MY WEIRD WRITING TIPS by Dan Gutman

If you like the Weird School Series, you should give this nonfiction writing guide a try. Believe me, it’s the same Dan Gutman you’re used to and he writes in the same silly and accessible way, even when giving grammar and punctuation advice. Barely longer than one of this Weird School selections, this book is not a comprehensive writing manual, but it does cover some of the most common spelling, grammar, and usage mistakes - and Gutman’s examples are anything but boring. So if you want to write it right, and not be a “dumbhead” (quoting the author), find this book in the Juvenile Nonfiction section at J 808.042 GUT and check it out. 

December 24

Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!

Our regular schedule of story times, special programming, and reading dogs start back the week of January 7.

KITTEN'S FIRST FULL MOON by Keven Henkes

In this adorable black-and-white children’s book, the kitten runs into a series of misfortunes as she attempts to get to the giant bowl of milk in the night sky.  From accidentally swallowing a bug to falling into a lake, poor Kitten finally gives up the chase and treks back home to find a bowl of milk waiting for her on the porch.  Kitten’s First Full Moon is a tale of perseverance and learning and is illustrated by simple but lovely charcoal drawings.  This is a perfect read-aloud book and will be enjoyed mainly by kids up to 7 years old.  It can be found in the Easy section of the library under E HEN.

THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER by C. S. Lewis

Part of Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, this tale takes place on the high seas as king and crew set sail for the unknown.  Young readers will enjoy the constant adventures from dragons and invisible creatures to dark nightmares and fallen stars.  This high fantasy novel makes for a great family read and is appropriate for children ages 9 and up.  It, and the other books in this series, can be found in the Juvenile Section under J LEW.

A PLACE CALLED KINDERGARTEN by Jessica Harper

All the animals on the farm are worried when Tommy fails to come by the barn one morning. Where could he be? When dog tells them that he is gone, they wonder if he will ever come back. Happily, he does return and shares all the wonderful things that he learned at a place called kindergarten. For preschool and up and can be found in the Easy section of the library under E HAR. 

CREEP AND FLUTTER by Jim Arnosky

Of course butterflies are beautiful, but even beetles, ticks, and flies are given their due in the super-sized fold-out pages of Jim Arnosky’s book on all things creepy and fluttery. Illustrations that are life-size or larger show every wonderful detail of every wonderful bug.  The enlarged detail of the Tiger Swallowtail which takes up one entire flap is just one example of the vibrant colorations, but the facts that Arnosky provides about the importance of all the earth’s diverse insects and spiders are more even amazing. Share this book with the bug-lover in your family; it can be found in the Juvenile Nonfiction section at J 595.7 ARN

Week of November 26

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Only Story Time this week:
Wednesday, November 27
Gilmer County Public Library  - Special Family Story Time: Proud Pilgrims - 10:00 am

No Story times @ Cherokee and Pickens County Libraries

All story times begin promptly at scheduled time; please arrive early to avoid any disruption. 

*Woodstock and RT Jones Lapsit story times will be limited to the first 15 children (plus their caregiver) to arrive and the doors to the program will be closed when the program begins. Lapsit story times are designed for children, ages 1 to 3 only with participating adults. These programs feature books, songs, rhymes, and activities that encourage early literacy. 

Family story times are designed for families with children of all ages. Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. These programs feature stories, music, rhymes and a free craft activity. Saturday story times are a repeat of that week's story times.

Reading Dogs
Call your local Cherokee and Pickens County Public Libraries to reserve your spot for one of our Reading Dog programs.

Ball Ground Public Public Library (770-735-2025)               December 2, 16
Hickory Flat Public Library (770-345-7565)                          December 3, 10, 17
Pickens County Public Library  (706-692-5411)                    December 9
RT Jones Public Library (770-591-1491)                               December 2, 16
Rose Creek Public Library (770-479-3090)                           December 11, 18
Woodstock Public Library (770-926-5859)                            December 4, 11, 18

These 10-15 minute programs encourage children 6 years of age and older to read by providing a non-judgmental, furry listener who won't laugh if you make mistakes or stumble over a word. Parents can register their child two weeks ahead for one session by calling the corresponding library. Children are asked to select their own reading material before their scheduled session.