Library League themes - Animals (and Valentine's Day)

Dogs

• Jack of All Tails by Kim Norman
• We Honestly Can Look After Your Dog by Lauren Child

Wolves

• Badness for Beginners by Ian Whybrow and Tony Ross
• Grumblebunny by Bob Harman

Frogs

• Finklehopper Frog by Irene Livingston
• Excuse Me by Lisa Kopelke

Craft: Frog Life Cycle - using 11x14 cardstock, bubble wrap squares (use a black permanent marker to dot each bubble), scissors, glue, glue dots (for bubble wrap)



Bears
I was sick this week, and completely forgot to write down the books I read. Of course, a few weeks later, I couldn't remember the titles!

Craft: Tear Bears



Valentine’s Day

• Heart to Heart by George Shannon
• Minnie and Moo: Will You Be My Valentine? By Denys Cazet

Craft: Valentine's Day Cards

Birds

• The Perfect Nest by Catherine Friend
• What to do? What to do? By Toni Teevin

Craft: Fly in the Wind Fan Birds (Kit purchased from Oriental Trading.)


Cats

• Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
• Skippyjon Jones in the Doghouse by Judy Schachner
• Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble by Judy Schachner

Craft: Foam Cat Masks (Kit purchased from Oriental Trading)



Fish

• Ugly Fish by Kara LaReau
• Dear Fish by Chris Gall

Craft - Paper Plate Glitter Fish - materials used: small thin paper plates, ribbon yarn, hole punch, paint brushes, glitter glue, eye stickers

We painted the fish with glitter glue. Cut a wedge out of the paper plate. the wedge will be glued to the plate to be the tail (glue dots work best).

This craft works well with preschoolers, too. All ages enjoyed it!




Bats

• Bats at the Beach by Brian Lies

Craft: Flying bats



Snakes

• The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble
• Jimmy’s Boa Bounces Back by Trinka Hakes Noble
• Jimmy’s Boa and the Big Splash Birthday Bash by Trinka Hakes Noble

Craft: "life sized" Boa.

This craft came from a teaching guide about reptiles (I'll edit later to post the book info). The idea of the craft is for the class to make a life sized boa...about 33 feet long! Instead, I allowed the kids to make their snakes as long as they wanted, but told them how big boas really can be...as long as a school bus!

Library League themes - Around the World / holidays

Far East (China and Japan)

• Tasty baby belly buttons : a Japanese folktale by Judy Sierra
• Moon Festival by Ching Yeung Russell

Craft – Kamon (Japanese paper cutting)

Middle East

• The librarian of Basra: a true story from Iraq written & illustrated by Jeanette Winter.
• Forty fortunes: a tale of Iran by Aaron Shepard

Craft – Cuneiform using Playdoh

India

• The brave little parrot by Rafe Martin
• The gifts of Wali Dad : a tale of India and Pakistan retold by Aaron Shepard

Craft: decorated elephant head, using sequins, gems, etc.

Extras: “Henna” on hands using a brown face paint marker. Bindis using sticker earrings.

The Arctic Circle

• Kumak's house: a tale of the far north by Michael Bania.
• Pipaluk and the whales by John Himmelman

Craft – Inuit Finger/Spirit Masks. Craft was found here: http://www2.grand-forks.k12.nd.us/iditarod/inuitact.html

This one was my sample.

One made by a child attending the program:

Latin America

• The boy who wouldn't obey : a Mayan legend by Anne Rockwell
• The dancing turtle : a folktale from Brazil by Leasant DeSpain ; illustrated by David Boston.

Craft – Balero. This is a game with versions in many cultures throughout the world. This is a popular Latin American toy.

Materials: cardstock (for the cone), yarn or string, markers (etc. for decorating), stapler, scissor, bead.

1. Cut the cardstock to be 11 inches on the side and 14 inches on top. Punch a hole in the middle.
2. Decorate the flat cone in a bright, festive way.
3. Staple the sides and bottom tip of the cone. Cut the string about 24-36 inches long and attach a bead with a secure knot.
   

The object of the game is to catch the bead in the cone.

Mexico / Cinco de Mayo

• The legend of Mexicatl by Jo Harper
• Borreguita and the coyote : a tale from Ayutla, Mexico by Verna Aardema

Craft - Sombreros made using a craft kit from Oriental Trading.

Native Americans (United States)

• The legend of the lady slipper: an Ojibwe tale by Lise Lunge-Larsen & Margi Preus
• The woman who fell from the sky: the Iroquois story of creation by John Bierhorst

Craft – Paper beads using glue, scrapbook papers, wrapping paper and other decorative papers.

Germany

• Bremen town musicians
• Pied Piper of Hamlin

Craft:
Schultüte (large paper cones designed to fill with school supplies/treats)

http://sps.k12.mo.us/khs/german/germany/teacher/dt1stday.htm

France

• When Chickens grow teeth by Guy de Maupassant; Illustrated and retold by Halperin, Wendy Anderson.
• Three sacks of truth by Eric A. Kimmel

Craft: Cave paintings (due to the many cave paintings throughout france). We used crumpled paper lunch bade as our cave walls, and painted on the paper with tempera paints.

Hawaii

• The Shark God by Rafe Martin
• Aloha Dolores by Barbara Samuels

Craft: Magnets using small sea shells and glitter clue on cardstock.

England

• “Silly and Sillier: a tale from England” from Read-Aloud Tales from Around the World: Silly and Sillier. Told by Judy Sierra
• Duffy and the Devil by Harve and Margot Zemach

Thanksgiving

• Arthur’s Thanksgiving by Marc Brown
• A Plump and Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman

Craft: Handprint turkeys http://www.first-school.ws/activities/crafts/animals/birds/turkeyhands.htm

Wild West

• Lasso Lou and Cowboy McCoy by Barbara Larmon Failing
• Hannah Mae O'Hannigan's Wild West Show by Lisa Campbell Ernst.
• Sixteen cows by Lisa Wheeler
• Widdermaker by Pattie Schnetzler

Craft: Wanted Posters

Hanukkah

• A confused Hanukkah : an original story of Chelm by Jon Koons
• One candle by Eve Bunting

Craft – Simple Dreidels, using a square of cardstock and a golf pencil. We then played the dreidel game using paper clips.

Christmas

• The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
• The Miracle of the First Poinsettia: A Mexican Christmas Story by Joanne Oppenheim

We had a Christmas party, complete with snacks and little presents. Each child received a Christmas Cracker (a holiday party favor from England).

Library League themes - Types of Literature

Tall Tales

• The Legend of John Henry by Terry Small
• Johnny Appleseed by Steven Kellogg

Craft: 3-d Johnny Appleseed mobile – apple, tree and cooking pot.
Traditional Fairy Tales

• Snow White and Rose Red
• Ouch! A tale from Grimm retold by Natalie Babbitt

Craft: Crowns made from gold and silver bulletin board boarder (top edge is wavey), and decorated with stickers, gems, beads, feathers, etc.
Multicultural Fairy Tales

• Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China translated by Ed Young
• Gator Gumbo: A Spicy-Hot Southern Tale by Candace Fleming

Craft: puppets on tongue depressors/large craft sticks. Puppets were the characters from Gator Gumbo. The skunk, otter and opossum were black and white pictures printed out for the children to color. The gator was from this site: http://www.kckpl.lib.ks.us/YS/CRAFTS/Crocdile.htm

Fractured Fairy Tales

• The Wolf Who Cried Boy by Bob Hartman
• Cinder Edna by Ellen Jackson

Craft: Children were asked to write and illustrate their own fractured fairy tale.

Mythology

• Kind Midas by John Warren Stewig
• Androcles and the Lion by Dennis Nolan

Craft: Mosaics using black cardstock as the background and various colored papers cut into squares.

Fables

• Selections from Aesop’s Fables retold by Brad Sneed

No Craft. Valentine’s Day party instead (due to a snowstorm, the events were combined)

Library League

This is an ongoing series of programs. It is held several times throughout the school year, usually in 6 week sessions, though that varies due to workshops and holidays. The program takes place at 3:15 on Fridays, as the local branch art museum’s homeschool art class ends at 3. The branch is located across the road from the library branch.

The program is advertised for kids in K-4^th grades; however, there have been several children age 4 or in 5^th or 6^th grades who also attend. The basic format for the program is as follows:

• Some discussion about the topic
• Read 2 picture books appropriate for this age group
• Work on a project appropriate for the theme

Additionally, I show several books available to be checked out that are about the theme. These books are both fiction and non-fiction.

As the attendees are mostly homeschool families, I provide a list of the themes and book titles read each session. This can be added to their portfolios – a requirement for homeschooling families in Ohio (from what I am told, they can have a portfolio or they can test)

I will do several posts with the themes, especially as I have photos to go with some of the crafts!

The effects of a great story...or an overactive imagination!

Imagine driving down an unfamiliar bit of highway, heading towards home. It’s late…close to midnight. You aren’t alone in the car, but your only company is your dog, who is sleeping…snoring away in the backseat. You still have another hour to go before you will finally pull into the driveway at your house.

You’ve been listening to an audiobook while you drive. As you drive towards home on this dark road, the story picks up, nearing the climax. It’s intense. Otherworldly creatures are gathering, attacking. They call over and over “Sacrifice. Sacrifice. SACRIFICE!” as the heroine tries to complete her task… and stay alive.

Can you imagine this? Does your heart beat just a little faster? Do you feel a little afraid of what lies in the shadows surrounding the road?

This is what my drive home from Pittsburgh Saturday night was like. I’ve been listening to The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray. In fact, due to the drive to and from Pittsburgh, I’m almost finished with the book. Let me tell you…that was an intense drive. All because of the book I was listening to. How I didn't end up having nightmares is beyond me!

I should finish this book tomorrow. Be on the lookout for my review!

When I Crossed No-Bob by Margaret McMullan

Addy is an O’Donnell, and O’Donnell’s are nothing but trouble.

Years ago, Addy’s father left for Texas, leaving Addy and her mother behind. On the wedding day of Mr. Frank (the local school teacher) and Miss Irene, Addy’s mother runs off in search of her husband. Twelve year old Addy is left behind yet again.

Mr. Frank and his bride take Addy home with them. There she works along side the couple in taking care of the house and the land. Mr. Frank takes Addy to school. Addy is living a normal, stable life for the first time ever.

But then she witnesses a terrible, senseless event, and her father comes to collect her from Mr. Frank and Miss Irene. She returns to No-Bob – the area where the O’Donnell clan lives – and tries to settle into the life she had left behind. While there, she discovers her family’s involvement in the tragic event she witnessed previously. This causes Addy to run away, and cross No-Bob for the last time.

Music to my ears

Thank you, my dear friend Robyn, for telling me about this awesome site. AccuRadio is a FREE online multichannel radio station. There are over 280 channels to choose from with many subchannels and you can even narrow your choice by artist. Don’t like the BeeGees? Choose to keep them from the artist list while you’re listening to songs from the 70s (or something much more modern. If you're like me, you listen to just about everything!)

Now…to keep from singing my little heart out as I sit in my office (as this is perfect for me to use at work!).

Bookmarkers -Narnia – week three.

Yay! There were lots of repeat attendees for the program this week. Of the 7 kids attending, only one was new (and the older sister of one of the other kids). I read chapters 10-13. Although I prepared questions, we didn’t discuss the book as much this week. I’ll keep the questions and add them to next week’s.

Pizza was donated by Inner Circle Pizza (the Belmont Ave. location. If I get a working URL, I’ll share it!).

The craft was one that I remember doing often when I was a child….tissue flowers. How does this fit in with Narnia? During the chapters I read Monday night, spring is coming to Narnia. Flowers are a wonderful sign of spring. So, there you have it.

For this craft, we used a regular box of tissues. I know the craft can also be done with tissue paper, but 1. that isn’t how I made them when I was little, and 2. I didn’t have any tissue paper in my office on Monday. Other craft materials include pipe cleaners and markers. You can decorate the flowers using the markers either before or after the tissues are folded.

The steps are easy:

1. Fold the tissues (longer side) accordion style (I used two per flower, but you can use more).
2. Fold the tissues in half.
3. Secure with a pipe cleaner, but twisting the pipe cleaner around the folded edge (before the program, I cut the pipe cleaners in half, but this isn’t necessary).
4. Pull apart the layers of the tissues.

I have a couple of photos to share of the craft. The flowers in the first photo are my examples. The second photo is of two flowers made by one of the program attendees. She did a beautiful job!

My Favorite Things...

I’ve been writing mostly about teen books, because I read a lot of teen books. I read a lot of picture books, too, as well as some children’s books with chapters, but for some reason I don’t think to write as much about them.

Because of that, I present to you, in no particular order, a list of some of my favorite Children’s Picture Books!

• But Excuse me, That is my Book by Lauren Child (a Charlie and Lola book) – Lola doesn’t understand that her most favorite book in the whole wide world is available to everyone, and not just for her. Charlie tries to explain to his little sister that there are many books that she may just like even more! There are several books in the Charlie and Lola series, and all are lots of fun.
• Skippyjon Jonesby Judy Schachner (series) – The adventures of a Siamese kitten who thinks he is a Chihuahua. There are 4 in the series so far (plus a handful of board books). Sent to his room to think about being a kittenboy, Skippyjon Jones finds adventures in his closet. With his pack of Chihuahua friends (Los Chimichangos), Skippyjon defeats El Bandito, searches for ever lasting peas and more!
• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak – This is one of my all-time favorite books. The story of Max – a boy sent to bed without supper and ends up traveling to the land of the Wild Things, where he is made king.
• Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina – This classic tale is not only one of my favorites, but also my mom’s all time favorite children’s book. When a peddler falls asleep under a tree, mischievous monkeys steal the caps he is selling!
• The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Hakes Noble – Another one of those classic books from my childhood. A young girl is telling her mom about a class trip to a farm that was boring…until classmate Jimmy’s pet boa constrictor sets of a hilarious chain of events.
• Gator Gumbo by Candace Fleming – I think this is my favorite book to read aloud (though The Perfect Nest is a close second). Set down in the Bayou, old Monsieur Gator is tired of eating greens and twigs, and decides to make his Maman’s excellent Gator Gumbo. A trio of critters (who love to sass the slow moving gator) taunt Monsieur Gator as they watch him make his delicious smelling gumbo. This story is a retelling of Little Red Hen.
• The Alexander series by Judith Viorst ( Alexander, who use to be rich last Sunday, Alexander, who's not (Do you hear me? I mean it!) going to move, Alexander, and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, and I'll Fix Anthony) – More classics from my childhood. Poor Alexander. He’s the youngest of three boys. In these stories, Alexander laments the troubles of being the youngest. I think my top choice of the four would be about his bad day.
• The Perfect Nest by Catherine Friend - this is a new addition to my favorite books, and one of my favorite books to read aloud. I have read this book to children from aged 2-12, and even to adults. All have enjoyed it! Jack the cat wants an omelet, so he builds a nest – complete with signs touting its perfection. In order, a hen (who speaks Spanish), a duck (French) and a goose (straight from the South/Texas) each decide that it is the perfect nest for them, and lays an egg. While the three stubborn birds all try to take over the next, Jack tries to get them to leave. Finally, he convinces them there is an even better nest the next farm over. As he drools over the idea of three meals of omelets, the eggs hatch! What is Jack going to do now?
• Kevin Henkes Mouse books (Weekend with Wendell, Chrysanthemum, Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse, etc.) – Henkes has written several books featuring these mouse characters. The first time I heard one of these books, I was taking a Children’s Lit class as an undergrad. The professor – the head of my school’s library, the wife of a children’s book author, and author of a children’s book as well – read aloud Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. What child (and adult) couldn’t empathize with Lilly’s love of her awesome purple plastic purse? Although I adore all of the Mouse books, Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse and Chrysanthemum are my favorite of the bunch. Chrysanthemum’s name is perfect…until she starts school and is teased by her classmates. With the help of her parents and her teacher, she realizes that her name is, as she always knew, absolutely perfect.

Now...I should compile a list of my favorite chapter books. Perhaps one day soon.

Yay! Free Books!!

I arrived home safely from my trip to Columbus, and, as I was pulling into the driveway, I saw a small box on my front porch. I was excited to see that the box is from HarperCollins! Why? Because that could only mean my free books arrived! Yay!

So, now I have a box full of bloodsucker books to read. (most are vampire novels). First I must finish When I Crossed No Bob....right?


ETA:

heh. photo of free books.

Playing with Puppets

We purchase most of our puppets from Mr. Anderson’s Company. I always enjoy meeting with our local rep – seeing the new materials, playing with the new puppets and puzzles, and just chit chatting about a variety of subjects (work related or not).

A few months ago, Mr. Anderson’s Co. began publishing Puppet Tales, themed resource guides available online. You can sign up to receive an email when the latest issue is available. These guides are filled with many creative and helpful items – stories, finger plays, songs, and, of course, the puppets to go with the theme! There are several issues available that are perfect for this year’s Summer Reading Club theme (Catch the Reading Bug!).

Check out Puppet Tales here: http://www.misterandersons.com/puppettales/

Before, After, and Somebody In Between by Jeannine Garsee

I've been trying to read this book. I just can't seem to get into it. Maybe I'll pick it up again sometime, but for now it is going into the "didn't finish" pile.

So, I've read 2 of the 3 picks for this month's book group. Not too shabby.

Bookmarkers -Narnia – Week Two

The second week of this program went well. Five children returned for an evening of pizza, reading and fun. I read chapters 6 – 9. Afterwards, the children made jingle bell bracelets and we discussed the story (questions below).

• When they first hear Aslan’s name, the children all experienced different feelings. Why do you think they felt different things? How did you feel when you first heard his name?


• What did Edmund know about the White Witch? Did he believe that she was good or bad?


• How does Edmund justify his choice to go to the White Witch? What do you think of his decision?


• What do you think of the Beavers? Are they good or bad?


• What do you think of the story so far?

I have photos of the crafts so far!

Week 1 – Always Winter Bookmarks:

Week 2 – Jingle Bell Bracelets:





Additionally, the children have journals they can decorate (inside and out) while I’m reading. Here are a few photos of their journals (name edited out on one):







A few photos of the inside pages:

Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

Jeffrey Magee is a legend. Orphaned at age 3, he was sent to live with his aunt and uncle - who are beyond unhappy. One day - when he was 11 - he decided to run. Not just run away - but to RUN. He ran all the way back to the area where he was born. Once there, he earns the nickname of Manic, and develops a legendary status.

Jeffrey ends up in a variety of situations. Some are just humorous. Some are downright dangerous. He doesn’t understand the racial divide of Hector Street, and finds friends – and enemies on both sides.

Spinelli spins an excellent tale. It’s no wonder that this book won the Newberry. The story covers some tough topics – but is still light enough to not give young readers nightmares. Reading this story would be a great lead in to discussions about those topics (racism, homelessness, alcohol abuse, etc.). The feats that make Maniac Magee legendary are believable, adding to the story’s appeal.

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Her name is Stargirl, and she is as unusual as her name suggests. When Stargirl arrives at Mica High, she quickly rises from an unknown oddity to a beloved popular teen. She just as quickly becomes the most disliked student in school.

We meet Stargirl through Leo, another student at Mica High. Leo and Stargirl fall in love. When she (and, by association, Leo) is shunned by their classmates Stargirl allows Leo to talk her into conforming to their normalcy.

This was a quick read. There is a sequel (Love, Stargirl), which I have waiting at home for me to read. Although the main characters are in high school, I’d offer it to students from about 6th grade up.

I’m just a girl in a gang…

At least, that was a common thread of the two books I finished last night. There were several common threads:

• Both of the main characters were Hispanic teenage girls
• Both were set in New York City area
• Both of the girls dealt with gang issues
• Both of the girls wrote poetry
  

In Snitch by Allison van Diepen, Julia is the smart girl who avoids joining a gang – though two of her best friends are in them. Her high school is full of gang activity, a nearly equal mix of Bloods and Crips. Julia wants nothing to do with it. When the cute new student Eric Valienté shows an interest in Julia, she decides to date him. But when he is jumped into a gang, it completely changes her world.

In A Different Kind of Heat by Antonio Pagliarulo, Luz Cordero must come to terms with her older brother’s death, or be consumed by the fiery rage within. Luz was there. She saw the cop kill her brother. She leaves her gang and takes up protesting against police brutality. When she is arrested for inciting a riot, Luz is sent to live at the St. Therese Home for Boys and Girls. Here she begins to turn her life around, and learns to forgive. This is an April book group selection.

Both were decent enough tales…but just didn’t ring true to me. Too much happy ending. I’d place both of these books in the category of Wannabe Street Lit…or maybe Street Lit Lite. Of the two, I liked Snitch the best.

Narnia photos

A few photos from my Narnia displays.

This is the wardrobe I made. Next week I'll take a pic of it set up for the actual program.

And my current display. This is in the lobby of the library. I plan to put other things in it over the next month, like craft samples.

an admission

I have an admission to make. I am an addict. My drug of choice? Facebook. Yes, Facebook, the social networking site.

I have a MySpace account. I rarely go on it, though. I only joined MySpace because one of my younger sisters was on there, and I wanted to check it out (ok…and check on her as well). Usually, I avoid MySpace like the plague. The glittery graphics and the various backgrounds that make it impossible to read the text unless you highlight it just give me a headache. I quickly lose interest.

Several months ago I received a Facebook request from a close friend. I decided to sign up and check it out. Over the next several months, I added more friends – some I talk to near daily on other sites, some that I haven’t spoken to in a few years (or more!). I like the clean, clear look of Facebook. I can actually READ profiles and not get a headache!

Then…I found applications. Namely, games. Oh the games you can play! Scrabulous! (aka Scrabble), Scramble! PackRat! And that would be where my addiction took flight.

Sorry…can’t keep writing…PackRat is calling my name. Must search for the newest set of cards.

Bookmarkers - Narnia Week 1

Program went fairly well tonight. I had 8 kids (and one more who came at the very end). I read aloud for about an hour. The kids were hungry – ate all but one slice of pizza (had 2 half sheets from a local place), and they were thirsty – they drank a total of 18 juice boxes!

The program is advertised as for 3rd-6th grades. However, I had kids in Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 8th grades. All participated in the discussion questions. All seemed to enjoy the journals and the craft. I did not serve hot chocolate, as the weather today has been sunny and in the high 60s. Definitely not hot chocolate weather! Also, I did not have the kids write Son of Adam/Daughter of Eve on their nametags. 1. I kind of forgot. 2. There wouldn’t have been room for most of them (younger kids write big).

I’m still working on a craft idea for next week. I also need to come up with some discussion questions.
I am beat!

Here are the questions from this week’s program:

1. When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy arrive at the old mansion, they are eager to explore the countryside around it, but unfortunately, it rains. They then decide to explore the old house itself and play hide-and-go-seek. Have you ever been stuck inside on a rainy day? What did you do?
   
   
2. When Lucy tells her siblings about Narnia, they don’t believe her. Later, Edmund visits Narnia as well. When Lucy tells Peter and Susan, he denies it. Why do you think Edmund lies about having been to Narnia? How does lying affect him?
   
   
3. This story is set in England during World War II. At the time, the city of London was being regularly bombed. The children are sent to live with the Professor so they will be safe. How would this make you feel?
   
   
4. What would you do if you walked into a magical wardrobe? Would you keep walking or never step foot in there again?
   
   
5. In Narnia there is a curse that made it always winter. How would you feel if it was always winter?
   
   
6. What difference would it make to you if there was no Christmas?
   
   
7. Why do you think the professor believed Lucy’s story?
   
   
8. Do you think that Mr. Tumnus is good or bad? Why?
   
   
9. In what ways is the Professor an unusual grown-up?

Current Reads update

Anymore, I'm rarely one to be reading only one book at a time. Currently, I have 4 books that I'm reading...and enjoying. Yes, for once I am enjoying all of the books I am reading. Yay!!

Snitch by Allison van Diepen - This was recommended ages ago at my book discussion group. Julia, a high school honor student in the NYC area, lives in a world full of gangs. She does her best to stay out of the gangs, even though two of her closest friends belong to gangs. She meets a cute guy who is new to her school (he comes from Detroit), she finds herself falling for him. So far, that's all I know.

The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray (audiobook) - As I said before, I was very excited that this came in! I have listened to just over one CD so far (there are 16, I think). The story starts up a few months after the last book ended. Gemma and Felicity are getting ready to debut into society. Ann is trying to come to terms with being a governess for her cousins. They haven't visited the realms since just after Christmas...but not because they haven't tried. For some reason, Gemma cannot make the door appear...

A Different Kind of Heat by Antonio Pagliarulo - This is an April book club pick. Another book set in NY with gangs as a central part of the story. Luz lives in a halfway house type of place, along with 3 other troubled teens and Sister Ellen. Luz - a former gang member - saw her older brother die. Julio was shot by a police officer. This prompts Luz to join protests against police brutality, where she is arrested for starting a riot (amongst other charges). Luz must come to terms with her brother's death, as well as the anger and violence residing inside her. The story is told through the journal Luz writes in at the suggestion of Sister Ellen.

When I crossed No-Bob by Margaret McMullan – In post Civil War South, the O’Donnell family is a family of outsiders. To be an O’Donnell is to be Trouble. The clan lives in an area of woods called No-Bob. When 12-year-old Addy O’Donnell’s mother abandons her at the wedding reception for Mr. Frank (the local schoolteacher) , he and his bride take her into their home. Addy tries her hardest to prove that although she is an O’Donnell, she is not a troublesome child, while getting use to living in a normal home. That's all the further I've read.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

I finished this audiobook this morning. I had 2 discs left to listen to, so brought them into my office and listened to them as I did assorted other tasks.

I've come to the conclusion that I am not a fan of Michael York as a narrator. Hopefully when I read the book aloud over the next few weeks, I do not sound nearly as boring as he does. That being said, I'm glad I listened to the book. There were many things that I forgot. Now the story is refreshed in my mind.

Bookmarkers - Book to Movie group

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

Narnia is coming to my local library. Every Monday night throughout April, I will be conducting a Narnia program for upper elementary students. Then, on Saturday, May 3, we will be showing the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I hope we get a great turnout, because I have lots of fun activities planned.

Plans so far for the 1st session:

• When the children arrive, they will make their name tags – writing their 1st name and either Daughter of Eve or Son of Adam.
• Each child will be given a small journal to decorate. They can decorate the cover and write/draw inside while I am reading.
• I will read aloud the first 5 chapters of LWW. During this time, pizza and juice will be served.
• After I finish reading, we will discuss the story a bit. I have 9 (I want one more) discussion questions.
• Then it is time for activities/crafts! We will make a snow/winter themed bookmark (since in Narnia, it is always winter – never Christmas). Additionally, we will have hot chocolate to drink. I’d like to have Turkish Delight, but I’m not sure if 1. I can find it here, or 2. I can make it. We shall see.

Other fun things that go with this series of programs include:

• A Narnia themed display in the lobby of the branch.
• A LWW movie/library poster also on display in the lobby.
• At the end of the program series (when we show the movie?), a prize drawing for either a paperback set of The Chronicles of Narnia or a DVD of the movie (we will have two winners).

I’m excited for this program. I’ll update as it goes along.

Because of this program, and since it has been 10+ years since I’ve read the books, I am currently listening to LWW on CD. It’s a decent production. Michael York narrates.

The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray

Woo-Hoo! The audiobook of The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray came in today's deliveries. Since we didn't have it in our system, I ordered a copy from SearchOhio (a Interlibrary Loan cooperative between several libraries in Ohio). Here's the funny part. The library that owns the audiobook is the same one I visited on Monday. I almost could have picked up the copy while there!

Once I finish listening to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2.5 discs left…should finish it this weekend), I will be popping The Sweet Far Thing into my car’s CD player. Yay!

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

This is the sequel to A Great and Terrible Beauty, and begins shortly after when the previous book ended.

Gemma, Felicity and Ann are still at Spence Academy, and preparing for Christmas. Gemma and Felicity are going home to their families in London, and Anne is to stay at Spence as she does for all holidays. It is decided, though, due to events involving the realms, that Ann is to stay with Felicity.

On her way home to her grandmother’s house in London, Gemma meets handsome – and rich – Simon Middleton. Between her grandmother, her friends and her suitor (Simon), Gemma’s time in London is a flurry of high society activity. It is also a time of frantic searching for Gemma believes Circe is hunting her, and she must find the temple and bind the magic within the realms before it falls into the wrong hands (i.e. Circe). All of this takes place over about a month’s time.

I loved this audiobook. Although I enjoyed the narrator of the 1st audiobook (abridged version) more, this narrator did a decent job. I wish I had heard the unabridged version of the 1st book, as there are a few things I found confusing.

I will be suggesting this series to others. I can’t wait to hear the 3rd book! According to my record, it should be at my work soon.

On a side note…there is one small part where they didn’t edit correctly. A character says something “flatly” and, after stating the line, the narrator comments that she will do it again more flatly, then repeats the line.