Zig Zag Nonfiction Series by Becky Baines

Zig Zag Nonfiction Series by Becky Baines
(Preschool - Grade 2)

The Zig Zag Nonfiction Series, published by the National Geographic Society, is a valuable find for preschoolers and early elementary kids who love the trademark color photos and straightforward text. The rhyming cadence is helpful for emerging and early readers:

A den is a place a bear will go after a feast in the fall- when they eat until their bellies are full (because soon there'll be no food at all).

A Den Is a Bed for a Bear chronicles several bear species and their unique dens. It introduces cubs and the cycle of the seasons. Photographs are impressive and are often tagged with speech bubbles like a child's favorite comic strip. Additional information is presented in smaller type and line drawings add humor and lighthearted detail to the facts.

The Zig Zag Nonfiction Series also includes Every Planet Has a Place: a Book About Our Solar System, Your Skin Holds You In: a Book About Your Skin and more to come.

Visit www.newberglibrary.org to find these books at our library.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream, by Tanya Lee Stone
(Grades 4 and up)
Sibert Medal Winner 2010

The true story of the "Mercury 13" women is a fascinating look into the story of intelligent, strong women pilots who proved they had what it takes to become an astronaut - in 1961. Yes, twenty-two years before there was a woman astronaut, and thirty-four years before a woman piloted a space shuttle.

This story follows the adventure of Jerrie Cobb and 12 other women pilots through the testing, politics and the surprising revelation of who put a stop to the space program for women in 1962. This remarkable story is a must-read for... well, anyone.

Reviewed by Korie B.

When Your Reach Me

When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead
(4-6 Graders)

Hmmm... How to explain this book? Intriguing. Mysterious. Entertaining. Different. As the story begins you realize the sixth grade narrator, Miranda, has received letters from someone who knows her future and is sending her proof. You also realize that a life-changing event has occurred that she really doesn't want to talk about. But she does. Which is fortunate for you, the reader, because it is mysterious and perplexing and unfolds in a marvelous sequence of events. I think that's all I'm going to tell you.

Reviewed by Korie B., Children's Staff
For more books, including A Wrinkle in Time (which is heavily featured in the above book) please visit: www.newberglibrary.org

Too Many Toys by David Shannon

Too Many Toys by David Shannon
(Preschool - Grade 1)

The holidays are almost behind us now - a new year is on its way. What better time for purging closets and cleaning dusty corners? Too Many Toys is the story of young Spencer and his impressive collection of toys - big toys, little toys, wooden pull-toys, noisy electronic toys, puzzles, board games, talking books, video games and more. His parade of toys spill out of every closet, peek out from under his bed, and tumble down the stairs. Overzealous friends and family members continue to give Spencer toys for every occasion (even the dentist!). Something has to be done! Spencer and his mom embark on a cleaning spree, much to Spencer's chagrin. Mom says, "you haven't played with this in years" and Spencer replies, "but I was just about to!" Parents will relate to the challenge of clearing a space and kids may find that sometimes it's okay to let things go.

Author David Shannon is known for his bold, colorful illustrations and expressive characters. Too Many Toys doesn't disappoint with silly, exasperated faces from Mom and a visual smorgasboard of toys throughout.

Visit www.newberglibrary.org to find this book at our library for a great kick off to the New Year!

Wake Up, Dormouse, Santa Claus is Here by Eleonore Schmid

Wake Up, Dormouse, Santa Claus is Here by Eleonore Schmid
(Preschool - Grade 2)

The Christmas season is a great time to hunker down by the fire, pour a cup of cocoa and pull out all the wonderful holiday books for a special time of stories with your favorite children. There are a number of great books to recommend, but I have unearthed a little-known treasure that we love to read each December at my own home. Wake Up, Dormouse, Santa Claus is Here is a bit of a departure from many Santa-themed picture books we see this time of year.

Gus is a busy dormouse living alone in an old oak tree. He spends the summer and fall getting ready for his long winter's sleep. Author Eleonore Schmid treats readers to a beautiful watercolor and pencil telling of the passing of fall into winter with images of acorns and nuts, the gathering of pine and mistletoe and the first snow of the season. Gus has heard of Santa Claus' annual visit to the forest animals but has never met him because he is always fast asleep in his nest until spring. This year he is determined to stay awake! Dependable Santa does arrive at long last leading not the storybook reindeer and sleigh but a humble donkey with simple jingle bell harness. And he comes not with a bulging load of packages, but with a simple offering of the bounty of the season. Gus has tried his best, but as Santa greets the forest creatures, the little dormouse is sleeping soundly. Can a forest friend help in time?

Reading this story is a peaceful rest stop in an otherwise hectic season and always helps our family to reconnect without losing the magic of Santa in the process.

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

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

Global Babies by Global Fund for Children

Global Babies by Global Fund for Children
(Birth - Toddlers)

Looking for gift ideas for the babies and toddlers on your list? Giving books is a wonderful way to encourage the love of reading in your favorite young ones. For those littles that still like to 'taste' their favorite reads, board books are a practical selection. Global Babies is a colorful choice and, unlike some board books that summarize their picture book counterparts, it stands firmly on its own. This book was developed by the Global Fund for Children which recognizes how much babies LOVE faces. Each page offers another child clothed in their particular country's dress. We are introduced to babies from Guatemala, Thailand, Greenland, Mali, USA, India, South Africa, Fiji, Peru, Afghanistan, Malawi, Spain, Iraq, Rwanda and Bhutan.

Visit www.newberglibrary.org to find this warm introduction to our global neighbors at our library.

Reviewed by Amanda L., Children's Staff

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