Children's literary magazine Hutch

The Blue Bunny in Dedham, MA, is now publishing a semi-annual children's literary magazine, Hutch. Author and illustrator Peter Reynolds is the creative editor, and the senior editor is Nancy Marsh. If you are interested in submitting your writing or artwork to Hutch, visit the website for more info. http://www.dedhambluebunny.com/hutch/index.html

Islington Branch November Grades 4 - 5 Book Share

Here is the list of books recommended at the latest Book Share:

Katie:
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
The Tail of Emily Windsnap (1st in the Emily Windsnap Series) by Liz Kessler

Tommy:
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Cameron:
Gregor and the Marks of Secret (4th in the Underland Chronicles series) by Suzanne Collins
Gregor the Overlander (1st in series)
Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane (2nd in series)
Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods (3rd in series)

Vivian:
Dealing with Dragons (1st in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles series) by Patricia Wrede

Elizabeth:
Among the Hidden and Among the Imposters (1st and 2nd in the Shadow Children sequence) by Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

Kylie:
The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry
Ladies First (non-fiction) by Ken Rappoport

Nicole:
Warriors: Into the Wild (1st in the Warriors series) by Erin Hunter

Claire:
The Sherlock Files by Tracy Barrett

Hildi:
Schooled by Gordon Korman

Young Readers Book Club Book Reviews

Here are the latest reviews from the Islington Branch Young Readers Book Club!

Oliver and Amanda: Amanda Pig, First Grader by Jean Van Leeuwen
This book is about Amanda Pig going to first grade. She has a best friend named Lollipop. Her brother’s name is Oliver and her teacher’s name is Ms. Mary Ann Pig. She rides the bus to school. She was very excited about school. She was scared she wouldn’t find her classroom, and of the older pigs in school. She finds all of her classes. She doesn’t get teased by the older pigs. She learns something in first grade. Read this book and find out what Amanda Pig learns in first grade. Review by Laura E., Grade 2



Henry and Mudge and the Starry Night by Cynthia Rylant
Henry and Mudge were going camping on a camping trip with Henry’s mom and dad. Henry’s mom knew a lot about camping. His father knew how to play the guitar. He would play at night and the mom would build a fire. She would put the pots over the fire to cook. Henry told Mudge they would see a bunch of different animals. They saw a fish jump, a doe and her fawn. They were looking for a spot to camp. Mudge found a trail with red x’s. This was where they were going to camp. They found the Big and Little Dipper. Henry’s dad said “look at E.T.” Read this book to find out what kind of campers Henry and Mudge are. Review by Katherine K., Grade 2

Poppy by Avi
The book I read is called Poppy. Poppy is a dear mouse. In a big oak tree without a top lives an owl named Mr. Ocax. Poppy and her family think Mr. Ocax catches porcupines for them but he really doesn’t. He is scared of the porcupines. One day Poppy and her friend Ragweed are out on a big hill. They were supposed to ask permission from Mr. Ocax. But Ragweed doesn’t think it is necessary. So Mr. Ocax sees them and he comes and grabs Ragweed and eats him. One day Poppy and her family want to move to a different house because they are running out of food. Then Poppy wants to find out why Mr Ocax doesn’t want them to move to a different house. If you want to find out more about this book, I would recommend you read it. Review by Nataniah C., Grade 3

Fashion Kitty by Charise Mericle Harper
This book is about a family of cats who have a pet mouse named Mousey. On Kiki’s birthday a bunch of fashion magazines fall on her head. She bumps into her sister and her sister falls into Kiki’s cake. Kiki flies out the door and you will have to read the book to find out what happens to Kiki. Review by Allison M., Grade 3

Wake Up Storytime at the Islington Branch Library

Come to the Wake Up Storytime Saturday, December 6, from 10:30 - 11:00 at the Islington Branch Library. All childrens age 3 and up and their families are welcome!

Year in Review

Calling all second through fifth graders! The Islington Branch Library is compiling Book Reviews for our very own “Year in Review”. This is your chance to share a favorite book to be included in our booklet and posted on the Westwood Public Library website! What to do? Take a “Year in Review” form from the Islington Library, fill it out and return it to the Islington library. By when? Complete and return the review by Thursday, December 18th, 2008. Remember to include the major characters, setting, plot (without giving away the ending), genre, and what you liked most about the book. Have fun!

November MA Book Awards Book Club Meeting

Review of Shakespeare's Secret by Elise Broach

This month's Massachusetts Book Awards Book Club met to talk about Shakespeare's Secret and to eat snacks! Here are the group's comments:

Emma- "I liked how Hero and Mrs. Roth became good friends"

Brendan - "This book was a rigamarole of mystery and chance"

Joe - "If you like history, this book is for you!"

Liz - "Hero is a good character and her and Danny really made the story believable"

Brandon - "This story was full of coincidence"

Vanessa - "This book was a thrilling pageturner"

Sounds like they enjoyed it!

The next meeting is December 15 and the book is Gossamer by Lois Lowry. New members welcome!