Monday, June 29, 2020

Mythical Creature Mondays: Gnomes


A Brief History

The gnome is a mythological creature or diminutive spirit that was first introduced by Paraclesus in the 16th century and later adopted by many authors in fantasy literature. In L. Frank Baum's Oz series they are the chief adversaries of the Oz people. They've also made appearances in works by J.R.R. Tolkien, the Warcraft franchise, and C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. It's exact characteristics have been reinterpreted to suit the needs of various story tellers, but it is typically said to be a small humanoid that lives underground. 

After World War II the small figures were introduced as lawn ornaments and became known as garden gnomes.  This is how we often see them depicted in books and media today. The gnomes in the Harry Potter series are just one recent example of garden gnomes being used in literature. 

Want to read more about Gnomes? Check out one of these books. Click on the link to be taken to the Library catalog to request materials. 

Picture Books


How to Grow Happiness by Kelly DiPucchio


Friday, June 26, 2020

Fast Five Fiction: Fairy Tale Inspired Series


It's FRIDAY! Which means it's time for Fast Five Fiction. Each week I'll be sharing 5 fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. This week I've got some Fairy Tale Retellings! In the last decade there has been a huge influx of fairy tale inspired literature, and I'll be sharing five of my favorite series. Click the title to be directed to the library's catalog.


The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley


Sabrina and Daphne Grimm have gone through a series of foster homes after their parents disappear. They have been treated as maids, servants, and other things that children shouldn't be. They've been abused and ignored because they have a harsh and uncaring caseworker, Ms. Smirt. After all of their trouble, they end up in the care of their long-lost and supposedly dead grandmother whom Sabrina believes is crazy. They soon find that they are living in a town of Everafters, live characters form fantasy and fairy tales.  Their family business is working as detectives, who solve mysteries that might be connected to the disappearance of their parents. Unluckily for them, an evil group of Everafters, called The Scarlet Hand, are determined to find a way out of the barrier and take over the world. This barrier stops the Everafters in Ferryport Landing from leaving.  The only way to destroy the barrier is if all the Grimms leave the town of if they all die. 


*** Join us for a Virtual Book Chat on July 15 about the first book in this series The Fairy Tale Detectives. To participate, read the book on Hoopla and sign up by clicking here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a054eaba92ca6f58-virtual


The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer


Alex and Conner Bailey's world is about to change.When the twins’ grandmother gives them a treasured fairy-tale book, they have no idea they’re about to enter a land beyond all imagining: the Land of Stories, where fairy tales are real.But as Alex and Conner soon discover, the stories they know so well haven’t ended in this magical land—Goldilocks is now a wanted fugitive,Red Riding Hood has her own kingdom,and Queen Cinderella is about to become a mother!The twins know they must get back home somehow. But with the legendary Evil Queen hot on their trail, will they ever find the way?The Land of Stories brings readers on a thrilling quest filled with magic spells, laugh-out-loud humor, and page-turning adventure.


The Main Series

Companion Books


This series is also available in Spanish and on Audiobook CD as well as available on Overdrive. 

Whatever After by Sarah Mlynowski



Siblings Abby and Jonah have a magic mirror that leads them into different fairy tales, from Snow White to Rapunzel to the Little Mermaid. In each fairy tale, Abby and Jonah accidentally mess up the story — and hilarity and hijinks ensue! 


Watch the Series YouTube trailer here.

To view the 15 titles on our website, or to place a hold click here.


Far Out Fairy Tales Graphic Novel Series



What do you get when classic fairy tales are twisted about, turned inside out, and reworked for the graphic novel format? Far Out Fairy Tales! discover what Snow White would be like if she were raised by robots. Find out how Cinderella's story plays out when she walks the path of the ninja. Play along when three billy goats named Gruff get stuck inside a video game. Chase down the Big Bad Wolf with the help of a super-powered Red Riding Hood! Each fairy tale revision holds true to the spirit of the original while adding a modern twist to the classic tales we know and love. Experience fairy tales like never before in this modern twist to the classic tales we know and love. 

Hansel & Gretel & Zombies by Benjamin Harper
Red Riding Hood, Superhero by Otis Frampton
Rapunzel vs. Frankenstein by Martin Powell
Super Billy Goats Gruff by Sean Tulien
Ninja-rella by Joey Comeau

The Grimm Series by Adam Gidwitz


In this mischievous and utterly original series, Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm-inspired tales. As readers follow the siblings through a forest brimming with menacing foes, they learn the true story behind (and beyond) the bread crumbs, edible houses, and outwitted witches. Fairy tales have never been more irreverent or subversive as Hansel and Gretel learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after. A Tale Dark & Grimm was nominated for the Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award in 2012. 

 


Happy Friday and happy reading!





Monday, June 22, 2020

Mythical Creature Mondays: Griffins


The Griffin (also spelled griffon or gryphon) is a legendary creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion, the head and wings of an eagle, and most often, an eagle's talons as its front feet. Because the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts, and the eagle the king of the birds, by the Middle Ages, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. During the Persian Empire the griffin was also seen as a protector from evil.  

To read more about Griffins check out one of these books:





The Castle Glower Series by Jessica Day George


The Griffin's Riddle part of the imaginary veterinary series 


Friday, June 19, 2020

Fast Five Fiction: Mythology



It's FRIDAY! Which means it's time for Fast Five Fiction. Each week I'll be sharing 5 fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. This week I've got 5 of my favorite mythology series that would be perfect for summer reading for all ages. Click the title to be directed to the library's catalog.


Mini Myths by Joan Holub

The Mini Myths board book series puts a modern spin on ancient Greek mythology for preschoolers. Leslie Patricelli’s depictions of the physical comedy bring a lively visual narrative to Joan Holub’s expertly focused text. Each book includes a short summary of the original myth at the end. Perfect for babies, toddlers, and even early elementary students. 


Heroes in Training by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams


The terrible Titans—merciless giants who enjoy snacking on humans—have dominated the earth and put the world into chaos. But their rule is about to be put to the test as a group of young Olympians discover their powers and prepare to righteously rule the universe. These early chapter books are perfect for elementary age students.


Tales from the Odyssey series by Mary Pope Osborne

When Odysseus must leave his home to fight the Trojan War, he never imagines that he'll be away from his family for so many year. Now, at long last, he is leading his men home across the seas, but many dangers await them. This 6 book series retelling Homer's The Odyssey is perfect for upper elementary and middle school students. 


Rick Riordan's Mythology Series

While teaching English and History full time, Rick Riordan began writing mystery novels for grown ups. He turned to children's fiction when he started The Lightning Thief as a bedtime story for his oldest son. He continued on writing other stories based in Greek Mythology in the Percy Jackson Series and then the Heroes of Olympus, which is a blend of Greek and Roman Mythology. The Kane Chronicles features characters in Egyptian Mythology and the Magnus Chase series centers around Norse Mythology. His latest series, the Trials of Apollo is told in the perspective of the Greek God, Apollo. Today over one hundred millions copies of his books are in print in the United states. The books do present some life and death situations and are geared towards a slightly older audience so they are available in the YA department. Any violence present is not gratuitous.


Rick Riordan Presents:


A new imprint from Rick Riordan called,  "Rick Riordan Presents" was launched in March 2018, highlighting cultures and mythologies from around the world. Riordan saw that there was a lot of interest in reading fantasy adventures based on different world mythologies, but also knew he wasn’t the best person to write them.His goal was to publish great books by middle grade authors from underrepresented cultures. They know their mythologies better than he does and it allows them to tell the stories inspired by the mythology and folklore of their own heritage. his role is more like a curator, finding authors that he felt like he could recommend to his readers. These books are for upper elementary on up. (I'm an adult and I still enjoy them!) 

Pandava Quartet by Roshani Chokshi (Hindu Mythology)
The Storm Runner series by J.C. Cervantes (Mayan Mythology)
Sal & Gabi series by Carlos Hernandez (Cuban Mythology)
Tristan Strong series by Kwame Mbalia (African American Mythology)
Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse (Navajo Mythology)
Paolo Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia (Mexican Mythology)
Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee (Korean Mythology)


Happy Friday and happy reading!








Wednesday, June 17, 2020

NEW Playaway titles

Looking to cross off "Listen to a Playaway or Audiobook" off of your Summer Reading BINGO sheet? Check out one of these Playaways new to our shelves. 

Audiobooks definitely count as reading! You're just reading with your ears instead of with your eyes. There are a ton of great advantages to listening to audiobooks. First of all, grammatically correct and sophisticated language patterns are stored better in the brain when they come in through the ears rather than through the eyes. You are hearing the words in order rather than your eyes skipping around the page as you read. Especially for younger children, listening to a story is much more satisfying than reading it because a child's listening ability and comprehension ability are typically well above their reading level. They can listen to, and understand, books that they may not be able to read yet. 

Picture Books


Two story collections in one volume! Perfect for bedtime, this edition of the popular Bedtime Favorites storybook collection features over twenty stories to re-create the movie magic of the most beloved Disney films.

Few words pack a lot of punch in this delightful story about bedtime rituals. There will be no pouting or shouting or moping or moaning when the lights go out because dinosaur kids everywhere will want to hear this production again and again.

Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne
The adventures of Christopher Robin and his friends in which Pooh Bear uses a balloon to get honey, Piglet meets a Heffalump, and Eeyore has a birthday.

Chapter Books


From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
With equal parts mystery and heart, this middle grade debut by Janae Marks follows Zoe Washington after she receives an unexpected letter on her twelfth birthday from the incarcerated father shes never met and her courageous journey to uncover the truth about his crime.

Anna of Arendelle wants nothing more than to be helpful to her older sister, Elsa. But as far as Anna can see, ever since Elsa's coronation, her sister has been doing just fine without her. And now, Elsa will be setting sail for a grand tour of the world--leaving Anna behind. But a mysterious sickness strikes Arendelle, and Elsa's tour is delayed, giving Anna the perfect opportunity to finally help. When Anna discovers a secret room in the castle and incants a magic spell, she hopes it will make her dream of curing the sickness come true. Instead, a more sinister dream comes to life.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
Sixth grader Greg Heffley doesn't understand his annoying younger brother, obnoxious older one, or well-meaning parents. But he knows enough to record his daily thoughts in a manly journal-not some girly diary. In a unique novel brimming with laugh-out-loud moments, Greg chronicles his first turbulent year of middle school.

Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker
From the author of the highly acclaimed, New York Times bestselling novel Pax comes a gorgeous and moving new middle grade novel about two kids who spend a summer creating a world of their own lot and along the way discover strengths and gifts they never knew they had.

Space Case by Stuart Gibbs
It's a murder mystery on the moon in this humorous and suspenseful space adventure from Stuart Gibbs. Like his fellow lunarnauts-otherwise known as Moonies-living on Moon Base Alpha, twelve-year-old Dashiell Gibson is famous the world over for being one of the first humans to live on the moon. And he's bored out of his mind. Kids aren't allowed on the lunar surface, meaning they're trapped inside the tiny moon base with next to nothing to occupy their time-and the only other kid Dash's age spends all his time hooked into virtual reality games. Then Moon Base Alpha's top scientist turns up dead. Dash senses there's foul play afoot, but no one believes him. Everyone agrees Dr. Holtz went onto the lunar surface without his helmet properly affixed, simple as that. But Dr. Holtz was on the verge of an important new discovery, Dash finds out, and it's a secret that could change everything for the Moonies-a secret someone just might kill to keep...

Remarkables by Margaret Peterson Haddix
An absorbing and thought-provoking novel about two children who come upon an intriguing mystery next door—magical teenagers they call the Remarkables—only to discover how their own past, present, and future are intertwined with their neighbors. Haddix fans are sure to enjoy this new offering from the master of plot twists!

The first book in a new series from the beloved author of the Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom is a rip-roaring alternate-history romp set in New York during the age of invention, starring the world's most famous inventors--and its most forgotten. 

A Tale of Magic by Chris Colfer
In this new series set in the Land of Stories universe fourteen-year-old Brystal Evergreen has always known she was destined for great things--that is, if she can survive the oppressive Southern Kingdom. Her only escape are books, but since it's illegal for women to read in her country, she has to find creative ways of acquiring them. Working as a maid at her local library gives her the perfect excuse to be near them and allows her to sneak a few titles home when no one is looking. But one day Brystal uncovers a secret section of the library and finds a book about magic that changes her life forever. Magic is despised and outlawed throughout the world--Brystal is well aware of the severe consequences the book may bring--but her curiosity gets the best of her. By reading some of the text aloud, strange phenomena begin to occur and Brystal discovers she is capable of magic! And the more she practices it, the harder it becomes to hide.

A Book and Links to Explore if you want to know more about Audio Books for Kids


The Read Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie


Friday, June 12, 2020

Fast Five Fiction: New Books for June


It's FRIDAY! Which means it's time for Fast Five Fiction. Each week I'll be sharing 5 fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. This week I've got 5 books new to our shelves that you may want to check out! Click the title to be directed to the library's catalog. 


    The Library of Ever by Zeno Alexander

With her parents off traveling the globe, Lenora is bored, bored, bored―until she discovers a secret doorway into the ultimate library. Mazelike and reality-bending, the library contains all the universe’s wisdom. Every book ever written, and every fact ever known, can be found within its walls. And Lenora becomes its newly appointed Fourth Assistant Apprentice Librarian.
She rockets to the stars, travels to a future filled with robots, and faces down a dark nothingness that wants to destroy all knowledge. To save the library, Lenora will have to test her limits and uncover secrets hidden among its shelves.



The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate

Return to the unforgettable world of the Newbery Medal-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling novel The One and Only Ivan (soon to be a major motion picture!) in this incredible sequel, starring Ivan’s friend Bob!
Bob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister with the help of his two best friends, Ivan and Ruby. As a hurricane approaches and time is running out, Bob finds courage he never knew he had and learns the true meaning of friendship and family.


TaleSpinners: Saving Fable by Scott Reintgen

Side characters can be heroes too in this charming and fast-paced adventure that is The Land of Stories meets The Phantom Tollbooth!

Indira has been a character-in-waiting her entire life. So she can't believe her luck when she's finally chosen to travel to Fable and study at the renowned Protagonist Preparatory, a school known for producing the best heroes.

But Indira's dreams of achieving hero status don't exactly go as planned. A failed audition lands her in the school's side-character track, and her best efforts to prove advisors--famous characters like Alice from Wonderland and Professor Darcy--wrong are constantly sabotaged. Indira is starting to feel like an evil antagonist might be to blame.

As the danger spreads, Indira discovers all of Fable is under siege. With her friends Maxi and Phoenix by her side, she pieces together clues that will reveal who is behind the dark magic threatening them all. But the more Indira uncovers, the more doubt she feels about her place in this world of stories. After all, can a side character really save the day?



Spark and the League of Ursus by Robert Repino

Toy Story meets Stranger Things in this epic tale of warrior teddy bears and the children they protect.

Spark is not your average teddy bear. She’s soft and cuddly, sure, but she’s also a fierce warrior. At night she fulfills her sacred duty: to protect the household from monsters. But Spark’s owner Loretta is growing up and thinks she doesn’t need her old teddy anymore. 


When a monster unlike any other descends on the quiet home, everything changes. Children are going missing, and the monster wants Loretta next. Only Spark can stop it. She must call upon the ancient League of Ursus—a secret alliance of teddy bears who are pledged to protect their human friends. Together with an Amazon-princess doll and a timid sock monkey, the bears are all that stands between our world and the one that lies beneath. It will be a heroic chapter in the history of the League . . . if the bears live to tell the tale



Lupin Leaps In: A Breaking Cat News Adventure by Georgia Dunn

Lupin Leaps In is a brand-new comic collection for middle grade readers!  This just in: Three adorable house cats are reporting the most hilarious breaking news! Based on author/illustrator Georgia Dunn’s real-life pets, Elvis, Lupin, and Puck strap on neckties and pick up microphones to provide the most up-to-date relevant news stories (at least according to them).

Picking up where they last left off in Breaking Cat News, are Elvis, Puck, and Lupin reporting on the breaking news that matters to cats. Cynical, no-nonsense Elvis and shy, sweet, sensitive Puck are the reporter kitties in the field, while the adventurous jokester Lupin serves as anchor cat. Together, they're back to break headlines on mysterious man "tails," all things holiday-related, new cat friends, and all the daily happenings in and outside their home. 

The super fun "More to Explore" section includes how to draw the BCN news crew, how to draw expressions, how to draw your pet as a reporter, and paper dolls of the crew, along with props and extras!


Happy Friday and happy reading!

Monday, June 8, 2020

Mythical Creature Mondays: Unicorns!

Who doesn't love Unicorns? How could you resist such a majestic animal with a large, pointed, spiraling horn projecting from its forehead! The unicorn is a legendary creature that has been described since antiquity. The first written account of a unicorn in Western literature came from the Greek doctor Ctesias in the 4th century BCE. Thousands of years later, the unicorn continues to hold a place in popular culture, often used as a symbol of fantasy or rarity. Rumors vary as to what powers unicorns have. In most mythology, unicorns' horns (alicorns) could purify water, heal any wounds, grant wishes, and indicate the presence of poison. Drinking out of a cup made from an alicorn could cure any disease. In the Harry Potter stories, "The blood of a unicorn will keep you alive, even if you are an inch from death."

Books to check out if you want to learn more about unicorns:



Unicorns by Theresa Alberti


Unicorns 101 by Cale Atkinson

Books to check out if you want to read stories about unicorns:



 The Phoebe and her Unicorn series by Dana Simpson


The Unicorn Rescue Society by Adam Gidwitz


Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey


Unicorn Day  by Diana Murray


Uni the Unicorn by Amy Krouse Rosenthal


The Unicorn Quest series by Kamilla Benko


 The Unicorn Princesses series by Emily Bliss

Craft Ideas

20 Unique Unicorn Crafts from Artsy Crafty Mom
52 Awesome DIY Unicorn Crafts from Kids Love WHAT

Fast Five Fiction: Mental Health Awareness Month

It's Friday and time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme....