Family Place Library

Did you know that Twinsburg Public Library is a Family Place Library? The Family Place project consists of a network of children's librarians nationwide who believe that literacy begins at birth, and that libraries can help build healthy communities by nourishing healthy families.

To find out more about Family Place Libraries check out the Libraries for the Future Website.

And the Winners are...

Did your favorite book win an award this morning? The 2007 ALSC Literary Awards were announced today!

The Newberry Medal winner is:

The Higher Power of Lucky

by Susan Patron

The Caldecott Medal winner is:

Flotsam

by David Weisner

For a complete listing of all awards check out the ALSC Homepage.

What I'm reading now

Bella at Midnight

Diane Stanley

Grades 5-8

Set in medieval times, this is a lovely fairy tale with glimmers of Cinderella scattered throughout. The heroine of the story is Bella. Bella's mother died during childbirth, and she is left with a horrible father that decides she should be raised by her wet nurse and peasant family. While growing up with her new family, Bella becomes close friends with a young prince named Julian, (who is very close with Bella's foster family).When her biological father decides that he wants her back, Bella is forced to move to his home where she does not receive a warm welcome from her new stepmother and stepsisters. Bella’s true character is revealed when she overhears a plan involving the overthrow of the kingdom, and the murder of Prince Julian. Bella’s bravery shines brightly as she attempts to make peace within her beloved country in a most unusual way.

Each chapter of the book is told by a different narrator, which makes the story really come to life.

Where I'd Like to Be

Frances O'Roark Dowell

Grades 4-6

The East Tennessee Children’s Home is home to many children with anxious hopes and big dreams. The narrator of this story is 11-year old Maddie, a level-headed orphan who has given up hope of ever being adopted. In her spare time, Maddie creates her very own Book of Houses, which is a scrapbook of beautiful houses that she has cut out from magazines and newspapers. She makes up stories about the different homes, and dreams of living in her very own perfect house. She also finds comfort in the company of all of her unique friends. They decide that together they will build a fort. They use the fort as their place to share stories, create perfect houses, and discover new things about themselves. I found all of the characters to be very believable and lasting. The author helps readers to believe that with some hope, lots of imagination, and love, anything is possible.

Super Duper Sites

Here are just a few of my favorite places to visit on the web. They are great resources for anyone who is CRAZY about children's books! Let me know what sites you enjoy using...

Hennepin County Library
This county library system has a fabulous area on their website that is devoted to children and babies called Birth to Six. You'll find some great booklists, information about early literacy, and much more!

King County Library System
Awesome assortment of children's books broken down into themes

Planet Esme
Oh you are going to love this site. Esme Raji Codell is an author and describes herself as a certified readologist. I always have a lot of fun checking out her recommendations.

Preschool Express
I like to use this site when I am creating storytime lesson plans. I use the pattern station and calendar station a lot.

Welcome to Booking for a Look

Welcome to Booking for a Look! I hope that you find this site to be a useful tool in selecting some great children's books. I'll be reviewing some of the best new books for kids, as well as some old favorites! In addition to book reviews, I'll also be talking about some of the great programs we are doing at Twinsburg Public Library .