Charlie Parker Played Be Bop

Charlie Parker Played Be Bop, by Chris Raschka, performed by Richard Allen
Pre-school

"Charlie Parker played be bop. Charlie Parker played saxophone. The music sounded like be bop. Never leave your cat alone." Written to the rhythm of Parker's "A Night in Tunisia," Chris Raschka has crafted an engaging book that children will want to listen to over and over and over again.

After reading this book five thousand times I remembered the library has this book with a CD. Woohoo! Author Chris Raschka explains the story behind this book and then Richard Allen performs the story first at a slow pace, and then to the rhythm of "A Night in Tunisia." Although my one-year-old could care less for the explanation, he did groove to the music. So now when we read this story I sing it. I go for gusto rather than singing on key, which for me would be a pointless endevor, and because he's my son he grooves with me to this syncopated delight.

You might enjoy the Between the Lions Be Bop episode as well.

Find this title and others at newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff

Fancy Nancy The Dazzling Book Report, by Jane O'Connor

Fancy Nancy The Dazzling Book Report by Jane O'Connor
(Grades 1 - 3)

Fancy Nancy, our favorite bedecked and sparkling heroine, first appeared in an eye-catching picture book by the same name. Devoted fans can now find her in a new series of readers for the early elementary set. Nancy is as lovely as ever and brings her own sense of style to school complete with field trips, book reports, new students and more. Though the reading level for this series is listed as Beginning Reading/Level 1, I would definitely recommend it for Level 2 readers or as a read-aloud because of the length and more advanced vocabulary (i.e. explorers, crestfallen). Each book in the series even has a 'Fancy Nancy's Fancy Words' glossary at the back.

Fancy Nancy The Dazzling Book Report is a fun introduction to library day at school. Nancy's class chooses books and begins their first book reports. Nancy chooses a Sacajawea biography and proceeds to create a dazzling, intricate cover featuring her new heroine. Using yarn, beads, fringe and glue, Nancy spends all evening on her cover, leaving little time to actually write the report itself. With a feather pen (or 'plume' as Nancy notes), she sleepily manages only two short sentences before her report is due. The series is funny and colorful, if not quite as charming as the original picture books. Newly independent readers will love them.

To find this book and other Fancy Nancy titles in our library, visit 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

Bats at the Library by Brian Lies

Bats at the Library by Brian Lies
(Preschool - Grade 1)

Bats at the Library is the latest offering from author Brian Lies. This picture book is a visually stunning sequel to the wonderful Bats at the Beach. My family only recently discovered both books and are hoping for even more bat adventures to come. In Bats at the Library, a community of bats is bored one dark evening and is thrilled to discover an open window at the local library. They swoop towards the brick building, baby bat clinging to its mother with a parachute on its back. Once inside, the bats flutter off into their favorite shelves to read about fancy food, play games with the copier, explore a pop-up book gingerbread house, or listen to storytime. Each bat imagines themselves as a book character, riding a horse or pulling the famous sword from its stone. The detailed illustrations amaze and delight with silly bat references like a reading of Goodnight Sun instead of Goodnight Moon. The rhyming text is clever and lyrical; it flows easily and would make a fun read aloud. We took both books on a trip to the beach this summer. Lies had us laughing at the sunbathing bats on the sand and the bookish bats gathered around a storybook.

To find these books at our library, visit www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Puppy Mudge Takes a Bath by Cynthia Rylant

Puppy Mudge Takes a Bath by Cynthia Rylant
(Preschool - Grade 1)

When I need a lighthearted, funny and down-to-earth book to bring home for bedtime readings, I rely on Cynthia Rylant and her dependable Henry and Mudge reader series. I was delighted to come across the Puppy Mudge series to recommend for brand new readers that are not quite ready for the Level 2 Henry and Mudge series. With Puppy Mudge, we have a much more basic storyline, simple text, larger pictures and LOTS of repetition. Puppy Mudge Takes a Bath is one of my favorites and is truly funny if you have ever tried to give a big dog a bath in your tub or been on the losing end of a skunk. Either way, this series provides a wonderful boost in self-confidence for a brand new reader looking to finish an entire book on their own.

To find this book and others in the series at our library, visit www.newberglibrary.org.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Dessert First by Hallie Durand

Dessert First by Hallie Durand
(Grades 2 and up)

Dessert First is a debut chapter book from author Hallie Durand. I was drawn to its bright red cover with a front-and-center ice cream sundae. As a food person, I'm always looking for food-related reads with colorful characters. Dessert Schneider is a third grader with a sweet tooth and a crazy, restaurant-owning family. Her new teacher, Mrs. Howdy Doody, shows her how to "march to her own drummer," and to "consider the repercussions before taking action." Dessert has no trouble blazing her own trail as she convinces her family to start each meal with something sweet. She bribes her little sister Charlie with pieces of gum to clean her room and satisfies her sweet tooth with dips in Maisie's Melted Lollipop fondue at her family's restaurant. Her independent spirit creates havoc when Grandma Reine's Double Decker Chocolate Bars mysteriously 'disappear.'

This delightful early chapter book has just the right amount of mischief, all in an easy-to-read format with lots of sweet illustrations. Have fun with this one, and enjoy a treat of your own afterward - maybe even the chocolaty recipe included on the back cover.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Enigma, A Magical Mystery by Graeme Base

Enigma, a Magical Mystery by Graeme Base
(Kindergarten - Grade 2)

New to our library is another visually spectacular offering from author/illustrator Graeme Base known for classics like Animalia and Uno's Garden. My son and I spent an entire afternoon hunched over the pages of Enigma, a Magical Mystery searching for clues and deciphering code. We follow our main character Bertie Badger to visit his Grandpa in the Retirement Home for Elderly Magicians where he usually enjoys spectacular shows reminiscient of years past. This visit is different because someone has stolen the magicians' props ending the spectacular shows. Now it's up to Bertie (and you dear reader!) to find the props, reveal the thief and help the show to go on! Base really delivers in Enigma with clever rhyming text, advanced vocabulary, and challenging activities. The 'cupboard' at the book's conclusion opens up to reveal color-coded dials, buttons and encoded messages. A spectacular find for any treasure hunter or mystery lover. There is much to see and do in this book So much so, in fact, that I would recommend this to an older child or as a fun activity for the whole family to attempt together. Truly a book to check out many times over. Just be ready with your eagle eyes and a handy pencil and paper.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff