Snip, Snip...Snow! Ages 4-8

Sophie has to make due with paper snowflakes until she notices something out the window that promises winter fun.
Snip, Snip ... Snow!

By Nancy Poydar

Illustrated by Nancy Poydar

Edition: illustrated

Published by Holiday House, 1997

ISBN 0823413284, 9780823413287

32 pages

Those who have waited impatiently for ...... the arrival of the first snow will be in perfect sympathy with Sophie. Winter has arrived--the trees are bare, the ground is hard, and she has to wear her heavy jacket. So where is the snow ... more »? Sophie can't wait for sledding, snowballs, and snowmen. Then the weather forecast comes--snow is on the way. Sophie prepares her sled and snowboots and everything she needs for a snowman. She can hardly sleep, but in the morning there's still no snow. In desperation Sophie asks her teacher if they can make snowflakes, and the class creates an indoor paper snowstorm. As Sophie tapes a paper snowman up in the window she sees that tiny flakes are falling and by the next morning, there's plenty of snow to play in. Children will appreciate the predictability, and Poydar uses fluid illustrations to capture all of Sophie's impatience and her unbridled enthusiasm when the snow finally arrives.

Kirkus Reviews Copyright (c) VNU Business Media, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2. Ages 4-8 Sophie is disappointed that although the weather is frosty cold, no snow has fallen. Finally, a winter storm is forecast, but it does not materialize on schedule. In school, she and her classmates decide to make their own paper snowflakes; when Sophie tapes her paper creation to the window, she sees real flakes drifting down at last. The children enjoy the beauty of the quiet snowfall as they walk home, and participate in all their favorite winter activities the next morning. The vigorous text and bright illustrations not only capture the youngsters' unconditional love of snow, but also, amusingly, the adults' disenchantment with it. Sweeping, double-page spreads show expressive, lively cartoon figures against more realistic backgrounds of home, school, and the outdoors. Instructions for making paper snowflakes are included. A seasonal treat for all of those impatient children who anticipate the arrival of wintry weather. Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The History of Counting Ages 9-12

The History of Counting

By Denise Schmandt-Besserat, Schmandt-Besserat, Michael Hays, Hays

Published by Hi Marketing, 2000

ISBN 0688141188, 9780688141189

48 pages

Gr 3-5, Ages 9, 10, 11,12-One strength of this title is the ...... cultural context into which the information has been placed so that children will understand not only how numbering and counting have evolved over time but also why. Some of the phrasing and ... more » several of the cultural examples are sophisticated but for the most part the information has been well adapted to a young audience. The book begins with a brief introduction that defines counting and numbers and then moves on to a historical overview. Hays' attractive paintings, done in acrylic on linen, successfully interpret the concepts explained in the text. It would be a shame if older children dismissed this book because of its picture-book format, since they are unlikely to encounter a better explanation of the subject. There are some fine older, out-of-print books that convey much of the same information, but nothing in recent memory explains the topic quite so well.-Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City

Cahners Business Information (c) 1999
From Scientific American
When we count, we say "one, two, three ... " but it is possible to count without using numbers at all. Perhaps instead we could just point to different parts of our body to represent varying amounts. Pointing to our left shoulder would mean nine, while pointing to our right eye would mean 15. This type of body counting is how the Paiela, the people of the highlands of Papua New Guinea, count. They have no special words for numbers. Another people, the Veddas of Sri Lanka, also count without numbers. They pile up pebbles to represent the objects: one pebble for each object. They have a few special counting words meaning things such as "a single," "a couple," "another one" and "many." In this book, author Schmandt-Besserat draws from her background as an archaeologist and takes us through the early counting techniques of the ancient Middle East to witness the evolution of our modern-day method. Try your hand at counting the way the ancient Sumerians did and experience a world without zero. Try to count like the ancient Greeks and learn the 27 letters of their alphabet that they used as numerals. After short experiments with these techniques, the advantages of the modern system become clear. You'll never look at numbers in quite the same way again.
REVIEW THE NEW YORK TIMES

THEATER/PERFORMANCE Unit

These are available from Wake County Public Library (unless otherwise noted):

12 Fabulously Funny Fairy Tale Plays by Justin McCory Martin Not in WCPL
25 Just-Right Plays For Emergent Readers (Grades K-1) Not in WCPL
*A Play's the Thing by Aliki Amazon Preview Ages 6-9
Acting Out: Six One-act Plays! Six Newbery Stars! Ages 9-14
Around the World in 21 Plays Theatre for Young Audiences, Grades 7-10, Ages 13-16 Amazon Table of Contents
The Big Book of Folktale Plays: One-act adaptations of folktales from around the world, for stage and puppet performance. Ed by SE Kamerman Amazon Table of Contents
Cinderella Outgrows the Glass Slipper and Other Zany Fractured Fairy Tale Plays Not in WCPL
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village book and 2 CDs, Grades 4-8, Ages 10-14 Google Books Amazon Table of Contents
The JUMBO BOOK OF DRAMA by Deborah Dunleavy Ages 6-9 Google Review
Kids Take the Stage: Helping Young People Discover the Creative Outlet of Theater Not in WCPL
On Stage! How to Put on a Play P. Sternberg
On Stage Short Plays for Acting Students R Mauro
*On Stage! Theater Games and Activities for Kids by Lisa Bany-Winters Ages 6-12 Google Books
Plays of America from American Folklore for Children Grades K-6, by LE McCullough Ages 5-12
*Presenting Reader's Theater Plays and Poems to Read Aloud by Caroline Feller Bauer Ages Preschool Plus
*Readers Theatre Anthology 28 all-occasion readings for storytellers Google Books Amazon Table of Contents Preview
(Partial Contents:
Comedy: The Tooth Fairy Who Didn't Have Any Teeth
Mystery/Suspense: Sire de Maletroit's Door, The Tell-Tale Heart
Christmas Specials: A Christmas Carol, The Gift of the Magi, the Eyes of El Cristo
Folklore: One Eye, Two Eyes, and Three Eyes; Urashima Taro; the Glass in the Field
Children's Classics: The Wind in the Willows, Aesop's Fables, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, I Can
The Human Spirit: The Song Caruso Sang, Sparring With the Champ, Where Have All the Flowers Gone?, and A Year-End Dialogue With Outer Space)
*Show Time! Music, Dance, and Drama Activities for Kids Ages 9-12 Google Books
Show Time at the Polk Street School
*Stories On Stage: (22) Reader's Theater Scripts (Adapted from Children's Literature for Elementary and Junior High School Students) (First Edition, Hardcover). A Shepard Online: http://www.aaronshep.com/rt/RTE.html
Theatre for Young Audiences 20 Great Plays for Children, Includes Charlotte's Web and The Secret Garden Table of Contents & Extensive Preview
Theatre Games for Young Performers Improvisations & Exercises for Developing Acting Skills Google
Ages 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

Noel The First Ages 3-7

Noel is delighted when Madam asks her to stand first at the barre, until Anne Marie and Regina Louisa Belinda join the class and Noel the First ends up Noel the Third, and Noel does her best to outtwirl, outjump, and outdance the two other ballerinas.
Noel the First

By Kate McMullan, Jim McMullan

Illustrated by Jim McMullan

Edition: illustrated

Published by HarperCollins Canada, Limited, 1996

ISBN 0062051431, 9780062051431 32 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Ballerina Noel (introduced in Nutcracker Noel) enjoys the most privileged place at the barre in her class. Along with first place comes pressure, however, and Noel loses her coveted spot to a new dancer, Anne Marie. Anne Marie in turn faces a challenge from a third girl, Regina Louisa Belinda. As Noel watches her foes spinning and leaping, she realizes they look "like a pair of killer whales going after the same sardine." Competition has brought out their worst; seeing this, Noel recovers her own artistic balance and dances "with all her heart, the way she used to do," thus regaining her teacher's favor. Kate McMullan accentuates Noel's initial vanity ("Noel the First... that's me!"), then comically ups the ante by giving Noel's competitors haughty demeanors. Jim McMullan, too, compares the lanky girls to society ladies, endowing them with ski-slope noses, sugary smiles and mannered postures (Regina even wears a tiara). The more prideful the girls' behavior, the harder and less graceful the images become; as Noel transcends the competition, blurry and delicate watercolor touches soften her features and make her look lighter than air. For all the exaggeration, there is plenty of truth to this tale?not just for prima ballerinas, but for anyone striving for a personal best. Ages 3, 4 -up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2 Ages 5, 6, 7 -Noel loves to dance. When her teacher places her at the front of the line at the barre, she is very proud to lead the exercises. But when Anne Marie arrives and later on Regina Louisa Belinda, Noel "the first" becomes Noel "the second" and even Noel "the third." As she watches the other two girls trying to outdo one another, she sees how silly they look. When her turn comes, she forgets about them and only listens to the music as she dances from the heart; her teacher is delighted to have finally found a "real dancer." In this simple, lightly humorous text, young readers will identify with Noel and the dilemma of wanting to be first. The soft-hued illustrations effectively capture the ballet-studio environment with its leaping and twirling young dancers. Occasionally the alignment of the dancers borders on contortionistic rather than balletic, but overall the dynamic drawings are appealing and convey the moods and momentum of the story.
Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Three Stories You Can Read to Your Dog Ages 5-10

PREVIEW

Three hilarious stories in easy-reader format about things dogs understand best -- burglars, bones, and running free -- with lively pictures of dogs doing exciting things. "Humans will find these selections entertaining even without a hound present -- but it's always nice to share." -- Publishers Weekly

Three Stories You Can Read to Your Dog

By Sara Swan Miller

Illustrated by True Kelley

Edition: illustrated

Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1997

ISBN 0395861357, 9780395861356

48 pages

From Publishers Weekly
"When you feel bored, you read a book. But dogs can't read," Miller points out. Lest people have all the fun, she's designed this chapter book with canine sensibilities in mind. Each tale is addressed to "you good dog," enabling readers to speak directly to a pet. "The Burglar" testifies to the fierceness and bravery "you" exhibit after hearing a knock on the door; "The Bone" chronicles the history of a gift from "your friend," including a dream sequence about a splendid "bone tree"); and "The Wild Dog" is an adventure in which "you" frighten a car, chase a squirrel and triumphantly return home for a can of food and a nap. Kelley (I Really Want a Dog) sketches a floppy brown Everydog who wags attentively at the narrator's voice, then enacts each role of eating, sleeping and protecting the house; the illustrator's familiarity with doggy expressions and gestures serves Miller's volume well. Humans will find these selections entertaining even without a hound present-but it's always nice to share. Ages 7, 8, 9, 10.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3 Ages: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Readers can share these short, easy-to-read stories with their dogs in one, two, or three sessions, depending on the animal's attention span. They are about the things canines understand best - barking at a "burglar" on the other side of the door, eating and burying bones, and pretending to be a "wild dog." Canine lovers can't help but laugh out loud at these stories, made even funnier by the watercolor-and-ink cartoon illustrations. Fans of Cynthia Rylant's "Henry and Mudge" series (Bradbury) will love this book, so order a couple of copies. Gale W. Sherman, Pocatello Public Library, ID
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Ocean Wildlife Up Close Ages 9-12

"A Joshua Morris book."

Ocean Wildlife

By Jinny Johnson

Edition: illustrated

Published by Readers Digest Association, 1993

ISBN 0895775352, 9780895775351

24 pages Ages 9, 10, 11, 12

ERIC CARLE BOOK LIST - SLD

The Art of Eric Carle
Dragons Dragons
A House for Hermit Crab, 1 paperback, 1 hardback
The Mixed-Up Chameleon - Board
My Apron
Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?
The Secret Birthday Message
The Very Busy Spider - Board
The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Board, 2 copies
The Very Lonely Firefly
Walter the Baker

The Mixed-Up Chameleon Board Book Ages 5-9

The chameleon's life was not very exciting until the day it discovered it could change not only its color but its shape and size,too. When it saw the wonderful animals in the zoo, it immediately wanted to be like them -- and ended up like all of them at once -- with hilarious results.
The Mixed-Up Chameleon Board Book

By Eric Carle

Illustrated by Eric Carle

Edition: illustrated

Published by Harper Festival, 1998

ISBN 0694011479, 9780694011476

32 pages Ages 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose Told in Signed English Ages 5-10

PREVIEW

More than a dozen favorite nursery rhymes are presented in this unique edition of Mother Goose. All of the rhymes are illustrated with full-color paintings accompanied by 389 drawings showing the verses in Signed English. Signed English can help children learn articles, conjunctions, and other parts of speech in addition to grammar.

Nursery Rhymes from Mother Goose: Told in Signed English

By Harry Bornstein, Karen Luczak Saulnier, Pat Peters, Linda C. Tom

Illustrated by Patricia Peters, Pat Peters, Linda C. Tom

Contributor Harry Bornstein, Karen Luczak Saulnier

Edition: illustrated

Published by Gallaudet University Press, 1992

ISBN 0930323998, 9780930323998

41 pages
From Publishers Weekly
Classic nursery rhymes sport a new look in this collection--in a format that is especially user-friendly for hearing impaired readers. In addition to the traditional texts of favorites such as Little Miss Muffet and Humpty Dumpty, the various rhymes are phonetically presented in signed English. Each spread contains a full-color illustration and, on the facing page, small black-and-white line drawings of a Mother Goose figure that demonstrate the proper signage for each word. The warm-hued paintings are serviceable, but the figures are a bit static and the scenes--particularly the backgrounds--lack detail. Mother Goose's hardy fare still shines, however, providing a thoughtful title with plenty of crossover appeal. Ages 7, 8, 9, 10.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2 Ages 5, 6, 7 -- Each of the 14 rhymes in this oversized volume is illustrated with an appealing full-color painting and a series of black-and-white drawings that show the sign for each word. What makes this title different from many other sign-language-enhanced books is that it very clearly explains what Signed English is, and then uses extremely well-done drawings of a Mother Goose figure performing each sign. Anyone interested in learning sign will appreciate this presentation, and readers already familiar with it will be able to reinforce their skills. --Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Pat-a-cake, Old Mother Hubbard, Little Miss Muffet, Humpty Dumpty, black sheep, diddle, little star, above the world, white as snow, BO-PEEP, Twinkle, frightened Miss Muffet, Miss Muffet away, Mother Hubbard Went, came a spider, get her poor, Miss Muffet Sat, everywhere that Mary, they'll come home, wool

The Peter Rabbit Craft Book Ages 8-18

The Peter Rabbit Craft Book

By Debbie Smith

Published by Godfrey Cave Associates, 1993

ISBN 1854713108, 9781854713100

32 pages Ages 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

My cover color is light blue.

The Magic School Bus Blows its Top Ages 5-7

PREVIEW AMAZON
PREVIEW GOOGLE BOOKS

Once again, Ms. Frizzle gets her class right in the "thick" of things--this time, they're right in the thick ooze of an underwater volcano's magma chamber! As Arnold and Carlos watch from a raft above, the Magic School Bus "erupts" with the magma and lava, and lands atop a brand-new island!

The magic school bus blows it's top: a book about volcanoes

By Gail Herman, Joanna Cole, Bruce Degen, Bob Ostrom, Nancy White, Art Ruiz, Scholastic Productions

Illustrated by Bruce Degen, Bob Ostrom

Edition: illustrated

Published by Scholastic Inc., 1996

ISBN 0590508350, 9780590508353

32 pages Ages 5, 6, 7 Reading Level 2

The Magic School Bus Gets Baked in a Cake

PREVIEW

When the class tries to bake a cake for Ms. Frizzle's birthday, they wind up inside it and have some delicious fun learning all about mixtures and reactions that occur when ingredients are combined. Original. TV tie-in.

Scholastic's The magic school bus gets baked in a cake: a book about kitchen chemistry

By Linda Beech, Joanna Cole, Bruce Degan, Ted Enik, Scholastic Productions

Illustrated by Bruce Degan, Ted Enik

Edition: illustrated

Published by Scholastic Inc., 1995

ISBN 0590222953, 9780590222952

32 pages Ages 5, 6, 7 Reading Level Grade 2

12 Ways to Get to 11 Ages 2-8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 __ 12 What happened to 11?

Is it in the magician's hat? Maybe it's in the mailbox or hiding in the jack-o'-lantern? Don't forget to look in the barnyard where the hen awaits the arrival of her new little chicks. Could that be where eleven went?

Eve Merriam and Bernie Karlin take young readers on a counting adventure as they demonstrate twelve witty and imaginative ways to get to eleven.

Subjects

Addition/ Juvenile literatur, Counting/ Juvenile literature, Eleven (The number)

12 Ways to Get to 11

By Eve Merriam

Illustrated by Bernie Karlin

Published by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 1996

ISBN 0689808925, 9780689808920

40 pages Ages 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

From Publishers Weekly
Lively combinations of items add up to 11 in what PW called "a counting book with an innovative twist." Ages 2-6.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
From the late poet, a whimsical exploration of enumeration. On each colorful spread, like and dissimilar--but somehow related--objects total 11: ``Out of the magician's hat: four banners, five rabbits, a pitcher of water, and a bouquet of flowers''; or, ``Go past four corners and two traffic lights, then past the house with two chimneys and the garage with two cars and a bicycle. Now look, you're at Eleventh Street''; and, more obscurely since the first item is made known only by its absence, ``Six bites, a core, a stem, and three apple seeds.'' Karlin's cheerful collages feature light, bright colors and bold designs incorporating a clean, weighty sans-serif type. An attractive book that invites the logical investigation of more concepts than most counting books. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

My Tall Book of Forest Animals Ages 2-5

Preschool Board Book

Peter Rabbit's Little Treasury Ages 4-8

112 pages

Room for One More

The heartwarming, true story of the Scott family that adopted fifteen children

Can Do, Jenny Archer Ages 7-10

Distant Lights Ages 7-10

Adventure Stories from Highlights

Second-Grade Friends Ages 7-10

It's Heaven to Be Seven Ages 7-10

12 stories about being seven RL3

Pee Wee Scouts Super Duper Pee Wee! & Lucky Dog Days Ages 6-9

Share her room? Yikes! Molly's newly divorced aunt is coming to town, and she's taking over Molly's dresser, Molly's closet, and Molly's life. Its up to Molly and Mary Beth to see if they can marry her off to Roger's father. Meanwhile Molly's worried about her own parents. Her mom threw a pillow at her dad. Does that mean they're getting a divorce too?
8 pages of fun jokes and games inside!
Super Duper Pee Wee!

By Judy Delton, Alan Tiegreen

Illustrated by Alan Tiegreen

Published by Random House Children's Books, 1995

ISBN 0440409926, 9780440409922

144 pages Ages 6, 7, 8, 9 RL Gr 2.0

Maybe, this month, Molly's Pee Wee Scout troop will get lucky!
Lucky Dog Days

By Judy Delton, Alan Tiegreen

Illustrated by Alan Tiegreen

Edition: reissue, illustrated

Published by Random House Childrens Pub, 1988

ISBN 0440400635, 9780440400639

69 pages Ages 6, 7, 8, 9 RL Gr. 2.3

Molly's Surprise Ages 7-12

PREVIEW

Molly is a lively, lovable schemer and dreamer growing up in 1944. Her stories describe her life on the home front during World War Two. Molly doesn't like many of the changes the war has brought, and she especially misses her father, who is away caring for wounded soldiers. But Molly learns the importance of getting along and pulling together -- just as her country has to do to win the war!

As the McIntires face a cheerless holiday, Molly decides to make some merriment of her own -- complete with unexpected surprises.

Molly's Surprise: A Christmas Story Book Three

By Valerie Tripp, C F Payne, Keith Skeen, Renée Graef

Illustrated by C F Payne, Nick Backes, Keith Skeen, Renée Graef

Edition: illustrated

Published by Pleasant Co, 1986

ISBN 0937295256, 9780937295250

64 pages Ages 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Happy Birthday, Kirsten! Ages 7-12

On a Minnesota farm in the mid 1800's, the hard working members of the Larson family find time to celebrate Kirsten's tenth birthday.
Happy Birthday, Kirsten!: A Springtime Story Book 4

The American Girls Collection
By Janet Beeler Shaw

Illustrated by Renee Graef

Published by Pleasant Co, 1987

ISBN 0937295329, 9780937295328

58 pages Ages 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Meet Samantha, Samantha Learns a Lesson, Samantha Saves the Day Ages 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Books written by: Susan S. Adler, Maxine Rose Schur, Janet Shaw, Valerie Tripp; illustrated by: R. Grace, Renée Graef, Nancy Niles, C.F. Payne.

The American Girls Collection

By Maxine Schur, Valerie Tripp, Susan S Adler, Janet Beeler Shaw

Illustrated by Nancy Niles, R Grace, C F Payne

Published by Pleasant Co., 1986

ISBN 0937295043, 9780937295045

Meet Samantha
http://www.lookingglassreview.com/html/meet_samantha.html



Samantha Learns a Lesson
Samantha Parkington is a bright Victorian beauty being raised by her wealthy grandmother in 1904. Samantha's stories describe her life during this important period of change. Her own world is filled with frills and finery, parties and play. But Samantha sees that times are not good for everybody. That's why she tries to make a difference in the life of her friend Nellie, a servant girl whose world is nothing like Samantha's!

Samantha sets up her own school to teach Nellie how to read. But Nellie teaches Samantha some important lessons, too.

Samantha Saves the Day: A Summer Story

By Valerie Tripp

Illustrated by Dan Andreasen, Luann Roberts

Edition: illustrated

Published by American Girl Publishing, Incorporated, 1999

ISBN 0937295922, 9780937295922

80 pages

The Mouse and the Motorcycle Ages 8-12

PREVIEW SIMILAR BOOKS

Ralph the mouse was terrified. All he had wanted to do was ride the little motorcycle someone had left on the table. Instead, both Ralph and the motorcycle had taken a terrible fall - right into the bottom of the wastepaper basket. He was trapped, left to wait for whatever fate was in store for him.

The Mouse and the Motorcycle

By Beverly Cleary, Tracy Dockray, Louis Darling

Illustrated by Tracy Dockray, Paul Zelinsky, Louis Darling

Edition: reissue, illustrated

Published by HarperCollins, 1965

ISBN 0380709244, 9780380709243

158 pages
Amazon.com Review
"Pb-pb-b-b-b. Pb-pb-b-b-b." With these magic vocables, Ralph the mouse revs up a dream come true--his very own motorcycle. Living in a knothole in a hotel room, young Ralph has seen plenty of families come and go, some more generous with their crumbs than others. But when young Keith and his parents check in to the hotel, Ralph gets his first chance to check out. He has always fantasized about venturing beyond the second floor, maybe even outside. Curiosity overcomes caution, and Ralph must have a go at Keith's toy motorcycle. Soon, the headstrong mouse finds himself in a pickle, when all he wanted was to ride a motorcycle. Lucky for him, the boy understands how it is. When he discovers Ralph in his thwarted attempt to abscond with the toy bike, Keith generously encourages the rodent to ride. He even teaches him the simple trick of starting the motorcycle: "You have to make a noise... pb-pb-b-b-b." The subsequent situations Ralph motors into require quick thinking and grownup-sized courage. The team of Beverly Cleary and Louis Darling has been a great favorite for decades, introducing young chapter readers to Ramona, Beezus, Henry, and of course Ralph the mouse. (Ages 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 ) --Emilie Coulter

aspirin, knothole, mousehole, Room service, bellboy, chromium, vacuum cleaner, Gridley, Ralph's mother, baseboard, yapped, exhaust pipe, blueberries, peanuts, Scout's honor, ping-pong, SBAV, ambulance, whiskers, thought Ralph

Jupiter Greeting Cards Free Animated Butterflies

http://www.jupitergreetings.com/index.php?target=card&id=272&start=5&categoryid=94&maincat=anims

Books about using the Library & Books Ages 4-8

New to the Franklin County Public Library

"It started the summer of 2002, when the Springfield librarian, Molly McGrew, by mistake drove her bookmobile into the zoo."
In this rollicking rhymed story, Molly introduces birds and beasts to this new something called reading. She finds the perfect book for every animal--tall books for giraffes, tiny ones for crickets. "She even found waterproof books for the otter, who never went swimming without Harry Potter." In no time at all, Molly has them "forsaking their niches, their nests, and their nooks," going "wild, simply wild, about wonderful books." Judy Sierra's funny animal tale coupled with Marc Brown's lush, fanciful paintings will have the same effect on young Homo sapiens. Altogether, it's more fun than a barrel of monkeys!

Wild about Books

By Judy Sierra, Marc Brown

Translated by Marc Brown

Illustrated by Marc Tolon Brown, Marc Brown

Edition: illustrated

Published by Knopf, 2004

ISBN 037582538X, 9780375825385

40 pages Ages 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Come Along! on a rhyming trip through the library where endearing animals show readers how to quietly select a book that's JUST RIGHT!, using shelf markers and good book care along the way.
We're Going on a Book Hunt

By Pat Miller

Published by UpstartBooks, 2008

ISBN 1602130078, 9781602130074 32 pages

The Library Doors

By Toni Buzzeo

Illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott

Edition: illustrated

Published by Highsmith Inc, 2008

ISBN 160213037X, 9781602130371

32 pages
These are available from Highsmith Upstart Books

A lion starts visiting the local library but runs into trouble as he tries to both obey the rules and help his librarian friend.
Library Lion

By Michelle Knudsen, Kevin Hawkes

Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Edition: illustrated

Published by Candlewick Press, 2006

ISBN 0763622621, 9780763622626

42 pages

Knudsen and Hawkes pick a perfect ...

... setting to express the idea that breaking rules can sometimes be a good thing. When a lion wanders into a small town public library the Head Librarian, Miss Merriweather, brushes off the ... more » protestations of her realistically officious colleague Mr. McBee and allows it to stay—so long as it keeps quiet, doesn't run and makes itself useful cleaning books and licking envelopes while waiting for storytime to begin. Anxious-looking patrons of all ages quickly become accepting ones in Hawkes's soft toned watercolors, and if Miss Merriweather's hair and dress seem a bit stereotypical, occasional CRT monitors balance glimpses of rubber date stamps and a card catalog in his gracious, old style interiors. When Miss Merriweather takes a fall, the lion roars to attract help, then slinks out in shame—but McBee redeems himself by bustling out into the rain to inform the offender that Exceptions to the Rules are sometimes allowed. Consider this a less prescriptive alternative to Eric A. Kimmel's I Took My Frog to the Library (1990), illustrated by Blanche Sims—and it doesn't hurt that the maned visitor is as huge and friendly looking as the one in James Daugherty's classic Andy and the Lion. (Picture book. 6, 7, 8)

Kirkus Reviews Copyright (c) VNU Business Media, Inc.

PreS-Gr 2, Ages 4, 5, 6, 7 -Miss Merriweather, head ...

... librarian and decorum-keeper, first meets Lion when he saunters past his stone counterparts and into the stacks. Scowling circulation assistant Mr. McBee seems intent on having the enormous cat ... more » ejected, but his boss declares that as long as he breaks no rules, he is welcome. The beast does misbehave though, roaring loud displeasure when storytime ends. At Miss Merriweather's reprimand, the contrite-looking lion promises to reform. In fact, he becomes something of a fixture in the building, dusting with his tail, licking envelopes, and serving as a stepstool for small patrons. Everyone appreciates him-except Mr. McBee. When Lion lets out another tremendous "RAAAHHHRRR!," the man bursts into Miss Merriweather's office to snitch-and there he finds her in distress, having fallen from a stool and broken her arm. Lion, la Lassie, has saved the day, but he is so chagrined by his own rule-breaking behavior that he doesn't return to the library. People miss him. Even Mr. McBee. A feel-good ending and a reminder that "Sometimes, there is a good reason to break the rules" bring the story to its most-satisfactory conclusion. Hawkes's deft acrylic-and-pencil pictures have appeal for generations of library lovers. They are rich with expression, movement, and detail. The lordly, lovable lion is a masterful mix-regal beast and furry friend-and the many human characters are drawn with animation and emotion. This winsome pairing of text and illustration is a natural for storytime and a first purchase for every collection.-Kathy Krasniewicz, Perrot Library, Old Greenwich, CT

Reed Business Information (c) 2006

Cool Chameleons! Ages 4-8

This informative nonfiction book features a variety of interesting reptiles--including the Panther chameleon, Senegal chameleon, Mountain chameleon, and much more! This Level 2 Hello Reader! Science title tells how chameleons grow, where they live, what they eat, and how they survive in easy-to-understand language. The book also includes a complete colorful index that labels every chameleon shown in the book--a great resource for curious minds!

Cool Chameleons

By Fay Robinson

Illustrated by Jean Cassels

Edition: illustrated

Published by Scholastic, 2002

ISBN 0439330149, 9780439330145

32 pages Ages 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Starry Messenger Ages 6 - 12

"If they had seen what we see, they would have judged as we judge." -- Galileo Galilei

In every age there are courageous people who break with tradition to explore new ideas and challenge accepted truths. Galileo Galilei was just such a man--a genius--and the first to turn the telescope to the skies to map the heavens. In doing so, he offered objective evidence that the earth was not the fixed center of the universe but that it and all the other planets revolved around the sun. Galileo kept careful notes and made beautiful drawings of all that he observed. Through his telescope he brought the starts down to earth for everyone to see.

By changing the way people saw the galaxy, Galileo was also changing the way they saw themselves and their place in the universe. This was very exciting, but to some to some it was deeply disturbing. Galileo has upset the harmonious view of heaven and earth that had been accepted since ancient times. He had turned the world upside down.

In this amazing new book, Peter Sís employs the artist's lens to give us an extraordinary view of the life of Galileo Galilei. Sís tells his story in language as simple as a fairy tale, in pictures as rich and tightly woven as a tapestry, and in Galileo's own words, written more than 350 years ago and still resonant with truth.

Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei

By Peter Sis

Illustrated by Peter Sis

Edition: reprint, illustrated

Published by Farrar Straus Giroux, 2000

ISBN 0374470278, 9780374470272

40 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Extraordinary pictures light up this tribute to Galileo, telling the story of his discoveries, rise to prominence and excoriation by the Church. Sis (Follow the Dream), an experienced and sophisticated chronicler of history's visionaries, outdoes himself with his illustrations. Detailed and delicate, ingeniously conceived, his paintings convey abstractions with an immediate impact. The artist expresses the simultaneous wonder and prevision of Galileo's celestial observations, for example, in a luminous multipaneled composition: in the center, Galileo trains his telescope on the moon; surrounding panels replicate Galileo's notes about and sketches of the lunar surface. Other paintings take inspiration from contemporaneous maps and treatises; still others borrow historical imagery to convey the loneliness of the censored scientist. Handwritten passages from Galileo's own works embellish the pages and supply information missing from the text. Even with the powerful art, however, this volume does not open up Galileo's story to the uninitiated: the brief text oversimplifies the issues, even for a picture book, and seems to presume the reader's awareness of the historical significance of Galileo's struggles. While the book's usefulness may be limited, its strengths are not: it is a book with deep if not broad appeal. Ages 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Greg Hildebrandt's Book of Three-dimensional Dragons Ages 9-12, YA, Adult

Filled with dragon lore, this oversized pop-up fantasy book explores the mystical and frightening worlds of the Chinese Dragon, the Amphiptere, the Lindworm, the dreaded Wyvern, and the famous Dragon of Saint George.
Greg Hildebrandt's Book of Three-dimensional Dragons

By Greg Hildebrandt, Keith Moseley, Gail Peterson

Illustrated by Greg Hildebrandt, Keith Moseley

From Publishers Weekly
Greg Hildebrandt's Book of Three-Dimensional Dragons (Little, Brown, $18.95, 10p, all ages ISBN 0-316-15240-4) presents five striking pop-ups of fantastical creatures, each set against a lushly illustrated backdrop and accompanied by a description of the beast. Of the Wyvern, for example, Hildebrandt observes: "Savage claws armed its wing joints, and its weight can only be guessed at."
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-7 Ages 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Bone-crunching and brimstone-belching dragons have captured the popular imagination for more than a millennium. So, logically, a collection of 3-D dragons from Hildebrandt should be a sure thing. And it is. This large-format picture book features five quasi-historical creatures: Wyvern, Amphiptere, Lindworm, the dragon slain by St. George, and a Chinese dragon that delightfully pop up and jump off the pages. Dragons is great for classroom or story-time reading; the figures are well engineered, colorful, and large (the Chinese dragon measures 27 inches from crest to tail). Peterson occasionally alludes to some real people and events?Marco Polo is said to have confronted Lindworms on his travels, but, mainly, these brief introductions to dragon lore should lure readers to explore the fascinating genre further. John Sigwald, Unger Memorial Library, Plainview, TX
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Renaissance Unit: Castles, Kings, Queens, Knights, Princesses. Dragons

FCPL = Franklin County Public Libraries; WCPL = Wake County Public Libraries
1-2-3 Draw Knights, Castles, and Dragons FCPL
Biltmore Estate
Castle by David Macaulay WCPL
Creating Clever Castles & Cars from Boxes and Other Stuff Kids ages 3-8 make their own pretend-play spaces by Mari Rutz Mitchell, Illustrations by Michael Kline WCPL
The Fairy Tale Catalog
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village book and 2 CDs, Grades 4-8, Ages 10-14 Google Books Amazon Table of Contents WCPL
Greg Hildebrandt's Book of Three-Dimensional Dragons
I Wonder Why Castles Had Moats and Other Questions About Long Ago
Kids Draw Knights, Kings, Queens & Dragons FCPL
The King's Commissioners
King Midas and The Emperor's New Clothes
Knights and Castles Things to Make and Do
The Knight with the Lion: The Story of Yvain
The Middle Ages Read Aloud Plays: 8 Short Plays for the Classroom with Background Information, Writing Prompts, and Creative Activities by Jeannette Sanderson Grades 4-8 WCPL
My Princess Craft Book Sue Hunter-Jones
A Practical Guide to Dragon Riding
Princess Coloring and Activity Book
The Princess Knight
The Princess Mouse: A Tale of Finland READERS THEATER ONLINE AGES 8-12
Princess Prunella and the Purple Peanut
Princess Smartypants
Princess Things to Make and Do
Renaissance Eyewitness Books: Discover the world of the Reaissance - an age of creativity, experimentation, and discovery. by Andrew Langley WCPL
Robin Hood Timeless Classic Stories for Today DK
The Royal Nap
St. George and the Dragon from The Children's Book of Virtues
The Sea King's Daughter: A Russian Legend READERS THEATER ONLINE AGES 10+
PROPS:
Princess Canvas
Royal Coach Picture

Drawing and Paper Crafts Unit

1-2-3 Draw Knights, Castles, and Dragons
The 3-D Paper Book: Fun things to Make and Do with Paper
Collage Unleashed
Doodle a Zoodle: A Step-by-Step Drawing Book by Deborah Zemke FCPL
Drawing Fun! Things that Go: From Cars & Trains to Boats & Planes
How to Draw and Paint People
How to Draw Speed Machines
How to Make Pop-Ups by Joan Irvine FCPL
I Can Draw Wild Animals
Kids Draw Knights, Kings, Queens & Dragons
Origami: The Art & Fun of Japanese Paper Folding
Papercrafts and Origami
The Shrinky Dinks Book
Sketching Outdoors in Summer by Jim Arnosky FCPL
Sketching Outdoors in Winter FCPL

Spot What! Ages 4-8

"A picture tells a thousand words ... can you spot a ball and a bird? Find a clock, a fish, a hook ... picture challenge fills this book"--Cover.
Spot What!

By Nick Bryant, Rowan Summers

Published by Lemon Drop Press, 2001

ISBN 0439357578, 9780439357579
Ages 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Not every book is quite the same,
And this one here is more a game,
A picture hunt that's lots of fun,
A game that's great for everyone.
The pictures are of different kinds,
And full of many things to find.
You start the search with a clue,
But after that it's up to you,
There's a challenge here for everyone,
When finished you have just begun,
As once you're through and have the lot,
You can start again to play Spot What!

SEARCH AND FIND UNIT plus Wordless Books

1001 Things to Spot on the Farm
Anno's U.S.A.
Can You See What I See? Dream Machine A Picture Adventure to Search and Solve
Can You See What I See? Picture Puzzles to Search and Solve
Carl's Masquerade Alexandra Day (Dog Unit)
Disney's Chicken Little Look and Find
Double Vision: Addictive Photo Puzzles that Challenge Your Attention to Detail
Dr. Moggle's Alphabet Challenge: A Quest for All Ages
Find the Duck (Board Book)
Find the Stars for the Fabulous Fairy Tale Follies
Four in All by Nina Payne
The Great Carnival Caper by John Speirs Picture Puzzles
The Inside-Outside Book of Washington, D.C. Roxie Munro Ages 4-8
Jungles: Nature Hide & Seek
Magic Eye: A New Way of Looking at the World
Preschool CAN YOU FIND Picture Book (One page of COUNTING) Board Book
Puzzle Journey Around the World
Puzzle Journey Into Space Lesley Sims (Usborne)
Spot What!
Tuesday (Caldecott Medal) 2 copies
The Usborne Book of Young Puzzle Adventures: Lucy and the Sea Monster, Chocolate Island, Dragon in the Cupboard
Young Puzzle Adventure Stories: Lucy and the Sea Monster to the Rescue, Land of the Lost Teddies, Molly's Magic Carpet by Dolby and Fischel (Usborne)

Music Unit

Music links thinking processes and creativity. Music improves reading skills. Music stimulates brain circuitry. Music improves decision making and spatial awareness. Music enhances the memory and listening skills. Music has a calming effect.Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. --Red Auerbach
Instrument Search Page 20-21 of Spot What!
LIVES OF THE MUSICIANS : GOOD TIMES, BAD TIMES (And What the Neighbors Thought) Ages 8-12 WCPL
M is for Melody A Musical Alphabet
M is for MUSIC by Kathleen Krull, Stacy Innerst, Illustrator WCPL
Meet the Orchestra WCPL
Mozart Finds a Melody WCPL
Science Encounters Music by Julian Rowe
Sing a Song of Me
The Story of the Orchestra with CDs
Zin! Zin! Zin!: A Violin WCPL
A WONDERFUL RESOURCE PAGE: http://www.embracingthechild.org/music.html

The Story of the Orchestra: Listen While You Learn about the Instruments, the Music, and the Composers who Wrote the Music Ages 10-14

Eye-catching illustrations, engaging text and delightful musical selections on the accompanying 70-minute CD lead children ages 8 to 12 (and parents, too!) on an exciting and educational tour through the instruments and music of the orchestra. Illustrated in exquisite and colorful detail with over 100 original drawings and photographs, this package is a fun and exciting musical journey for children. The engaging text is broken into three sections: an introduction to each instrument of the orchestra from the cello to the timpani, the stories of famous composers from Bach to Stravinsky and an explanation of different musical styles from Baroque to Modern. Each step of the way, children can listen to actual musical examples of what they are learning about. Young readers will hear the sound of an actual violin as they study the instrument and enjoy the playful tune of a Mozart minuet as they read about the composer's precocious exploits as a child.
The Story of the Orchestra: Listen While You Learn about the Instruments, the Music, and the Composers who Wrote the Music

By Robert Levine, Meredith Hamilton

Illustrated by Meredith Hamilton

Edition: illustrated

Published by Black Dog & Leventhal, 2002

ISBN 1579121489, 9781579121488

96 pages Ages 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Gr 4-8-Orchestra Bob guides readers through a delightful musical journey. The book is divided into two major parts: composers from Vivaldi to Bernstein and their associated musical periods, and the instruments of the orchestra ... more ». There are interesting and sometimes humorous bits of information about the men, their music, and corresponding historical events. The last two pages introduce the conductor. Quotations, boxed definitions, and the captions that accompany the colorful photos and spot cartoon drawings enhance the instructive text. In some places, however, the drawings are in stark contrast to the photos and take away from the overall appearance of a page. An accompanying CD provides musical selections for readers to listen to at specific places in the text. These selections are short enough to keep young listeners' attention. Although some well-known figures, such as Handel, Schubert, and Strauss, are missing, this is a fun way to travel through the world of music.-Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE

Cahners Business Information (c) 2001

What is an Insect? Ages 4-8

Introduces the physical characteristics, life cycle, movement, egg-laying, and feeding of a variety of insects.
What is an Insect?

By Dorothy Barlowe, Jenifer W. Day, Robert Snedden

Illustrated by Dorothy Barlowe

Edition: reprint, illustrated

Published by Random House Childrens Books, 1987

ISBN 0307118037, 9780307118035

24 pages

Lighthouses

The history and lore of the lighthouse is a perennially popular subject. "Lighthouses" celebrates these beloved maritime structures in a volume packed with stunning full-color photographs. Captured in various settings at different times of day, "Lighthouses" showcases these wonderful historic landmarks -- some retired, others still beaming their guiding lights across the seas -- in all their glory.
Lighthouses

By Leo Marriott

Edition: illustrated

Published by Smithmark Pub, 1999

ISBN 0765116863, 9780765116864

128 pages Includes Apprendix of Light Stations Remaining in the Unites States

Leo Marriott is a prolific writer and expert on maritime affairs. The author of Smithmark's best-selling Titanic, he has written over 20 books on topics ranging from naval history to aircraft and warship profiles.
From the Back Cover
Crossing open waters has always been a dangerous and sometimes deadly vocation, but drawing close to the end destination is the most hazardous part of the sailor's journey. Reaching the right harbor during the night and knowing how to avoid razor-sharp rocks or reefs is a task that can defeat the most experienced navigator - with fatal results.
Since earliest times the response to these dangers has been to erect a light-bearing tower - a beacon to sailors that could guide them safely into port. Some of these early lighthouses were basic stones on the shores, but others, like the Colossus of Rhodes, a 110-foot (33m) statue of the sun god Helios built in 282 BC in the Mediterranean, became wonders of the ancient world.
Architecturally imposing and with an air of romance to them, lighthouses continue to fascinate us. Often there are tales of strange events connected to lonely lighthouses - tragic stories of keepers and ghosts at sea.
Leo Marriott's Lighthouses, illustrated with more than 100 color photographs, takes readers on a historical and international tour of these wonderful structures and recounts tales of great courage and tragedy, as well as details of why and how lighthouses were built.
About the Author

LEO MARRIOTT, a retired air traffic controller, is a prolific writer and expert on aviation and maritime affairs. He has written over twenty books, including a previous best-selling account of the Titanic, as well as a variety of other topics such as aircraft and warship profiles, naval history, and commercial and military aviation. He is currently engaged in the training of new controllers from the United Kingdom.

Melody's Mystery 089826199

Presents in English and Spanish the life cycle of Melody, a monarch butterfly.
Melody's Mystery: El Misterio de Melodia

By Bob Harvey, Diane Kelsay Harvey, Ana Laura Tello

Contributor Diane Kelsay Harvey

Published by Beautiful Amer Pub Co, 1991

ISBN 0898026040, 9780898026047

48 pages

Where Butterflies Grow 0140558586

Readers take an imaginative journey into one of nature's wondrous processes--the transformation from caterpillar to black swallowtail butterfly. Full-color illustrations.
Where Butterflies Grow

By Joanne Ryder, Lynne Cherry

Illustrated by Lynne Cherry

Edition: illustrated

Published by Lodestar Books, 1989

ISBN 0525672842, 9780525672845

32 pages

As in her ""Just for a Day"" books, Ryder's poetic text here suggests that readers take the animal's point of view as she describes its experiences--in this case, a black swallowtail as it develops from egg to butterfly. The focus ... more » is on the sensory; fuller, more scientific information appears on a final page. Cherry's precise, delicate, colorful illustrations are the boos outstanding feature, giving the habitat the charm of a close-up view of familiar territory--a lush bed of wildflowers (which fail to change as the season advances), and many other small creatures. An attractive nature book.

Kirkus Reviews Copyright (c) VNU Business Media, Inc.