Too Many Toys by David Shannon

Too Many Toys by David Shannon
(Preschool - Grade 1)

The holidays are almost behind us now - a new year is on its way. What better time for purging closets and cleaning dusty corners? Too Many Toys is the story of young Spencer and his impressive collection of toys - big toys, little toys, wooden pull-toys, noisy electronic toys, puzzles, board games, talking books, video games and more. His parade of toys spill out of every closet, peek out from under his bed, and tumble down the stairs. Overzealous friends and family members continue to give Spencer toys for every occasion (even the dentist!). Something has to be done! Spencer and his mom embark on a cleaning spree, much to Spencer's chagrin. Mom says, "you haven't played with this in years" and Spencer replies, "but I was just about to!" Parents will relate to the challenge of clearing a space and kids may find that sometimes it's okay to let things go.

Author David Shannon is known for his bold, colorful illustrations and expressive characters. Too Many Toys doesn't disappoint with silly, exasperated faces from Mom and a visual smorgasboard of toys throughout.

Visit www.newberglibrary.org to find this book at our library for a great kick off to the New Year!

Wake Up, Dormouse, Santa Claus is Here by Eleonore Schmid

Wake Up, Dormouse, Santa Claus is Here by Eleonore Schmid
(Preschool - Grade 2)

The Christmas season is a great time to hunker down by the fire, pour a cup of cocoa and pull out all the wonderful holiday books for a special time of stories with your favorite children. There are a number of great books to recommend, but I have unearthed a little-known treasure that we love to read each December at my own home. Wake Up, Dormouse, Santa Claus is Here is a bit of a departure from many Santa-themed picture books we see this time of year.

Gus is a busy dormouse living alone in an old oak tree. He spends the summer and fall getting ready for his long winter's sleep. Author Eleonore Schmid treats readers to a beautiful watercolor and pencil telling of the passing of fall into winter with images of acorns and nuts, the gathering of pine and mistletoe and the first snow of the season. Gus has heard of Santa Claus' annual visit to the forest animals but has never met him because he is always fast asleep in his nest until spring. This year he is determined to stay awake! Dependable Santa does arrive at long last leading not the storybook reindeer and sleigh but a humble donkey with simple jingle bell harness. And he comes not with a bulging load of packages, but with a simple offering of the bounty of the season. Gus has tried his best, but as Santa greets the forest creatures, the little dormouse is sleeping soundly. Can a forest friend help in time?

Reading this story is a peaceful rest stop in an otherwise hectic season and always helps our family to reconnect without losing the magic of Santa in the process.

Visit www.newberglibrary.org to find this book at our library.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Global Babies by Global Fund for Children

Global Babies by Global Fund for Children
(Birth - Toddlers)

Looking for gift ideas for the babies and toddlers on your list? Giving books is a wonderful way to encourage the love of reading in your favorite young ones. For those littles that still like to 'taste' their favorite reads, board books are a practical selection. Global Babies is a colorful choice and, unlike some board books that summarize their picture book counterparts, it stands firmly on its own. This book was developed by the Global Fund for Children which recognizes how much babies LOVE faces. Each page offers another child clothed in their particular country's dress. We are introduced to babies from Guatemala, Thailand, Greenland, Mali, USA, India, South Africa, Fiji, Peru, Afghanistan, Malawi, Spain, Iraq, Rwanda and Bhutan.

Visit www.newberglibrary.org to find this warm introduction to our global neighbors at our library.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

The Magician's Elephant

The Magician's Elephant, by Kate DiCamillo
(Grades 3-5)

Peter Augustus lives a quiet life. A sad life. Not just an orphan, but Peter has also lost his little sister. Or has he? When Peter meets a fortune teller she tells him that his sister lives, but to find him he must follow the elephant. Puzzled and frustrated at how to find an elephant in the middle of the harsh and cold Baltese, Peter begins to believe that his sister might still live when a magician accidentally conjures an elephant for his show.

Intricately woven in the style of The Tale of Despereaux, DiCamillo once again spins a charming tale of hope and love that will leave you asking, "What if? Why not? Could it be?"

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, by Grace Lin
(Grades 3rd - 6th, or 1st - 6th if read aloud)

Have you every finished a story but you just weren't ready to close the book, so you read the author's note and even the bibliography because you just weren't ready to come to terms with the reality that a wonderful story had ended? Yep, that was this book for me.

Minli works the rice fields everyday with her parents to scrape out their humble living. Although food is scarce, Minli is sustained by the fairy tales her father tells over and over again. As Minli's mother grows more and more discontent with their meager living, Minli hatches a plan to find the Old Man in the Moon to discover a fortune that will change the fate of her family.

At the heart of it, this is a story about being grateful for what you have, be you the king of the land or humble worker. Go ahead, pick up this book - 'tis the season!

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff