Pick of the Week: The Handiest Things in the World

The Handiest Things in the World by Andrew Clements, photographs by Raquel Jaramillo (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2010)

In this unique concept book, Andrew Clements (author of Frindle and many others) has created a simple ode to this important appendage: the hand. Raquel Jaramillo's photographs show different children using their hands as tools to take care of themselves, build, create, cook, clean, care for others and oneself, and to share love. (Whatever we may need to do, one fact remains forever true: For sharing love with tenderness...the hand itself is handiest.) Preschoolers and even a bit older children should appreciate this realistic concept book. The photographs will work well for sharing with a group, as well as one-on-one.

*Photo credit: Amazon.com.

Under the Sea Party Wednesday!

All children ages 5 & under are invited to the 

Under the Sea Party!

Corvallis-Benton County Public Library

Wednesday, July 21st, 10:00 a.m.

Library Main Meeting Room

645 NW Monroe Ave., Corvallis

Ocean-themed stories, songs, activities, and crafts! Come prepared to listen, sing-along, and get creative. This program is part of the Curious George Summer Reading Program for children ages birth through 5-years-old. It's not too late to sign up and receive a free Curious George summer reading game board for your child. Read with your child each day and receive a free children's book after completing the game board! For more questions, call 541-766-6794. No registration necessary for the Under the Sea Party. Hope to see you there!

Tears of Joy Theatre Presents "Stellaluna" tomorrow at the Corvallis & Monroe Libraries

As part of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library's "Make a Splash! Read!" Summer Reading Program, Tears of Joy Theatre from Portland, Oregon will be presenting "Stellaluna" tomorrow, Wednesday, July 14th at 3:45 p.m. and again at 7:00 p.m. at the Corvallis Library. Come join us for a fantastic puppet show!

There will also be a performance earlier in the day at 1:00 p.m. at the Monroe Community Library. Hope to see you there!

Pick of the Week: Mama, Is It Summer Yet?

Mama, Is it Summer Yet? by Nikki McClure (Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2010)

Summer seemed to get off to a late start this year - at least weather-wise. So, while summer has been officially here for a few weeks, this book still seems appropriate. Nikki McClure's cut paper illustrations are complex and beautiful. She introduces us to a boy who is anxious for summer to arrive, asking repeatedly "Mama, is it summer yet?" As he waits for the upcoming splendor of summer, he discovers the beauty of spring by building a fort, planting a garden, and taking a boat ride. When summer arrives with delicious, inviting language (The honeybees are in the flowers. The sun is warm on your round belly. The berries are juicy and sweet.), mama and child get to relax and enjoy together. Hooray for summer's arrival!

Picks of the Week

But I Wanted a Baby Brother! by Kate Feiffer and Diane Goode (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2010)

Oliver Keaton wants a baby brother more than anything but when he gets a baby sister instead, he sets out with his dog Chaplin to trade his sister for the perfect baby brother.

 What the Ladybug Heard by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Lydia Monks (Henry Holt, 2010)

Although much quieter than the farm animals that moo, cluck, or oink, a gentle ladybug is instrumental in foiling a plan to steal the farm's prize-winning cow.