Fast Five Fiction: Library Card Signup 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. Next week is the start of Library Card Sign-Up Month. New library card holders can spin the wheel for a prize and we'll offer replacement cards at no cost. To celebrate this annual event today I'm featuring five books and series that feature libraries!

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

The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass

When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change.

Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself.

Told in turn by a ghost librarian named Al, an aging (but beautiful) cat named Mortimer, and Evan himself, The Lost Library is a timeless story from award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. It's about owning your truth, choosing the life you want, and the power of a good book (and, of course, the librarian who gave it to you).

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library series by Chris Grabenstein

When Kyle Keeley learns that the world's world's most famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello, has designed the town's new library and is having an invitation-only lock-in on opening night, Kyle is determined to be there! But the tricky part isn't getting into the library--it's getting out. Because when morning comes, the doors stay locked. Kyle and the other kids must catch every clue and solve every puzzle to find the hidden escape route!

The Library of Ever series 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 Story Collector series by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb

In the tradition of E. L. Konisburg, this middle-grade mystery adventure is inspired by the real life of Viviani Joffre Fedeler, born and raised in the New York Public Library.

The Story Collector by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb is a middle-grade historical fiction inspired by the real life of Viviani Fedeler. Eleven-year-old Viviani Fedeler has spent her whole life in the New York Public Library. She knows every room by heart, except the ones her father keeps locked. When Viviani becomes convinced that the library is haunted, new girl Merit Mubarak makes fun of her. So Viviani decides to play a harmless little prank, roping her older brothers and best friend Eva to help out.

But what begins as a joke quickly gets out of hand, and soon Viviani and her friends have to solve two big mysteries: Is the Library truly haunted? And what happened to the expensive new stamp collection? It's up to Viviani, Eva, and Merit (reluctantly) to find out.

Library Mouse series by Daniel Kirk

Beloved children's books author and illustrator Daniel Kirk wonderfully brings to life the story of Sam, a library mouse. Sam's home was in a little hole in the wall in the children's reference books section, and he thought that life was very good indeed. For Sam loved to read. He read picture books and chapter books, biographies and poetry, and ghost stories and mysteries. Sam read so much that finally one day he decided to write books himself! Sam shared his books with other library visitors by placing them on a bookshelf at night. Until there came the time that people wanted to meet this talented author. Whatever was Sam to do? The joy of reading, writing, and sharing is brought to life in this warmhearted tale.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Page to Picture

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 just put up a fun Page to Picture display in the children's department. So many children's books and series have been made into TV or movie adaptations, today I'm sharing a handful of them with hugely popular series. 

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

How to Train Your Dragon series by Cressida Cowell

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the quiet and thoughtful son of the Chief of the Hairy Hooligans, tries to pass the important initiation test of his Viking clan by catching and training a dragon. Can Hiccup do it without being torn limb from limb?

Join his adventures and misadventures as he finds a new way to train dragons--and becomes a hero. This action-packed, hilarious, and perfectly illustrated novel is a modern classic beloved by millions across the globe.

The movie adaptations are currently streaming on Hulu and Max, or available for checkout here at the library. 

The Last Kids on Earth series by Max Brallier

Ever since the monster apocalypse hit town, average thirteen year old Jack Sullivan has been living in his tree house, which he's armed to the teeth with catapults and a moat, not to mention video games and an endless supply of Oreos and Mountain Dew scavenged from abandoned stores. But Jack alone is no match for the hoards of Zombies and Winged Wretches and Vine Thingies, and especially not for the eerily intelligent monster known only as Blarg. So Jack builds a team: his dorky best friend, Quint; the reformed middle school bully, Dirk; Jack's loyal pet monster, Rover; and Jack's crush, June. With their help, Jack is going to slay Blarg, achieve the ultimate Feat of Apocalyptic Success, and be average no longer! Can he do it?

All three seasons are available on Netflix, or on DVD here at the library. 

A Tale Dark & Grimm series by Adam Gidwitz

From the first book in this series: In this mischievous and utterly original debut, 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.

Season one is available to stream on Netflix. 

The Bad Guys series by Aaron Blabey

They sound like the Bad Guys, they look like the Bad Guys . . . and they even smell like the Bad Guys. But Mr Wolf, Mr Piranha, Mr Snake and Mr Shark are about to change all of that! Mr Wolf has a daring plan for the Bad Guys first good mission. The gang are going to break 200 dogs out of the Maximum Security City Dog Pound. Will Operation Dog Pound go smoothly? Will the Bad Guys become the Good Guys? And will Mr Snake please spit out Mr Piranha?

The movie adaptation is available at the library, in both English and Spanish, or available to stream on Amazon Prime. 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney

Being a kid can really stink. And no one knows this better than Greg. He finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. Greg is happy to have Rowley Jefferson, his sidekick, along for the ride. But when Rowley's star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend's newfound popularity to his own advantage, kicking off a chain of events that will test their friendship in hilarious fashion.

The hazards of growing up before you're ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary. But as Greg says: “Just don’t expect me to be all “Dear Diary” this and “Dear Diary” that.”

Luckily for us, what Greg Heffley says he won’t do and what he actually does are two very different things.

This series has had multiple adaptations, both the live action movie adaptations and the animated version are available to stream on Disney+. The life action movies are available on DVD here at the library. 

Happy Friday and happy reading (and watching)!

Fast Five Fiction: I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!

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. The ice cream Imagination Station has been a hit this summer so today's book recommendations all center around ice cream. And don't forget, next week we have our I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream program!

The Ice Cream Machine by Adam Rubin

From the wild and wonderful imagination of the author of Dragons Love Tacos comes this hilarious, irresistible debut collection of six totally different stories with the same exact name.

In these six stories, set in six distinct worlds, you'll meet a boy and his robot nanny traveling the globe in search of the world's tastiest treat, a child mechanical prodigy who invents the freshest dessert ever, and an evil ice cream truck driver who strikes fear in the heart of every kid in town.

You'll be transported to a beachside boardwalk with an ice cream stand run by a penguin, a hilltop realm ruled by a king with a sweet tooth, and a giant alien space lab with a lone human subject who longs for a taste of home.

Each story features black-and-white interior illustrations from a different artist, including Daniel Salmieri, Charles Santoso, Liniers, Emily Hughes, Nicole Miles, and Seaerra Miller, making this book unlike any you've ever seen. So grab a cup or a cone, and watch out for brain freeze! You'll definitely want to save room for this treat.

The Ice Cream Kid: Brain Freeze

When Irwin Snackcracker leaves for school in the morning all he can think about is pizza, tater-tots, and winning first place in the booger contest. He leaps down the bannister, quickly eats breakfast before brushing his teeth and dashing out the door. Little does Irwin know, this day will change his life. He is just one brain freeze away from superpowers! When Irwin unexpectedly scores the last Fudgsicle left in the ice cream cart at school, he finds out that he is no longer an ordinary fourth grader. Taking a big bite of the delicious frozen treat transforms Irwin into "The Ice Cream Kid" who, with a steady supply of ice cream, has the ability to run at lightning speed and talk to animals along the way!

 Even though Irwin isn't sure if he wants to fight crime, he puts riding bikes with his friends on hold to learn how his new powers work. With his superhero Grandpa and sarcastic side-kick, Bert the pigeon, Irwin learns to control his powers, culminating in the ultimate showdown with Sweaty Crocker, the villainous evil lunch lady, poisoner of children.

Tales of the Dairy Godmother: Chuck's Ice Cream Wish by Viola Butler

What happens when you wish for all the ice cream you can eat? The Dairy Godmother appears to make your dairy dreams come true and to highlight dairy farming and the hard work it takes to make the popular treat.

In this fairy tale twist, Chuck gets his wish granted - poof! - by his Dairy Godmother. She transports Chuck onto his very own dairy farm - because what better way to have all the ice cream you could ever eat? With humor and heart, Chuck learns how farmers care for cows, what cows eat, and what happens to all that milk. Through his journey, Chuck gains an even deeper love and appreciation for his favorite food.

Young readers will love this "dairy tale" that details the inner workings of a dairy farm and what it takes to be a dairy farmer - and where ice cream comes from.

This book is perfect to pair with a trip to an ice cream shop, dairy farm, or to inspire kids to make their own ice cream at home.

The Giant Ice Cream Mess by Tina Kugler

When competitive fox siblings Fritz and Franny hear the ice cream truck on their street, they both imagine making the sweetest treat with different flavors and toppings. But there's just one problem: Their mom says they can only have one scoop each! Maybe Fritz and Franny need to ask Fred -- their adorable dog -- which flavor is best?Geisel Honor winner Tina Kügler's easy-to-read text and humor-filled, full-color artwork will have young readers everywhere laughing out loud!

I Love You More than Ice Cream by Becky Davies

It's time for bed, but this lucky young girl has a very special and different way to do it every night! Mommy tucks her in and says she loves her more than unicorns, chocolate fountains, doughnuts, and Ferris wheels shaped like pizzas. Grandpa loves her more than friendly aliens, and the little girl loves her grandpa more than dinosaurs in ballroom gowns on Mars. And Daddy loves her more than rainbow capes and castles made of flowers. A sweet, funny book to share with a little one at bedtime!

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Back to School

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. As the start of the school year is coming in just a few short days it seemed an opportune time to share some books and series with a school setting that may not have been on your radar.  

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

The School for Whatnots by Margaret Peterson Haddix

No matter what anyone tells you, I'm real.

That's what the note says that Max finds under his keyboard.

He knows that his best friend, Josie, wrote it. He'd know her handwriting anywhere. But why she wrote it--and what it means--remains a mystery.

Ever since they met in kindergarten, Max and Josie have been inseparable. Until the summer after fifth grade, when Josie disappears, leaving only a note, and whispering something about "whatnot rules."

But why would Max ever think that Josie wasn't real? And what are whatnots?

As Max sets to uncover what happened to Josie--and what she is or isn't--little does he know that she's fighting to find him again, too. But there are forces trying to keep Max and Josie from ever seeing each other again. Because Josie wasn't supposed to be real.

This middle grade thriller from Margaret Peterson Haddix delves into the power of privilege, the importance of true friendship, and the question of humanity and identity. Because when anyone could be a whatnot, what makes a person a real friend--or real at all?

Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan

Ana Dakkar is a freshman at Harding-Pencroft Academy, a five-year high school that graduates the best marine scientists, naval warriors, navigators, and underwater explorers in the world. Ana's parents died while on a scientific expedition two years ago, and the only family's she's got left is her older brother, Dev, also a student at HP. Ana's freshman year culminates with the class's weekend trial at sea, the details of which have been kept secret. She only hopes she has what it'll take to succeed. All her worries are blown out of the water when, on the bus ride to the ship, Ana and her schoolmates witness a terrible tragedy that will change the trajectory of their lives.

But wait, there's more. The professor accompanying them informs Ana that their rival school, Land Institute, and Harding-Pencroft have been fighting a cold war for a hundred and fifty years. Now that cold war has been turned up to a full broil, and the freshman are in danger of becoming fish food. In a race against deadly enemies, Ana will make amazing friends and astounding discoveries about her heritage as she puts her leadership skills to the test for the first time.

Explorer Academy series by Trudi Trueit

Adventure, danger, and a thrilling global mission await 12-year-old Cruz Coronado as he joins an elite school for explorers.

Cruz leaves his tranquil home in Hawaii to join 23 talented kids from around the globe to train at the Explorer Academy with the world's leading scientists to become the next generation of great explorers. But for Cruz, there's more at stake. No sooner has he arrived at the Academy than he discovers that his family has a mysterious past with the organization that could jeopardize his future. In the midst of codebreaking and cool classes, new friends and augmented-reality expeditions, Cruz must tackle the biggest question of all: Who is out to get him ... and why?

Ungifted series by Gordon Korman

The word gifted has never been applied to a kid like Donovan Curtis. It's usually more like Don't try this at home. So when the troublemaker pulls a major prank at his middle school, he thinks he's finally gone too far. But thanks to a mix-up by one of the administrators, instead of getting in trouble, Donovan is sent to the Academy of Scholastic Distinction (ASD), a special program for gifted and talented students.

It wasn't exactly what Donovan had intended, but there couldn't be a more perfect hideout for someone like him. That is, if he can manage to fool people whose IQs are above genius level. And that becomes harder and harder as the students and teachers of ASD grow to realize that Donovan may not be good at math or science (or just about anything). But after an ongoing experiment with a live human (sister), an unforgettably dramatic middle-school dance, and the most astonishing come-from-behind robot victory ever, Donovan shows that his gifts might be exactly what the ASD students never knew they needed.

Magisterium series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

This series takes place in a world where mages can draw on the elements (earth, fire, water, and air) as sources of magic. Young potential mages travel to a school called The Magisterium to study magic, hone their powers, and prepare to fight the evil source of magic in their world…chaos magic.

All his life, Call has been warned by his father to stay away from magic. To succeed at the Iron Trial and be admitted into the vaunted Magisterium school would bring bad things. But he fails at failing. 

Happy Friday, and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Sports Fiction

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. Our summer reading theme this year is Adventure Begins at your Library and we've got a ton of great books for readers of all ages. Each week we're adventuring through a different genre in children's department. With the Summer Olympics kicking off this week we've been focusing on Sports Fiction, here's a small sampling of all the sports books in the children's department.   

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

Track series by Jason Reynolds

Race through Jason Reynolds’s New York Times bestselling Track series.

Ghost. Patina. Sunny. Lu. A fast but fiery group of kids from wildly different backgrounds, chosen to compete on an elite track team. They all have a lot to lose, but they also have a lot to prove, not only to each other, but to themselves. Discover each of their stories in Jason Reynolds’s bestselling Track series.

Super Sports Society by Bryan Chick

Two best friends. One spot on the baseball team. And a giant, looming, SMELLY turd tank. What could possibly go wrong? This is the first illustrated chapter book in a laugh-out-loud funny series told in dual point-of-view that's about friendship, teamwork, and the occasional fart joke. PFFFT . Fans of The Last Kids on Earth, Big Nate, and The Secret Zoo will love The Super Sports Society.

Eleven-year-old Tommy has dreamed of being on the Bulldogs sports team forever. The Bulldogs eat, breathe, and fart sports. They’re part of the elusive Super Sports Society in his hometown, and Tommy knows that if he makes the team, he’ll be set up for life.

Meanwhile, Pel would rather be at home gaming in the air conditioning, but his mom decided that he has to “be a role model” to his little siblings (ugh!), and now he’s trying out for the Bulldogs too. At least that means the two BFFs won’t be in competition for the spot . . . right? ( Wrong .)

Join Pel; Tommy; the owner of a pickle store, Pete; a supercool girl named Clutch; a coach who wears sunglasses inside; and the rest of the Bulldogs sports team in this epically awesome illustrated book that’s packed with tons of laugh-out-loud moments.

But be warned—this book is based on a true story. Do NOT eat this many sunflower seeds at home . . . trust us.

Local Legends series by Lane Walker

Experience exciting sports stories with a purpose! The Local Legends books teach valuable life lessons through exciting sports stories. Kids will love the characters and stories that will stick with them long after they've turned the last page. Make reading a fun and enriching experience for your child!

Sports included in the bundle: Baseball, Basketball, Football, Golf, Soccer
Life Lessons Taught In Book:

Book 1: Resilience, adversity, believe in yourself.
Book 2: Humility, teamwork, forgiveness.
Book 3: Perseverance, Effort, Faith over Fear
Book 4: Self-confidence, Believing in yourself
Book 5: Aversion to peer pressure, open-mindedness

Mike Lupica books

Michael Lupica is an author and former American newspaper columnist. He first came to prominence as a sportswriters and through appearances on ESPN before becoming an author. He writes books for both children and adults on a wide range of sports. 

King of the Bench series by Steve Moore

From the nationally syndicated cartoonist of "In the Bleachers" comes a new, highly illustrated middle grade series about Steve, who plays the same position in every sport: bench-warmer. Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Timmy Failure, King of the Bench is an ode to teammates, underdogs, and bench-warmers everywhere.

Steve is King of the Bench. No brag. It's just a fact. But this year, Steve and his friends are excited to try out for the Spiro T. Agnew Middle School baseball team. The only problem is, after watching another player get beaned by a fastball, Steve has developed a serious case of bean-o-phobia--the fear of getting hit by a pitch. If Steve ever wants to get off the bench and get in the game, he's going to have to muster up some courage, and fast.

Oh, and if you're wondering why Steve would write a book and tell total strangers all about the humiliating phobia that almost ruined his first year on the baseball team? Duh. It's pretty much a rule that you spill your guts when you write a book about yourself.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Mythology

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. Our summer reading theme this year is Adventure Begins at your Library and we've got a ton of great books for readers of all ages. Each week we're adventuring through a different genre in children's department. This weeks theme is mythology so today I'm sharing 

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

Heroes in Training series by Joan Holub and Tracey West

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.

Pegasus series by Kate O'Hearn

A young girl, a winged horse, and a war of epic proportions make for an adventurous start to this series. 

When Pegasus crashes onto a Manhattan roof during a terrible storm, Emily’s life changes forever. Suddenly allied with a winged horse she’d always thought was mythical, Emily is thrust into the center of a fierce battle between the Roman gods and a terrifying race of multiarmed stone warriors called the Nirads. Emily must team up with a thief named Paelen, the goddess Diana, and a boy named Joel in order to return Pegasus to Olympus and rescue the gods from a certain death.

Along the way, Emily and her companions will fight monsters, run from a government agency that is prepared to dissect Pegasus, and even fly above the Manhattan skyline—all as part of a quest to save Olympus before time runs out.

Goddess Girls Graphic Novel Series by David Campiti

The Goddess Girls series are based on Greek mythology and depict the younger generation of Olympians as privileged tween students attending Mount Olympus Academy (MOA) to develop their divine skills.

The series focuses on four primary characters – Athena, Persephone, Aphrodite, and Artemis — as a diverse group of loyal friends. Athena is noted for her intelligence, Persephone is mysterious and kind, Artemis is bold and strong, and Aphrodite is "effortlessly beautiful". Holub writes about Athena and Artemis, Williams about Persephone and Aphrodite.

Zeus is represented as the principal of the academy, and many other gods, including Hades, Poseidon, and Ares, appear in the series. Pandora, Medusa, and Heracles appear as mortal characters. The series includes deities and characters from other mythological traditions as visitors to the academy.

Dragon Masters series by Tracey West

Dragon Masters is a fantasy series that takes place in a world where dragons and magic are real. If you are eight years old, you can be chosen by the magical Dragon Stone to be paired with a dragon. Dragon Masters and their dragons work together to discover each dragon’s special powers. Then the Dragon Masters team up to solve problems, save their land from villains, and go on adventures.

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. 

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Animal Fiction

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. Our summer reading theme this year is Adventure Begins at your Library and we've got a ton of great books for readers of all ages. Each week we're adventuring through a different genre in children's department. This weeks theme is animal fiction which has long been a staple of children's literature. Our shelves are filled with stories featuring animal characters so today I'll be sharing some some popular animal-centric series

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

Animal Rescue Friends series by Meika Hashimoto

At the Animal Rescue Friends shelter, everyone is looking for a way to belong—kids and animals alike. Animal Rescue Friends is a heartwarming, graphic novel series filled with humor and furry friendships.

Welcome to Animal Rescue Friends, where any stray can find a friendly face—furry or otherwise. This first collection of middle-grade comics includes five tales of found family: A lonely girl living in the suburbs finds happiness with a stray pit bull; a protective mama ferret and her six kits learn to trust a shelter volunteer; a shy boy stands up for himself with the help of a strong-willed bunny; a cantankerous cat helps to mend a troubled relationship; and the shelter's unofficial mascot eventually finds a home. Perfect for animal-loving kids, this adorable comics series will inspire and uplift.

 

A to Z Animal Mysteries series by Kayla Whaley

Solve Animal Mysteries from A to Z! Young clue hunters Abbi, Daniel, and Lydia sniff out the mystery behind a group of missing alpacas. Inspired by Ron Roy’s beloved A to Z Mysteries series, this spin-off is perfect for budding young chapter-book readers–and future detectives!

A is for ALPACAS ....

B is for BATS....

C is for COUGARS....

D is for DOLPHIN....

E is for EMU EGG ....

 

Jasmine Green Rescues series by Helen Peters

Jasmine Green's dad is a farmer, and her mum is a large-animal vet, so Jasmine spends a lot of time caring for animals and keeping them out of trouble. Unfortunately, this often means she gets into hot water herself… A fantastic series of animal stories for younger readers by Waterstones Children’s Book Prize-shortlisted author Helen Peters, with beautiful black-and-white illustrations by Ellie Snowdon. Brilliant storytelling that will make you laugh and cry, read the whole series to discover new animals, all on Jasmine's farm!

FunJungle series by Stuart Gibbs

Join FunJungle’s resident zoo sleuth, Teddy Fitzroy, as he solves mysteries and strives to protect the animals at the zoo with the bestselling FunJungle series from New York Times bestselling author Stuart Gibbs.

When Teddy Fitzroy moved into FunJungle, the nation’s largest zoo, with his scientist parents, he expected things to be kind of quiet. There’d be the occasional elephant stampede and water balloon fight with the chimpanzees, of course, but when Henry the Hippo dies from not-so-natural causes, Teddy suspects foul play. And that was just the beginning. He begins to realize that the zoo is far more exciting than he thought it was, and soon the mysteries at FunJungle are piling up…

Nocturnals series by Tracey Hecht

The Nocturnals features three unlikely friends: Dawn, a serious fox, Tobin, a sweet pangolin, and Bismark, the loud mouthed, pint-sized sugar glider. The stories all play out in their nighttime world with teamwork, friendship and humor in every adventure. These books are available in both chapter books and early reader books. 

Happy Friday, and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Folk Tales & Fables

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. Our summer reading theme this year is Adventure Begins at your Library and we've got a ton of great books for readers of all ages. Each week we're adventuring through a different genre in children's department. This weeks theme is fables and folk tale so that's what we're sharing today!

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

Aesop's Fables for Little Children by Susanna Davidson

A delightful collection of six stories, with lively retellings and colorful artwork by Columbian illustrator, John Joven. A perfect first introduction to Aesop for little children. Stories include well-known classics The Lion and the Mouse, The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse and The Ant and the Grasshopper.

Anansi and the Golden Pot by  Taiye Selasi

Award-winning author of Ghana Must Go, Taiye Selasi, reimagines the story of Anansi, the much-loved trickster, for a new generation. Kweku has grown up hearing stories about the mischievous spider Anansi. He is given the nickname Anansi by his father because of his similarly cheeky ways. On a holiday to visit his beloved Grandma in Ghana, Anansi the spider and Anansi the boy meet, and discover a magical pot that can be filled with whatever they want. Anansi fills it again and again with his favorite red-red stew, and eats so much that he feels sick. Will he learn to share this wonderful gift?

This charming retelling of a West African story teaches readers about the dangers of greed, and the importance of being kind. Tinuke Fagborun's colorful illustrations bring the magic and wonder of the tale to life. When you've finished sharing the story, you can also find out more about the origins of Anansi folktales. This is a beautiful storybook that little ones will treasure forever.

Fables by Arnold Lobel

Winner of the Caldecott Medal

A pig flying through marshmallow clouds? A camel pirouetting through the desert? Where else could a reader find such marvelous things but in a fable? From the author-illustrator behind beloved Frog and Toad, Arnold Lobel, comes a collection of humorous, silly fables that will delight readers young and old.

The Tale of the Mandarin Duck: A Modern Fable by Bette Midler

How do you get people to appreciate what is right in front of them? In The Tale of the Mandarin Duck, it takes a mysterious, beautiful duck and a clear-eyed kid to point out the obvious! Bette Midler's distinctive voice joins striking photos of the real duck by Michiko Kakutani and charming black-and-white drawings by Joana Avillez. This book will have readers of all ages coming back to visit the fantastical interpretation of New York City and its odd ducks--both feathered and human.

An afterword by Ms. Kakutani adds details to the facts behind this one-of-a-kind story of the Mandarin Duck.

Once a Mouse .... A Fable Cut in Wood by Marcia Brown

Marcia Brown retells an Indian fable from the Hitopadesa in this Caldecott Medal-winning tale of a mouse who becomes a tiger.

When a small mouse's life is threatened by large jungle predators, a kindly hermit uses magic to change him into a cat, a dog, and a majestic tiger. But the proud tiger must suffer the consequences when he becomes ungrateful and forgets his humble origins. Marcia Brown's magical woodcuts bring this Indian fable to life with the mastery that won her a second Caldecott Medal.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Mystery Week

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. Our summer reading theme this year is Adventure Begins at your Library and we've got a ton of great books for readers of all ages. Each week we're adventuring through a different genre in children's department. This weeks theme is mystery so I'm sharing some newer, popular mystery books.

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

Charlie Thorne series by Stuart Gibbs

From New York Times bestselling author Stuart Gibbs comes the first novel in a thrilling new series about the world's youngest and smartest genius who's forced to use her unbelievable code-breaking skills to outsmart Einstein.

Charlie Thorne is a genius.
Charlie Thorne is a thief.
Charlie Thorne isn't old enough to drive.

And now it's up to her to save the world...

Decades ago, Albert Einstein devised an equation that could benefit all life on earth--or destroy it. Fearing what would happen if the equation fell into the wrong hands, he hid it.

But now, a diabolical group known as the Furies are closing in on its location. In desperation, a team of CIA agents drags Charlie into the hunt, needing her brilliance to find it first--even though this means placing her life in grave danger.

In a breakneck adventure that spans the globe, Charlie must crack a complex code created by Einstein himself, struggle to survive in a world where no one can be trusted, and fight to keep the last equation safe once and for all.

City Spies series by James Ponti

Sara Martinez is a hacker. She recently broke into the New York City foster care system to expose her foster parents as cheats and lawbreakers. However, instead of being hailed as a hero, Sara finds herself facing years in a juvenile detention facility and banned from using computers for the same stretch of time. Enter Mother, a British spy who not only gets Sara released from jail but also offers her a chance to make a home for herself within a secret MI6 agency.

Operating out of a base in Scotland, the City Spies are five kids from various parts of the world. When they're not attending the local boarding school, they're honing their unique skills, such as sleight of hand, breaking and entering, observation, and explosives. All of these allow them to go places in the world of espionage where adults can't.

Before she knows what she's doing, Sara is heading to Paris for an international youth summit, hacking into a rival school's computer to prevent them from winning a million euros, dangling thirty feet off the side of a building, and trying to stop a villain...all while navigating the complex dynamics of her new team.

No one said saving the world was easy...

Chester Keene Cracks the Code by Kekla Magoon

Chester Keene takes great comfort in his routines. Afterschool Monday to Thursday is bowling, and Friday, the best of days, is laser tag! But Chester has one other very special thing--he gets secret spy messages from his dad, who must be on covert government assignments, which is why Chester has never met him.

Then one day, Chester's classmate, Skye, approaches him with a clue. They've been tasked with a complex puzzle-solving mission. Skye proves to be a useful partner and good company, even if her free-wheeling ways are disruptive to Chester's carefully built schedule.

As Chester and Skye get closer to their final clue, they discover the key to their spy assignment: they have to stop a heist! But cracking this code may mean finding out things are not always what they seem.

The Jules Verne Prophecy by Larry Schwarz

Owen Godfrey is spending his summer in Paris studying science fiction writer Jules Verne, the brilliant mind behind Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in Eighty Days. When Owen and his new friends find what appears to be a dusty copy of Verne's collected works in an old bookshop, they're intrigued by the hidden codes written inside. As one clue leads to another, the trio gets swept up in an epic treasure hunt spanning the city--from the depths of the catacombs to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and by way of skateboard, boat, car, and even a hot air balloon! But they quickly realize they're not the only ones searching for the hidden riches, and that there are others who will stop at nothing to get to them first.

This fast-paced larger-than-life adventure is filled with action, high stakes, and three friends who are dead set on cracking the Jules Verne mystery.

Virginia Mysteries series by Steven K. Smith

Do you remember your first real adventure? When summer was filled with magic and anything seemed possible?

When young brothers Derek and Sam move with their family to Virginia, they have no idea what adventures the summer will bring. As they explore their creaky old house and the deep surrounding woods, they uncover a sixty-year-old mystery of a valuable coin collection stolen from the local museum. Join the boys as they spend their summer running from danger and searching the woods, secret caves, rushing waters, and hidden passageways for treasure and the rare 1877 Indian Head cent coin!

Summer of the Woods is the first book in The Virginia Mysteries series. If you enjoy mystery and adventure like the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, Magic Tree House, or National Treasure, you'll love author Steven K. Smith's exciting middle-grade series. The stories are modern-day fictional mysteries with twists of real locations and events from Virginia history. These fast-paced books are popular with both boys and girls ages 7-12, appealing to even reluctant readers.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Fantasy Week

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. Our summer reading theme this year is Adventure Begins at your Library and we've got a ton of great books for readers of all ages. Each week we're adventuring through a different genre in children's department. This weeks theme is fantasy so I'm sharing 5 of our most popular fantasy books & series.

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

Keeper of the Lost Cities series by Shannon Messenger

This series has been flying off the shelves this year, as soon as they're checked in, they're checked out again. In the first book: 

Twelve-year-old Sophie Foster has a secret. She’s a Telepath—someone who hears the thoughts of everyone around her. It’s a talent she’s never known how to explain. Everything changes the day she meets Fitz, a mysterious boy who appears out of nowhere and also reads minds. She discovers there’s a place she does belong, and that staying with her family will place her in grave danger. In the blink of an eye, Sophie is forced to leave behind everything and start a new life in a place that is vastly different from anything she has ever known. Sophie has new rules to learn and new skills to master, and not everyone is thrilled that she has come “home.” There are secrets buried deep in Sophie’s memory—secrets about who she really is and why she was hidden among humans—that other people desperately want. Would even kill for.

The Story of Gumluck the Wizard by Adam Rex

Meet Gumluck the Wizard, in this new chapter book series by the inimitable Adam Rex!

This is a story about magic, if you like that kind of thing. It is also a story about a ghost with amnesia, an unpopular fairy, an ungrateful little town, and an extremely wise and helpful raven (who happens to be a pretty talented storyteller). But mostly, it is about a friendly little wizard who lives inside a big hill and really, really, really wants to be a hero. His name is Gumluck, and he is a bumbling noodlehead.

The Tea Dragon Society series by Kay O'Neill

This charming book follows the story of Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons.

After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives—and eventually her own.

Wilderlore series by Amanda Foody

A boy who accidentally bonds with a magical Beast must set off on an adventure in the mysterious Woods in this wholesome, delightful, and cheeky middle grade fantasy series. 

From the first book:
The last thing Barclay Thorne ever wanted was an adventure.

Thankfully, as an apprentice to the town's mushroom farmer, Barclay need only work hard and follow the rules to one day become the head mushroom farmer himself. No danger required. But then Barclay accidentally breaks his town's most sacred rule: never ever EVER stray into the Woods, for within the Woods lurk vicious magical Beasts.

To Barclay's horror, he faces a fate far worse than being eaten: he unwittingly bonds with a Beast and is run out of town by an angry mob. Determined to break this bond and return home, Barclay journeys to find the mysterious town of Lore Keepers, people who have also bonded with Beasts and share their powers.

But after making new friends, entering a dangerous apprenticeship exam, and even facing the legendary Beast of the Woods, Barclay must make a difficult choice: return to the home and rules he's always known, or embrace the adventure awaiting him.

The Conjureverse series by Dhonielle Clayton

Author Dhonielle Clayton makes her middle-grade debut with a fantasy adventure set in a global magic school in the sky.

Eleven-year-old Ella Durand is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute, where Marvellers from all around the world come together to practice their cultural arts like brewing Indian spice elixirs, practicing Caribbean steel drum hypnosis, and bartering with fussy Irish faeries. Ella knows some people mistrust her Conjuror magic, often deemed "bad and unnatural," but she's eager to make a good impression—and, hopefully, some friends.

But Ella discovers that being the first isn't easy, and not all of the Marvellers are welcoming. Still, she connects with fellow misfits Brigit, a girl who hates magic, and Jason, who is never found without a magical creature or two. Just as Ella begins to find her way at the A.T.I., a notorious criminal escapes from prison, supposedly with Conjurors’ help. Worse, her favorite teacher Masterji Thakur never returns from a research trip, and only Ella seems concerned about his disappearance.

As tensions grow in the Marvellian world, Ella finds herself the target of vicious rumors and growing suspicions. With the help of her new friends, Ella must find a way to clear her family's name and track down her beloved mentor Masterji Thakur . . . before she loses her place at the A.T.I. forever.

Happy Friday and happy reading!