Parents.

I haven't read all the Obama books for children, but I've seen a fair number come through the library.   I thought I would post my favorite and my least favorite.  Please send your comments!

Our Enduring Spirit: President Barak Obama's First Words to America illustrated by Greg Ruth is, in my opinion, the best I've seen so far.  Our Enduring Spirit is an abridged version of Obama's inaugural address (the full text of the address is in the back of the book).  I like this book because it presents Obama in his own words. It allows children to interpret Barak Obama for themselves without putting adult significance on then man. The illustrations by Greg Ruth are also wonderfully done, adding meaning to the text without overpowering it.

My least favorite Obama book isn't really about Obama at all, but about Bo, the Obama family dog.  First dog by J. Patrick Lewis and Beth Zappitello is entirely awful.  In this book, a Portuguese water dog travels the world "looking for the perfect place to live." After travelling the world, he finally finds himself at the White House door. Not only is this book full of really terrible stereotypes ofthe people and places he visits, it has an un-original ending that will make you groan out loud. 

Let me know your favorite and least favorite Obama books.  Comment here!

Yum! MmMm! Que Rico! America's Sprouting by Pat Mora and Rafael Lopez is a culinary treat you won't want to miss.

Pat Mora is the author of many beautiful bilingual books. This book is all about foods that are native to the Americas including: chile, corn, peanut, potato and pumpkin. Each food is presented with a haiku-style poem along with a side bar of information about the food. The colorful illustrations by Rafael Lopez are really a treat.

 

This is a Readers to Eaters pick!

Readers to Eaters is a nonprofit who's mission it is to promote food literacy from the ground up. They use books and a strong connection to the publishing world to promote knowing about food and where it comes from. They are currently working with schools and libraries to promote good eating and good reading.

Come to the Bellevue Library November 14th, 2pm to learn from Mary Jane Beaufrand, teen author.  MJ will give us the basics on what makes a character memorable. Get some tips to make your fictional characters deeper and well rounded. After all, zombies have feelings too. Beaufrand is the author of Primavera, a young adult novel.

Space is limited so please register online or call the Bellevue library at 425-450-1765. 

This event is for students in grades 6-12.

Sponsored by the Bellevue Friends of the Library

Thanksgiving is coming up which means it's time to start placing hold on those Thanksgiving titles to be sure that you will get them in time. Here are some of my favorites.

For Preschoolers:
'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey
School children go on a field trip to a farm and bring home turkey for thanksgiving. Based on the famous 'twas the night before Christmas. This book is hilarious!


Alligator arrived with apples : a potluck alphabet feast by Crescent Dragonwagon
A Thanksgiving alphabet book. Each animal bring a different dish for the best A-Z Thanksgiving feast.

Feast for 10 by Cathryn Falwell.Not really a Thanksgiving book, but a heart warming counting book about a family eating together. Probably my favorite "food" book for preschoolers.

I know an old lady who swallowed a pie by Alison JacksonGoodness! Can this lady eat, or what? Written in the same rhyme as "I know an old lady who swallowed a fly.

For Elementary Schoolers:
Thank you, Sarah : the woman who saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson
The real story behind Thanksgiving is more inspiring than pilgrims and Indians. Sarah Hale finds that the pen is mightier than the sword when she convinces Abe Lincoln to make Thanksgiving a national holiday.

Milly and the Macy's Parade / by Shana CoreyYoung Milly inspires the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Based on a true story; includes historical note.

The Hoboken chicken emergency by Daniel Pinkwater Arthur goes to pick up the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner but comes back with a 266-pound chicken.

There is so much to know and learn when it comes to applying for college. Where should I apply? How do I make my application competitive? Once I get in, how will I pay for it? Some KCLS branches are offering programs that will help you answer these questions and more.  Come to one or all of these free programs! Some programs require advance registration, so follow the link for details.

COLLEGE OPTIONS: FINDING THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU
This workshop is designed to help students choose the right college. Discover your strengths and learn about the options that best suit them!
Newport Way Library, Tuesday, October 20, 7:00 PM

FINDING YOUR DREAM COLLEGE
Facilitated by a real-life college administrator, this workshop will empower those looking at schools to use numerous information opportunities to be both resourceful and resource full!
Covington Library, Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 7:00 PM

WRITE TO WIN
Hear from a real college administrator about what it takes to write successful college entrance essays and submit applications that work.
Covington Library, Wednesday, October 28, 7:00PM
Bothell Regional Library, Sunday, November 01, 12:30 PM
Maple Valley Library, Thursday, November 05, 7:00 PM
Auburn Library, Thursday, November 19, 7:00 PM

FINDING MONEY FOR COLLEGE
A representative from the non-profit College Planning Network will provide a complete review of the college financial aid process, including how students identify and apply for all types of grants, scholarships, work study and student loans.
Covington Library, Wednesday, November 4, 7:00 PM
Auburn Library, Thursday, November 12, 7:00 PM

NAVIGATING THE FINANCIAL AID MAZE
So you've filled out the FAFSA and have identified colleges, but how will you pay for it? A former assistant director of student financial aid will share tips on budgeting during college, tracking your student loan information and working with your financial aid office.
Auburn Library, Thursday, November 05, 7:00 PM

SAT INFORMATIONAL SEMINAR
Get test-taking strategies for the SAT and other college entrance exams, as well as advice on the college admissions process. This is a repeat of the program held on October 7.
Federal Way 320th Library, Monday, November 16, 7:00 PM

School has been in session for almost a month, and for many students that means homework is starting to pile up. Why not set aside some time to visit your local library and get your homework done? Many KCLS libraries offer Study Zone, and it is a great place for students to do homework and get help with their questions. Volunteer tutors provide free homework help during Study Zone hours. Students can find help in all subject areas, including Math, Science and WASL and SAT test preparation. Each tutor works with 1-5 students in a group setting. Study Zone is open to all students in grades K-12. 

Students are not required to register or provide personal information to participate in Study Zone, just drop in any time during Study Zone hours.  See the schedule for Study Zone hours at a KCLS library near you.

If there isn't a Study Zone location near you, don't despair! Visit any KCLS library for help from live volunteer tutors online through Study Zone Online. Please note that this service is only available from library computers.

If you can't make it to Study Zone, but still need help with your homework you can always try Live Homework Help, which is a service that connects you with a live tutor from any computer that is connected to the internet. The Live Homework Help is available 7 days a week from 2pm-Midnight. All you need is your library card number to log on and connect to a live tutor!

Playground Day by Jennifer J. Merz

is a celebration of of a day spend outside at the playground. 

You can just feel a crisp fall day, the metal of the swing, the thrill of the slide and the spin of the merry-go-round.  Jennifer Merz's paper cut illustrations are fun, colorful and full of expression. 

Pair this with Emily Gravett's Monkey and Me for the perfect preschool jaunt.

A curious collection of cats by Betsy Franco and illustrated by Michael Wertz is a book of delightfully colorful concrete poetry. Concrete poetry, just in case you don't know, is poetry that is a particular shape.  The words are actually shaped on the page to help create the poem.

This author/ illustrator team has a way of making funny, fun poetry that is visually active.  Any cat lover will just love this book!

Besty Franco has written lots of great books for kids. This appears to be her first collaboration with Michael Wertz. I hope they do another one about dogs.  

Can you believe that you can chat with a librarian 24/7? Check out our Live Chat Service by first logging on to our website www.kcls.org, looking under "Research and Homework" and clicking on "Ask A Librarian". The first option will be "Live Chat Reference".

Be sure to have your library card and PIN ready to enter.  If you wish to change or reset your PIN, you must present a photo ID in person at your local branch.  For questions about your PIN, call AnswerLine at 425-462-9600 or 1-800-462-9600. 

To start a session enter your name, library card number, and your question in the column on the right side of the screen. Then click on the connect button. You will automatically receive a welcome message. The librarian my ask you come clarifying questions. Chat messages from the librarian will appear on the right side of your screen.

Professional librarians will send answers to your questions, or sources of information, which may involve sending websites. Web pages that we send will appear on the left side of the screen. You may have up to 20 minutes of live chat service at a time. The main focus of this service is to provide quick information and referrals using online sources including our online databases, the Catalog and the Internet. If the question cannot be answered within the guidelines, we will refer you to an appropriate reference service.

This new book will wow you with the beautiful photographs and unique presentation. 

Seasons: Changes in the natural world is published by Play Bac, a French Publishing house that has started to bring it's magic to the U.S.  This concept book for preschoolers offers a delightful mix of colorful pictures, child-friendly captions, and segments for adult read-aloud. Kids will poor over this book again and again. 

With a focus on the natural world, science and photography, you may like some of these other Play Bac offerings.