Fast Five Fiction: New Chapter Books

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. We've had ton of new books come in as the holidays approach. This week I'm sharing five of my favorite new releases in popular series we've added to our shelves. 

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Academy: Mai and the Tricky Transformation by Kallie George

Learn the secrets to becoming a Disney fairy godmother in the second book of this new illustrated chapter book series for young readers!

Determined to earn her wand twinkles at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Ball, Mai Magicwhisp decides to do all of her spells at once. But her plan to perform the most magical transformation ever is put on hold when she accidentally turns one of her classmates, Tatia Shine, into a unicorn! Now Mai has to work together with Tatia to reverse the transformation before Tatia is stuck as a unicorn forever.

The Vanderbeeker's on the Road by Karina Yan Glaser

In this fresh adventure in the New York Times bestselling series about the beloved Vanderbeeker family, a surprise road trip turns rocky when the younger siblings try to keep their family from ever facing change.

The popular Harlem family is putting the VAN in Vanderbeekers as they hit the highway to give their dad the best birthday surprise EVER! Re-creating a road trip Papa never got the chance to take with his own father, the whole crew is packed and ready for a cross-country adventure.

Things get off to a rocky start when the car breaks down on their way to pick up Papa. But they really veer off course when Laney discovers that Jessie and Orlando are interviewing at a college once they get to California. How can they even think about leaving New York? Wouldn't that change their family? And how can she and her other siblings stop them?

Exploring themes of leaving home, embracing change, and the lessons to be learned from going to new places, The Vanderbeekers on the Road is every bit an engaging and rewarding journey.

Middle School: Winter Blunderland by James Patterson

Sometimes middle school feels like a dangerous mission in the cold, unforgiving tundra. Sometimes it literally is. Will Rafe survive his most (frost)biting adventure yet?

Things heat up at Hills Village Middle School when Rafe gets an invitation from Dr. Daria Deerwin to join a research study on polar bears. How many times in life do you get a chance to come face‑to‑face with a real polar bear in the wild? Rafe is ready to find out!

Alaska is pinkie‑freezing, hair‑freezing, snot‑freezing cold, but Rafe might be headed for a meltdown. He's spending every waking moment with Penelope, who he definitely has a crush on, and a polar bear Dr. Deerwin is tracking goes missing...with poachers on the tundra. It's up to Rafe, Penelope, and their new friends to save the day in Rafe's coolest adventure yet

Forgotten Five: The Invisible Spy by Lisa McMann

The forgotten five have made it to Estero to search for their missing supernatural criminal parents. With the help of their new allies, Lada and The Librarian, they've managed to find Birdie and Brix's mother, Elena, and free her from captivity in the presidential palace. Now the president's henchmen are searching everywhere for the children who broke out Elena, driving the group into hiding in the ancient underground tunnels beneath the city.

Meanwhile, President Fuerte is making headlines for his nighttime flights to other countries accompanied by an invisible man. But why would the president who outlawed supernaturals be working with the people he supposedly hates? And could it be that some of the five's own parents are helping him?

Never After: The Broken Mirror by Melissa de la Cruz

The Never After crew is back for another twisted adventure. This time, they’re off to Snow Country—that is, after they rescue the beleaguered Lord Sharif of Nottingham from the evil Robin Hood, who has been plaguing the land with his thievery and mischief.

But Robin’s antics aren’t the only dangers afoot in the Kingdom of Never After. At the behest of her daughter, the evil Cinderella, Queen Olga has turned Prince Charming into a Frog after his wedding to the beautiful Hortense. And how could we forget the ominous Prophecy, which still looms large over Filomena and her friends?

Along with Jack, Alistair, Gretel, Beatrice, Byron Bessley, and some new Snow Country pals like Rose Red and a chatty magic mirror, Filomena sets off to find the only ones who can save the kingdom once and for all: The League of the Seven – a group of fearless warriors devoted to fighting the ogres at any cost.

Still, new threats lurk around every corner, both in Never After and back home in North Pasadena . . . Even with the League of the Seven’s help, can Filomena and her friends rescue the land from Olga’s clutches? Or will the ogres finally prevail?

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: New Playaways

It's FRIDAY! Which means it's time for Fast Five Fiction. Each week I share 5 fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. Today's roundup features 5 Playaways that were recently added to our shelves. Playaways are all-in-one audiobooks, you just need a set of headphones to plug in and listen away. Click the title to be directed to the books in the library's catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

War and Millie McGonigle by Karen Cushman

Millie McGonigle lives in sunny California, where her days are filled with beach and surf. It should be perfect--but times are tough. Hitler is attacking Europe and it looks like the United States may be going to war. Food is rationed and money is tight. And Millie's sickly little sister gets all the attention and couldn't be more of a pain if she tried. It's all Millie can do to stay calm and feel in control.

Still--there's sand beneath her feet. A new neighbor from the city, who has a lot to teach Millie. And surfer boy Rocky to admire--even if she doesn't have the guts to talk to him.

It's a time of sunshine, siblings, and stress. Will Millie be able to find her way in her family, and keep her balance as the world around her loses its own?

Pinkalicious Audio Collection by Victoria Kann

Pinkalicious Pink, pink, pink. More than anything, Pinkalicious loves pink, especially pink cupcakes. Her parents warn her not to eat too many of them. But when Pinkalicious does, she turns pink. What to do? This sparkling collection, filled with such favorites as pink bubble gum, pink peonies, pink cotton candy, and pink fairy princess dresses, celebrates all things pink while showing that being a true person is best of all.

Lines of Courage by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The stories of five kids living through World War I, each of whom holds the key to the others' futures... if they are lucky - and brave - enough to find each other.

World War I stretches its cruel fingers across Europe, where five young people, each from different backgrounds and nations, face the terror of battle, the deprivations of hunger, and all the awful challenges of war.

Felix, from Austria-Hungary, longs for the bravery to resist Jewish deportations before his own family can be taken.

Kara, from Britain, dreams of someday earning her Red Cross pin and working as a nurse - or even a doctor.

Juliette, of France, hopes her family can remain knitted together, despite her father's imprisonment, as the war's longest battle stretches on and on.

Elsa, from Germany, hopes her homing pigeon might one day bring her a friend from out of the chaos.

And Dimitri, of Russia, wants only to survive the front, where he's been sent with no weapon.

None of them will find exactly what they want. But the winds of fate may cross their paths to give each of them just what they need.

Arthur's Audio Favorites by Marc Brown

Author Marc Brown presents a collection of his most beloved character, Arthur, in such tales as: Arthur's First Sleepover; Arthur's Tooth; Arthur's Birthday; Arthur's Pet Business; Arthur's New Puppy; and Arthur Writes a Story.

Owen and other stories by Kevin Henkes

Owen: When Mrs. Tweezers convinces Owen's parents that their son is becoming a little too attached to Fuzzy, his beloved yellow blanket, Owen vehemently disagrees. Chrysanthemum: A little mouse thinks her name is absolutely perfect until she starts school and all the kids make fun of her. A Weekend with Wendell: Wendell spends the weekend at Sophie's house, he wants to play games that are no fun for her at all.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: New Graphic Novels

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. We've had ton of new books come in as the holidays approach. This week I'm sharing five of my favorite new graphic novels we've added to our shelves. 

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Pucky, Prince of Bacon by Georgia Dunn

This just in! The adorable feline reporters at Breaking Cat News are back with an all-new sixth comic collection!

The cats of BCN are back and have they got news for you! When Elvis goes missing it’s Tommy to the rescue—but just who is rescuing whom? Stayed tuned for relaxing light baths, an intruder on the couch, adventures in laundry, Operation: Second Breakfast, an invisible cat, a new wrestler entering the ring, baby pictures of Elvis, dangerous spiders, packing peanuts galore and more! ...And what about that rumored battle with the vacuum cleaner?

Enola Holmes the Graphic Novels: Book Two by Serena Blasco

In Book 2 of the series, Enola is back on the case, deciphering clues and developing leads in each of three new mysteries. What she doesn't know is that she, too, is being pursued--by her own brother! Once again, Sherlock Holmes' brilliant, strong-willed younger sister takes center stage in this delightfully drawn graphic novel based on Nancy Springer's bestselling mystery series.

London, 1889. A woman is being held prisoner while she awaits a forced marriage. Another has been kidnapped, and yet another disappears...

As Enola seeks to rescue the three women, her brother embarks on a quest of his own. When Sherlock receives a mysterious package, he knows he'll need Enola's help to decipher its meaning. In the end, the three Holmes siblings will have to work together to answer the question that started it all: What happened to their mother?

Book Two contains three engrossing mysteries: The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan, The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline, and The Case of Baker Street Station

Cat Kid Comic Club: Collaborations by Dav Pilkey

Naomi, Melvin, Flippy, Li'l Petey, Molly, and nineteen baby frog siblings return in a new book in the hilarious and heartwarming Cat Kid Comic Club series. Award-winning author and illustrator Dav Pilkey uses a variety of techniques -- including acrylic paints, colored pencils, photography, collage, gouache, watercolors, and much more -- to illustrate each frog's creative purpose and encourage teamwork. The kaleidoscope of art styles, paired with Pilkey's trademark storytelling and humor, fosters creativity, collaboration, independence, and empathy.

The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat

STAND TALL.

BE LOUD.

GAME FACE ON.

When cheerleading tryouts are announced, Christina and her best friend, Megan, literally jump at the chance to join the squad. As two of the only kids of color in the school, they have always yearned to fit in-and the middle school cheerleaders are popular and accepted by everyone. But will the girls survive the terrifying tryouts, with their whole grade watching? And will their friendship withstand the pressures of competition?

Besties: Find Their Groove by Kayla Miller

With their first formal school dance around the corner, Beth and Chanda are on a mission to make it the best night ever. Step one? Secure the perfect dresses so they can dominate the dance floor! But when neither of them can find an outfit that lives up to their high expectations--and when they encounter unexpected pressure to find dates--these besties will need to lean on their friendship more than ever if they hope to find their groove and bust a move!

New York Times bestselling author Kayla Miller and co-author Jeffrey Canino share a thoughtful and lively story about the challenges of finding your own personal style...and how it always helps to keep your favorite person at your side. Accompanied by Kristina Luu's dynamic, expressive art, this graphic novel is the perfect companion to Olive's stories.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: New Picture Books

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. We've had ton of new books come in as the holidays approach. This week I'm sharing five of my favorite new picture books we've added to our shelves. 

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Mushroom Lullaby by Kenneth Kraegel

Here is your mushroom at the end of the day.
The sun stretches out and sets far away.

In gentle rhyme, this spare and whimsical picture book from the one-of-a-kind imagination of Kenneth Kraegel introduces little readers to all sorts of wonderful mushrooms: ones that grow up high and ones that never stay dry, ones that grow in a park and ones that glow in the dark, and even one made just for them! Who can resist climbing up the soft mushroom stair, curling up in a plush mushroom chair, and preparing to dream sweet mushroom dreams? The lulling narration and warm illustrations of this charmingly quirky book will have drowsy young ones settling into their own comfy beds, ready to drift off to sleep.

The Great Caper Caper by Josh Funk

In the fifth adventure of the Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast series, our delectable rhyming friends find their home covered in darkness and embark on a Las Veggies heist--perfect for fans of The Food Group series.

When Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast awake one morning to near-darkness, they are aghast. Who would steal the fridge light? And what if the fridge is--gasp--dark all the time? Not to worry. Our trusty heroes are on the case. Will they be able to bring the fridge back to its bright self, or will they have to live in semi-darkness...forever?

 

Twelve Days of Winter: A Wildlife Celebration by Sherri Maret

In this reimagined version of The Twelve Days of Christmas, winter wildlife is observed as the snow comes. What animals do you think you might see? Do you think bears will be included? Why or why not? The only way to find out is to read or sing along as animals watch their world get blanketed by gentle layers of snow.

Construction Site: Farming Strong, All Year Long by Sherri Duskey Rinker

There's work to do! No time to waste! All year the farm's a busy place!
Six hardworking trucks—with help from brand-new farm vehicles—have work to do in each of the seasons: planting in spring, building a barn in the summer, harvesting in fall, and finally tucking the animals in for a cozy winter. Construction enthusiasts will love this look at a farm through the year, and all the rough, tough work there is to do!

Winter Fun Anita Bijsterbosch

An interactive picture book loaded with winter fun! For snow-loving children ages 3 years and up.

Fox, Mouse, Raccoon, and Owl are playing in the snow. They want to make a snowman on top of a hill. But . . . a snowball as big as that is quite heavy. Will you help them roll the ball to the top of the hill?

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: NEW Christmas Books

It's FRIDAY and time for Fast Five Fiction. The library is getting festive in anticipation of our Holiday Extravaganza & Santa Visit. As we approach this holiday season we've got books for all ages, picture books, chapter books, and nonfiction baking and craft books. This week I've got five Christmas picture books new to our shelves. 

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

The Twelve Cats of Christmas

Celebrate the holidays with twelve adorable cats—and one kitten—with this festive feline take on the classic carol The Twelve Days of Christmas!

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave me cats:
FOUR on the gifts,
THREE dressed up,
TWO batting bows,
and a kitten under the tree.

From chasing ribbons and shredding paper to cuddling by the fire and climbing the Christmas tree (uh-oh), the sweet and mischievous kitties teach readers of all ages to enjoy the holiday season in true feline fashion. With festive illustrations and irresistible text that invites readers to read—or sing!—aloud, this charming Christmas picture book is guaranteed to delight all.

How the Villains Ruined Christmas by Serena Valentino

No one is more of a bah humbug than a Disney Villain. This Christmas Maleficent, Hades, Captain Hook, the Queen, Ursula, and Cruella are planning to ruin the holiday season once and for all! Join these dastardly Disney characters as they cause some Christmas chaos by sending their minions to ruin Christmas dinner, steal the Lost Boys presents, disguise themselves as Santa Claus, and more!

The Return of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy & Aubrey Plaza

By now you've heard the legend, all but forgotten, of Santa Claus's twin sister. Many years ago, this shadowy figure followed in Santa's footsteps, searching for him while leaving odd gifts of her own. One fateful night, they finally came face-to-face, and she hasn't been heard from since. Until now . . .

The Christmas Witch has returned.

After centuries trapped in her icy chamber, the snow is finally melting, and Kristt rn awakens. She finds that the holiday she loved is now controlled by the mysterious Kringle Corporation. She embarks on a journey to a world unknown to her, where she meets the inventive young Poppy and sweet old reindeer Donner, who agree to help her restore Christmas to its former glory. Little do they know that she wants more than order . . . she wants revenge.

In the highly anticipated follow-up to the bestselling The Legend of the Christmas Witch, award-winning producer andactress Aubrey Plaza and her creative partner Dan Murphy give the true spirit of Christmas modern and wonderfully witchy twist.

Twelve Dinging Doorbells by Tameka Fryer Brown

Every holiday, aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and neighbors come over to eat, sing, and celebrate life. But all our main character can think about is the sweet potato pie Granny makes just for her. As tables fill with baked macaroni and cheese, chitlins, and other sides a-steaming, she and Granny move the pie to keep it intact. The task becomes tricker as the room grows with dancing and card games and pie cravings. Just when all seems lost and there’s no more pie, Granny pulls out a sweet surprise.

Holiday Hunt by Margarite Kukhtina

With more than 900 festive objects to seek and find, this stunningly illustrated look and find book provides hours of fun and brings the joy of Christmas to curious young learners.

Happy Friday and happy reading!