Friday, March 18, 2011

Children's Book~Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel

Fresh and funny, Michael Recycle will entertain young and old while gently imparting an important message about recycling and environmental awareness. A special section of Go Green tips (from Michael Recycle himself) encourages all kins to become environmental superheroes. CJS

Children's Series~Animal Antics A to Z

From Alexander Anteater to Zachary Zebra, it's one adventure after another for Alpha Betty's students. Get to know these zany characters as they find new friends, test their talents, go on exciting explorations, and have a rip-roaring, super-sensational, totally tremendous good time!

Each Book:
*Tells a humorous story.

*Focuses on a single letter sound (phoneme) and offers opportunities for children to practice finding the phoneme at the beginning, middle, and end of many words.

*Includes a fun activity to stimulate children's curiosity.
Parents are asking for these books, they have become a popular addition to our collection.

Children's Book~Miss Lina's Ballerinas by Grace Maccarone

This story about teamwork, making new friends, and the pleasures of ballet will charm dancers of all ages.
They danced at the park
They danced at the zoo.
They danced at the beach
in four lines of two.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich

This hilarious series featuring Stephanie Plum, inept tracer of bail jumpers, continues her adventures with Lulu as they attempt to rescue Vinnie, the owner of the agency. Connie, the office manager, uses her talent for making stink bombs, Stephanie manages to damage a couple more cars and Grandma Mazur doesn't let a broken foot slow her down. Morelli and Ranger hover enticingly. The plot may be thin, but you never laughed so much while reading a book! JES

Neighborhood Watch by Cammie McGovern

Suburbia is ominous and dangerous in this story told by an unreliable narrator who has blackouts and sleepwalks. After 12 years in prison Betsy is released when new evidence contradicts her conviction for murder. Will she find out who committed the murder? JES

Summer We Read Gatsby by Danielle Ganek

Set in The Hamptons, two half sisters inherit a run down cottage. Social commentary, humor and parallels with "The Great Gatsby" as well as eccentric characters enliven this beach read. JES

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

The Clearing

by Heather Davis

It is present day when Amy decides to move from Seattle to the small town of Rockville, Washington and live with her great aunt Mae. It’s her senior year and she wants a fresh start away from her abusive ex-boyfriend.

She is in a new school with new people but nothing seems to be that much better. Understandably, Amy is very hesitant to trust anyone again. Then she goes through the clearing behind Aunt Mae’s house and meets Henry, who is stuck in the summer of 1944. Amy and Henry fall into a sweet romance in which a bit of time travel is necessary.

The book alternates between Amy’s and Henry’s points of view to effectively show what each is feeling. And although this novel never goes much deeper than the surface and the dialogue comes off a bit awkward, it is a very interesting story that keeps you wondering until the end what will happen.

~ Hilary

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Perfect Timing

by Jill Mansell

Twenty-two year old Poppy Dunbar has just met the man of her dreams, which is great because he is just as interested in her. ... Except she is supposed to be getting married to somebody else the next day. Poppy is not leaving her fiancé for another man. However, she now realizes that she is not as in love with him as she should be and calls the wedding off. Everyone is horrified that she would do that to such a nice guy. And when a shocking family secret is revealed to her she knows it is time to leave Bristol.

Poppy goes to London to create a brand new life for herself. The events that follow are peppered with colorful characters, hilarious situations, and heartwarming moments. The end result seems like a world away from where she began.

Fans of Sophie Kinsella's books will enjoy the humor and pacing of this fun, fast read.

~ Hilary

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

The Girl Who Chased the Moon

by Sarah Addison Allen

When a car accident leaves teenager Emily Shelby orphaned, she is sent to her mother’s hometown where she has never been before – to live with her grandfather, whom she has never met. While Grandpa Vance at first seems strange and unfamiliar the town of Mullaby, North Carolina is even more peculiar. Emily can’t figure out why the town is so mysterious or why people treat her with near disdain when they realize whose daughter she is.

Julia, who is in her early thirties, wants nothing more than to escape Mullaby for good. It is full of too many painful memories. But when her father died he left her his barbecue restaurant and a pile of debts that she has to pay off before she can disappear again. In the meantime, she bakes cakes for the restaurant and tries her hardest to avoid Sawyer. Yes he’s incredibly handsome and yes he has that irresistible "southern gentleman" air about him. But he is also one of her most painful memories.

Little by little the mysteries and secrets of Mullaby are untangled and both Julia and Emily are surprised by where they end up.

Sarah Addison Allen writes with a great skill for storytelling using vibrant characters and a sprinkling of magic.

Other delightful titles by this author:

* Garden Spells
* Sugar Queen


~ Rebecca and Hilary

A Year on Ladybug Farm

By Donna Ball

Bridget, Lindsay, and Cici have been friends for over twenty years. When tragedy strikes in Bridget's life the other two rally around her. Deciding that they all need to take a second look at their dreams the three of them pool their money and talents in order to create a new future for themselves. But when they purchase Ladybug Farm there are many things that they don't know about it. Mysteries and surprises abound, making Bridget, Cici, and Lindsay wonder if they are up to the task at hand after all.

Although the character development never did get very deep it was still an endearing story of friendship. And while there were engaging secondary characters it was the setting and the house itself that kept my attention.

The story continues in the sequel: At Home on Ladybug Farm.

~ Hilary