Library Corner
Information about what is going on in our library and a place to learn about our NEW BOOKS!
NEW BOOKS! Hello, My Name is Octicorn
by Kevin Diller and Justin Lowe You've never heard of an octicorn? He's the offspring of an octopus and a unicorn, of course! Octi describes his life to readers in a matter-of-fact voice that belies the comic illustrations in this title. Octi believes his parents may have met at a costume party (where they each dressed as the other animal). But while his parents found each other and are happy, Octi feels very left out. He doesn't feel like he fits in on land or at sea. Octi is lonely, but he is also able to list all the things that make him unique and someone to be appreciated. The title character could be fun at parties, if he were ever invited-his tentacles make him a great juggler, his horn is perfect for ring toss. 
Creepy Pair of Underwear
by Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown Jasper Rabbit and his mother go shopping one Thursday for much-needed new underwear. Bypassing the boring white pairs, Jasper begs his mom to get the peculiar looking but comfy neon green underwear—even if it resembles Frankenstein's monster. Reluctantly, Jasper's mother agrees, and so one pair of the psychedelic undies goes home with them. That night, however, Jasper tries to get rid of the underwear but it returns, "staring at him with that ghoulish, greenish glow." 
The Return of Zita the Space Girl
by Ben Hatke Hatke wraps up this delightful series by neatly tying together all three books. While each volume can be read independently and thoroughly enjoyed solo, the experience of reading the trilogy nicely frames the wider story arc. Zita, now stripped of her possessions, including her signature green cape, remains spunky and feisty. Relegated to a dungeon for her alleged crimes, she meets two unlikely cellmates: a pile of rags, and a rotting skeleton who intones "Eye-spy with my little socket." Cinematic influences are evident throughout, from the opening panoramic scenes to the Evil Dungeon Lord with powers reminiscent of the Sith. The author's wit and comic timing sparkle in this adventure. His motley collection of characters is an absolute delight, and each of their humorous exchanges are spot-on. Readers will be amused by their foibles, and by the text's humor that is gentle, and never vicious. 
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Nightly Reading
Students should read at home nightly. They may read books independently or with a parent, a family member, a friend, a pet, or even a favorite toy - if they wish! When reading at home independently, your child should be able to read “fast and smooth.” This means that the books they are reading should be easy for them! When reading with the support of an adult at home or teacher at school, they may try books that are a bit more challenging. *Here is a great list of basic questions to ask your child when reading at home!
Volcano Wakes Up!
by Lisa Westberg Peters and Steve Jenkins Jenkins's cut-paper collages erupt with billowing gray clouds and rivers of lava, forming a frame to surround Peters's chirpy poems recording a day in the life of a busy young volcano. A small road sign warns, "don't expect to have a nice day," while a lava flow cricket celebrates being at a "HotLavaBBQ" and a fern "Eeeeee-yikes!" at a near miss from a lava bomb. This cheerful compilation is accompanied by two pages of factual information culled from the author's visit to the Big Island of Hawai'i. 
Viva Frida
by Yuyi Morales Kahlo's unusual life story, background, and art have made her a frequent topic of biographies. Morales's perception of her creative process results in a fresh, winning take on an artist who has rarely been understood. The author uses strong verbs to give Kahlo voice: "I see (Veo)"; "Sé (I know)." Kahlo is depicted as a self-possessed woman with a drive to create. Her artistic process has room for others to participate, though—love, imagination, and dreams are closely entangled in her art. In the illustrations, Diego Rivera is shown creating alongside his wife. While the artistic process seems magical to readers, Kahlo knows what she is searching for. 
Timeless Thomas:
How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives by Gene Barretta Following his picture-book biographies of Benjamin Franklin and Leonardo da Vinci, Barretta introduces Thomas Edison to young readers. Edison (1847–1931), portrayed as a twinkly-eyed gentleman, busily develops his inventions in his New Jersey laboratories. In side-by-side scenes, present-day children and adults enjoy modern technologies (a tattoo gun, an MP3 player, a movie), while opposite, their antecedents (the electric pen, the phonograph, the Kinetoscope) are discussed. Barretta’s warm and funny watercolors create an inviting portrait of an influential man: “So every time you turn on a light, think of Thomas Edison and remember everything he gave us.” 
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