Cross Country Reading

Our winter reading club, Cross Country Reading, will begin January 2nd and go until March 2nd. Beginning, Emergent, and Proficient readers can earn incentives for reaching different reading milestones throughout the program! Come in to sign up ASAP so you can take part in this celebration of reading!

January-February 2013 Youth Programs

2012 is quickly coming to an end and now is the perfect time to make a resolution to take advantage of all the awesome resources offered at the Oak Brook Public Library for 2013!

We have some wonderful and exciting new programs being offered, along with storytimes for children ages 2 - 8 years old. Stop by the Youth Services desk (or call in!) to register.
 

Here is our current brochure for Youth Services Programming in January and February 2013. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events! Click on any of the photographs to enlarge them for easier reading.

 

New Picture Books December 20, 2012

"It snowed. And snowed. And snowed. After it snowed, everyone bundled up and went outside to play.
You come too!" Carin Berger's exquisite collages illuminate, from dawn to dusk, the perfect winter day.

 

Big Mean Mike is the biggest, toughest dog in the whole neighborhood. He's even got a big mean car that he drives around the big, mean streets. Everyone knows how big and tough he is - which is just the way Mike likes it. Then one day a tiny, fuzzy bunny shows up in his car. Mike puts it on the sidewalk and drives away before anyone can see. But the bunny keeps coming back - with friends! - no matter how many times Mike tells them to scram. Big, mean dogs do not hang around with tiny, fuzzy bunnies! But gosh, those bunnies sure are cute...
From best-seling author Michelle Knudsen and illustrator Scott Magoon, here is a laugh-out-loud funny story about not worrying what other people think - even if you are big and tough and your friends are tiny and adorable.

A long time ago and far away - although it could be here, and it could be now - a boy threw a stone and injured a girl. For as long as anyone can remember, their families had been enemies, and their towns as well, so it was no surprise that something bad had happened. Hate had happened. Revenge had happened. And that inspired more hate and more calls for revenge. But this time a young girl decided to try something different...
Inspired by the original Garden of Forgiveness in Beirut, Lebanon, and the movement that has grown up around it, Lauren Thompson has created a timeless parable for all ages that shows readers a better way to resolve conflicts and emphasizes the importance of moving forward together.

Meet Spike! He's pointy. He's scary. He has a spikey crown. He has mean teeth. He is a monster... no bigger than a lily pad. What will it take for Spike to make a friend?

Meteor is a hardworking and friendly mouse, and has all the qualities that a space mouse should have. But Meteor is very small. Teeny-weeny. Itsy-bitsy. And so whenever mice are needed to go up into space, the bigger mice are chosen and Meteor is left behind.
When the day finally does come and Meteor is chosen and is sent and is sent off to outer space, it's up to Meteor and the power of small to save the mission and earn his wings and his new title - MOUSETRONAUT!
Astronaut Mark Kelly, a four-time veteran of the space shuttle, tells a story based on his experience and imagination. Come along on Moustronaut's first mission. You'll be glad you did.





Coming Soon to the Youth Services Department - December 2012

Looking for something fun to do over your winter break? Here are some of the exciting programs we have coming up in Youth Services Department!



 
Blockbuster Book Club
Out of the Dust - By Karen Hesse
December 18, 6:30PM
Do you like reading a good book and then sharing it with others? We will meet once a month to discuss and learn fun facts about the book and author. See the Circulation Desk for a copy of the book. Snacks will be provided.   




Winter Break Bingo 
December 28 and January 4
2:00PM-3:00pm
Bring your family and friends for fun and prizes! All ages welcome! This program will take place in the Friends of the Library Meeting Room, no registration is necessary. 






Create a Craft
December 26 and 27
January 2 and 3 
11:00AM-2:00PM
Feeling creative? Come to the Youth Services Department and make crafts to take home! All ages welcomed.



We hope to see you in the library this winter break!


Any individual who is in need of a reasonable accommodation due to a disability should contact the library at least 24 hours in advance of the program. Photographs and/or video may be taken at our programs for possible use in library promotions, including the Library Beacon newsletter and the Oak Brook Public Library website. Please notify staff if you do not wish to be photographed.

New Holiday Picture Books 2012

Here is a sample of some of the new holiday picture books we have in the Youth Services Department of the Oak Brook Library!

Santa from Cincinnati - By Judi Barrett and Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes (JE BARRETT - Holiday) 
A little baby whose first words are 'ho, ho, ho' is born in Cincinnati. This story is about the life and times of the little boy who grew up to be Santa Claus, the jolly fellow who makes children look forward to December 25th every single year. A fun twist on the Santa Claus story that adult and children can enjoy together. 



Pete the Cat Saves Christmas - By Eric Litwin and Illustrated by James Dean (JE LITWIN - Holiday) 
In this rockin' new spin on the traditional tale The Night Before Christmas, Pete the Cat proves that giving your all in the spirit of Christmas is the totally groovy thing to do. A must read for fans of Pete the Cat!

 


The Christmas Tugboat: How the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Came to New York City - By George Matteson and Adele Ursone and Paintings by James E. Ransome (JE MATTESON) 
A New York Harbor tugboat captain and his family take the tug up the Hudson River to pickup and tow the barge carrying the enormous Christmas Tree that will be displayed at Rockefeller Center. With lyrical language and beautiful paintings, this picture book tells the heartwarming story of a real tug trip and the girl who was at the wheel as police and fire boats, helicopters and tourists welcomed this world-famous tree into New York Harbor.

Dinosaur VS. Santa - By Bob Shea (JE BOB SHEA - Holiday) 
It's almost Christmas and Dinosaur is decorating, making presents and trying to be extra good. Nothing is too much for our fiesty friend - until he bumps into the man in the red suit. If you liked Shea's other books in the Dinosaur Vs... Series you will want to add this to your holiday reading list! Ho! Ho! Ho! Roar! Roar! Roar!

 

Together At Christman- By Eileen Spinelli and Illustrated by Bin Lee (JE SPINELLI - Holiday)
It's Christmas Eve, and a family of ten mice shiver in the snow. One by one, each mouse finds a place to stay warm, only to discover that they'd rather huddle together on this holiday night. With gently rhyming text and charming illustrations, this picture book is a wonderful read-aloud!

Smudge and the Book of Mistakes: a Christmas Story- Written by Gloria Whelan and Illustrated by Stephen Costanza (JE WHELAN- Holiday) 
In Ireland in the Middle-Ages, young Brother Cuthbert, known for making mistakes and giving up easily, is chosen through a miscommunication to serve as scribe for an illuminated manuscript of the Nativity Story, through which the Abbot hopes to make the monastery famous.




How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? - By Jane Yolen and Mark Teague (JE YOLEN)
Even during the holiday, little dinosaurs sometimes misbehave. It's tempting to peek at brightly wrapped presents, snatch a dreidle, or grab all the gelt! Children and their parents will laugh out loud at this playful glimpse at the sometimes mischievous antics as the family gathers, and fresh latkes are served. How do dinosaurs celebrate Chanukah? With and abundance of love, joy, memory, and gratitude!


The Staff of the Youth Services Department hopes you enjoy these books this holiday season!

New Picture Books - November 2012

Here is a spotlight on some of the new picture books we have at the library for November 2012.

Pomelo Explores Color- By Ramona Badescu and Benjamin Chaud (JE BADESCU)
Pomelo looks about and discovers twelve colors in all their nuance. He encounters the infinite white of falling snow, the hypnotizing red of love, and the shadowy blue of the unknown. The colors describe our concrete world, but also reflect emotional states, as well as the curious, oddball sensibility of our dear Pomelo.


Kate and Nate Are Running Late - By Kate Egan and Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino (JE EGAN)
Being on time is an art—an art most of families have yet to master. From spilling coffee to misplacing keys, we’ve all dealt with the many things that can derail our morning routines. This humorous depiction of chaotic mornings is oh, so true.Kate and her two children, Nate, and his older sister, Maddie, have all overslept. How will they EVER make it to school and work on time dressed, fed, and organized?

The Ant and the Grasshopper - By Rebecca and Ed Emberley (JE EMBERLEY)

While hard at work on her chores, an ant hears the wonderful clickety click chirrup of music coming from the distance. Although she knows she should focus on the task at hand, she can't help but explore the joyful noise! Award-winning team Rebecca and Ed Emberley bring an entertaining new twist to the classic children's. The bright, bold graphics seem to dance and leap, as a bunch of boogying bugs start a celebration of their own.

Mice - Written By Rose Fyleman and Illustrated By Lois Ehlert (JE FYLEMAN) 
When mice run around at night, you will be surprised to find out who thinks they are nice!
Do you think mice are nice? Decide for yourself with this book filled with wonderful mixed-media illustrations from Lois Ehlert.

 

 

 

 

Archie - By Domenica More Gordon (JE GORDON)

Meet Archie: Designer. Fashionista. Dog. Archie leads a quiet life with his faithful pet. That is, until he gets a sewing machine and his creativity starts to run wild. It's not long before Archie's nimbleness with a needle catches the attention of his friends and fellow dog walkers. Soon, the entire city is straining at the leash for one of his couture concoctions... including a queen and her two very royal corgis. This enchanting, nearly wordless picture book about following your dreams wherever they may lead will inspire and delight readers of all ages.

This Is Not My Hat - By Jon Klassen (JE KLASSEN)
When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly), trouble could be following close behind. So it’s a good thing that enormous fish won’t wake up. And even if he does, it’s not like he’ll ever know what happened. . . .Great illustrations and cute story!

Find a Cow Now! - By Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel (JE STEVENS)

Dog is rounding up whatever he can find in his urban apartment, even chairs. He is also driving his bird companion crazy with the commotion. Bird sends him to the countryside to find something more appropriate to herd, such as a cow. But since dog has never seen a cow, he finds all the wrong animals. After being pecked by a chicken, spattered with mud by a pig, and walloped by a donkey, Dog needs a friend. By chance a mysterious and kindly animal helps lead him back to the city, only to cause chaos there, before revealing her identity--as a cow!

Waking Dragons - By Jane Yolen and Paintings by Derek Anderson (JE YOLEN)
Dragons wake up, dragons rise. Dragons open dragon eyes. Wake up with a pair of sleepy dragons and the knight who must get them ready for school! Bright and colorful illustartions will keep children interested. A must read for any fan of Yolen's How Do Dinosaurs Series.

These are only a small portion of the new pictures books we have currently. Make sure to check out the full selection in the library, located next to the concept books. 

Read all of them and let us know which one is your favorite! 

Language Stars Storytimes

Children enjoyed stories in French, Spanish, and Mandarin presented by Language Stars. Thank you to Language Stars and our participants!

Top Picks For YA Lit!

A little bit late but here are the top picks for YA Lit from two members of our Youth Services Team!

Miss Cate's Top Picks

Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher (YA ASHER)
Clay receives a package of audio cassette tapes, when he begins to play them he hears the voice of a classmate who has committed suicide. As she explains the thirteen reasons why she killed herself, Clay learns the significance about our words and actions and how he can stop something like this from happening again. A must read for any High School student or person who works with Young Adults. 





Matched - Ally Condie (YA CONDIE) 
Cassia lives in a society that decides everything for you, what you eat, where you live and who you love. It is her matching ceremony and when she is matched with her close friend Xander she is confident that he is the one she is suppose to be with. Until another person's face, one she knows, flashes across the screen. Cassia begins to question her society for the first time to find a path that leads much darker than she thought. 
This is the first book in  the Matched Trilogy. Crossed (YA CONDIE) is the second book with the third, Reached, being released in November 2012.



Both of these books are up for  the 2013 Lincoln Awards. Read both and find out in Spring 2013, which is the winner!



Miss Mandy's Top Pick
Chicks With Sticks - Elizabeth Lenhard (YA LENHARD)
It is about four girls who are seniors in High School wondering what lies ahead for them after high school. Their friendship is tightly knitted.

New Picture Books - October 2012

Here is a spotlight on some of the new picture books we have at the library for October 2012.

All the Awake Animals Are Almost Asleep - By Crescent Dragonwagon and David McPhail  (JE DRAGONWAGON)
In this lyrical animal ABC book, a mother tries to tuck her child in for the night by telling him about all the awake animals that are getting sleepy. From antlered Antelope to zzz-ing Zebra, this alphabet of animals becomes an exquisite celebration of language and nature, just right for lulling even the most wide-awake little ones into a cozy, soothing slumber.

Boot and Shoe - By Marla Frazee (JE FRAZEE) 
Boot is a back porch kind of dog. Shoe is a front porch kind of dog.What will happen when a squirrel stirs up some trouble and Boot ends up on the front porch and Shoe is at the back porch?
A cute story about two dogs who think they have lost each other with a very happy reunion at the end!


The Reader - By Amy Hest and Illustrated by  Lauren Castillo (JE HEST)
A new reader trudges through deep snow with a mysterious suitcase in tow. He has something important to share with his faithful companion, who bolts ahead to wait at the top of a tall hill. Our small hero climbs higher and higher, until finally, he is there, too. Then he opens his suitcase— click, click—and soon the only sound in the world is the sound of the reader reading their very favorite book to the very last page… the very last word.

The Sandman : The Story of Sanderson Mansnoozie - By William Joyce (JE JOYCE) 
 The man in the moon had a problem. Most nights, he beams down at the children of Earth, providing them with an inextinguishable nightlight that keeps nightmares at bay. But what happens when it's foggy or cloudy? When the moon is less than full and bright? Who will keep the children safe at night? He needs a helper! And he's spied just the fellow: a sleepy little guy named Sanderson Mansnoozie ( Sandy for short), who might be perfect...if only the man in the moon could wake him up.

Jangles a Big Fish Story - By David Shannon (JE SHANNON) 
Jangles is the biggest fish anyone has ever seen! Fishing alone at dusk, a boy feels a tug on his line and comes face-to-face with the gigantic trout--whose enormous jaw is covered with so many lures and fish hooks that he jingles and jangles when he swims. Terrified by the sight, the boy is shocked when Jangles befriends him and takes him on an adventure to the bottom of the lake. A surprise ending will leave readers laughing and shaking their heads.

What Time Is It? It's Duffy Time! - By Audrey and Don Wood (JE WOOD)
Like most pugs, Duffy loves to sleep, and from the time he wakes for breakfast to the time he prepares for bed, Duffy's day is punctuated by delicious naps: the Before Breakfast Nap; the After Breakfast Nap; the Late Morning Nap; and so on. When his best friend, a playful girl, comes home from school, Duffy helps her with her homework, follwed by his Early Evening Nap.




These are only a small portion of the new pictures books we have currently. Make sure to check out the full selection in the library, located next to the concept books.