Monday, January 31, 2011

Mr. Stink by David Walliams


So I must admit that when I first saw this book I did a double-take with the author's name, David Walliams. The David Walliams? The brilliant sketch comedian/writer/actor that dream-up and starred in "Little Britain?" How could he possibly have written a children's book?

Then I held the book in my hands and noticed something else, the illustrator, Quentin Blake. The Quentin Blake? One of the most iconic illustrators of our time, most known for illustrating Roald Dahl's books.

So no pressure, but I was about to embark on a mission to read a book that holds a lot of anticipation with regard to talented individuals. But there was one question that nagged me. What in the world was David Walliams doing writing a children's book?

And then I started to read. And read, and read, and read. I couldn't put it down. Mr. Stink is a story about a man-a wanderer, a tramp, a bum, and a lovely shy girl named Chloe. Chloe deals with an over-achieving younger sister and a mother focused on her own political aspirations by befriending Mr. Stink. And as the name implies he really does stink; takes a bath just once a year! The resulting friendship helps Chloe see her own life a little differently as she uncovers the true Mr. Stink. My only difficulty with this book (other than not being able to put it down) is that many of the references to British parliament or UK pop culture may be lost on young American readers. (I hate to admit that even I found myself looking up words or phrases here and there.) Other than that, this book is truly a delight.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Biggest Bugs (life-size!)


Jam packed with life-size photographs of some of the world's largest and most spectacular bugs, "Biggest Bugs (life-size!)" by George Beccaloni is sure to intrigue bug friends or foes. Page after page is filled with stunning photographs, from a Goliath Bird-Eating Spider to an Empress Cicada, even Chan's Megastick. The photos are brilliant and the information is fascinating. "Did you know that the world's largest millipede is the length of a strand of spaghetti? Or that one of the longest beetles on the planet can break a pencil with its powerful jaws?"


Check this book out today!

You Are the Best Medicine




This lovely picture book is new to our collection, "You Are the Best Medicine" by Julie Aigner Clark. The tender story beautifully demonstrates how children can nurture their mom while going through cancer treatment. "When Mommy is sick, what will make her smile? A cuddle, a story, a kiss and thoughts of you. Because you are the best medicine."

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Walk-in Wii is a big hit!


What's going on in that picture?

Kids are having fun playing our new wii! Wii raced to the finish in Mario Cart and wii danced till wii dropped playing Just Dance.

Will you join us for our next session of Walk-in Wii on Wednesday, February 16th from 4:30-5:30? All 4th through 8th graders are invited. No registration necessary just drop-in!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Cooking with Henry and Elliebelly


You will love this adorable picture book, Cooking with Henry and Elliebelly by Carolyn Parkhurst! Henry and Eleanor (called Elliebelly by her brother) are siblings that embark on a journey of creating a pretend cooking show featuring their prized recipe, raspberry-marshmallow-peanut butter waffles with barbecued banana bacon. Henry is the creator of the program, but it's clear that his two year-old sister steals the show. Elliebelly is not content with 'pretend' waffles so naturally mom steps in to save the day (and the story) with her real cooking.


Check it out today!

Filmmaking by Todd Downing

You might want to check out this great new book before entering our 2011 Video Contest. It's a practical guide for the aspiring filmmaker. This book is packed with useful information from preproduction to choosing a camera, adjusting lighting and microphones, even film and sound editing. Once you understand the basics of filmmaking you will be one step closer to seeing your name in lights!

Now gather the family around and get inspired to make your short video of two minutes or less, answering the question "How do you have fun at the library?" for a chance to win cash prizes. Submit your entries February 1st- March 19th.

Monday, January 10, 2011

13 American Artists Children Should Know


This new book is a great addition to our collection. The artists featured may not all be American by birth, but they contributed art that reflects the uniqueness of being an American. Filled with colored photos of great American works of art, each page offers a timeline of events related to when the artwork was created, a short description of the artists life and a quick-fact section of the artist and their painting styles. From Mary Cassatt, to Edward Hopper, Georgia O'Keeffe, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol, this book paints an interesting picture of individual artists.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Winter Session Weekly Morning Storytime Programs


The Winter Session is about to begin. Plan to join us for a morning storytime!
January 10-February 19


Wiggle Worms
Mondays
10:30-11:00 a.m.
For pre-walkers up to 23 months
In the Storytime Room


Movers and Shakers
Mondays
11:15-11:45 a.m.
For pre-walkers up to 23 months
In the Storytime Room
Stories, music and fingerplays for babies from birth to 23 months with a caregiver.
Siblings under age 4 are also welcome.


Itsy Bitsy Toddler
Tuesdays
10:30-11:00 a.m.
For ages 1 1/2- 2 1/2
In the Storytime Room
Stories, music and fun for the growing toddler with a caregiver.
Siblings under age 4 are also welcome.



Tales and Tunes
Thursdays
10:30-11:00 a.m. and 11:15-11:45 a.m.
For ages 2-3 1/2
In the Storytime Room
Stories, music and a craft with a caregiver.


Simply Silly Storytime
Wednesdays
10:30-11:00 a.m.
For all ages
In the Meeting Room
For ages birth to 100 . . .
Make friends while you listen to stories, dance around and play with toys

Pinkalicious comes to the Library


Do you love pink? We do too! Celebrate everything pink with games, crafts and stories! We'll also have some pink lemonade and decorate pink cupcakes! Don't forget to dress in lots of pink!!

Registration begins January 8th.

Saturday, January 22nd
10:30-11:15 a.m.
For ages 3 and up
In the Meeting Room

New Year, new beginnings at the New Lenox Public Library!



Recently our Tech Center computers have been upgraded with new software. The Windows 7 platform features improved performance with an improved taskbar. The new "Superbar" allows many applications to be pinned to the taskbar so you can see more clearly the applications you have opened and running. All computers have also been updated with the latest Microsoft product, Office 2010, which features new text and editing images, new smart art templates and new animations for PowerPoint 2010. Keeping with a technology theme, we have added mini card readers to both our Tech Centers in Youth and Adult Services. The card readers can transfer data from Secure Digital, Mini SD, Micro SD, TransFlash, Compact Flash, MMC Mobile and MMC Plus cards So bring in your cameras or devices and upload pictures or files!

While we're excited about technology, we cannot forget about our books. All new materials added to the collections in Youth Services have been given a red sticker or label with the word "New" to help you easily identify the latest materials. Our new book section for J Fiction and Non-Fiction is near the Tech Center and the new picture books are across from the Easy Readers. New Audio titles are located on the top shelves above the audio collection. Feel free to ask a staff member to guide you to the new book sections on your next trip to the library

Last but not least in December we welcomed a new director! Please come in and give a warm welcome to Kate Hall who comes to us from the Park Ridge Library where she served as child services manager. We are so glad to have her here in New Lenox.