Do You Have a Dog? by Eileen Spinelli

Do You Have a Dog? by Eileen Spinelli
(Preschool - Grade 2)

Eileen Spinelli's new picture book is filled with stories of real dogs belonging to real people throughout history, many of whom would be otherwise difficult to bring to life in the pages of a picture book. Young readers or listeners, especially those that have a favorite pooch, will be taken with the lively, rhyming mini-biographies of each of the eleven people (and their dogs!) included. The separate spreads are brought together by the common phrase, "...had a dog," as well as the vibrant acrylic illustrations by Geraldo Valerio.

Read about Meriwether Lewis' dog Seaman who "swam across rivers, trekked through snow, and saved Lewis and Clark from a buffalo!" Annie Oakley, Admiral Richard Byrd, Billie Holliday and many others all had dogs too; do you have a dog? Those that do will celebrate and those that don't will certainly be inspired. Preschoolers will love the simple rhymes and older kids may want to read more about these dog-loving folks. Don't miss the end papers that give extra historical details about each famous four-legged friend.

Visit www.newberglibrary.org to find this and other materials.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Food For Thought by Ken Robbins

Food For Thought by Ken Robbins
(Grades 2 and up)

Food For Thought is a new addition to our library, just in time for Thanksgiving! Celebrated photographer and author Ken Robbins has captured beautiful images of many of the foods we love best: apples, oranges, corn, bananas, potatoes and many more. We eat many of these foods every day but few of us know why they are such staples in our diet. Robbins includes a brief history of these beloved fruits and vegetables and an overview of how they grow, what they are called in other languages and a variety of uses. The humble potato, for instance, has its origin in Peru and is called pommes de terre in French (fruit of the earth).

Robbins shares a sobering fact, "Just a few generations ago, the vast majority of Americans lived or worked on a farm. Now it's just 2 percent of us who do. As a result, most of us know less and less about where our food comes from; in many cases, we don't even really know what it looks like in its natural state."

Perhaps we could take a moment with the children in our lives this November to find out more about our favorite Thanksgiving foods. Food for Thought would be great dinner conversation to accompany a big bowl of mashed potatoes! At my house, we were fascinated to learn that the word orange has no rhyme! I won't tell you how long we tried to find one.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

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

A Seed is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston

A Seed is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long (Preschool - Grade 3)

Newberg Public Library recently added to our children's gardening collection with funds from the Chehalem Garden Club and the Oregon State Federation of Garden Clubs. Among these is the beautiful book, A Seed is Sleepy.

Author Dianna Hutts Aston and illustrator Sylvia Long (An Egg is Quiet) have once again gifted us with a new book to read over and over. A Seed is Sleepy is already an award-winning introduction to seeds for any age. Each page (even the end papers!) is filled with lovely, sweeping illustrations of both familiar and unfamiliar seeds including sunflowers, orchids, dandelions, sea coconuts and monkey's comb.

The text is simple, effective and poetic,"A seed is sleepy. A seed is secretive. A seed is naked...yes, naked!" even appropriate for a read-aloud which is unusual for a non-fiction selection. Older children will appreciate the extra bits of information scattered throughout, "A parachute of fine, silky hairs can take a dandelion seed 100 miles from its parent plant." One two-page spread walks the reader through varying seeds' lifespans laid out on a timeline with fabulous illustrations showing how they are different from each other.

Our household found much to pour over every single day of our three-week checkout and more! This is truly a gift for young gardeners or naturalists-to-be and worth sharing each season.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Ballet for Martha; Making Appalachian Spring by Jan Greenberg

Ballet for Martha; Making Appalachian Spring by Jan Greenberg (Grades 2 - 6)

Do you know what the word "collaboration" means? It means a time when people work together to make something wonderful that they couldn't do alone. Ballet for Martha; Making Appalachian Spring tells of the collaboration of a dancer, a composer and an artist who create a world famous ballet. Martha Graham is the dancer and choreographer who wants to create a ballet about American pioneers. She asks composer Aaron Copland to write music for the ballet. Then she asks her friend and artist Isamu Noguchi to build the set or scenery for the ballet. The ballet becomes a success, with Aaron Copland even winning a Pulitzer Prize for the music. The book that tells this story is also a collaboration. The writers, Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan, team up with illustrator Brian Floca to show us the joy and hard work that went into this popular ballet. You'll find this inspiring book in the non-fiction section of the library.

Reviewed by Susan K. Ankeny, Children's Staff
Newberg Public Library

The Olympic Sports Series by Jason Page

The Olympic Sports Series by Jason Page
(Grades 2 and up)

The gray days of May will soon lead to sunny, summer skies, and what better place to prepare than your local library? Get ready to "Make a Splash" this summer with the colorful non-fiction Olympic Sports series by Jason Page. Look for the water sports books at our library featuring rowing, sailing, swimming, diving, water polo and more.

Did you know that sea otters often swim on their backs and can do it even in their sleep? Read about human and animal Olympians in this vibrant collection in which each page features photos, trivia and fun facts. Reluctant readers will celebrate the action shots and 'super stats' (water polo players can often swim up to 3.11 miles during a match!).

Get inspired for summer and visit www.newberglibrary.org to find this series at our library.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Boredom Blasters by Helaine Becker

Boredom Blasters by Helaine Becker
(Grade 2 and Up)

Though it may be tough to be bored now that school is in session, our library has a surefire solution for the bored blues on our non-fiction shelves: Boredom Blasters by Helaine Becker. Many of this book's fun ideas could also be used as part of a creative curriculum for elementary students or homeschoolers. Some are meant for one reader and some are created for larger groups. From Origami Toads, Bread Bag Tag Racers, sweet treat recipes, Brain Bogglers and games, there is something here for everyone. Each page is packed with colorful illustrations that are bound to capture the eye of even the most humdrum reader. Activities are neatly organized in the contents section and each is limited to only one page or a two-page spread so they are easy to begin (and end!) Early elementary age kids would benefit from a helpful family member's assistance but older elementary students could certainly manage most of these 'boredom blasters' independently. I attempted the 'Opticklers' or optical illusion pages and was easily inspired to try more. Much of Boredom Blasters is just for fun, but there is certainly the potential for learning as well. For instance, a lighthearted explanation of surface tension follows up the Bread Bag Tag Racers project.

Young readers looking for a great way to spend a long car ride, homeschooling families wanting to add some fun projects to their day, students with a day off from school or anyone feeling a little dull can find this book at our library by visiting www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Cool Painting: the Art of Creativity for Kids! by Anders Hanson

Cool Painting: the Art of Creativity for Kids! by Anders Hanson
(Grade 2 and up)

At our library, this year's summer reading theme is Be Creative At Your Library. So far, our patrons have found hundreds of ways to be creative including nature walks, drawing classes, music lessons and much more. The inspirational Checkerboard How-To Series is new to our library and includes the books: Cool Painting, Cool Drawing, Cool Sculpture, and Cool Collage: the Art of Creativity for Kids! Today I will review Cool Painting, a book packed full of information in an extremely easy-to-read, encouraging format.

Author Anders Hanson begins with a pep talk of sorts to boost young artists as they discover their own brand of creative talent. He moves on to a colorful explanation of the tools of the trade, elements, color theory, composition and techniques. Next, Hanson introduces six projects, each more complex than the last. Readers begin with a simple free paint and move ahead to more difficult projects, all including manageable steps and plenty of support. The entire series is a fabulous jumping-off point for any young artist (and older ones too!). The great photographs on each page are simply the cherry on top.

To find this or other books in this series, visit www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Monster Trucks by Ian Graham

Monster Trucks by Ian Graham
(Kindergarten - Grade 2)

Monster Trucks, a new release from the QED Mighty Machines series, is an eye-catching winner for young vehicle enthusiasts and reluctant readers. The bright red cover, gigantic truck wheels and flame-painted hood beckon to those looking for a colorful introduction to these unique trucks. Each different type of monster truck - Bigfoot, car crushers, racers, road giants, miners and even NASA's giants - earn a two-page spread of their own complete with large, vivid photographs, easy-to-read text, and bold words defined in a glossary at the end of the book. This book was a surprising treat, even for me who had no initial interest in monster trucks except for my son's wild love for all things with wheels.

Check out this and author Ian Graham's wide variety of transportation-themed books like the Best Book of the Moon and Ships and Submarines at www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Fun With Roman Numerals by David Adler

Fun With Roman Numerals by David Adler
(Grade 2 and up)

Somehow, my childhood education didn't include a detailed explanation of Roman numerals. I have picked up the basics over time - I means 1 and II means 2 - but have limped my way through the rest. Fun With Roman Numerals is a new book from author David Adler, a former math teacher. Just by flipping through its pages, I could suddenly understand why XVI means 16 and CLI means 151. Illustrator Edward Miller III (how fitting!) adds bold color and silly Roman scenes that make even a math book seem lively and fun. Plenty of specific examples are included with a page devoted to each. Adler offers additional activities using coins as well as an 'I spot a Roman numeral' feature at the book's conclusion. A wonderful book to add to elementary math curriculum or to keep those number skills fresh during the summer! To find this book at our library, visit http://www.newberglibrary.org/.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Clouds by Anne Rockwell

Clouds by Anne Rockwell
(Preschool - Grade 1)

Introducing a preschooler or early-elementary student to the joys of non-fiction books can be a challenge. A child may be head-over-heels excited about science but may quickly become discouraged with wordy or overwhelming texts. The Let's-Read-and-Find-Out About series is a wonderful starting point for this age group. Stage 1 books are aimed at preschoolers and kindergarteners, and Stage 2 are geared toward elementary students. Clouds by Anne Rockwell is a new Stage 1 selection at our library. It is an easy-to-read picture book introducing the ten different types of clouds with a page devoted to each. Preschoolers will relate to the discussion of weather - humidity, thunderstorms, snow, hail, even fog. Kids wanting to explore clouds even further will love the facts and project at the book's conclusion.

Visit www.newberglibrary.org to find Clouds and other Let's-Read-and-Find-Out About books at our library.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Knucklehead: Tall Tales and Mostly True Stories About Growing Up Scieszka

Knucklehead, by Jon Scieszka
Grades (4-6)

Growing up in a household of six boys is bound to produce a rich environment for tales of mayhem and hilarity. The writer of The Time Warp Trio and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs does not disappoint. We read this story aloud in our home one soggy gray day, and spent most of the day laughing. Of course at least one of the chapters contains a disclaimer - I think the one with fire, but it might have been some other disaster or near-disaster. The packaging of this tale is also delightful. Full of clues of what lies inside in 1950’s style advertisements, the cover is also worth your time.

To find this book please visit www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

Tracking Trash by Loree Griffin Burns

Tracking Trash by Loree Griffin Burns
(Grade 3 - 5)

Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion tackles a serious global issue yet reads like a lighthearted, optimistic report. Oceanographer Dr. Curtis Ebbesmeyer has made it his mission to track our trash on its journey through the ocean hoping to understand and protect our seas and their inhabitants.

Readers follow the stories of sneakers and plastic toys on their respective journeys through the ocean. Beachcombers band together to help find 28,800 floating bathtub toys lost off of a cargo ship in 1992 as well as five cargo containers full of Nike sneakers. A bevy of photographs bring the amazing tales to life.

We are also introduced to both The Eastern Garbage Patch, a floating garbage dump partway between Hawaii and California the size of the state of Alaska, and Monster Debris, a giant mass of discarded fishing nets in Hawaii weighing 4,000 pounds. Rather than leaving us feeling hopeless, Tracking Trash chronicles what people are doing to help and inspires solution-finders of every age.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

An Egg Is Quiet by Dianna Aston

An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Aston
(Preschool - Grade 3)

An egg can be so many things author Dianna Aston reveals in An Egg Is Quiet. Kids (and their grownups) familiar only with the humdrum chicken egg at the market will find much to marvel at here. An egg is also colorful, shapely, clever, artistic, and giving as Aston outlines in both preschool-friendly text and more complex notes for older kids. Illustrator Sylvia Long compels the reader to reach out and touch each egg with stunning ink and watercolor images of hundreds of eggs from turkeys to dogfish. At the book's surprise conclusion we quickly learn that an egg is quiet, but it is also so much more.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

10 Things I Can Do To Help My World by Melanie Walsh

10 Things I Can Do To Help My World by Melanie Walsh
Preschool - Grade 1

As Spring approaches thoughts often turn to improving household habits. Helping the environment is at the top of our list, but it is often difficult to explain the concept to our young son. Author Melanie Walsh has come to the rescue with her new book (made out of 100% recycled material no less). These are tips that children can actually do, and "help my world" seems to resonate better than "save my world" which can be overwhelming. The bold illustrations, creative die-cuts and simple text are perfect for teaching young children about the world around them. The die-cuts are especially well-done with each tip divided into a unique page turn. For instance, the text reads " I help..." over a page full of recyclables which, when turned, reveals each item in its appropriate container and the words, "sort the recycling." The storyteller can choose to read only the large text for read-alouds or to include Walsh's additional explanation for one-on-one time with older children. The book is never preachy or confusing - just inspiring and fun. Perfect for Earth Day or any other day of the year.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

The Many Rides of Paul Revere

The Many Rides of Paul Revere, by James Cross Giblin
(Grades 4 and up)

Award-winning author James Giblin explores the myth and facts of Paul Revere's rides. Beautifully written and crafted, this book features photographs of Revere's silver craftsmanship and other artifacts, portraits of historical figures and illustrations of historical events and places. For anyone (including adults) interested in American history this book is delight. Giblin's writing style is accessible to older grade-schoolers, and Revere's life is certainly entertaining. Giblin also compares Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's account of Paul Revere's ride to the actual event, while acknowledging Longfellow's intent to make Revere an American legend.

Reviewed by Korie B.

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

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

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