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April 27, 2007

Miss Mary & the Mad Rush

We've had a few popular programs here in the Children's Room, but the mad rush to sign up for Miss Mary's music and movement programs raised a few eyebrows, even among us veterans of children's programming.

So we're doubly excited to tell everyone that Miss Mary will be back in May and June for preschool music and fun.
Join Mary Squicciarino for songs, sing-alongs, and interactive movement with scarves and props
Walkers to 35 months: Thursday, May 24, Tuesday, June 5, Tuesday, June 12 9:45 to 10:15 a.m.
3 and 4 year olds: Thursday, May 24, Tuesday, June 5, Tuesday, June 12 from 10:45 to 11:15 a.m.

So mark your calendars! Registration begins May 10th. Call us at 655-1234 x117.

Posted by Caitlin at 11:40 AM

We're visiting your school!

We're so excited to visit Grades K-8. We'll booktalk new books and talk about summer reading clubs. Look for us on these days:

Middlesex: Thursday, May 3 & Friday, May 4
Tokeneke: Monday, May 14 & Tuesday, May 15
Ox Ridge: Thursday, May 17
Hindley: Wednesday, May 23
Royle: Tuesday, May 29 and Wednesday, May 30
Holmes: Tuesday, June 4 and Wednesday, June 5

Posted by Caitlin at 10:57 AM

April 21, 2007

When is a Book Not a Book?

Answer: When it's by innovative children's author and illustrator Brian Selznick.

In his latest work, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Selznick blurs the line between book and movie, receiving much critical acclaim and attention in the process.

Selznick's book is a tome. It's 533 pages, but kids don't seem to mind as it flies in and out of the Library from child to child. And, no one is intimidated by its large size, because many, many pages are full page illustrations that wordlessly tell the story for a while, giving the text a respite.

The story is set in 1932 and tells of a boy's secret attempts to repair a mechanical human and discover the secret message it holds. It also chronicles Hugo's interactions with a filmmakerand plays with early film conventions.

And, on a more commerical note, Selznick's book has just been purchased by Warner Brothers, with the possibility that Martin Scorsese, a known lover of early film, may direct. Just another example of the ways children's literature impacts society. Enjoy!

Posted by Caitlin at 11:04 AM

April 19, 2007

100 Days

It's a few fewer than a 100 days til the arrival of Harry Potter VII. Are you ready? Here are a few suggestions for how to prepare yourself for the 7th book.
1. Reread the first 6 or listen to them on audio.
2. Jot down a few theories in advance to test your Professor Trelawney quotient. For example, at a conference yesterday, someone said they thought Neville and Snape would be the two characters JK has stated will die. I am strongly in the Neville corner; not so sure about Snape.
3. Practice your alohomora spells for opening locked doors on July 21st at midnight!

Posted by Caitlin at 10:05 AM