Kids' Corner

Catch the Reading Bug!

That’s the theme of our Summer Reading program this year.  Many kids (and adults) have picked up a Summer Reading Packet, and are busy reading.  We also have lots of free programs for all ages, many of which do not require registration.  And except for Jumbles and Toddler and Preschool Storytimes, you can register online for the programs that do require registration. Hope you can come to our Summer Celebration on Friday, August 8!

Here are some “buggy” books to get you the right frame of mind:

Wiggle and Waggle   by Caroline Arnold
Five short chapters about 2 earthworms who are best friends.  Their adventures include digging tunnels, having a picnic in the rain, and swimming in a puddle.  For ages 4 – 8 (beginning reader)

Diary of a Fly    by Doreen Cronin
Fly wants to be a superhero – after all, she can walk on walls, see in all directions at once, and can fly! (You’ll also enjoy Diary of a Worm and Diary of a Spider.  All 3 books are illustrated by Harry Bliss, who grew up in Henrietta and drew the art for Catch the Reading Bug!)     For ages 4 – 8

Arabella Miller’s Tiny Caterpillar   by Clare Jarrett
Colorful illustrations accompany this story about a caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly.    For ages 3 – 8

Horrible Harry Bugs the Three Bears   by Suzy Kline
Third grader Harry persuades his friends to include earwigs in their version of The Three Bears.    For grades 2 – 4

Fancy Nancy:  Bonjour Butterfly   by Jane O’Connor
The latest Fancy Nancy book features butterflies, her grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary party, and of course many wonderful words.       For ages 4 – 8

Project Mulberry     by Linda Sue Park
Korean-American 7th grader Julia Song is raising silkworms with her friend Patrick (who loves to eat kimchee!) for a science fair project.  At the end of each chapter, Julia and the author have a “discussion” about how the book should be written!  
For grades 4 – 7

How to Eat Fried Worms    by  Thomas Rockwell
Billy has made a bet that he can eat 15 worms in 15 days!  Some recipes are included in the paperback edition.  First published in 1973,  this was made into a movie in 2006.  For grades 4 – 7

Maybelle in the Soup  by Katie Speck
Maybelle is a lovely cockroach who lives unnoticed under Mr. and Mrs. Peabody’s refrigerator . . .  until she makes an appearance at a special dinner party.     For grades 2 – 4

I Love Bugs!   By Philemon Sturges
A little boy with a camera finds bugs everywhere, and takes pictures of them.  The endpapers feature his “photos”, with interesting facts about each one.   For preschool – grade one

Charlotte’s Web   by E.B. White
This timeless story of the friendship between Charlotte (a spider) and a shy pig named Wilbur will be enjoyed by the whole family.
(We’re showing the movie on Friday, July 18 at 2 p.m. )
For grades 3 – 6; younger as a read-aloud

For those of you who prefer non-fiction,  the “secret code” number for all kinds of bugs starts with 595.

Happy Reading!
Ellen Xydias, Children’s Librarian
Summer 2008