It’s Never Too Early To Think about the Science Fair!

Here’s a great new book to help you plan your experiment for this year’s science fair:

See for Yourself: More Than 100 Amazing Experiments for Science Fairs and School Projects by Vicki Cobb

More than 100 inexpensive, easy-to-follow experiments for school science fairs and projects for budding scientists, including: mirror writing, discovering your blind spot, searching for yeast busters, vegetable dyes, talking underwater, extracting DNA in your kitchen, burning rubber, creating gak, and much, much more!  Wow your teachers and friends with the power of science!

New Graphic Novels!

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Binky Under Pressure (A Binky Adventure)

Ashley Spires (Author, Illustrator)

In Binky's third adventure, our intrepid, sometimes accident-prone hero is shaken out of his routine when he's forced to contend with Gracie, a dainty striped foster kitty who comes to live at Binky's space station (aka his home at 42 Sentinel Parkway). Binky instantly resents the new arrival, whose cute face and perfect manners are downright annoying. Indeed, Gracie seems too perfect. So Binky decides to do some undercover investigating and discovers a shocking truth about the family guest. Soon Binky is thrust full-throttle into a situation that puts all his Space Cat skills to the ultimate test!

No Dogs Allowed!

Linda Ashman (Author), Kristin Sorra (Illustrator)

The entertainment escalates in this nearly wordless graphic novel as more and more people arrive with a surprising selection of pets.  Alberto turns them all away--only to see the crowd discover a friendlier alternative in the festive street. Will Alberto find a way to win them back?

New Computer Games!

Lego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures

by Feral Interactive

LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures follows Dr. Jones escapades through the jungles of South America to the mountaintops of India. Fans can build, battle and brawl their way through their favorite cinematic moments, from Indy¿s entanglements with snakes to his dashing boulder run. Of course, Hollywood¿s most iconic archeologist will whip through all the classic moments with the help of a host of supporting characters including Marion Ravenwood and Short Round. Players can also mix and match the body parts of more than 60 playable characters to create new heroes just as they could in the best-selling LEGO Star Wars games.

Cars Radiator Springs Adventures (Win/Mac)

by THQ

Adventure through Radiator Springs with Lightning McQueen and your favorite movie characters. Complete a series of awesome challenges as you gear up for the big race! "Cars," the seventh animated feature film to be created by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures, is directed by Pixar's two-time Academy Award-winner John Lasseter, who directed "Toy Story," "A Bug's Life," and "Toy Story 2." A high-octane adventure comedy, "Cars" features the voice talents of Owen Wilson, Paul Newman and Bonnie Hunt, and has a wide assortment of cars as characters who get their kicks on Route 66

Did You Come to Our Halloween Parade?

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If you came to the library for our Halloween parade, check out the photos on display in the children’s room.  If you see a picture of yourself, you’re welcome to take it!  If you want to let us use your photo on our blog, just sign the list.  Soon you’ll be able to see a slide show with this year’s Halloween paraders.  Check back here!

Laugh Out Loud Program a Hit!

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Kids who attended our Laugh Out Loud program got to draw their own comic books with characters like Crazy Silly Fred and Fluffly Pillow and display them in an art gallery.  There was funny trivia; everyone had their picture taken as Captain Underpants, and ate food prepared by our very own lunch ladies!

Behind the Book: A Visit with Author David Kelly

 

David Kelly, author of the popular Ballpark Mystery Series, will answer all your questions about being a writer, about writing mysteries and, of course, about baseball!

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 7 – 8 pm

Registration required.  Call 781-320-1042 or register at the library.

This program is funded through a grant from the Westwood Young Women’s Club.

New Nonfiction Books

The Daytona 500: The Thrill and Thunder of the Great American Race by Nancy Roe Pimm

Learn all about stock car racing’s biggest event and the drivers and crew who make it possible in this fascinating, fact-filled book.  You will join in the excitement of forty-three cars running nose-to-tail and side-by-side at almost 200 miles per hour.  You’ll also discover the rich history of stock car racing and find out why it’s one of the most popular sports around.

 

Cartoon 360: Secrets to Drawing Cartoon People and Poses in 3-D by Harry Hamernik

There’s more to great cartooning than drawing a funny face.  You need to match that head to a body, give your character expression and attitude, and move him this way and that to tell your story, all while keeping his look consistent from frame to frame.  Cartoon 360 covers every angle of drawing fantastic cartoon people, from coming up with fresh ideas for an endless assortment of faces, to brining your work to a polished, professional finish with inking and coloring.

Laugh Out Loud!

A Series of Fortunate Library Events presents:

Laugh Out Loud: Lunch Lady, Babymouse and More!

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Join us at the library for a special afternoon filled with laugh-out-loud activities, as we celebrate our favorite  funny graphic novels.

Tuesday, October 4, 4 – 5 pm

For readers grades 2 – 4

Registration required.  Call 781-320-1042 or come in to the library.

Islington Branch Book Share

 

In search of a good book?  Bring a favorite to recommend and leave  with a list of great new titles.

Tuesday, September 13

10:30 am – 11:00 am

Behind the Book: A Visit with Author David Kelly

 

David Kelly, author of the popular Ballpark Mystery Series, will answer all your questions about being a writer, about writing mysteries and, of course, about baseball!

POSTPONED

NEW DATE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 7 – 8 pm

Registration required.  Call 781-320-1042 or register at the library.

This program is funded through a grant from the Westwood Young Womens Club.

New Nonfiction Books!

The Boy Who Bit Picasso by Antony Penrose , Pablo Picasso

Tony was a boy with a special friend—a world-famous artist by the name of Pablo Picasso. Tony and his parents entertained Picasso at their home in England, and they went to visit Picasso and his family in France, too. Tony, when a child, really did bite Picasso. And Picasso bit him back!Filled with information about Picasso and his art, this book offers readers a rare glimpse into Picasso’s personal life and features more than sixty-five illustrations, including artworks by Picasso, photographs by Lee Miller, and specially commissioned drawings by contemporary children.Grown-up Tony, the son of photographer Lee Miller and painter-writer Sir Roland Penrose, shares his childhood memories of his remarkable playmate in this one-of-a-kind story.

Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm by Jon Katz

Welcome to Bedlam Farm! Meet Rose, Izzy, Frieda, and Lenore, four dogs that work hard on the farm doing various jobs. They're good friends now, but it wasn't always this way.  Just as each dog has a different role on the farm, each has a unique story. Filled with his captivating photographs, bestselling author Jon Katz's heartwarming account of his dogs' lives on Bedlam Farm is unforgettable.

New Graphic Novels!

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Chi's Sweet Home, Volume 1 by Kanata Konami

Chi is a michievous newborn kitten who, while on a leisurely stroll with her family, finds herself lost. Seperated from the warmth and protection of her mother, feels distraught. Overcome with loneliness she breaks into tears in a large urban park meadow., when she is suddenly rescued by a young boy named Yohei and his mother. The kitty is then quickly and quietly whisked away into the warm and inviting Yamada family apartment...where pets are strictly not permitted.

The Star Crusher (Missile Mouse Series #1) by Jake Parker

Missile Mouse, secret agent for the Galactic Security Agency, is a risk taker and a rule breaker, which is why he's in hot water at GSA headquarters. Then RIP, the Rogue Imperium of Planets, kidnaps a scientist who knows about the Star Crusher, a doomsday machine capable of destroying the entire universe. Time to let loose the mouse! Missile Mouse battles giant space slugs, corrupt agents, killer bugs, and a pair of shark-headed thugs to save the day (and the scientist!). And when he's sucked into the exploding Star Crusher, he becomes pure energy . . . energy that will consume him unless Missile Mouse can release it and destroy RIP's spaceship fleet in time.

KABOOM!

Mal and Chad: The Biggest, Bestest Time Ever! by Stephen McCranie

Mal is a super kid genius and Chad is a talking dog, but no one knows it. What's it like to be so extraordinary and yet so invisible? Not even Megan, Mal's secret crush, has any idea that Mal is anything more than a dork. Fortunately, Mal and Chad are best friends with a penchant for adventure . . . even if the time-traveling does get them grounded by Mal's mom.

New Illustrated Fiction Books!

The Popularity Papers by Amy Ignatow

Book One: Research for the Social Improvement and General Betterment of Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang

Lydia and Julie are best friends with one goal: to crack the code of popularity. Lydia’s the bold one: aspiring theater star, stick-fighting enthusiast, and human guinea pig. Julie’s the shy one: observer and artist, accidental field hockey jock, and faithful recorder. In this notebook they write down their observations and carry out experiments to try to determine what makes the popular girls tick. But somehow, the harder Lydia and Julie try to imitate the popular girls, the farther they get from their goal—and each other.

 

Book Two: The Long-Distance Dispatch between Lydia Goldblatt and Julie Graham-Chang

Best friends Julie and Lydia are back in this hilarious sequel to Amy Ignatow's breakout novel!After spending all of fifth grade studying popularity together, Julie and Lydia are finally ready to put their hard-earned lessons to use in junior high. But before they can, tragedy strikes: Lydia's mom gets a job in London for six whole months! Before Lydia can say "fancy a cup of tea?" she's thrust into a new school, where she earns a reputation as "the Violent American." Meanwhile Julie's stuck navigating the cliques of American junior high on her own, where she is adopted by a group of troublemaking eighth graders known as the Bichons. The two best friends will have to learn to keep in touch and stand on their own, assisted as always by their trusty notebook.

 

Doodlebug by Karen Romano Young

Moving is tough. Being the new kid in school is even tougher. But the hardest thing of all about the move that Doreen "Dodo" Bussey's family is making is that she suspects it might be because of her. She got into trouble at her last school. On the drive to their new home, her mother gives Dodo a blank notebook, which she uses to chronicle the move, the first days in a new city, and the ups and downs of starting a new school and making new friends. In the process, she reinvents herself as the Doodlebug. Her little sister seems to adjust to everything so easily—why is it so hard for Dodo?

Do You Like To Play Games?

Drop in to the library for a fun filled game night!

Monday, August 8 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Classic board games, cards, trivia and treats. Bring your family and friends for a night in at Game Night @ the Library.

All ages welcome.

Summer Reading Is Underway!

Stop in at the Main Library or the Branch Library to join in the summer reading program.  Don’t let other kids win all of those prizes!!  Check out the reading lists for some great books to read during vacation.

Bad Kitty vs Uncle Murray: The Uproar at the Front Door by Nick Bruel

Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamiilo and Alison McGhee

The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman by Ben H. Winters

A Look Back at the Life and Adventures of Harry Potter

 

A Series of Fortunate Library Events presents... A Look Back at the Life and Times of Harry Potter!

Come to the Main Library for activities, games, costumes, everything Harry Potter as we celebrate the life and times of Harry Potter.  Get ready for the final installment of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two!

Monday, July 11, 7 – 9:00 pm

Registration is required and begins June 23rd. Call 781-320-1042 or come in to the library.

Lego Mania at the Islington Branch Library

June 14 Grades 4 & 5, 3:30 – 4:30 pm

June 21 Grades 2 & 3, 3:30 – 4:30 pm

June 28 Grades 4 & 5, 3:30 – 4:30 pm

Join us and use  your imagination to build a lego project! 

Sign up is required and limited to one class.  Register at the Branch or call 781-326-5914.

Get Ready for Summer Reading!

 

The Summer Reading Program at the Westwood Library starts the last day of school, June  23, and ends on the first day of school, September 6.

Prizes!  Special Programs!  Great Books!

Check the library website for details, or come in to the library.

One World, Many Stories is sponsored by Westwood Public Library, the Massachusetts Library System, the Boston Bruins and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

New Graphic Novel Series: History’s Kid Heroes

The Lifesaving Adventure of Sam Deal, Shipwreck Rescuer

Pea Island, North Carolina, 1896: Sam Deal loves horses, especially his little pony, Ginger.  The men at the lifesaving station on the beach make fun of Ginger, but Sam knows she’s a worthy steed.  When a ship begins to sink on a stormy, scary night, Sam and Ginger get to test their strength. Can Sam and Ginger brave the waves to help save the shipwrecked passengers and crew?

 

The Stormy Adventure of Abbie Burgess, Lighthouse Keeper

Matinicus Rock, Maine, 1956: Abbie Burgess lives with her family on a tiny island in the cold sea off the coast of Maine.  Her father, the lighthouse keeper, must clean and light the lighthouse lamps every day without fail, or ships off the coast could crash into rocks and sink.  Abbie’s father leaves to buy supplies, but a storm blows up before he can return.  Can Abbie keep the lights burning until her father returns?

The Snowshoeing Adventure of Milton Daub, Blizzard Trekker

The Bronx, New York, 1888: The snowstorm of the century has buried Milton Daub’s town under ice and snow.  His family needs milk, and his neighbor needs medicine.  With help from his father, Milton crafts a pair of makeshift snowshoes.  He bundles up and sets out into the blizzard.  Will Milton’s homemade snowshoes bring him safely home again?

Check Out Our Illustrated Fiction Collection

Too old for picture books, but still like to have lots of illustrations to look at?  Want more of a story to go along with the pictures?  Take a look at some of the illustrated fiction books on display in the children’s department.

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Do You Love David Macaulay’s Books?

 

Check out his new one: Built To Last

This new book—inspired by three classic, award-winning books—reveals the how and why behind some of the most fascinating and enduring structures humankind has ever created. Macaulay has revised texts based on new research, created gorgeous new drawings, in some cases wholly re-imagined scenes from the books—bringing Castle and Cathedral to life in full-color for the very first time. The resulting illustrations add to the reader’s understanding of these buildings, capturing intriguing new perspectives and a depth of detail in structure and atmosphere. This impeccably researched volume is not only a necessary addition to the bookshelf of any David Macaulay or architecture fan, but will delight readers of all ages who are experiencing his work for the first time.

Graphic Novel Sequels You’ve Been Waiting For!

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Joey Fly 2 Private Eye in Big Hairy Drama by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Neil Numberman

A cold snap has blown into town like an unwanted house pest. But there’s only one guy in the bug city with the power to put crime permanently on ice: Joey Fly, Private Eye. He’s always on the lookout for trouble, and he runs into it when he meets Harry Spyderson, proprietor of the Scarab Beetle Theatre and director of the much-anticipated Bugliacci.. Greta Divawing, the four-winged, long-legged leading lady, has gone missing. Harry hires Joey Fly and his assistant, Sammy Stingtail to crack the case. Can they find Greta in time to save the show?

Babymouse: Cupcake Tycoon by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm

The word is out. Kids love Babymouse—star of the popular, award-winning, hilarious, PINK graphic-novel series showcasing the trials and tribulations of elementary school. The sassy mouse with attitude to spare has charmed her way into the hearts of kids, parents, and teachers everywhere! The series has won multiple Children’s Choice awards, and one title was the first graphic novel EVER to be named an ALA Notable Children’s Book. It's champagne wishes and cupcake dreams for Babymouse in Cupcake Tycoon. The school library is having a fund-raiser, and Babymouse is determined to raise the most money and WIN the GRAND PRIZE! Or . . . er, to help the school! The competition is fierce, but Babymouse will stop at nothing to get what she wants, even if it means outselling every last kid in school . . . including her nefarious nemesis, Felicia Furrypaws. The claws are out and the race is on in this absolutely PRICELESS Babymouse!

Mummies by Christopher Sloan

Dried, Tanned, Sealed, Drained, Frozen, Embalmed, Stuffed, Wrapped, and Smoked…and We’re Dead Serious

Don’t look at this book unless you have a strong stomach for gruesome pictures! You won’t be able to tear your eyes away from the parade of mummies on these pages –many with skin, bone, hair, clothing, jewelry, and even tattoos intact.  Dig into their worlds and discover their secrets.

Children’s Book of Music by DK Publishing

Experience the sounds and rhythms of different cultures, explore all periods and styles, and learn about the lives and achievements of major composers and performers.  Listen to the music you will read about in the book –from a traditional Chinese melody to Caribbean steel drums –on the accompanying  CD.  Make your own music: a range of fun activities give you the chance to construct your own instrument, choreograph a dance routine, or write your own rap song! –from the back cover

How Football Works by Keltie Thomas

Need help understanding what’s really going on when you’re watching football? This book is for you!

Why is a tackle such an explosive move?

How can you make your pass spin like a speeding bullet?

Who’s who when players get face to face at the line of scrimmage?

How Football Works answers all these questions and many, many more.  Packed with legendary tales of the best players to ever pound the gridiron, fascinating “Quick Hit” facts, insider tips to help you perfect your own game, the scoop on the differences between the NFL and the CFL, and all the dazzling science behind the sport, How Football Works covers football from every exciting angle. – from the back cover

Special Author Storytime

 

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Come hear children’s author Licia Rando  read her new book, The Warmest Place of All.

Make a special craft! For children 3 – 5 years old

Monday, March 28, 10:30 am

Registration required.  Call 781-320-1042 or come to the library to register.

New Fantasy Series!

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

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“One of the most enjoyable fantasies I’ve read…” –Christopher Paolini, author of Eragon

Book One

Book Two: Rise of the Evening Star

Book Three: Grip of the Shadow Plague

Book Four: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary

For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite.  Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken -- Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good -- powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.

It’s Almost Baseball Season!

Bone up on your baseball facts with The 25 Greatest Baseball Players of All Time by Len Berman, the author of The Greatest Moments in Sports. 

Discover the greatest baseball players of all time! Which guys playing right now will they still be talking about in 100 years? A-Rod? Pujols? How about Jeter? Why do the best pitchers receive the Cy Young Award? Was Honus Wagner anything but a face on a $2,800,000 baseball card? Who was this Babe Ruth guy, anyway? Sportscaster and New York Times bestselling author Len Berman had lots of questions about the game of baseball. So he put together a group of experts that included all-stars, Emmy Award winners, writers, radio hosts, and enough World Series rings to fill one hand's fingers.

Interested in the Oceans?

Oceanology Handbook: A Course for Underwater Explorers by Professor Pierre Aronnax

Explore the ocean’s wonders, real and . . . imagined. Dive into this essential handbook to discover some lesser-known secrets of the sea. What’s the difference between a steamer and a schooner? How would you navigate in stormy seas? How are underwater volcanoes formed? And which creatures lurk in the inky depths of the deepest oceans? All this and much more await eager young oceanologists in this exciting handbook, prepared for Zoticus de Lesseps, the young author of OCEANOLOGY, by his tutor, Professor Aronnax, during their around-the-world journey aboard the mysterious Captain Nemo’s NAUTILUS.

Sinister and Silly Characters Event

 

 

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Are they sinister or silly? Join us for games and activities as we look at our favorite funny characters and favorite villains from our favorite books!

Grades 2-5
Monday April 4th, @ 4:00 pm.

Registration Required
Please call or come into the library to register. 781-320-1042

Don’t forget! Location Change for Storyhours

The following programs will be held at:

The Temple Beth David, 7 Clapboardtree St.

Preschool Literacy Adventures: Tuesdays, 10:15 – 11:00 am For children 2 – 3 and up with caregiver.  March 22 – May 3

Storytime:: Wednesdays, 11:00 – 11:45 am For children 3 – 5. March 23 – May 4

Babies & Books: Fridays, 10:30 – 10:50 am For childlren aged 2 with caregiver. March 25 – May 6

Registration for these programs is now required.  Call 781-320-1042 or come in to the library.

Storytelling Saturdays @ the Library

Librarians’ Favorite Folktales

Come one, come all! 

Saturday, April 2, 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Registration required.  Call  781-320-1042 or come in to the library

New Nonfiction Books!

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Breaking Secret Codes by Jillian Gregory

Coded information may look confusing, but most codes provide hints that can help you break them. Learn how to find and interpret code patterns and repetitions. With your new super-sleuthing skills, you'll be cracking codes in no time!From secret treasure maps to Navajo code talkers to Cockney Rhyming Slang, these books cover the ins and outs of historic and modern-day codes. Have fun learning about famous historical codes, how to make and speak your own codes, and even how to crack other people's codes.

Sky Sailors: True Stories of the Balloon Era by David L. Bristow

This introduction to the history of ballooning introduces the pioneers of human flight and their contraptions which were used to cross large bodies of water, sail over enemy armies, and fly into storms, from 1783 until the early twentieth century.

Up We Grow! A Year in the life of a Small, Local Farm by Deborah Hodge

Meet the farmers who carefully tend their crops and animals, while also caring for the health of their soil. Follow them through the seasons as they plow, plant, compost, mulch, harvest and market their fruits and vegetables. Watch their chickens and goats wander freely over the farmland.

Scaredy Squirrel Has a Birthday Party

Read the latest in the Scaredy Squirrel series by Melanie Watt!

Here’s the story, in a nutsell: I never have big birthday parties.  It’s way too risky.  I could be surprised by ponies or flying confetti. So I take control of things by planning a small birthday celebration and putting on my finest suit.  Then I suddenly have a change of heart and decide to add a special someone to my guest list.  Read my nutty adventure to find out…

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Scaredy Squirrel

Scaredy Squirrel at Night

Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend

Scaredy Squirrel  at the Beach

Rockabye Baby!

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Check out this terrific series of CDs that transform timeless rock songs into beautiful instrumental lullabies.  They’ve traded guitars and drums for mellotron, bells, and other gentle sounds.  Stand up and (quietly) shout for the cherub rock of the next generation!

Lullaby Renditions of The Beatles

More Lullaby Renditions of The Beatles

Lullaby Renditions of Bob Marley

Lullaby Renditions of Led Zeppelin

Lullaby Renditions of The Rolling Stones

New Children CD/DVD ROM Games!

Come into the Library to check out some of our NEW CD/DVD ROM computer games!

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Barbie and the Three Musketeers
I SPY Spooky Mansion
Clifford Phonics

Come to these great Saturday programs

The Irish Magic Show

Debbie O’Carroll introduces a clan of classical characters from Irish children’s literature.  Meet a comical ghostly pooka, learn the secrets of the Salmon of Knowledge, and meet the mischievous headless Dullahan. Funded by the Friends of the Library.  Recommended for ages 4 – 12

Saturday March 5 10:30 am

Folk Dance

Marcie Van Cleave and Co. from the  Folk Arts Center of New England lead cultural dances from all over the world. Funded by a grant from the Westwood Young Women’s Club.  For all ages

Saturday March 12 10:30 am

Registration required.  Call 781-320-1042