Kids

Jan Thomas is a rising star in the world of picture books. Her titles feature minimal but hilarious text, simple but expressive illustrations. And she throws in the occasional turnip. Discover her in E THO today!

If you haven't heard of Rick Riordan, you've been living in a post-apocalyptic bunker, cut off from the world. He's the #1 New York Times bestselling author of three different series-- Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Kane Chronicles, and Heroes of Olympus. He's also penned a few of the 39 Clues titles. He's a big deal.

If you read and loved Alabama Moon, you know exactly who Watt Key is. He's an Alabama author who writes raw and riveting coming-of-age stories that appeal to both avid and reluctant readers. Alabama Moon won multiple awards, was translated into seven languages, and turned into a movie. The companion novel, Dirt Road Home, earned Mr. Key the ALLA's Author Award at the 2012 Alabama Library Association's convention here in Hoover. And his newest book, Fourmile, was released on Tuesday, September 18, 2012.

We hope so! He's headed to Hoover Public Library on the first day of autumn -- Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. -- for Scaredy Squirrel: Be Prepared. What a way to kick off a fabulous and safe fall! Scaredy Squirrel will come down from his tree to help us create emergency preparedness kits and flying squirrels before everyone shares some squirrely snacks. Important! No nuts will be on the premises. Also, bees and sharks are discouraged from attending. But fans of Scaredy Squirrel should definitely make an appearance. Watch our commercial, then call 444-7833 to register today!

Have you ever finished reading a book and still had questions about something in it? Maybe the story took place in a country you've never visited. Perhaps the main character loved a sport you've never played. Or maybe the book introduced you to something completely amazing, and you're dying to learn more. It happens to readers all the time. And Karen, the Kid Zone's nonfiction librarian, answers Hoover's thirst for knowledge with her newest line of displays connecting popular fiction books to their Dewey Decimal numbered tie-ins in the nonfiction section. The displays always feature four books. The current titles are:

Have you ever been in a huge crowd, looking for a friend or family member? You know what they're wearing, so you think they'll be easy to spot. But you just can't find them? Well, did you know that there is a series of books that has been turning this kind of situation into a super-fun challenge for 25 years? That's right, people. Where's Waldo? is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2012. Waldo first appeared in a book in 1987. Since then, he's shown up in tons of unlikely places, surrounded by interesting objects and Waldo Watchers (those other people who insist on wearing red-and-white stripes to confuse us). Creator Martin Handford says, "I can't tell you how pleased I am that Waldo has taken on a life of his own.

We're trying something new this fall. It's called Library Skills 101, and it's geared for the many homeschool families who use the Hoover Public Library. Students in grades 3-8 (and their parents) are invited to come to the Kid Zone on Friday, September 14 at 10:30 a.m. They'll learn the ins and outs of our very large library by embarking on a fun scavenger hunt. There will also be a session on navigating our online catalog. Since the catalog covers all departments in forty libraries across Jefferson County, this can be a challenge even to the most tech savvy individual.

If you haven't discovered TeleTale yet, you've been missing out. Big time. Call 444-7838 to hear one of your favorite librarians read a new story to you every week. Listen to old favorites and new releases. It's the perfect way to pass the time when you're in line, settling down for a nap, or just looking for a laugh.

Lots of attention has been focused on the Red Planet ever since NASA's rover Curiosity completed its 354 million mile journey to Mars. You can get the latest news on this historic mission at NASA's Mars Science Laboratory website. But you can get tons of great background information in the Hoover Public Library's Kid Zone. Satisfy your curiosity with one of these ten titles about our planetary neighbor.

School is starting a little later this year, which means local kids will be looking for stuff to do. The Hoover Public Library has to take a break from programming in order to get ready for a fall chock-full of fun, but you can still count on us to keep you entertained.

A.B.C. = August Blog Challenge will give you a new puzzle to solve each week. All of them are book-based and will require a little sleuthing. Our first one is called Nonfiction ABC, Easy as 123. Match the Dewey Decimal Number listed with the correct subject. Clue: the subject starts with the letter before the number. When you're finished, check your answers by clicking on the blue. Good luck!

London 2012 Olympics
July 27 - August 12, 2012

The theme for the upcoming Olympic Games is Inspire a Generation. Great books have the power to inspire, so I've put together an in-no-way-all-encompassing list of amazing children's fiction and nonfiction titles about the Olympics. And a few books about London, too. Let the inspiration flow.