buy</B>The following books are available at favorite bookstores.“Eight Dolphins of Katrina: A True Tale of Survival” by Janet Coleman, illustrated by Yan Nascimbene, Houghton Mifflin, 2013, 40 pages, $17 hardcover; read aloud: age 7 to 10; read yourself: age 8 and older.Marine Life Oceanarium in Gulfport, Miss., was home to brilliant dolphins who entertained countless numbers of people.Their trainers were very devoted to their dolphins. When Hurricane Katrina was about to come ashore on Aug. 29, 2005, the trainers had to make some swift decisions to try and protect their dolphins.Some were sent to a few hotel pools but there wasn't time to move them all. Eight dolphins stayed at the Oceanarium. After the hurricane subsided, the trainers returned to find that the dolphin tank had been crushed by a 40-foot wave.Where were the dolphins? Had they escaped out to sea with the incoming and outgoing waters? Would they be able to locate the dolphins? Would the dolphins be able to survive in the wild?This true story is at once fascinating, riveting, and educational. What's more, this interesting story is followed by true stories of dolphins that have displayed extraordinary acts of great compassion.“See What a Seal Can Do” by Chris Butterworth, illustrated by Kate Nelms, Candlewick, 30 pages, $15 hardcover; read aloud: age 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 and older.If you look at a seal lying on the shore, you'd probably think it is a clumsy creature. Nothing could be further from the truth. Seals manage quite well on land (although their scooting along doesn't appear very graceful).Yet seals spend most of their time in the sea, and once in the ocean, these powerful animals are astounding, swimming down to depths of more than 300 feet at breakneck speed and holding their breath for more than a quarter of an hour, all while snagging tasty meals.Informative and engaging with beautiful illustrations, this wonderful book introduces children to the fascinating world of seals.

“Eight Dolphins of Katrina”