Six Weeks Until Caldecott, Newbery, and Printz Awards Announcements



The Caldecott, Newbery, and Printz medals

In six weeks, the 2013 Caldecott, Newbery, and Printz awards will be announced.

The Caldecott medal is awarded to an illustrator of the most distinguished American picture book for children by the Association for Library Services for Children.

The Newbery medal is awarded to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

The Printz award honors the best books written for teens each year based on literary merit. For more information about each award, click on the links above.

On Monday, January 28, 2013, at 8:00 a.m., the American Library Association will announce the 2013 winners and honorees.  To get ready for their announcement, the Children's Room has selected our own list of possible winners for the three awards.  Below is the list of titles that we believe should be considered for this honor.  Each week, we will spotlight titles for each of these awards.

Caldecott Titles:

"Baby Bear Sees Blue" by Ashley Wolff

"Because Amelia Smiled" by David Ezra Stein

"Bear Has A Story To Tell" by Philip Stead

"Oh, No!" by Candace Fleming

"Extra Yarn" by Mac Barnett

"One Cool Friend" by Toni Buzzeo
"A Home For Bird" by Philip Stead
"And Then It's Spring" by Julie Fogliano
"Chloe And The Lion" by Mac Barnett
"Homer" by Elisha Cooper

Newbery Titles:

"Wonder" by R. J. Palacio
"Splendors and Glooms" by Laura Amy Schlitz
"One And Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate
"Lions Of Little Rock" by Kristen Levine
"Liar And Spy" by Rebecca Stead
"Kepler's Dream" by Juliet Bell
"Breathing Room" by Marsha Hayles
"Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin
"Three Times Lucky" by Sheila Turnage
"Mighty Miss Malone" by Christopher Curtis

Printz Titles:

"Last Dragonslayer" by Jasper Fforde
"There Is No Dog" by Meg Rosoff
"Survive" by Alex Morel
"Amelia Anne Is Dead And Gone" by Kat Rosenfield
"Ask The Passengers" by A. S. King
"Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein
"The Fault In Our Stars" by John Green
"The List" by Siobhan Vivian
"Diviners" by Libba Bray
"Every Day" by David Levithan
"Brides Of Rollrock Island" by Margo Lanagan

Brrr It's Cold Outside!

The snow has arrived, and winter will be here soon.  While you are curled up inside under a blanket, grab a book and learn about why it snows or read a fun story about rabbits in the snow.

Stop by the library and check out our collection of fun winter stories and fact books.  Here are a few librarian favorites.

• "One Winter's Day" by M. Christina Butler
• "Big Wolf & Little Wolf : The Little Leaf That Wouldn't Fall" by Nadine Brun-Cosme
• "The Little Lost Robin" by Elizabeth Baguley

• "It's Snowing!" by Olivier Dunrea
• "Tippy-Tippy-Tippy, Hide!" by Candace Fleming
• "Carl's Snowy Afternoon" by Alexandra Day

• "When The Snow Comes" by Jonathan Allen
• "An Orange In January" by Dianna Hutts Aston
• "Straight To The Pole" by Kevin O'Malley

• "The Story Of Snow : Science Of Winter's Wonder" by Mark Cassino
• "It's Snowing" by Gail Gibbons
• "Whiteout! A Book About Blizzards" by Rick Thomas

Annual Frosty Day

Frosty Day is almost here.  On Saturday, December 8th, starting at 2:00 p.m., the town of North Castle will be celebrating with a parade, hayrides, cartoons, and refreshments.  Listed below is the schedule of events.

Along with a fun day of celebration, there will also be collection bins around town to collect coats and warm clothes for people in need after Hurricane Sandy.  If you have gently-used coats and warm clothing, please bring them with you to Main Street or drop them off in the lobby of the North Castle Library.

2:00 - 4:00 ~ Frosty Scavenger Hunt for ages 5 to 12 at the Hergenhan Center.

2:00 & 3:00 ~ "Frosty the Snowman" cartoons and refreshments at the North Castle Public Library.

2:00 - 4:00 ~ Smith's Tavern Open House. 

4:30 - 5:00 ~ Frosty Parade down Main Street, starting at Armonk Town Center.

5:00 ~ Holiday display lighting at the gazebo in Wampus Brook Park.

5:00 - 6:00 ~ Winter Walk (hayrides, carolers, Santa, food and cheer).

Christmas Is Coming...

The garland is hung and the lights are lit.  Now we have to wait for the big day to arrive.  To help pass the time until Christmas is here, stop by the library and grab a couple of fun Christmas stories.  With the abundance of books available, there is plenty to choose from.  Here are some of our favorite new and old picture books.

 

• "Christmas Wombat" by Jackie French
• "Dinosaur Vs. Santa" by Bob Shea
• "It's Christmas, David!" by David Shannon
• "Suzy Goose And The Christmas Star" by Petr Horacek
• "Olivia Helps With Christmas" by Ian Falconer

 

• "Where Teddy Bears Come From" by Mark Burgess
• "Santa Claus The World's Number One Toy Expert" by Marla Frazee
• "A Bad Kitty Christmas" by Nick Bruel
• "Grumpy Badger's Christmas" by Paul Bright
• "Who's That Knocking On Christmas Eve?" by Jan Brett

 

• "Toot & Puddle : I'll Be Home For Christmas" by Holly Hobbie
• "My Penguin Osbert" by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
• "Tacky's Christmas" by Helen Lester
• "Fletcher And The Snowflake Christmas" by Julia Rawlinson
• "Merry Un-Christmas" by Mike Reiss

 

• "Llama Llama Holiday Drama" by Anna Dewdney
• "Millie In The Snow" by Alexander Steffensmeier
• "Scaredy Squirrel Prepares For Christmas" by Mélanie Watt
• "Russell's Christmas Magic" by Rob Scotton
• "Hark! A Christmas Sampler" by Jane Yolen and Tomie dePaola

First Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

North Castle residents are invited to the first annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, December 2, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the North Castle Community Center.

Bring the entire family to have your picture taken with Santa, enjoy refreshments, and listen / sing holiday carols while the holiday tree is lit up. 

Chanukah Is Only Ten Days Away

Stop by the library and check out some of our picture books, CDs and DVDs celebrating Chanukah.  Here are a few of the many titles the library has available.

"The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes" by Linda Glaser
"Latkes, Latkes Good To Eat : A Chanukah Story" by Naomi Howland
"The Story Of Hanukkah" by Amy Ehrlich

"Hershel And The Hanukkah Goblins" by Eric Kimmel
"Runaway Driedel!" by Leslea Newman
"Moishe's Miracle" by Laura Krauss Melmed

"It's A Miracle : A Hanukkah Story" by Stephanie Spinner
"One Candle" by Eve Bunting
"Pearl's Eight Days Of Chanukah" by Jane Breskin Zalben

Looking For A Fun Movie?

Are you looking for a fun children's movie to see over the Thanksgiving weekend?  Check out "Rise Of The Guardians" (rated PG)!  This exciting, animated movie is based on the Guardians Of Childhood series by William Joyce.

The movie is about an evil spirit, Pitch, who launches an assault on Earth.  The immortal guardians (Jack Frost, Nicholas St. North, Toothiana, and E. Aster Bunnymund) team up to protect the innocence of children all over the world.  Click here to see the trailer.

Have you already seen the movie?  Then check out the books.  Find out the true story behind each of the characters from the movie.  These stories are even great to read aloud or listen to on audiobook.

1. Nicholas St. North And The Battle Of The Nightmare King
2. E. Aster Bunnymund And The Warrior Eggs At The Earth's Core
3. Toothiana, Queen Of The Tooth Fairy Armies.

Thanksgiving Songs And Finger Plays

Here are some great songs and finger plays to sing on Thanksgiving!  While you're cooking and getting ready to feast, enjoy these festive songs with your child.

~ THE TURKEY ~
The turkey is a funny bird.
(Hook thumbs together and spread fingers to create turkey tail.)
Its head goes wobble, wobble.
(Wobble head back and forth.)
And all it knows is just one word:
(Hold up one finger.)
"Gobble, gobble, gobble."
(Make mouth shape with hand, opening and closing it while sounding like a turkey.)

~  FIVE LITTLE TURKEYS ~ 
Five little turkeys sitting by the barn door, One ran away, and then there were four.
Run, turkey! Run, turkey! Run far away! Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day. 
Four little turkeys sitting under a tree. One ran away, and then there were three. Run, turkey! Run, turkey! Run far away! Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day.   Three little turkeys playing Skip-To-My-Lou. One ran away, and then there were two.
Run, Turkey! Run, turkey! Run far away! Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day. 
Two little turkeys lying in the sun. One ran away, and then there was one.
Run, turkey! Run, turkey! Run far away! Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day. 
One little turkey, having no more fun. He ran away and then there were none.
Run, turkey! Run, turkey! Run far away! Soon it will be Thanksgiving Day.

~ I’M A GREAT BIG TURKEY ~
(Tune: “I’m A Little Teapot”)
I’m a great big turkey
‘Cause I’m well fed.
Watch me spread my feathers.
Watch me bob my head.
When I strut around
I waddle, waddle, waddle.
And when I talk
I “gobble, gobble, gobble”.
I’m a great big turkey
And I’d love to stay.
But Thanksgiving’s coming.

~ FIVE FAT TURKEYS ~
Five fat turkeys were sitting on a fence. (One hand up)
The first one said, "I'm so immense." (Point to thumb)
The second one said, "I can gobble at you." (Pointer finger)
The third one said, "I can gobble, too." (Middle finger)
The fourth one said, "I can spread my tail." (Ring finger)
The fifth one said, "Don't catch it on a nail." (Little finger)
A farmer came along and stopped to say (Pointer of other hand)
"Turkeys look best on Thanksgiving Day."

~ TURKEY DINNER FINGERPLAY ~ 
Up and down, round and round (make circles in the air)
The turkey ran across the ground. (wave hands across the floor)
Over, under, in between (hold hands up, down, and between the legs)
Now the turkey can't be seen.
The farmer looks in front (look in front, holding hand above the eyes)
The farmer looks behind, (look behind, holding hand above the eyes)
Still the turkey can't be found.
There's the turkey (point across the room) Running right (move hands right)
Running left (move hands left)
Over the hill and out of sight (move hands up and down)
No turkey for dinner tonight!

~ MR. TURKEY ~
Mr. Turkey's tail is big and wide (spread fingers)
He swings it when he walks (swing hands)
His neck is long (stretch neck)
His chin is red (stroke chin)
And he gobbles when he talks (open and close hands, and gobbles)

~ FIVE PILGRIMS ~
Five Pilgrims fish in the morn. (pretend to fish)
Five Indians help them plant corn. (pretend to plant)
The Indians bring the corn (hold up right hand)
The Pilgrims bring the meat. (hold up left hand)
Ten new friends sit down to eat. (Fold hands together)

Thanksgiving

Turkey Day is only eight days away! Come check out our feast of Thanksgiving books in the Children's Room. Snuggle up after dinner and pie with some great books!

"Fried Feathers For Thanksgiving" by James Stevenson
"Run, Turkey, Run!" by Laura Rader
"Milly And The Macy's Parade" by Shana Corey

"Over The River And Through The Wood" by Lydia Maria Child
"The Firefighter's Thanksgiving" by Maribeth Boelts
"A Plump And Perky Turkey" by Teresa Bateman

"Turkey Surprise" by Peggy Archer
"Thanksgiving" by David F. Marx (Rookie Reader)
"Balloons Over Broadway" by Melissa Sweet

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is observed on November 12 this year.  This is a day to honor military veterans who have fought during war times.  There are many parades and speeches made across the nation on this day.  On your day off from school, come to the library and read some great books about war, peace, and how we honor and observe our war veterans.  Here are some books about great soldiers showing great strength.

• "Hero Dad" by Melinda Hardin
• "The Angel And The Soldier Boy" by Peter Collington
• "My Daddy Was A Soldier" by Deborah Kogan Ray

• "Veterans Day" by Mir Tamin Ansary
• "Veterans Day" by Amanda Doering Tourville
• "Nurse, Soldier, Spy" by Marissa Moss

• "Proud As A Peacock, Brave As A Soldier" by Jane Barclay
• "Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops" by Jill Biden
• "The Enemy" by Davide Cali

October Is Anti-Bullying Month

This month is anti-bullying month.  To help promote friendship and tolerance, check out some of the great books about dealing with bullies and making friends.

Picture Books

• Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
• Not So Tall For Six by Dianna Aston
• The New Bear At School by Carrie Weston
• Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester
• Big Bad Bruce by Bill Peet
• Three Bully Goats by Leslie Kimmelman
• Freckleface Strawberry by Julianne Moore
• Lucy And The Bully by Claire Alexander

 

Chapter Books

• How To Beat A Bully Without Really Trying by Scott Starkey
• Liar And Spy by Rebecca Stead
• Along Came Spider by James Preller
• Models Don't Eat Chocolate Cookie by Erin Dionne
• The Truth About Truman School by Don Hillestad
• Because Of Mr. Terrupt by Rob Buyea
• If A Tree Falls At Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko
• Out Of My Mind by Sharon Draper

All Aboard The Solar Express

All Aboard!

The Solar Express is the newest year-round feature for visitors of Stepping Stones
Museum for Children.  A fun addition to the museum’s offerings, the train builds upon
the museum’s commitment to energy conservation education and environmental
responsibility.  The train runs on solar power.

While out on the train route, “conductors” will highlight the museum’s environmental initiatives that include a green roof, a wind turbine, rain gardens, the use of renewable resources in our building materials and much more.  Stepping Stones Museum for Children is a LEED Gold certified building, meeting the nation’s strictest controls in environmental sustainability.

Weather permitting, the Solar Express runs several times daily, bringing passengers
on a unique seven- to ten-minute guided tour through historic Mathews Park.  The train also takes a break from 12 noon to 1:00 pm and again from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm

Regular museum admission is required.  Museum visitors can get a museum pass by reserving it online through our library website link, or by purchasing tickets at the museum's Welcome Desk.  Children under three must ride with a parent.

Tickets are $1 per ride for Members and $3 per ride for Non-members with museum admission.

It's Time For Witches And Ghouls To Come Out And Play

Halloween is a month away, and it is time to get in the spooky spirit of the holiday.  Stop by the library and check out our ghostly collection of halloween books.

• Mouse's First Halloween by Lauren Thompson
• Skeleton In The Closet by Alice Schertle
• Halloween Day by Anne Rockwell
• Bone Dog by Eric Rohmann

• A Very Brave Witch by Alison McGhee
• Happy Haunting, Amelia Bedelia by Herman Parish
• Only A Witch Can Fly by Alison McGhee
• Queen Of Halloween by Mary Engelbreit

• Boo, Bunny! by Kathryn O. Galbraith
• Five Little Pumpkins by Iris Van Rynbach
• Haunted House, Haunted Mouse by Judy Cox
• Scaredy-cat, Splat! by Rob Scotton

• Boogie Knights by Lisa Wheeler
• Where's My Mummy? by Carolyn Crimi
• And Then Comes Halloween by Tom Brenner
• Pumpkin Fair by Eve Bunting

What's Happening This Week

She's baaack!  Tomorrow, Lori Jo returns to North Castle Children's Corner for her bi-weekly music extravaganza.  "Toddler Music" takes place every other Tuesday morning at 11:00 a.m.  (10/2, 10/16, and 10/30).

Our weekly "Bounce The Baby" music program is held every Wednesday morning at 11:00 a.m.  Suited for children aged 6 months to 2 years old will be treated to songs, stories, and lap-sit games.

"Mother Goose Storytime" is a bi-weekly program geared for 2 to 4 year old children (10/4, 10/18, and 11/1).  The stories are a bit longer, and there is less music.

"Teddy Bear Storytime"  on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.  Children aged 1 to 4 years old are welcome to bring their favorite stuffed animal. 

Visit our calendar for more details.

The Presidential Campaign Is Under Way

Unsure what all the fuss is about?  With less than six weeks until the presidential election, find out what's going on with some of our great books about elections, the presidency, and the history of our government.

 

Picture Books 

• President Pennybaker by Kate Feiffer
• Duck For President by Doreen Cronin
• Grace For President by Katie DiPucchio
• We The Kids : The Preamble To The Constitution Of The United States by David Catrow

Easy Non-Fiction

• Worst Of Friends by Suzanne Trip Jurmain
• So You Want To Be President by Judith St. George
• D Is For Democracy : A Citizen's Alphabet by Elissa Grodin
• Those Rebels, John and Tom by Barbara Kerley
• First Family by Deborah Hopkinson

Non-Fiction

• The President's Stuck In The Bathtub by Susan Katz
• Our Country's Presidents by Ann Bausum
• How Do We Elect Our Leader by William Thomas
• Presidential Races by Arlene Morris-Lipsman
• Political Parties, Interest Groups, And The Media by Geofffrey M. Horn

Armonk Art Show : There's Stuff For Kids, Too!

Ranked among the top fine art and design shows in the New York metro area, the 51st annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show will take place September 29 & 30, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., rain or shine. There will be 185 juried artists, 48 of which will be new to this year's show. In addition, there will be a food court, a raffle, docent tours, and children's activities.

Drop in for a visit at the Children's booth and choose from face painting, sand art, and sun-art paper crafts. (SunArt uses the energy of the sun to create beautiful shadow print artwork. Simply select the items you'd like to use in your artwork, put them on the SunArt paper, cover them with the acrylic sheet, and expose them to the sun. In just a few minutes, the magic will happen. Rinse the sheet with cold water and you'll see your shadow print artwork!)  The Children's booth is open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Mark Of Athena

Rick Riordan has written several popular children's series including Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Kane Chronicles, and The Heroes of Olympus.  He has also written the Tres Navarre mystery series for adults.  His short fiction has been featured in Mary Higgins Clark Mystery Magazine and Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine.  He has won Edgar, Anthony, and Shamus Awards for his mystery novels.  The third book in his "Heroes of Olympus" series will be available on October 2, 2012.  Records are already available on our library website for you to place a hold on this item. 

In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six--who will complete the Prophecy of Seven?

The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death? Much of the prophecy remains a mystery. . . .

 

With old friends and new friends joining forces, a marvelous ship, fearsome foes, and an exotic setting, The Mark of Athena promises to be another unforgettable adventure by master storyteller Rick Riordan.

Summer Reading Has Come To An End

Tuesday is the last day to collect your Summer Reading prizes.  If you haven't collected all eight prizes, stop by after school before 7:45 p.m. or send your parents in for you.  While you are at the library, turn in your final raffle tickets.  The drawing will be on Wednesday, September 5.

Happy Labor Day.

See you in the library!

Back To School

The countdown has begun.  The start of school is almost here.  Get ready to go back to school (or start for the first time) with some of our great school stories.

Picture Books:
Foxy by Emma Dodd
Pirates Go To School by Corinne Demas
Seamonster's First Day by Kate Messner
Is Your Buffalo Ready For Kindergarten by Audrey Vernick
Countdown To Kindergarten by Alison McGhee
Preschool To The Rescue by Judy Sierra

Easy Reader Nonfiction:

What To Expect At Preschool by Heidi Murkoff

The Big Day! First Day Of School by Nicola Barber

How To Be A Friend by Laurie Krasny Brown

Making Friends by Fred Rogers

Easy Reader:

Mittens At School by Lola M. Schaefer

Robin Hill School by Margaret McNamara

Max And Zoe At School by Shelley Swanson Satersen

Young Reader:
Stuey Lewis Against All Odds: Stones From The Third Grade by Jane Schoenberg
Don't Tap Dance On Your Teacher by Katherine Applegate
Beany The Meany by Susan Wojciechowski
Stuart Goes To School by Sara Pennypacker

Fiction:
The New Kid by Mavis Jukes
Mason Dixon: Fourth Grade Disasters by Claudia Mills
Alice Miranda At School by Jacquelline Harvey
Dork Diaries by Rachel Renee Russell
Because Of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
Justin Case: School, Drool, And Other Daily Disasters by Rachel Vail

Nonfiction:
School Survival by Tina Gagliardi
A Smart Girl's Guide To Starting Middle School by American Girl
It's Back To School We Go! by Ellen Jackson
My School In The Rainforest by Margriet Ruurs

Last Week Of Summer Reading

This has been an exciting summer for the Summer Reading Program.  Over the last seven weeks, over 390 kids signed up for the program.

Kids who have signed up for the Summer Reading Program but have not received any or all of their eight prizes still have time.  Even though the Reading Program ends this week, kids can continue to collect prizes they have not received until the first day of school.

Our final program of the summer is Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. in Whippoorwill Theater.  Master storyteller, Jonathan Kruk, will be performing famous fairytales and folklore with the help of volunteers from the audience.  Be prepared for a wild, laugh-a-minute performance.

Ann M. Martin Celebrates A Birthday

The author of the popular "Main Street" and "Babysitters Club" series celebrated her 57th birthday yesterday.  Ann M. Martin was born on August 12, 1955.  She grew up in Princeton, New Jersey, with her parents and her younger sister, Jane.  After graduating from Smith College, Ann became a teacher and then an editor of children's books.  She's now a full-time writer.  After living in New York City for many years, she moved to the Hudson Valley in upstate New York

Many of her books are available at the North Castle library.  You can read more about her on her website.

Have a long road trip coming up?

Add some excitement to your hours on the road with one or more of our great audiobooks.

Looking for some mystery?  Try

• Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer by John Grisham
• The Danger Box by Blue Balliett
• The Red Blazer Girls: The Ring Of Rocadour by Michael D. Beil

Feel like traveling back in time?  Try

• Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
• The Mostly True Adventures Of Homer P. Figg by W. R. Philbrick
• The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood

Need a good laugh?  Try

• School Of Fear by Gitty Daneshvari
• Jeremy Bender Vs. The Cupcake Cadets by Eric Luper
• Alvin Ho Allergic To Girls, School, And Other Scary Things by Lenore Look

Love stories about animals?  Try

• The Cheshire Cheese Cat by Carman Agra Deedy
• Chomp by Carl Hiaasen
• The Fast And The Furriest by Andy Behrens

Need an escape from reality?  Try

• Troubletwisters by Garth Nix
• Museum Of Thieves by Lian Tanner
• The Book Of Elsewhere: The Shadows by Jacqueline West

Need a dose of reality?  Try

• Oggie Cooder by Sarah Weeks
• The Absolute Value Of Mike by Kathryne Erskine
• Out Of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Rather be at a ballgame than sitting in your car?  Try

• The Boy Who Saved Baseball by John H. Ritter
• Million Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica
• The Girl Who Threw Butterflies by Mick Cochrane

Enjoy the ride!