Books and More for Children

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Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Secrets of Shakespeare's Grave

Twelve-year-old Colophon Letterford has a serious mystery on her hands. Will she discover the link between her family's literary legacy and Shakespeare's tomb before it's too late? Antique paintings, secret passages, locked mausoleums, a four-hundred-year-old treasure, and a cast of quirky (and some ignoble) characters all add up to a fun original adventure. Readers will revel in a whirlwind journey through literary time and space in real-world locales from Mont St. Michel to Stratford-Upon-Avon to Central Park!

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Sunday, December 16, 2012

The Broken Lands

"A crossroads can be a place of great power." So begins this deliciously spine-tingling prequel to Kate Milford's "The Boneshaker, " set in the colorful world of nineteenth-century Coney Island and New York City. Few crossroads compare to the one being formed by the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River, and as the bridge's construction progresses, forces of unimaginable evil seek to bend that power to their advantage. Only two orphans with unusual skills stand in their way. Can the teenagers Sam, a card sharp, and Jin, a fireworks expert, stop them before it's too late? Here is a richly textured, slow-burning thriller about friendship, courage, and the age-old fight between good and evil.

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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

"Hey! Unto you a child is born!"
Meet the Herdmans--they lie, cheat, and love to give clonks on the head. They are, without a doubt, the worst kids in the history of the world. So no one is prepared when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and decides to take over the annual Christmas pageant.
None of the Herdmans has ever heard the Christmas story before. Joseph, Mary, the baby Jesus--it's all news to them. So they're convinced that the Wise Men should bring pizza and that the Angel of the Lord is straight out of a comic book. Everyone worries that this year's pageant will be horrible (just like the Herdmans!), but they are sure to make it the most unusual anyone has seen and, just possibly, the best one ever.
Adapted from the beloved novel of the same name, this sparkling picture-book version is perfect for younger children. They will delight in the antics of the terrible Herdmans, who surprise everyone when they capture the true meaning of Christmas.

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Monday, December 3, 2012

The Birds of Bethlehem

A perfect first Christmas book
This inventive and fresh Nativity story is told from a bird's-eye view. On the morning of the first Christmas, the birds of Bethlehem gather in the fields--not only to eat but to share the exciting news. People from all over have descended on Bethlehem and an angel has appeared in the night sky. Something extraordinary is coming! The birds agree that they must find this wondrous thing, and off they fly to the stable where a child has been born.
In simple language and dazzling pictures, beloved author-illustrator Tomie dePaola shares the awe and anticipation of the first Christmas. His cast of brightly colored, curious birds will appeal to young children, making this a perfect introduction to the story of Christmas.

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Saturday, November 24, 2012

The Third Wheel ( Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Hardcover) #07 )

Love is in the air--but what does that mean for Greg Heffley?
A Valentine's Day dance at Greg's middle school has turned his world upside down. As Greg scrambles to find a date, he's worried he'll be left out in the cold on the big night. His best friend, Rowley, doesn't have any prospects either, but that's a small consolation.
An unexpected twist gives Greg a partner for the dance and leaves Rowley the odd man out. But a lot can happen in one night, and in the end, you never know who's going to be lucky in love.

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Thursday, November 15, 2012

The Spindlers

One night when Liza went to bed, Patrick was her chubby, stubby, candy-grubbing and pancake-loving younger brother, who irritated and amused her both, and the next morning, when she woke up, he was not. In fact, he was quite, quite different.
When Liza's brother, Patrick, changes overnight, Liza knows exactly what has happened: The spindlers have gotten to him and stolen his soul.
She knows, too, that she is the only one who can save him.
To rescue Patrick, Liza must go Below, armed with little more than her wits and a broom. There, she uncovers a vast world populated with talking rats, music-loving moles, greedy troglods, and overexcitable nids . . . as well as terrible dangers. But she will face her greatest challenge at the spindlers' nests, where she encounters the evil queen and must pass a series of deadly tests--or else her soul, too, will remain Below forever.
From "New York Times" best-selling author Lauren Oliver comes a bewitching story about the reaches of loyalty, the meaning of love, and the enduring power of hope.

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Monday, November 5, 2012

The Giant and How He Humbugged America

Two-time Newbery Honor Book author has written an amazing account of one of America's most famous hoaxes!
When a 10-foot tall purported "petrified man" is unearthed from a backyard in upstate New York in 1869, the discovery immediately turns into a spectacle of epic proportions. News of the giant spreads like wildfire, and well over a thousand people come to view him in the first five days alone!
Everyone has their own idea of his true origin: Is he an ancient member of the local Onandaga Indian tribe? Is he a biblical giant like Goliath? Soon the interests of world-renowned scientists and people from around the globe are piqued as arguments flare over who he is, where he came from, and if he is real--or just a hoax.
In a riveting account of how the Cardiff Giant mystery snowballed into one of America's biggest money-making spectacles--and scams--Jim Murphy masterfully explores the power of 19th-century media and the unexpected ripple effect that a single corrupt mastermind can produce when given a stage.

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Reminder!! The library is closed for Election Day on November 6th and Veteran's Day on November 11th and 12th.


Remember to vote on Election Day!




Monday, October 29, 2012

Ice!: The Amazing History of the Ice Business

In the early 1800s, people began to harvest ice, store it in ways that limited melting, and transport it to homes and businesses. Eventually, almost everyone had an icebox, and a huge, vital ice business grew. In this riveting book, acclaimed writer Laurence Pringle describes the key inventions and ideas that helped the ice business flourish. He points to the many sources of ice throughout the East and Midwest and spotlights Rockland Lake, "the icebox of New York City," to offer a close-up look at the ice business in action. Pringle worked closely with experts and relied on primary documents, including archival photographs, postcards, prints, and drawings, to capture the times when everyone waited for the ice man and his wagon to deliver those precious blocks of ice.

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Monday, October 22, 2012

The Mark of Athena ( Heroes of Olympus (Hardcover) #03 )

In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six--who will complete the Prophecy of Seven?
The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death? Much of the prophecy remains a mystery. . . . With old friends and new friends joining forces, a marvelous ship, fearsome foes, and an exotic setting, The Mark of Athena promises to be another unforgettable adventure by master storyteller Rick Riordan.

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Monday, October 15, 2012

Healthy Foods from A to Z/Comida Sana de La a A La Z

Helping children learn about healthy foods--as well as their ABCs--this bilingual picture book in English and Spanish features colorful photographs of engaging faces made from fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and soy products. A sample sketch with instructions, followed by additional suggested activities, helps children create their own food faces and connect with peers and teachers. An informative section for parents highlights the nutritional value of 70 foods illustrated in the book.

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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Rocket Ride ( Calvin Coconut)




 

Calvin's dad is a famous pop singer, and he's going to be in a concert on the island! Everyone wants to go. Dad gave Calvin's mom 10 tickets, and Calvin has to decide who gets the last ticket: teacher's pet Shayla, who has a crush on him (ick!) or Tito the bully? But much more important: Calvin hasn't seen his dad in four years. And he's never met Dad's new wife. Will Dad still like Calvin now?
 

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

I Want to Help!

Emily Pearl is good at very many things and is the first with an offer to help her teacher, but when the school day ends and her father is late picking her up, she finds she needs a little help, too. 

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Monday, September 24, 2012

Artful Halloween: 31 Frightfully Elegant Projects



 

These 30+ costume, pumpkin, and home-decorating ideas are not just beautiful--they are scary beautiful. From unique pumpkin decorations to a "blood"-splashed dinner-party centerpiece to a Yard Specter made from two poles, a string of lights, and torn, draped fabric, these creepy but stylish Halloween projects will give your home a spooky, sophisticated look . . . with gothic flair!
 

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Animals Welcome: A Life of Reading, Writing and Rescue

A moving memoir from an award-winning author
A mother cat and her kittens, shot with a pellet gun. A poacher illegally stalking a bear. Peg Kehret tells these true stories and more as she invites readers into her life on a small wildlife sanctuary.
Vividly showing the joys of animal rescue while providing facts about the animals and birds she encounters, Kehret also shares the tragedy of her husband's sudden death, and the pain of losing Pete, the shelter cat who co-authored three of her books. Written with honesty, heart, and humor, "Animals Welcome" is a personal glimpse into the life of an author who loves animals, and the philosophy by which she lives.

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Monday, August 27, 2012

Boo to You!

From the illustrator of "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom," Lois Ehlert's "Boo to You! "is now available as a Classic Board Book, perfect for small hands.
The harvest garden is bursting with delicious vegetables, the pumpkins are decorated and lit, and the mice have their costumes ready. Everyone is looking forward to the annual harvest feast. Scary Cat wasn't invited to the party, but he seems to think he's coming anyway. Hmmm, how will the mice outsmart him?
This visually stunning, seasonal story from the illustrator of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom "is now available as a Classic Board Book.

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Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Remember to log your minutes through August 31st

Thank you to everybody for a great summer.
Please remember that you can log in your minutes through August 31st.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Troll Hunters

Evil and danger rumbles under the earth. Follow the adventures of a group of contemporary teenagers who discover that their town, and ultimately the entire world, is under attack by fierce creatures from deep beneath the earth. These creatures were known to the earliest humans as trolls or goblins, but they are much more dangerous than their fairy-tale versions. The teens make unlikely allies along the way, including a half-man, half-troll, as well as some legendary constellations that quite literally come to life. The young heroes will also discover their own untapped celestial abilities in an epic battle between good versus evil.

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Monday, August 6, 2012

City Chickens

Just outside of downtown Minneapolis, follow the sounds of crowing and clucking
and you will find Mary Britton Clouse's Chicken Run Rescue. Over the years, Mary
and her husband have given hundreds of homeless birds a safe place to rest until they
can be adopted by caring families.
Each chicken has a story to share, and the debut author Christine Heppermann
(who adopted her own chicken) has crafted a spare, moving, and at times humorous
text that will open young readers' eyes and also inspire to help all creatures great and
small.
Come along and find out why lovable chickens are actually, according to Mary, "the
ones who need friends the most."

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Monday, July 30, 2012

Basher Science: Technology: A Byte-Sized World!


From the bestselling illustrator whose friendly take on science has revolutionized our understanding of everything from the periodic table to the universe, comes a fresh take on technology as only Basher can do it. Discover the secrets behind the devices we take for granted, and learn about the amazing inventions that have transformed our lives. From the Movers and Shakers who power our physical world, to the Gizmos, Home Bodies, and High Rollers who power our vehicles, entertainment, and smartphones--and pretty much everything else around us--"Technology "is a compelling guide to the big-bytes whiz-kids, powerhouse motors, and other characters who drive our inventive, highly engineered world.


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Monday, July 23, 2012

Beach Feet

The story of a boy's visit to the beach, "Beach Feet" opens with a small boy feeling the heat of the sand and then running towards the ocean. Free and independent despite his young age and the tube around his waist, the boy gives himself over to the ocean and the pleasures to be had at water's edge. Throughout, the boy's connection to the beach through his feet--the feel of sand, shells, water--is never lost. Unusual perspectives and a pitch-perfect voice make this a standout.
Kiyomi Konagaya was born in 1936 in Shizuoka, Japan. At university, he studied English literature and published his poetry in literary magazines. After graduation, he took a job at an advertising agency. In 1977 he won the prestigious Mr. H Award (for new poets) for "Little Voyage 26." He also won the twenty-first Takami Jun Prize in 1991, and the twenty-fifth Contemporary Poetry Award in 2007.
Masamitsu Saito was born in 1958 in a seaside town along Kujyukuri Beach in Chiba, so he grew up to the sound of waves. He studied graphic design at Tama Art University. His work can be found in magazines and books, as well as on chocolate packages.

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Friday, July 20, 2012

1001 Readers

We've reached 1001 readers for the summer with space for many more.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

White House Kids: The Perks, Pleasures, Problems, and Pratfalls of the Presidents' Children

A fascinating and sometimes mysterious collection of the presidential kids combined with fun poetry and factoids about the U.S. presidents and their families. Illustrations.

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Monday, July 9, 2012

Cheesie Mack Is Cool in a Duel

Cheesie and Georgie are back, and this time they're off to the greatest summer camp in Maine. As the oldest of the Little Guy campers, they'll get to make the campfires and choose the sports teams. It's sure to be their best summer yet!
Then disaster strikes. Cheesie and Georgie are put in a cabin with the Big Guy campers, including Cheesie's archenemy, Kevin Welch. Now the youngest--and smallest--of the Big Guys, Cheesie has no choice but to use his brains to fight Kevin's brawn--he challenges the bully to a Cool Duel. The adventure that follows includes a toilet on a wall, a headless skateboarder, a garter snake mustache, and "the scariest ghost story ever told." Will Cheesie survive to start middle school?
With plenty of lists, drawings, and made-up words, Cheesie--with a little help from Steve Cotler--tells the story of the best worst summer ever.

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Tuesday, July 3, 2012

One Times Square: A Century of Change at the Crossroads of the World

At the heart of the non-stop bustle of modern Times Square stands One Times Square, the former headquarters of the New York Times and the skyscraper now all but invisible behind billboards that gave the square its name in 1904. Around it, a once-humble district of carriage houses and coal merchants at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue evolved into "The Crossroads of the World." Here impresarios and real-estate moguls vied to outdo each other as they built theaters and hotels, penny arcades and restaurants, dime museums and office towers in an unending cycle of reinvention and reimagination.
More than any other public space in New York City, Times Square is the place where Americans have gathered, in good times and in bad, to catch up on the latest news, to mark historic occasions, or just to meet a few friends. From the Stock Market crash in 1929 when the building's iconic "Zipper" provided up-to-the-minute information to the celebrations marking the end of the Second World War, to annual New Year's Eve festivities with the iconic descending lighted ball, the square and its tower have been an integral part of our history.
One Times Square explores the story of this fascinating intersection, starting when Broadway was a mere dirt path known as Bloomingdale Road, through the district's decades of postwar decay, to its renewal as a glittering tourist-friendly media mecca. McKendry's meticulous, lush watercolors take readers behind the famous Camel billboard to find out how it blew smoke rings over the square for 25 years, to the top of the Times Tower to see how the New Year's ball has made its descent for over 100 years, and onto construction sites as buildings grow up around One Times Square to dwarf what once ranked among the tallest buildings in the world.

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Monday, June 25, 2012

The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids: How to Plan Memorable Family Adventures & Connect Kids to Nature

Plan your family camping adventure!
Whether you're a first-time camper or a veteran backpacker befuddled by the challenges of carting a brood--and all the requisite gear--into the great outdoors, here you'll find all the tips and tools you need to plan the perfect nature adventure with your family. Humorous and irreverent, yet always authoritative, this guide to camping with kids, from babies through pre-teens, is filled with checklists, smart tips, recipes, games, activities, and art projects. Helen Olsson, a seasoned camper and mother of three, shares lessons learned over the years of nature outings with her own family. Learn the basics of family camping, from choosing a destination and packing gear to setting up a campsite and keeping little ones safe. Create the perfect camp menu with simple and tasty recipe ideas. Discover foolproof tips and tactics for keeping kids happy and entertained while hiking. Explore nature through clever and creative camp arts and craft projects. This guide is your game plan to unplugging from the digital world and connecting your kids to nature. Whether it's roasting marshmallows around a crackling campfire or stretching out on a camp mat to gaze at the stars, the memories you'll be making will last a lifetime.

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Monday, June 18, 2012

The Unwanteds

The New York Times bestselling author of the Wake trilogy makes her middle-grade dystopian fantasy debut!
When Alex finds out he is Unwanted, he expects to die. That is the way of the people of Quill: Each year all the thirteen-year-olds are labeled as Wanted, Necessary, or Unwanted. Wanteds get more schooling and train to join the Quillitary. Necessaries keep the farms running. Unwanteds are set for elimination.
It's hard for Alex to leave behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted, but he makes peace with his fate--until he discovers that instead of a "death farm," what awaits him is a magical place called Artime. There, Alex and his fellow Unwanteds are encouraged to cultivate their creative abilities and use them magically. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it's a wondrous transformation.
But it's a rare, unique occurrence for twins to be divided between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle.

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Monday, June 11, 2012

Deadweather and Sunrise

A stunning middle-grade debut--full of heart, humor, and nonstop action
It's tough to be thirteen, especially when somebody's trying to kill you.
Not that Egg's life was ever easy, growing up on sweaty, pirate-infested Deadweather Island with no company except an incompetent tutor and a pair of unusually violent siblings who hate his guts.
But when Egg's father hustles their family off on a mysterious errand to fabulously wealthy Sunrise Island, then disappears with the siblings in a freak accident, Egg finds himself a long-term guest at the mansion of the glamorous Pembroke family and their beautiful, sharp-tongued daughter Millicent. Finally, life seems perfect.
Until someone tries to throw him off a cliff.
Suddenly, Egg's running for his life in a bewildering world of cutthroat pirates, villainous businessmen, and strange Native legends. The only people who can help him sort out the mystery of why he's been marked for death are Millicent and a one-handed, possibly deranged cabin boy.
Come along for the ride. You'll be glad you did.

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Monday, June 4, 2012

Eyewitness City

Eyewitness City examines urban life in many of the world’s most fascinating, fast-paced cities. It takes readers from the suburbs and shanty towns to the high-rise business districts, showing how cities grow and function. Also included is historical information, looking at the evolution of cities through the centuries.

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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Ultimate Guide

A handbook no half-blood should be without: a fully illustrated, in-depth guide to gods, monsters, and all things Percy. This companion to the series comes complete with full-color diagrams, and maps, all packaged in a handy manual with a crisp, magnetic flap enclosure.

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Monday, May 21, 2012

Brother from a Box

One new brother--assembly required. From the author of The Last Invisible Boy."
Matt Rambeau is officially a big brother--to a robot! Matt's super-computer-genius dad is always getting cool tech stuff in the mail, but the latest box Matt opens contains the most impressive thing he's ever seen: a bionically modified lifeform that looks human and calls Matt "brother" (in French)!
Norman turns out to be a bit of an attention hog and a showoff, but Matt's still psyched to have a robotic sibling--even if he flirts with (ugh) girls. Then strange things start to happen. First a computer worm causes Norman to go berserk, and then odd men start showing up in unusual places. Matt soon realizes that someone is trying to steal the robot--correction--his brother!
In this zany, action-packed story with spies, skateboards, and plenty of artificial intelligence, acclaimed author Evan Kuhlman gets to the heart (and motherboard) of one of the most special relationships known to man (or machine): brotherhood.

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Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Horse Diaries #8: Black Cloud

Born in Northern Nevada in 1950, Black Cloud is a black-and-white mustang colt. He loves roaming free with the rest of his herd, playing with the other foals, and learning the ways of wild horses. But when humans intrude on this wandering life, Black Cloud's worled is changed forever. Like "Black Beauty, " this moving novel is told in first person from the horse's own point of view and includes an appendix full of photos and facts about mustangs and the history of the laws protecting them.

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Monday, April 30, 2012

Blue Thread

The women's suffrage movement is in full swing in 1912 Portland, Oregon--the last holdout state on the West Coast. Miriam desperately wants to work at her father's printing shop, but when he refuses she decides to dedicate herself to the suffrage movement, demanding rights for women and a different life for herself. Amidst the uncertainty of her future, Miriam's attention is diverted by the mysterious Serakh, whose sudden, unexplained appearances and insistent questions lead Miriam to her grandmother's Jewish prayer shawl--and to her destiny. With this shawl, Miriam is taken back in time to inspire the Daughters of Zelophehad, the first women in Biblical history to own land. Miriam brings the strength and courage of these women with her forward in time, emboldening her own struggles and illuminating what it means to be an independent woman.

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Monday, April 23, 2012

Handy Dad: 25 Awesome Projects for Dads and Kids

Skate ramps, zip lines, go-carts, and more! In this super-fun book, Todd Davisextreme sports athlete and host of HGTV's Over Your Headpresents 25 awesome projects for dads to build with their kids. Busy dads can choose projects that range from simple to challenging and take anywhere from five minutes to a full weekend. Readers are given all the directions they need to grab materials that can be found around the house or at the local hardware store and get to work banging up a sweet BMX ramp or half-pipe, building a tree house or tire swing, or throwing together a slip-and-slide or tie-dye station for an afternoon of fun. With plenty of color photographs, easy-to-follow instructions, and detailed illustrations, Handy Dad is chock-full of creative and inexpensive ways to keep kids (and dads) entertained for hours.

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Monday, April 16, 2012

Crater ( Helium-3 )

A mining colony on the moon. A teen sent on a deadly mission. And a secret bigger than two worlds.
It's the 22nd Century. A tough, pioneering people mine the moon for Helium-3 to produce energy for a desperate, war-torn Earth.
Sixteen-year-old Crater Trueblood loves his job as a Helium-3 miner. But when he saves a fellow miner, his life changes forever. Impressed by his heroism, the owner of the mine orders Crater to undertake a dangerous mission. Crater doubts himself, but has no choice. He must go.
With the help of Maria, the mine owner's frustrating but gorgeous granddaughter, and his gillie-a sentient and sometimes insubordinate clump of slime mold cells-Crater must fight both human and subhuman enemies. He'll battle his way across a thousand miles of deadly lunar terrain and face genetically altered super warriors in his quest to recover an astonishing object that will alter the lives of everyone on the moon.

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Monday, April 9, 2012

Born to Be Giants: How Baby Dinosaurs Grew to Rule the World

TOO TINY TO BE TERRIFYING. The fascinating world of baby dinosaurs--in amazing pictures!
What did a dinosaur look like sitting on its eggs? What kind of parent was a Tyrannosaurus rex? How could an Argentinosaurus, who probably hatched from an egg no bigger than 18 inches long, grow up to weigh more than 17 elephants? It's a sure bet that kids--always fascinated by dinosaurs--have wondered about these questions.BORN TO BE GIANTS, with its glossary of dinosaurs, easy-to-
understand text, and full-color illustrations, shows little readers how baby dinosaurs grew up to be GIANTS.

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Monday, April 2, 2012

Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature

This gorgeously illustrated volume of poetry - sprinkled with facts and fun things to do - sows an early love for nature in all its beauty and wonder.
The buzz of bees in summertime. The tracks of a bird in the winter snow. This beautiful book captures all the sights and sounds of a child's interactions with nature, from planting acorns or biting into crisp apples to studying tide pools or lying back and watching the birds overhead. No matter what's outside their windows - city streets or country meadows - kids will be inspired to explore the world around them. Written by award-winning author Nicola Davies and illustrated by Mark Hearld, a breathtaking new talent in children's books, Outside Your Window is a stunning reminder that the natural world is on our doorstep waiting to be discovered.

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Monday, March 26, 2012

The Book of Perfectly Perilous Math

Math rocks! At least it does in the gifted hands of Sean Connolly, who blends middle school math with fantasy to create an exciting adventure in problem-solving. These word problems are perilous, do-or-die scenarios of blood-sucking vampires ("How many months would it take a single vampire to completely take over a town of 500,000 people?"), or a rowboat of 5 shipwrecked sailors with a single barrel of freshwater ("How much can they drink, and for how long, before they go mad from thirst "). Each problem requires readers to dig deep into the tools they're learning in school to figure out how to survive.Kids will love solving these problems. Sean Connolly knows how to make tough subjects exciting and he brings that same intuitive understanding of what inspires and challenges kids' curiosity to the 24 problems in "The Book of Perfectly Perilous Math." These problems are as fun to read as they are challenging to solve. They test readers on fractions, algebra, geometry, probability, expressions and equations, and more.Use geometry to fill in for the ship's navigator and make it safely to the New World. Escape an evil Duke's executioner by picking the right door--probability will save your neck.

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Monday, March 19, 2012

Hugs and Kisses

Bouncy babies and adorable animals kiss and cuddle in this sweet and delightful board book from beloved photographer Rachael Hale!
Whiskery friends
and lovable pooches,
warm cuddly hugs,
and big sloppy smooches! What's better than babies and fuzzy animals? Babies and fuzzy animals sharing tender hugs and loving kisses! With irresistible images of affection, paired with gentle read-aloud text, this delightful board book is a celebration of love
Acclaimed photographer Rachael Hale uses her lens, her love of animals, and a great deal of patience, to create this enchanting perspective.

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Monday, March 12, 2012

Just Behave, Pablo Picasso!

An inspiration to anyone who's ever felt judged!
"One day the world is a peaceful, lovely landscape painting... The next day - BLAM! - Pablo bursts through the canvas, paintbrush in hand, ready to paint something fresh and new."
Pablo Picasso may have been one of the most famous artists of the 20th century, but that doesn't mean he painted what people wanted him to paint! In fact, some people hated his paintings, and called them "ugly!" and "terrible!" -- something many kids can relate to. But Picasso didn't listen to all those people, and kept on working the way he wanted to work, until he created something so new, so different... that people didn't know what to say!
For every young artist who's drawn something other kids think is "ugly," this story of rebellion and creativity is sure to inspire.

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Thursday, March 8, 2012

Popular Mechanics the Complete Boy Mechanic: 359 Fun & Amazing Things to Build

The Boy Mechanic--bigger and better! This handsome hardcover features every one of the fantastic vintage projects and handy advice from both "The Boy Mechanic" and "The Boy Mechanic Makes Toys." Taken from the turn-of-the-last-century volumes of "The Boy Mechanic, " these 359 projects are still doable and delightful today. Like a miscellany for the home how-to crowd, the book offers instructions for making toy boats and planes, hammocks, sleds, skates, and special equipment for your own spy lab (such as periscopes), as well as fortunetelling tricks, illusions, games, and more. Charming original illustrations throughout make this an appealing, nostalgic, and fun guide for everyone.

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Monday, February 27, 2012

Only the Mountains Do Not Move: A Maasai Story of Culture and Conservation

Nobody can say he is settled anywhere forever;
it is only the mountains which do not move from their places.
So goes a Maasai proverb, and so goes the lives of the Maasai in Africa. For hundreds of years they have moved with their herds of cattle and goats across thousands of miles in Kenya and northern Tanzania.
Today the Maasai face new challenges, moving them in different directions. Their traditional way of life is threatened, lands are overgrazed, and wildlife is on the brink of extinction. The Maasai are meeting these obstacles head on adapting their lives and farming practices, while keeping their vibrant close-knit culture alive.
Award-winning author-photographer Jan Reynolds presents a striking glimpse of a dynamic people. Only the Mountains Do Not Move shows the Maasai's remarkable ability to forge a delicate balance between the richness of the past and the needs of the future.

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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

I Lay My Stitches Down: Poems of American Slavery

This rich and intricate collection of poems chronicles the various experiences of American slaves. Drawn together through imagery drawn from quilting and fiber arts, each poem is spoken from a different perspective: a house slave, a mother losing her daughter to the auction block, a blacksmith, a slave fleeing on the Underground Railroad.
This moving and eloquent set of poems, brought to life by vivid and colorful artwork from Michele Wood, offers a timeless witness to the hardship endured by America?'s slaves. Each poem is supplemented by a historical note.


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Monday, February 13, 2012

Just as Good: How Larry Doby Changed America's Game

Batter up for the first-ever children's book about Larry Doby, the first African-American player to hit a home run in the World Series.
The year is 1948, and Homer and his daddy are baseball crazy. Ever since last season, when their man Larry Doby followed Jackie Robinson across baseball's color line and signed on with their team, the Cleveland Indians, it's been like a dream come true. And today Larry Doby and the Indians are playing Game Four of the World Series against the Boston Braves! With a play-by-play narration capturing all the excitement of that particular game - and the special thrill of listening to it on the radio with family at home - Chris Crowe and Mike Benny craft a compelling tribute to an unsung legend. Kid-friendly and vividly illustrated, this long-overdue biography, featuring an extensive bibliography and historical note, illuminates the effect Larry Doby had on his fans as both a baseball hero and a champion for civil rights.

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Monday, February 6, 2012

The Ultimate Lego Book: Discover the Lego Universe

Colorful photographs of some amazing LEGO sculptures highlight one of the world's bestselling toys--from life-size dinosaurs to a time machine.

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Thursday, February 2, 2012

Teach Like a Champion: 49 Techniques That Put Students on the Path to College [With DVD]

"Teach Like a Champion" offers effective teaching techniques to help teachers, especially those in their first few years, become champions in the classroom. These powerful techniques are concrete, specific, and are easy to put into action the very next day. Training activities at the end of each chapter help the reader further their understanding through reflection and application of the ideas to their own practice.
Among the techniques: Technique #1: No Opt Out. How to move students from the blank stare or stubborn shrug to giving the right answer every time.Technique #35: Do It Again. When students fail to successfully complete a basic task--from entering the classroom quietly to passing papers around--doing it again, doing it right, and doing it perfectly, results in the best consequences.Technique #38: No Warnings. If you're angry with your students, it usually means you should be angry with yourself. This technique shows how to effectively address misbehaviors in your classroom.
The book includes a DVD of 25 video clips of teachers demonstrating the techniques in the classroom.

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Monday, January 23, 2012

The Adventurous Girl's Handbook: For Ages 9 to 99

The Adventurous Girl s Handbook isn t just a book for tomboys or girly-girls; it s somewhere in between. Father Stephen and daughter Lara Brennan have written a book that allows girls to make their own rules and choices, while providing useful information on all the things girls want to know about, such as: Awesome ways to decorate a bedroom Simple beauty and health advice Sports tips and tricks Pressing flowers Changing a flat tire Drawing life-like figures Identifying birds while on a nature walk And much more!From riding horses, playing badminton, and starting a campfire to tap dancing, practicing yoga, and throwing an unforgettable slumber party with friends, The Adventurous Girl s Handbook is the ultimate guide to navigating the road of girlhood with style, grace, and fun and is perfect for any well-rounded and adventure-seeking girl!

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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The Conductor

Pairing two seemingly disparate elements an orchestra conductor and a grove of trees award-winning artist Laetitia Devernay herself orchestrates a visual magnum opus. Her spare, yet intricate, illustrations truly appear to take flight before our eyes and her wordless narrative nearly roars with sound as the conductor prompts the leaves to rustle, then whirl, then swirl to unexpected life with each turn of the page. It is a celebration of creativity, imagination, storytelling, and the renewing power of nature that will entrance readers of every age.
 
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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Nate the Great on the Owl Express

All aboard the Owl Express! Nate, the great detective, and his dog Sludge, hit the rails on their latest case. Their mission: To guard an owl named Hoot. Hoot belongs to Nate's cousin, Olivia Sharp, and she thinks someone on the train might be out to get her feathered friend. But "whooo?" Sludge keeps an eye on the owl's cage while Nate snoops for clues. Then Hoot disappears! With many suspects to question, and many places to look, Nate knows one thing for sure--being the bodyguard to a little bird is a lot more work than he ever imagined! As the train races toward its final stop, can Nate sort out the mystery of the vanishing owl?

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