Westbury Kids

WE WILL NO LONGER BE UPDATING THIS BLOG

2009-10-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

To check out our new website & blog click here on the link below:

http://www.westburylibrary.org/kids

Book Review - The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

2009-09-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

"What If?"
"What If?" A fortuneteller told you to follow an elephant?
"What If?" A Magician could do real magic, not that fake rabbit out of the hat stuff?
"What If?" An elephant came crashing from the ceiling onto your lap?
"What If?" The person you trusted the most, kept from you a secret that could answer your prayers?
"What If?" The elephant could make all your hopes and dreams come true?
"What If?"
Ten year old Peter Augustus Duchene life suddenly changes when the most amazingly, wonderful thing happens....an elephant....."What If?".

Book Review - Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

2009-09-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you have:
"TWO OVER, TWO UNDER, OF ROYAL DESCENT, TWO FLYERS, TWO CRAWLERS, TWO SPINNERS ASSENT. ONE GNAWER BESIDE AND ONE LOST UP AHEAD"?
The answer is: A Quest of course...
Gregor is in the laundry room with his sister Boots, he's just doing the laundry till Boots goes missing. To Gregor surprise Boots falls down the air duct behind the dryer and he follows. When they land they are in a strange underground world , and greeting them are huge human size roaches. They are taking to an underland city named Regalia where Gregor's quest begins.

Check out the other books in the Underland Chronicles
Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane
Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods
Gregor and the Mark of Secrets
Gregor and the Code of Claw

Book Review - Tropical Secrets: Holocaust Refugees in cuba by Margarita Engle

2009-08-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

Daniel
" My parents are musicians-
poor people, not rich.

They had only enough money
for on ticket to flee Germany,....

My parents chose to save me
instead of saving themselves,.....

Thousands of other Jewish refugees
stand all around me
on the deck of this ship
waiting for refuge."

Daniel's parents have made the ultimate sacrifice, they send him on a boat hoping that it will reach the United States. Instead the boat is sent to Cuba where Daniel is one of many Jewish refugees. He befriends a local girls that has as many painful secrets as he does. Daniel does not know what will happen next, and fears that he will never see his parents again and will be sent back to Nazi Germany.

NEW SERIES !!!

2009-08-17T07:19:00.000-07:00

Come and check out the new mystery series at the library called: Ghost Detectors.

Join Malcolm and his best friend Dandy as they start their new career's as Ghost Detectors. It's sure to be a blast

Books in this series

Book 1: It Creeps!
Book 2: I'm Gonna Get You!
Book 3: Tell No One!
Book 4: I Dare You!
Book 5: Draw!
Book 6: Don't Read This!

Book Review - Magickeepers: The Eternal Hourglass by Erica Kirov

2009-08-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

Nick is having a tough summer. His report card is awful, his dad is embarrassing, and he doesn’t have a friend in the world. On the morning of his thirteenth birthday all of this changes. Not only does Nick find out that his cousin is the world famous magician, Damien, but he has an entire family of real magicians and guest what?…Nick is the most powerful magician of them all!

Nick's not too happy when they kidnap him and force him to live on the top floor of a casino. This is not just any casino though, here tigers walk freely throughout the hallways, there is snow falling in 90 degree weather and polar bears swim in the family pool. Nick soon finds out that he is there for his own protection and must help unravel a deep, dark family secret. Nick is the only person in the world who can help solve the mystery of the missing hourglass before the evil shadowkeepers get to it or to him first, and they will stop at nothing to find it.

An excellent first book in what hopes to be a great series! Check out the prologue for book #2 at the end of the last chapter.

Summer Reading Finale

2009-08-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

Great job to everyone who participated in the 2009 Summer Reading Program. This year we had over 300 children register, who read a total of 2,847 books!

Congratulations to all of the winners from each grade and to the Green Team for winning it at the end! Thank you to the SpoonMan for putting on such a great show!

Remember, just because the summer reading program is over, doesn't mean you should stop reading!!!

Green Meadows Farm

2009-07-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

The rain held off long enough for us to meet some new animal friends and dance the afternoon away! Thank you to Jason of Green Meadows Farms for putting on such a fantastic program!

Book Review - Dork diaries: Tales from a NOT-SO-Fabulous Life by Rachel Renee Russell

2009-07-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

Hey Diary of a Wimpy Kids fan, have you ever wondered what would happen if Greg Heffley was a girl? And instead of being a wimpy kid he or she was a totally talented artist that just transferred into a a posh rich private school. Well wonder no more.....Dork diaries is the hilarious tell of Miss Nikki J. Maxwell and her not so fabulous life...
Wimpy Kids fans will love, love, love this book................

Video Games are Here!!!

2009-07-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

The Children’s Library is now circulating games rated E & E+ for PlayStation 2 & 3, Xbox 360 and Wii!!

A parental permission form must be signed in person at the Children’s Library. Children will be allowed to borrow 2 games at any one time for a period of 7 days. A $2 per day late fee will apply for each game.

Stop in and check out our new collection of games!

Goldilicious Party!

2009-07-14T06:56:00.000-07:00

Lil' Gardeners' Story Time

2009-07-10T06:05:00.000-07:00

Our first Lil' Gardeners' Story Time was so much fun! We listened to stories and picked our very own vegetables in the new Community Garden. Join us next Wednesday at 6:30pm for our next program.

Book Review - The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle School by David Borgenichta

2009-07-02T16:26:00.000-07:00

Are you going into middle school in September? Are you excited about meeting new friends? Scared about rumors or tons of homework? And maybe nervous about a crush or even facing some mean girls? If that's the case then this is the book for you.

"It's sure not like elementary school...and it's not like high school. either. Middle school is its own unique world-and this book has the secrets and tips you'll need to power through the rough stuff and come out on top."

NEW! NEW ! NEW!

2009-07-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

Come on in, and check out some New series at the Library!

Happy 85th Anniversary, Children's Library!

2009-06-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our Bookmark Contest Winners!

2009-06-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

(left to right) Heather Noble - 5th grade, Carol Nguyen - 3rd grade, Christina Kapralos - 2nd grade, Francesca Venezia - 1st grade, Nicholas Natalie - Kindergarten, Mayra Sanchez - PreK, Angella Kidd - 4th grade (missing from photograph)

July/August Programs

2009-06-25T06:06:00.000-07:00

Circle Time & Toy Center
Fridays, 10:30 – 11:45
For children ages 6 months to 4 years of age. 15 minutes of songs, fingerplays and stories, plus some quiet play time for you to share with

Happy 4th of July!
Thursday, July 2 at 2pm
Join us to make a special Independence Day craft. For PreK-6. Please register in advance.

Drama Kids
Grades K-2 - Tuesday, July 7 & 14 at 2pm
Grades 3-6 - Tuesday, July 21 & 28 at 2pm
Sign up for a two week session, and learn acting skills in a fun and energetic program. The Drama Kids program is designed to build self-confidence, as well as strong speaking and acting skills. This class will be held in the meeting room at the adult library. Register in advance, sign up is limited to 20 per class.

Lil Gardeners’ Story Time at the Library
Wednesdays, July 8 – 22 at 6:30pm
Thursday, August 6-20 at 6:30pm
Join us outside by the new Community Garden to listen to stories and help in the garden! This program is recommended for children in grades K-2.

DIY Outdoor Game Extravaganza!
Tuesdays, July 7 – August 4 10am-4pm
Join us every Tuesday to play games in the courtyard. Hopscotch, Nok-Hockey, Bean Bag Toss and Jumbo Checkers are a few of the games available. Pick up game pieces at the reference desk in the Children’s Library. You will need a library card to borrow game pieces. Weather permitting.

THURSDAY “BE CREATIVE @ YOUR LIBRARY” WORKSHOPS
2pm – 3pm
For grades K-6. You children will need an adult’s assistance. All programs are free but you must register in advance for one or more of these sessions.

- July 9 – Soap Making – Try your hand at making homemade soap.

- July 16 – Mosaics – We’re making mosaic picture frames!

- July 30 – Tie-Dye– We will be tie-dying terrific t-shirts. You must BRING A WHITE T-SHIRT in order to participate in the tie-dying activity.

- August 6 – Sand Art Candles –Create a beautiful sand art candle.

Goldilicious Party!
Friday, July 10 at 2pm
We’re having a party to celebrate Victoria Kann’s new book, Goldilicious. If you loved Pinkalicious and Purplicious, you’ll love Goldiclicious! Come dressed up in your favorite dress up clothes and listen to the new story. We will also have Pinkalicious and Purplicious treats and crafts! For children in grades PreK-3. Please register in advance.

Families Reading Together
Saturdays, July 11-25 at 10:30am
For families with children ages 5-10. Read two wonderful stories at home with your children, then join us on Saturday as families get together for a fun program of storytelling, discussion and refreshments. Soh Young Lee-Segredo, multicultural storyteller, will entertain us. The first two stories can be picked up at the Children's Library starting Wednesday, July 1. Please register in advance.

Wii American Idol
Friday, July 17 at 3pm
Come to the library and show off your singing skills! This program will take place in the Meeting Room of the Adult Library. For children in grades 3-6. Registration is required. Snacks will be served!

Frogs, Bugs and Animals Wildlife Show!
Thursday, July 23 at 11am
Jason from Green Meadows Farm will be here to put on a fun and lively wildlife show! Children will meet baby animals, pet friendly reptiles and gain an understanding of several different creatures all while singing, dancing and laughing!

Mother/Daughter Book Club
Wednesday, July 29 at 7pm
This month we’re reading Allie Finkle’s Rules for Girls: Moving Day by Meg Cabot. Come to the library to discuss the book and cool off by a making delicious Ice Cream Sundae!! Pick up the book and questions at the beginning of July. This program is open to all children in grades 3-6 and their significant adult.

Summer Reading Club Finale - The Spoon Man
Tuesday, August 11 at 7pm
The Spoon Man will be here to offer a hilarious interactive comedy program for all ages! He has been playing the spoons professionally for 20 years. His program contains several outrageous impressions, a sing-a-long competition and you may even see him play forks and knives! Everyone in the audience will have an opportunity to get “SPOONED!” Reading Club certificates will be awarded and refreshments will be served. Don’t miss the party – participate in the Summer Reading Club!

Guitar Hero World Tour

2009-06-06T07:47:00.001-07:00

We had alot of fun playing Guitar Hero World Tour on June 5th. Join us June 26th at 2:30pm for Dance Dance Revolution!

Book Review - 43 Old Cemetery Road: Dying To Meet You (Book 1) by Kate Klise

2009-05-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

Can you guess what happens when you take a boy, a cat, a grumpy old man, a very old ghost, a haunted house and put them all together? You get this very funny tale about, a writer that rents a house for the summer only to find out that he does not live alone. Told in mostly letters and a few newspaper articles 43 Old Cemetery Road: Dying To Meet You, will have you dying with laughter.

Other books by Kate Klise:
Regarding the Fountain
Regarding the Sink
Regarding the Trees
Regarding the Bathrooms
Regarding the Bees
Letters from Camp
Trial by Journal and many more....

The WOW Zone with TD Bank

2009-05-19T13:07:00.001-07:00

Thursday, May 21 at 7pm
The TD Bank WOW! Zone is a financial literacy program that teaches children about the value of money. A representative from TD Bank will be here to teach children financial skills that are applicable in the real world in a fun and interesting way! Recommended for grades 3-6.

Book Review - Watching Jimmy by Nancy Hartry

2009-05-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a secret, that you wish you could tell so bad? A secret that's eating you up inside? A secret that you know if you told, would make every thing better and worst at the same it?
"Uncle Ted said Jimmy bumped his head falling off the swing....Uncle Ted got out of the car and ran over to Jimmy. He said he talked to him..He said he slapped Jimmy's face. He jiggle him. When Jimmy didn't wake up, Uncle Ted carried him to the car and placed him gently on the beat seat of his Thunderbird convertible. He didn't even stop to open up the door. The last part is true. The getting out of the car, the talking, the jiggling, the slapping, the carrying, and even the laying down. The first part is not. Jimmy never fell off the swing."
I know what really happened to Jimmy, and that's my secret..

Book Review - Smoke by Mavis Jukes

2009-05-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

What would you do, if you had to move far away from home? Away from almost everyone and everything you loved. Twelve-year old Colton and his mom move from Idaho to California. They are leaving everything behind, the furniture, the car, Colton's friends and his family. Colton's only saving grace is his cat Smoke. But when Smoke goes missing Colton not only feels lonely, he feels like his life is slipping away from him.
Don't miss out, this heart warming quick read will be enjoyed by boys and girls alike.

New Graphic Novels & Comic Books......

2009-04-27T09:33:00.001-07:00

Book Review - Max Quigley: Technically NOT a Bully by James Roy

2009-04-18T13:15:00.001-07:00

What is the definition of a bully? Every one that knows Max Quigley thinks that he is a bully except for Max. According to Max, "Technically, I'm not actually a bully. Bullies wait behind lunch shed and steal kids' Twinkies. I've never stolen anything in my life. Bullies beat people up. I've never actually punched anyone in my entire life......I've never caused anyone to get taken to the hospital. Or cyr...I've never eveen mad Nerdstrom cry, and he's about the cryingest-looking perosn I've ever seen.
When one of Max's pranks goes a little to far, his punishedment is to be tutored by one of his "geeky" classmates.

If you liked Diary of a Wimpy Kid, you just might like Max.....

BINGO NIGHT

2009-04-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

The Children's Library had another successful Bingo Night. We had alot of winners and alot of fun!

Check Out These Pictures From the Painting Program!

2009-04-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

May Programs!

2009-04-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

Mother’s Day Gift and Card Workshop
Friday, May 8 at 3:30pm
Come to the library and make a special card and gift for your mom! PreK-6. Please register in advance.

Secrets of Droon Author, Tony Abbott!
Wednesday, May 13 at 7pm
Tony Abbott is the author of over seventy books of science fiction, fantasy, comedy, and adventure for children. In addition to writing the popular series , The Secrets of Droon , Tony has written the novels, Kringle, Firegirl, and The Postcard. Tony will be here to talk about his work and sign books!

The WOW Zone with TD Bank
Thursday, May 21 at 7pm
The TD Bank WOW! Zone is a financial literacy program that teaches children about the value of money. A representative from TD Bank will be here to teach children financial skills that are applicable in the real world in a fun and interesting way! Recommended for grades 3-6.

Summer Reading Club Bookmark Contest
Deadline: Friday, June 5th
Design a bookmark for the “Be Creative @ Your Library” Summer Reading Club. Entry blanks and details will be available at the library in May. For grades K-6.

Circle Time & Toy Center
Fridays, 10:30 – 11:45
For children ages 6 months to 4 years of age. 15 minutes of songs, fingerplays and stories, plus some quiet play time for you to share with your child. Meet other parents and caregivers too!

Book Review - Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

2009-04-11T07:10:00.000-07:00

Seth and Kendra do not want to stay with their grandparents. They barely even know them, and can't imagine having to stay at Fablehaven for two weeks while their parents go on vacation. Little do the children know, but Fablehaven is not just an ordinary estate. It is a refuge for mythical creatures and their grandfather is the caretaker. Fairies, satyrs, trolls, imps, witches and more are bound to the land by ancient laws put in place to keep order and safety among members of this sanctuary. When the rules get broken by a curious and mischievous Seth, powerful forces of evil are unleashed. Kendra and her brother must attempt to save their family and face the biggest challenge of their lives. If you like this book, look for others in the series...

Book 2 - Rise of the Evening Star
Book 3 - Grip of the Shadow Plague
Book 4 - Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary
Book 5 - Keys to the Demon Prison (Coming in 2010!)

Book Review - The Last Apprentice: Revenge of The Witch by Joseph Delaney

2009-04-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

Do you know what happens when your a seventh son of a seventh son? You become a Spook. A Spook is a person that drives away and protect people from evils like ghost, boggarts, witches and other things that harm us. Sounds exciting right, but it is a very scary, dangerous and lonely job. That the position Thomas Ward finds himself in when he becomes the Spook's Apprentice. Thomas only want's to make his mother proud of him but two big mistakes may cost not only his life but also the lives of his loved ones.
If you looking for a scary adventure then this is the book for you. You'll be scared but won't want to put it down, I know I was.

Tomas Ward's adventure continues in The Last Apprentice:
Curse of the Bane
Night of the Soul- Stealer
Attack of the Fiend
Wrath of the Bloodeye
The Spook's tale
Clash of The Demons

We Now Have TumbleBooks!!!

2009-04-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

TumbleBooks is an online collection of books – animated, talking picture books which teach kids the joy of reading in a format they'll love. TumbleBooks are created by adding animation, sound, music and narration to existing picture books in order to produce an electronic picture book which you can read, or have read to you. Simply click on the icon in the right hand column and begin reading!

Book Review - Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning by Danette Haworth

2009-03-25T17:38:00.000-07:00

Eleven year old Violet and Lottie have been best friends forever. Violet is sure that it will stay that way for the rest of their lives, that is until Melissa Gold moves into town. Now all Lottie wants to do is talk about hair and makeup and soap operas. Violet doesn’t care about these things. She still likes to explore caves, play outdoors and ride bikes with Eddie, all of the things Lottie used to like doing before Princess Melissa. After Lottie's house is struck by lightning and she goes to stay at Melissa's house, it only gets worse. Will Lottie and Violet ever be the friends they once were? Will Melissa Gold ever go away? Will Eddie ever forgive her for that awful day Melissa dared her to kiss him? Read it and find out.

Book Review - The Best Bad Luck I Ever Had by Kristin Levine

2009-03-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had bad luck? I mean the kind of bad luck that you try your best to avoid but for some reason it sticks to you like crazy glue. Well I had, and guess what? It was the best thing I ever had happen to me and I'm not just saying that.
First let me introduce myself, my name is Harry Otis Sims but every one calls me Dit. There's a story behind how I got the nickname Dit, "when I was little, I used to roll a hoop down Main Street, beating it with a stick as I ran along. One day, two older boys tried to steal my hoop. I hit them with my stick and told them, "Dit away." They laughed. " You talk like a baby. Dit, dit, dit." The name stuck." So that's the story.
Anyway I live in Moundville, Alabama and the year is 1917. The New Postman, Mr. Walker is coming to our town and I'm so happy cause he has a son about my age, and I already have plans for him. We going fishing and hunting and best of all I sure hope he likes Baseball, it's gonna be fun. When the train pulled up and the Walker family step out I get the surprise of my life. He is a She and her name is Emma.

Book Review - The Doll People by Ann M. Martin & Laura Godwin

2009-03-21T06:04:00.001-07:00

Annabelle Doll is just like any other eight year old, she likes to play and sing, she loves her family and she likes exploring. The only difference between Annabelle and other girls is that she's a porcelain doll, and has been for over a hundred years.
Annabelle lives in a beautiful doll house with her mother, father, little brother, baby sister, uncle and nanny. Everyone's where they should be in the Doll's house except for Aunt Doll. Auntie Sarah has been missing for forty- five years and Annabelle believes that she can help find her missing aunt. With the help of their new neighbors the Funcrafts and Auntie Sarah's diary, Annabelle is determined to find her aunt and will even risk permanent doll state to do it.

Other books in the Doll people series:

The Meanest Doll in the World.

The Runaway Dolls

2009-03-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

Our St. Patty's Day Craft Program was Tons O' Fun! We made adorable leprechaun pails and filled them with yummy treats.

Dance Dance Revolution

2009-03-05T07:02:00.000-08:00

Dance Dance Revolution was a huge success! Join us next month for Wii Music in the Meeting Room.

Book Review - Three Presidents Died on the Fourth of July: and Other Freaky Facts About the First 25 Presidents by Barbara Seuling

2009-02-25T09:50:00.000-08:00

Do you have a favorite president? Do you know everything there is to know about that president? Well did you know that "George Washington had lost nearly all of his own teeth by the age of 57", or that" John Adams knew seven different languages."
"Thomas Jefferson believed that he stayed healthy by soaking his feet in cold water every morning."
"Andrew Johnson never spent a day in school, he learned his alphabet's from fellow workers in a tailor shop. It was his girlfriend that taught him to read and write."
"Theodore Roosevelt was the first president and first American to win the Nobel Peace Prize."

So check out Three Presidents Died on the Fourth of July and find out some silly but true facts about your favorite president..

Book Review - The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle

2009-02-25T09:17:00.000-08:00

Jose

One more escape.
We are safe.
We whisper
We hide.
We hope.
We explore
our new home,
this vast, glittering cavern
of crystals, darkness, silence.....

Rosa

This is how you heal a wound:
Clean the flesh.
Sew the skin.
Pray for the soul.
Wait.

These are just a few of the poems in this Newbery Honor and Pura Belpre award winning book. This book tells the story of Rosa a medicine women that had a price on her head for healing the rebels of Cuba. "In this history in verse, accliamed poet Margarita Engle has created a lyrical, powerful portrait of Cuba.

Book Review - How to Talk to Girls by Alec Greven

2009-02-21T06:24:00.000-08:00

How do you talk to girls and get them to like you? Alec Greven a nine year old in fourth grade has some tips for you in his book, How to Talk to Girls.
" The right thing to do when you have a crush is:

Never show off too much
Don't be silly and goofy
Control your hyperness
Make sure you have good friends who won't try to take the girl you like."

If you find a girl you like, to keep her interest this is what Alec suggested you should do.

Be friendly
Look clean
Act normal-don't try to be too cool
Don't act goofy
Show off a skill, but don't be a show-off
Give compliments
Don't brag

If you follow Alec's advise you never know what might happen. If not it's still a funny book written by your fellow peer.

Also check out:

How to Talk to Moms..

MARCH EVENTS!

2009-02-20T10:01:00.000-08:00

Kidz Advisory Board
Friday, March 13 at 3:30pm
Tell us what you want! Join us to discuss the books, games and programs you would like to see at the library. For grades 3-6. Snacks will be served! Register in advance.

St. Patrick’s Day Craft
Tuesday, March 17 at 4pm
Celebrate St. Patty’s day with a craft and treats at the Children’s Library. For children of all ages. Registration required.

Welcome Spring!
Tuesday, March 24 at 3:30pmSpring is here! Come to the library and paint a wooden birdhouse. Please register in advance.

Mother/Daughter Book Club
Wednesday, March 25 at 6pm
This month we’re reading the book, Meet Kit and watching the movie Kit Kittredge - An American Girl, starring Abigail Breslin. Pizza will be served! Register and pick up the book at the Children’s Library. For all children in grades 3-6 and their significant adult.

1-2-3 Play With Me
Wednesdays, March 11, 18, 25
April 1, 8, 10am - 11:15am
Bring your toddler between the ages of one and three to the meeting room to play and learn, using toys that develop motor skills. There will be a different art activity each week and an expert will be on-hand to answer questions about child rearing. Materials in English, French and Spanish. Se habla espanol. Free. Register in advance.

Circle Time & Toy Center
Fridays at 10:30am
We begin with 15 minutes of songs, fingerplays and stories, followed by 45 minutes of quiet play for you to share with your child. Meet other parents and caregivers, too. For children ages 6mo-4yrs

2009-02-11T16:20:00.000-08:00

Junior Dance Dance Revolution Tournament!!!
Fri, February 20, 4pm – 5pm
Attention all 3rd-6th graders, we are hosting our very first Dance Dance Revolution Event at the library. So lace up your sneakers and get ready to dance.

Fuse Beading Craft Program
Tue, February 17, 11am – 12pm
Parents, remember the fun and enjoyment of Fuse beading as a kid? Now your children can enjoy fuse beading as well! All are welcome to try their hands at this fun and somewhat challenging craft. Please be advised this craft includes small pieces that are easy to swallow. Adult supervision is required.

Reading to Dogs!

2009-02-05T12:44:00.000-08:00

Bideawee came to the Westbury Library on Saturday, January 31st and brought a few friends named Cocoa, Parti, Sabrina and Coach, all volunteer therapy dogs. Everyone in attendance had a fantastic time reading to and playing with our special guests!

Check Out the 2009 Newbery & Caldecott Medal Winners!

2009-01-30T11:22:00.000-08:00

2009 Newbery Medal Winner
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gamain

Newbery Honor Books:
The Underneath by Kathi Appelt
The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle
Savvy by Ingrid Law
After Tupac & D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson

2009 Caldecott Medal Winner
The House in the Night, illustrated by Beth Krommes, written by Susan Marie Swanson

Caldecott Honor Books
A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever, written and illustrated by Marla Frazee
How I Learned Geography, written and illustrated by Uri Shulevitz
A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams, illustrated by Melissa Sweet, written by Jen Bryant

Book Review - Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson

2009-01-23T07:13:00.000-08:00

Thirteen-year-old Isabel is finally going to be free. Her master promised that when she died, all of her slaves will be released. Isabel is excited to start her new life of freedom. She wishes her mother lived to see it, but knows that her and her sister, Ruth, will make the most of their new found freedom. Little does Isabel know that her master’s son is not planning to let them go. He is planning to sell them to a wealthy and malicious New York couple. With war on the horizon, Isabel will have to fight to keep her and her sister together and attain freedom, even if it means spying for the patriots and putting her life at risk. Anderson does a fantastic job of taking the reader back to Revolutionary War days as seen through the eyes of a young slave girl. If you like Anderson’s book Fever 1793, you should definitely give Chains a try!

Only 3 Baby Lap Time's Left!!

2009-01-21T11:47:00.000-08:00

Saturdays, January 10 – 31 & February 7
10:30 am
A special program for babies ages birth – 18 months with their caregiver. Enjoy 15 minutes of songs, stories and lap rhymes followed by free play time for you and your child.

Book Review- Bone: Crown Of Horns Book. 9 by Jeff SMith

2009-01-19T12:28:00.000-08:00

The wait is FINALLY over, the tale of Bone his crazy cousins, Thorn and Rose is coming to an end. Will the war ever end? Will the Locust win? What about the Ghost Circles? Will Bone decide to stay with Thorn and not return home with his cousins? All that and more are answered in this volume of Bone.
This may be the end of Bone and Thorn's story but you can always relive this exciting adventure.

Bone Series:

Out from Boneville
The Great Cow Race
Eyes of the Storm
The Dragonslayer
Rock Jaw: Master of the Eastern Border
Old Man's Cave
Ghost Circles
Treasure Hunters

Book Review- Open the Door to Liberty! by Anne Rockwell

2009-01-10T08:35:00.000-08:00

Have you ever herd of a Caribbean island called St. Domingue? Or heard of a man named Toussaint L'Ouverture?
"Many brave and remarkable people came before us. Those who helped us become the best we can be should never be forgotten. One such hero was a black man with a French name who was born a slave on an island in the Caribbean Sea. We don't hear much about him today, but what he did changed his world and ours. He opened the door to liberty for black people everywhere. His actions helped make the United States the world power it is today." And this book is his story one that many if not all should know.

Book Review- Stupid, Stupid Rat-tails by Smith, Sniegoski, Sakai. Rose by Smith & Vess

2008-12-27T11:21:00.000-08:00

Do you like the BONE series by Jeff Smith? If so you'll love Stupid, Stupid Rat-tails. This graphic novels takes you on an adventure with Big Johnson Bone, a frontier hero and the founder of Boneville. You will read about his great fight with the rat creatures and learn why they don't have tails. A bonus hilarious tale about Riblet a game loving boar is also included..

BONE fans should also check out Rose by, Jeff Smith & Charles Vess. This Graphic novel is the prequel to BONE and is about Grandma Rose. We learn about her youth and the hard choices she had to make and what the outcomes are...a great read for any fan of graphic novels and beautiful illustrations.

Gingerbread Friends!

2008-12-22T06:26:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, December 18th we gathered together to read Gingbread Friends by Jan Brett and decorate gingerbread cookies. A great time was had by all!

Book Review- Cool Stuff Exploded: Get inside modern technology

2008-12-12T09:22:00.000-08:00

This big book of "Cool Stuff" explains the inter workings of everyday modern devices (hence the title). Every page has big, bright pictures of everyday tools from microwave ovens to holograms. Some devices are given their own page or two with explanations of how they work and who invented them. Others are groups together into two page spreads. This is a great book for kids and adults alike who always ask the famous question "how does that work?" Even though the descriptions for many of the devices are brief it will peck your inquisitiveness and you just might want to take out another book on that subject.
This book also comes with a CD-ROM that includes amazing animations.

If you like this Non-fiction book you should check out others in this series:
Cool Stuff and how it works
Cool Stuff 2.0 and how it works
Cool Stuff Science Kit

Book Review- Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen

2008-12-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

"One minute I was twelve years old and wondering where I could get enough money for an inner tube for my old used ten-speed. I didn't have any money and my parents didn't have much either". But that all changed when my grandmother gave me grandpa's old lawnmower. I had a few clients in my payroll, then I met Arnold the Stockbroker. That summer he taught me a valuable lesson in business and made me rich. " Five, six weeks ago I was sitting in my yard wondering about an inner tube. Now I'm a thousandaire". I thought I would just mow a few yards and make enough to fix my bike, but that summer I learned a whole lot more.

This humorous and quick pace story will have you pulling out that old lawnmower to try and make some extra cash.

Lawn Boy is a great book for summer reading list and those reluctant readers.

Book Review - Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor

2008-12-09T08:13:00.001-08:00

When will 12 year-old Addie’s life be normal? Living with your mentally unstable mother in a trailer with empty boxes of mac ‘n cheese in the cupboards and boxes upon boxes of unused office supplies, is that normal? Hanging out at the gas station mart with your two best friends, who are old enough to be your parents, is that normal? Lying to your ex-stepfather so he will not find out your mother sometimes doesn’t come home for days on end, is that normal? Follow Addie as she searches for happiness and attempts to overcome her life of instability, all the while trying to keep a bright outlook on life. Will her life ever be normal? Read it and find out!

Reading to Dogs! - Saturday, January 31 at 11:30am

2008-12-06T06:44:00.000-08:00

Presented by the Bideawee Education, Volunteer, & Outreach Department, children who have pre-registered will have a one-on-one session with a therapy dog, reading aloud from age-appropriate books. Reading out loud to a dog creates a more relaxing and less threatening atmosphere for children for whom reading is a challenge. In addition, reading to a dog creates an environment that is unique and fun for most children. Please contact the Children’s Library for more information and to register for the program. Space is limited.

Chess Nights at the Library!

2008-12-02T07:26:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 3 & 10 at 7pm
Join the Long Island Chessnuts for a lesson in chess and take part in a mini-tournament. This program is free! Grades 3-6

Book Review - Nightmare Academy ( Monster Hunters Bk. 1) by Dean Lorey

2008-11-28T13:31:00.000-08:00

Charlie Benjamin is your average thirteen year old, he wants to make friends, have fun and just fit in. Unfortunately for Charlie he can never fit in, Charlie has a secret. When ever he goes to sleep he has nightmares and his nightmares come to life, harming everyone around him. Charlie is special and he has a gift that opens portals into the Netherworld, where the nightmares live.
Fortunately for Charlie he has found a school called the Nightmare Academy that will teach him how to control and banish his nightmares. But there's one small problem, Charlie must first learn to control his fears. With the help of new friends and his own cleverness Charlie just might make it out alive.

If you loved the Harry Potter series you might want to give Nightmare Academy a try.

Nightmare Academy Bk.1 just won "Best children's novel of the year" by The Sciba (Southern California Independent Booksellers Association).

Welcome!

2008-11-21T10:43:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the Westbury Children's Library Blog! We will be posting book reviews, events, pictures and much, much more! Please let us know what you would like to see on this blog and at the library. We hope to hear from you soon!