Kim K.'s blog

Mr. Prickles: A Quill-Fated Love Story by Kara La Reau

Poor Mr. Prickles! None of the other forest animals will be his friend because he's just...too...prickly! But when he meets Miss Pointypants, things start looking up. An entertaining read with lots of puns.

A Girl and her Gator by Sean Bryan

Claire wakes up to find an alligator has made his home on her head! She worries that her friends will gossip, but becomes a fashion trendsetter instead! Lots of fun.

Five Little Monkeys Reading in Bed by Eileen Christelow

When Mom won't read "just one more" story, the monkeys read to themselves--with hilarious results. Great fun for bedtime storytime.

Now that winter's here at last, enjoy some snowy books!

Snowy, Blowy Winter by Bob Raczka

Fun rhyming text & colorful, happy illustrations make this a great story to share.

Snow on Snow on Snow by Cheryl Chapman

Word repetition, bright graphic images plus a happy ending make this a winner for preschoolers and kindergartners.

Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner

Ever wonder why your snowman looks a little worse for wear the next day? This book tells all!

Do you like American Girl books? How about Choose Your Own Adventure books? Then you'll love the Innerstar University series by American Girl. Each book has more than 20 different possible endings, based on the choices you make. You can read each book more than once and see what happens when you make different choices.

George Brown, Class Clown: Super Burp by Nancy Krulik. Poor George! He moves to a new town and is determined to change his reputation as a class clown and make friends without having to make jokes. Unfortunately, a trip for ice cream results in the biggest burp EVER! The burb takes over and makes him do all kinds of crazy things! Will he be able to make some new friends in his new school?  There are lots of laughs in this fun series for grades 2 and up. Try the other titles, too.

Do you like hunting for treasure? Do you dream of pirate riches? Check out Smells Like Dog by Suzanne Selfors, the story of luckless 12 year-old Homer Pudding, a farm boy who dreams of being a treasure hunter like his uncle. When his uncle is eaten by a killer tortoise, Homer is drawn into a race for riches. Helping him in his quest is an oddball basset hound named Dog, who can't smell, but who has other hidden talents. Can Homer outwit an evil museum director and realize his uncle's dream? Kids in 4th grade and up will enjoy this screwball story with hints of The Odyssey.

Beverly Cleary celebrates her 95th birthday on April 12, 2011. What better way to celebrate than to read some of her classic books for children?  Ribsy, the timeless story of a dog who refuses to be civilized, will delight anyone who has ever had a pet of their own (or wanted one). You can read more about Ribsy and his boy, Henry Huggins, in Henry and Ribsy. You'll also enjoy Beezus and Ramona, an engaging tale about the love and rivalry between two sisters---recently made into a lovely family film titled Ramona and Beezus. And don't forget the adventures of Ramona, the peskiest little sister of all time. There are dozens more titles you will enjoy by this beloved childrens' writer.

Splat the Cat Sings Flat is a new easy reader based on the popular Splat the Cat picture books by Rob Scotton. While this book his written by Chris Strathearn, the illustrations,created by Rob Scotton, have the same whimsy of the orginal books. In this story, Splat has to sing on Parents' Night with his class. The only problem is, stage fright makes Splat forget how to sing, how to hum, and even how to meow! Will he overcome his nerves in time for the big performance?

It's tough enough to start fifth grade without dealing with aliens! Michael has two extremely weird classmates-- Bob and Jennifer --  Spaceheadz from another planet who need his help to save the world. Led by Major Fluffy, the class hamster and mission commander, they must recruit 3.14 million (+1) Earthling brainwaves to join in one giant SPHDZ wave to keep the planet online. However, Agent Umber from the Anti-Alien Agency is on their trail, and wants Michael to lead him to the aliens. Michael wants to save the Earth—but does that mean helping the Spaceheadz or turning them in? If you liked the Time Warp Trio series, or if you like graphic novels, or if you just like a good laugh, check out the SPHDZ series.

The Dragonblood series by Michael Dahl is a unique blend of easy-to-read chapter book and graphic novel that would appeal to anyone who loves fantasy tales.  A new Age of Dragons has begun, as the powerful creatures have returned to rule the world again. In ages past, humans have been enemies of dragons. This time, though, dragons have human allies--humans born with dragon blood that gives them amazing powers. If you enjoy fantasy, graphic novels, or superhero stories, check out the latest in the series: Dragon Cowboy. Click on the title or the picture of the book at left to see if it's available at the library, or to request it.

12 year old Zoomy is legally blind (he's extremely nearsighted) and lives with his loving grandparents after being abandoned as a baby. Intrigue begins when his alcoholic dad reappears, leaving behind a mysterious box with an old journal inside. Could it be the long-lost field notes of Charles Darwin's voyage on the HMS Beagle? Zoomy goes on a quest to find out, with the help of his new friend.  Danger, suspense, humor--it's all here in Blue Balliett's The Danger Box. Click on the title or the book cover at left to reserve it!