The Dominion

Don't Let the Pigeon . . .

. . .take over the Simulcast!
October 6, 2009
11 a.m. 
Modesto Library Auditorium

Mo Willems, author of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Knuffle Bunny will be giving a tour of his studio via live simulcast to the Modesto Library. We were one of only 200 library & school venues to be chosen to participate in this unique experience. For more information call 558-7810.

Hungry caterpillar is google image

In celebration for the first day of Spring, Google's image has changed to a representation of Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."  You can also read The Telegraph's article about the Google image and read background information on the iconic book here.

Of course, you can always find the book in the library's catalog.

Book reviews

If you're looking for book reviews we've got them, but not on this page.  As of today, book reviews and recommendations have their own blog, BookLooks.  The blog will encompass a wide variety of reviewed books with a link to the library's catalog so you can place a hold.  So, if you're looking for something to read check it out!

CNN article on children's books

There was an article on cnn.com yesterday about children's books and how older books become classics.  They bring up favorites such as: The Polar Express, Where the Wild Things Are, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Goodnight Moon, and others.  One of the reasons given for the enduring appeal of these books is that with every new generation the previous generation shares what they loved as a child.  Some of my favorite children's books are by Mercer Mayer.

Which ones are your favorite?

No Place for a Lady

No Place for a Lady is the first book in the Hearts of the West series by Maggie Brendan.  Crystal travels to her aunt's cattle ranch in Colorado in 1892.  Luke is the foreman, and he was like a son to aunt Kate.  When tragedy strikes her aunt Kate, how will Crystal respond?  To request this item, click on the title above.  

Kenny and the Dragon

Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi is a fantasy with animals as main characters.  Kenny, a rabbit, becomes friends with a dragon named Grahame.  Unfortunately, Kenny learns that his other good friend (George) was a knight who fought dragons.  Will they be able to resolve the situation in a suitable way? 

To request this item, click on the title above or call the Modesto Library children's department at 558-7810.

Bee article

Have you seen Jeff Jardine's column in today's Modesto Bee?  The article is about Ellin Klor, a former Modesto resident, whose story is featured in a new book called, The Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science that Could Save Your Life by Ben Sherwood.  The Stanislaus County Library has the book and you can put a hold on it by clicking on the title above or calling the Reference Department at 558-7814.

Together: a Novel of Shared Vision

Together: a Novel of Shared Vision.  Authors: Tom Sullivan with Betty White. 

Brenden is athletic; on a hiking trip at the Maroon Bells in Colorado, he falls.  When Brenden doesn't return home, the rescue team is called into action.  The fall has caused permanent vision loss.  Can Brenden cope with his newfound blindness?  What about his career and fiancee?  His mother encourages him to attend a training program in California where he obtains a black Labrador as a seeing eye dog.  They must learn to love and trust each other, which can lead to incredible teamwork.  Inspirational and heart-wrenching.

The Stanislaus County Library system has this novel in regular print as well as large print.  To request a copy, click on the title above.

Inkheart

Have you ever read a book that came to life?  What if characters from a novel could actually come to life?  Inkheart is the first book in a trilogy by Cornelia Funke.  Inkheart is now a movie that will be released in U.S. theaters on January 23, 2009.  Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany, Helen Mirren, Jim Broadbent and Andy Serkis star in the movie version of the tale.

If you'd like to request the novel, click on the title above or call the Modesto Library children's department at 558-7810.

A Horse of Her Own

A Horse of Her Own is a novel by Annie Wedekind.  Jane desires a horse, but she rides one of the school/camp horses.  She attends a six week summer camp.  Jane is conscientious in caring for the horse and is focused on the horse aspect of camp; however, there is a boy and a clique of girls.  When "her" horse has been sold, what will Jane do?  Will she ever have a horse that belongs to her?

If you would like to request this book, click on the title above or call the Modesto Library children's department at 558-7810.