Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship, and Survival by Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery, illustrated by Jean Cassels - E636.08 LAR

Set in Katrina-ravaged New Orleans, this true story of survival and friendship between a cat and dog, both named Bobbi, is sure to touch many hearts. Strong gouache illustrations of the animals' remarkable journey together create a moving page-turner with an amazing, happy ending. - Sue Parsons, Children's Librarian

Splat the Cat, written and illustrated by Rob Scotton

Seymour the Cat greets his first day of school with much trepidation, but Mother Cat accepts no excuse for not going to kindergarten. So, Seymour slips his pet mouse into his lunchbox for moral support, triggering rousing results. Hilarious illustrations of adorable, ink-black Seymour at home and in school make this a fine choice for kindergarten-bound children. - Sue Parsons, Children's Librarian

Abe's Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Kadir Nelson - J B Linco

This epic presidential portrait contrasts Abraham Lincoln's humble beginnings and astonishing achievements. Bold, double-page illustrations depict our 16th president's strong will and thirst for knowledge. They beautifully backdrop his powerful words which saved the Union. - Sue Parsons, Children's Librarian

Gotta Keep Reading

Check out Ocoee Middle School's celebration and keep on reading!

http://www.schooltube.com/video/e9bd79d29b4d0e6a2345/Gotta-Keep-Reading--Ocoee-Middle-School/

The Storyteller's Candle by Lucia M. Gonzalez - E 468 CON

Here's a book we read at El Dia. It is set during the Great Depression (1930s). It tells the story of how New York City's first Puerto Rican librarian, Pura Belpre, introduces the public library to immigrants living in El Barrio. A sweet Cuban folktale, "Martina the Beautiful Cockroach", is told within the Belpre story, so you get two stories in one - a good choice for Children's Day, Book Day! - Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian

El Dia, Children's Day, Book Day!

Did you know that there's a holiday called "El Dia" that celebrates children, books, and culture every year on April 30th? Well, we just celebrated it at the library and had a ball - or should we say, a "pinata"? Check out these video clips and see why:

PercyJacksonAndTheOlympiansTheLightningThief

PercyJacksonAndTheOlympiansTheLightningThief

In honor of the February 12th Percy Jackson movie premiere, the Library's throwing a party, scheduled for Thursday, February 25, at 4:00PM. Dress up as your favorite Greek god/goddess. Please register. Catch up on all the stories by checking out the Library's books and audio CDs. Click on the link above to see the movie trailer. - Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian

Music - At Your Library by Bill Harley

Click on the url below and hear this lively song about the wonderful things you can see and do at your library. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/initiatives/kidscampaign/Harley_Song_Full.mp3

My Path to Math: Fractions – J 513.26 DOW

One in a series making math concepts simple, this book promises to attract the most math-phobic readers because of its colorful format, food-based illustrations, and clear text. Fractions never looked so good – I dare you to take a look! Sue Parsons, Children’s Librarian

Al Capone Does My Shirts and Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko – JF CHO

The first title is a Newbery-Honor book, and the second is just as good. It’s the mid-1930s, and the Great Depression brings tough changes to the Flanagan family. Twelve year-old Moose and his folks have more to worry about, though, than the average family. Moose’s older sister Natalie has autism, and Moose’s father takes a much-needed job on Alcatraz Island, home of the infamous prison. He moves the family to the island filled with hard-core criminals, such as Chicago gangster, Al Capone, and Willy One-Arm. Moose just wants to play ball and see his parents and sister happy, but that proves to be a very tall order - one that endangers him and the other children on Alcatraz until Moose clearly sees and bravely does the right thing. That Choldenko grasps the challenges facing families living with autism is without doubt as she clearly and compassionately describes Natalie and the family’s loyalty to each other. That she understands history is also clear – both books are accurate, fine additions to historical fiction collections. - Sue Parsons, Children’s Librarian

Wild Things by Clay Carmichael – JF CAR

If you like cats, you’ll enjoy the one informing on the humans in this complex story, and by the end, you’ll see that the cat is only one of many wild things creating a ruckus. Zoe, the eleven year-old hero, and her Uncle Henry are two others. Set in modern-day rural North Carolina, this story takes you on a spirited ride into the troubles of a broken family en route to wholeness through the power of love, loyalty, and art. Wordsmiths and writers will love lines, such as, “The heavy summer darkness oozed over the yard like molasses.” The story’s emotional intensity, (for example, Zoe’s mother dies from suicide), makes this a better read for older children. - Sue Parsons, Children’s Librarian

The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum by Candace Fleming - YA B BAR

This book is splendidly illustrated and thoroughly researched. When you read it, you’ll feel as though you’re almost there. Find out why the Barnum & Bailey Circus was “the greatest show on earth” and who the showman was who pulled it off for fifty years to the delight of millions. Injustices, such as the exploitation of people with physical differences called “Curiosities”, and discrimination against African-Americans, expose important, though sad, past history. Immersing yourselves in the old-time circus through this book, though, is a journey well worth the ride. - Sue Parsons, Children’s Librarian

The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo – JF DIC

Are you someone who asks, “What if?” and who believes that anything can happen? If so, then this story’s for you. Follow young Peter on his journey to find his sister and put the pieces of his life back together. The world in this dreamy tale is harsh, but it is also beautiful, with time, always, to do the right thing. This is another good DiCamillo story about the power of hope, of love, and of believing. - Sue Parsons, Children’s Librarian

Heart of a Shepherd by Rosanne Parry – JF PAR

The hero of this story is simply called “Brother” because he has many older brothers who sometimes underestimate what he can do and all the feelings he has. But, as Dad goes off to Iraq and the brothers go off to college and the army, Brother stays on the sheep ranch with Grandma and Grandpa and shows everyone what he is capable of. This thoughtful account of a present-day family’s life in the Red River Valley will touch your heart – an impressive first novel, written in a tree house in her back yard! - Sue Parsons, Children’s Librarian

Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise, Illustrated by M. Sarah Klise – JF KLI

If you’re looking for a laugh, crack this book and meet I. B. Grumply and Seymour Hope. Cleverly-written and illustrated by Peoria born-and-bred sisters, Kate and Sarah Klise, it’s about an abandoned boy, a haunted house, a grouchy writer, and a feisty ghost who definitely get off on the wrong foot. Guaranteed to make you smile. Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian

Charles and Emma: The Darwins’ Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman - Y 576.8 HEI

This biography of Charles Darwin, author of The Origin of Species, covers the expected topics of science and evolution. Its success, however, lies in author Deborah Heiligman’s presentation of the great scientist through the lens of marriage to his beloved Emma, a woman of faith. That Darwin’s theory of evolution remains controversial is well-known, but the debate that it caused within Darwin’s own marriage and home life comes as a surprise and makes the biography a fascinating read about the power of love, marriage, family and inquiry. Heiligman’s fascination with Darwin and his devotion to Emma comes naturally – she is a religious studies major, a lover of science, and very happily married to a writer of science and evolution. This book would be another outstanding selection for sacred institutions’ youth and book groups. Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian

Unsettled: The Problem of Loving Israel by Marc Aronson Y 956.9404 ARO

This exciting, sleek volume is a must-read for anyone committed to world justice and peace. For those who aren’t, I dare you to read it and say you still can’t understand the Israeli-Palestinian conundrum. The goal of the book is to clearly present the “debates about Israel’s past, present, and future that are occurring right now in Israel itself.” Written for teens but eye-opening, as well, for adults, this very personal yet accurate investigation into Israel’s journey to nationhood is a shining addition to the jewels already in Aronson’s crown of non-fiction writing. Aronson effectively puts his Phd in American History to use with analogies between the USA and Israel - for example, both nations’ infatuation with the idea of being destined to inherit and rule certain land. As he wrestles with his own attachment to the State of Israel, he challenges readers to wrestle with complex why’s and how’s that, left unanswered, will bring Israel and the world continued anguish and moral demise. On one hand, he writes, “Israel is the answer to the tragedy of the Holocaust” while on the other, “what of conqueror Israel? Has a brutal side of Israel that was not visible in its early days now emerged full-blown?” By repeatedly weighing the rights a nation gains by conquering versus “the moral rights that belong to all people as human beings”, Aronson leaves us thinking hard about the nature of democracy and evil on any home front and the requirements for achieving justice for all. His bottom line for Israel is, “The idea of Israel was never simply to have land with borders and an army. It was meant to be a place where people could live better lives. For the Israel of hope to exist . . . Jews need to learn how to live with fellow citizens who do not share their religion, history or culture. . . I want to say to those Jewish high school students and those Arab Israelis: You can make your Israel, your nation, greater. The more each of you can see that Israel is both of you – Jew and Arab – the stronger Israel will become.” This book would be an outstanding selection for sacred institutions’ youth and book groups. Submitted by Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian

Ocean Wide, Ocean Deep by Susan Lendroth, illustrated by Raul Allen – NEW E LEN

Waiting for Papa to return from a year at sea with the China trade is very hard for Mama, Baby and Sister. But the seasons change, and the children grow, and Papa returns at last! Exquisitely illustrated in styles reminiscent of Homer and Wyeth, this succinct story-in-rhyme set in 19th-century Cape Cod touches the heart. The family’s love, longing and dreams are as deep and as wide as the ocean. Submitted by Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian

I Don’t Like to Read! by Nancy Carlson – NEW E CAR

First-grader Henry likes stories and read-alouds but cannot make sense of letters. Help from his teacher and family, however, pushes him over the hump - everything clicks, and he can read! With illustrations bright and bold, this is the perfect story for a child who needs reassurance about taking the monumental step towards reading. Submitted by Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian

Guys Write for Guys Read, edited by Jon Scieszka – YA GUY

Do you have a reluctant male reader? Are you looking for authors and laughs? Then, this is the book for you! From fantasy writer Lloyd Alexander to illustrator Paul Zelinsky, this collection of 88 autobiographical snippets lets readers in on secrets and surprises related to growing up male and reading, writing and illustrating children’s books. My favorites? – Will Weaver’s “Training the Bear” (the “bear” is not what you think), and Jon Scieszka’s “Brothers”. What are yours? Submitted by Sue Parsons, Youth Services Librarian