New Lenox Library Kids!

The Emperor’s Silent Army

2012-02-02T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Emperor’s Silent Army by Jane O’Connor J 931 OCO—Imagine thousands of ancient, life-sized statues of soldiers and horses. Now imagine finding them buried underground! Who would put them there? What were they for? Discover the significance and mysteries of the stunning terra cotta soldier army of China’s first emperor over 2000 years ago.

The Secret Order of the Gumm Street Girls

2012-02-01T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Secret Order of the Gumm Street Girls by Elise Primavera J PRI—Although this book is massive, it is a fast read with many illustrations. This book depicts the truth about Oz, Dorothy, and the wizard. The girls are thrown in the middle of a great puzzle that must be solved. This book has it all; girls struggling with friends, a hurricane, and witches. This is a good fantasy book especially for a Wizard of Oz fan.

Oh, Rats!: The Story of Rats and People

2012-01-31T12:00:00.000-06:00

Oh, Rats!: The Story of Rats and People by Albert Marrin J 599.352 MAR—Revolting! Revealing! Riveting! as the back of the book says. Marrin looks at the science, history, culture and folklore of rats giving us a fascinating account of these creatures of survival.

Steve Jobs: The Brilliant Mind Behind Apple

2012-01-30T12:00:00.000-06:00

Steve Jobs: The Brilliant Mind Behind Apple by Anthony Imbimbo J B JOB—Written before Steve Jobs passed away, this biography gives good information about Jobs early career, the co-creation of Apple computers with Steve Wozniak, a “little” project with Disney Pixar and the driving force that led Steve Jobs to invent, create and peruse his dreams with stubbornness and tenacity.

Sophie Peterman tells the Truth!

2012-01-28T12:00:00.000-06:00

Sophie Peterman tells the Truth! By Sarah Weeks E WEE—This hilarious book is about Sophie telling the truth about babies and what to say if your parents ever ask you “would you like to have a little brother or sister someday?” You should definitely say NO!

When You Reach Me

2012-01-27T12:00:00.000-06:00

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead J STE—The book is set in the 1970′s and is about a young girl, Miranda, and her life. She is trying to figure out life and why her bff suddenly doesn’t want to be friends with her anymore. Meanwhile, she and her mom’s boyfriend are getting her mom ready to be on a game show all while she must walk in front of the crazy homeless man on her way home from school every day. While at first this might seem like a very typical coming of age story, it is anything but.

Shoe-La-La!

2012-01-26T12:00:00.000-06:00

Shoe-La-La! by Karen Beaumont E BEA—A very cute book written in rhyme about four girls who go looking for the perfect pair of party shoes!

Hugless Douglas

2012-01-25T12:00:00.000-06:00

Hugless Douglas by David Melling E MEL—Everyone needs hugs, but Douglas really, really needs a hug. He tries hugging a rock, a tree, a bush and some furry woodland creatures that really have no desire to be hugged by a giant bear. Poor Hugless Douglas! Will rabbit help him end his comical search for the perfect hug?

Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie

2012-01-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick AUDIO CD JF SON—He’s a good student, an all-city drummer, obsessed with music and girls, and constantly bothered by his five-year-old brother Jeffrey. Steven Alper leads the life of a typical eighth-grade boy, until the day Jeffrey is diagnosed with leukemia, and Steven’s world turns upside down.

Night of the Twisters

2012-01-23T12:00:00.000-06:00

Night of the Twisters by Ivy Ruckman JP RUC—You never know when your day can turn into the worst day of your life. For Dan and his best friend Arthur, it happens all too quickly. The day started out like any other and the boys didn’t think too much of the tornado warning that was issued. However, when the winds start howling, the sirens start blaring, and an awful sucking begins in all the drains, Dan and Arthur know that this isn’t an average warning.

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!

2012-01-21T12:00:00.000-06:00

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming E FLE—Some very persistent bunnies go after Mr. McGreely’s garden with Mr. McGreely persistently building bigger and better ways to keep them out.

Snow? Let’s Go!

2012-01-20T12:00:00.000-06:00

Snow? Let’s Go! By Karen Berman Nagel ER NAG – This cute easy reader is perfect for winter time. It is packed with simple sight words for the new reader.

Saving Zasha

2012-01-19T12:00:00.000-06:00

Saving Zasha by Randi Barrow J BAR—13 year old Mikhail and his family are struggling to survive the devastation by Germany’s conflict with the Soviet Union at the end of WWII. Mikhail finds a dying man and his German shepherd dog, Zasha. After the man dies Mikhail keeps Zasha, but it has to be a secret because it is still dangerous, some say traitorous, to own a German dog. Find out how they keep Zasha safe from others in their town and from spies!

The Trouble with Mark Hopper

2012-01-18T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Trouble with Mark Hopper by Elissa Brent Weissman J WEI—This is a funny story reminiscent of Andrew Clements stories. There are two Mark Hoppers and each keeps getting confused with the other one. But soon they are forced together and realize that they each might have something to offer the other one. This book was very funny and a good read about friendship and mistaken identities.

The Ransom of Mercy Carter

2012-01-17T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Ransom of Mercy Carter by Caroline B. Cooney J COO—It is 1704, during the French and Indian War, when Mohawk Indians attack the village of Deerfield, Massachusetts. They take 11 year old Mercy Carter and over one hundred other settlers and force them to walk 300 miles to Canada. Mercy is then sent to live with a Mohawk family and her new life begins as an adopted Indian daughter. This is a very good and suspenseful historical fiction book for older readers

How Loud Can You Burp?

2012-01-16T12:00:00.000-06:00

How Loud Can You Burp? by Glenn Murphy J 502 MUR—Do cow farts cause climate change? Will we ever ride in floating trains and buses? In this even wackier follow-up to Why is Snot Green? life’s most important, hilarious science questions are answered.

Dizzy

2012-01-14T12:00:00.000-06:00

Dizzy by Lunch Money J CD LUNC DIZ—Tunes so catchy, Mom & Dad will be singing along with you!

Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Writing Thank You Notes

2012-01-13T12:00:00.000-06:00

Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Writing Thank You Notes by Peggy Gifford J GIF—This is a hysterical book about how much Moxy procrastinates in order to not write her thank you notes. With many comedic antics and several pictures showing the outcome, this book keeps you wanting more. It reminds me of myself when it comes to cleaning my room (my mom agreed)!

Gossie

2012-01-12T12:00:00.000-06:00

Gossie by Olivier Dunrea E DUN—Gossie loves her red boots. She wears them everywhere, every day. And then one day, they disappear.

Ivy & Bean and the Ghost that Had to Go

2012-01-11T12:00:00.000-06:00

Ivy & Bean and the Ghost that Had to Go by Annie Barrows J BAR – This is the second book in the Ivy & Bean series. When Ivy & Bean discover a ghost in the girls bathroom at school every second grader in school now watches the bathroom intently. But then Ms. Aruba-Tate talks to the class about using imaginations responsibly and Ivy & Bean get an idea. It is time to expel the ghost.

The Red Pyramid

2012-01-10T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan J RIO—Carter, 14, and Sadie, 12, are brother and sister who were raised separately after the mysterious death of their mother. Carter has spent his life traveling the world with his father who is an Egyptologist. They lived out of a suitcase and never stayed in one place for very long. Sadie grew up in London with her grandparents. She is loud, wears combat boots and has colored streaks in her hair. They only see each other twice a year so they are more strangers than family. During one of their visits their father takes them to a British museum and unleashes the Egyptian god Set. Now the children embark on a dangerous journey across the globe. They learn the truth about their family and their link to a secret order that has existed since the time of pharaohs.

The Graveyard Book

2012-01-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman J GAI—This book is about a boy named Nobody Owens who is adopted by a very nice ghost couple after his family has been murdered. He is raised in the graveyard and learns everything from reading to fading. But he cannot leave the graveyard because someone is out there waiting for him and he will not be safe until he is grown. His guardian, Silas, is a strong, silent type who answers Bod’s questions and helps educate him. There are friends and enemies along the way, and though it is unconventional, this is a story about growing up.

How To Be A Good Dog

2012-01-07T12:00:00.000-06:00

How To Be A Good Dog by Gail Page E PAG—Dogs don’t want to be bad, but sometimes being good is really hard. Homework is delicious, barking is amusing and muddy paw prints just happen. Sometimes in the dog house is where you land when you’re being bad. What dog needs to teach him how to be good is cat. Sometimes you just need a cat to teach an old dog new tricks and show a dog how to be good.

Punished!

2012-01-06T12:00:00.000-06:00

Punished! By David Lubar J LUB—Logan and his friend Benedict are playing in the library when he runs into a mysterious man in the reference section. This man punishes him by causing him to speak in puns. He is getting on everyone’s nerves and must find a way to end this craziness!

The Day-Glo Brothers

2012-01-05T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Day-Glo Brothers by Chris Barton J 535.352 BAR—Do you love highlighters and other bright, fluorescent things? Read this book to learn about one bright idea – the Switzer brothers’ creation of fluorescent colors in the 1930s.

The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch

2012-01-04T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney J DEL—Tom is the seventh son of a seventh son and he is at the age where he needs to go out into the world and become an apprentice. His mam convinces Mr. Gregory, the spook, to take him on as an apprentice. Now Tom must learn all that he can about witches, boggarts, and ghosts before he makes a big mistake that can cost him his life.

Dreamquest: Tales of Slumberia

2012-01-03T12:00:00.000-06:00

Dreamquest: Tales of Slumberia by Brent Hartinger J HAR—Julie’s life is a nightmare; her parents fight all the time and constantly put her in the middle. Then Julie’s dreams become nightmares as well where her parents are pulling her into different directions. In the middle of one of her nightmares, Julie falls into a world called Slumberia where all of her dreams are filmed. Julie goes on an adventure in order to get the dream producers to stop making nightmares. Faced with a deadline to get back to her world, being chased by security, and obstacles with every step she takes, it seems that Julie will never make it to the dream producers.

The Nightmarys

2012-01-02T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Nightmarys by Dan Poblocki J POB—If you like scary books, this one is for you! It has nightmares, curses, mysteries and secret codes! 7th graders, Timothy and Abigail team up on a school project. During a fieldtrip to a museum, they find themselves in the basement and encounter a tall creepy man in an overcoat. Soon their lives spin out of control as a curse causes them and others to be tormented by their greatest fears brought to life.

Learn to Draw Princesses

2011-12-31T12:00:00.000-06:00

Learn to Draw Princesses by Catherine McCafferty J 743.44 MCC—If you like to draw Disney princesses then this step by step book is for you. It offers tools, tricks and practice techniques from artists in the Disney studios. Drawing fun for all ages.

The Candymakers

2011-12-30T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Candymakers by Wendy Mass J MAS—Logan is the candymaker’s son and he, along with three others, are entering the candymaker’s competition to create a new type of candy. The book is told in alternating points of view between Logan, Daisy, Miles and Phillip, the contestants. It was a fascinating way to tell a story and I quickly grew very fond of the characters. But this book is not only about making candy, but about secrets and friendship.

Close to Famous

2011-12-29T12:00:00.000-06:00

Close to Famous by Joan Bauer J BAU —As always, Bauer’s books are wonderful. Close to Famous is no different. She deals with real life with all its joys and sorrows. Foster and her mom have moved to Culpepper, a small, small town, in order to escape from her mom’s scuzzy ex-boyfriend. Foster immediately finds her way into the hearts of the town with her scrumptious cupcakes. She is a very talented baker. But she is hiding a terrible secret—she can’t read. But with her new friends, perhaps she can overcome her fears and learn how to be happy.

Knuffle Bunny Free

2011-12-28T12:00:00.000-06:00

Knuffle Bunny Free by Mo Willems E WIL—Follow Trixie as she travels with her parents to Holland (which is very far away) to visit her grandparents in this final book of the Knuffle Bunny series. There is a very unexpected ending to this cute story and a touching note to Trixie at the end from her father.

Hibernation Station

2011-12-27T12:00:00.000-06:00

Hibernation Station by Michelle Meadows E MEA—It’s that time of year where all of our forest friends have to snuggle down for a cold winter’s nap and hibernate. Going to sleep for these chipmunks, frogs, bears, hedgehogs and raccoons is not as easy as it should be aboard the Hibernation Express, but their troubles will have you giggling along the way. So climb aboard this cuddly train and get ready for a long cozy ride into spring!

The Composer is Dead

2011-12-26T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Composer is Dead by Lemony Snicket E SNI—A murder has occurred in the orchestra hall! Follow the Inspector as he questions each of the instruments, and then be prepared for a punny, surprise ending. Listen to the CD that’s included for an awesome musical rendition of the story.

Kringle

2011-12-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

Kringle by Tony Abbott J ABB—No one ever thinks of Santa being a boy, but long, long ago there was a young orphan boy named Kringle who fought for good at a time when things seemed to be at their darkest. Fantasy lovers and Narnia fans will eat this up as Kringle encounters elves, pirates, goblins and flying reindeer.

It’s Christmas David!

2011-12-23T12:00:00.001-06:00

It’s Christmas David! By David Shannon E SHA – My favorite character, David, is back, this time for Christmas! Follow his adventures as he learns what not to do during the holidays.

Binky the Space Cat

2011-12-22T12:00:00.000-06:00

Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires J GN SPI—Binky’s blast-off into outer space (actually, outside) to fight the aliens (actually, bugs) is delayed when he realizes he’s left something behind. And it’s not his anti-gravity litter. A perfect story for children moving from easy readers to beginning chapter books.

Go Dog Go!

2011-12-21T12:00:00.000-06:00

Go Dog Go! By P.D. Eastman ER EAS –This classic book filled with lots of sight words never goes out of style. You will find big dogs, little dogs, red, blue, green dogs. Dogs of every size, shape and color are on the go!

Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty

2011-12-20T12:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday, Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel J BRU—Another hysterical adventure of Bad Kitty! Join in the fun as Strange Kitty, Stinky Kitty and all the rest of the neighborhood pals get ready to party!

Frog Went A Courtin’

2011-12-19T12:00:00.000-06:00

Frog Went A Courtin’ by John Langstaff E LAN—You can’t help but smile when you read this book and think of Uncle Pecos from Tom and Jerry singing his version of this folk song turned book. Amazingly enough, this classic story came straight out of Scotland more than 400 years ago and tells the unlikely love story between a frog and a mouse.Read this to your kids to show them what books looked like when their grandparents were younger, and then show them the Tom and Jerry Uncle Pecos clip on YouTube to get a laugh & show them how cartoons were when you were a kid. This book won a Caldecott Medal in 1956 for best illustration.

Chickens to the Rescue

2011-12-17T12:00:00.000-06:00

Chickens to the Rescue by John Himmelman E HIM—Farmer Greenstalk and his family are having a rough week. Thankfully, their chickens are there to help them! But when Sunday rolls around and Emily spills her cereal all over the floor, the chickens are nowhere to be found. Where can they be?

Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late

2011-12-16T12:00:00.000-06:00

Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late by Mo Willems E WIL—The Pigeon wants to stay up late and it is our job to tell it no. The Pigeon comes up with many different reasons why we should let it stay up late. This very funny book makes for an excellent bedtime read, even if you are not tired!

Bark, George

2011-12-15T12:00:00.000-06:00

Bark, George by Jules Feiffer E FEI—A mother dog tries to teach her pup how to bark, and when he’s unable to produce the right sounds, a visit to the vet is made ending with a surprising result.

The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth

2011-12-14T17:05:00.000-06:00

The Boy Who Invented TV: The Story of Philo Farnsworth by Kathleen Krull J B FAR—A young genius sets out to invent something that will change the world. Philo Farnsworth was born in a time before refrigerators, cars, phones, or even indoor bathrooms, but his curiosity about how things worked, leads him to invent something we could not live without, the TV.

Atlantis

2011-12-13T12:00:00.000-06:00

Atlantis by Troy Michels J 001.94 MIC—If you like to read about the unexplained, this non-fiction book explores the story of Atlantis. Was it real or not?

Crossing the Wire

2011-12-12T12:00:00.000-06:00

Crossing the Wire by will Hobbs JP HOB—Victor Flores is only 15 when falling crop prices threaten his family with starvation. He heads north to attempt to “cross the wire” from Mexico into the United States so he can find work and send money home. In Victor’s journey he must face danger, freezing cold, scorching heat, hunger and dead ends.

The Dream Jar

2011-12-10T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Dream Jar by Lindan Lee Johnson E JOH—This is the perfect book to get your littlest friend to dream some wonderful dreams. Who doesn’t want to dream a “dreamy dream” every night? Sometimes you need a dream jar to fill up with happy thoughts to help you have magical dreams and not worry about sea monsters. This book offers beautiful, wistful illustrations that put you on a sweet path to dreamland. You may even want to make your own dream jar, just like the book.

After Ever After

2011-12-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

After Ever After by Jordan Sonnenblick J PLAYAWAY F SON—(The follow-up to Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie.) Eight years after his diagnosis, Jeff Alper is now cancer-free, and he and his best friend Tad, a fellow eighth-grader and cancer survivor, push each other to be better people. Despite dealing with memory issues and a limp, and not having his older brother Steven around for support, Jeff shows his incredible strength as he faces difficult new challenges and loss head-on.

Cirque Du Freak

2011-12-08T16:56:00.000-06:00

Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan J SHA—Darren Shan has always been fascinated by spiders so when he and his friend Steve “Leopard” win tickets to the Cirque du Freak and see the very deadly spider Madame Octa performing, he decides he must have her. After a great catastrophe, Darren makes a deal with Madame Octa’s owner in order to save someone’s life. The only problem is he made a deal to become a vampire’s assistant!

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

2011-12-08T12:00:00.000-06:00

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume JP BLU—If you’ve ever had a younger brother or sister, you will enjoy this story of Peter and his demanding two-year-old brother, Fudge, and the ever increasing trouble he makes and becomes for his brother.

Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock

2011-12-07T12:00:00.000-06:00

Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock retold by Eric A. Kimmel E 398.2 KIM—Anansi the Spider uses a strange moss-covered rock to trick all the other forest animals into giving him whatever he wants until the day Bush Deer decides to teach him a lesson.

The Amazing Life of Birds: (the Twenty-day Puberty Journal of Duane Homer Leech)

2011-12-06T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Amazing Life of Birds: (the Twenty-day Puberty Journal of Duane Homer Leech) by Gary Paulsen J PAU— In this journal Duane Homer Leech describes his observations of a newly hatched bird, nesting in his windowsill while interweaving his own story and challenges he faces while confronting puberty.

You Are Weird

2011-12-05T12:00:00.000-06:00

You Are Weird by Diane Swanson J 612 SWA—Discover some weird and wacky facts about your body’s parts, including your eyes, teeth, skin and tailbone. Find out interesting but sometimes icky information, such as “earwax was highly valued by artists years ago. To get rid of bubbles, they mixed it with whipped egg whites in colored glazes.” Ew.

How To Be A Good Dog

2011-12-03T12:00:00.002-06:00

Diary of a Worm

2011-12-03T12:00:00.001-06:00

Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin—E CRO

Read about the secret life of worms, told from the point of view of a young worm - in diary format.

Olivia

2011-12-03T12:00:00.000-06:00

Olivia by Ian Falconer E FAL—Olivia is a feisty pig who has too much energy for her own good. And she proves that time after time, from getting ready for the day to playing on the beach to going to bed. Just ask her mom!

Anything But Typical

2011-12-02T12:00:00.001-06:00

Anything But Typical by Nora Raleigh Baskin J BAS—Jason Blake has autism and the story is told through a first person narrative about how he sees the world. It is not a story with tons of adventure, but rather a story of exploration in which we learn how Jason views the world around him. He is brilliant and funny and a wonderful writer.

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice

2011-12-02T12:00:00.000-06:00

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice by Phillip Hoose J B COL—Based on extensive interviews with Claudette Colvin and many others, Phillip Hoose presents the first in-depth account of an important yet largely unknown civil rights figure, skillfully weaving her dramatic story into the fabric of the historic Montgomery bus boycott and court case that would change the course of American history.

The Secret Zoo

2011-12-01T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Secret Zoo by Bryan Chick JP CHI—Noah and Megan live next to a zoo and have their own club called Adventure Scouts. When Megan mysteriously disappears, Noah and fellow scouts Ella and Richie set out to rescue Megan. They eventually find themselves in a world below the Clarksville Zoo called the City of Species where animals have special talents and can understand what the kids are saying. This is a great read aloud and if you enjoy this book you must read the second and third books in the series, Secrets and Shadows and Riddles and Danger.

Tollins: Explosive Tales For Children

2011-11-30T12:00:00.000-06:00

Tollins: Explosive Tales For Children by Conn Iggulden J IGG—Tollins, not fairies because they are not fragile, but with wings and the ability to fly, can do many other things as well. This book has three stories in one where Tollins in the village of Charleywood find themselves learning human science in order to save their world.

A Porcupine Named Fluffy

2011-11-29T12:00:00.000-06:00

A Porcupine Named Fluffy by Helen Lester E LES –Meet two unlikely, but likeable friends. A porcupine named Fluffy and a rhinoceros named . . . What?? After Fluffy found his friend with the equally unusual name, Fluffy didn’t mind being called Fluffy, even though he wasn’t.

Tales of the Cryptids: Mysterious Creatures that May or May Not Exist

2011-11-28T12:00:00.000-06:00

Tales of the Cryptids: Mysterious Creatures that May or May Not Exist by Kelly Milner Halls J 001.944 HAL—Do Nessie, Big Foot and the Jersey Devil really exist? Learn about the scientific monster study known as cryptozoology, uncover new monsters like the Yowie and see if you believe that these creatures really do exist. Fans of cryptids will make this their new favorite book.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

2011-11-26T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger J ANG—Tommy and his fellow sixth-grade friends keep a log of stories dealing with their odd classmate Dwight and the paper origami Yoda finger puppet he wears, which seems able to give somewhat useful advice and predict the future. While some students seem to believe Yoda’s talents, Tommy’s friend Harvey doesn’t buy into the future-predicting Yoda stuff, referring to Dwight’s finger puppet as no more than a “paper wad.” Funny fiction suitable for fans of Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

The Great and Only Barnum

2011-11-25T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Great and Only Barnum by Candace Fleming J B BAR—In this biography of P.T. Barnum, showman and founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, readers can visit Barnum's American Museum, meet Tom Thumb, the miniature man , and experience the thrill Barnum must have felt when, at age 60, he joined the circus!

The Captain Contest

2011-11-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Captain Contest by Matt Christopher J CHR—This is the first book in the soccer cats series and a good choice for a reader beginning to embark on chapter books. Dewey London finds himself in a predicament when he signs up for a new soccer league that is offering a contest to come up with the team name and t-shirt logo. The winner gets to be the captain of the team. Here’s the problem, while Dewey can draw, he has a hard time making decisions and is terrified to be the captain. What should he do?

A Children’s Zoo

2011-11-23T12:00:00.000-06:00

A Children’s Zoo by Tana Hoban E HOB—This book has wonderful pictures of animals at the zoo. Little ones will love the descriptive words about each animal.

Leo the Snow Leopard: The True Story of an Amazing Adventure

2011-11-22T12:00:00.000-06:00

Leo the Snow Leopard: The True Story of an Amazing Adventure by Juliana Hatkoff, Isabella Hatkoff and Craig Hatkoff J 599.7555 HAT –An interesting true story of an endangered snow leopard and his journey to the Bronx Zoo. Cutest pictures ever!

Jade Green: A Ghost Story

2011-11-21T12:00:00.000-06:00

Jade Green: A Ghost Story by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor JP NAY—Newly orphaned Judith barely settles into her uncle’s eerie house when she begins hearing rumors about the mysterious death of a young girl, Jade Green, who had died there. Could disobeying her uncle’s strange request not to bring anything green into the house be the reason why frightening things keep happening to her? Who was Jade Green?

Monsters Eat Whiny Children

2011-11-19T12:00:00.000-06:00

Monsters Eat Whiny Children by Bruce Kaplan E KAP—Henry and Eve can’t stop arguing – even when their dad warns them threateningly that “monsters eat whiny children.” When they’re kidnapped by monsters, the two realize that maybe Dad was on to something, but it doesn’t keep them from bickering! Soon the monsters start arguing over the best way to prepare the kids for a meal – will Henry and Eve be able to put their whining aside in order to escape?

Red Blazer Girls: the Ring of Rocamadour

2011-11-18T12:00:00.000-06:00

Red Blazer Girls: the Ring of Rocamadour by Michael Beil J M BEI—Catholic-schooled seventh-graders Sophie, Margaret, Rebecca, and Leigh Ann help an elderly neighbor solve a puzzle her father left for her estranged daughter twenty years ago. The reader is provided with clues and puzzles along the way that they can attempt to solve too!

Spooky America: Four Real Ghost Stories

2011-11-17T12:00:00.000-06:00

Spooky America: Four Real Ghost Stories by Lori Haskins E 133.1 HAS—Give your younger reader a book of four ghost stories, fact-based tales of hauntings, such as a white ghost horse seen by sailors off the coast of Cape Cod, and a mysterious picture of “Aunt Pratt” that emits a tapping sound whenever it is moved from her favorite place in the old house on the Shirley Plantation in Virginia. SPOOKY!

Ramona Quimby, Age 8

2011-11-16T12:00:00.000-06:00

Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary JP CLE—Ramona finds herself miserable when her father leaves his job in a grocery store to go to college to become a teacher. Everything in her family changes and it’s her job in this family to “get along.” She finds this job difficult with a teacher who calls her a nuisance, little Willa Jean who always wants to play with her, and an attempt at cracking a hard boiled egg on her forehead leaves a goopy egg mess on her head. Things do turn around for Ramona and there is a happy ending in sight.

Family Reading Night Pajama Party

2011-11-15T17:36:00.001-06:00

Grab your parents & your pajamas for a night

of family fun with stations full of activities

to help you share the joy of reading together.

Thursday, November 17th

6:30-7:30 p.m.

For all Ages!

In the Meeting Room

Call 815-485-2605 to Register

Where’s my Teddy

2011-11-15T12:00:00.000-06:00

Where’s my Teddy by Jez Alborough E ALB—Eddie’s teddy is lost and he sets out to find him in the woods. When he finally finds his teddy, Eddie is surprised to discover that his teddy bear has grown and is too big to huddle and cuddle! Find out what happens when Eddie comes across a real bear with a similar problem!

The Sister’s Grimm: The Fairy Tale Detectives

2011-11-14T12:00:00.000-06:00

The Sister’s Grimm: The Fairy Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley JM BUC (2012 BLUESTEM NOMINEE) -Two sisters go to live with an old woman claiming to be their grandmother and discover they live in a world where fairy tales are all based on real events. After a bit of a rocky start, it is up to the girls to save Everafter and their grandmother. Friends are not always so and enemies are sometimes allies in the first book in this series. A great book and I definitely plan to read the rest in the series.

Bad Kitty Gets a Bath

2011-11-12T12:00:00.000-06:00

Bad Kitty Gets a Bath by Nick Bruel J BRU—Bad Kitty needs a bath. And she’s not getting in the tub without a fight. A very funny chapter book with lots of illustrations.

Fashion Kitty

2011-11-11T17:19:00.000-06:00

Fashion Kitty by Charise Mericle Harper J GN HAR—After a stack of fashion magazines falls on Kiki Kitty's head while she is blowing out the candles on her birthday cake, Kiki turns into Fashion Kitty, a feline superhero who saves other kitties from fashion disaster.

Mr. Peek and the Misunderstanding at the Zoo

2011-11-10T12:00:00.000-06:00

Mr. Peek and the Misunderstanding at the Zoo by Kevin Waldron E WAL—Uh oh! Mr. Peek has popped a button on his coat; is he gaining weight? Feeling sorry for himself, he heads off to his job at the zoo. When the animals overhear his mutterings, they think he’s talking about them! Is the hippo getting fat? Are the elephants really too wrinkly? Doesn’t anyone like the giraffes? Can Mr. Peek’s son turn his mood around? And will the animals start feeling better about themselves, too?

Skulduggery Pleasant

2011-11-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landry J LAN—When twelve-year-old Stephanie inherits her weird uncle's estate, she must join forces with Skulduggery Pleasant, a skeleton mage, to save the world from ancient evil creatures. The dynamic duo of Skulduggery & Stephanie is the real magic in this novel.

I Pledge Allegiance

2011-11-08T12:00:00.000-06:00

I Pledge Allegiance by Bill Martin E 323.65 BEL—Is your child saying the Pledge of Allegiance at school every day? This book should bring a greater understanding of the words and phrases of the pledge, the symbolism of the flag, and some commentary about life for Americans.

Poppy the Piano Fairy

2011-11-07T17:28:00.000-06:00

Poppy the Piano Fairy by Daisy Meadows JP MEA—This book is part of the Rainbow Magic Collection; the Music Fairies take Rachel Walker and Kirsty Tate on an adventure to Fairyland to help save the Music Fairies when Jack Frost and his goblins invade Fairyland’s Royal School of Music.

An Island Far from Home

2011-11-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

An Island Far from Home by John Donahue J DON—Joshua’s uncle, Major Robert Pennington is in charge of POWs on George’s Island. Robert has asked Joshua to write to 14 year old Confederate soldier John who is quite young, scared and alone. After much thought Joshua decides it wouldn’t hurt to write just one letter. This starts a friendship through letters and leads Joshua on the greatest adventure of his life. When the war ends, Joshua sneaks off to the prison camp to meet John.

Gregor the Overlander

2011-11-04T12:00:00.000-05:00

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Williams J COL—When Gregor’s sisters, Boots, falls down a tunnel in their dryer, he, of course, follows. He and Boots find a world under New York City inhabited by pale faced people, giant roaches, rats and bats. Gregor finds out that he is part of a prophecy and must journey with other Underlanders to fulfill the prophecy. This one is excellent on audio.

Annie Glover is not a Tree Lover

2011-11-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

Annie Glover is not a Tree Lover by Darleen Bailey Beard J BEA –Annie’s protesting Grandma chains herself to a century-old tree and names it Elmer. Elmer is scheduled to be cut down and Grandma is trying to save him. As Annie considers what Elmer means to her town, she begins to think that maybe Grandma isn’t so crazy after all.

My Daddy is a Pretzel

2011-11-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

My Daddy is a Pretzel by Baron Baptiste E 613.7046—Some kids have daddies who are builders, but sometimes daddies are trees. That is, daddies do the tree pose—the yoga “tree” pose. Explore different yoga poses from “airplane” to “pretzel” as you discover how yoga relates to everyday life.

Locomotion

2011-11-01T12:00:00.000-05:00

Locomotion by Jaqueline Woodson J WOO—Eleven-year-old Lonnie needs a way to express his feelings, so his teacher opens his eyes to poetry. Through a series of poems, Lonnie writes about the death of his parents, his life with foster mother Miss Edna and his emotions over missing his little sister Lili, who lives with another foster family. For more of Lonnie’s story, check out the sequel Peace, Locomotion.

Encyclopedia Horrifica

2011-10-31T12:00:00.000-05:00

Encyclopedia Horrifica by Joshua Gee J 001.9 GEE—Uncover the terrifying truth about all creatures horrible and ghoulish. Lovers of all things monster, alien and ghostly will delight in this lavishly illustrated book that is not for the easily spooked, but perfect for those who like to be creeped out! Turn back now while you still can!

Chee-Lin: A Giraffe’s Journey

2011-10-29T12:00:00.000-05:00

Chee-Lin: A Giraffe’s Journey by James Rumford J 599.638 RUM—Based on a true story, this giraffe’s journey began 80 years before Columbus set sail for the New World. The Chinese were sending ships to explore the world, and finding many marvelous things along the way, including the giraffe, or the chee-lin. Born in Africa, Tweega the giraffe is kidnapped from his mother, and brought, over the course of his life, on the Chinese “treasure ships” to Arabia, India, and finally to China. The reader will travel with him and meet many people along the way.

I Spy: A School Bus

2011-10-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

I Spy: A School Bus by Jean Marzollo ER MAR—Just like traditional “I Spy” books but scaled down and simplified for younger children. This series offers a combination of words and pictures a new reader will find manageable plus a picture page in which they can “spy” items.

Midnight for Charlie Bone

2011-10-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo JP NIM—If you like Harry Potter, this is a great read alike. Charlie Bone discovers he has a magical power that allows him to talk to people in paintings. He is sent to a special school where there are good magic users and bad magic users. Slowly, he uncovers information about his past. A bit easier than Harry, this is a great fantasy series.

I’m a Truck Driver

2011-10-26T12:00:00.000-05:00

I’m a Truck Driver by Jonathan London E LON—This colorful book shows different kinds of trucks and what they do, such as, a power shovel scooping up sand or a garbage truck gobbling up garbage. Children will love looking for the little girl or little boy who sit in the drivers’ seat of each truck as they listen to the rhyming text.

Wild River

2011-10-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

Wild River by P.J. Petersen J PET –Twelve-year old Ryan is not very athletic and would rather play video games then play sports. He reluctantly agrees to go on a camping trip with his older brother, never dreaming that it would turn into the most frightening day of his life.

Poodlena

2011-10-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

Poodlena by E.B. McHenry E MCH—Poodlena is puffy, pink, prissy perfection. She visits the dog park every day and watches the other dogs play and get dirty, but she remains perfect and clean. Then one day after a giant rainstorm, Poodlena accidently gets bumped straight into a giant icky, messy mud puddle—and gets dirty! What ever will she do?

Jimi: Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix

2011-10-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

Jimi: Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix by Gary Golio J B HEN—From blazing colors to mixed media illustrations, this book is a bright look into the childhood of Jimi Hendrix, who longed to use his guitar to paint the colors of music.

Babymouse: Queen of the World

2011-10-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

Babymouse: Queen of the World by Jennifer and Matthew Holm J GN HOL V. 1—The first in a graphic novel series about a girl mouse whose imagination leads her on adventures that often end in trouble, but always result in important life lessons. In this story, she does everything she can to get invited to Felicia Furrypaws’ party but then discovers that she misses her best friend who didn’t get invited.

Gnomeo and Juliet

2011-10-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

Gnomeo and Juliet J DVD GNO—A movie for the whole family, Gnomeo and Juliet has the kind of humor that the older viewers enjoyed in the Shrek movies, as well as music by Elton John. A good story with lots of action, the children, as well as their parents, will enjoy this one!

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

2011-10-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick J SEL—The illustrations in this 500+ page book do more than tell a story, they captivate the imagination and bring to life the boy that is Hugo Cabret. Recently orphaned Hugo works as the clock keeper, a skill he learned while living with his uncle, in a Paris train station. It is there that he meets a toy maker and Hugo’s life changes forever.

Life and Crimes of Bernetta Wallflower

2011-10-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

Life and Crimes of Bernetta Wallflower by Lisa Graff J GRA—Bernetta loses her private school scholarship after she is implicated in a cheating and blackmail scam by her “best friend.” Bernie spends the summer conning people to get the $9,000 in tuition money she needs and to get revenge.

Leonardo, the Terrible Monster

2011-10-16T12:00:00.000-05:00

Leonardo, the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems E WIL—Leonardo is terrible, and I mean terrible, at being a monster. He is unable to do all the things monsters can do, but in the end discovers that maybe that isn’t such a bad thing.

Hurricane: A Novel

2011-10-15T12:00:00.000-05:00

Hurricane: A Novel by Terry Trueman J TRU—A fictional account of one of the worst storms to hit the Caribbean in 200 years—Hurricane Mitch in 1998. Jose is 13 when the hurricane hits his small village and he must become the man of his family when his father and older brother go missing in the storm.