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The New LiBEARian

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The New LiBEARian by Alison Donald; illustrated by Alex Willmore
Format: Book
Who’s it for: Kids

What happens when the librarian is late to storytime? Why is the librarian’s desk covered in honey and paw prints? Who will read for storytime? How about the new librarian- who happens to be a bear! In this adorably illustrated picture book, you’ll be “beary” surprised by the magic of the library and its newest librarian! Library lovers will enjoy this special twist on how imagination comes to life at storytime and can even bring forth some very special guests! If storytime sparks your imagination- visit your library branch today and peruse a copy of librarian (and liBEARian) approved stories and activities! Find it in the catalog!

The Book Hog

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The Book Hog by Greg Pizzoli
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Kids

Hog has quite the growing collection of books. He scoots around town on his moped and searches out great deals on them too. He’ll look anywhere–from garage sales to garbage cans! Any books that Hog gets his hands are sure to become part of his collection. There’s only one problem…Hog can’t read a single one of his beloved books. In fact, he doesn’t know how to read at all!

One day, out on his search for more books, Hog stumbles into his local library and joins in a storytime. With the help of a friendly librarian, Hog gains confidence in himself and strives to learn to read. And slowly but surely, he does! By the end of the story, Hog becomes a frequent library patron who no longer needs to buy books to enjoy a good story.

Pizzoli’s The Book Hog contains charming illustrations and is an absolute joy to read. It also highlights the fact that the value of libraries cannot be defined simply in terms of their material offerings, but rather in the additional services they offer such as their dedication to encouraging early literacy skills. This fun story with its book-lovin’ main character would be a great read to share with young children curious about reading on their own.

Find it in the catalog.

 

Finding Langston

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Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Format: Book
Who it’s for:  Kids

In 1946, Langston and his Dad move to Chicago from rural Alabama.  His mother recently passed away and he is feeling a little lost in this big city.   The city is so noisy and everyone calls him “Country boy” because he has an accent and wears overalls.  He hasn’t made any friends and is experiencing bullying from a few kids in his class.  In order to avoid the bullies, one day he goes a different way home from school and discovers the George Cleveland Hall Branch Library.

The library becomes his home away from home.  He never imagined such a wonderful place and they allow colored folks!  The first book he finds is by Langston Hughes and he wonders if he was named after him?  He finds he has a lot in common with Mr. Hughes and soon discovers more poetry and writings by other Negro writers.

Langston’s journey to discovering himself is beautifully written by Ms. Cline-Ransome.  This is truly a lovely book.  It’s a love story for libraries and writers.  And, it’s a story about the Great Migration when many blacks from the South migrated to the North after World War II.

Find it in the catalog