Cold in Summer

Cold in Summer by Tracy Barrett J BAR—If you enjoy ghost stories, read about how Ariadne and her family move to a Tennessee town near a former farming community that was submerged by a man-made lake. 

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave

Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill J B DAV—This simple, elegantly illustrated biography details the life of Dave the Potter, a slave with extraordinary skills as an artist, potter and poet.

Dog’s Colorful Day

Dog’s Colorful Day by Emma Dodd E DOD—When dog decides to take a walk, he gets very messy from all the wonderful things he sees, smells and tastes.

Happy Birthday, America!

Happy Birthday, America! by Marsha Wilson Chall E CHA - This delightful picture book articulately describes the typical American’s 4^th of July celebration from the viewpoint of a nine year-old girl who tries to memorize the names of her relatives from pictures because she has not seen them in so long and they are coming from all over the country to celebrate together.  Collectively they attend a parade at city hall, then have a picnic with a red, white and blue United States shaped jello and lemonade.  After all that they race off to the lake for a swim but Grandpa reminds them to let their food digest before jumping off the dock.  Once the watermelon comes out there is, of course, a seed spitting contest.  No 4^th of July would be complete without fireworks over the lake, the perfect way to say Happy Birthday America!

Diary of a Worm

Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin E CRO—One of the funniest books ever!  Look at the world from a worm’s point of view.   The red-capped main character tells us, “It’s not easy being a worm.”  We learn that one of the bad things is that worms can’t chew gum, but then a good thing is that they can never get cavities.  This is just one among other facts of “worm life!”

The Girl in the Castle Inside the Museum

The Girl in the Castle Inside the Museum by Kate Bernheimer E BER—There is a young girl who lives inside a castle, inside a glass globe, inside a museum.  Children who visit this museum spend their time searching for the little girl living inside this castle. Can you see her?  She can see you. This book features beautiful, enchanting illustrations and will draw children and adults alike into its magical world.

Always in Trouble

Always in Trouble by Corinne Demas E DEM—Emma’s dog Toby is always in trouble, and Emma knows he needs training…or else! So she takes him to Ms. Katz’s Dog Training School, and even though Toby is the best dog there, he’s still bad at home. Finally, an extra week with Ms. Katz sets him straight. But can a dog really be good all the time?