Tales about critters

“Critter Tales” is coming soon and we’re all excited to see the live animals coming into the library! Since we are librarians we also love to read about our favorite animals and their protectors.  These are some of the great books that we recommend to your little critters:

Miss Elizabeth’s Pick: “Wild Wings” by Gill Lewis.

“Wild Wings” is a must read for budding nature lovers.  Callum is young Scottish boy who vows to protect the osprey that has made a nest on his family farm.  During the course of Iris the osprey’s nesting and migration, Callum experiences friendship, loss, and philanthropy.  

Miss Paula’s Pick: Animal Ark series by Ben Baglio.

Animal Ark follows the adventures of young Mandy Hope and her friends. Mandy loves animals and likes to help out at her parents' veterinarian clinic but she often finds animals outside the clinic that need help, too.  Mandy is always willing to go out of her way to help an animal in need.  This series is wonderful for any youngster who longs to spend time with and help animals. 

 

Miss Mary’s Pick: “Beaver Pond, Moose Pond” by Jim Arnosky.

Jim Arnosky is one of Miss Mary’s favorite nature authors.  For small ones just learning about the wonders of wildlife across the world, Arnosky uses factual information and his exquisite artwork in a manner appealing to children.  Beaver Pond Moose Pond is one of her favorites because she loves beavers!

Miss Levonn’s Pick: “The Buffalo are Back” by Jean Craighead George. 

This Sequoyah nominee is an enjoyable history of the buffalo starting with the multitude that lived in Oklahoma and the Great Plains to their near extinction, and then back to the many herds that now roam in our national parks.  I have seen buffalo wallows on the farm I grew up on and have always enjoyed thinking of them up on the hill, watching over the calves and protecting them from predators.

While we are thinking of the predators you might also want to read “The Wolves are Back” also by Jean Craighead George or “When the Wolves Returned” by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent.  Both of these books point out how wolves were also brought back from near extinction and are a necessary part of the natural ecosystem.

If you and your little readers want to investigate more facts about animals check out the 570s through 599 in the nonfiction sections.  There you will find a wide range of other books the librarians enjoy, such as:

(JUV 577 SHA) Eco-tracking: on the trail of habitat change by Daniel Shaw

(JUV 590 STO) Where wild things live: wildlife watching techniques and adventures by Dan Story

(JUV 639.9 STE) Kids' easy-to-create wildlife habitats by Emily Stetson

(EASY 590 SIW) Animals Up Close: Zoom in on the world's most incredible creatures by Igor Siwanowicz

(EASY 591.4 JEN) Actual Size by Steve Jenkins

And if you cannot find your favorite animal, just ask at the help desk and we would be more than happy to track down any book you need. See you at Critter Tales on Tuesday, February 26th at 4:30pm!

Be mine by Heather

 

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many people will be choosing special cards, gifts and/or candy for those that have special meaning in their lives.  One of my favorite memories of this holiday when my children were in elementary school was watching them prepare their Valentines for family and friends.   It was so fun to watch them pick out the little cards and choose the candy they wanted to give with their Valentines, then write ever-so-carefully “to” and” from” names on each card. Their anticipation of celebrating at school with their friends was a joy to watch.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in numerous countries around the world, each with its own variation of traditions and customs for the holiday.  In Finland, Valentine’s Day is known as “Friends Day” with an emphasis on remembering all of your friends (not only your loved ones).  Norway enjoys a custom of a character named “Jack” Valentine who delivers gifts and candy to children at the back door of their houses.  In Japan, the holiday is more about women giving to men – and it is typically chocolate that is given, not necessarily cards and flowers.  The Japanese men reciprocate in the month of March.

The Stillwater Public Library offers a selection of Valentine- themed books, music CD’s and audio books for people of all ages to enjoy in preparation for the holiday.  From Easy reader books like “Ruby Valentine saves the day,” by Laurie B. Friedman, to Juvenile selections such as “Cam Jansen and the Valentine baby mystery,” by David A. Adler.   A good choice for young adults is “Valentine Princess,” by Meg Cabot. Those that are inspired by music might enjoy the selection of music CD’s including “Love Songs,” by Miles Davis, or “Picture This,” by Jim Brickman or perhaps for the musician, the book of “Best Songs Ever.”  Interested in making homemade gifts?  “Hearts and Crafts,” by Sheri Brownrigg will give numerous craft and recipe ideas for this romantic holiday.  For mystery lovers, “Death of a Valentine,” by M.C. Beaton has been a very popular item at the library.

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, however you choose to celebrate!  Hope to see you soon at the Library!

Renew your resolutions! by Danielle

It’s nearly a month into 2013 and most of us have probably broken our New Year’s resolution.  My resolution this year seemed like it should have been easier to keep—“I will be happy.  I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fills with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.” But, just a few days in, I broke the resolution when my persnickety car transmission started acting up, and I let it ruin my whole day. 

Resolutions that involve how you think and feel are much harder to keep then concrete goals like not eating chocolate or drinking more water.  Our thoughts and feelings are always with us, bombarding us at every turn.  I suggest you get some extra help.  The library is filled with books on learning how to think positively, set new personal goals in your life, and improve interpersonal relationships.  Some of our newest items include:

·             “Get What You Want: the Art Of Making And Manifesting Your Intentions” by Tony Burroughs.  Burroughs, shares advice he initially learned on a farm over a ten year period.  He developed “The Code” to be repeated once a day and tried it out with a circle of friends.  It resulted in dramatic and life-changing effects.

·             “What Do You Want To Do Before You Die?” by The Buried Life.  This book is an illustrated selection of answers to the title's question, submitted online and and featured in the MTV reality television series of the same name.  Also included are brief essays on how the authors accomplished some of their lists' tasks and their experiences helping others complete their lists.  

·             “Friendkeeping: A Field Guide to the People You Love, Hate and Can’t Live Without” by Julie Klam.  Klam examines friendship in all its modern varieties, both online and in person, and explores how to keep friends in the face of intimidating odds, including disliking a spouse or being happy in their misfortunes.

·             “The Antidote: Happiness For People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking” by Oliver Burkeman.  Burkeman suggests an alternative to making resolutions.   He suggests making tiny individual changes, repeatedly throughout the year, rather than multiple, ambitious ones at the start of it.

So, one month into the New Year, make a new resolution.  Resolve to drop into the library to find the tools that will help you get back on track and make some real change.