It’s Ed Young’s birthday today!

Choose one of his many folktale stories and take in his dynamic illustrations. For more information, click on the link to visit Mr. Young’s website.

Go to Ed Young's website

Happy Thanksgiving!

Reflect on gratitude with Giving Thanks: Poems, Prayers, and Praise Songs edited by Katherine Paterson.

Click here to find this book.

Gabriel Finley and the Raven’s Riddle by George Hagen

12-year-old Gabriel Finley loved riddles and word play.  He lived with his Aunt Jaz in an old Brooklyn brownstone because his father had vanished without a trace a few years before the start of our story.  Soon, Gabriel and Aunt Jaz are joined by house guests-- his father’s school friend Trudy and her daughter Pamela.  When Gabriel rescues an orphaned baby raven named Paladin, he discovers a hidden family secret that could help him find and rescue his father.  You see, Finleys are able to bond with ravens in some extraordinary ways—they are able to share thoughts and speak to one another, and even merge into one being—with the human able to fly or the raven able to walk.  Gabriel and Paladin, along with Pamela, neighbor Abby and schoolmate Soames, set off for a foreboding netherworld miles under Brooklyn called Aviopolis, where Gabriel’s father Adam is held captive by his evil brother Corax, a half-raven-half-human evil demon looking for a hidden torc and scepter that will grant him unlimited wishes and power, enabling  him to take over the world above.  An epic fantasy adventure full of unique characters, seemingly unanswerable riddles and magic at unexpected turns.

Reviewed by Kathy Thornhill, Zauel Memorial Library

Recommended for grades 5-8

Click here to find this book.

One Family by George Shannon

This sweet title explores numbers and the concept of multiple parts creating a whole through the idea of family.  Each two-page illustration depicts various sized families during different parts of their day going from one to ten with the refrain of “one family.”  A great tale for discussions of families or counting practice, children and adults will enjoy sharing this book!

Reviewed by Jennie Tuttle, formerly at Wickes Library

Recommended for ages 4-6

Click here to find this book.

Today is Homemade Bread Day.

Are you like Mercy Watson, who loves toast with a great deal of butter on it?

Click here to find this book.

Troll and the Oliver by Adam Stower

Every day, Troll tries to find and eat Oliver.  But Oliver outsmarts him every time until one day Oliver does not see the troll all day long.  He becomes a little over-confident that the troll has given up forever.  But Troll jumps out of the closet and gobbles Oliver right up.  Lucky for Oliver, he tastes terrible.  The two of them then figure out something very tasty that works for both of them.     

Review by Michelle Zimostrad, Hoyt Library

Ages 3-7 years

Click here to find this book in our catalog

Author Visit and Book Signing

Goodnight songs: A Celebration of the Seasons by Margaret Wise Brown

This book touches your heart with beautiful poetry, art and music.  There are twelve seasonal songs about nature and each one is brought to life with an award-winning artist.   It will be hard to decide whether to read or sing each poem.  This book contains a 12 song CD.

Reviewed by Michelle Zimostrad, Hoyt Library

Ages 3-6 years

Click here to find this book in our catalog

Happy Birthday, Yuyi Morales!

Enjoy one or more of her award-winning stories. Just click on the title to find the book in our catalog.

Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book

Little Night

My Abuelita

Nino Wrestles the World

Viva Frida

I Am Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton

This humorous book about spiders is full of interesting facts that just may comfort a person who is afraid of spiders (maybe).  For instance, did you know you have a better chance of being struck by lightning than being fatally bitten by a venomous spider?  Does that make you feel better?  Consider the fact that spiders are helpful to have around because they can eat up 75 pounds of bugs in a year.  This book may help you to forget your fears or at least learn some new and interesting facts about spiders.

Reviewed by Michelle Zimostrad, Hoyt Library

Ages 4 and up

Click here to find book in our catalog

It’s El Dia de los Muertos!

This is a special holiday for remembering deceased relatives and friends. Read The Day of the Dead: El Dia de los Muertos by Bob Barner.

Click here to find this book.

November is Also Peanut Butter Lovers Month

Check out Peanut Butter and Cupcake by Terry Border.

Click here to find this book.

November is Picture Book Month

Share your favorite picture book with someone you love.