Katiem's blog

Today, May 23, 2013, is World Turtle Day.  Huge fan of this wacky holiday for two reasons.
1. I had a pet turtle named Fred when I was a kid.  He lived in an aquarium in our dining room, but he would escape every day and crawl down the hall to hide under my bed.  He was a red eared slider.
2. I loved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles when I was a kid -- the cartoons, the toys, the breakfast cereal.  My favorite was Donatello, the one in purple with the bo staff and the brains.  In fact, I still have a collection of Donatello figurines.  The second live action movie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Secret of the Ooze, holds an especially special place in my heart.  When my dad came back from Desert Storm in 1991, he took us to the movie theater to watch it.
Even if you don't believe in "Heroes in a Halfshell" or "Turtle Power", help me celebrate!  Check out some of these books and DVDs devoted to turtles!

Don't limit your summer reading to books and ebooks.  Take a look at some of these websites, too!  They are teeming with cool facts, eye-catching pics, captivating videos, and challenging games.  And all of them match our Dig Into Reading theme.  Click here for a printable list.
The Adventures of Herman = amazing website about worms
Aldridge Gardens = official website
Animals on the Underground = cute site about "animals" hidden within the map of the London Underground (subway)

Have you ever wondered who draws the pictures featured on your summer reading bag, bookmark, sticker, and calendar?  This year's Dig into Reading clipart was created by Scott Nash.  He is an accomplished artist with a distinctive, vibrant style and has illustrated more than 30 children's books.  See Nash's work on the shelves of Hoover Public Library.
Beach Day! /Camping Day!  / Rainy Day! / Snow Day! by Patricia Lakin
Betsy Red Hoodie / Betsy Who Cried Wolf by Gail Carson Levine
The Bugliest Bug / Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp by Carol Diggory Shields
The Cat in the Rhinestone Suit by John Carter Cash
Catch That Baby! / Uh-Oh, Baby! by Nancy Coffelt
Cows Going Past by Bruce Balan

During Summer Reading 2012, I started a nonfiction blog series that went hand-in-hand with the theme Dream Big.  I had a great time putting the lists together, and it was a hit with the public.  So today we jumpstart this year's summer nonfiction series Dig Deep.  This list is packed with informational books about moles, worms, and other creatures that make their homes below ground.  Click on the blue title to see if the book you want to read is available.  Click here for a printable list complete with call numbers.
1. Animals Under Our Feet by Sindy McKay

I was not a Trekkie until I saw the J. J. Abrams-directed Star Trek movie in the theater.  Loved it.  Bought the DVD.  I predict a similar pattern for the sequel, Star Trek: Into Darkness, which hits the big screen today, May 17, 2013.  Now, even though I'm a new Trekkie, I'm a long-standing sci-fi fanatic.  So let's read long and prosper with these titles.
Across the Universe by Beth Revis (#1)
A Beautiful Friendship by David Weber (#1)
The Comet's Curse by Dom Testa (#1)
A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix
The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson (#1)
Enchantress from the Stars by Sylvia Louise Engdahl
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness (#1)
Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card (#1)

Whatever ones you want!  Funny picture books, time-traveling early chapter books, action-packed graphic novels, or post-apocalyptic teen dramas -- the Hoover Public Library has so many to choose from!  We have traditional books plus audiobooks (on CD, Playaway, and downloadable) and ebooks (downloadable or check out a Nook).  Actually, it can be a bit overwhelming.  That's why I've compiled some lists to help you narrow down your choices.  Here's a quick breakdown.

Have you ever seen a book that looks like this?  A short chapter book biography that starts with Who Was or Who Is with a cover featuring an illustration of the subject but with an exaggeratedly humongous noggin?  I call them big-headed bios, but not just for that reason.  When you finish reading one, YOU have a big head -- one full of newfound knowledge.  The lastest release, Who Was Sally Ride?, comes out tomorrow, May 16, 2013.  Who else can you learn about?
Who Is Bill Gates?
Who Is J. K. Rowling?

Alabama author Rachel Hawkins wowed us with her first series of teen fiction -- Hex Hall, Demonglass, Spell Bound.  All three take place in an isolated reform school for Prodigium, A.K.A. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.  Her new book, School Spirits, hits the shelves today, May 14, 2013.  It is a spin-off series about Izzy, a fifteen-year-old girl who comes from a long line of monster hunters and is investigating a series of hauntings at her new school.    Can't wait to be wowed again!
The first audiobook
The first ebook
The second audiobook
The third audiobook

Author Gary Paulsen has written a wide range of fiction.  His Hatchet series focuses on wilderness survival.  His Mr. Tucket series takes you on a Wild West adventure.  His newest series makes you laugh and laugh at middle school schemes.  Starting tomorrow, May 14, 2013, there are four Theory, Practice, and Destructive Properties Of stories to crack you up.
1. Liar, Liar: The Theory, Practice, and Destructive Properties of Deception
2. Flat Broke: The Theory, Practice, and Destructive Properties of Greed
3. Crush: The Theory, Practice, and Destructive Properties of Love
4. Vote: The Theory, Practice, and Destructive Properties of Politics
The first audiobook
The first ebook
The second audiobook

Transport yourself to beloved book realms at the Hoover Public Library's after-hours summer reading kick-off -- Booklandia on Friday, May 17, 2013, 7:00-9:00p.m.  If you came to 2011's Party with Potter and/or 2012's GeekFest, you already have a general idea of what to expect.  Like those events, Booklandia will spread throughout the library.  There will be around 50 costumed characters hosting the party, and you are welcome to dress up as your favorite book character.  If you would feel more comfortable in your everyday wear, that's great too.  There will be a "book" to help you tour Oz, Narnia, Wonka's Chocolate Factory, the City of Bones, and more.  It will also remind you to take advantage of early-bird summer reading registration.  Here's a sneak peek of all the fun.
Library Theatre = Land of Oz = Crafts with Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion.  Audience with the Great and Powerful Oz.  Game against the Wicked Witch of the West.  Meet and greet with Dorothy, Toto, and Glinda the Good.
Circulation = Picture Yourself in a Book = Photo op from The Lorax and The Hobbit
The Plaza = Narnia = Snow-filled adventure with the White Witch and Mr. Tumnus
Teen Spot = City of Bones = Steles, bloodstone necklaces, and rune tattoos (grades 6-up)
Youth Program Room = Wonka's Chocolate Factory = Sweet treats with Willy Wonka and Violet Beauregard
Picture Books = Where the Wild Things Are = Crowns and Dewayne Reynolds's balloon-animal Wild Things
Kid Zone = Series Roundup = games based on Frog & Toad, Geronimo Stilton, Junie B. Jones, Magic Tree House, Mercy Watson, Warriors
Roamers = Mary Poppins, Sherlock Holmes, Where's Waldo?

P.S. Booklandia also celebrates Children's Book Week!