The Tuesday Review: "The Secret Science Project that Almost Ate the School", a picture book!

The Secret Science Project that Almost Ate the School by Judy Sierra, pictures by Stephen Gammell

The school year is marked by many events, some exciting and others dreaded. How do you feel about the annual school science fair? If you struggle to find that unique idea that will win the fair you will enjoy reading The Secret Science Project that Almost Ate the School by Judy Sierra.
This picture book follows a “grumpy”, “grouchy”, third grader “thinking grim and gloomy thoughts”, not knowing what her project should be. That is, until she finds the perfect experiment on the Internet, “fully guaranteed to win first prize”!
As you might expect, the results are disastrous, completely unrealistic and humorous. The illustrations by Stephen Gammella are colorful, creative and comical.

The Tuesday Review: "How to Steal a Dog," an unusual chapter book

How to Steal a Dog

by Barbara O'Connor

“Step 1: Find a dog.” According to Georgina Hayes, this is the first step in stealing a dog, which is her solution to help her family out of their terrible predicament. Georgina, her mother, and her younger brother have recently had to leave their home and now live in their car. Georgina becomes desperate to get out of this situation; she and her family have to scrounge for food, wash up in the bathrooms of gas stations and restaurants, and wear the same clothing day after day.

Georgina decides that if she steals a dog from wealthy family, they will assume the dog is lost and post signs that say “Reward for Lost Dog.” Then she will bring the dog back to them and collect the reward money.

Georgina’s plan does not go smoothly. Time after time, unexpected complications occur, and Georgina has to make some difficult decisions about what is right and what is wrong.

This book keeps the reader engaged and curious about what will happen to Georgina and her family. Their challenging circumstances make it best for mature children in Grades 3 through 6.

Outline for the Week. . .

A. Don't forget the special Grandparents and Kids Story Time tomorrow, Saturday, March 21, 11:00 a.m.! The theme is classic picture books and we'll also have some classic snacks!

B. Coming next Friday, March 27th, 3:30! A special activity for kids in grades 3 to 6--Tangrams! What's a tangram you say? A tangram is a special Chinese puzzle that involves putting together geometric shapes (usually a square, a parallelogram, and triangles) to form a new shape. Come see what you can make with tangrams!

C. Read it & rate it! We have a special game package waiting for the raffle winner of this online book review program! It includes an Uno Attack game (a special kind of Uno that shoots out cards), plus a water rocket and a yummy extra-long candy necklace. YOU could win this fabulous prize by signing up and writing a review of a book you have read! The more reviews you write, the more of a chance you have to win. Check it out at www.readsinma.org/eastlongmeadow. Click on the "Great Read It & Rate" It tab to get started!

D. Bakers get ready! Our Bake Sale event is April 4, 10 am to 3 pm. Proceeds from the bake sale benefit the Children's Department. We are looking for bakers and volunteers to help sell (and get first pick of all the yummy goodies)!

E. Enjoy the spring weather!

The Tuesday Review: "Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek, A Tall, Thinn Tale", a must-read non-fiction book

Abe Lincoln Crosses A Creek, A Tall, Thin Tale

By: Deborah Hopkinson and John Hendrix

“Now, here’s an old tale of two boys who got themselves into more trouble than bear cubs in a candy store”…is the opening line to a hilarious, maybe true, story of Abe Lincoln and his best boyhood friend: Benjamin. The two boys do get into a heap of trouble as they attempt to cross a roaring, raging creek! This picture book is a fun way to introduce children to Abraham Lincoln and his noteworthy honesty, courage, and sense of fairness that he shows even as a young boy. Come stop by the new non-fiction shelf to check out this terrific tale!

This Week's Special Attractions at the Library!

Friday, March 20, 3:30 pm: Code-Breaking: Make your own Code Game! Stump your family and friends! Geared for grades 3 - 6. Please let us know you are coming.

Hieroglyph image courtesy of Google Images and The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Saturday, 3/21, 11:00 am, Grandparents & Kids Story Time! Bring a grandparent (or other adult friend) for this special time of stories and snacks. Just drop in!

AND COMING UP. . .The Friends of the Library Annual Book & Bake Sale! April 4, 10 am to 3 pm. We're looking for volunteers to bake and also to help that day! Call or email if you are willing--we thank you for any help you can give!

The Tuesday Review: "Knitty Kitty", a wonderful bedtime story.

Knitty Kitty

by David Elliott, illustrated by Christopher Denise

Knitty Kitty is a charming short picture book ideal for preschoolers. This story might remind you of the familiar 'Three Little Kitten' tale as mama, 'Knitty Kitty', knits hat, scarf and mittens for her little kittens. However, the clothing isn't 'lost' and the kittens aren't 'scolded' when they return home without their belongings! The text is brief but enjoyable through repeated and predictable phrases. Visually, the beautiful illustrations enhance the warmth and charm of the story.

Experience the love, warmth and coziness of kittens curled together reading Knitty Kitty.

A Purrr...fect bedtime story.

The Spring Great Read It & Rate It Raffle!

Do you know a third, fourth, fifth, or sixth grader who likes to read and use the computer? AND would like to win a really cool game package in a raffle? Then check out our Spring Great Read It & Rate It Raffle now underway!

The Great Read It & Rate It Raffle is our online book review program that allows you to read a book, write a review, and a chance to win a great prize! Just go to http://www.readsinma.org/eastlongmeadow! Click on the tab for The Great Read It & Rate It Raffle, sign up with a user name and password, and write a review of a book that you've read. Each review you write (up to 5) will earn a chance to win in the raffle drawing. (Be sure to select the button to make your review public.)

The raffle drawing will take place April 30, so you have plenty of time to read and write reviews! Check it out and start reviewing!

Tuesday Review: "The Year of the Dog" by Grace Lin

This short chapter book tells the story of Grace, a Chinese-American girl. Grace learns that it is the Chinese "Year of the Dog," which is supposed to be a lucky one for her. She hopes that the "Year of the Dog" will help her learn about her talents and interests. Will Grace be lucky in the "Year of the Dog"? Read it to find out!

Woven throughout this story are tales of how Grace's family blends their Chinese heritage with American traditions. Readers from ages 7 to 10 who are interested in Chinese culture will especially like this book and its sequel, The Year of the Rat.