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Jan 29, 2013

And the winners are...

The American Library Association announced the 2013 award winning books yesterday.  This year is very special because it marks the 75th year of the Caldecott award.  The Caldecott medal is given to an artist, or illustrator, for most distinguished American picture book for children.

The 2013 Caldecott Medal was awarded to This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen.


 Klassen's story involves a small fish who proclaims he is wearing a stolen hat.  He stole it from a big fish while he was napping, but isn't worried because he is on a quest to where the grass grows tall and he can hide.  This book has quiet humor and a muted color palette.  The text is in a continuous ribbon at the top of the pages and doesn't compete with the great illustrations.
 You will have to read this story to find out if the hat returns to its rightful owner. It may surprise you!


For previous winners of the Caldecott Medal and Caldecott Honor titles, visit the ALA site.
 
One of the other major awards given out yesterday was the Newbery Award.  This medal is given to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
The 2013 Newbery Award was given to The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.


Ivan is the gorilla who lives at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade.  Along with several other animals including Stella, an elephant, and Bob the stray dog, Ivan tries to find his place in the world and at the Big Top Mall. Ivan often uses painting as a way to express himself.  Things around the Big Top Mall begin to change when Ruby, a younger elephant, joins them begins to challenge his thoughts, giving him hope he may one day see the jungle again. 
 This story is told through Ivan's perspective and gives us insight into the unknown animal world.  This book is a sweet addition to the Newbery line up. For previous Newbery winners and Honor books, click here.

Come to the Grafton-Midview Public Library to scope out our newest display featuring current and past Newbery and Caldecott winners and Honor books, along with other important awards such as the Coretta Scott King award, Odyssey audio awards, and more.  Find a new favorite to take home today!

Jan 16, 2013

Web Wednesday with a Wimpy Kid

Are you a fan of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series?  We currently have a display at the Library for some read-alike stories. 
 Some of our favorite Wimpy Kid read-alikes include:
  • Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading by Tommy Greenwald
  • Knights of the Lunch Table by Frank Cammuso
  • Flat Broke by Gary Paulsen
  • Curse of the Campfire Weenies and Other Creepy Stories by David Lubar
  • For more suggestions stop in and ask your librarians!
If you want to take the fun even further you can check out the Wimpy Kid website here.  You can find out more about the books, track the author tours, get a calendar for the new year, and more. 

My favorite part by far is the chance to 'wimp yourself' and make your own character!  If you just want to wimp yourself you can visit this site: http://www.wimpyourself.com/


Jan 2, 2013

Web Wednesday with Babymouse!


If you can't get enough cupcakes like Babymouse, the graphic novel series by Jennifer L. Holm, then you should check out the Babymouse site. You can find out more about Babymouse, look up summaries of the books, and create fun stuff like a poster.  Your librarians would love it if you sent us an e-card!
If you're a fan of Babymouse you can ask a librarian for other reading suggestions.  The brother-sister duo also has a newer series of graphic novels, Squish!   Check it out at GMPL!