New picture books

Following her success with The Red Box, which won a 2005 Caldecott Honor medal, Barbara Lehman continues to offer young readers a sophisticated story using no words. The Secret Box follows a young schoolboy from the early twentieth century who hides a candy box with secret instructions in the floorboards of his boarding school for future generations of schoolchildren to find and follow to a mysterious hidden place. You must look closely to the illustrations, done in watercolor, gouache, and ink for details that move the story forward.

Linda Ashman partners with artist Lauren Stringer in Castles, Caves and Honeycombs. This story for young children describes unique places where animals build their homes. Ashman is known for her excellent book, illustrated by S.D. Schindler, Come to the Castle! : a visit to a castle in thirteenth-century England. Using rhymed text, we see life in a medieval castle through the eyes of its many different inhabitants.

British artist, Inga Moore is known for her lush interpretation illustrating two classics, The Secret Garden and The Wind in the Willows. She has written and illustrated her own stories, which are comforting and enchanting. Her latest, A House in the Woods is a different take on a familiar tale, The Three Little Pigs. Here, two Little Pigs whose small homes in the woods have been accidentally destroyed by Bear and Moose decide to build a house they can all share, and with the help of Beaver Builders they soon have a fine new home. A charming read aloud.



Stop into the library to see other new titles throughout the Youth Services Department.

Interested in joining a Book Group?

Posting regularly to this blog is a challenge. I have no problem coming up with book-related topics I want to share. No, what slows me down is finding the time, a quiet moment in my crazy-busy day, to put my thoughts together. One way to make things easier is making 'live booktalks'. The Youth Services staff is excited about this new addition to the blog. We will continue to post new ones as we make them.

As children move into the intermediate grades, 3 thru 5, being involved in a book discussion group gives them an opportunity to express their opinions about the books they have been reading. The adult who leads the group can expose children to a broader range of titles. I have hosted several books group over the years and found them to be exciting. Participants are eager to learn different terminology -- theme, plot, and pacing -- and how some authors are successful at writing than others. We would love to start a book group with students in grades 4 and 5. Stop in and talk with Mrs. C anytime. We would need at least 5 to start.

For those who love to read but find themselves in the car a lot, National Public Radio (NPR) hosts a monthly book club called 'Backseat Book Club'. Children can log on to the the site to read a brief summary of the book and learn more about the author. If the book piques your child's interest, you can stop in to the Scarborough Public Library and check the book out.

Call the Youth Services Department 883-4723, ext 6277 and ask for Mrs. C. or send an email: kids@scarborough.lib.me.us if you would like to join a book group.