READING CORNER

 SEPTEMBER

 "Wake up Mo!" 

INVENTIONS

"So You Want to Be an Inventor?"

Written by Jusith St. George & David Small

You Want to Be an Inventor? features some of the world's best-known inventors-Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Eli Whitney-as well as lesser-known geniuses like Georges de Mestral (inventor of Velcro), Wilhelm Roentgen (inventor of X rays), and Hedy Lamarr (inventor of a system that became the basis for satellite communication-who knew?). Whether you're a dreamer or a loner, a copycat or a daredevil, this book might just inspire readers to invent something that could change the world!

From the 2001 Caldecott Medal winning team of So You Want to Be President?, a factual book takes a look at important inventors and significant inventions that have changed the world, from lightbulbs and X-ray machines to satellite communications and beyond. Reprint.

MACHINES

"Building machines"

Written by Ian Graham & illustrated by Carles Ballesteros 

Building Machines explores the powerful mechanics of construction vehicles and includes everything needed to build nine machines with working parts! The construction vehicles introduced are a forklift, bulldozer, front loader, giant digger, dump truck, road roller, crane, and tractor.

Each spread describes the vehicle in detail, including its parts and function. The spreads also include instructions for constructing the machine described using the included die-cut pieces. Children can follow the steps to make each vehicle, then use the pieces to invent their own.

POLLUTION

"AANI & THE TREE HUGGERS"

Written by Jeannine Atkins and illustrated by Venantius J. Pinto

Horrified by the city people who have come to cut down their beloved forest homeland, Aani and other members of her village try to make them understand how important the trees are, and a single act of bravery helps save the forest.

"Fresh Picked Poetry: A Day at the Farmers’ Market"

Written by Michelle Schaub and illustrated by Amy Huntington

This collection of poems takes young readers to a day at an urban farmers' market. Who to see, what to eat, and how produce is grown--it's all so exciting, fresh, and delicious. Readers are invited to peruse the stands and inspect vendors' wares with poems like "Farmer Greg's Free-Range Eggs," "Summer Checklist," and "Necessary Mess."

Bright and vibrant, this is the perfect guide for little ones to take with them on marketing day to inspire literacy and healthy eating.

"One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of Gambia"

Written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon

Tells the story of a Gambian woman who came up with a way to recycle the plastic bags that had littered the landscape in her nation, an act that saved the environment and transformed her community.

"A Planet Full of Plastic: and how you can help"

Written and illustrated by Neal Layton

Our world is drowning in plastic, and it's a big problem. Award-winning author-illustrator Neal Layton is here to explain where plastic comes from, why it doesn't biodegrade, and why that's dangerous for animals and humans alike. But he's also FULL of ideas for how you can help! From giving up straws in juice cartons to recycling all we can and taking part in a beach clean, A Planet Full of Plastic will get young readers excited about how they can make a difference to keep Planet Earth happy.

CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

“If you find a rock”

Written by Peggy Christian and photographs by Barbara Hirsch Lember

Think of all the rocks there are: skipping rocks, splashing rocks, climbing rocks, and wishing rocks. Children can’t help collecting them. With joyful, poetic text and luminous photographs, If You Find a Rock celebrates rocks everywhere—as well as the mysterious and wonderful places they are found.

“Rhoda’s Rock Hunt”

Written by Molly Beth Griffin and illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell

Rhoda is on a long, long hike with her aunt and uncle, each of them carrying backpacks of gear as they walk through the north woods. While Auntie June and Uncle Jonah watch for wildlife and set up their campsites, Rhoda is on the hunt for one thing: ROCKS.

She finds them in all shapes and patterns, from hearts and hats to stripes and sparkles. And every last treasure goes into her pack, making it heavier and heavier as they hike through forests and along streams. Soon Rhoda is sweaty, and tired of salami sandwiches, and wishing for her own bed. Then, on the last day, they come to the Big Lake. And its beach is covered in rocks. Rhoda can't believe her luck.

After hours of play and even more rock discoveries, it's time to head for home. By now Rhoda's pack is too heavy to lift. Will she give up her rocks and return to the cabin for a real shower, a hot meal, and a soft bed? Or will she stay on the beach forever with her beloved collection? Her clever solution makes the most of her treasures and offers delights for other hikers.

WOMEN WEEK "SEEN AND UNSEEN WOMEN"

NON FICTION BOOKS

“Good night stories for rebel girls"

by Elena Favilli and Francesca Caravallo

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is a children's book packed with 100 bedtime stories about the life of 100 extraordinary women from the past and the present, illustrated by 60 female artists from all over the world.

“I am Jazz”

Written by Jazz Jennings and Jessica Herthel, illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas

From the time she was two years old, Jazz knew that she had a girl's brain

in a boy's body. She loved pink and dressing up as a mermaid and didn't

feel like herself in boy's clothing. This confused her family, until they took

her to a doctor who said that Jazz was transgender and that she was born

that way. Jazz's story is based on her real-life experience and she tells it

in a simple, clear way that will be appreciated by picture book readers,

their parents, and teachers.

POEM BOOK

“My village: rhymes from around the world”

Edited by Daniell Wright and illustrated by Mique Moriuchi

My Village is a beautiful collection featuring nursery rhymes and verses from around the world: New Zealand, China, Australia, Norway, Ireland, Tonga, Jamaica, Japan, Zimbabwe, Fiji, Indonesia, Denmark, Iran, Germany, Samoa, Switzerland, Russia, Brazil, France, Holland, Iceland, and India. Readers delight in quirky, touching, and funny verses from the 22 different countries, brought vividly to life by the appealingly fresh artwork from exciting young illustrator Mique Moriuchi, who captures each verse with a uniquely beautiful and child’s-eye focus. Danielle Wright has included some familiar rhymes along with others that are less well known. Internationally acclaimed poet and former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen introduces the collection, discussing the origins of nursery rhymes as well as reviewing some of his favorites. Also endorsed by the International Youth Library.

FICTION

“Paper Bag Princess”

by Robert Munsch (Author), Michael Martchenko (Illustrations)

An unconventional princess named Elizabeth happily prepares to marry Prince Ronald. Before they are able to marry, a dragon swoops down, burns down the castle and everything with it, and kidnaps Prince Ronald. Elizabeth puts on a paper bag and sets off to save Ronald. Elizabeth outwits the dragon by asking him to perform feats of strength until he passes out. When Ronald sees Elizabeth in a paper bag rather than beautiful princess clothes, he is disgusted. Ronald tells her to come back when she looks like a “real princess.” Elizabeth responds by telling the prince he’s a bum.

“Princess Smartypants”

Written and illustrated by Babette Cole

Princess Smartypants doesn't want to get married; she'd rather live with her pets. Commanded by her parents to find herself a husband, the Princess sets tasks for her horde of suitors. All of the potential husbands fail miserably as the gleeful Princess looks on, until Prince Swashbuckle appears.

“Pippi Longstocking”

Written by Astrid Lindgren and illustrated by Lauren Child

Follow Pippi Longstocking on her amazing adventures as she moves into Villa Villekulla with a horse, a monkey, and a big suitcase of gold coins, and meets Tommy and Annika who quickly become her best friends. They join her on her amusing escapades joining the circus, dancing with burglars and celebrating her birthday.

ROAD SAFETY

"LOOK LEFT, LOOK RIGHT, LOOK LEFT AGAIN"

Written by Ginger Pate and illustrated by Rhett Pennell

When Wally Waddlewater wants to mail a birthday card to his grandmother, he has to first learn the important rules for crossing streets, roads and even railroad tracks. On his first trip he is accompanied by his mother who often has him repeat the mantra, "Look Left, Look Right, Look Left Again". Wally,after his initial trip and his mother's guidance,is then able to safely navigate street crossings on his own.

LIVING TOGETHER

"All are welcome"

Written by Alexandra Penfold and illustrated by Suzzanne Kaufman

Discover a school where all young children have a place, have a space, and are loved and appreciated.
Readers will follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where students from all backgrounds learn from and celebrate each other’s traditions. A school that shows the world as we will make it to be.

PROFESSIONS

"WHO WILL I BE?"

Written by Abby Huntsman and illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

When Isabel’s teacher asks her students who they want to be when they grow up, Isabel doesn’t have an answer.

Isabel knows it makes her happy to help her friends, neighbors, and family—but can a person really grow up to be a helper?

It’s time for Isabel to open her eyes and her heart and see all the different jobs people do: the police officers, firefighters, soldiers, teachers, doctors, and clergy who dedicate their lives to helping people every day.

GASTRONOMIC TRADITIONS

"Dim sum for everyone!"

Written and illustrated by Grace Lin

In English, Dim Sum means “little hearts,” or “touches the heart,” but to this young girl, Dim Sum means delicious. On a visit to a bustling dim sum restaurant, a family picks their favorite little dishes from the steaming trolleys filled with dumplings, cakes, buns, and tarts. And as is traditional and fun, they share their food with each other so that everyone gets a bite of everything.

MASS MEDIA

"I can write the World"

 Written by Joshunda Sanders and illustrated by Charly Palmer

Eight-year-old Ava Murray wants to know why there’s a difference between the warm, friendly Bronx neighborhood filled with music and art in which she lives and the Bronx she sees in news stories on TV and on the Internet. When her mother explains that the power of stories lies in the hands of those who write them, Ava decides to become a journalist.

I Can Write the World follows Ava as she explores her vibrant South Bronx neighborhood - buildings whose walls boast gorgeous murals of historical figures as well as intricate, colorful street art, the dozens of different languages and dialects coming from the mouths of passersby, the many types of music coming out of neighbors’ windows and passing cars. In reporting how the music and art and culture of her neighborhood reflect the diversity of the people of New York City, Ava shows the world as she sees it, revealing to children the power of their own voice.

TRAVEL

"A BEAR CALLED PADIGTON"

Written by Michael Bond and illustrated by Peggy Fortnum

Paddington Bear had traveled all the way from Peru when the Browns first met him in Paddington Station. Since then, their lives have never been quite the same . . . for ordinary things become extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is involved.