BINK & GOLLIE by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee

"Bink & Gollie" by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee is the story of two best friends who are quite different. Bink is carefree; Gollie is cautious. Bink is impatient; Gollie is structured. But with their differences in personality, these friends learn to compromise in whatever situation they find themselves in. Illustrator Tony Fucile's art is fun and captures the personalities of each girl. This book is a great story to teach tweens on what a compromise is, and the relationship between Bink and Gollie shows how two different individuals can become the very best of friends. You can find this book in Juvenile section under J DIC.

A Tale of Two Castles

A Tale of Two Castles by Gail Carson Levine is the story of a young girl named Elodie who leaves her home to journey to the town of Two Castles to become a mansioner - an actress. When the mansioner master turns her down as an apprentice she becomes the assistant of a Dragon detective who solves riddles and finds missing things. When a friendly shape-shifting orge becomes the traget of an evil villian intend on murder, the Dragon sends Elodie into the orge's castle disguised as a kitchen maid to help protect the orge and discover who the true villian really is. She must use all her mansioner skills as well as her skills of deduction to solve the mystery. A fun read for ages 9 - 12 years of age and can be found in the library in the juvenile section under J LEV.

Judy Griggs

LITTLE BABAJI

This totally delightful tale from India lives up to its reputation of being an old favorite. Originally written in 1899 as a story for her children, Helen Bannerman has crafted a classic children’s story. With updated illustrations that are realistic yet hilarious this, in this story we go to India and learn a bit about Indian culture too. The main character is Babaji who has beautiful new clothes his mother has sewn for him and a fancy umbrella and shoes his father bought for him to match his grand new outfit. As he is proudly out walking one day he runs across a series of tigers but he bargains away all his new clothes to keep from being eaten. Now the tigers argue over who is the grandest tiger in the jungle, each wearing an item of Babaji’s grand new outfit, don’t miss the funny illustrations of tigers wearing shoes on their ears! The arguing tigers leave all their ill-gotten gains (Babaji’s clothes) unguarded as they fight each other for the title; these are some pretty stubborn tigers! But Babaji has the last laugh with a twist at the end! Altogether a true classic tale of tiger tails! Find this in the Easy section under E BAN.

THe Fires Beneath the Sea

The Fires Beneath the Sea by Lydia Millet is a thrilling adventure set in modern day Cape Cod. Cara, Max and Jackson are on a quest to find their mother, a marine biologist, who diappeared mysteriously. They are soon drawn into an ancient battle between good and evil, with the terrifying "pouring man" close on their heels. For ages 9 years and up and can be found in the library in the juvenile section und J MIL

Judy Griggs

OUR LIBRARY by Eve Bunting

"There's nothing you can't learn to do when you have books...and it's even better if you have a library."

When Miss Goose tells Raccoon and his friends that the library is in danger of closing forever, they know they have to do something about it! Turning to books for the answer, the kids learn how to renovate the library, raise money, and find a perfect new location...not to mention how to deal with a cranky beaver! Our Library has sweet illustrations and just enough humor to keep it light-hearted. This is an inspirational book that teaches the importance of books and the library to a community. After all, without the library, how would we have Story Time?!?!

Our Library can be found in the Easy section under E BUN.

THE CRICKET IN TIMES SQUARE by George Selden

It's highly unusual to find a cricket living in a subway station, but the station in Times Square has been granted the honor. Chester the cricket and his friends have many adventures and help each other through many ups and downs. The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden is a classic work of juvenile literature about unlikely friendships that change the lives of the characters forever...all because of a single cricket bringing them together.

Readers from 4th grade; up will absorb important character values from The Cricket in Times Square. This book, along with the sequels- eg. Tucker's Countryside and Chester Cricket's New Home- can be found in the Juvenile section under J SEL.

A FARAWAY ISLAND by Annika Thor

A Faraway Island is an excellent book for middle school readers about the Jewish children sent to Sweden during World War II. The main characters Stephie and Nellie struggle throughout this story. They have to deal with being away from their parents and losing the life they had in Vienna, as well as struggle to hold onto their German and Jewish identity while embracing their Swedish future, but the story is not all about hardship. Even though Thor’s main characters are fictional, she writes their emotions so well that readers can't help but feel their frustration, sadness, and hurt as well as their joy. You can find this historical fiction in the juvenile section under J THO.

The Dagger Quick

The Dagger Quick by Brian Eames

This is the story of Christopher "Kitto" Quick a young boy in seventeenth century England. He is an apprentice barrel maker to his father. Kitto was born with a clubfoot and has always been bullied because of it. He yearns for a new life filled with adventure. When his unknown uncle Captain William Quick, a pirate, comes to ask Kitto's father for help, Kitto's fate is forever changed. His father is murdered and his step mother and younger brother kidnapped. He must join his uncle on a search for treasure in an attempt to rescue his family. A satisfying and thrilling adventure for ages 8 through 12 years. Can be found in the juvenile section of the library under J EAM

by Judy Griggs

THE GOOSE GIRL by Shannon Hale

Shannon Hale’s The Goose Girl has a classic fairy tale feel with princesses, kingdoms, long flowy gowns, romance, and a little bit of magic. Readers will follow Princess Anidori as she leaves her home country to take part in an arranged marriage in a faraway land. But she is betrayed by her lady-in-waiting before completing her journey. Luckily Ani escapes and finds refuge with kind souls in the forest. Driven to confront and take down her lady-in-waiting, who has stolen her identify and plans to marry the prince, Ani goes into the kingdom and works as the royal goose girl and awaits the perfect opportunity to reclaim the life she was destined to have. Along the way she makes friends and rediscovers the magic within her. You can find this book in the juvenile section under J HAL.

AN AWESOME BOOK OF THANKS! by Dallas Clayton

An Awesome Book of Thanks! is a fun and relevant book for all ages. Author and illustrator Dallas Clayton keeps the text simple and the pictures vibrant as he lists off all that there is to be thankful for. The rhyming text is sure to engage the youngest readers, while adults will stop and think about all that there is around them to be thankful for. This book provides a good topic of discussion for families as children begin to really question the world around them. You can find An Awesome Book of Thanks! under E CHA.

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System
Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/

NIGHT OF THE VEGGIE MONSTER by George McClements

For the finicky eater in your household, Night of the Veggie Monster by George McClements is sure to show your child that their not alone in their dislike of vegetables. The young boy in this book describes what it is like to be faced with three (yes, just three) peas on his dinner plate. The boy squirms and wiggles once he puts the pea into his mouth, thus beginning his transformation into a veggie monster. Once the boy conquers his fear of peas, he faces another challenge the next night with another green vegetable. The book ends with plenty of room for discussion about the foods a child may dislike. A quick read for younger children. This book can be found in the Easy section under E MCC.

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System
Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/

DANCING FEET! by Lindsey Craig

Get ready to move and shake with Dancing Feet! This book will be enjoyed by children 0-8 years old as they mimic the dancing feet of various animal creatures. The rhyme, repetition, and opportunities to guess which animal comes next are bound to make this book an instant hit. Dancing Feet can be found in the Easy section under E CRA.

Submitted by Ms. Kristina

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System
Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

BIRDS by Kevin Henkes

Birds is a sweet tale told by a little girl as she ponders the lives of birds. Author Kevin Henkes incorporates colors, shapes, sizes, and numbers into his text in such a way that they do not take the focus away from the little girl's thoughts. With beautiful illustrations and good text, Birds is wonderful read-aloud for families with children ages 0-8. This book can be found in the Easy section under E HEN.

Submitted by Ms. Kristina

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System
Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

WINNIE-THE-POOH by A. A. Milne

Winnie-the-Pooh tells the sweet and awfully silly tales of Christopher Robin’s animal friends. Readers already familiar with adaptations of A. A. Milne’s classic will certainly enjoy and be pleased with the original as they follow Pooh Bear on his adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood. The audio book narrated by Jim Broadbent is very good and would make an excellent listen on family car trips. This book is best suited for children grades 3+ and can be found with the audio version in the Juvenile section under J MIL and C J MIL.

Submitted by Ms. Kristina

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System
Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/

THE CITY OF EMBER by Jeanne DuPrau

Designed over two hundred years ago as refuge for the human race to survive, the city of Ember was built underground. However, the city’s powered lights, food, and other precious resources have begun to collapse. Lina and her friend, Doon, like the rest of Ember’s citizens have no idea that they live in an underground city. Yet when they find an old message that may hold the key to keeping Ember’s lights from going out entirely, they risk everything to go into the unknown and save themselves, their families, and the city they love. The City of Ember is a fascinating tale that jumpstarts an excellent series for readers grades 3-7. It can be found in the Juvenile section under J DUP.

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System
Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

THE LINE by Terri Hall

In Rachel’s time the United States is a controlling, overpowering, and difficult place to live. The country has sealed itself from enemies using an invisible, yet impenetrable, border that citizens fear. However, when Rachel receives a message from someone across the Line, all of her doubts about her country and the rumors about the people across the Line urge her to break rules and go against everything she knows. While The Line takes place in a futuristic world with a post-apocalypse area outside its borders, there is nothing horrifying or scary in the book. This story is entirely appropriate for juvenile readers in grades 4+ and can be found in the Juvenile Fiction section under J HAL.

Submitted by Ms. Kristina

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System
Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/

A HAT FOR MINERVA LOUISE by Janet Morgan Stoeko

If you haven't already, you really need to make friends with Minerva Louise! This enterprising hen learns lots of stuff and in A Hat for Minerva Louise, she tries to stay warm in the snowy weather. She tries on a scarf (really a watering hose), shoes (actually a pair of work gloves) and several items that definitely are NOT good hats! She finally finds just the thing to keep her head and her tail warm. Check out A Hat for Minerva Louise (and other Minerva Louise books) at E STO and find out what makes the perfect hat for Minerva Louise. Stay warm yourself laughing at this hilarious hen.

Submitted by Ms. Melanie

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System

Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

THE SEVEN SILLY EATERS by Ann Hoberman

The Seven Silly Eaters by Ann Hoberman is the story of Mrs. Peters and her seven little picky eaters. Being a loving mother Mrs. Peters cooks each child their favorite food. As the children grow so do their appetites, but only for their own special dish. Wearily Mrs. Peters picks, peels, strains, scrapes, poaches, fries, and kneads to meet the growing demand. It isn't until Mrs. Peters birthday arrives that a present from her children solves the problem and surprises everyone. This picture book is a great read aloud and can be found in the easy section under E HOB.

by Ms Judy Griggs

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System

Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

THE WIMPY KID MOVIE DIARY: HOW GREG HEFFLEY WENT TO HOLLY WOOD by Jeff Kinney

Fans of Jeff Kinney’s Wimpy Kid series and its movie will enjoy The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary. It allows readers to go on a behind-the-scenes journey of the making of both the Wimpy Kid movie and the creation of the book series. Kinney details the making of a book to a movie from inception to completion and includes original photographs, sketches, and designs to supplement his text. The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary is an enjoyable and interesting read for children in grades 3+ and it can be found in the Juvenile Non-Fiction section under J 791.437 KIN.


Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System
Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/

OF THEE I SING: A LETTER TO MY DAUGHTERS by Barack Obama

Written before he became president, this newly published children's book by Barack Obama is in the form of a sweet and optimistic letter addressed to his daughters Malia and Sasha. As he counts down all the attributes that he sees in his girls, he provides an example from American history that illustrates that same trait - thirteen in all, representing a good mix of men and women, professions, ethnicities and races. The point is that just as these famous Americans used their talents and skills to contribute to our country's culture and advancement, young people should identify and nurture their own talents and skills as well. The illustrations are richly detailed and the back of the book contains a bit of extra information on all the historical figures. Parents can use the book to talk about their own children's special qualities and even brainstorm other iconic figures that have similar traits. Find this selection in the picture book section of your library at E OBA.

Submitted by Ms. Susan

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System

Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

DRAGON TROUBLE by Penelope Lively

Dragon Trouble by Penelope Lively is about a young boy named Peter who wants to give his favorite grandfather something different, something unusual for his birthday. When the ideal present hatches into baby dragons, Peter and his grandfather are in for more trouble than they bargained for. A fun, quick read for ages 8 through 10 and can be found in the juvenile section under J LIV.

by Ms. Judy Griggs

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System

Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

SYLVIE by Jennifer Sattler

SYLVIE by Jennifer Sattler

When Sylvie, a young flamingo, learns that the shrimp she eats makes her turn pink she gets an idea! Eating everything from grapes and chocolate to stripes and paisley, Sylvie has a grand time changing her color as she eats her way around a beach. But as we all know, too much of a good thing can lead to tummy aches as well as feeling very different from her family. Sylvie has a perfect solution to both her problems! Children can learn colors, patterns and that being different can be fun! A quick read for younger children. Find this book at E SAT.

Submitted by Melanie Pullen

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System

Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org

AFTERNOON OF THE ELVES by Janet Taylor Lisle

This story begins when Sara-Kate, the poorest, most mocked and despised girl at school invites Hillary to see the village that elves have built in her yard. Hillary can't believe her eyes. There among the over grown weeds and piles of rubbish in Sara-Kate's yard is an incredible landscape filled with minature house. Over the next few weeks, the two girls work together to make additions to the village, in the hopes of getting a glimpse of the tiny elves. But as Hillary is drawn farther into Sara-Kate's world, she learns that there are other mysteries besides the elves. Why doesn't anyone ever see Sara-Kate's mother? An why isn't anyone allowed in her house? Despite her friends' disdain and her parent's disapproval, Hillary realizes that she must make up her on mind about Sara-Kate and comes to see the good in Sara-Kate for herself. And learns that perhaps the strongest magic of all is friendship. For youths in 4th through 6th grade and can be found in the juvenile section under J LIS

by Judy Griggs

Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library

Library website: http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org