Thursday, September 22, 2011

National Geographic Kids For All Ages

Kids of all ages, check out the newest National Geographic Kids titles in the Newberg Public Library's collection!

First Big Book of Animals by Catherine Hughes
(Preschool - Grade 2)
For the youngest science enthusiast, First Big Book of Animals describes animals from all over the world and organizes them by habitat. As it is intended for a younger reader (or listener!), the text is large and easy to follow. We can count on National Geographic titles for wonderful photographs and this title doesn't disappoint. Don't miss the parent tips and animal maps as well.



Great Migrations: Amazing Animal Journeys by Laura Marsh
(Kindergarten - Grade 3)
Head over to our reader shelves for National Geographic Science Readers that are interesting, informational and FUN to read. Amazing Animal Journeys follows zebras, red crabs and walruses on thier great migrations. Each page is filled with colorful photographs, silly riddles, Word Wise definitions, and Weird but True facts such as "Zebras' manes are striped, just like the rest of their bodies." There is a National Geographic reader for every reading level - pre-reader through advanced - each with the same colorful appeal. Don't miss Storms!, Volcanoes!, Bats and more.

Oceans by Johnna Rizzo
(Grade 2 and up)
Like all of our National Geographic titles, Oceans is full of vibrant photography and extreme facts presented in bold text and lighthearted fonts. But this and other titles like Devouring Flames, The Ultimate Dinopedia and Violet Weather are geared toward a slightly older reader. More detailed maps appear in Oceans along with additional information on each sea creature and its enivronment. The borders of the introductory page for Octopuses, for example, includes their home (oceans worldwide), size (1/2" - 20 ft.), and number of known species (more than 250). Also in this spread is a huge photograph of a reef octopus, a squid vs. octopus sidebar, a fun fact and a page-long description of an octopus dodging its predators. Even reluctant readers will dive into this book for an exciting glimpse into our world's seas. The encouraging finale called 20 Ways You Can Protect the Ocean is icing on the cake.

Visit http://www.newberglibrary.org/ to find these and other titles at our library.
Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff
Newberg Public Library

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick

Wonderstruck, by Brian Selznick
(Grades 4-6)

When Ben Wilson sets out to discover the truth about his family in 1977, his journey from Minnesota to New York will intersect with Rose Kincaid, whose own adventure begins 50 years earlier in New Jersey.

In his latest collaboration of words and pictures, author Brian Selznick masterfully weaves together two stories, telling one with words and the other with pictures. Moving swiftly the tales soon show hints of intersecting and the reader will race to the see the conclusion when stories, words and pictures explode in a beautifully crafted finale. Indeed, this reader did feel "wonderstruck."

Selznick's illustrations add dimension to the story not only in the visual clues he gives the reader but also in perspective. Fans of The Invention of Hugo Cabret will be delighted with another story in the same format.

Check out Brian Selznick on his latest book.


Visit http://www.newberglibrary.org/ to find this and other books at our library.
Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Ellie McDoodle: Best Friends Fur-Ever by Ruth McNally Barshaw

Ellie McDoodle: Best Friends Fur-Ever by Ruth McNally Barshaw
(Grades 2-4)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid fans! Don't miss the Ellie McDoodle series, including this third installment, Best Friends Fur-Ever. It has just arrived at our library and is as funny and creative as ever.

Ellie is a middle child that loves to doodle and share stories about her kooky family and school. The series is written in diary format which is peppered with her own illustrations and loopy handwriting. In Best Friends Fur-Ever, Ellie's family (well, except for Mom) wants to add a variety of pets to their household mix. Coincidentally, her school assigns a big project on animals and Ellie must choose an unusual animal to report on in front of her class. When a chance pet-sitting job arises, Ellie has found her subject! But will the pet-sitting go as smoothly as she'd thought?

The series is a page-turner, each a hilarious account of Ellie's daily experiences including a typical family dinner told in coversation bubbles, "Which must rhyme. All of the time," or a random two-page spread entitled,"How to Build a Geodesic Dome." The story flows like a bedtime conversation you yearn to have with your child about their day. Funny, smart, creative - not to be missed!

Visit www.newberglibrary.org to find this and other books at our library.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff