Lois - Librarian Assistant

Young, Judy.  The Lucky Star.  Sleeping Bear Press, 2008.  E YOU

This story takes place during the Great Depression.  Momma always finds a way to count her "lucky stars" even though times are difficult, food is scarce, and Poppa's new job keeps him away from the family for months at a time.  Ruth, on the other hand, does not see anything bright about the fact that her shoes are handed down from a neighbor and worst of all, the town cannot afford to keep the school open.  Ruth was one of the brightest students in her class and her younger sister Janie was looking forward to starting school.  Ruth eventually finds a way to make the "lucky stars" shine by conducting a school in her kitchen for her sister and other boys and girls in town.  In doing so, she realizes that being a "lucky star" to someone else is the best way to brighten her own life.

Kathi- Librarian Assistant

Huebner, Dawn.  What do Do When You Grumble Too Much: a Kid's Guide to Overcoming Negativity.  Magination Press, 2007.  J 155.232. HUE

This book is a great tool that uses fun illustrations and step-by-step directions to help children deal with negative thinking.  It uses simple text and workable solutions that empower children to master the skills that enable them to become happier, more positive kids. 

Lillian - Librarian Assistant

Hewitt, Katherine.  No Dogs Here!  Dutton Children's Books, 2005.  E HEW

What would a dog do if a dog could do anythng he wanted?  Live as a human for a few days, of course!  Three dog friends, Norman, Ginger, and Rufus decide the "no dogs allowed" rule is not fair.  "People have all the fun.  What makes them better than us?"  The dogs think it must be the clothes, so they dress up like their owners and go to the library, a pizza place, the pet store, skateboarding in the park, and the public swimming pool.  Oh! Oh! What happens when they are discovered as the dogs they really are?  Read this funny story to find out!  The colorful artwork in a realistic style illustrates the silly idea of dogs in clothes perfectly.

Amanda– Youth Services Librarian

Masoff, Joy.  Oh, Yuck!  The Encyclopedia of Everything Nasty.  Scholastic, 2000.  J 031.02 MAS

If you enjoy learning about disgusting things, this is the book for you!  It discusses animals like rats, jellyfish, mites, mosquitoes and even ants.  If you think ants aren't disgusting, think about this:  there are more than 8,800 different kinds of ants in the world and Army Ants (native to Central and South America) eat everything in their path including insects, spiders, rats and mice.  The book also talks about disgusting human things, like rashes, vomit, snot and scabs.  Consider this fact about eye gunk: the crusty stuff in your eye in the morning is the same mucus that is in your nose.  If you are looking for gross facts to share with your friends and family, look no further than this book.

Mary Hoppins - Youth Services Mascot

Kopelke, Lisa.  Excuse Me!   Simon & Schuster, 2003.  E KOP

As a tadpole Frog ate a lot and loved to burp.  Townsfolk would comment that he was cute and a very good eater.  As Frog grew, he ate more and more and burped more and more.  The folks around town reached their limit and called a meeting.  Frog was sent up the river.  At first Frog was happy with his new friends.  His new friends burped all day and all night, never stopping to say excuse me.  Frog becomes disgusted.  Frog goes home and learns that manners are important.

For even more great book choices, check out our Bibliographies page, found under the Parent-Teacher tab!