About Dana

Book-nerd, music-maven, movie-fanatic. Teen book display goddess. Purveyor of fine booklists.

Books I Love That You’ve Never Heard of: Petunia

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Dana

My father would read to my brothers and me every night before we went to bed. We had plenty of books to choose from, but we had a tendency to pick certain favorites over and over again.

I know. You’re shocked any child would do that.

One of those favorites was “Petunia” by Roger Duvoisin. I adored this book about a goose who discovers that acting like you know everything doesn’t make it true.

When I started working at the library, I was more than a little appalled to learn that none of my co-workers had heard of it. “But…you’re librarians!” I squeaked. “You’re supposed to know ALL the books! How can you not know Petunia?!” I quiz people from time to time and find I am often alone in my love of Petunia. But no more! I am singing her praises from the blogosphere! Check out this book and read it over and over and over and over! Your kids will love it. I know I did.

No Damsels in Distress

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Dana

I realize there are lots of kids out there that love a feather boa, tiara and a sensible pair of heels. I understand that tons of boys and girls enjoy a fairy tale with a prince rescuing a princess and living happily ever after.

But on behalf of all the independent girls who hate pink, I object. I don’t need to be rescued, thankyouverymuch, and I don’t want to make young girls think they need to sit around waiting for a prince or a party or permission to be creative.

“Olivia and the Fairy Princesses” by Ian Falconer was my whole inspiration for this article! In this latest book in the Olivia series, there are too many ruffly, sparkly princesses around, and Olivia has had quite enough. She needs to stand out! I loved Olivia’s smart and unconventional ideas of what she could grow up to be. Continue reading →

Summer Olympics!

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Dana

I can’t lie; I love it when the Olympics roll around every two years. It’s a wonderful time when everyone becomes a fan of sports they previously knew nothing about, competition trumps conflict and every child dreams of being on the top of a podium in front of a cheering crowd.

To get excited for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, check out some trivia:

The Olympic Motto is Citius, Altius, Fortius, which is Latin for “Faster, Higher, Stronger.”
Of the 530 people on the American team, the youngest competing this year is 15-year-old Katie Ledecky, and she’s a freestyle swimmer.
Hiroshi Hoketsu from Japan will be competing in dressage, or horse ballet, and has the honor of being this year’s oldest competing Olympian at the age of 71.
American swimmer Michael Phelps is only three medals away from becoming the most decorated Olympian in history.
Oscar Pistorius will be the first double amputee to compete in the Olympics when he runs in the 4X400 meter relay and the 400 meter dash for his South African team.
The Summer Games of the 30th Olympiad begin July 27 and conclude on August 12.

Want to read up on some more Olympic trivia? Check out some of these kids’ books at your local library! Continue reading →

Real Life, Real Adventure

Posted on June 21, 2012 by Dana

Hey there, thrill-seekers! Are you looking for an exciting book, but fiction is just too “made-up” for you? Do you want your adventure stories pulled from real life? Then you’ve come to the right place!

In “How Angel Peterson Got His Name,” Gary Paulsen relates tales from his youth experimenting with extreme sports such as skiing behind a souped-up car and imitating daredevil Evel Knievel.

Kenneth Mallory describes the week he spent in the Aquarius underwater laboratory off the Florida Keys, discussing the work he did, what it was like to live underwater and the marine creatures he encountered in his book “Adventure Beneath the Sea.” Continue reading →

Books for Adventure Lovers

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Dana

If you love a good adventure like “The Lightning Thief” and are looking for your next read, you’ve come to the right place! We have several classic series and new discoveries for you to try out.

For those seeking a series to start, The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper is a classic series that starts with “Over Sea, Under Stone.” Three siblings find an ancient manuscript that sends them on a dangerous quest and involves them in the battle between the forces of Light and Dark.

Another classic survival adventure begins with “My Side of the Mountain.” Continue reading →