My Happy Life by Rose Lagercrantz

My Happy Life by Rose Lagercrantz

From the first page, I knew I was going to love this story.

"It was late, but Dani couldn't sleep.  Some people counted sheep, but not her!  Dani counted all the times she'd been happy."

And then you find the many ways Dani finds happiness, including beginning school.  It takes Dani a few days to make a friend, but when she meets Ella - they become fast friends, making Dani happy at school and home.

Sadly though Ella's family moves and suddenly Dani isn't nearly as happy as she had been.
Things upset her that didn't bother her in the past.  Dani must learn how to find her happy again.


This chapter book would appeal to grades 1-3.  Dani is a strong girl character that does the "right" thing most of the time and has a great outlook on life, but with a healthy dose of realism that life isn't always as happy as we want it to be.

Almost every page has playful black and white sketches that keep the reader engaged in the story.

Summer Reading Laughs

It's the middle of Summer Reading Club and if you are looking for children's books that will make you LOL, then look no further than Arnie the Doughnut and ATD Bowling Alley Bandit by Laurie Keller.

In the first Arnie the Doughnut book the reader discovers that Arnie doesn't quite understand what a doughnut's job is until Mr. Bing takes him home to eat.
In shock, Arnie asks Mr. Bing what he was doing.  As anyone who eats doughnuts knows...he was trying to eat him.  But Mr. Bing is just as shocked to find himself talking to Arnie.  This is a picture book with colorful pictures and thought-bubbles will keep the reader engaged and laughing. 

In the second ATD book, the reader has graduated to reading a chapter book.  You are re-introduced to how Arnie came to be in Mr. Bing's life, just in case you haven't been fortunate enough to peruse the first book.

By Chapter 2 you are placed in the heart of the story...a bowling alley.  Mr. Bing is on a bowling league called the Bingbats and Arnie loves bowling night.  With an adventure around every corner, the pages are filled with funny graphics both boys and girls will enjoy.  In Arnie's world, not only do doughnuts talk, but also bowling balls and pizza slices. 

There is a mystery element to the story...who is the Bowling Alley bandit?  You will have to read to find out.

Felt Flower Young Adult Program

Saturday, April 27 at 2pm

Young Adults in Grades 6-12

are welcome to sign up for this awesome program. 

 

Mother's Day is just weeks away - this is the perfect gift for the mom in your life.  Turn felt into lovely flowers, making a pin for your mom to wear proudly.

 

For the lotus loving momma

Tea cup flowers

Retro Read: Mr. Pudgins

Mr. Pudgins by Ruth Christoffer Carlsen

If you ever wished for your sink faucet to give you soda instead of water, that your reflection in the mirror would come to life or that you could fly away on balloons, then Mr. Pudgins is a fantastical story that will keep you reading.  This Retro-Read from 1951 has a similiarity to Mary Poppins, as Mr. Pudgins is the babysitter to three kids, John, Jand and Pete.  But there is a warmth to Mr. Pudgins and the family that isn't found in Mary Poppins. 

At the beginning of the story Mother isn't very keen on Mr. P because after his first babysitting adventure, there is a scratch left on the stove and popcorn on the ceiling.  What Mother didn't know is that they needed to get a bear off the stove and make it disappear.

Each chapter is a wonderful adventure into childhood imagination.  Enjoyment for all age levels, younger grades would especially love.

The Chosen One

The Chosen One
by Carol Lynch Williams

Kyra is 13 years old and has grown up in an isolated community where The Prophet creates the laws, the God Squad acts as the police, books are burned and her father has 3 wives with more than 20 brothers and sisters.  Kyra in many ways is a typical teenager, questioning authority and crushing on a neighborhood boy, but in her community this behavior is not tolerated. 
Children are to be punished if they can't behave and though her immediate family does not follow the Prophets orders for discipline, others in the community do. 

You discover through the story that Kyra gets her personality honestly, with strong mothers who understand, but do not want to see her hurt.  And a father who loves her unconditionally, but adhere's to The Prophets orders.

Honestly, this book was difficult for me to read.  It was even more difficult to finish.  The writing was excellent and the story was emotional.  The characters and subject just were so true to life that it broke my heart to read.  But what a compliment for the author.  I would recommend this book to middle to high grades.  Sensitive topics.

Yummy Coffee Cup Cooking

Learn how to make your own yummy snacks in a mug that you get to decorate!

 

Saturday, March 16

3pm

Grades 6-12

Limited Space- Register today!

 

Countdown by Deborah Wiles

Franny is 11 years old and wants the impossible: peace.

Her best friend is mad at her, her big sister is busy in college and her little brother is perfect.  Her mom is overwhelmed and her dad is in the military.  It is 1962 and the United States is worried about the Cuban missile crisis.  Plus, her teacher has skipped over 3 times to read aloud...she is sure she is invisible.

With life happening all around her, Franny doesn't stand in the background, she leads a true adventure.


 This book was directly handed to me by a middle school patron who told me the week before how much she loved it.  She told me I NEEDED to read it.  They had read it for their school bookclub.  The next time she was at the library she got the book, walked over to me, asked if I had read it yet (sadly no), and told me to read it.

So, I did.
And I am glad I did read it.
Not only does it teach you the history of what was going on in 1962, it gives you the details of how it is to be a tween/teen growing up with a family during that time.  There was hardly TV, let alone electronics.  These kids did their chores and then went outside to play, finding adventure wherever it may lead them.  The concerns that Franny had with her friends are the same concerns that kids have now.  Will you get invited to a party?  Is your best friend still mad at you?  Does that boy know you are alive?  Plus the family dynamics speak to the time, yet current times too.  Sisters and brothers will always play a certain way in our lives and this book tells that story to the reader.

Thank you to the young reader who recommended this to me...and I highly recommend it to 6-8th grade.