Derry News Columns

No sooner had the snow piles melted in the yard and the ice on the pond melted across the street; I heard that wonderful sound the other night.  It was the first sounds of the Spring Peepers (small tree frog).  They were celebrating the first warm night of spring.  I have never seen a peeper as they are nocturnal creatures.  In the cold New England climate, they hibernate all winter under logs and bark.  When the snow starts to melt and the ground warms up, the peepers start their extremely loud mating calls.  Spring peepers usually lay anywhere from 900 to 1000 eggs per clutch.  It is hard to pinpoint the source of their calls as many are calling at once.  What a delightful sound to hear on an early
spring night.

This week I also uncovered my bed of crocus bulbs as the purple blooms poked up through the bed of leaves which protected them all winter.  It was a welcome sight this week as we had all of those dark and dreary rainy days.  Guess that is why they say April showers bring May flowers.  I think enough is enough!!

The following frog books are favorites of the children at the library.  We have had our spring books down from the attic now for over a month trying to wish away winter.

Too Many Frogs by Sandy Asher

Rabbit lives alone, cooks and cleans for himself and at the end of the day, reads himself a story.  It is a simple, happy life until one evening Froggie appears at his door.  He wants to listen to Rabbit’s story.  Soon he settles in and is so comfortable listening to Rabbit’s story and eating Rabbit’s food, he soon brings the rest of his family-dozens and dozens of frogs appear each night before bed for their nightly story.  Soon Rabbit has had enough and wants to go back to his happy, solitary life.  Froggie will have leave and take his whole family with him.  But when Rabbit sits down the next night to read his story, something is missing.  He has no one to share his story with or to listen.  This is a delightful tale for children ages 5 and up.  It celebrates the joy of reading and sharing.

Little Tad Grows Up by Giuliano Ferri

This is a cute story of a little tadpole who doesn’t want to grow up.  He sees no benefits of growing legs as he can move around quite nicely with his little tail. However, one day his tail falls off and he is beginning to grow four legs.  He becomes very sad.  He seeks reassurance from his Aunt Salamander, Cousin Newt and an old prawn who lives in the pond.  They all tell him that it is all a part of growing up and to be patient.  Little Tad says “I really don’t want to grow up”.  One day, his new legs come in mighty handy when a sneaky water snake almost captures him. He learns quickly that each stage of life has its benefits.  Tad’s new legs respond immediately and he jumps to safety.  

This book has beautiful water colored illustrations by the author.  Each page shows the life cycle of a tadpole until it reaches a full grown frog.  The illustrations and story is suitable children ages 5 and up.

Jump, Frog, Jump! By Robert Kalan

This story is another old favorite of the children at the library.  It is a cumulative tale about a frog who tries to catch a fly without getting caught himself.  It will certainly have “young frogs” jumping and chanting the words Jump, Frog, Jump!

Frog manages to escape from a series of menaces around the pond.  He escapes from a fish, a snake, and a turtle but at last gets caught in a net by some young children. They soon cover the frog with a basket. How does he escape?  He gets some help from a little friend when he lifts the edge of the basket and the frog jumps away.  The repetition of “How did the Frog get away?’ and, the response of “Jump, Frog. Jump” will have little ones shouting the answer as they get into the book and realize the refrain at the end of each page.  Children will be happy to see that the frog does really escape in the end.  This book is suitable for infants and children through preschool. 

Then of course there is the Froggy series of books by Jonathan London.  The Froggy books are very popular among the early readers in the library.  Froggy goes on many adventures from Froggy riding a bike, to sleeping over to his first kiss on Valentine’s Day to swimming and playing T-Ball.  The newest book in the Froggy Series is due out at the end of May.  The title of this one will be Froggy Goes to Camp.  Froggy is off to camp and Camp Run-A-Muck will never be the same.  Loveable, crazy Froggy will keep all of his fans in stitches as he packs a lot into one week of camp.  From tipping over his canoe with the camp director in it to losing his swimming trunks during swimming lessons, Froggy will keep young readers entertained.  This new books will be a delightful addition to the series and is suitable for children beginning to read (ages 5 and up) although younger readers will ask to have these books read over and over again.

Why not go out to the pond and see what you might be able to see on a beautiful warm spring day.  Take your flashlight out at night to find those peepers who sing out the first songs of spring.  Make sure you take your mud boots with you as the mud is abundant all around the area this spring thanks to our many snowstorms.

For more information about these books or others that are in your local library, take a trip to see what the collection has in store for you.  For more information about the Taylor Library, go to our website (taylorlibrary.org) or give us a call (432-7186).  We have so much to offer besides the books housed on our little space.  We still have a few spaces available in our story hours which are starting up this week.  Call the library for availability. 

We also offer library passes to many museums in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.  These are also listed on our website. Call for availability so you won’t be disappointed during the upcoming April vacation.  Our newest pass is to the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston.  Also, we have the Boston Aquarium and the Fine Arts Museum.  These two passes are sponsored by the Derry Friends of the Libraries.  They raise funds for these passes and other activities by having their book sales.  Please stop by some Saturday at the Derry Public Library and get that best seller that you have wanted to read.

After what seems like an eternity we will reach that magic day this week:  The Vernal Equinox.
Yes, the first day of spring has finally arrived with all of its hope. The official time is at 1:48 AM EDT on March 20th. The snow has been falling since before Christmas.  The children have had a great winter sliding and skiing.  It has been the perfect winter for all of those outside activities.  Even those snow days have piled up this year keeping the children in school longer than the original last day of school set for mid June.  At the time they had their snow days, it was great but with the warm weather of June, it won’t be as much fun.

The robins have been around for weeks wading through the snows and the rains.  Some I believe decided to stay the winter and rough it.  The bulbs on the east side of the house are beginning to poke up through the warming ground.  Hurray for spring, it is here at last!

The library has also changed its seasons with the last of the winter books making their annual trek up the stairs to the attic where they are stored.  The spring and Easter books have made their way down and are on the seasonal shelf waiting for little patrons to make their choices.  We decided to put the winter books to bed early as we were tired of all the snow that has fallen this year.  The spring books came down during a snowstorm.  We did this in hopes that it would change our luck and spring might come early.  We will see if it has worked.

A sure sign of spring around Derry is the tapping of the maple trees at Pinkerton.  We have been watching as the students have been going around collecting the sap from these trees.  The sugar house has started boiling the sap as the steam is escaping from the top of the house.

Following are some spring books that have become old favorites of the children at the Taylor Library and brand new ones that have arrived and should become favorites.

Spring Things by Bob Raczka

This book was published in March of 2007 and is suitable for ages 5 and up.  Although, children under 5 will love the bright colorful illustrations.  Raczka uses simple rhymes using “ing” words that will inspire children to come up with their own.  Whether it is gardeners planting, children running and playing or the flowers and trees budding, children will love these signs of spring.  Children will certainly celebrate this new season after a long hard winter.  Bob Raczka takes the young reader from the end of winter, through spring and to the beginning of summer.  All of this is done with beautiful spring colors in the illustrations.  At the end of the winter, he uses “melting, dripping and cold grip slipping” to “buzzing, humming….summer’s coming!”  This is a delightful rhyming book that will be read over and over again.

Caterpillar Spring, Butterfly Summer by Susan Hood, Claudine Gervy and Mara Van Fleet

This delightful spring book was published in January of 2007.  It has already become a favorite of the children at the library.  It is suitable for preschoolers ages 3 and up.  This book is beautifully illustrated and shows the springtime adventure of a crawling caterpillar as it crawls through colorful scenes.  The text is a fun to read, rhyming story that mimics the motion of the crawling caterpillar.  On the last spread, there is a pop-up surprise, which will bring a smile to the young reader’s face.  This book will certainly be a favorite of the younger set.

Welcome Spring! By Megan E. Bryant

This book is slated to be published this month and is suitable for ages 6-9.  Spring is on the way and we are introduced to Treetures who are being introduced to spring by Treeture Teacher, Twigs.  The teacher is taking a new class of spouts out into the forest of Nutley Grove.  These Treetures are taught how to get a young apple tree ready for its first blossoms.  Bryant combines fiction and non fiction to teach the lessons of spring.  These will certainly last a long time after the book has been read.   The illustrations are bright and beautiful and certainly add to the story.  This book will certainly become a favorite. 

Stuck in the Mud by Jane Clarke

Another sign of spring is the mud. This ooey, gooey brown stuff has already started to appear as the snow begins to melt a round New Hampshire.  Stuck in the Mud, which is due to be published next month is suitable for ages 5-7 tells a story about a mother hen who has lost one of her chicks.  The mother hen awakens one morning to find one of her chicks has wandered off out into the barnyard  full of mud.  She spots him out in the middle of a patch of “mucky mud”.  She runs around frantically calling for help.  Her friends come to help and one by one each gets stuck in the mud too.  When the situation looks hopeless, the little chick jumps out of the mud and says, “I am not stuck now and I wasn’t stuck then!...thanks for playing along with me!”  This book is suitable to the younger set with its bright and colorful illustrations.   They will certainly relate to the mischievous chick and his over protective mother.  The text is repetitive with its pulling and pushing of the various farmyard animals.  Watch for an unexpected ending which will surprise the reader.

Explore Spring! 25 Great Ways to Learn about Spring by Maxine Anderson

This activity book invites the young reader to explore the various signs of spring.  It is a hands on activity book that explores the spring peepers, how to raise tadpoles, how to plant seeds and record the growth and the migration habits of birds.  There are also instructions on how to make kites, parachutes and how to map air currents with bubbles.  All of these activities are backed up with science facts, trivia, riddles and illustrations.  Young readers are invited to become scientists.  Readers are asked why there are four seasons.  The spring section of the book shows the relationship of the earth and the sun and how it affects the growth of plants. This book is suitable for ages 7-9 and will certainly become a favorite of young scientists.

Take a walk with your child out into the warm spring air and explore what this season has to offer.  Visit your local library for spring books which will introduce the very young to this season of change.  For more information about these books, call the library at 432-7186 or visit our website (taylorlibrary.org) and browse our catalog for available titles.

This week on February 23rd Taylor Library will mark a milestone with 130 years of continued service to the Town of Derry.  It was back on this date in 1878 that the library first opened its doors to the public.  That year it was reported that the library contained 917 volumes.(currently we have over 20,000 volumes)  The library was founded upon a bequest of $ 1,000.00 by Miss Harriett Taylor to the Town of Derry for a public library “provided the Town furnish all suitable arrangements for keeping and tending the said library which is to be located at the East Village and to be kept at the Town House, or at some place near the First Parish Church in Derry forever”.  Later, another donation of $1,000.00 was given by Harriet’s sister Emma. 

The library first opened in a small room in what is now Upper Village Hall.  The library soon outgrew that space.  In the twenties, Frederick J. Shepard, Jr. gave to the town a new brick building for the exclusive use of Taylor Library. It stands directly across the street from the Upper Village Hall on a corner of the Parker estate and adjacent to the property of First Parish Church.  Other members of the Shepard family contributed their time to the successful growth of the library.  In 1930 when the building was completed, Astronaut Allan B. Shepard, then a child, helped his grandmother Mrs. Annie B. Shepard, librarian at the time, carry and arrange the books in their new quarters.  The astronaut’s father, Colonel Alan B. Shepard, served as trustee of the library for fifty-two years. The library has been served by twelve librarians since it first opened its doors 130 years ago.

Although the library has not been enlarged, its services to the community never cease growing.  The library continues to make do with the space that is available.  Children and adult programming continue to be the main focus of the library today.  The library has just completed an automation project which has brought the library into the 21st century.  Little by little the library continues to focus on the future and what it can do for the Town of Derry.

Wednesday 2/19 from 10 AM to 5 PM, the staff is hosting an all day open house in conjunction with the pre school story hour sign ups.  Please stop by for a visit and enjoy some birthday cake.  At the same time, why not register for your library card if you already don’t have one.  You will certainly be surprised at what you can find at the “Little Library on the Hill”

To go with the birthday theme of this month’s column, I would like to share with you some of my favorite birthday books.

“Happy Birthday to You!” by Dr. Seuss

Although this book was published first in 1959, it continues to be a favorite.  The Birthday Honk Honker and the Great Birthday Bird get the party started in the land of Katroo by starting the day off early in the morning and blasting the birthday horn to say “Wake Up! For today is your Day of all Days!” This book is done in the Seuss’s signature illustrations and zany rhyming words.  Why not take a trip through Birthday Land with the Bird and the Birthday Honker. Today is your day and anything goes!!  This book is suitable for ages 4 to 8 and will be read over and over again especially on your special day.  In 2003, this book was published in a popup book version with the same colorful illustrations as found in the older version.  The popup version if suitable for infants.

“Happy Birthday, Moon” by Frank Asch

“Happy Birthday, Moon” is another old favorite.  Bear loves the moon so much that he wants to get him a birthday present.  The only problem is, he doesn’t know when his birthday is or even what to buy for a present.  Bear sets off to have a chat with the moon. He first climbs a tree to have his little chat, but the moon doesn’t answer.  He next climbs a mountain and calls out to the moon, but all he hears is the echo of his voice.  Everytime bear asks a question, it is echoed back to bear.  Bear actually thinks he is being answered by the moon.  Bear gets his answer from moon and goes out and buys him a hat.  That evening bear climbs a tree and leaves moon’s hat on the highest branch.  In the morning, the hat is on the ground.  Bear thinks that moon has also given him a hat for his birthday.  This book is written in simple poetic verse and charming illustrations.  It will certainly delight the little ones over and over again.

“Teddy Bear’s Picnic” by Paulina Malinen  

This book is due to be published in April 2008.  I am sure it will become a favorite of little ones as it is a popup book with moveable pieces on each page.  The bears are putting together a surprise birthday party for Teddy Bear’s birthday.  How can they make the plans without Teddy Bear finding out?  This book will engage youngsters as it tells the bears’ story with interactive features on each page.  A large picnic basket opens up with a chunky fork, knife and spoon.  Children can prepare the picnic and pick the apples from the orchard.  Finally, they can wrap Bear’s present and stick the bow on the present.  The illustrations are colorful and the interactive pieces will help with the development of motor skills and object manipulation.  I am sure with all the use; this book will be replaced many times.  It is suitable for ages 5 through 7.

“Birthday for Cow!” by Jan Thomas

This book is also due to be published in April of 2008, but should be favorite of the younger set.  Pig and Mouse are hard at work baking the best birthday cake ever for Cow.  However, with Duck hanging around and talking foolishness, they are wondering if they will ever complete the task.  The book is written with rowdy repetitions and wacky humor.  The illustrations are bright and colorful.  Look out for the hilarious twist at the end.  This book is suitable for ages three and up.

These books and many others are available at your local library.  Plan a trip with your little ones and check the library out.  You will certainly be surprised at what is available.  Stop by and visit us this week and help us celebrate 130 years of continuous service to the town of Derry.  For further information about the library or to register for one of our many story hours, please call the library at 432-7186.  Check out our collection that is also now available on line.

 I am sitting here writing this column in the middle of a Nor’easter which is blanketing the area with heavy snow.  Schools have been called off for the day and children are anxious to get out and play in this white sticky snow.  We have already had our fill in southern New Hampshire of storms which started to pile up before Christmas. 

I thought it would be fitting to review children’s books about snow and children’s all time favorite past time of building snowmen and snow forts.  Most of the storms this year have dumped the best kind of snow for building snowmen.  That white, sticky, wet consistency has been the best in recent years.  Today’s storm is also giving us more of the same.

Following are a few of our young patron’s favorite winter books.  Most of these books were published a few years ago but are still requested each year.

“A Hat for Minerva Louise” by Janet Morgan Stoeke

Once again, my favorite chicken is out and about causing all sorts of mayhem.  Minerva Louise loves it outside but on this chilly, snowy day, she is cold and can’t stay out long unless she finds the right kind of clothes to wear.  She searches the chicken coop and barnyard for a hat and mittens.  She tries on a flower pot for a hat, but that doesn’t seem right.  The other chickens in the hen house look at her as if she has lost her marbles.  Everyone knows that you can’t wear a flower pot on your head to stay warm.  She continues her search through the snow covered barnyard till she finds a pair of mittens strung together.  She isn’t quite sure of what to do or what these mittens are used for.  In the end, she puts one on her head and the other on her tail feathers.  She is so pleased that she has solved her dilemma.  She can now stay outside and play.  This book is the second in a series of Minerva Louise books written by Stoeke.  This book written in simple text is ideal for ages 2 through 6.  The bold colorful illustrations compliment the simple text.  This book will be read over and over again by young and old alike.

“Snowmen at Night” by Caralyn Buehner

Have you ever noticed that the snowman you built yesterday looks little off?  Is he drooping a little, has his hat slipped a little?  This book written by Caralyn Buehner and illustrated by her husband Mark tells a tale of a little boy who notices these changes when he comes out to play the next day after building the perfect snowman the previous day.  He starts to imagine what could have happened to make his snowman look so disheveled
Soon he is picturing all the snowmen in the neighborhood rollicking down the street to the park where they hold snowmen games.  The snowmen are skating, sliding and even are playing on the playground equipment.  Snowmen mothers are serving “cold” chocolate to keep their children cold!!  Children of all ages will love reading this story as they turn the pages looking for hidden figures in the shadows, clouds and snowdrifts.  This book was published in 2002 for ages 5 to 8. 
“Snow” by Manya Stojic   

The winter season is fast approaching as bear, moose, fox and other creatures prepare for winter.  The author looks at how these animals respond when the first winter snows come.  Bear yawns and hibernates, fox is not happy as he looses his camouflage and the geese head south.  As they fly away they honk “So long snow”.  The book is written in rhyming spare text and the acrylic illustrations match the text perfectly.  The book starts out with beautiful fall foliage in the background.  As the book progresses to winter, the pages are on a black background with white text which depicts the changing of the season to winter.  As the season changes to winter, each animal gets its own page to show how it adapts to winter.  Children will love reading this book over and over again and is age appropriate for preschoolers.

“First Snow” by Emily Arnold McCully

This book was originally published in 1985 without words.  Caldecott Medalist Emily Arnold McCully captures the excitement of a first sled ride when the first snow of the season comes.  She added words and created new pictures to her revised edition in December 2003.  The story is about a sledding expedition of a family of mice children and their grandparents.  The pen and ink and watercolor illustrations show the joy of little ones as they take to the hill for the first time.  In 1995 McCully brought to life the wordless story of a little mouse who overcame her fears of sliding down the steep hill.  She discovered the thrill of the ride down.  As the day wears on, little mouse does not want to leave.  She is the last one off the hill as grandfather and grandmother mouse call their grandchildren for the ride home.  At the end of the story you see the children gathered around the dinner table eating their hot soup. The exhausted mice children are falling asleep over their dinners.  This will certainly bring back old memories of sliding expeditions from our younger years.  This book is suitable for ages 2 to 5.

“First Snow” by Bernette Ford       

This book is ideal for children who may be experiencing their first snow.   A little rabbit wakes up in his cozy den and is followed outside by his many sisters and brothers to explore the first snow of the year.  The warm brown color of the bunnies provides a nice contrast to the white snow background.  The bunnies romp and frolic in the snow but when a gray fox or an owl approach, they know they have to hide from the danger.  The bunnies watch as children build snowmen.  This delightful story will certainly be a favorite of children as winter approaches and the many ideas come to life when children go out to play for the first time in the snow.  The simple and poetic text adds to the beautiful illustrations.  This book is suitable for ages 5 to 8.

These books plus many other winter books are available at your library.  Why not stop by and choose a few to read to little ones at bedtime?  I am sure they will be a jumping off point for conversations about winter and the first snow fall of the season.  For further information, call the library at 432-7186.

Many books have been written over the years about dogs and children. What better way to teach young ones the responsibility of taking care of a pet. Dogs come in all sizes and temperaments. Whatever dog you choose for your family he/she will be a companion for life. Dogs love your attention, whether it is inside our outside. How much fun it is to toss a tennis ball around the yard and have Rover fetch it. This game will keep your pup busy for hours. It is also good exercise for him and for you too!!  Children will love getting outside and taking care of their new friend. All that fresh air and running around will be good for everyone involved.

Many books come to mind when it comes to reading about dogs. There are many books on how to take care of them. Also there are many fictional stories that will delight youngsters whether they have a real puppy or one of the stuffed animal breeds.

Following are a few of our young patron’s favorite dog books.

Move Over Rover
By Karen Beaumont

This is a cumulative rhyming story about a dog named Rover who is snuggled in his comfortable dry doghouse—until, one by one a soggy group of animals show up looking for a cozy, dry place to wait for the storm to end. This is fine until Skunk arrives and everyone clears out. This story is built on a simple phrase, “Move over, Rover. It is repeated many times as different animals move into Rover’s doghouse. The illustrations are done in soft watercolors. Children will love the repetitive story as each animal makes its entrance into the doghouse. This book is suitable for ages 3 to 7.

Dog
By Matthew Van Fleet

This book was published almost a year ago but continues to be a favorite of the younger set. Van Fleet’s book is a multi concept book featuring 20 breeds of dogs. The pages are designed with pull tabs and flaps plus ten pettable textured pictures that will have children petting them from start to finish. Pull one tab and a tail wags, pull another and a wet dog will shake his fur dry. Rough and tumble verse will also teach new words and concepts such as “Smooth dog, curly dog, chase dog…catch. Fleas make an itchy dog scratch, scratch, scratch….” All of the dogs in the book are identified by name on the last page of this 2 pound book. This book will certainly become a favorite as children ages 2 and up will enjoy looking and feeling the pictures.

Mr. Putter and Tabby Spin the Yarn
By Cynthia Rylant

This new addition to the Mr. Putter and Tabby series introduces us to Mrs. Teaberry and her dog Zeke. Mr. Putter lives with his cat Tabby next door to Mrs. Teaberry and Zeke. In this adventure, Mrs. Teaberry has decided to start a knitting club. Because Mrs. Teaberry is always cooking for Mr. Putter, he is anxious to help serve the ladies tea. Disaster strikes when Tabby and Zeke pitch in too. Tabby decides to run away with the end of a ball of yarn attached to a sweater that Mrs. Fitzwater has been working on for months. Zeke runs off with one of the lady’s vegetable covered hat. Mr. Putter has to calm the ladies down but in the end, the ladies have the last laugh. Rylant writes in simple sentences and easy vocabulary. The illustrations are in pencil and watercolor. This book is suitable for ages 6 to 9 and makes a good choice for children learning to read.

Bad Dog, Marley!
By John Grogan

This book is based on the # 1 New York Times best selling memoir Marley & Me.
In John Grogan’s memoir, Marley & Me, we learned how one bad dog became the heart of a family who loved him. Now in this picture book version of the story, Mommy, Daddy, Cassie, and Baby Louie welcome puppy Marley to the Grogan family. Marley grows and grows. His energy and eagerness also grows getting him into all sorts of trouble. From eating the sofa cushions and creating an indoor snowstorm, to crashing through the screen door and climbing onto the microwave to reach a chocolate cake on top of the refrigerator, Marley continues to be naughty. Finally, Mommy says this dog has to go.  In the end, Marley’s over the top energy is just what is needed to save the day when he jumps on to the microwave and to the top of the refrigerator to save the baby who is balancing on top. Marley grabs the baby in his diaper and saves the day. At the end of the story, you hear Marley talking and saying “Finally I have done something right.”

Marley is a hit with families and dog lovers everywhere. The illustrations bring the story of this dog to a whole new audience. This book is appropriate for ages 4 to 6.

Grogan has written and another adaptation of his book Marley & Me for older children (ages 8 to 12) titled Marley: A Dog Like No Other.
This version is geared to children who are contemplating a dog for a pet. It explains that dogs are a lot of work and responsibility and it would make a good preparatory reading for the child who will be getting a dog of their own to care for.

Why not stop by your local library and pick up your favorite pet books. For further information, call the library at 432-7186.

It seems like the stores get ready for the upcoming holidays earlier and earlier each year.  The Malls are already decorated and we have just finished our Thanksgiving turkeys with all the fixings.  Santa has already made his appearance in Derry and all over the area.  The children have seen him on Thanksgiving where he made his appearance at the end of the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.  Little ones are getting excited and are counting the days till Santa arrives with goodies for all the good little boys and girls.
At the Library, we are making preparations for the next holidays that are coming too fast.  We have made our yearly pilgrimage to the attic to retrieve the holiday books stored there all year for Christmas and Hanukkah.  Our little patrons start to look for these books right after Thanksgiving.  They all have their favorites which they read each year.  This year we have added to our collection.  These books, I am sure will become favorites in the years to come.

Where, Oh Where, Is Santa Claus?
By Lisa Wheeler

This delightful new book by Lisa Wheeler will certainly become a favorite of children ages 5-7. It is filled with festive rhymes and the illustrations by Ivan bates are beautiful.  It takes Santa’s polar friends on an adventure when he all of a sudden disappears on Christmas Eve at the North Pole.  Will his friends find him before it is too late to make his yearly deliveries?  This book will certainly become a favorite for story times just before Christmas.

Sharing Christmas
By Kate Westerlund

Sharing Christmas is a wonderful book about what Christmas is all about.  It is Christmas time in the forest where the animals don’t have much to be thankful for.  It has been a cold, snowy year and food is scarce.  Clara, a little deer is worried about Christmas so she wishes upon a star for help.  The next day she hears bells off in the distance.  As she runs to find out where the sound is coming from, she is joined by two of her friends, squirrel and rabbit.  They stumble upon a pile of nuts and berries and decide to share their new found wealth with everyone in the forest.  Sharing and giving is what Christmas is all about.  The illustrations are beautiful and the heartwarming story will let children know what the true meaning of Christmas is.  This book will certainly become a favorite for ages 4 and up as we try to teach our children the true meaning of Christmas.

Minerva Louise on Christmas Eve   
By Janet Morgan Stoeke

Janet Stoeke has come out with another Minerva Louise tale to add to her many others.  Minerva Louise is a chicken who sometimes just doesn’t get it.  In this story, Minerva Louise meets up with Santa Claus in the barnyard.  She sees him on the roof and she goes up there to explore.  She follows him down the chimney into the farmhouse where she sees a big green tree all decorated.  She wonders how come there is a tree inside, when it should be outside.  She isn’t the brightest chicken on the farm.  Children will love the story as they follow Minerva Louise around the house on Christmas Eve.  At the end, Minerva even gets a present from the jolly old man dressed in red.  This book along with others by Janet Stoke will become a favorite for the younger story hour set.

Polar Express  
By Chris Van Allsburg

This book continues to be a favorite at the library especially this time of year when we announce the Polar Express Story hour which we present each December for three continuous nights.  The library is transformed into a train on its way to the North Pole.  We pick up the children and we are whisked away to the North Pole where we meet up with Santa.  If we get close enough to the North Pole, Santa will greet us and give each child a silver bell and nougats like he does in the actual book.  Before returning to the library, we will drink hot chocolate and eat Christmas cookies like the children in the story.  This is a favorite story hour each year.  Children love seeing the staff at the library dressed as elves and a Christmas tree.  Our imaginations run wild as we hear stories old and new on our way to the North Pole.  As the children receive the first present of Christmas, they are asked to “Believe”.  For those who do not believe, they will not hear the tinkling of the bell.  The book is age appropriate for ages 5 and up.  At this time, we are taking a wait list for our special ride.

Hanukkah
By Miriam Nerlove

This book continues to be a favorite of children at the library.  It is written in rhyming text and the illustrations show the activities of a little boy and his family as they prepare to celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights.  Miriam Nerlove provides us with a brief history of the events that ended in the miraculous burning of the oil for eight nights.  At the end of the book there is a short glossary of terms for those who are not familiar with the Celebration.  This book is geared for ages 1-6.

Why not stop by your local library and pick up your favorite Christmas or Hanukkah story.  These books will certainly put you into the mood for the upcoming season.  Also check out the various adult Christmas novels and the “How to Make” books for that special gift that you might want to make for that favorite someone on your list.  The ideas are endless.  It doesn’t have to cost a fortune this year for your Holiday Celebrations.

For further information call the library at 432-7186.

By now the leaves are almost off the trees and are blowing around the yard.  The children are coming in from their Halloween Trick or Treating.  It is finally feeling like late fall.  We now turn our attention to preparing our lives for the fall season and what is to come after that.  There are many children’s books that have been written explaining Thanksgiving.  From books about the Pilgrims who came to the new world to settle in Plymouth Plantation to the Native Americans they befriended.  These books tell our children the hardships they faced that first winter and how they celebrated with their new friends the fact they had survived.  Many times with our hectic lives, we do not stop to give thanks for what we have.  Children should be taught these simple lessons.  With these books, they might see what they take for granted each day and stop at the end of a day and give thanks.

The following books are favorites in our Thanksgiving collection.  Some have been around for a while and there is a brand new one ready to be checked out.  Certainly, it will become a favorite.

“One Little, Two Little, Three Little Pilgrims”
By B.G Hennessy 

This children’s book was first published in 2001 and is suitable for ages 3 to 8.  Although it doesn’t mention the word Thanksgiving and is not intended to represent the first Thanksgiving, its purpose is to represent the daily lives of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag children during the 1600’s.  The story doesn’t tell of the hardships the Pilgrims faced that first winter. The book instead shows the daily lives of the Pilgrim and Wampanoag children.  Wampanoag children are out gathering clams, fishing and gathering nuts and berries in the woods.  The Pilgrim children are hunting ducks and geese, digging up the garden for turnips and carrots.  Finally it is time for the meal.  The Pilgrim and the Wampanoag families gather together to enjoy the feast.  The text is simple and rhythmic and the illustrations are autumn-colored.  This story is a good introduction to the simple things back in the old days.  A must read for our younger ones.

“‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving”
By Dav Pilkey

This book is another favorite of the children at the Taylor Library.  It was published
 in 2004 for ages 4 to 7.  Pilkey has taken the well known Clement Moore classic of the Night Before Christmas and has changed the words and has turned it into cute Thanksgiving poem.  The story starts out as 8 young children are on a field trip the day before Thanksgiving.  They arrive at Farmer Mac Nugget’s farm.  The children have fun playing with the eight turkeys. Unknown to the children when they first arrive at the farm, Farmer Mac Nugget is getting the turkeys ready for Thanksgiving dinner.  The children have a wonderful day at the farm, but as it is time to leave, they become aware of the fate of these frolicking turkeys.  The children are deeply touched by the turkey’s plight and become mysteriously fatter with turkey feathers sticking out from under their clothing.  They board their bus for the ride back to the city and their homes.  The next night, family silhouettes can be seen as each turkey is a guest at each child’s table.  Instead of eating turkey, they “feasted on veggies/with jelly and toast. The story is humorous and lighthearted.  The pictures are bold and bright.  This book is a delightful read for preschoolers.

“Run, Turkey, Run!”
By Diane Mayr

Diane Mayr, author and librarian at the Nesmith Library in Windham, N.H. has written a new book just in time for Thanksgiving. Turkey is having a bad day as it is the day before Thanksgiving.  Turkey decides to make a run for it to the pigpen to hide from the farmer in the mud.  Turkey thinks that if hides in the mud, the farmer will think he is a pig and he will be safe.  No such luck!!  Run, Turkey run!  He then tries to be a duck, then a horse, but the farmer knows his animals too well. Run, Turkey run!  Off he goes again trying to escape the farmer.  Readers will laugh at the turkey when he puts on a diving mask and jumps into the pond trying to be a duck.  The farmer goes out in his boat to continue the chase.  The turkey arrives at the barn with the horses where he puts his head into a feed bucket.  The farmer isn’t fooled at all.  Off goes the turkey into the woods.  On his way to the woods, the barnyard animals cheer him on and tell him to run from the barnyard.  On Thanksgiving Day the family is gathered around their table without a turkey to eat.  Instead they are feasting on peas, mashed potatoes and grilled cheese sandwiches. In the woods, Turkey is giving thanks for being spared.  After Thanksgiving, the farmer and his family go out into the woods to find their Christmas tree.  There, hiding under the tree is Turkey.  Run, Turkey Run!   This delightful story will certainly be a favorite story time book for young and old alike.  Thank you, Diane for another hit.  The children at the Taylor Library love your books.  Please keep them coming!! 

Stop by your local library for any one of these titles or other Thanksgiving books.  “Fall” into the season and give thanks for your many blessings.  For further information about the Taylor Library, please call us at 432-7186 or visit our website:  www.taylorlibrary.org  for information about upcoming programs for children and adults.

It is officially fall.  Last week was the autumnal equinox.  Although it is still warm and humid during the day, the nights are beginning to cool down.  Even the squirrels know it is fall.  They are out gathering their nuts and storing them for the long winter ahead.  The leaves are beginning to fall at a faster rate.  Pretty soon, the children will be able to crunch through them as they enter the library. 

Another sign of fall at the library are the Fall and Halloween book collections that have arrived on the main floor of the library.  They have been tucked away for a whole year and now replace the summer books on the special display case.  Along with our old time favorites, new books have arrived for the children to check out.  Following are a list of new books which will soon become favorites along with the older ones that the children look forward to reading each year.

Boo and Baa Have Company by Lena and Olof Landstrom

This delightful book was just published in September.  Boo and Baa are two small sheep out raking leaves one bright and sunny fall day when they discover a cat stuck in a tree. 
In their attempt to get the cat out of the tree, by tempting it with sardines and a plank to a second story window, Boo gets stuck when his ladder breaks.  At the end of the book, you will see Boo and Baa fast asleep with the cat asleep on their carpet.  The text is simple with a few words per page.  The artwork is simple with bold outlines to depict the two cute little lambs.  This book will certainly be a favorite of preschoolers and early readers alike.  It is appropriate for ages 4-8

Leaves by David Ezra Stein

Leaves is another newly published book about a young bear and his first autumn.  He is surprised by the falling leaves as he has never lived through a fall season.  He tries to put them back on the trees but this doesn’t work.  Eventually, he gets very tired from all of his hard work and crawls inside a stack of leaves for a long nap.  When he wakes up it is spring and there are new leaves all around him growing on the branches of the trees above him.  This book is a delightful book as it explains the changing seasons to young readers.  The illustrations are done with pen and ink and watercolors.  The text is simple and is perfect for the beginning reader.  This book is age appropriate for 3-6 year olds.

The Busy Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri

Another sign of fall is the scampering of squirrels as they collect their nuts in preparation for the long winter ahead.  The Busy Squirrel, published in August of 2007 shows Squirrel as he runs around the forest unable to nibble with mouse, jump with the frog, run with the cat and dog.  He has a job to do.  The leaves are turning colors and are slowly dropping to the ground.  The night air is chilly and Squirrel knows what he must do.
The illustrations are done in watercolors and ink.  They fill double page scenes with realistic scenes.  The text is in large and easy to read type. A natural for beginning readers, it will surely become a favorite fall picture book.  This is age appropriate for 2-6 year olds.

Mouse’s First Fall by Lauren Thompson

Although this book was published last September, it will certainly be a favorite of preschoolers. (age 5-6).  Mouse and friend Minka venture out to play one bright fall day.  They see leaves of all colors and shapes falling to the ground.  Mouse soon learns that fall is a season of fun. Every page is filled with the warm, rich illustrations which are connected to the words like round, skinny, pointed leaves.  Mouse is concerned when Minka disappears under a pile of leaves. Young readers will soon find Minka hidden under the pile of leaves as her tail curls above the pile.  Soon, Mouse has nothing to fear as he finds Minka hiding.  Mouse starts to romp and jump in the leaves and learns that fall is fun with all the changes around.   This book is a wonderful introduction to fall for little ones.

Leaf Man by Lois Elhert

This book was published in 2005 but has become an instant hit with the young ones at the library.   Leaf Man goes where the wind blows.  You catch him flying over fields and orchards, past cows, ducks and geese and towards the marsh.  Leaf Man left no travel plans.  He just took off in a gust of wind.  The story is simple with collage like images of people and animals all fashioned out of leaves.  The leaves are identified on the endpapers.  Children will want to get outdoors and collect their colored leaves so they can create a Leaf Man of their own.  This is an excellent read aloud book and will be read and looked at many times.  Leaf Man is appropriate for ages 1-4.

Why not take your little one outside and explore nature as the countryside is ablaze in color.  Stop by your local library and check any of the above books or other favorites of the autumn season.  For further information and questions concerning the library and what we have to offer, please call 432-7186 or visit our website at www.taylorlibrary.org

By now most of the area schools are back in session.  The days are getting shorter and the there is a feel of fall in the air.  Long gone are those hot humid days of August, although summer is trying to hold on with a day here and there.  The leaves are beginning to turn their beautiful colors.  A tree in my backyard has had a tinge of red since the beginning of August and several of the trees in our picnic grove at the library have been dropping leaves during our summer programming.

Many of our younger patrons have gone off to nursery school or the first grade with the excitement or nervousness that most children feel when doing something for the first time.  We have many books in our Parent’s Collection that can be checked out and read to these children to help alleviate those fears.  Following are just a few that make good “reads” for this age group.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

This book is one of my favorites to recommend to parents of school aged children who are going off to school for the first time.  The book is for any child young or old who confronts a difficult situation and needs assurance.  Chester Raccoon seeks love and reassurance from his mother as he goes out into the world to attend his first day of school.  We have all been there before, whether it was our first day of school or the first day for our little ones.  Mrs. Raccoon tells her son that she knows a wonderful secret that will make his time away at school warm and cozy as his times at home.  She kisses the palm of Chester’s hand and he feels the warmth and love rush up his arm and into his heart.  Mom tells him that whenever you get lonely at school press your hand to your cheek and the kiss will fill you with “toasty warm thoughts”.  This secret works for Chester who in turn kisses his mother’s hand, so she too will be reassured and not lonely when Chester is away at school.  The book comes with little heart stickers for little ones going away to school.  A wonderful heartwarming story that is suitable for ages 4 and up.

Will You Come Back for Me?  By Ann Tompert
   
This book is a wonderful read for those children who are going to day care or preschool for the first time.  It is the story of four year old Suki who is worried about being left at day care for the first time until her mother reassures her that she loves her and will always come back for her.  The fear of separation and of the parent not returning for the child are shown beautifully through Suki’s silence during the first daycare visit.  On her first day of daycare, Suki makes lots of new friends and has fun playing knowing that at the end of the day her mother will come back for her.  This book is an excellent addition to any Parenting Collection since so many children are facing daycare and nursery school for the first time.  This book is suitable for infants or children in preschool.   

Panda Goes to School by Tara Jaye Morrow

This newly published book (August 2007) will certainly become a favorite to children who are experiencing school for the first time.  It is a story of a loveable Panda who is about to have a big day as he is off to school for the first time.  He is nervous not only about going to school and being away from Mama but he is nervous about how is Mama will cope with him being gone.  Will she be lonely or who will eat lunch with her?  Mama has a reassuring answer to all of his anxieties.  The illustrations are cute and colorful with a classroom full of friendly animals.  Children from infants through preschool can relate to this story.

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate

A cute, reassuring book aimed at the age group of children 4-8 who are going off to school for either the first time or entering a new grade.  It is sure to be a hit with the young ones.  The text has a comforting rhythm and the illustrations are richly colored and busy.  The story is about the first day of Kindergarten in Miss Bindergarten’s class where 26 children are getting ready to attend their first day of school.  Any child who is anxious should find comfort in this book’s two parallel themes: 26 young animals an alligator to a zebra.  The book not only shows the fears that the children are feeling on their first day of school but also shows Miss Bindergarten who is slightly more than harried preparing her classroom for the first day of school.  All of the emotions of the first day of school are addressed in this delightful book from anxiety, excitement to fear.  This book is a popular choice of parents and teachers alike.

How Do Dinosaurs Go To School?  By Jane Yolen

This book is a fun read aloud for the first day of school.  Everyone’s favorite dinosaurs are back and now they are going to school.  The book is in playful read aloud verse with amusing pictures.  Children who are familiar with this series will be delighted with the adventures and antics of these colorful dinosaurs.  This is a delightful read for ages 5 and up.  It shows that Dinosaur kids have the same experiences as human kids as a dinosaur looses a tooth in school.  Children of all ages will enjoy this book as well as adults.  How Do Dinosaurs Go To School? was recently published in July of 2007 and will certainly be a favorite for years to come.

These books plus many others can be found at your local library at anytime of the year, but be sure to look for them in our display for back to school.  For further questions concerning the library and what we have to offer, please call 432-7186 or visit our website at www.taylorlibrary.org.

We have just returned from our annual trip to the beach which inspired this month’s column.  Having grown up along the New Hampshire seacoast, I try to get back there as often as I can in the summer.  However, that is usually only once during the summer.  This year we decided to visit Rye Beach on a hot, humid Friday afternoon.  You could tell you were getting close as the air changed as we approached Exeter.  The cool sea breeze hit us as we turned off Route 101 and we started winding through the back roads to the beach.  We had our sand pails, blankets, towels, sand chairs and cooler packed.  When we arrived at the beach the parking lot was packed with other beach goers looking for relief from the heat.  After riding around, we finally found our parking spot and we were off for the short hike to the sand and cooling water.  In no time, we staked out our spot on the sand and soon were running towards the waves crashing on shore.  What a beautiful day we had cooling off in the refreshing Atlantic Ocean.  Maybe, we can get there one more time before Labor Day arrives and the back to school frenzy hits.

For those who can’t make it to the beach this summer, why not go to your local library and check out books about the beach.  You can read them to your little ones and imagine what a day at the beach might be like on a hot, sultry Friday afternoon.  The following are among my favorites here at the library.

Beach Day by Patricia Lakin

This book was published in May of 2004.  It is a delightful story of a bunch of crocodiles who decide to take a ride to the beach on their bicycle built for four.  On their way to the beach, they get lost.  They stop for a picnic lunch and then continue on only to arrive in time for a moon-lit swim.  Many of the words are oversized which makes it easy reading for those learning to read.  Also, early concepts such as up and down and over and under are included in the text and are illustrated to help the young reader understand and participate in the reading of the story.  The illustrations are as bright and colorful as the story.  This book is a wonderful choice for a youngster contemplating a first visit to the beach.  This story is geared for ages up to preschool.

All You Need f or a Beach by Alice Schertle

This book also published in May of 2004 is a perfect book for fun in the sun.  Its rhyming text describes the essential fun at the beach from the first grains of sand to the waves that roll in and tickle your feet.  This book with is soft illustrations, describes all of the necessities of a trip to the beach from your bathing suit, umbrella, shovels and pails to that cool refreshing drink of lemonade.  This book will truly give you a sense of what it is like to go to the beach and feel the sand between your toes and the cool water crashing on shore.  A must read for the seasoned beach goers or the little one who has never experienced the ocean.  A wonderful book for ages three to seven.

 Sea, Sand and Me by Patricia Hubbell   

Another beach favorite of mine which was published in June of 2001, this book is an easy reader that helps to introduce your little beachcomber to a day at the beach,  It is written in rhyming text and has vivid illustrations.  The book captures all of the fun of a day at the beach from building sand castles to jumping in the waves.  It also captures the feel of sand on little feet, to the sound of sea gulls flying overhead to the boats out on the ocean. Also included are the many discoveries that can be found in the tidal pools from starfish to seashells.  This book is a joyous celebration of the sea as seen through the eyes of a small child.  It is suitable for ages five through 8.

Hello Ocean by Pam Munoz Ryan  

This book has been around for a few years and was published in February of 2001 but it continues to be a favorite of little ones at the library.  The book is written in rhyming text and it describes the wonder of the ocean as seen through a little one’s five senses.  The child spends a day at the ocean experiencing it through sight, sound, feel, smell and taste.  The illustrations are beautiful and they seem to pop off the page.  Each page is dedicated to one of the five senses, thus introducing the child to the sense while experiencing it through the setting of the ocean.  This striking picture book is a must read and is the next best thing to being there.  The book and illustrations are suitable for ages three through eight.

Sandcastles Made Simple: Step-by-Step Instructions, Tips and Tricks for Building Sensational Sand Creations by Lucinda “sandy feet” Wierenga.   

Have you ever wondered how the professionals make those amazing sand castles at the beach during the annual sand castle contests?  Every summer children and adults make valiant efforts to build that perfect sandcastle, but the results are generally disappointing.
With this book, the author, a renowned sand sculptor and winner of many international competitions, provides the reader and beginner sandcastle maker a step by step guide in building that perfect sandcastle.  She shows that with a few simple tools and a basic understanding of sand, the building of that perfect sandcastle can be easy.  Also included are instructions for two projects designed specifically for younger children. This book is suitable for all ages looking to create that perfect sandcastle.

All of the above books can be found at your local library as well as others in the summer collection.  Why not stop by your local library and check out what it has to offer.  For questions concerning the library, please call us at 432-7186 or visit our website at taylorlibrary@comcast.net.

Christmas has come a little early at the Taylor Library once again this year.  We have received our 2007 additions to our “Barney” Collection of cat books.  As you recall in last December’s column, I introduced you to Barney, the beloved cat of Bob Thistle.   Barney passed away in August of 2004 at the ripe old age of 15.  Barney was Bob’s beloved cat for all of those years.  He wanted to do something special to remember him by and to memorialize Barney and to inspire the love of reading.  He asked his daughter Pam (long time Trustee at the Taylor Library) if we would like to receive some cat books to add to our collection.  The first year we received fifteen books with the promise of five to be added yearly.  We have added the following books to this year’s collection.

Follow Me, Mittens by Lola M. Schaefer

This book was published in April and is a delightful story about a kitten out for a walk with his friend Nick.  He soon spots a bright yellow butterfly and starts to follow it.  What happens to Mittens when he can’t follow the butterfly anymore?  This book is a wonderful read for children ages 4-8.  It is a My First I Can Read Book.  Children learning to read will be excited to pick this one up and follow along with Mittens and the adventures with Nick and the butterfly.  

If Not for the Calico Cat by Mary Blount Christian

This book was published in April of 2007 and is suitable for ages 4-8.  It is a story of a calico cat that is brought on board a ship to bring it good luck during its voyage.  The calico cat isn’t happy because she misses her warm, sunny spot on the wharf.  As she roams the ship, she gets into all kinds of trouble from falling into the flour barrel to walking over the captain’s maps.  Where ever she goes, she causes havoc.  Suddenly, a storm comes up and starts to blow.  Will the calico cat bring the ship good luck so it isn’t lost at sea?  You will have to read the book to find out.  The illustrations are beautiful and the story reaches a delightful and unexpected conclusion.  A must read for all cat lovers!

Me and My Kitten by Kate Fordham

This book was published in May of 2007 and is suitable for ages 7-10. This book is suitable for the first time cat owner.  The book is divided into five sections which helps you to decide what kind of a kitten to purchase. 

• CHOOSING A CAT

This section gives you tips and ideas as to what breed of a kitten to choose.  It asks you such questions as will your cat be an indoor or outdoor cat.  How will you take care of your cat, do you have other pets in the house and will there be someone home most of the time to make sure your kitten has company.   The book also discusses such questions as should I get a long haired or short haired kitten, should it be a male or female kitten, how should I find a kitten (newspaper ad or pet store), should it be a purebred or mixed breed, etc.

On each page of this section are beautiful pictures of kittens to help you make your choice

• WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

This section explains the equipment you need running from litter boxes, cat carrier, bed, scratching post, toys, collar, grooming kit and food and water bowls.  Also, along the bottom of each page are cat facts to help you learn about cats.

• KITTEN CARE

This section explains what to do now that you have chosen your kitten and have him/her at home.  It explains especially what to do with your kitten the first few days at home to help it adjust to you and its new surroundings.  Also in this section, it gives you tips on how to introduce your kitten to other pets in your house.

• KITTEN BEHAVIOR

This section helps with the sleep habits of kittens, how a cat communicates with you (purring, meowing, yeowling and what an upright tail means), territory marking especially in adult cats, and how to check the health of your cat by looking at its eyes, ears and mouth.  Also in this section, the pros and cons of cat neutering are discussed

• NOTES

This section lets you keep track of your kitten as he/she grows into a mature adult cat.  There is a space for pictures, medical information and health records including a section for keeping track of vet visits.  This section is set up very similar to a newborn baby book.

This book is very informative for first time cat owners, especially for children who are contemplating their first kitten.

M is for Meow: A Cat Alphabet by Helen L. Wilbur

This book is suitable for ages 5 to 10 and was published in January of 2007.  This selection is packed with fact and fancy and will delight all ages young and old alike who are cat lovers.  The text is packed with factual and tidbits of information that will inform and surprise.  The clever rhymes along with the beautiful illustrations will make this book a favorite for all cat fanciers.  Each page has a letter of the alphabet from A (Ancestors and anatomy) to T (tail and toes) to W (whiskers) all the way to Z.  At the end of the book there is an appendix and a stats page with more information about cats.

Fabian Escapes by Peter McCarty

This book is suitable for infants or children in preschool and was published in May of 2007.  It features the duo of a cat and dog named Fabian and Hondo as they set out on another adventure together.  This time the cat named Fabian sets out on an adventure while the yellow lab Hondo the dog stays home with the baby. The book is seen through the eyes of the dog and cat.  The story opens as Hondo comes back from his walk and Fabian jumps out the window to explore the outdoors.  Hondo is stuck inside the playing with the baby. Fabian runs into three dogs outside on the lawn.  Fabian finally escapes the dogs and hides under the porch for the rest of the day, while Hondo naps all afternoon and snug in his bed.  The book is an easy read for youngsters learning to read as there is one sentence per page.  The illustrations are pencil and watercolor.  Fans of the first Fabian and Hondo book will love this next installment.

The Taylor Library would like to again thank Bob and his wife for donating these books to the library in memory of Barney the Cat.  The children love to open the books to see the book plate inside of Barney.  Thank you so much for your generosity

For further information about these books or any other books at Taylor Library, please stop in for a visit or contact us at 432-7186 or on our website: www.taylorlibrary.org

… or Is It Just as Much Fun to Stay Home and Read About It

 Will this be the year that the Red Sox go all the way to the World Series and win it all?  At the moment it looks very promising.  With their huge lead in their division anything is possible.  The children at the library have been coming in lately sporting their Red Sox shirts and hats.  They just love their team.  To get them more into the hype of what is going on around Red Sox Nation, we have a selection of books about baseball and especially about the Red Sox.

The following books are always out.  They are favorites of our patrons, young and old.

Fenway Park 1, 2, 3. by the Red Sox Wives
This book was created by the Red Sox wives to celebrate the Red Sox and Fenway Park.  It is suitable especially for ages 4-7 or beyond.  The book counts from 1 – 20 and each number relates to the theme of baseball.  “Nine” positions on a team, “Six” retired player’s jerseys and so on.  The book is illustrated by the wives and the pictures are colorful.  This book introduces children to counting as well as to the Red Sox and baseball.  It is a delightful read for young and old alike.

The Legend of the Curse of the Bambino by Dan Shaughnessy
Dan Shaughnessy is a sports writer for the Boston Globe.  He has written many books
on Boston and its rich sports history including Ever Green: The Story of the Boston
Celtics and One Strike Away.  In The Legend of the Curse of the Bambino, Shaughnessy (who penned the phrase) sums up the 80 plus years of horror and heartache which began when Babe Ruth was sold by the Red Sox to the Yankees.  Shaughnessy captures all the joys and heartaches that the curse of the Bambino has brought to Boston and all of Red Sox Nation.  The book includes all of the Red Sox debacles from Johnny Pesky’s hesitation to throw a ball home, to the Bill Buckner ball that went through his legs and to the season of 2003’s extra inning home run that kept the Red Sox without a World Championship.  This all changed in the fall of 2004, the year the curse was broken when the Red Sox beat the Yankees and then went on to win the World Series which finally lifted the so called Curse from the Sox. That final game was played under a full moon caused by a lunar eclipse.  Could this have changed the curse forever?  One will never know.  The story is told to a young girl Kate by her father a long time Sox fan at a game on opening day. Dad describes Babe Ruth as the greatest player who ever lived.  In the colorful illustrations you will see the Babe and his ghostly appearance looking over Fenway Park.  The Babe appears bigger than life in the ball park during plays where he sometimes blows the ball out of bounds or sometimes holding a player back from running to the next base or even causing a ground ball to veer in a different direction.  Red Sox fans will love this book for its lively and fun filled look at Babe Ruth and all of the suffering, but ultimately the triumph of the Red Sox and the first World Championship in 86 years.  This book is recommended for ages 5-8 but any Red Sox fan will love it.

86 Years: The Legend of the Boston Red Sox by Melinda R. Boronson
This book is a must have for all Red Sox Fans.  It captures the thrill of the season of 2004 when the Red Sox finally won it all after 86 years of disappointment and heartache.  The illustrations are beautifully done from the pictures of old Fenway Park to the old and the new uniforms worn by the players.  The story is done in rhyming verse and it includes player’s names in the rhymes.  Each time you read the book you will be overcome by the excitement and the thrill of winning the World Series.  Finally all of the believing paid off and the curse was broken.  This book is suited for ages 3 through 5 but any Fan of the Red Sox will enjoy it.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame: The Sensational Baseball Song, by Jim Burke, Jack Norworth and illustrations by Jim Burke.
This book was written and illustrated in 2006 by Jim Burke who captures the era of America’s favorite pastime and tells the story of one controversial contest that went down in the history books.  The song was written in 1908 when the New York Giants faced the World Series Champions the Chicago Cubs.  The Giants faced the Cubs that day with their ace pitcher Christy Mathewson who later became known as America’s first true sport’s hero.

Jim Burke who lived and went to school in Manchester, New Hampshire captures an exciting era of baseball with his stunning oil paintings of the old Polo Grounds, the old player’s uniforms and the fans who attended this game in their suits and dresses and fancy hats of that era.  Burke adds bits of trivia along the way in the margins of the pages as he acquaints the reader with the game played on September 28, 1908.  He even introduces us to the history of crackerjacks (1893) and the term hot dog.  The song’s actual character is Katie Casey who appears in period dress. This book is suggested for ages3-6 and it gives an introduction to life in America prior to World War I.  Words and musical score are included at the end of the book This book is a great addition to any baseball fan’s collection.

Tulip at the Bat, by J. Patrick Lewis
J. Patrick Lewis (a celebrated children’s poet) takes the classic baseball poem “Casey at the Bat” and parodies it with wordplay and funny images to create a read aloud book for ages 4 to 8.  This is a verse about animals who play baseball at Pet Stadium.  The teams of course are the Boston Beasts and the New York Pets.  The two teams are down to the last game of the World Series and are tied.  This is a delightful book aimed at the younger baseball fan.

There are many other books that have been written about baseball.  Why not stop by your local library and check a few out.  In the meantime, keep cheering for your favorite team and who know, maybe this will be the year!!

By now you should have looked over the many seed catalogs that have come in the mail during the cold winter months.  The orders have been placed and are slowly coming in.  This past weekend we spent tilling the ground and getting it ready for the many seeds we started weeks ago. The containers are sitting in our windows basking in the sun.  The anticipation of the summer garden growing those deep red delicious tomatoes and the firm green cucumbers make everyone excited to get out and play in the dirt.  Even children can have fun planting a garden. My grandkids have planted their pumpkin seeds already outside with the hopes that Mr. Woodchuck will stay away this year.  For the past two years we grew beautiful pumpkin vines with many flowers which eventually turned into small pumpkins.  By the end of August, Mr. Woodchuck found his way to the plants and chewed them and our medium sized green pumpkins were ruined.  This year, however, it will be different.  The anticipation of watching these seeds grow and turn into plants have made Katie and Ryan excited with the hopes that this year, they will get their orange pumpkin for Halloween.

Children are spending less time outside due to the electronic entertainment they are subjected to daily.  They are also eating fewer vegetables with the many already prepared packaged junk food selections found at the grocery store.  Why not introduce children to gardening and by the end of the summer and early fall you will be pleasantly surprised.  Children will be willing to taste vegetables they have actually grown themselves.

There are many books and magazine articles that have been written to get your children outside in the garden.  Most recently an article appeared in Family Fun Magazine, April 2007 entitled Ways to Make Gardening More Fun.   “By maximizing the magic and minimizing the chores, our readers will bring out the green thumb in their kids.” Leslie Garisto Pfaff offers tips and activities to get your children out in the garden and the fresh air.

Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots: Gardening together with Children by Sharon Lovejoy is the perfect book to use when introducing children to gardening.  Even though the book is geared to children ages 9 to 12, children younger will get so much out of it.  Sharon presents 12 “spirited” easy to do ideas for themed gardens parents and children can plant together.  Each garden includes a plan, the planting recipe, step by step growing instructions and activities to follow to grow a successful garden.  My favorite garden is the Pizza Garden.  This garden is planted in a circle with “slices” of tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, onions, garlic, oregano and basil.  You can plant other favorite vegetables that you might find on a Pizza Pie.  Let your children choose their favorite veggies to go into this delightful garden.  They will have fun watching their pizza grow.  When it is time to harvest your pizza bounty, why not have a Pizza Party.  You will be surprised to see your children try these vegetables they have grown.  You can plant yellow marigolds along the edges to resemble the cheese. Following the instructions on how to set up your “Pizza Garden”, there is a craft included to make markers for your pizza patch.  At the end of the chapter is a little history lesson on where the Pizza Pie was invented.  Along with the gardening lessons in this book, your children are also learning a little history!! 

Other themed gardens include a Snacking and Sipping Garden, a Moon Garden, a Flowery Maze, Mother Nature’s Medicine Chest and a Zuni Waffle Garden.  At the end of the book there is a very thorough Appendix, which includes recipes for pizza sauce and dough, a Resource page which includes seed companies, nursery catalogs, worm resources and suppliers and a Bibliography page.  This book is an all in one resource which will get you and your child outside and playing in the dirt and producing the best garden ever.

Garden Crafts for Kids: 50 Great Reasons to Get Your Hands Dirty by Diane Rhoades is a great book for readers who know little about gardening.  She suggests that you select plants based on what you like to eat, smell or look at.  She describes every step in planting from soil to compost to worms.  She also includes a homemade environmentally friendly bug spray which helps to solve the garden pests.  Also found in the book are instructions on how to make tools, easy crafts and experiments.  Also included is a pictorial index of easy to grow vegetables and flowers.  This book walks you through the steps in selecting the right place to build your garden to building your own vegetable stand to sell your own produce.  This book also is geared to children ages 9 to 12 but could be used for younger children with the help of an adult or older sibling.

Other books for younger children include:  In My Garden: A Children’s Gardening Book by Helen & Kelly Oechsli.  This book is geared to children ages 5to 7.  It is a general guide to beginning gardening with instructions for growing carrots, beans, lettuce, peppers and other simple vegetables.

Marc Brown wrote Your First Garden Book.   This book is for ages 6.  It shows the beginning gardener how to sprout seeds, turn soil to prepare the garden in the spring, plant and care for your plants in order to get the best results. The pictures of cats gardening among the sunflowers on the cover will certainly have your young children ready to go outside and plant their own garden.

May 11-13, 2007 will be Jamestown Anniversary Weekend.  This will be the official celebration of the founding of Jamestown.  Four hundred years ago, three small ships from England reached the New World with 104 brave souls aboard.  They settled Jamestown on the edge of a powerful Indian confederacy.  They paved the way for the birth of our nation.  Within a year after they arrived, two-thirds died from Indian attacks, disease and starvation.  This small band of settlers would forever be condemned by historians. 

In 1994, scientists unearthed new evidence about the original Jamestown fort.  The work is ongoing to this day and has changed many original ideas about those brave settlers.  Evidence shows that these settlers struggled with severe drought.  We learn about their struggles through their artifacts found in the old fort.  These artifacts reveal this group to be industrious builders, hunters and fishermen.  The evidence uncovered also shows that they made glass and smelted iron. 

During this Anniversary Weekend, you will be able to go aboard a replica of the Godspeed as she docks after traveling from the Chesapeake Bay and up the James River re-creating parts of the original route. 

Jamestown Settlement Museum, Williamsburg, Virginia will be opening this month.  Major artifacts from collections around the world will be placed on display.  Included in this display will be a 15th century copy of the Magna Carta.  Private collections from 10 countries will be included as well as newly found artifacts from the excavations from the Jamestown Fort uncovered in 1994.

For more information on this Anniversary Weekend and to order tickets go on line to
www://americas400thanniversary.org.  Here you will be able to find out everything happening on this “Very Special Moment in Time”…..America’s 400th Anniversary.

To go along with this very special Anniversary, a book was published in February, 2007,   1607: A New Look at Jamestown, by Karen E. Lange (Editor).  This book was published by the National Geographic Society and is age appropriate for grades 3-6.

The book, narrated by Karen Lange incorporates the newly found archaeological evidence uncovered from the Jamestown site.  The pages come alive with Ira Block’s photography, showing the newly found artifacts and authentic Jamestown reenactments.  Also included in the book is a National Geographic map of the colony showing its historic and modern day context.  Through this updated reassessment, we learn the real history lesson of Jamestown.  It shows how a great nation grew from a colony that nearly failed. 

Lange uses recent research and findings found at the archeological project called Jamestown Rediscovery, to argue that disease and drought were a large part of the community’s collapse.  Previous historians have written that it was the settler’s general ineptitude and lack of preparation that caused its near failure.

1607:  A New Look at Jamestown, is a wonderful introduction to our past.  Check it out at your local library and delve into history.  It might get your children interested enough to take a little road trip south to Virginia and to take part in history in the making.

Many books and magazines are promoting the 400th Anniversary including a newly acquired magazine at the library.  Everyday with Rachel Ray, a cooking magazine features a delicious old-time steak recipe by Colonial Williamsburg culinary team to mark the 400th Anniversary.  The recipe can be found in May’s issue on page 23.  It was adapted from the Universal Cook, circa 1780; courtesy of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. It certainly looks delicious.  I can’t wait to try it out.

For further information about this book and magazine, call the Taylor Library            (432-7186) or go on-line to www.taylorlibrary.org.