This New Year's Eve, a Blue Moon will shine down on earth. What's a blue moon? According to the popular definition, it's the second full moon in a month. It won't really be the color blue, however. It is very rare - New Year's Eve blue moons only occur about every 19 years. The last one was in 1990!
For more information about blue moons, read this article from infoplease.
If you haven't already met the new Kids' Room resident, stop by soon! His name is Otto, and he is a Pleco. A Pleco is a fish (scientific name Hypostomus plecostomus) that loves to eat the algae stuck to the sides of the tank. Plecos are nocturnal (they come out at night), so you might find Otto hiding in the shipwreck during the day. Click on the video below to see Otto in action! Or better yet, visit him (and Miss Piggy!) at the library!
From the blog ShelfTalker: A Children's Bookseller's Blog, here's a list of books for children and teens that have received starred reviews in 2009. These are some great titles, and the list is a great way to get some last-minute ideas for holiday shopping!
Sign up now and become a part of the Booth & Dimock Memorial Library Online Community! You will receive the latest information about upcoming events, library news, book news, special programs and more via our e-newsletters. Optional subscription categories include the Children's Room E-Newsletter, Library Events, and Reader's Advisory.
Please enter your information in the following form to sign up!
The Booth & Dimock Memorial Library will be closed today, Dec. 9, 2009. Our Holiday Craft Program, scheduled for 4 PM this afternoon, will be rescheduled.
When the winter chill sets in, There's Snow Better Time to READ! Join our WINTER Reading Program! For Readers & Pre-Readers. Add a mitten to our display for every 30 minutes you read or are read to. Begins Dec. 8 and ends Feb. 24. Prizes for all who participate!
Help the library add children’s books to its collection by “adopting” a book! Choose from a pre-selected list of new titles on display in the Children’s Room. “Adopt” the book with a monetary donation worth the library-discounted price of the item. You will also have the distinction of being the first person to borrow it!
Adopting a book provides an opportunity to honor individuals, organizations, family members or friends with a commemorative bookplate. An official Booth & Dimock card and a bookmark will also be available for you to give if you adopt a book as a gift.
Sign up now and become a part of the Booth & Dimock Memorial Library Online Community! You will receive the latest information about upcoming events, library news, book news, special programs and more via our e-newsletters. Optional subscription categories include the Children's Room E-Newsletter, Library Events, and Reader's Advisory.
Please enter your information in the following form to sign up!
Santa's Mailbox is at the Booth & Dimock Library's Children's Room for a limited time! Write a letter to Santa, and mail it here - Santa just might write back!
Make cute reindeer gift bags to give to your family and friends! For ages 5 and up. Registration is required and begins Nov. 25. Register online or call 742-7606.
Did you know that (according to the Guinness Book of World Records) the largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed 2,020 pounds and measured just over 12 feet long. It was baked on October 8, 2005 by the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers in Ohio, and included 900 pounds of pumpkin, 62 gallons of evaporated milk, 155 dozen eggs, 300 pounds of sugar, 3.5 pounds of salt, 7 pounds of cinnamon, 2 pounds of pumpkin spice and 250 pounds of crust. YUMMY!
Trim-A-Tree @ the Library for the Christmas in Coventry Village auction (to benefit the Coventry Lion's Club). Stop by the Children's Room anytime - we'll provide Santas, Snowflakes, Snowmen, and Bookmarks to decorate and hang on our tree. Help us make it look festive! The Christmas Tree Auction takes place during Christmas in Coventry Village on Dec. 6.
One of this dragon's favorite books this year is The Lost Conspiracy by Frances Hardinge (she also wrote Fly By Night and Well Witched). Two young sisters who live on a beautiful island soon become caught in a deadly web of deceit. Neither girl is exactly what she pretends to be, and when they are drawn into a sinister conspiracy, one discovers that the only thing more dangerous than the secret she hides is the truth she must uncover. Check out this interview with the author from School Library Journal...then check out the book (for ages 9 and up)!
Yikes! I just realized that today is Friday the 13th! What does that mean? Read this articlefrom kidsnewsroom.com about the origins and superstitions surrounding this supposedly unlucky day!
Are you a fan of Roald Dahl? He wrote Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, James and the Giant Peach, The Witches…all of these have been movies. Anyway, Fantastic Mr. Fox is coming to theaters Nov. 25! Visit http://www.fantasticmrfoxmovie.com/ to meet the characters...and visit the library to check out the book! What's it about? Three farmers, each one meaner than the other, try all-out warfare to get rid of the fox and his family...with hilarious results. Read it before you see it!
Help those less fortunate this holiday season by decorating our "Giving Tree" with NEW mittens, scarves, hats, socks and gloves (for both adults and children). Non-perishable food items, as well as NEW toys and children's books, are also welcome.
Donations will benefit Coventry Human Services. The "Giving Tree" will be located in the Children's Room.
Reminder! Bring in a favorite stuffed buddy (or doll) for milk and cookies on Thursday evening (anytime before 7:30 PM). We'll tuck your buddies in for the night - but will they sleep? Or will they be up to mischief? Library cameras are sure to capture any nocturnal activities! Furry friends and photos can be picked up anytime on Friday after 1 PM. For all ages. Registration is required. Call 742-7606 or register online.
Yikes! I'm a little behind in my Halloween Countdown (Halloween is a busy time of year for dragons), so today I'm going to list 3 favorite Halloween books.
First: something scary...
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow retold and illustrated by Will Moses; from the original story by Washington Irving
This one's a classic - most people have seen the Walt Disney cartoon, but the book is much scarier! Ichabod Crane, a superstitious schoolmaster, in love with a wealthy farmer's daughter, has a terrifying encounter with a headless horseman. Will Moses' illustrations are gorgeous and set the scene perfectly. Fun Fact: Sleepy Hollow, Illinois was named after the legendary location and many of the street names reflect characters from the tale. In addition, the image of the Headless Horseman can be found on many of the city's landmarks and publications.
Next: something silly....
Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise by Kate DiCamillo
When the Watsons decide to zip their porcine wonder into a formfitting princess dress for Halloween -- complete with tiara -- they are certain that Mercy will be beautiful beyond compare. Mercy is equally certain she likes the sound of trick-or-TREATING and can picture those piles of buttered toast already. As for the Lincoln Sisters next door, how could they know that their cat would get into the act and lead them all on a Halloween "parade" of hysterical proportions? A tale full of treats, tricky turns, hijinks, and high humor.
Finally: something spooky AND silly...
The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams; illustrated by Megan Lloyd
Once upon a time, there was a little old lady who was not afraid of anything! But one autumn night, while walking in the woods, the little old lady heard . . . CLOMP, CLOMP, SHAKE, SHAKE, CLAP, CLAP. And the little old lady who was not afraid of anything had the scare of her life!
4 days, 2 hours, 3 minutes until Halloween! And now the second book in my Halloween Countdown...
Hoodwinked by Arthur Howard
Here's a title that's silly & sweet, not scary at all! From Amazon.com: "Despite the theme of witches and creepy critters, this is a very uncreepy, sweet, and unthreatening picture book suitable for children just getting into things spooky. Mitzi is a right little witch. She lives in a sort of permanent Halloween, surrounded by cobwebs and dubious-looking aunts in pointy hats. She wants a pet--a really, really creepy pet, please--but, despite repeated broomstick-flights to Cackle & Co. pet store, she just can't get one that satisfies. Finally a kitten named Hoodwink shows up at the door, is almost turned away on account of being horribly cuddly and nice... and turns out to be just perfect."
As of this post, there are 5 days, 3 hours, and 13 minutes (and counting) left until Halloween. What better way to get in the Halloween spirit (hee hee) than by reading some really great spooky, scary, or just plain silly books? Each day this week I'll highlight one of my faves!
Up first: The Monsterologist: A Memoir in Rhyme by Bobbi Katz & Adam McCauley. Love monsters? You've got to read this one! From the product description: "Open this memoir...if you dare! For inside this collection of letters, notes, and interviews lie the results of the monsterologist's bone-chilling research. In engaging rhyme, the monster master tells all about Count Dracula (""When you visit Transylvania, be sure to stay with me""); issues a werewolf warning; and dishes on trolls, ghosts, witches, ogres, and myriad mythological and literary creatures. Designed to look like a treasured scrapbook, every page features an eye-catching mix of drawings, photos, and handwritten text. Plus, kids will love the die-cut, gatefolds, and other cool surprises throughout. "
If you are very brave, watch this book trailer for The Monsterologist! Or visit The Monsterologist to learn more about becoming a monsterologist... and maybe play a few games.
Elephant & Piggie are back in Pigs Make Me Sneeze! by Mo Willems. In Pigs Make Me Sneeze!, Gerald believes he is allergic to his best friend! Will he have to stay away from Piggie forever? Find it at the library in the First Readers.
Want more Mo? Visit MoWillems.com for all sorts of fun. Check out Mo Willems' other books from the library - look at the Mo Willems Booklist to see the all the titles the library owns!
Bring in a favorite stuffed buddy (or doll) for milk and cookies on Thursday evening. We'll tuck your buddies in for the night - but will they sleep? Or will they be up to mischief? Library cameras are sure to capture any nocturnal activities! Furry friends and photos can be picked up on Friday after 1 PM. For all ages. Registration is required. Call 742-7606 or register online.
Yuck! It's that time of the year again. But there's lots of help out there! Watch these fun videos about getting a flu shot and staying healthy.
Stopping that virus, that's our goal! Sid the Science Kid and his classmates of the PBS series Sid the Science Kid sing a song about the importance of getting a flu vaccine. This short video is part of a special episode premiering in October titled "Getting a Shot: You can do it!"
Prepare to be scared! For all of you Goosebumps fans out there...it's the perfect time of year to listen to some scary stories, and R.L. Stine has written a few that you can listen to online. Visit R.L. Stine's Website and click on Rainy Night Theater, where you can listen to 2 creepy stories (if you dare)!
You can also read the comic The She-Beast of Skull Lagoon by R.L. Stine, only available online. Looking for more frightful fun? While you're there, play some online games.
Still need more? Visit the official Goosebumps Website for even more games and activities.
Don't forget to mark your calendars - join R.L. Stine for a LIVE webcast on Wednesday, October 28th @ 1 PM at the Goosebumps Website. Visit the site ahead of time to submit a question for Stine to answer, and to cast your vote in a poll for your chance to choose elements of a story that Stine will tell during the webcast.
In his fifth and latest adventure, Septimus ends up on a captivating beautiful island. He’s stranded there with his badly injured dragon, Spit Fyre, along with Jenna and Beetle. There are some strange things about the island, including a Magykal girl named Syrah, a lighthouse that has lost its Light, and an eerie presence that sings to Septimus – can he escape the persistent call?
Trouble is also brewing for Lucy and Wolf Boy, who have become entangled with nefarious sailors at sea, and for Milo Banda, Jenna’s father, who is harboring a mysterious treasure chest in his ship’s hold...
Read all the books in the series: Magyk, Flyte, Physik, Queste, and Syren, as well as the companion book The Magykal Papers. Want more? Visit the Septimus Heap website for games, quizzes, and more! (Did I mention there was a dragon in the story ? )
Will you join us on the Eve When Jack-O'Lanterns flair? Ghosts and goblins all Insist that you-be-there!
Come in costume for glow-in-the-dark fun, crafts, games, and creepy crunchy munchies. A spooktacular costume parade is the grand finale! Bring food/beverages to share, if you wish. For all ages. Registration is required - call 742-7606 or register online.
Skippyjon Jones is a small Siamese cat with a BIG imagination. He loves to pretend that he is El Skippito, a sword-wielding chihuahua always up for an adventure. But ay caramba! He drives Mama Junebug crazy with his escapades. Little does she know that during each time-out in his room, Skippyjon goes into his magic closet and travels somewhere else, like ancient Egypt or the land of dinosaurs. In his latest adventure, the kitty boy blasts off into space!
To see Skippyjon in action, click http://www.skippyjonjones.com/ to go to his Web site. There you can watch videos, download coloring sheets, and play games. Or click on the video above to hear author Judith Schachner read part of his latest tail - I mean tale! Don't forget to check out Skippyjon Jones' other books from the library: Skippyjon Jones; Skippyjon Jones in the Doghouse; Skippyjon Jones in Mummy Trouble; & Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones. There are even Skippyjon Jones board books! Adios, amigos!
Hello! My name is Dreyfus (that's me on the left) and I am the official dragon of the Booth & Dimock Memorial Library in Coventry, CT. As the official library spokesdragon I have created this blog to keep everyone out there up to date on library events, great books, and other fun stuff!
You can keep up-to-date with library happenings by subscribing to The Daily Dragon via email or feed - just click on "Subscribe to the Daily Dragon" in the right sidebar and follow the instructions!
Occasionally, I might let the Children's Room library staff (Miss Jennifer, Joyce, Roz & Carol) say a word or two - they really like to talk about books! You can comment, too - just click on COMMENTS below my signature and follow the instructions.
I also hope you'll write a book review for The Daily Dragon - use the Book Review form on the right and I'll post your review for everyone to see!
I can't wait to get started! I hope you enjoy this blog!
Posts
