3 Weeks minus one day....

...until the beginning of summer reading!! Woo-hoo!

But, you don't have to wait that long for fabulously fun activities to begin! There is a lot going on here next week that you won't want to miss. Here's the three "P" run down:

Patriotic: The Library is closed Monday, 5/30 for Memorial Day

Paint: The Great Create's Paint fest is this Wednesday, 6/1 and/or Monday, 6/6 from 3:45-4:45 for 3rd-6th graders to help Ms. Jenny transform the children's department for summer reading!! Just drop in after school and we will have a paint brush waiting for you!

Puppies: Join us for a doggone fun story time in honor of PUPPIES and the opening of a new Bark Park in East Longeadow this Thursday, 6/2 at 10:30. All ages are welcome, no registration is required.

And, now for this week's summer read recommendation from Maxime Pitchon, from "On the Same Page" book club.

If you like magic books than you'd likeThe Septimus Heap Series, by Angie Sage
Happy Reading!, Maxime

Six weeks and one day...

....until the start of this year's summer reading club: "One World Many Stories!" The summer reading club is an exciting program filled with raffle tickets, performances, reading, and FUN! (more info coming soon!!) And, since we are just so excited about the beginning of summer we thought we'd start a little countdown here on the blog. So, every Tuesday we will share a "Great Summer Read Countdown" which will feature a book recommendation from one of our very own "On the Same Page" book club members, which is a group of 3rd-5th graders who get together monthly to discuss books.

This week's reviewer is Maria Dimitroglou

"If you like books with mystery and extremely unfortunate children, than you'd like....
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

Make sure to read all 13 books!

and,

If you like funny books with lots of action...and Endangered Albino Alligators, than you'd like....
Leaving the Bellweathers by Kristin Clark Venuti

Happy Reading!, Maria

Thanks, Maria for your recommendations!! Check back next Tuesday to read about other great books to check out! And, remember only 6 weeks and 1 day to the beginning of summer reading!!

The Tuesday Review: "Moon Plane" by Peter McCarthy, a must-read picture book!

Moon Plane by: Peter McCarthy

"Above the clouds an airplane files into the sky"

Moon plane is an elegantly illustrated picture book that follows the imaginative flight of an airplane. Watch as the plane soars gracefully over cars, trains, and ocean on it's journey to the moon. The small boy pilot/astronaut has just enough time to explore the moon before his safe travel home to his mother's arms.

This is a beautiful, dreamy little book that is just perfect for bedtime reading.

Speaking of the moon...."Starship Adventure" our summer reading club is about to start, June 22nd!! During summer reading, we will be showcasing some very special reviews.....you will have to stay tuned for more information!

The Tuesday Review: "Savvy" by Ingrid Law, a must-read newbery honor book

Savy by:Ingrid Law
2009 Newbery Honor book

If you are in the Beaumont family you know that on your thirteenth birthday everything in your life will change. If you are a Beaumont you are given a rare power that just "happens" the day you turn thirteen. This rare power is lovingly referred to as your "savvy". Some of the family's "savvies" are creating earthquakes, windstorms, and the power to pluck radio waves right out of the sky and stash them in a jar. Mibs, the soon-to-be thirteen year old Beaumont is very aware of all this change. She is ready to be granted her power and begin homeschooling (real school is much too dangerous with such power) and the task of controlling her savvy. So, what marvelous gift is she given? I'm not telling. But, I will say that Mibs finds it very surprising, and at first, very disappointing. However, when her father is in a bad car accident her savvy may be the cure.

This is an excellent book that combines complete make believe with very real family bonds and friendships. Come check out this great book at the library today!

The Tuesday Review: "Knights of the Lunch Table" by Frank Cammuso, a must-read graphic novel

Knights of the Lunch Table; The Dodgeball Chronicles by: Frank Cammuso

Arthur King is new to Camelot Middle School. He is assigned to a locker that can only be opened by one "brave and true", his teacher is Merlin, the principal Dagger, and the villainous bullies to be defeated are the "Horde". A trip to the sewers, Arcadia (the local arcade) and a chance meeting with tarantula will aid brave Arthur and his quest of dodgeball! This witty take on a medieval knight's story is a must read for all graphic novel enthusiasts- or those that are new to the comic-book-like stories.

Will Artie defeat the Horde? Will Mr. Merlin have to leave the school and let the evil Ms. Dagger rule? Does Camelot Middle School have a new king in Artie? Come to the library and find out! Also, be sure to check out our new section dedicated to graphic novels!

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.

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!

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!

The Tuesday Review: "The Runaway Dolls", a must-read chapter book

The Runaway Dolls
by: Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin, pictures by: Brian Selznick

Imagine if dolls came to life when their owners weren't looking. This is exactly what happens in the series "The Doll People". "The Runaway Dolls" (the third in the series) is filled with excitement and adventure as Annabelle Doll (an antique porcelain doll) and her best friend Tiffany Funcraft (a new plastic doll) find an unexpected visitor. This mysterious doll, the two girls, and their entire doll families get into lots of trouble as they venture out of their owner's home and find themselves in a large department store. Once in the store, the dolls meet other toys of all shapes and sizes-even other Tiffany Funcraft dolls! Can the girls make it home by the end of their owner's vacation? Will they put all of doll kind in danger?

Come into the library and check out this fabulous book and the other two in the terrific series!

The Tuesday Review: "Monkey and Me", a must-read picture book!

Monkey and Me

by Emily Gravett



“Monkey and Me” by Emily Gravett is a delightful picture book you will enjoy over and over with your toddler. The repetition of the lines “Monkey and me, Monkey and me, Monkey and me, We went to see” encourage everyone to chant along. The whimsical drawings become clues to the animals found on the following pages. Between the refrain, guessing what comes next, and acting out the animals, this book will soon be a favorite.

The Tuesday Review: "Punk Farm", a must-read picture book

What would happen if farm animals were actually rock stars in disguise? That's what happens in "Punk Farm"! When farmer Joe calls it a night and heads home for a good nights sleep, the animals set up for their big night of touring with their famous band: Punk Farm. With Cow on drums, Pig on guitar, Goat on bass, Chicken on keyboard, and Sheep as lead singer, this barnyard crew can really rock! And who might you ask is attending such a concert? All the animals in town of course! Horse takes the tickets as the band takes the stage. I won't give away their opening number, but, I will tell you that this classic farm song will never sound the same again! Be sure to check out "Punk Farm" at the Library for a great read! You can find this great picture along with all of the new picture books.