Knucklehead: Tall Tales and Almost True Stories of Growing up Scieszka by Jon Scieszka

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
We all know that Jon Scieska knows how to write for boys, now we get to see why. He grew up in a house with 5 brothers alternately trying to trick, beat up, puke on, blame and bomb each other. I read it in one hour and didn't stop laughing the whole time. Excellent book for boys who hate books. Scieska knows how to keep it short, simple, side splittingly funny, and often just gross enough for boys. I love this book, and will recommend it often.


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Buckeye Children's Book Award

The Children of Ohio have spoken, and the winners are:

Bow-Wow Bugs a Bug



Diary of a Wimpy Kid





















Rules

Check our more about the Buckeye Children's Book Award at the website.

Mock Caldecott Election

On both Tuesday and Wednesday, The Newton Falls Public Library held Mock Caldecott Elections. Elementary school children looked at a selection of books published in 2008 and chose their favorites, and here they are:

Tuesday evening the three finalists were:

Bear's Picture by Daniel Pinkwater

In a Blue Room by Jim Averbeck

The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson

And the Winner Is: Bear's Picture

Wednesday Morning, the three finalists were:

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy by Mo Willems

Never Take A Shark to the Dentist by Judi Barrett

A Kitten Tale by Eric Rohman

And the Winner is: Pigeon Wants a Puppy

Join us for the next Caldecott Election in January by joining the Caldecott Club today. See details at right.

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Willoughby children ought to have been orphans, but since they're stuck with unfeeling parents, they devise a plan to make the best of things. And as all old fashioned stories do, it works out in the end, though possibly not as you'd expect.


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Knit and Stitch

The knitting club will be meeting every Monday at 4:00 PM. New members are always welcome. You do not need to know how to knit to join us. Call to register anytime.

Book and adventure!

On Thursday, November 13 at 6:30 PM we will screen the movie Nim's Island. Anyone is welcome to come and enjoy. If you would like to read the book and join in a discussion of the story after the movie, stop by the library anytime and reserve your copy of the book. Discussion is for kids in grades 3-6 and their families. Snacks will be provided. In December we will read, discuss and watch Prince Caspian.

Knit and Stitch is Coming!

Do you need a new hobby? Want to get together with some friends, and create some really cool stuff? Join us for Knit and Stitch, our new knitting club for teens and tweens. Students, ages 10 and up are welcome to join us starting October 20 at 3:30 PM. At our first meeting we will make our own knitting needles and begin learning to knit. If you already know how to knit or crochet, bring your latest project along and join the fun. At this program, we will choose a time for weekly meetings, and discuss future projects.

Registration begins October 6. Call or stop by the library to sign up.

You can make an accessory for yourself, a really creative present for someone else, or work together to create an afghan to donate to charity. The possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas!

A simple scarf

An easy bag

A quick cell phone tote

Caldecott Club

Caldecott Club has begun. Come in to the library and sign up today. Read ten books from a selected list and win a prize. Check out the list below. Click on a title check title availability and place reserves:

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein
The Three Pigs by David Weisner
So You Want to Be President by Judith St. George
Joseph had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback
Lon Po Po by Ed Young
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
The Polar Express by Chris VanAllsburg
Saint George and the Dragon by Margaret Hodges
One Fine Day by Nonny Hogrogian
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears by Verna Aardema
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
The Biggest Bear by Lynd Ward
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Mirette on the High Wire by Emily Arnold McCully
Tuesday by David Wiesner
Black and White by David Macaulay
Hey Al by Arthur Yorinks
The Glorious Flight by Alice and Martin Provensen

Fall Pathfinder

A new pathfinder has been posted to our website. It's all about fall, apples, and Johnny Appleseed. These websites were assembled for a second grade class. Check it out here.

Life Science Pathfinder

A new pathfinder has just been posted to our website. These websites were assembled for a second grade assignment on life science, and some of them are really cool. You'll find info on endangered species, habitats around the world, and there's even a sight about polar environments from Sea World. To check it out click here. Teachers, to request a pathfinder for your class or assignment, you can access the form here.

Clementine's Letter by Sara Pennypacker

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Clementine is the B-E-S-T best. This third grader is full of fantastic ideas, and although they sometimes get her into trouble, you can be sure she had the best of intentions, and they are always fun to read about. Her parents and teacher know just how to help Clementine do her best, but can she figure out the rules with a new substitute teacher?


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Check out all the Clementine Books from Newton Falls Public Library:
Clementine

The Talented Clementine

and

Clementine's Letter

Fall Fun

I can still hear the lawn mowers going 'round outside, but each night it is getting colder and fall is on the way. I've started looking for great crafts, activities and songs for fall, and I thought I would share what I found with you! Enjoy!

Kindernature

Teaching Heart

Step by Step

Patti's Preschool Resources

Some of my favorite books for fall are:

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert

Mouse's First Fall by Lauren Thompson

Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell

Olympic Topics

Are you watching the Olympics? As I watch the competitions, I am learning about China and its people, about athletes and all the hard work that they do, and about the long history of the Olympics. If you are interested in these things too, here are some titles for you:


The Emperor's Silent Army: Terracotta Warriors of Ancient China by Jane O'Conner


Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull


Hour of the Olympics and Ancient Greece and The Olympics: A Nonfiction Companion to Hour of the Olympics by Mary Pope Osborne

Get Ready For Kindergarten

Looking forward to the first day of school? Stop by the library and pick up some of these great books to help you get ready for kindergarten.

Wow School by Robert Neubecker

Kindergarten Rocks by Katie Davis

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School by Lauren Child

Emily's First 100 Days of School by Rosemary Wells

And check out these websites for some cool crafts and activities:

Kaboose School Crafts

About.Com

And for Parents, tips on first day of school:

National Education Association

Something Great to Read

The Secret of the Painted House by Marion Dane Bauer

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Emily just wants to get away from her new house in the forest, but when she gets trapped in a strange playhouse in the woods, she realizes home is just where she wants to be.


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