Fast Five Fiction: New Playaways

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 playaways continue to hugely popular and we continue to add to the collection. We just had some new one come in so this week I'll be sharing a handful of our new Playaways. 

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

The Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer

Through the mysterious powers of a cherished book of stories, twins Alex and Conner leave their world behind and find themselves in a foreign land full of wonder and magic where they come face-to-face with the fairy tale characters they grew up reading about. But after a series of encounters with witches, wolves, goblins, and trolls, getting back home is going to be harder than they thought.

Big Tree by Brian Selznick

A mysterious voice has been speaking to Louise in her dreams. She and her brother Merwin are Sycamore seeds, who hope to one day set down roots and become big trees. But when a fire forces them to leave their mama tree prematurely, they find themselves catapulted into the unknown, far from home. Alone and unprepared, they must use their wits and imagination to navigate a dangerous world--filled with dinosaurs, meteors, and volcanoes!--and the fear of never finding a safe place to grow up. As the mysterious voice gets louder, Louise comes to realize their mission in life may be much bigger than either of them ever could have imagined!

Brimming with humor, wonder, mystery, and a profound sense of hope, Big Tree is a trailblazing adventure, illustrated with nearly 300 pages of breathtaking pictures. It is Selznick's most imaginative and far-reaching work to date and a singular reading experience for the whole family.

The audiobook edition of BIG TREE is brought magnificently to life by Meryl Streep and features music composed by Ernest Troost.

The 13-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths

Andy and Terry's 13-storey treehouse is the most amazing treehouse in the world! It's got a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, a tank full of man-eating sharks, a giant catapult, a secret underground laboratory and a marshmallow machine that follows you around and shoots marshmallows into your mouth whenever you're hungry.Well, what are you waiting for? Come on up!

5 Minute Ada Twist Scientist Stories by Gabrielle Meyer

A charming storybook collection of sweet tales based on the Netflix series starring Ada Twist--perfect for read-alouds or bedtime!Revisit some of your favorite episodes of the Netflix series with this gifty storybook collection. Each of the 12 stories retells a beloved episode from the show, making it perfect for group read-alouds or when it's time to settle down for bed.

Iceberg by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Hazel Rothbury is traveling all alone from her home in England aboard the celebrated ship Titanic. Following the untimely death of her father, Hazel's mother is sending her to the US to work in a factory, so that she might send money back home to help her family make ends meet.

But Hazel harbors a secret dream: She wants to be a journalist, and she just knows that if she can write and sell a story about the Titanic's maiden voyage, she could earn enough money to support her family and not have to go to a sweatshop. When Hazel discovers that mother didn't send her with enough money for a ticket, she decides she must stow away onboard the storied ship.

With the help of a porter named Charlie and a sweet first-class passenger named Sylvia, Hazel explores the opulent ship in secret, but a haunting mystery quickly finds her. The danger only intensifies when calamity strikes, and readers will be caught up in the terror and suspense alongside Hazel as she fights to save her friends and herself.

Bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen weaves an extraordinary tapestry of survival and disaster in this magnificent thriller.

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 recently so 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.

Norma and Belly series by Mika Song

Join troublemaking squirrels Norma and Belly on more delicious adventures in their continuing adventures.

When local park fixture (and spy-master) Pops gets squirrel-napped, it's up to Norma, Belly, and their friend little B to save him! This time, their adventure takes them out of the park--and into the uncharted territory of . . . the local apple orchard.

Where can Pops be? Will this adventure end in tragedy . . . or in apple pie? Or both? With these best friends on the case, you never know what's coming next--but you can be sure there will be friends and delicious foods along the way.

The Unpetables by Dennis Messner

Pigmund and Lizardo are free! They recently "declared independence" from their petting zoo.... and now this pot-bellied pig and iguana are out to SEE THE WORLD.

They are- THE UNPETABLES - and they're available for temporary work as "freelance pets." But no matter what gigs the Unpetables may get, they have one very big rule- NO MORE PETTING!

Will Pigmund and Lizardo find the independence they're looking for? Or will Maintenance Man Kenny finally catch up with them and take them back to Uncle Milo's All-Natural Petting Zoo?

Hitch a ride on the nearest chicken and pick up this laugh-a-minute graphic novel, full of rambunctious action and irresistible creativity.

Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke

It was supposed to just be a normal basement--some storage boxes, dust, you know, the usual basement stuff. But when Milo is sent by his mother to fetch a sock from the basement of the historic home they've moved into, Milo finds a door in the back that he's never seen before. Turns out that the basement of his house is enormous. In fact, there is a whole world down there. As Milo travels ever deeper into the Basement World, he meets the many Things that live in the shadows and gloom...and he learns that to face his fears he must approach even the strangest creatures with kindness.

Sorceline 2 by Sylvia Douye

Return to the Island of Vorn, where mythical creatures roam free and only the brightest students are invited to study them! Follow along as the kids (and creatures) of Professor Balzar's famous school of cryptozoology unearth the long-hidden secret at the heart of their story.

Sorceline has proven herself a star student at Balzar's prestigious academy--but her gifts might have gotten the best of her. As Sorceline fights for her life, her classmates must work to uncover her origin story, revealing details of her past that may offer a key to their present.

At the back of the book, enjoy an illustrated bestiary along with behind-the-scenes bonus material!

Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin

An unforgettable graphic memoir about a Mexican-American boy's family and their adventure-filled road trip to bring their abuelito back from Mexico to live with them that National Book Award Finalist Victoria Jamieson calls "one of those books that kids will pass to their friends as soon as they have finished it."

Pedro Martin has grown up hearing stories about his abuelito--his legendary crime-fighting, grandfather who was once a part of the Mexican Revolution! But that doesn't mean Pedro is excited at the news that Abuelito is coming to live with their family. After all, Pedro has 8 brothers and sisters and the house is crowded enough! Still, Pedro piles into the Winnebago with his family for a road trip to Mexico to bring Abuelito home, and what follows is the trip of a lifetime, one filled with laughs and heartache. Along the way, Pedro finally connects with his abuelito and learns what it means to grow up and find his grito.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

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. Today kicks off Library Card Signup Month so today we're sharing books that take place in libraries. If you don't have a library card come in and sign up for one. Children who receive a new library card will get to spin the prize wheel. Adult who receive a new library card will get to pick between three different prizes, while supplies last. 

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

Mr. Lemoncello 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!
 
Enjoy bonus content in the back--extra puzzles, an author Q  A, and more! And don't miss the puzzle-packed sequels: Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics, Mr. Lemoncello's Great Library Race, Mr. Lemoncello's All-Star Breakout Game, and Mr. Lemoncello and the Titanium Ticket!

Library of Ever series by Xeno Alexander

Lenora is having a very frustrating summer while her parents have adventures around the globe--until she discovers a strange doorway in her local library.It leads to the Library--the ultimate library, filled with all the knowledge of the universe. And Lenora steps right up to become its newest apprentice librarian.Lenora's new job rockets her across the globe and into outer space, to a future filled with robots, and to a dark nothingness that wants to destroy the library. She quickly learns the only way to save it might be unlocking the knowledge inside its endless shelves. . . . The Library of Ever is an adventure across time and space, but more importantly across human knowledge, as a young girl discovers what makes books truly magical.

Library Mouse series by Daniel Kirk

A shy mouse who lives in the library decides to write and illustrate his own tales. When he's done, he put his books on the shelves. But when the children read the stories, they all wanted to meet the author... Will the library mouse finally share his secrets with his fans?

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.

L is for Library by Sonya Terry

Simple alphabet rhyming text and colorful illustrations describe a journey through the library.

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. Now that everyone's settled back into their school routine 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: 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. Our theme for story time this week is Ice Cream! Since the hot August weather makes it a great time to indulge in some ice cream, today's book recommendations all center around ice cream. 

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: Dolls & Dollhouses

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. All of our summer reading activities have been stored and we've put our dollhouse out in the imagination station. Todays booklist is inspired by our doll house and includes stories featuring dolls and dollhouses. 

The Doll People series by Ann M. Martin

The Doll family, beautifully crafted china dolls, has been passed down through four generations of girls in one American family. Annabelle Doll is eight years old and has been for over 100 years. Not a lot has happened to her, cooped up in the dollhouse, with the same doll people, day after day, year after year...until the Funcrafts move in. Unlike the cautious, traditional Doll family in every way, the Funcrafts are carefree and delivered straight from the factory shelves. Tiffany Funcraft is made entirely of plastic and lives in the scariest room of the house, but she's an adventurer and after 100 years of boredom, that's just what Anabelle needs. Especially when she vows to solve a decades-long family mystery.

Doll Bones by Holly Black

Zach, Poppy, and Alice have been friends forever. And for almost as long, they've been playing one continuous, ever-changing game of pirates and thieves, mermaids and warriors. Ruling over all is the Great Queen, a bone-china doll cursing those who displease her.

But they are in middle school now. Zach's father pushes him to give up make-believe, and Zach quits the game. Their friendship might be over, until Poppy declares she's been having dreams about the Queen--and the ghost of a girl who will not rest until the bone-china doll is buried in her empty grave.

Zach and Alice and Poppy set off on one last adventure to lay the Queen's ghost to rest. But nothing goes according to plan, and as their adventure turns into an epic journey, creepy things begin to happen. Is the doll just a doll or something more sinister? And if there really is a ghost, will it let them go now that it has them in its clutches?

Dolls and Trucks are for Everyone by Robb Pearlman

Dolls and trucks are for boys and girls, as are dancing shoes, figure skating and hockey, and many more activities and hobbies. Robb Pearlman and Eda Kaban create a celebratory read-aloud book that defies gender stereotypes and encourages the youngest readers to reach for the stars and to follow their dreams no matter what.

Doll-e 1.0 by Shanda McCloskey

A STEM-friendly tale of a girl and the doll she upgrades to be her new friend, for fans of The Most Magnificent Thing and Rosie Revere, Engineer.

Charlotte's world is fully charged! With her dog at her side, she's always tinkering, coding, clicking, and downloading. She's got a knack for anything technological--especially gadgets that her parents don't know how to fix! Then, she receives a new toy that is quite a puzzle: a doll! What's she supposed to do with that? Once she discovers the doll's hidden battery pack, things start to get interesting...while her faithful canine sidekick wonders if he'll be overshadowed by the new and improved Doll-E 1.0! With a little ingenuity and an open mind, everyone can be friends in this endearing, modern tribute to the creative spirit of play.

This is my Dollhouse by Giselle Potter

A little girl proudly walks the reader through her handmade dollhouse, pointing out the bricks she painted on the outside, the wallpaper she drew on the inside, the fancy clothes she made for her dolls, and the little elevator she made out of a dixie cup. She's proud of her house and has lots of fun using her imagination to play with it--until she discovers her friend Sophie's store-bought "perfect" house. Sophie thinks her house with everything matching and even a toilet seat that goes up and down is pretty perfect too, until both girls discover that the narrator's handmade dollhouse is really a lot more fun.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Rocks & Gems

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 Read Beyond the Beaten Path and we've got a ton of great books for readers of all ages. This weeks theme is rocks and gems.......

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

 The Singing Rock and other brand new Fairy Tales by Nathanial Lachenmeyer

With a deft, lively text from Nathaniel Lachenmeyer and eye-popping, painterly art by Simini Blocker, The Singing Rock & Other Brand-New Fairy Tales is the perfect read for kids who love a good yarn--and good comics!

A genie just wants a chance to grant a wish to the frog who accidentally let him out of his lamp--meanwhile, the frog just wants to be left alone. A witch is tormented by the cheerful (and awful) singing of a persistent bard, but when she finally snaps and turns him into a rock, he just keeps on singing--somehow the power of terrible music overcomes all magic. A wizard wants a pet. An ogre just wants to make beautiful art.

Four original, wry, and utterly charming fairy tales comprise this new collection for young readers.

Crystal's Quest: An Adventure into the World of Gemstones by Lisa Fontanella

Crystals Quest: an adventure into the world of gemstones is an Award-Winning Finalist in the Children's Mind/Body/Spirit category of the 2019 International Book Awards.

This inspiring book invites young readers into the world of geology through Crystal's entertaining adventures. This children's book was written for young readers ages 7-11, the young at heart, and anyone who loves rocks and gemstones. But that's not all

Crystal's Quest: An Adventure into the World of Gemstones is also a story about friendship, emotions and the amazing properties of gemstones. Each story revolves around Crystal and her beagle buddy, Noodle, and all the characters they meet.

This unique book is sweet, educational, and full of fun facts, but it also covers social issues about fitting in and accepting yourself for your uniqueness.

Julieta and the Diamond Enigma by Luisana Duarte Armendariz

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler meets Merci Suarez in this smart young middle-grade mystery about a diamond gone missing from the Louvre and the sweet and spunky girl who cracks the case.

Nine-year-old Julieta is finally about to put a purple pin in her family's world traveling map! She's off to Paris to help her art-handler dad collect pieces for a new exhibit at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Sadly, they must leave Julieta's very pregnant mother behind, but they're sure they'll be back before the baby is born.

Julieta sees the best of Paris: the Eiffel Tower, the Sacré-Coeur, and plenty of great art. But things go awry when she and Dad walk in on a thief stealing the Louvre's most prized piece, the Regent Diamond--a priceless cursed diamond with a shady history.

When Julieta runs for help, she accidentally frees the thief instead! Now Dad's job is in danger and he's become a suspect. Can Julieta determine who the thief really is before it's too late?

DK Adventures: Awesome Rocks by Katy Lennon

Look up close at rocks, minerals and sparkling gems to unravel the clues to classify and identify them. Find out how they were formed, where in the world they're found and how to start your own rock collection.

DK Adventures is a nonfiction series for kids ages 8-11 featuring visually rich theme spreads, and fascinating facts that help kids build their skills in vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and critical thinking while developing a love of reading. Designed to keep interest high, build knowledge, and enrich the reading experience with fascinating background information, each title in the DK Adventures series is filled with information yet eminently accessible, and available in a wide range of kid-favorite topics including rain forests, animals, rocks, and shipwrecks. 

If Rocks Could Sing: A Discovered Alphabet by Leslie McGuirk

Amazing rocks, found on a stretch of beach near the author's home, comprise this unique alphabet book. A is for Addition, and there are rocks in the shape of real numbers, too. B is for Bird, and there is a bird rock on a nest with an egg. G is for Ghosts, and there is a host of rocks that look like ghosts! 

Children and adults alike will pore over these fascinating rocks, and will be inspired collect their own.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

 

Fast Five Fiction: Plants

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 Read Beyond the Beaten Path and we've got a ton of great books for readers of all ages. This weeks theme is plants so this week I'm sharing book about plants and gardens. 

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

The Flower Garden by Renee Kurilla

A magical graphic novel adventure perfect for fans of Peter & Ernesto or Tiger vs. Nightmare After planting a seed packet in the backyard, things don't go as expected for best friends Anna and Tess. They fall asleep in the sun and wake up to blooms as tall as buildings! Did the seeds really grow that fast?All is explained when Anna and Tess meet May, a little garden gnome whose magic is responsible for the transformation. The girls are May's size now, and they follow her through the flower garden and into May's underground gnome home--discovering new things about their world and themselves along the way.This immersive graphic novel from author-illustrator Renée Kurilla is perfect for emerging readers. It explores growing and changing friendships and offers details to discover on every page and with every read.

Ada Twist Files: All About Plants

What do plants eat? Why do some plants have flowers and others don't? And what's the tallest plant out there?

Ada Twist, Scientist: The Why Files is the perfect nonfiction resource for all these questions and more. Based on the bestselling series and the new Netflix show, this new nonfiction series is perfect for the youngest scientists of tomorrow, as they learn along with Ada. Designed in a scrapbook format, these books combine art from the show, illustrations, and photography to bring simple science concepts to life.

Inspector Flytrap series by Tom Angleberger and Cece Bell

Inspector Flytrap in the Da Vinci Cold introduces kids to the humorous and wacky world of Inspector Flytrap's Detective Agency, home to the world-renowned solver of BIG DEAL mysteries. The plant detective works tirelessly with his assistant Nina the Goat on his community's unsolved cases. There's no case too big, but there are definitely cases too small for this endearingly self-important plant detective.Celebrating the disabled yet enabled, the character of Inspector Flytrap is wheeled everywhere (on a skateboard, of course) by his goat sidekick as this mystery-solving duo works on cases such as "The Big Deal Mystery of the Stinky Cookies" and "The Big Deal Mystery of the Missing Rose."On his first caper, Inspector Flytrap heads to the Art Museum's Secret Lab to discover what important message lies in a mysterious glob on a recently discovered Da Vinci flower painting. The ingenious solution: Da Vinci was allergic to flowers, and the glob is, er, evidence of that ancient sneeze.Combining wacky humour and a silly cast of characters with adventure, friendship, and mystery, the powerhouse team of Tom Angleberger and Cece Bell have created a uniquely engaging series that is perfect for newly independent readers.

The Night Gardener by The Fan Brothers

One day, William discovers that the tree outside his window has been sculpted into a wise owl. In the following days, more topiaries appear, and each one is more beautiful than the last. Soon, William’s gray little town is full of color and life. And though the mysterious night gardener disappears as suddenly as he appeared, William—and his town—are changed forever.

Big Tree by Brian Selznick

A mysterious voice has been speaking to Louise in her dreams. She and her brother Merwin are Sycamore seeds, who hope to one day set down roots and become big trees. But when a fire forces them to leave their mama tree prematurely, they find themselves catapulted into the unknown, far from home. Alone and unprepared, they must use their wits and imagination to navigate a dangerous world--filled with dinosaurs, meteors, and volcanoes!--and the fear of never finding a safe place to grow up. As the mysterious voice gets louder, Louise comes to realize their mission in life may be much bigger than either of them ever could have imagined!

Brimming with humor, wonder, mystery, and a profound sense of hope, Big Tree is a trailblazing adventure, illustrated with nearly 300 pages of breathtaking pictures. It is Selznick's most imaginative and far-reaching work to date and a singular reading experience for the whole family.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Nature at Night

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 Read Beyond the Beaten Path and we've got a ton of great books for readers of all ages. This weeks theme is Nature at Night so today I'm sharing recommendations of books featuring nocturnal animals. 

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

Nocturnals series by Tracey Hecht

The Nocturnals is a fun-filled chapter book series about three unlikely animals who solve unpredictable mysteries of the night with friendship, teamwork, and humor.
In the first book, The Mysterious Abductions, animals are disappearing without a trace—and it’s up to Dawn, a serious fox, Tobin, a sweet pangolin, and Bismark, a pint-sized sugar glider to find out why. With the help of a gentle wombat, a jittery jerboa, a band of coyotes, and some kooky bats, the Nocturnals journey to the depths of the earth and play a wacky, high stakes game that will determine their survival.

Order of the Night Jay series by Jonathan Schnapp

Frank is perhaps the most un-bear-like bear Camp Jay Bird has ever seen. Actually, he's probably the ONLY bear Camp Jay Bird has ever seen. And there are tons of bugs, he's getting picked on, and he can't seem to earn a single badge! But there's Ricky, an excitable little raccoon who shares Frank's love of Mega Bunny comics. But Ricky's friendship might be more than Frank can handle. After breaking camp rules, getting lost in the woods, and discovering ancient secrets about the long-forgotten Order of the Night Jay, how will Frank explain all this to his dad?

The Moth Keeper by Kay O'Neill

Anya is finally a Moth Keeper, the protector of the lunar moths that allow the Night-Lily flower to bloom once a year. Her village needs the flower to continue thriving and Anya is excited to prove her worth and show her thanks to her friends with her actions, but what happens when being a Moth Keeper isn't exactly what Anya thought it would be?

Night after night, it is lonely in the desert, with only one lantern for light. Still, Anya is eager to prove her worth, to show her thanks to her friends and her village. But is it worth the cost? And yet something isn't right. When Anya glimpses the one thing that could destroy what she's meant to protect, her village and the lunar moths are left to deal with the consequences.

K. O'Neill brings to life a beautifully illustrated fantasy with lush, gorgeous art and intricate world-building. A story about coming of age and community, The Moth Keeper is filled with magic, hope, and friendship.

Owl Diaries series by Rebecca Elliott

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Eva Wingdale gets in over her head when she offers to organize a spring festival at school. Even with her best friend Lucy's help, there is NO way she will get everything done in time. Will Eva have to ask Sue (a.k.a. Meanie McMeanerson) for help? Or will the festival have to be cancelled? This book is written as Eva's diary -- with Rebecca Elliott's owl-dorable full-color illustrations throughout!

A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon by Karen Romano Young

In a slightly fantastical New York City, one very special library branch has been designated for possible closure. Bookish, socially awkward Pearl, the daughter of the librarian, can't imagine a world without the library—its books, its community of oddballs, its hominess. When the head of their Edna St. Vincent Millay statue goes missing, closure is closer than ever. But Pearl is determined to save the library. And with a ragtag neighborhood library crew—including a constantly tap-dancing girl who might just be her first friend, an older boy she has a crush on, and a pack of raccoons who can read and write—she just might be able to.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Hiking and Parks

 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 Read Beyond the Beaten Path and we've got a ton of great books for readers of all ages. This weeks theme is hiking and parks so we're featuring stories with those themes. 

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

National Park Mystery Series by Aaron Johnson

Before Jake's grandfather died, he was on the trail of a centuries-old mystery. And he has entrusted that mystery to Jake, leaving behind a set of hidden codes, riddles, maps, and other clues that lead Jake and his friends on a scavenger hunt into the most wild and rugged wilderness of the national parks.

The mystery unfolds as Jake, Amber, and Wes learn about survival skills, natural history, integrity, character, and friendship.

Along the way, they discover they are not the only ones on this quest. An elusive shadow group is close on their heels.

With over 100 illustrations in this collection, this page-turning adventure is designed to capture the imagination of even the most reluctant of young readers. Parents looking for a delightful read-aloud adventure will find it hard to put down. (Word of Caution: readers frequently note that this is a "Please read just one more chapter" experience).

Out of Range by Heidi Lang

Sisters Abby, Emma, and Ollie have gone from being best friends forever to mortal enemies.

Thanks to their months-long feud, they are sent to Camp Unplugged, a girls’ camp deep in the heart of the Idaho mountains where they will go “back to nature”—which means no cell phones, no internet, and no communicating with the outside world. For two whole weeks. During that time, they had better learn to get along again, their parents tell them. Or else.

The sisters don’t see any way they can ever forgive each other for what they’ve done, no matter how many hikes and campfire songs they’re forced to participate in. But then disaster strikes, and they find themselves lost and alone in the wilderness. They will have to outrun a raging wildfire, make it through a turbulent river, escape bears and mountain lions and ticks. They don’t have training, or food, or enough supplies. All they have is each other.

The Hike to Home by Jessica M. Rinker

In this fun middle grade adventure, a young girl and her two new friends brave the wilderness to find a castle, prove a local legend, and discover the true meaning of home.

Lin Moser is not looking forward to this summer. After living on the road all her life, hiking mountains and traveling through the country in an RV with her house-flipping parents, she’s now stuck in Newbridge, New Jersey for their longest stay yet. With Mom away on a year-long naturalist assignment, Lin has resigned herself to having the most boring summer ever. But then she finds out about a local an ancient ruined castle in the woods that no one has been able to find. Hiking to this castle would be like a quest. . . such an amazing quest that Mom might even come home, and they could adventure together the way they used to.

Determined to create her own adventure, Lin sets off on her biggest one yet―braving the wilderness with her two new friends, seeking the castle, and maybe discovering a new idea of home along the way.

Oregon Trail series by Jesse Wiley

In book one of this exciting choose-your-own-trail series, it's 1850 and your first goal is to get your family, covered wagon full of supplies, and oxen to Chimney Rock on time. But hurry—you'll need to make it through the rugged mountains before winter snow hits. Plus, there are wild animals, natural disasters, unpredictable weather, fast-flowing rivers, strangers, and sickness that will be sure to stand between you and your destination!
Which path will get you safely across the prairie? With twenty-two possible endings, choose wrong and you'll never make it to Chimney Rock on time. Choose right and blaze a trail that gets you closer to Oregon City!

The Forest Surprise by Carla Mooney

Jake and his family are heading to the forest for the day. Jake has everything he needs for the perfect hike. But when things start to go wrong, Jake's perfect forest hike may turn into a great forest adventure.

Happy Friday and happy reading!