Dragon of Doom

Dragon of Doom is the first book in Bruce Coville's fun-to-read Moongobble and Me series. Moongobble is a magician who has big trouble with his spells. Edward is the neighbor boy who works as his apprentice. Together, they face the fearsome Dragon of Doom. This series has the feel of Harry Potter, but it is written for younger readers. I'm a big fan, and I think there will be many others who love this series as word spreads.

Guys Read!

Jon Scieszka's Guys Read, is a fantastic web-based literacy program for boys. I love the Reading Lists By Some Guys and For Other Guys. Take a look!

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs written by Judi Barrett and illustrated by Ron Barrett is one of those books that makes everyone smile. Who wouldn't love the idea of a hamburger blowing in from the west or a pancake, heavy with syrup, totally blanketing the school? Several first and second graders were proud to say that they had the book at home that had belonged to their mom or dad. It's a tall tale that spins like a tomato tornado and spans generations.

ABC3D

There are hundreds of different kinds of alphabet books, and our library has some of the best. My new favorite is ABC3D by Marion Bataille. It's a pop-up book, and pop-ups are always a hit! This one is just so clever. Take a look at this trailer for the book.
Check our library’s great collection of alphabet books to find one that is just right for you.

Roxie and the Hooligans

I’m sure that Roxie and the Hooligans by Newbery Medal winner, Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, will be a favorite in our second grade this year. The unlikely hero of the story, Roxie Warbler, has read and memorized her famous uncle’s book about survival techniques, and she puts those survival tips to use when she’s stranded on a desert island with two dangerous criminals and a gang of bullies. In the midst of all of her ENORMOUS troubles, Roxie realizes how lucky and how strong she really is. I loved this book!

Bats at the Library

I was hoping that Bats at the Library by Brian Lies would be a hit with first and second graders, and it was! They loved discovering some of their favorite illustrations from other books that had been made “batty.” Brian Lies is an incredible illustrator, and the rhyming rhythm of his story makes reading it so much fun. If you loved Bats at the Library, be sure to check out Bats at the Beach!”

Library Mouse

Last year, I gave a copy of The Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk to all of the first and second grade classes because the message(you have a story to tell and others might like to read your books) fit so perfectly with writer’s workshop in the classroom and my vision of the library as, not just a place for children to visit, but a place to claim as their own. This year, as Kindergarten begins writer’s workshop, Sam, the library mouse and his book joined their classrooms. I’m sure hoping to discover books from some brand new young authors in the library this year!