Katiem's blog

I was browsing a Pinterest board the other day when I stumbled across the coolest map of the United States.  Each state depicted a book cover.  When I went to the original blog post, I discovered that each book was set in that state.  My mind immediately shouted READING ROAD TRIP!, then WHAT A GREAT BLOG POST FOR TEENS RIGHT BEFORE SPRING BREAK!  So here it is.  Read your way across the USA.  * I had to change a few titles from the original list, to reflect our Teen Spot collection.  Did you notice? *
Alabama = The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore

When I first moved to Alabama, I lived in Oxford.  In a neighboring city, there is a wonderful place called the Anniston Museum of Natural History.  We bought a family membership and spent many holidays and weekends exploring the exhibits.  Are you planning a similar excursion to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the Birmingham Museum of Art, McWane Science Center, or the Southern Museum of Flight this Spring Break?  Do some prep work!  Check out one of these titles.

Taking a trip to the Birmingham Zoo this Spring Break?  Get ready by reading one of these zoo picture books.
The Baby Beebee Bird by Diane Redfield Massie
Class Two at the Zoo by Julia Jarman
Felicity Floo Visits the Zoo by E. S. Redmond
Good Night Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
Hippo! No, Rhino by Jeff Newman

We really stretched our imaginations, our acting skills, and our tech abilities at this month's This Just In! meeting.  After quickly introducing the group to the new books we read, we took a vote -- choosing which title would be featured in our book trailer.  That's right, we used an awesome app on the library's iPad to create a book trailer.  Take a look!
Director = Ali
Good twins = Erica & Vincent
Bad twins = Khaldoun & Youssef
Professor = Miss Katie Jane

I am one of them.  One of the readers who has been eagerly awaiting the release of book 3 in The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare.  My wait is over today, March 19, 2013.  Clockwork Princess is officially released, and I am #1 on the waiting list.  Don't be jealous!  And don't forget to add your name to the list.  Maybe you can re-read the other two titles while you wait.
1. Clockwork Angel
2. Clockwork Prince

Hoover City Schools will be on Spring Break next week.  If you and your family decide to have a stay-cation, make sure that Hoover Public Library is part of it!  We have an amazing line-up of bird-brained programs for both kids and teens.  The overall theme is Birds of a Feather Read Together.  Here's a breakdown of each event.
KIDS
The Pigeon Wants an Audience! on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 10:30 a.m.
This party takes place throughout the Kid Zone.  The Pigeon will start with a hilarious skit that (unknown to him) will keep being interrupted by other Mo Willems's characters -- the Duckling, Elephant & Piggie, Edwina the Dinosaur, and Big Frog .  There will be two games, Puppy Training and Hot Dog Dress Up, and a paper plate pigeon craft.  All kids will receive a bus driver number, cookies without nuts, and Piggie Punch.

They are finally here and definitely worth the wait!  Our games computers have been replaced with mounted iPads.  There are six preschool iPads and four elementary iPads.  Stop by the Kid Zone and give them a test drive.  Featured apps are listed below.
PRESCHOOL
Another Monster at the End of This Book (Sesame Street)
Caillou Stickers
Curious George Sunny Safari
Draw Along
GazziliScience
Let's Color!
Monster Coloring Book
Peekaboo Barn
Pigeon! (Mo Willems)
Rocket Reads
Seuss Color
Skippyjon Jones
SuperWhy
Tap a Tune
Tiny Wings
Toontastic
Trucks

Yesterday's blog gave you some behind-the-scenes art books.  Now it's time to get inspired with some storybooks and fiction perfect for Youth Art Month.

March is Youth Art Month!  Think you have an inner artist?  Read some of these books and find out!

The Teen Spot's Manga Club is meeting again on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.  This month's twist?  A cosplay contest.  This means you should come dressed as your favorite anime, manga, or comic character.  Keep it simple, or go all out!  It's all about expressing yourself and your love of this Japanese art form.  Take a look at some of our past contestants in our Teen Photo Gallery.