Back to School Bash and books.

Hey gang,

The first week of preschool storytime is finished, and it went very well!  Thanks to all who came, and I hope to see you all next week, and the week after that, and the week after that, and...well, you get the picture.  I'm looking forward to having more of you join us for a book and song-filled fest each week.

Also, coming up is the Back to School Bash on September 23rd at 4:00.  This is a drop-in program going on all afternoon and evening, with loads of FREE popcorn and drinks, games and fun.  We'll be mario-karting the back-to-school blues away! 

In the meantime, check these out.  No, really.  No.  REALLY.

Fashion Kitty by Charise Mericle Harper

This graphic novel is perfect for any fashionista.  Kiki Kittie is just a regular young cat until she makes a wish on her birthday.  As she's making it, a stack of fashion magazines land on her head, and WHAM!  Fashion Kitty is born, and thankfully, she's here to help us with all of our fashion dilemmas.  This story actually touches on serious topics, from bullying to self-esteem to family.  An excellent and fun read, and a great series in general.  (Be warned, the cover is pink and sparkles, and due to the high girlie content, boys will probably make a weird face, say "eeeewww" and walk away if you try this one with them.)  For third through fifth graders (mostly girls).

Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman

Instead of reading this, I chose to listen to it.  It was fantastic.  Mythology is the new thing, and this book is a fantastic example of the good use of Norse Mythology (believe me, there are plenty of bad, and I've had to read them).  Odd is a young boy with a very bad leg who runs into three talking animals one day: an eagle, a bear, and a fox.  But they're not just any talking animals.  Oh no.  The fox is Loki, the eagle is Odin, and the bear is Thor, all Norse gods who have been tricked out of their homeland, Asgard.  Now Odd must help them find their home and undo the spell that a Frost Giant put on them to keep them in animal form.  This is a great action-adventure story with real heart and a fantastic main character.  Enjoy reading it out loud or listening to it together!  For second through sixth graders.  (I know that's a wide range, but it really is a great story to share.)