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.

 

INSIDE OUT AND BACK AGAIN by Thannha Lai

  As the Vietnam War threatens her village, ten-year old Ha must flee Saigon and move to Alabama. Talk about culture shock!  Each day as she struggles to adapt, she writes in her diary in free verse (kids will be reading poetry without even realizing it), with both humor and sadness about what it’s like being a foreigner trying to fit in. This is a great book to introduce kids 8 and up to poetry because it really just reads like a diary, but with the spareness and careful word choice of poetry.  For something definitely different than Diary of a Wimpy Kid, give this Newbery Honor Book and National Book Award for Young People's Literature winner a try.  J LAI

Week of November 19

Story Time Days, Times and Themes
and Special Library Programs

Days and Times:
Tuesday, November 19
RT Jones Public Library - Family Story Times - 10:30 am & 3:30 pm
Rose Creek Public Library - Family Story Time - 10:30 am
Wednesday, November 20
Gilmer County Public Library  - Family Story Time - 10:00 am
Pickens County Public Library - Lapsit Story Time - 10:30 am 
RT Jones - Lapsit Story Time* - 10:30 am
Woodstock Public Library - Lapsit Story Times* - 10:30 am & 11:30 am
Pickens County Public Library - Family Story Time - 3:00 pm
Thursday, November 21
Ball Ground Public Library - Family Story Time - 10:30 am
Hickory Flat Public Library - Family Story Times - 10:30 am & 3:30 pm
Woodstock Public Library - Family Story Times - 10:30 am & 3:30 pm
Saturday, November 23
RT Jones Public Library -  Family Story Time - 10:30 am

Themes
Cherokee County - Sugar and Spice and All Things Nice
Gilmer County - Tough Turkeys
Pickens County -Let's Say Thanks

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.

Special Library Programs:

Christmas Crafting
November 19 @ 3 pm          Pickens County Public Library 
The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner. Join us for some early Christmas crafting to prepare for the holiday season. This  program is open to youth of all ages. All materials will be provided.

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)               November 18
Hickory Flat Public Library (770-345-7565)                          November 19, 26
Pickens County Public Library  (706-692-5411)                    November 18 
RT Jones Public Library (770-591-1491)                               November 18
Rose Creek Public Library (770-479-3090)                           November 20
Woodstock Public Library (770-926-5859)                            November 20
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.

 

DOWN GIRL AND SIT by Lucy Nolan

A fun series about life as seen by two dogs named Down Girl and Sit. They guard trashcans from intruders such as birds and squirrels, bark at paperboys and protect their masters from horrible creatures such as Here Kitty Kitty, who is bigger than a squirrel and twice as ugly. For ages 6 through 8 and can be found in the Juvenile Section of the library under J NOL.

Week of November 12

Story Time Days, Times & Themes
and Special Programs

Themes
Cherokee County - Monkey Business
Gilmer County - Furry Foxes
Pickens County - Argh! Pirates!
Days and Times
Tuesday, November 12
RT Jones - Family Story times - 10:30 am & 3:30 pm
Rose Creek - Family Story time - 10:30 am
Wednesday, November 13
RT Jones - Lapsit Story times* - 10:30 am
Woodstock - Lapsit Story times* - 10:30 am & 11:30 am
Gilmer - Family Story time - 10:00 am
Pickens - Lapsit Story time - 10:30 am
Pickens - Family Story time - 3:00 pm
Thursday, November 14
Ball Ground - Family Story time - 10:30 am
Hickory Flat - Family Story times - 10:30 am & 3:30 pm
Woodstock - Family Story times - 10:30 am & 3:30 pm
Saturday, November 16
Gilmer - Family Story time - 10:30 am
RT Jones - Family Story time - 10:30 am

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 often feature books, songs 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 often feature stories, music, rhymes and a free craft activity. Saturday story times are a repeat performance of that week's story times.

Special Programs 

LEGO Club
November 17 @ 3:00            Woodstsock Public Library

The LEGO Club meets once a month with a different theme each month. Children work individually or with a team to construct their LEGO masterpieces. Their creations will be on display until the next meeting. Children of all ages are invited to participate; 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Reading Dogs

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. 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)               November 4,18
Hickory Flat Public Library (770-345-7565)                          November 5, 12, 19, 26
Pickens County Public Library  (706-692-5411)                    November 18 
RT Jones Public Library (770-591-1491)                               November 4,18
Rose Creek Public Library (770-479-3090)                           November 6, 13, 20
Woodstock Public Library (770-926-5859)                            November 6, 13, 20

THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM -1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis

Curtis’ Newbery Honor book is great read for young readers ages 9 and older, especially with the 50^th anniversary of the Birmingham Church Bombing having occurred this September.  The bombing and violence is not, however, the focus of this book; instead readers will enjoy the silly situations and messes that 10-year-old Kenny finds himself facing.  Young boys (and girls alike) will commiserate and laugh right along with Kenny and his family, even though this story takes place in 1963.  Curtis’ writing style is easy to read, and his portrayal of racial tensions and the violence of the time is well done and age appropriate.  This book can be found in the Juvenile Section under J CUR, and the audio version, read by actor LeVar Burton, can be found there as well under C J CUR.

Week of November 5

Story Time Days, Times and Themes
and Special Library Programs

Days and Times:
Tuesday, November 4
RT Jones Public Library - Family Story Times - 10:30 am & 3:30 pm
Rose Creek Public Library - Family Story Time - 10:30 am
Wednesday, November 5
Gilmer County Public Library  - Family Story Time - 10:00 am
Pickens County Public Library - Lapsit Story Time - 10:30 am 
RT Jones - Lapsit Story time* - 10:30 am
Woodstock Public Library - Lapsit Story Times* - 10:30 am & 11:30 am
Pickens County Public Library - Family Story Time - 3:00 pm
Thursday, November 6
Ball Ground Public Library - Family Story Time - 10:30 am
Hickory Flat Public Library - Family Story Times - 10:30 am & 3:30 pm
Woodstock Public Library - Family Story Times - 10:30 am & 3:30 pm
Saturday, November 9
RT Jones Public Library -  Family Story Time - 10:30 am

Themes
Cherokee County - Pick-a-Pet
Gilmer County -Turtle Tales
Pickens County - Duck into a Good Book

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.

Special Library Programs:

Homeschool Project Fair
November 4 @ 9:30 to 11:00 Pickens County Public Library

Pickens County Public Library is hosting a project fair for homeschool students of all ages. Youth can bring in a project of their choice that they have been working on this school year. Projects may be displayed during this time and participants have the opportunity to share what they've learned. Registration is required for this event and opens on October 14. Please call the Pickens County Library with questions or to register.

Dork Diaries of a Wimpy Kid
November 5 @ 4:30 Rose Creek

Come get your nerd on like Nikki Maxwell and Greg Hefley! Fans, ages 9-12 years old, of the Dork Diaries and Wimpy Kid series will enjoy trivia, activities, and crafts related to these books. Space is limited, and registration is required.

LEGO Club
November 5 @ 3:30 Pickens County Public Library

The Pickens County Public Library is starting its very own LEGO Club. Youth of all ages are invited to build their very own LEGO masterpiece. All LEGOs are provided by the library. DUPLO blocks will be available for our youngest patrons. Children 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
November 9 @ 2:00 Gilmer County Public Library
Our LEGO Club meets once every month with a different theme each month. Children work individually or with a team to construct their LEGO masterpieces. Their creations will be on display until the next meeting. Children of all ages are invited to participate.

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)               November 4,18
Hickory Flat Public Library (770-345-7565)                          November 5, 12, 19, 26
Pickens County Public Library  (706-692-5411)                    November 18 
RT Jones Public Library (770-591-1491)                               November 4,18
Rose Creek Public Library (770-479-3090)                           November 6, 13, 20
Woodstock Public Library (770-926-5859)                            November 6, 13, 20
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.

THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman

Grade 5-8 readers love ghost stories! What could be "ghosty-er" than being raised by ghosts! "Nobody" is the main character of The Graveyard Book and is raised by an abandoned graveyard full of ghosts from the time he crawls into the graveyard escaping his family's murderer until he eventually confronts the man as a teen. There is even a character who is neither living nor dead who is able to walk among the living and make sure he has food, books, and clothes, even though they aren't what normal kids wear. As Nobody grows he comes in contact with real people and eventually he must escape the villain who discovers him living among the friendly ghosts. This book is scary without being gruesome and has all the elements of suspense to keep you wanting to turn the page. The Graveyard Book won the Newbery Award in 2009 and can be found at J GAI.

ALIENS ARE COMING! by Meghan McCarthy

Few kids today are familiar with the famous War of the Worlds radio broadcast that terrified the nation back in 1938. But on that Halloween eve, many Americans did indeed panic when they tuned in to hear their favorite radio program and instead heard Orson Welles’ realistic radio play warning that Martians had landed on earth and were taking over. McCarthy’s picture book explains to today’s tech-savvy and sophisticated youngsters how so many Americans could be duped by a simple radio performance adapted from the H. G. Wells’ novel. This is a perfect nonfiction selection to read on the 75th anniversary of the real event; the text is brief and the illustrations include googly-eyed slimy aliens that are more funny than frightening. Find this book in the Juvenile Nonfiction section at J 791.447 MCC.