Wednesday, February 13, 2013

New book: I Saw a Peacock with a Fiery Tail

A new book that caught our eye is I Saw a Peacock with a Fiery Tail (J 821.92 URVETI). It is a wonderfully illustrated book with just one poem, "I Saw a Peacock with a Fiery Tail," within it. The poem has been around since the 17th century and no one knows who the author was, adding to its mystery. The poem itself is a form of "trick verse," which means that depending on how each line of the poem is read, it can have very different meanings!  Beyond the imaginative poem's words, the book itself is illustrated in a very interesting way that complements the poem very well.  The video below, made by the book's publisher Tara Books, explains how the poem and illustrations work together to make such an unusual and awesome reading experience:




Monday, February 11, 2013

50th Child Signs Up for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Program!

We're proud to announce that 50 children have signed up for our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten early literacy program. We're looking forward to signing up even more for this fun & free early literacy program. It's a simple way to keep track of the books you and other people are reading to your child anyway. Plus, there are little rewards along the way for your child and a big prize once they've had 1000 books read to them!  If your child is any age from birth to before they've started Kindergarten, sign them up in the Children's Department next time you stop by. We'll give you all the information and materials you'll need. If you have any questions, stop by or call us at 409-643-5983 or 5966.

Books about Presidents (in honor of President's Day)

President’s Day is almost here (Monday, February 18th) and if you’re interested in learning about Presidents, we’ve got biographies on every President the U.S. has ever had! Simply look in the biography section under the last name of the President you’re looking for.  For instance, George Washington’s biographies are under J B WASHINGTON.  Beyond biographies on individual Presidents, we’ve got other books related to all Presidents, including trivia and even poems:












 














 










 



J 973.099 Townsend



Monday, February 4, 2013

Valentine's Day Books You'll Love

Valentine’s Day is almost here, so below are some fantastic books you might enjoy reading about love. If you don’t love any of these options, when you stop by the Children’s Department, look at the several books about love we have displayed below the Valentine's Day-themed bulletin board for February!

 



E KANN









E NUMEROFF


 






E PARISH


 








E RYLANT

 









E SCOTTON









E SCHULMAN                   
10 Valentine friends: a holiday counting book

Celebrate African American Authors and Illustators During Black History Month


The Brown Bookshelf is an website created to raise public knowledge of various wonderful African American authors and illustrators that contribute to children's literature with their work. During Black History Month in February, the website has an initative called "28 Days Later" that showcases a different author or illustator for each of the 28 days of the month. Today's spotlight is on author Glenda Armand. We have one of her books, Love twelve miles long (E ARMAND), in the Children's Department. Click here to visit The Brown Bookshelf's website to see who they choose each day!

Monday, January 28, 2013

American Library Association Announces Award Winners

The big news today in the world of children's books is that the American Library Association (ALA) announced its children's book award winners for 2013!  

Below are some of the highlights, to view the full list of winners, click here.

 
John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature:
“The One and Only Ivan,” written by Katherine Applegate (J FIC APPLEGATE)






 

 Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children:
“This Is Not My Hat,” illustrated and written by Jon Klassen (E KLASSEN)



 

Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults:
“Hand in Hand: Ten Black Men Who Changed America,” written by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney (J 920 PINKNEY)


 


Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award:
“I, Too, Am America,” illustrated by Bryan Collier and written by Langston Hughes (E HUGHES)
 


 



Pura Belpré (Illustrator) Award honoring a Latino writer and illustrator whose children's books best portray, affirm and celebrate the Latino cultural experience:
“Martín de Porres: The Rose in the Desert,” illustrated by David Diaz and written by Gary D. Schmidt (J 282.092 MARTIN)

Pop-up Books

Pop-up books are books that have parts that "pop" up when you turn the pages.  They are popular with kids, so we thought we’d let you know about some of the pop-up books we have:
 







 







E CARTER