The Wildest Brother by Cornelia Funke

The Wildest Brother by Cornelia Funke
(Preschool - Grade 1)

Attention all strong, fierce monster-hunting kids (who are only a little afraid of monsters, just sometimes). Author Cornelia Funke has written a laugh-out-loud funny book starring a boy who battles imaginary creatures daily to protect his big sister. He sees himself as "lion-hearted and elephant-strong" in his quest. His sister doesn't REALLY mind when he uses her makeup to paints scars on his face or make "blood drops from a man-eating monster" on her desk. Mostly because he needs her protection too at a certain time of day. This picture book is currently the favorite at our house for its hilarious depiction of the monsters in our heads. It certainly empowered my son while making it okay to for him to be scared sometimes too. Watch for funny details in the great illustrations by Kerstin Meyer.

To find this book at our library, visit www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman

Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman, by Marc Tyler Nobleman, illustrated by Ross MacDonald
(Preschool and up)

Where did the Man of Steel come from? Boys of Steel tells the story of Superman's humble beginnings as the brain child of two quiet comic strip geeks from Ohio. Jerry and Joe meet in high school where their love for comics and dislike of sports draws them together. Both short, unassuming and bespectacled, it's easy to see where the inspiration for Superman's alter ego comes from. Wonderfully illustrated in a retro style, this read will delight those interested in comics, and inspire young artists and writers. An author's note at the end explains the fate of Jerry and Joe, and their battle with DC Comics for the rights to their creation.

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

Salad People and More Real Recipes by Mollie Katzen

Salad People and More Real Recipes
by Mollie Katzen
(Preschool and up)

At our house, we are in the midst of holiday cooking and baking with Mom at the helm of the stove. My kitchen-loving son is always ready to stir, shake spices or lick spoons. I know, however, that he would love to lead the way through a recipe instead of just assist. We tried several kids cookbooks and found a series perfect for the preschool set. Mollie Katzen has lovingly created both Salad People and More Real Recipes and a companion book Pretend Soup and other Real Recipes as "first cookbooks." Each step is beautifully illustrated so that even pre-readers can act as head cook. The food is simple, healthy and meatless. Kids can contribute to family meals with dishes like Sweet Potato Surprise, Corny Corn Cakes, Counting Soup, Polka Dot Rice and Salad People made from cheese, fruit, veggies and pasta.

My son loved the introductory quotes from the preschool class that tested each dish included with the recipes (i.e. "I hear the bubbles! I can hear bubbling!"). He also learned a little about measurement along the way. Grown-ups can follow along in traditional recipe format with tips for success. Happy cooking!

Older kids (ages eight and up) may enjoy Katzen's cookbook, Honest Pretzels And Other Amazing Recipes for Cooks Ages 8 & Up.

To find this book in our library, visit http://www.newberglibrary.org/.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Igraine the Brave

Igraine the Brave, by Cornelia Funke

(Grades 3 - 5)

Twelve-year-old Igraine's parents are famous magicians, but she has no interest in following the family business. Instead she practices her fighting skills, dreaming of becoming a famous knight. When a magical mishap turns Igrain's parents into pigs and Greedy Osmond decides to attack the family castle, only Igraine is left to to save her family, and keep their precious magical secrets from falling into the wrong hands. This book is the perfect story for every girl who wants to be the knight, and not the princess waiting to be rescued. Check out this title on CD as well - read by Xanthe Elbrick, this book is a treat for the ears!

For older readers, check out Cornelia Funke's wonderful Inkheart series (ages 12-16), before it hits the movie screen in January 2009.

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
(Preschool - Grade 1)

This endearing picture book has become one of my personal favorites. Virtually every child (and adult) loves a good cookie. Author Amy Rosenthal has surrounded cookie-making and baking with the basics of good manners. Children will close this book with a greater understanding of manners and having built a larger vocabulary without even knowing it! Read this warm and inviting book on your next cookie-baking day.

To find this book at our library, visit http://www.newberglibrary.org/


Reviewed by Cynthia S., Children’s Staff

Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls: Moving Day, by Meg Cabot

Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls: Moving Day, by Meg Cabot
(Grades 3-5)

Allie Finkle has rules to live by like, “don’t get a pet that poops in your hand” and “if you don’t want a secret spread around, don’t tell it to Scott Stamphley.” Some rules are easier to follow than others. When Allie finds out she’s moving to a new house and a new school, life gets decidedly more difficult. She had a fight with her best friend, who wasn’t the greatest friend anyway and now isn’t speaking to her, there might not be room for her at her new school, and she isn’t entirely sure that there isn’t a zombie hand living in the attic of their new house. Allie navigates school and family life with hilarious results, standing up for herself and finding her own unique solutions.

To find this book at our library, visit newberglibrary.org.

Reviewed by Korie B., Children’s Staff

New Books @ Your Library

Kid's Chapter Books
Star Jumper, by Frank Asch
Dinosaur Trouble, by Dick King-Smith
The Red Ghost, Marion Dane Bauer
Attack of the Growling Eyeballs, Lin Oliver
Nim at Sea, Wendy Orr

Picture Books

Spot 7 Animals (Seek & Find)

, by KIDSLABEL
The Three Sillies, by Steven Kellogg
In November, by Cynthia Rylant

True Stories for Kids

The Legend of Hong Kil Dong: The Robin Hood of Korea, by Anne Sibley O'Brien

Usborne First Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life, Sam Taplin Just Like Me: Stories and Self-Portraits by Fourteen Artists, Edited by Harriet Rohmer

To find these books at our library, visit http://www.newberglibrary.org/

Posted by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller by Sarah Miller

Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller
By Sarah Miller

(Grades 4-6)

Beautifully told, this fictional account of Anne Sullivan’s life with Helen Keller brings this heroine to light. From Anne’s struggles in early childhood, through her struggle to make the Keller family understand the potential of young Helen, this dramatic story told through Sullivan’s eyes reminds the reader that this famous story has two heroines, not just one.

To find this book in our library, visit http://www.newberglibrary.org/

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

Alvin Ho Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things by Lenore Look

Alvin Ho Allergic to Girls, School, and other Scary Things by Lenore Look

(Grades 1-5)

Alvin Ho is a young, second-grade boy with a love for superheroes, a fabulous family and a multitude of fears. These fears, or "allergies" as Alvin calls them, range from school and girls to heights and scary movies. He doesn't talk in school, only at home and on the bus where things feel a bit safer. Alvin struggles to make friends and avoids his best friend because "nobody wants a girl desk buddy, except for maybe a girl." He handles his setbacks well (often with hilarious results) and is always prepared with his PDK (personal disaster kit). Older brother Calvin gives some no-nonsense advice on how to make friends by first saying hello, then trading baseball cards. 

Author Lenore Look has somehow tapped into the excitement and insecurity known to many a young boy.  She does it with humor and sensitivity. Young readers making the jump to chapter books will laugh out loud and hope for more. I loved this book and am anxious to share it with my own son. 

Also check out Lenore Look's Ruby Lu series, Ruby Lu, Brave and True and Ruby Lu, Empress of Everything.

To find this book in our library, visit www.newberglibrary.org.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff 

What Are Your Basic Rights? by Jacqueline Laks Gorman

What Are Your Basic Rights?
by Jacqueline Laks Gorman
(Grades 3-5)

Does your child have questions about what is means to be an American? This easy non-fiction read gives a brief overview of America's Constitution, the Bill of Rights, voting and what it means to be an American citizen. Historical photos and basic language makes this book a quick, interesting read.

To find this book at our library, visit our website at newberglibrary.org.

Reviewed by Cynthia S., Children's Staff

The Golly Sisters Go West, by Betsy Byars

The Golly Sisters Go West, by Betsy Byars
(Grades 1-3)


Rose and May-May are early pioneer entertainers in this hilarious book for beginning readers. Their sister act combines humor and a little sibling rivalry to capture the young reader's attention and draw them into the enticing world of chapter books. Your child will begin the book with a little taste of the Old West and end it on a note of forgiveness between two sisters who truly love and care for each other.

To find this book in our library, go to our website at http://www.newberglibrary.org/

Reviewed by Cynthia S., Children's Staff

The Seven Silly Eaters, Mary Ann Hoberman

The Seven Silly Eaters, Mary Ann Hoberman

(Preschool - Grade 1)

This lyrical picture book had my son and me chuckling from the very first page. He requests it often, and I am happy to oblige. The story begins with a sweet husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Peters, who patiently cater to their son Peter's (that's right, Peter Peters) preference for warm milk and penchant for throwing it on the floor. Soon, daughter Lucy is born and she demands homemade pink lemonade over all other beverages. So, Mrs. Peters presses on... squeezing lemons, mopping up milk, and all the while shaking her head at her "silly pair of eaters." The years pass and Jack, Mac, Mary Lou, Flo and Fran join the Peters clan. As predicted, they each have specific food requests. Soon, Mrs. Peters moves from "silly" to "foolish" and "fussy" when describing her brood. The overworked mama will soon have a birthday, and her children hatch a secret plan to celebrate that may just solve their picky-eater problems. The illustrations are fetching and call for attentive reading to catch the funny details. Parents will nod in recognition of the frantic household and may find comic relief for their fussy mealtime woes. 

To find this book in our library, go to our website at www.newberglibrary.org.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Gregor the Overlander, by Suzanne Collins

Gregor the Overlander, by Suzanne Collins
(Grades 4-6)

Eleven-year-old Gregor is just a kid living in New York when suddenly his life is turned upside down in an instant! Gregor finds himself in an underground world of strange-looking humans and talking creatures. Worse yet, they believe he is the fulfillment of an old prophecy, and he must go on a quest to save their underground civilization. This action- packed fantasy will captivate young readers who love adventure and suspense. Gregor the Overlander is first in the five-book Underland Chronicles Series full of captivating battles and creepy creatures.

To find this book in our library, go to our web site at newberglibrary.org.

Reviewed by Cynthia S., Children's Staff

A Bad Case of Stripes, by David Shannon (audio book)

A Bad Case of Stripes, by David Shannon (audio book)

(Kindergarten - Grade 2)

Camilla Cream is getting ready to start school and longs to fit in perfectly. So much so that she denies her love of lima beans because everyone else hates them. Imagine her horror when her skin breaks out in rainbow-colored stripes as she is dressing for her first day of school. The whole town is overcome by her predicament as her stripes change with classmates' comments or as doctors prescribe new treatments. This book is visually impressive and serves up bold images that make the fantasy come alive for the reader. The book has a moral lesson to share that speaks to the challenge kids face in trying to 'be themselves' or make an independent decision. Young children (under age five) may be intimidated by the illustrations or story line without a solid understanding of fantasy and reality. The audio version is lighthearted and comical with sound effects and music throughout.

To find this book in our library, go to our web site at www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Famous Firsts, by Natalie Rompella

Famous Firsts: The Trendsetters, Groundbreakers & Risk-Takers Who Got America Moving!

by Natalie Rompella

(Grades 4 - 6)

Don't look for great American pastimes here- instead Rompella explores sports like surfing, trampolining, skateboarding and cheerleading. With bright pages and pictures of both early models of equipment as well as present day athletes, this book will be engaging to those interested in the history of the sports. With a magazine-like format this book would be a great for reluctant readers.

To find this book please visit us at newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

New Books @ your library

Kid’s Chapter Books
Baseball Crazy: Ten Short Stories That Cover All the Bases, Dial Books for Young Readers
All the Lovely Bad Ones, Mary Downing Hahn
The Willoughbys, Lois Lowry
Vampirates: Blood Captain, Justin Somper

Picture Books
Dog Heaven, Cynthia Rylant
Drumbeat in Our Feet, Patricia A. Keeler
Tracks of a Panda, Nick Dowson

On the Farm, David Elliott

True Stories for Kids
Shape Me a Rhyme: Nature's Forms in Poetry, Jane Yolen

With a Little Luck: Surprising Stories of

Amazing Discoveries, Dennis Brindell Fradin
Living in the Australian Outback, Jane Bingham

Find these books in our online catalog at newberglibrary.org/

Posted by Amanda L. Children's Staff

Rex Zero and the End of the World, by Tim Wynne-Jones

Rex Zero and the End of the World, by Tim Wynne-Jones

(Grades 4-6)

The world is coming to an end. At least it might be. Everyone is on edge, and things in Rex's new town are not as they seem. Set in 1962 Canada, the Cold War is heating up and kids and adults alike are figuring out how to cope. On top of it all, a mysterious creature is lurking in the park and it just might be responsible for some strange disappearances.

Told with wit and humor against a bleak background, Rex Zero's story is surprisingly fun. Great for kids who enjoy mysteries with off-beat families.

To find this book please visit us at newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

Yoko and Yoko's Paper Cranes, Rosemary Wells

Yoko and Yoko's Paper Cranes, Rosemary Wells

(Preschool - Grade 1)

My family fell in love with Rosemary Wells with our first rocking-chair reading of Read To Your Bunny. We laughed at her McDuff stories and nodded knowingly at silly Max and Ruby. Our discovery of Wells' Yoko, however, has surpassed even our highest expectations. Yoko is a Japanese-American kitty who dearly loves her mother's sushi and proudly presents it during lunchtime at her school. Her friends react unexpectedly with exclamations of "Ick!" and "Yuck-o-rama!" Mrs. Jenkins, Yoko's teacher, handles this with grace and a creative solution. The conclusion is sweet but not perfect - a sign of an author who understands the reality of childhood. My son was enamored with the sushi illustrations and the connection to our family members living in Japan. A connection made even more poignant by Wells' sequel, Yoko's Paper Cranes. This exquisite book features elements of origami and washi papers in its rich illustrations. The story visits Yoko's memory of her Obaasaan and Ojiisan (Grandmother and Grandfather) who still live in Japan. Yoko loves the cranes that visit her grandparents' home every spring. Ojiisan taught her to fold paper into cranes to ease her sadness at their eventual migration, an origami skill which is illustrated as a border in the book itself! Yoko moves to America but uses her new talent to stay connected to her Japanese family. This picture book is unique in that it presents many discussion points for kids, ranging from seasons, crane migration, separation from family, cultural ties, even creative gift-giving. Be sure to take a peek at these two titles at your next library visit. Enjoy!

To find this book in the library go to our website at http://www.newberglibrary.org/

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

The Wolf's Chicken Stew, by Keiko Kasza

The Wolf's Chicken Stew, by Keiko Kasza
(Preschool - 3rd Grade)
If your child enjoys humorous tales, then the Wolf's Chicken Stew is for you. Wolf is determined to "fatten up" a chicken in this delightful funfilled caper. He proceeds to bake scrumptous food for chicken in hopes of a plentiful dinner. But in an unlikely twist of events, finds that instead of the classic "big, bad, wolf" outcome, wolf finds many new friends. Your child will breathe a sigh of happy contentment at the surprising conclusion of this entertaining picture book.

To find this book please visit us at newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Cynthia S., Children's Staff

Not A Box, Antoinette Portis

Not A Box, Antoinette Portis

(Preschool - Grade 1)

At our house the most treasured play things are also the simplest: sticks, dress-up clothes, paper bags and, of course, the cardboard box. In Not A Box, an imaginative bunny repeatedly reminds its realistic companion that a box is actually "NOT A BOX!" It is a hot-air balloon basket, race car, burning building and much more. Even the book cover looks and feels like cardboard but, as our bunny insists, is so much more. This unique picture book inspired our family to create a cardboard castle complete with duct-tape sword and shield - which could be the topic of a separate book entirely.

To find this book please visit us at newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox, Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl: The Time Paradox, by Eoin Colfer

(Grades 5-9)

Life is a bit of an adjustment for Artemis and Holly after their 3 year disappearance in The Lost Colony. Artemis is just figuring out how to adjust to his new role in the family when his mother's sudden illness threatens to tear the family apart again. To make matters worse, it seems the only cure is now extinct, and time travel is the only way to go. Artemis calls in the help of Holly, No. 1 and of course the genius centaur, Foaly.

It should be a simple in-and-out journey, but Artemis didn't count on his opponent. In a duel of wits Artemis must face-off against his most challenging opponent yet, Artemis Fowl, age 10 and without morals, but just as much determination and genius.

Once again Eoin Colfer gives fans a thrilling ride through the fairy world full of magic and technology beyond belief. Don't miss out on the sixth Artemis Fowl adventure!

Artemis Fowl Series:

1: Artemis Fowl

2: The Arctic Incident

3: The Eternity Code

4: The Opal Deception

5: The Lost Colony

6: The Time Paradox

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

Today I Will Fly! by Mo Willems

Today I Will Fly! by Mo Willems

(Beginning Reader)

If you are a fan of Mo Willems' pigeon books, don't miss out his Elephant and Piggie series for beginning readers. Elephant and Piggie are friends, and Piggie's persistent optimism gets to be a bit much for Elephant who is convinced his friend will never fly. Piggie's creativity pays off, much to the surprise of his friend in a delightful ending. This story hits the spot for young readers with humorous pictures and story.

Don't miss out on these other Elephant and Piggie stories:

My Friend is Sad, by Mo Willems

There is a Bird on Your Head, by Mo Willems

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

New Books @ your library

Kid’s Chapter Books
The Sisters Grimm: Tales from the Hood, Michael Buckley
Seekers (Book 1): The Tale Begins, Erin Hunter
Hank Zipzer: the Life of Me (Enter at your own Risk), Henry Winkler

Picture Books
Cat Jumped In! Tess Weaver
Cat Heaven, Cynthia Rylant
Lightship, Brian Floca

True Stories for Kids
The Kids 'N' Clay Ceramics Book, Kevin Nierman
GO! The Whole World of Transportation, DK Publishing
Women Daredevils, Julie Cummins

Find these books in our online catalog at: ci.newberg.or.us/library

Dragon of Doom, Bruce Coville

Dragon of Doom, Bruce Coville

(Grades 3-5)

Our family just finished a suspenseful car ride with our ears tuned to the audio rendition of The Dragon of Doom, the first title in Bruce Coville's Moongobble and Me series. This tale of magic and adventure begins magician-in-training Moongobble's quest to complete three tasks and join the Society of Magicians. Young Edward is bored in his village of Pigbone and jumps feet first into a friendship with Moongobble and a talking toad named Urk. The full cast of voices, performed by eight actors, made us laugh and want to stay in the car even after we had arrived at our destination. Background music introduces each chapter and sound effects add to the story's suspense. Young readers will love this light-hearted fantasy that's not truly scary - just full of action and fun.

To find this and other Moongobble and Me series audio books in the library, go to our catalog at newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Bee-Bim Bop, Linda Sue Park

Bee-Bim Bop, Linda Sue Park
(Preschool - 2nd Grade)

Inspire your preschooler and/or early reader to step into the kitchen with this playful dinner-time tale. A young girl narrates the preparation of her favorite family dish, bee-bim bop, a popular Korean meal meaning 'mix-mix rice.' The rhyming cadence is great practice for pre-readers and captures the fun each member of the family seems to have shopping, frying, flipping, boiling, chopping and eating together. A recipe is included at the the end with instructions for both kids and their grown-ups. Bee-bim bop was a huge hit at our house and inspired my preschooler to eat cabbage using chopsticks! A testament to a great picture book.

To find this book in the library go to our catalog at newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Found (The Missing, Book 1), Margaret Peterson Haddix

Found, Margaret Peterson Haddix
(Grades 4 - 6)

From the author of the popular Sci-Fi series, Shadow Children, comes a new adventure: Found (The Missing: Book 1). Jonah has always known he was adopted, but when strange messages begin appearing in the mail, Jonah begins to ask questions about his origins. When he discovers his friend Chip, also adopted, has received the same messages, they begin to investigate, discovering just how many kids are part of an FBI cover-up of a catastrophic event transcending time and space. Jonah, Chip and Jonah's sister, Katherine, begin a race for their lives through time to make things right.

If you like this book check-out:
Among the Hidden (Shadow Children: Book 1) by Margaret P. Haddix
The Book of Time by Guillaume Prevost
Larklight by Philip Reeve.

To find these books in the Library, go to our catalog at newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

Sailing off to Sleep, by Linda Ashman

Sailing Off to Sleep, by Linda Ashman
(Preschool - 2nd Grade)

Sailing off to Sleep speaks to children's love for adventure, independence and a comforting conclusion. This rhyming picture book tells the tale of a young girl's reluctance to go to bed and her imaginary journey across the Arctic sea. Throughout, the girl's mother asks concerned questions about her daughter's well-being, for which the young adventurer always has a confident answer. She sails with a whale, floats with a walrus, cuddles with polar bears and frolics with all manner of polar animals not often found in children's books. Cool Arctic landscape and warm animal illustrations contrast beautifully. The text's rhyming cadence can also help pre-readers learn to hear that words are made up of smaller parts. The little girl's return to home offers a soothing route to sleep for the little one in your life.

To find this book please visit us at newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff