A Butterfly is Patient

A Butterfly is Patient

by Dianna Hutts Aston; Illustrated by Sylvia Long

Chronicle Books, 2011

ISBN: 9780811864794

“A Butterfly is Patient” is the newest offering by Dianna Hutts Aston and artist Sylvia Long. It is a stunning book you won’t want to miss. Readers of all ages will pour over Long’s delicate drawings that show a variety of butterflies as they make their journey from egg to adult.

Aston packs a lot of information about butterflies in this brief introduction. Each chapter is two pages in length and begins with a simple statement that highlights a butterfly’s life. The brief paragraph that follows gives enough information without being overwhelming.

The first chapter, “A Butterfly is Patient”, explains how life begins with “an egg beneath an umbrella of leaves.” We go on to learn of their transformation in “A butterfly is creative”. Long’s meticulous attention to detail is displayed in “A butterfly is spectacular!” when the two-page spread filled with a variety of unique butterflies and caterpillars are all identified.

The clearly labeled butterflies and caterpillars make this useful as an identification guide, especially the illustrations of caterpillars in the front and butterflies in the back.

Budding naturalists will also want to savor Aston and Long’s other two, equally mouth-watering science books:“An Egg is Quiet” and “A Seed is Sleepy”.

The Summer Slide

The Summer Slide is what teachers observe every fall with students who spend very little time reading during the summer. Studies show that children who continue to read while on school break do better when they return to school in the fall. Public libraries have been promoting summer reading long before the phrase Summer Slide was invented. Libraries know all too well the myriad of non-reading activities that lure children away from books in summer.

Experts will explain that to prevent summer slide children need to read at least six books over the summer. But unless a child is already a book lover, the thought of reading six books, especially at a time when they want to ‘chill out’, will send most children running for cover.

One of the stumbling blocks to children embracing summer reading is that all-too-often parents push books that are ‘on grade level’ or something a bit more challenging. Hey, it’s summer! Children need time to kick back, have fun, and r-e-l-a-x! Let them read anything they want. Magazines, newspapers, graphic novels, comic strips, even picture books. Reading should be a pleasurable activity.

Still wondering how to make it happen? Here is a suggestion that has proven to be successful for years! (I could say centuries)

And, it’s free!

Join the Scarborough Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. This year our theme is ‘One World, Many Stories’. Kick-Off is Monday, June 20 at 6 pm with Slugger, the Portland Sea Dog’s mascot and Baxter, the Coon Cat from the Maine State Library. The Gym Dandies Children’s Circus will also be there.

Our noncompetitive Summer Reading Program is easy. We require no set number of books, pages, or minutes. Sign up, read whatever you like over the summer. Record the titles on your Reading Log. Then, to qualify for a free book prize and invitation to our Grand Finale on August 11, just turn in the Reading Logs by August 6.

Easy, peasy.

The Library has plenty of books to keep even the most reluctant reader happy. Ask the Youth Services staff for book suggestions. We love finding just the right book to spark a child’s enthusiasm and get them hooked on reading.

Another option is listening to an audio book. Record the titles on the Reading Log. We do have a great selection.

And, if you can’t find it on our shelves, you can always request books, both print and audio, through Minerva.

There, we’ve made it simple for parents to help their children stop the dreaded Summer Slide.

We’ll see you this summer @ the Library!

COMING SOON...

Stayed tuned for more details about the Summer Reading Program. The theme this year is "One World, Many Stories." The kick-off will be on Monday, June 20th. More details to follow.

PAJAMARAMA ON JUNE 7, 2011

This month join Emma for an evening of stories and a craft project to take home. Our theme is BEDTIME. Our stories will include Owl Babies by Martin Waddell and Don't Let the Pidgeon Stay Up Late! by Mo Willems. Our craft will be a paper bag owl puppet.

Children are invited to come in pajamas and bring a favorite cuddly friend.

For more information contact the Youth Services Department, 883-4723, ext 235

The 2010-11 Maine Student Book Award winner is...

Nubs; The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle by Major Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery was chosen by 396 students from around the State O' Maine as this year’s Maine Student Book Award winner.

"A dog living in the desert in Iraq adopts a Marine and travels alone, 70 miles through the cold with little to eat and drink to be with him. Peppered throughout this moving tale of love between man and beast are photos taken in Iraq and show the harsh condition the two endured."

On April 14, at the 22nd Reading Round Up of Children and YA (Young Adult) Literature Conference held in Augusta the new 2011-12 Maine Student Book Award List was unveiled. The announcement of the list, comprised this year of 38 titles is highly anticipated by students in grades 4 – 8 in those schools or public libraries where they promote the Maine Student Book Award (MSBA) program.

MSBA is a wonderful program that does encourage children to read, and to engage in a conversation about those books they have read. The draw for those children who have read through the list throughout the year can vote for their favorite book by April 1st. The idea is similar to other major book awards such as Newbery and Caldecott, only with MSBA the winner is chosen by the students, not adults.

We at Scarborough Public Library collaborate with Barbara Merritt, School Librarian K-8 and Nancy Coffin at Wentworth Middle School to promote MSBA. Marilyn Taylor, from our Youth Services Department attended the yearly MSBA party held April 29 at Wentworth.While students who participated in the voting experience enjoyed ice cream, Mrs. Taylor and Barbara Merritt tantalized them with talks about the books on the new list.

Come in to the Scarborough Public Library and pick up a copy of the current list. By using Minerva, our online catalog, it is a snap to request the titles your child would like to read. If you have any questions about the books ask us. The Youth Services staff LOVES offering book suggestions. See you at the Library!

PAJAMARAMA ON TUESDAY, MAY 3rd. 2011

Join Emma, our new Youth Services Assistant, for an evening of stories, pictures books, and an art or craft project to take home. Children are invited to come in pajamas and bring a favorite cuddly friend. This month our theme is Turtles.

Getting Graphic @ the Scarborough Public Library

Graphic novels are illustrated narratives. They are typically longer and better bound than the comic book magazine, and cover a wide range of topics – not only superheroes-- using a variety of artistic forms. A graphic novel is not just a series of comic strips, but rather a story that can run hundreds of pages or stretch to several volumes. There are those who frown upon children reading them, but, really, a graphic novel is just another way in which to tell a story.

Some popular titles include:

Owly by Andy Runton is wordless and follows a gentle owl, named Owly, as he makes friends and resolves to do good in his world. His trusty companions include Wormy, the worm and Scampy, a chipmunk.

By far one of the most popular graphic novels the The Bone series by Jeff Smith. Join brothers Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone on their adventures.

For those readers who love a good mystery, The Adventures of TinTin by Herge fit the bill. Young Tintin and his dog Snowy travel the world solving some very interesting mysteries.

Other titles that are equally enjoyable include:

Sardine written by Emmanuel Guibert. The adventures of the intrepid Sardine, who travels across the universe meeting cosmic squids, space leeches, talking clouds, and other strange beings.

Advice on school is always welcome, and never more so that with BabyMouse written by Jennifer Holm. BabyMouse is an imaginative mouse who overcomes the many trials and tribulations of elementary school in this charming and very popular series among boys and girls. Equally appealing and brimful of advice is Amelia Rules! by Jimmy Gownley.

Stop in for more suggestions.