Ms. Suzy Reads | What Real Kids Are Reading

We librarians like to think we know everything about books. It's true we know a lot. And we know some of the best books ever published! 

But sometimes it's a good idea to get out there and ask real kids what their favorites are.

So I did just that. And I got some great recommendations. If you haven't read these, you really should. If you click on the title of any book, you'll be taken to the SSJCPL catalog so you can find where the book is available right now! If a particular book is not available at the library branch closest to you, remember you can place a hold on it and the book will be delivered to your library branch!

So real kids' favorite books. Here goes. 

Destiny recommends We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen because it's a mix of funny and scary. Be prepared to get moving when you read this one!

Dr. Seuss makes the favorite list with 2 titles! 

Irene likes the message in Green Eggs and Ham: even if you think you won't like something, it's always worth a try! 

And Iris recommends The Lorax because it's funny (and what a great message it conveys as well). 

www.parentmap.com

Yasriyah recommends a series of books that her brother recommended to her a long time ago (when she was much younger): the Arthur books by Marc Brown. Good recommendation there, big brother!

www.hagiographic.com

And finally, my buddy Xavier recommends the Super Diaper Baby series by Dav Pilkey because the baby flies (oh my!) and catches criminals. My new favorite superhero, for sure.

So there you have it: great books recommended by real kids. And thank you, my Book Buddy friends, for sharing your love of books and reading with the rest of us!

Happy Reading! 

P.S. A quick glance over the list -- specifically Destiny's recommendation at the beginning -- reminds me to remind you that our last session of Move, Play, and Grow will be held today at the Chavez Library! The program is a fun-filled and educational afternoon where kids in 4th-6th grades learn about nutrition, exercise, and how to live healthy lives! And even if you're not between the grades of 4th and 6th grade, come on down anyway: you're more than welcome!

Learning | Learning From Each Other

Ever since Suzy pointed out that it's back to school time, I've noticed people getting ready for school. There are sales in the stores for school supplies, and library customers have been talking about school starting for weeks. Most students are already back at school, or will be in school very soon. I just can't deny it; summer is ending.

There's a new picture book that arrived just in time for the new school year. Al Yankovic's My New Teacher and  Me is a story told in rhymes.  Mr. Yankovic (who usually goes by the name "Weird Al") seems to have been influenced by Dr. Seuss for this project. The "me" in the book title is Little Billy; on the first day of the school year, he tells so many tall tales that his new teacher, Mr. Booth, is skeptical. In fact, Mr. Booth uses the words "highly unlikely" in response to the first story Little Billy tells. But something happens near the end of the book that makes him wonder if he's wrong about that.

 

This is a book that will make you giggle, but it will also make you remember that, just as students learn from teachers, teachers learn from students.  

4 Kids | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

March 2nd is the day, to Dr. Seuss we all say:

Happy Birthday, dear friend, and thanks for the stories.

You always teach a great lesson, and help with our worries.

I know, I know: I'm not a poet! But I sure do admire Dr. Seuss and his many, many books which children of all ages still want to read! And why not? His books are wonderful. They rhyme AND they have great messages...lessons that help us live better lives.

One of my favorite stories is Gertrude McFuzz. You'll find her story in Yertle the Turtle: and Other Stories. Poor Gertrude McFuzz has only one lone feather in her tail. And oh how she wants more feathers. She wants them so bad, she eats a whole bunch of berries guaranteed to make her grow lots and lots of beautiful feathers. And voila! She gets lots and lots of beautiful feathers. But then, guess what? She can't fly! In fact, she can barely walk! So in the end, Gertrude McFuzz gets rid of all those extra feathers and realizes she's just fine the way she is!

The lesson? Each and every one of us is unique and special. And we should -- each and every one of us -- be happy with ourselves...just the way we are!

And of course, there's always The Lorax, that wonderful message about how very important it is to treat the environment with care and respect! In fact, author Tish Rabe has a great book featuring the star of The Lorax. In How To Help the Earth, children can learn simple ways they can "go green" and live lives that respect the environment. The book can be found in the non-fiction collection at lots of SSJCPL branch libraries; check one out today!

So, in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, please join us at these SSJCPL branch libraries for some fun celebrations of this special author:

Friday, March 1 at 3:30 pm

Cesar Chavez Central Library

Saturday, March 2 at 10:30 am

Linden Branch Library (featuring storyteller BZ Smith)

Saturday, March 2 at 11:30 am

Troke Branch Library (featuring University of the Pacific students)

Saturday, March 2 at 2 pm

Ripon Memorial Library (featuring storyteller BZ Smith)

By the way, for information on other great programs at a library near you, check out SSJCPL's online calendar!

Happy Reading!

Teens Only | I Can't Drive 55

but can I write 55? 55 words, that is?

Each January or February, Record columnist Mike Fitzgerald hosts a 55-Word Writing Contest. Every year I think....this will be my year! I'm going to win that contest! And every year, no such luck. I wonder if my chances would improve if I actually entered the contest!

They say practice makes perfect. So, today, I'm beginning my practice. I'm going to practice writing something in 55 words. Exactly. Not 54. Not 56. 55 words.

I hear you laughing. You try it! It's tougher than you think! For today's practice, I think I'll channel a little Dr. Seuss.

 

Do you like to read a book? 

Yes I do, in my reading nook.

I will read when I'm in school.

I will read out by the pool.

I will read while lying in bed.

I will read standing on my head.

Hey Mr. Fitzgerald, sakes alive!

Look at the word count: it’s fifty-five!

 

I know. I know. I need some help. A lot of help. Fortunately I work at a library, and we have books on how to write. Next step in my quest to win this 55-Word Writing Contest is to study up on writing.

Here is where I'll start:

Extraordinary Poetry Writing by Margaret Ryan. 

This book has innovative strategies and 

multimedia approaches to stimulate out-of-the box thinking

 and help us find our own voice!

Are you with me? Try it. 55 words. I dare you!

Until next Saturday, be well!

Books On Film | How The Grinch Stole Christmas

How The Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss,  is a holiday favorite. Originally published in 1957, the book tells the story of a bitter creature who steals all the toys and trappings of Christmas from Whoville in an attempt to ruin the holiday. 

In the process, The Grinch learns the true meaning of the holiday, which is family and togetherness. The book was written as a critique of the commercialization of Christmas.

It has been adapted into film twice. The first, a 1966 animated movie which is still widely watched. The second, a 2000 live action film starring actor Jim Carrey.

The book has also been adapted into a stage play. The play has been performed by various local musical theater groups and as a Broadway production since 1994. The story was also incorporated into a 2010 Christmas episode of the musical television show Glee and was included on their first Christmas album.

 

One of the best things about How The Grinch Stole Christmas! is the famous You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch. Who doesn't love that song? Well, now it's time to test your knowledge. Do you know the missing words from the first verse of the song? 

You're a    1    one, Mr. Grinch.
You really are a   2   .
You're as    3    as a cactus,
You're as charming as an    4  ,
Mr. Grinch.
You're a bad banana with a    5    black peel.

Find out if you were right by listening to the song (1966 cartoon version) or checking out the answers below! 

[source: youtube]

Answers:

1. mean

2. heel

3. cuddly

4. eel

5. greasy

Covers Courtesy of LibraryThing

IMDB: Movies 1966/2000