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That's Eoin Colfer and Rick Yancey, two of my favorite authors. Both are known for fantastical adventure series and had a new book come out yesterday, May 7, 2013.  Both books are starts to new fantastical adventure series.  Yesterday was a good day.
W.A.R.P.: The Reluctant Assassin by Eoin Colfer
Riley has been pulled into the FBI's covert W.A.R.P. operation (Witness Anonymous Relocation Program). He and young FBI Agent Chevie Savano are forced to flee terrifying assassin-for-hire Albert Garrick, who pursues Riley through time and will not stop until he has hunted him down. Barely staying one step ahead, Riley and Chevie must stay alive and stop Garrick returning to his own time with knowledge and power that could change the world forever.
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.  Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

Summer vacation is fast approaching and so is summer reading.  Make sure your child embraces both.  Numerous studies indicate that students who don't read over the school break experience what is known as the "summer slide" -- a stagnation or regression in reading ability.  This is easily avoidable if you follow these helpful hints.

Confession!  I haven't yet been pulled into one of James Riley's fairytale adventures.  But it is at the top of my to-do list.  How could it not be?  The kids in my This Just In! book club love him.  The kids I talk to after my speed booktalking sessions in the schools love him.  And the kids looking for his books right here at Hoover Public Library -- guess what?  They love him!  Which reminds me, I better wrap this blog up so I can grab his first book before someone beats me to it.
1. Half Upon a Time
2. Twice Upon a Time

Move over, Gail Carson Levine!  The new reigning fairytale monarch is Jessica Day George.  She's the master of both the re-worked traditional tale and the wholly original story.  And her newest offering, Wednesdays in the Tower, comes out today, May 7, 2013.  All hail!

TEENS
Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow
1. Princess of the Midnight Ball
2. Princess of Glass
3. Princess of the Silver Woods

KIDS
1. Dragon Slippers
2. Dragon Flight
3. Dragon Spear
1. Tuesdays at the Castle
2. Wednesdays in the Tower
 

Mayday, mayday!  Desperately in need of book recommendations!  Can anybody help us?  Mayday, mayday!
HPL staff to the rescue!  Here's what we've been reading lately.
MAY 2013
Kids
Beholding Bee by Kimberly Newton Fusco
Dead City by James Ponti
The Dogs of Winter by Bobbie Pyron
Freakling by Lana Krumwiede

I AM PUMPED!  Ironman 3 hits the big screen this weekend!  No, I will not be facing the crowded madness at the movie theater immediately after I post this blog.  Actually, I'm going to wait a few days.  I prefer a less chaotic cinematic experience.  Yes, I know you don't care.  Yes, I know you want me to get to the point.  Here it is -- trilogies are awesome.  Especially book trilogies.  I love a story with a good beginning, middle, and end.  And trilogies have an entire book dedicated to each.  That's why I call them a triple threat.  Discover your favorite today!
KIDS
13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison (#1)
Bindi Babes by Narinder Dhami (#1)
The Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski (#1)
City of Fire by Laurence Yep (#1)
Gabriel's Horses by Alison Hart (#1)
Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner (#1)

Just look at that face. You can tell exactly what he's thinking. "Yeah, they're cute now, but watch out. Double trouble is on the way."  I've had twins on the brain lately.  One of my friends just had a set of twin boys.  Another friend is expecing twins, a boy and a girl.  And twins keep popping up in the books I'm reading.  I took the hint and am honoring them in today's blog.  Notice my attention to detail -- I'm posting this on the second of the month.  What can I say.  I'm a librarian.  It just comes naturally.
The Adventures of Vin Fiz by Clive Cussler (#1)
Almost Identical by Lin Oliver (#1)
Athlete Vs. Mathlete by W. C. Mack
Cryptid Hunters by Roland Smith
Dueling with the Three Musketeers by L. L. Samson
The Genius Files: Mission Unstoppable by Dan Gutman (#1)

Summer Reading is right around the corner, and it isn't just for readers.  It's also for listeners.  Reading aloud is an important part of the summer reading program.  How else could babies, toddlers, and preschoolers participate?  Reading aloud also sets a good foundation that will help your child when they begin reading themselves.  It establishes the six early literacy skills that children must develop for reading success.
1. Print motivation -- This is the child's interest in, and enjoyment of, books.  If they enjoy them, they will want to learn to read them.

This blog's title is a mash up of what two fractured fairytale book series?  Did you answer The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy and Whatever After by Sarah Mlynowski?  You're exactly right!  Do you know why I mashed those two series together?  Did you say they both have a new book coming out this week?  Right again!  You are on a roll!  The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle (#2) hits shelves on Tuesday, April 30, 2013.  Whatever After: Sink or Swim (#3) quickly follows on Wednesday, May 1, 2013.  Are you a fan and shouting woo-hoo?  I know I am!  Are you totally clueless about these two series?  Let me fill you in.

Can you believe it?  This sweet-looking lady is Cressida Cowell, author of the How to Train Your Dragon series -- an epic adventure packed with Vikings and dragons.  You know what else is unbelievable?  The tenth book is almost here!  How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel hits U.S. bookshelves on Tuesday, April 30, 2013.  In this latest  installment, Hiccup is in exile and hunted by humans and dragons alike.  Can he find the Dragon's Jewel, mankind's last and only hope?  And if he does, what will he do with it?  New to the series or can't remember Hiccup's previous adventures?  The Hoover Public Library can jog your memory.
1. How to Train Your Dragon
2. How to Be a Pirate
3. How to Speak Dragonese
4. How to Cheat a Dragon's Curse
5. How to Twist a Dragon's Tale
6. A Hero's Guide to Deadly Dragons
7. How to Ride a Dragon's Storm
8. How to Break a Dragon's Heart
9. How to Steal a Dragon's Sword
10. How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel

When my sister was four years old, she took ballet.  Every week, right after class, she would do a quick demo for our dad, showing off her newly acquired dance skills.  Every week, the demo looked exactly the same.  Obviously, my sister was not blessed with great dancing ability.  Hardly a surprise -- no one else in my family can dance either.  Does that stop us?  NO!  And you can bet we'll be busting a move this week, April 26-May 4, 2013.  Why?  It's National Dance Week!  Get in the groove with these dance books.
PICTURE BOOKS
The All-American Jump and Jive Jig by M. P. Hueston
Ballet Kitty by Bernette Ford
Brothers of the Knight by Debbie Allen
Cha-Cha Chimps by Julia Durango
Cock-a-doodle Dance! by Christine Tricarico

Audubon.  You've heard that word before, but you're not sure what it means.  Or you only have a vague understanding.  That used to sum up my level of knowledge, but that all changed when I read Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt in 2011.  The novel was filled with Audubon references, and it really sparked an interest to learn more.  And now I'm passing that information along to you on Audubon Day.  John James Audubon was a famous ornithologist and painter, who captured the wonder and beauty of wild birds in his art.  His major work was called The Birds of America and is featured in this blog's picture.  He was born on April 26, 1785, which is why we honor him today, April 26, 2013.  There are several ways you can celebrate Audubon's contributions to science and art.  Visit the Audubon Society's webpage to see how the naturalist's legacy continues to this very day.  Read a biography to learn more about his amazing life (JB  AUD in the Kid Zone).  Read a book about some of the birds he found so fascinating (598 in the Kid Zone and Nonfiction).  Walk through your backyard, your neighborhood, or a local park and do some birdwatching.  Follow in Audubon's footsteps -- take some art supplies with you and try to capture what you see.

We're going "classic" for the final post in our National Poetry Month blog series -- nursery rhymes! When I was growing up, my mom recited them all the time. So, naturally, my sister and I recited them all the time, too. This habit has followed us into adulthood. Sadly, many of today's children are not familiar with these traditional rhymes. If you're a parent, I challenge you to check out one of these Mother Goose compilation books and introduce your child to nursery rhymes. If you're a child, I encourage you to do the same -- just share it with your parents instead!

This Just In! had its last meeting of the school year on Monday, April 22, 2013.  So sad.  And so fun!  We read another great group of new books this month.
Elena = The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart
Erica = Bunnicula: A Rabbit Tale of Mystery by Deborah & James Howe
Gabby = Dear Know-It-All: Old Story, New Twist by Rachel Wise

Meet Bink and Gollie.  This mismatched pair of best friends star in a series of hilarious, full-color first chapter books.  The newest title in the series comes out on Tuesday, April 23, 2013.  Read them all to find out where their exuberance and roller skates take them.
1. Bink & Gollie
2. Bink & Gollie: Two for One
3. Bink & Gollie: Best Friends Forever

BONUS!  Did you know that this series is created by another dynamic duo,  Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee?  Wait, make that a triumphant trio.  We can't forget their illustrator collaborator Tony Fucile

Whenever we announce the last week of storytime, people panic.  It has an apocalyptic feel to it.  But it isn't the end of the world!  It's just a brief lull before the whirlwind of Summer Reading begins.  Still, you will have to wait until after Labor Day 2013 for our weekly storytimes to resume.  Maybe you should panic a little.  After you attend one of these.
Together with Twos on Monday, April 22, 2013 at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. = Best of the Best
Mother Goose on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. = Silly Willy
Early Birds on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 10 & 11 a.m. = Favorites
Tiny Tot Tales on Wednesday, April 24. 2013 at 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. = Shake Your Beanbag
After Lunch Bunch on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. = Fish Frenzy
Storytime Live on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. = Dig Into Reading!
PJ Storytime on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. = Devoted to Cats

I originally compiled this list of sing-along picture books for our Mar-Apr 2013 issue of our teacher newsletter.  I am ridiculously proud of it.  Which is why I've made it the third installment in my series of blogs celebrating National Poetry Month.  You don't have to be a trained singer to successfully share these books with your family or your classroom.  In fact, poor singing adds to the entertainment!  So sing on!
All God's Critters by Bill Staines (illustrated by Kadir Nelson)
America the Beautiful by Katharine Lee Bates (illustrated by Chris Gall)

Are you a talented kid?  Do you want to share your talent with the world?  We're here to help!  The Kid Zone is hosting Hoover Has Talent on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.

Our book club for 2nd and 3rd graders finished the year with a flood of activity!  We started with riddles and weather sayings from the "Bee Hat."
"How did Ben Franklin feel when he found out lightning was electicity?"  He was SHOCKED.  Many laughs later, we shared our weather-related reads and finished the evening by making sun-catchers. Fun photos here!

Our book recs:

Kira and Liam --Twister on Tuesday by Mary Pope Osborne

I found an extremely cool book series last week when I was browsing the Kid Zone's nonfiction shelves -- On the Job by Lisa Thompson.  There are ten titles in all, each one focusing on a different career path you could take.  I immediately knew I wanted to blog about them, but I couldn't decide when I should add it to the rotation.  Then it hit me!  This is National Library Week.  My chosen career path is librarian.  Perfect.
J  791.43  THO  Art in Action: Have You Got What It Takes to Be an Animator?
J  363.37023  THO  Battling Blazes: Have You Got What It Takes to Be a Firefighter?
J  394.2  THO  Cordially Invited: Have You Got What It Takes to Be an Event Planner?

Let's face some facts about Alabama weather during the month of April.  It is going to rain.  Yes, sometimes it snows in April, but rain is a far more likely forecast.  And this is a good thing.  In fact, it's a great thing!  Because rainy days make great reading days.  So when those April showers hit, curl up on your couch with a good book.  In the mood to be thematic?  Try one of these Rainy Day reads.  (P.S. Take a look at this blog's matching display the next time you're in the Kid Zone.)
PICTURE BOOKS
E  BAR
  Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett

It's going to be big.  It's going to be fun.  It's going to be here before you know it.  Passport to the World will take over Hoover Public Library from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2013.  It is our all-departments, all-ages FREE cultural diversity event spanning all seven continents.  There will be a lot, and I mean A LOT, of stuff going on during that three-hour timespan.  Passports will be issued at the event to help you navigate, but here's a quick breakdown to help you start making your travel itinerary today.

National Library Week is just around the corner, April 14-20, 2013.  This year's theme is Communities Matter -- which is so true!  Check out Hoover Public Library's official mission: The overall purpose of the Hoover Public Library is to serve all the citizens of Hoover by offering the services, resources, and facilities to fulfill their informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs and interests. The term "citizens" encompasses individuals and groups of every age, education, philosophy, occupation, economic level, ethnic origin, and human condition.  In other words, you matter!  Stop by the library and let us show you how much!
Other NLW "stuff" you probably want to know:
* Use this coupon to make a payment on your overdue fines during National Library Week.
* 2013 is the Hoover Public Library's 30th anniversary.
 

While celebrating National Poetry Month, you don't have to limit yourself to Dewey Decimal number 811.  There are many works of fiction written in verse.  This usually means two things:
1. The language may be sparse, but it is beautiful and very expressive.
2. With fewer words per page, these books are fast reads.

KIDS
Addie on the Inside by James Howe
Eva of the Farm by Dia Calhoun
Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech
Inside Out & Back Again by Thannha Lai
Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie by Julie Sternberg

Hey, Alvin Ho! Aloha, Calvin Coconut! I bet you're wondering why you're both in today's blog post. It turns out you have a lot in common.
1. Your first names rhyme.
2. You both star in hilarious and mulitcultural book series with your name prominently featured on the cover.
3. You both have a new book coming out today, April 9, 2013.

I'm posting the eighth Reading Snapshot on the eighth day of April.  No, that is not April foolishness.  That is called being thematic.  I'm a children's librarian -- I can't help myself!

APRIL 2013
KIDS
Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle
Captain Awesome to the Rescue! by Stan Kirby (#1)
The Fire Chronicle by John Stephens (#2)
Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool
Ninja Meerkats: The Clan of the Scorpion by Gareth Jones (#1)
Of Giants and Ice by Shelby Bach (#1)
The Prairie Thief by Melissa Wiley

I am an Army brat, born and raised in West Germany.  Which means, from a very young age, I was very informed about the Holocaust.  I traveled to the concentration camps.  I toured the Annex where Anne Frank hid.  These experiences had a profound effect on me as a child and have stayed with me as an adult.  If you haven't had the opportunity to travel to Europe, you can still absorb Holocaust history.  Visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.  This establishment has been demonstrating The Power of Truth for 20 years.  You can also commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day fro

No, I'm not referring to the pretty blonde lady on the right.  That is Suzanne Selfors, the author of several funny books for kids.  Her latest title, The Sasquatch Escape, came out on Tuesday, April 2, 2013.  It is the first in a new series, The Imaginary Veterinary.
When Ben Silverstein is sent to the rundown town of Buttonville to spend the summer with his grandfather, he's certain it will be the most boring vacation ever. That is, until his grandfather's cat brings home what looks like . . . a baby dragon?  Amazed, Ben enlists the help of Pearl Petal, a local girl with an eye for adventure. They take the wounded dragon to the only veterinarian's office in town -- Dr. Woo's Worm Hospital. But as Ben and Pearl discover once they are inside, Dr. Woo's isn't a worm hospital at all -- it's actually a secret hospital for imaginary creatures.  After Ben accidentally leaves the hospital's front door unlocked, a rather large, rather stinky, and very hairy beast escapes into Buttonville. Ben and Pearl are tasked with retrieving the runaway creature, and what started out as an ordinary summer becomes the story of a lifetime. (from the publisher)

When you finish the book, you'll no doubt want to read more books by Suzanne Selfors.  You'll probably want to read some informational books about Sasquatch sightings too.  This list makes it easy to do both.

Shout It, shout it, POETRY!
Fun for you and fun for me!
Clap your hands (clap, clap, clap), stomp your feet (stomp, stomp, stomp).
Feel the rhythm, feel the beat.
Shout It, shout it, POETRY!
Fun for you and fun for me!

Calling all 2nd-5th grade ninjas and Lego enthusiasts!  The Kid Zone is hosting Lego Ninja on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.  Join the quest to build amazing martial arts-themed Lego creations . . . then demolish them.  Prepare yourself for live-action spinjitzu destruction as well.  And fuel your body by consuming Snake Fangs and Spin Punch with a Kick.  All spin masters are entered into a drawing for Lego door prizes.  Register online or call 444-7830.  Continue your training by checking out one of our Lego Ninjago books or DVDs.

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