Lillian

Lillian– Librarian Assistant   

Haddix, Margaret Peterson.  Just Ella.  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1999. J HAD

     Don't we love a princess story with a happily ever after ending?  And isn't the story of Cinderella perfect for Valentine's Day?  If you think so, maybe this isn't the book for you.

      This is the story of Ella who went to the ball and was chosen by the prince to be his bride.  But alas, all did not end "happily ever after."  It turns out that the prince is not charming and the castle life is suffocating and boring.  Everybody is superficial and only concerned about palace rules and royal etiquette.  Ella longs to escape and embark on a quest to find true happiness and fulfillment.  And she has no fairy godmother to help her!

      In this fairy tale for older readers, Ella is easy to relate to and is a strong female who learns the rewards of helping others and that happiness, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.

Amanda

Amanda – Youth Services Librarian

Lowry, Lois. Gooney Bird on the Map. Houghton Mifflin, 2011. J LOW

     The second graders in Mrs. Pidgeon's class are very excited about February. There are president's birthdays to celebrate, Valentine's Day, and school vacation.  All of these things make it hard to concentrate on math and geography.  Especially when three of the students are going on fun vacations to Florida, Hawaii and Vermont.

    One day, Gooney Bird gets one of her famous ideas. To help the class learn about geography, she decides they should make a map on the playground out of snow.  They learn a lot about the United States and help the other students in their school learn about geography too.

Lois

Lois - Library Assistant

Bendall-Brunello, Tiziana.  I Wish I Could--Read!  QEB Publishing, 2011.  E BEN

     Pig finds a book in the barnyard as a young boy rides off on his bicycle, and is fascinated with his find.  Unable to read, he asks his farm animal friends for help. Of course, they can't read either, but they do offer humorous solutions.  Cow suggests wearing it as a hat to provide shade from the sun.  Hen thinks it's great for sitting on and laying eggs.  Goat believes it is a tasty treat.  Just as pig fears he will never find a friend who can read, the young boy returns and Pig and his new friend go off to read the book together.  The gentle illustrations add to this fun story of friendship and the enjoyment of reading.

Max

Max - Library Mascot

Sit, Danny.  Tucker: Little Dog Lost & Found.  Sterling, 2011. E SIT

        Tucker is a Jack Russell terrier who loves his life at home with his Papa.  One morning, Tucker decides he wants an adventure.  But what should he do? Climb a tree? Ride in a car?  Jump on the train? Tucker decides to take the train ride and ends up on the beach. He happily plays in the sand and smells the ocean, but suddenly Tucker realizes his Papa and home are nowhere in sight. Find out if Tucker makes it home in Tucker: Little Dog Lost & Found.

Amy

Amy – Youth Services Librarian

Lewis, Earl B. This Little Light of Mine. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2005. E LEW

      The text of this book is comprised of lyrics to the classic African-American spiritual "This Little Light of Mine." The spiritual song is uplifting, but the illustrations are what make this picture book a stand-out.  Wonderful, painterly illustrations by E.B. Lewis show a young African-American boy in his community, helping friends and neighbors, and showing affection for his family. This Little Light of Mine is a great storytime pick for African-American History month, or anytime!