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

Thank You Thanksgiving by David Milgrim

Thank You Thanksgiving by David Milgrim
(Toddlers and up)

It is the season for gratitude, and David Milgrim's picture book, Thank You Thanksgiving encourages this spirit with a simple story and lighthearted guessing game for young readers. A family finishes their Thanksgiving feast at the book's title page, and the real story begins at clean-up time. A young girl sets off on a mysterious, after-dinner errand with wallet in hand. Along the way, she expresses her gratitude for warm boots, pretty clouds and a variety of animals following her on her journey. The illustrations are funny and contain much of the story with Thanksgiving Day details and clues as to the reason for her trip. Readers may solve the mystery before the conclusion, but that doesn't take away from the book's warmth and overall message about being thankful for the little things. A great holiday book for young toddlers (who will love the idea of being thankful for the park) all the way up to early elementary kids (who can appreciate the guessing game).

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Imogene's Last Stand by Candace Fleming

Imogene's Last Stand by Candace Fleming
(Preschool - Grade 2)

Imogene Tripp is the kind of girl that can fingerpaint a map of the Oregon trail, give a puppet show lecture on women in history, and ride an old-fashioned, high-wheeled bicycle through her tiny town of Liddleville, New Hampshire. She is just the person to transform the dilapidated Liddleville Historical Society from a dusty, cobwebbed shack to a shining museum. Imagine her chagrin when a notice to tear the old historical society down appears in the front yard. The mayor has other plans for the space, but Imogene, quoting John Paul Jones, insists "I have not yet begun to fight!" With inspiration from her historical heroes, Imogene stands up to her fellow townspeople, all of whom seem uninterested in preserving their past. A last-minute discovery shocks the town, but will it be enough to save the museum? This unique picture book is full of funny details and spunky characters. Older preschoolers and early elementary students may be inspired by Imogene's passion for history and the book to learn more about Abraham Lincoln, Paul Revere or many other historical figures featured in this book.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Ellie McDoodle, Have Pen Will Travel

Ellie McDoodle, Have Pen Will Travel, by Ruth McNally Barshaw
(Grades 2-4)

When Ellie's parents leave for a family funeral Ellie is dragged along on a camping trip with her aunt, uncle and cousins. While she's kicking and screaming (at least in her diary) Ellie is filling her diary with illustrations and character sketches of the family around her. She finds it more entertaing to dislike in her aunt, uncle and cousins than to like them, and her exaggerated portrayels of her family are play up their faults. But when her cousin gets a hold of her diary and writes, "No one likes you, either!" Ellie takes a step back from her diary to consider how her words and illustrations affect others. Part narration, part illustration, Ellie McDoodle, Have Pen Will Travel is a funny, entertaining and enlightening read.

The library's Book Buddies group unanimously gave this story two thumbs up!

Look for the sequel: Ellie McDoodle, New Kid in School

Find this book and more at www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Korie B., 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

Pete's A Pizza by William Steig

Pete's A Pizza by William Steig
(Preschool - Grade 1)

We all have our grumpy days. Wrong-side-of-the-bed, rain-on-your-parade, let's-start-over kinds of days. In Pete's A Pizza, young Pete's ball game with his friends is ruined by a rainy day, and he is none too happy about the situation. Pete's father is intuitive and comes up with a creative way to cheer up his son. Kids and parents alike will relate to Pete's mood and delight in the funny solution. This older book's layout, text and illustrations are simple with an old-fashioned feel. Author William Steig (who also wrote Shrek!) based the tale on a game he used to play with his daughter. My son and I laughed throughout and immediately decided we needed a grumpy day solution of our own. Pete's A Pizza is a little gem of a book and is a must read for relieving cabin fever during the rainy season.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff