Book Exchange on July 27

We have one more program in July that I forget to mentioned on the programming entry. On Fridary, July 27, from 2:30 pm to 4: 30 pm, we will be having a book exchange. It is open to all ages ( and no registration is required). We ask that patrons bring up to  4 gently-used books with them for trading. For more information, contact the Central Branch at 769-3541, ext. 360.

Hope to see you soon.

Review- Seriously, Just Go to Sleep- Adam Mansbach

 

Last year, author Adam Mansbach released an illustrated bedtime book for adults, called Go the (Bleep) To Sleep. A instant hit ( and according to Wikipedia, supposedly optioned for a movie), some parents actually wanted to read this to their kids. So Mansbach and illustrator Richard Cortes went back and released a G- rated version, Seriously, Just Go to Sleep ( which I first heard about this, I figure " Cool, this  would be perfect to use for story time for  SRP since the theme this year is about  night-related activities.")

I'm a little disappointed. While the illustrations are still beautiful ( including some new ones, such as a cameo by Samuel L. Jackson, who did the audio of the original) and is bigger ( the original one is the size of a candy box), the new, family-friendly language is... not so great. At times it works, but other times it is a bit choppy. It also lacks the humor of the foul-mouthed original, and I'm not really sure how well kids will get the gist of it. If you're curious about how it sounds without the bad words, check it out. Otherwise, just get the original, unrated version ( which is catalogued under "poetry") and read it once the kids are in bed.

Seriously, Just Go to Sleep by Adam Mansbach
Age Range: 6 and up
**1/2 ( 2 and a half stars)

Music Review- Lullaby Round-up ( Part 2)

In last week's entry of   lullaby CD reviews, I mentioned children albums from Kenny Loggins, Jewel, and two CDs from the  Rockabye Baby series. In this entry, we have a jazz singer/actor, a collection of singing actors, and a folk singer who has the nickname "Lady Lullaby".
Again, anything in bold can be found in the regular AV section.

Songs I Heard ( Harry Connick Jr.)-Released in 2001, Connick sings songs from movies of his childhood , such as Wizard of Oz  and Sound of Music, in a  jazzy-New Orleans style.  Fun, fun, will have you  wanting to sing these songs ( and see the movies) over and over.
Favorite Track(s)- From Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, two clever mash-up tracks- " Pure Imagination/Candy Man" and " Golden Ticket/ I Want it Now" . Also good is " Maybe" from Annie.
Songs I Heard ***** ( 5 stars)

Unexpected Dreams ( Various Artists)-This one I am mixed about recommending. Released in 2006 to benefit the educational program " Music Matters", it features 15 stars of stage and screen singing non-traditional lullabies. Some stars, like Jeremy Irons and Tarji  Henson, are quite good. Others, like Marissa Winokur and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, not so good ( yes I know Winokur is a Broadway singer, but the song she sings on this CD is not great.) With this one, I would say get out of curiosity and then decide if you want to use as a lullaby CD.
Favorite Track(s)-Who knew the likes of Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Garner would have amazing singing voices? Johansson's version of " Summertime" is really amazing, as is Garner singing " My Heart is So Full of You."  Also amazing is  Irons's bluegrass-like take on Bob Dylan's " To Make You Feel My Love."
Unexpected Dreams-*** ( 3 stars)

Midnight Lullaby (Jane Roman Pitt)- I'm not familiar with this  independent folk singer/songwriter, but according to her website, Pitt started playing guitar at 15 and has a degree in music history and composition. On this album, she performs songs from Sade, Bob Dylan, and other well-known artists ( plus two original songs) as soothing, sweet-sounding lullabies. Vocal-wise, she reminds me of Judy Collins or Joni Mitchell, and I recommended this CD for those who do want to use nursery or traditional lullabies for going to sleep.
Favorite Track(s)- At the close of  the album, she combines two Beatles songs into one: "Golden Slumbers" and "Goodnight" ( and they fit perfectly together).
**** ( 4 stars)

I have one more entry planned, some recommendation of  instrumental CDs, coming soon.As for any future CD reviews, wait and see.

Keep the tunes going

Dream Big, Read!!-July Programming

Here are some programs that will happening next month in the Children's Dept at the Central Library. Please visit Library Events for information and to register.The last day of the Summer Reading Program is July 28.

Mother Goose on the Loose - Tuesdays, July 3 and 17 at 10 am or 2pm.
Audience: Infants 6-23 Months and caregiver.

Story Time for 2 and 3 yr Olds- Mondays at 10am or 2pm.
July 2- Twinkle, Twinkle
July 16-Goodnight, Summer (Note- Children may attend this program in their pajamas)
Audience:2 and 3 year olds and caregivers.

Story Time for 4 and 5 yr Olds- Tuesdays at 10 am or 2pm.
July 10-Night Animals
June 24-Blast Off!
Audience: 4 and 5 year olds.

School-Age-Thursdays at 4pm.
July 5-Lantern Tales
July 12-Midnight on the Moon
July 19-Moonlit Night
July 26-Starry, Starry Night ( Note-Because there is painting involved, patrons are asked to wear old clothes)
Audience: K to 5th grade and families



Family Movie Day ( Wednesday at noon)
Patrons can bring a lunch or snack. No red or dark colored drinks!
July 11-Puss in Boots
July 18-The Muppets
July 25- Happy Feet 2
Audience: All Ages.  Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.

Other Programs:
Tuesday, July 17 at 4 pm- Lego Club ( Grades 2-6)
Wednesday July 18 at 6 pm-Gaming Night ( Teens 12-17)

Note-
July 3- Open 9am-5pm
July 4-Closed
Hope see everyone soon. Happy Summer!!

Music Review-Lullaby Round-up (Part 1)

For the blog's first music review( or in this case, reviews) , I've been listening to various lullaby CDs of the children's and AV department to use as background music for my programs ( since this summer's theme is "Dream  Big-Read!" In fact, I have found so many good ones that I have to divide this entry into two, possibly three parts). However, I know there are some parents that may tire of hear Barney, Mickey, and the odd but hip Yo Gabba Gabba ( especially if they have listened to them all day. I know my parents did, so they would play Perry Como records to lull me to sleep). So here is part one  of  some reviews of a few CDs worth falling asleep ( perfect for little ones and their parents and even adults who do not have kids.)

Note- Any title in bold can found in the regular AV section.

Return to Pooh Corner and More Songs from Pooh Corner( Kenny Loggins)- Known in the 80s' for providing songs for the movies Footloose and Top Gun, Loggins, who is a father of five,  released Pooh Corner in 1994.  The songs range from traditional lullabies ( " All the Pretty Little Ponies","To-Ra-Loo-Ra") to  contemporary songs like " Rainbow Connection" and the John Lennon classic " Love ." A second album, More Songs from Pooh Corner, was released in 1998 and features " You'll be in My Heart", " Inchworm" and " Beauty and the Beast".
Favorite track(s)- On Pooh Corner, I like the "Neverland Medley" ( which is a mash-up of " Somewhere Out There, Pure Imagination" and " Never Never Land"). From More Songs, my favorite track is " Baby Mine" from Dumbo( I've tried to use the song a couple of times when I did MGOL for a while, but I usually do one verse before I end up in tears.)
Both Cds-***** ( 5 stars)

The Merry Goes Round(Jewel)-Yes, the gap-toothed Alaskan songtress known for " Who Will Save Your Soul" put out a children's album ( two actually.) Merry is her second album with Fisher Price that came out last year ( haven't had a chance to hear 2009's Lullaby but plan to), and features traditional and original tunes for wee ones. It's a little bouncy than typical lullaby CDs, but it's very sweet and soothing.
Favorite track(s)-"Supermarket Song" ( It's very catchy, and instantly a little cartoon image of a baby in a shopping cart following grocery food popped into my mind). Also good is the dreamy " Just Like Penguins Do."
***** ( 5 stars)

Rockabye Baby series-  For parents that do not feel like playing the traditional lullabies like " Hush Little Baby" and "Rock-a-bye Baby", they should check out this CD series. Rockabye Baby takes the music of popular artists like No Doubt and Coldplay and turns them into music-box sounding lullabies. Last week, I checked out the U2 edition, and currently, I have the lullaby renditions of the Beatles , and both are pretty good. The library has 12 CDs in the series.
The official website is  http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/.
Favorite track(s)- From U2, I liked "One". As for Beatles, if I had to pick one track, it's " And I Loved Her."
Lullaby Renditions of U2-*** ( 3 stars)
Lullaby Rendtions of Beatles ***** ( 5 stars)

Stay tuned for Part 2.
Keep reading (or in this case, keep the tunes going.)

Review-Cindy Moo-Lori Mortensen

 
Hey Diddle Diddle, the cat and the fiddle.
The cow jumped over the moon.

When the cows on Diddle farm hear this rhyme one night, they wonder, can a cow really jump the moon? A brave cow named Cindy Moo is determined to prove it can happen, no matter what.

This is a cute, clever take on the familiar nursery rhyme ( with a good lesson on not giving up.) The illustrations of Cindy Moo and her bovine friends are udderly delightful. I would love to see a doll ( or more books) of this character.

Lori Mortensen, by the way, has her own website, which features information on her books and a blog.

Here is the book's official trailer. Enjoy!
 
Cindy Moo by Lori Mortensen
Age Level: 3-7
***** ( 5 stars)

Review- Zoe gets Ready- Bethanie Deeney Murguvia

On school days, soccer days, and rainy days, Zoe's mom chooses what Zoe will wear. But it's Saturday, and Zoe can wear whatever she wants! But there are so many choices.Will be be pocket day? Or a day of exploring? Perhaps a time for twirling with little sister and puppy? Zoe better decide soon, or the day will be over.

This is a very cute, fun book  for girls who love to dress-up. I especially love the glittery cover, the use of adjectives and the ending itself.

Zoe gets Ready by  Bethanie Deeney Murguvia
Age Level: 3-5
***** ( 5 stars)

Dream Big-June Programming

Summer is just around the corner, and so is the library's summer reading program. Starting June 4th, and continuing until July 28th, children ages 2 to 14 can earn prizes by reading  library books. All they have to do is read one  book, magazine, or audio book and return to the Children's Department, where our teen volunteers will record each book read  on a special card, and eventually earn prizes by every 10 picture books or 500 chapter book pages read.

We will also be having programming during  the summer, too. Here are some programs that will happening next month in the Children's Dept at the Central Library. Please visit Library Events for information and to register.

Mother Goose on the Loose - Tuesdays, June 5 and 19 at 10 am or 2pm.
Audience: Infants 6-23 Months and caregiver.

Story Time for 2 and 3 yr Olds- Mondays at 10am or 2pm.
June 4- Going Batty
June 18-Bump in the Night
Audience:2 and 3 year olds and caregivers.

Story Time for 4 and 5 yr Olds- Tuesdays at 10 am or 2pm.
June 12-Dream Big
June 26-Wish Upon a Star
Audience: 4 and 5 year olds.

School-Age-Thursdays at 4pm.
June 14- Dreams and Wishes
June 21- Pajama Rama ( Note-Patrons are welcomed to attend in library-appropriate pajamas)
Audience: K to 5th grade and families



Family Movie Day ( Wednesday at noon)
Patrons can bring a lunch or snack. No red or dark colored drinks!
June 13-Sleeping Beauty
June 20-Bedtimes Stories
June 27-Adventures of Tintin
Audience: All Ages.  Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.

Other Programs:
Thursday,June 28 at 4 pm -Twilight Night ( Grades 3-5)
Tuesday, June 19 at 4 pm- Lego Club ( Grades 2-6)
Wednesday June 20 at 6 pm-Gaming Night ( Teens 12-17)
Hope see everyone soon. Happy Summer!!

Rest in Peace Maurice Sendak

With yesterday's pasting of  author/ illustrator Maurice Sendak, I felt like re-posting a review I did in October of last year  on Sendak's final book ( according to some obituaries, he was writing more book, release date unknown.) To be honest, I didn't really become of fan of his work until I got older ( although  as a kid, I did  enjoy seeing the cartoon Really Rosie, which is really an adaption of  the Nutshell Library series and The Sign on Rosie's Door). His work is a bit dark and strange, but it sort of grows on you. So enjoy the review and may the wild rumpuses continue.

Review-Bumble-Ardy-Maurice Sendak ( originally posted on October 4, 2011)

A few  weeks ago, I read Maurice Sendak's new picture book for our Cool Kids program ( and they enjoyed it, but said it was a little weird.Of course,  not all of Sendak's stuff is  cute and cuddly). What I did discovered via some of the book reviews is that the story  is based off a old Sesame Street cartoon ( and oh I remember it, especially the mom counting  nine until the pigs and her son left, then welcoming him back in and kissing him "nine times over nine.")

Here is the You tube link for those that want a trip down memory lane- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2TVYdQU3-I&noredirect=1 

In the story, Bumble-Ardy the pig ( in the cartoon, a boy) has never had a birthday party until at age eight his parents " gorged and gained weighted/ And got ate."  He is then adopted by his sweet aunt Adeline, who gives him a party for turning nine. But she has to work, so Bumble throws the party himself... and a wild rumpus is had by all. But what will Aunt Adeline think when she gets home?

Fans of Sendak will most likely treasure Bumble as much as  the author's past works, Where the Wild Things Are and In the Night Kitchen . Some readers might it a little bit weird and dark, but it has the author's familiar visual style and rhymes and ends on a very sweet note

Bumble-Ardy-Maurice Sendak

Age Range: 5-7

**** ( 4 stars)

Review-The Great Cake Mystery- Alexander McCall Smith

 

When Precious dreamed about becoming a detective, she never dreamed it would happen right way. But it does at school, when a piece of cake and other sweets disappear. Soon classmates are accusing a rotund boy, and it's up to Precious to find the real culprit.

This is  a quick and easy read ( especially for those who are starting to read mysteries), filled with wonderful characters and simple, African-inspired illustrations from Iain McIntosh ( including illustrated pronunciation letters of hard to say names.) What also adds to the story's plot is the author's musings on human nature ( which might be a bit much for  some younger readers, but adds a personal tone). The plot itself does a wonderful job of teaching an important lesson not to judge others without proof. As readers get older, they may also want to follow Precious as an adult in The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series ( currently 13 books).

The Great Cake Mystery (Precious Ramotswe's First Cases)-Alexander McCall Smith
Age Range-9 and up
***** ( 5 stars)