Embrace Technology

"The Internet is marvelous, but to claim, as some now do, that it's making libraries obsolete is as silly as saying shoes have made feet unnecessary."


--Mark Herring, American Libraries, 2001

"Does the internet replace the library? Does a calculator replace math class? Learning how to use the tool is more important than having the tool."

--Dave Peters

Librarians need to embrace new technology.  Here is an interesting article about eReaders VS. libraries:

http://portland.thephoenix.com/arts/124475-will-kindles-kill-libraries/

The Hallelujah Flight by Phil Bildner, illustrated by John Holyfield

Another Texas Bluebonnet Award 2011-2012 Nominee, The Hallelujah Flight by Phil Bildner is a great book to introduce historical fiction to younger readers.  The story is based on historical information about James Banning, the first African American to complete a transcontinental flight.  Lovely illustrations by John Holyfield enhance the story. (grades 2-5)

Bildner, P. (2010). The hallelujah flight. (J. Holyfield, illustrator). New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons.

The Duchess of Whimsy by Randall de Seve, illustrated by Peter de Seve

The Duchess of Whimsy: An Absolutely Delicious Fairy Tale by Randall De Seve is a delightful tale.  Nominated for the Texas Bluebonnet Award 2011-2012, children will love the fanciful story and the beautiful illustrations by illustrator Peter de Seve.  This book has rich vocabulary which lends itself to being read aloud to children and discussed in the classroom.  It is pleasing to the ear and the eye. (grades 2-5)

de Seve, Randall. (2009). The Duchess of Whimsy: An absolutely delicious fairy tale. (P. de Seve, 
     illstrator).  New York: Philmel Books.

Wild Times at the Bed and Biscuit by Joan Carris

Here is another 2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee you will enjoy.  This book is especially appealing to you animal lovers.  Joan Carris tells a precious tale about a family of animals helping their owner run a boarding house for animals.  Things get wild when Grampa has to take in some wild animals to help the local shelter.  Ernest, the trustworthy pig, helps Grampa do chores and care for the wild animals while also trying to train the young Scottish terrier pup, Sir Walter.  Adventure springs up when the pup goes missing along with the two red fox kits, and then the release of the Canada goose stirs emotions.  It is a heartwarming tale perfect for a first chapter book, and the author's notes offers some factual information about the wild animals in the story.  Animal lovers, enjoy! (grades 2-4)

Carris, J. (2009). Wild times at the Bed and Biscuit. (N. Jones, illustrator). Somerville, MA: Candlewick
     Press.

The Witch's Guide to Cooking With Children by Keith McGowan

Keith McGowan has written an interesting retelling of the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel.  The witch has disguised her cottage to fit in with modern times, and she has worked out new ingenious ways to capture children.  She touts it as a business to help parents with unruly children.  You might want to read the classic tale again to refresh your memory on some of the details.  You could read both stories and have students compare and contrast the tales.  McGowan's book is one of the 2011-2012 Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominees. (grades 3-5)

McGowan, K. (2009). The witch's guide to cooking with children. (Y. Tanaka, illustrator). New York:
     Henry Holt and Company.

Books at Kohl's

Kohl's has Cliffard the Big Red Dog books and the stuffed animals to go with them, $5 each.  These are great for your library, for your own kids, and also make great babyshower gifts.

Goodreads

Just got an account on goodreads.com.  It is a reader's social networking site.  You post books you've read and rate them, and you can post what you are currently reading.  Friend all your buddies so they can see your recommendations and recommend good reads for you.  Have fun!