Drum Dream Girl

MD's Saturday book reviews, given in-between trips to settle mischief-making in the back of the youth section of the library.

It's a quieter day at the library today, so let's see if I can squeeze in a review before closing. 
This week I found a great book thanks to Theresa, called Drum Dream Girl . Written by Cuban-American writer Margarita Engle, Drum Dream Girl  tells the true story of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, the first well-known female drum player in Cuba.

The story begins in 1930's. Believe it or not, at the time it was taboo for girls to play the drums in Millo's home country, Cuba.This does not stop Millo, however. She dreams of one day playing the drums in a cafe band, but she is met by the scorn of her father and town.

With the aid of a teacher, Millo finally gains the instruction she needs. And that, as they say, is history. Now ready to perform, Millo creates an awesome, all-female band. 

Illustrated by Rafael Lopez, Drum Dream Girl is an unforgettable mix of cultural narrative, and the universal need to dream. I would recommend Drum Dream Girl for ages 6-106. It is especially wonderful for young women in their search---that remains to this day---for equality to live and dream.

MD

Chu's Day at the Beach

MD's Saturday book reviews, given in-between trips to settle mischief-making in the back of the youth section of the library.

Neil Gaiman has undoubtedly been a favorite author of mine. Since I first opened up his classic scary tale for children, Coraline, I was quite in love with the fact that someone had articulated so well childhood fears, loneliness, and the sometimes neglectful world of adults. (Also, those creepy buttons for eyes!) I am quite fortunate, in pondering this over, to have a favorite author who writes such a variety of books for all-ages.

Neil Gaiman's "Chu" series is a collection of picture books about---as the title would suggest---a panda named Chu. The panda has the unfortunate quality of sneezing, and sneezing quite often. This would not be a problem if his sneezes were not powerful enough to destroy everything in their path, which they are.

The accompanying, richly-illustrated art by Adam Rex is simply gorgeous.

And it perfectly matches Gaiman's sometimes droll wit.

 And as you have seen, there are merpandas.

That is all,

MD

New Youth Service Calendar!

We are proud to announce we have a new youth calendar online. Click on the Google+ icon below which looks like

...to open to a full spread of our Google calendar!

Click on events below for further details, and to add them to your own google calendar.

MD

June Programs

All of the following are events taking place in June. For a full list of all summer activities, please check out our full summer brochure.

Registration for Summer Reading Program 
Begins June 1st

Weekly Storytime Activities (In June)

Toddling Twos and Threes: Thursdays June 11, 18, 25 @10:30 am
Terrific Threes and Fours: Thursdays June 11, 18, 25 @4:00 pm
Grades K-3 Storytime Art: Wednesdays June 10, 17, 24 @4:00 pm

Monday Musical Movie Sing-Alongs
Sound of Music: June 15 @ 3pm

Youth Bingo
Friday June 19th @3-4pm

DIY Workshops
Fireflies in a Jar: Saturday, June 20 @11am-12pm

Wii Just Dance Party
Thursday June 25 @7-8pm

Young Artists Workshop: Who Sings?
Friday June 26 @2pm

World Music Explosion
Saturday June 27 @1pm

Coding For Kids
Tuesday June 30 @3:30-4:30pm

Summer Book Discussion: The Apothecary
Tuesday June 23 @4pm

Dear America Book Club
Voyage on the Great Titanic: June 16 @ 4pm

A Time for Courage: June 30 @ 4pm

Police Storytime

Special thanks to Officer Church for stopping in this week. Our very own Oak Brook officer brought in a story to read aloud, and some safety tips!

Check back in for our next round of summer programs. Be sure to sign up early, and not to miss out. Thanks again, Officer Church!

(Pictures by Theresa.)

MD

Summer 2015 Programs Announced!

If you were looking for our 2015 Summer programs, you have come to the right place.

For a safe PDF link to our brochure: CLICK HERE.

Call our Youth Service line directly at: 1(630)-368-7734 to sign up!

Brochure images are below. You can click on them to enlarge the pages.

MD

Ben's Bubble Show

If you were like me, it is hard to imagine what exactly a "bubble show" would entail. I am glad to say Ben from Ben's Bubble Show was a hoot, and definitely a classy entertainer, and teacher. 

We even had some science thrown into the mix. 

Here are some photos from the event: 

Bubbles on a light disk:

And lastly, some audience help:

Thanks, and be sure to check in with Youth Services for upcoming summer programs---to be released soon!

(Pictures by MD.)