Blog Entries

12-year-old Gabriel Finley loved riddles and word play.  He lived with his Aunt Jaz in an old Brooklyn brownstone because his father had vanished without a trace a few years before the start of our story.  Soon, Gabriel and Aunt Jaz are joined by house guests-- his father’s school friend Trudy and her daughter Pamela.  When Gabriel rescues an orphaned baby raven named Paladin, he discovers a hidden family secret that could help him find and rescue his father.  You see, Finleys are able to bond with ravens in some extraordinary ways—they are able to share...

In a Dark, Dark Wood is a fast-paced psychological thriller that takes place in a creepy setting with creepy characters. Out of touch for years, Nora gets invited to her former best friend, Clare’s, hen party (bachelorette party for us Americans). The party, held in a glass house in the middle of a very dark, dark wood begins to take twists and turns that are even colder and darker than the setting. Waking up in the hospital, Nora begins to piece together what happened in the glass house. She must remember the final details in order to save herself and others. Together, Nora, Clare, F...

This sweet title explores numbers and the concept of multiple parts creating a whole through the idea of family.  Each two-page illustration depicts various sized families during different parts of their day going from one to ten with the refrain of “one family.”  A great tale for discussions of families or counting practice, children and adults will enjoy sharing this book!

Reviewed by Jennie Tuttle, formerly at Wickes Library

Recommended for ages 4-6

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I have always been captivated by the Kennedy’s lives and enjoy reading about them.  Knowing what happened to Rosemary has saddened me at times and I wondered what her life would have been like had she not had a lobotomy.  This book is a two-fold story.  It takes you through Rosemary’s life both before and after her operation and it also walks you through the life of Sister Paulus, Rosemary’s caregiver.  I have always thought Joe Kennedy was a hard man, forbidding his family from seeing Rosemary, but I have softened that view a bit now.   The s...

Are you like Mercy Watson, who loves toast with a great deal of butter on it?

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Every day, Troll tries to find and eat Oliver.  But Oliver outsmarts him every time until one day Oliver does not see the troll all day long.  He becomes a little over-confident that the troll has given up forever.  But Troll jumps out of the closet and gobbles Oliver right up.  Lucky for Oliver, he tastes terrible.  The two of them then figure out something very tasty that works for both of them.     

Review by Michelle Zimostrad, Hoyt Library

Ages 3-7 years

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This book touches your heart with beautiful poetry, art and music.  There are twelve seasonal songs about nature and each one is brought to life with an award-winning artist.   It will be hard to decide whether to read or sing each poem.  This book contains a 12 song CD.

Reviewed by Michelle Zimostrad, Hoyt Library

Ages 3-6 years

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This is the story of Kaitlin Roig, a first grade teacher at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  On December 14, 2012 she crammed 16 children and herself into a small classroom bathroom, saving their lives when a shooter entered the school and killed 20 children and six adults.  

Kaitlin was an adopted child who grew up in a loving and supportive environment with strong values and unfailing belief in God.  From an early age she knew she wanted to become a teacher.  She was thrilled when she got her dream job as a first grade teacher at Sandy Hook.  

Enjoy one or more of her award-winning stories. Just click on the title to find the book in our catalog.

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book

Little Night

My Abuelita

Nino Wrestles the World

Viva Frida

This humorous book about spiders is full of interesting facts that just may comfort a person who is afraid of spiders (maybe).  For instance, did you know you have a better chance of being struck by lightning than being fatally bitten by a venomous spider?  Does that make you feel better?  Consider the fact that spiders are helpful to have around because they can eat up 75 pounds of bugs in a year.  This book may help you to forget your fears or at least learn some new and interesting facts about spiders.

Reviewed by Michelle Zimostrad, Hoyt Library

Ages 4 ...

Gounded firmly in the darkly superstitious Welsh countryside, Brackston weaves a lovely romantic tale.  Never speaking a word and frightened by strange powers she does not fully understand or know how to control, Morgana Pritchard is beginning to arouse suspicions among the townspeople.  It is only after her fearful mother marries her off to Cai, a widow cattle drover from the far hills, that Morgana begins to realize the extent and the purpose of her gift. As Cai and Morgana’s love story unfolds and accusations of witchery begin to swirl about, Morgana learns to both h...

This is a special holiday for remembering deceased relatives and friends. Read The Day of the Dead: El Dia de los Muertosby Bob Barner.

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Check out Peanut Butter and Cupcakeby Terry Border.

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Share your favorite picture book with someone you love.