The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood

The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood

(Preschool - Grade 1)

"Be quiet! Quiet down! Shhhh..." we tell our children, preparing them for life's many quiet moments: bedtime, a school lesson, a library trip, someone else's phone call. Rarely do we have the opportunity to ponder the many kinds of quiet filling a child's day. The Quiet Book does so beautifully with love and respect. Author Deborah Underwood fills her gentle picture book with quiet moments like first snowfalls, best friends and sleeping babies. She also includes quiet moments with hidden emotion such as whispered secrets, getting caught, shots at the doctor's office and so much more. Pencil illustrations by Ranata Liwska are soft and sweet, much like any quiet book should be. Enjoy this picture book with the children in your lives in your next quiet moment.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

The Birthday Ball

The Birthday Ball, by Lois Lowry
Grades 3 - 5 (Kindergarten and up if you are reading aloud)

A few days before her sixteenth birthday, on which she is to choose her prince, Princess Patricia Priscilla wakes up bored. Yes, she is a princess, but sometimes the high life just isn't what it's cracked up to be. To escape the castle monotony, Princess Patricia Priscilla decides to become just "Pat," and attend the village school.

As Princess Priscilla discovers life beyond the castle (and how people, rich or poor, are really not so different) her potential suitors are making their way to the castle for a climactic Birthday Ball.

Lois Lowry weaves together a lovely story of friends, family and love. With delightful vocabulary, feisty characters and hilarious situations, this story is great for reading aloud or just enjoying on your own.

For more books by Lois Lowry please visit: www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Services staff