Dick King-Smith

Sad to hear of the passing of that great author, Dick King-Smith http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12121506. He was an excellent writer of children's tales, probably the most well known being Babe: the gallant pig, which was made into the very popular movie. My personal favorite is Pigs Might Fly.

Let's hear which is your favorite and make a point sometime in the next month to read one of his tales. You'll find many of his books in the children's fiction section.

Books On My Desk

Outside it may be a mild winter’s day, but inside my desk is buried in a blizzard of newly arrived children’s books. Here is a sampling of items coming soon to a library shelf near you.

Henry & the Crazed Chicken Pirates by Carolyn Crimi; illustrated by John Manders

When the Buccaneer Bunnies receive a note from an unknown enemy, Henry researches and writes a book called "Plan for Impending Danger from the Unknown Enemy Who Wrote the Scary Note," which helps him when the enemy finally arrives.

Panda Kindergarten by Joanne Ryder; photos by Dr. Katherine Feng

School is in session! But this is no ordinary kindergarten class. Meet sixteen young giant panda cubs at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at the Wolong Nature Preserve. The cubs are raised together from infancy in a protected setting, where they grow strong. Under the watchful eyes of the scientists and workers, the cubs learn skills that will help prepare them to be released into the wild.

Stretch by Doreen Cronin; illustrated by Scott Menchin

Rhyming text describes the many ways to stretch.

If America Were a Village: a book about the people of United States by David J. Smith; illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong

This book uses a simple metaphor to create a snapshot--past, present and future--to help readers imagine America as a village of 100 people, exploring their lives to help children and readers of all ages to discover a whole new vision of America.