Check out Ain't Nothing But a Man! In this stunning but short book, we follow the author as he researches the truth behind the myth of John Henry. The book is filled with pictu
One night, a family is murdered. That is, everyone except the youngest child. By chance, or perhaps by fate, the young boy ends up in a local cemetery. The ghosts of the cemetery swear to raise the boy, whom they name Bod.
Here is a wonderful way to find some new, and different books to read to your children. Each year, a group of Missouri children’s librarians get together and select ten books to share with our customers. These nominees have been selected for a variety of reasons, including introducing children to diverse themes, cultures, and topics. Personally, I always find them to be great read alouds. They are written by a variety of authors, and illustrators of children’s books, including Missouri authors, illustrators, and themes, when possible.
It’s that time of year again. The older children are off to school, and younger brother or sister wants something to do. How about checking out the Missouri Building Block Award Nominee display starting September 1st. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to read aloud to children from the list of ten titles selected by a group of Missouri librarians. This award is to get young children from birth to kindergarten excited about reading.
And the 2009 Winner Is...Bye-Bye, Big Bad Bullybug!
The 2010 Building Block Picture Book Award election is being held at your local branch from September 1 through December 31. Children not yet in first grade may vote for their favorite title from the list of nominees. Participating in this election is fun for children, but don’t tell them it’s good for them, too. Pick up the list of nominees and a ballot at your local branch.
Children in kindergarten and under can cast their vote for the Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award now through December 31, 2010. The nominees for this year are:
This 2010-11 Mark Twain Award Nominee is a suspenseful and sometimes scary ghost story. The year is 1872 and the place New York City. Horace Carpenter is an apprentice to a society photographer. When a wealthy customer orders a portrait that reveals a frightful image, her deceased daughter Eleanora, very strange things begin to happen. With the help of the customer’s maid Pegg, Horace learns the truth about how Eleanora actually died. The ending is sure to leave the reader shivering.
The Dearborn Branch has a bulletin board right now that features all the Building Block Award picture books. These are attractive, new books featuring turtles, dogs, fish, and pigs among others. There are ten titles in this year's list of nominees. Adults and kids are encouraged to read these books together. Then, children not yet in the first grade may vote on their favorite after hearing at least five of the stories. Ballots are available at the library until December 31st.
The Mid-Continent Public Library is always interested in providing the finest materials for young readers. To this end, the library collects many award winning books: Mark Twain, Caldecott, KC3, Newberry, Building Block, and Show Me Award nominees and winners; and they all show up at the Claycomo Branch. No one can predict what books any individual reader might like, but most readers can be reasonably confident that they’re choosing a quality book when they stick with the award books. These awards cover reading levels from the earliest readers (listeners) through young adult readers.
Check out 
One night, a family is murdered. That is, everyone except the youngest child. By chance, or perhaps by fate, the young boy ends up in a local cemetery. The ghosts of the cemetery swear to raise the boy, whom they name Bod.
