This month’s children’s selections highlight the work of author Kevin Henkes. First we have his acclaimed tale of a mouse who is a bit of a worrier. In Wemberly Worried, the title character shares many of the ordinary fears that trouble most children, but is primarily concerned with the looming first day of school. In the end, she faces her fear and winds up enjoying herself. It’s a well-written and realistic book that teaches kids that while life will never be worry-free, facing your fears can make it worth living. Second is Olive’s Ocean, also by Mr. Henkes, but geared towards older kids. This is a coming-of-age story about a girl named Martha, whose life winds up becoming heavily influenced by the recent passing of a classmate named Olive. This sweet story is perfect for upper-elementary-school-aged children. Lastly this month, the featured DVD is “How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?”, which should enthrall kids with beautifully animated renditions of 4 favorite stories, including the one mentioned in the title. Come by the library all through the month of February to get one of these for your family, or peruse the similar titles we have selected in the display.
Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
Wemberly worried about everything.
Big things.
Little things.
And things in between.
Then it was time for school to start.And Wemberly worried even more.
If you ever worry (or know someone who does), this is the book for you.
Description provided by Goodreads.
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Olive’s Ocean by Kevin Henkes
Sometimes life can change in an instant
Martha Boyle and Olive Barstow could have been friends, but they weren’t. Weeks after a tragic accident, all that is left are eerie connections between the two girls, former classmates who both kept the same secret without knowing it. Now, even while on vacation at the ocean, Martha can’t stop thinking about Olive. Things only get more complicated when Martha begins to like Jimmy Manning, a neighbor boy she used to despise. What is going on? Can life for Martha be the same ever again?
Description provided by Goodreads.
Available Formats:
Print Book | eBook | eAudiobook
“How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight… and More Stories That Rhyme”
Yes, it is always a good time for stories that rhyme. And this collection of short films delivers verse in four chapters, based on a quartet of beloved picture books and employing delightful wordplay and diverse animation styles that will engage the imagination. Jane Yolen narrates her not-ready-for-bedtime story, “How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?” Laura Dern narrates Denise Fleming’s Caldecott Honor book “In the Small, Small Pond.” Marvin Hamlisch’s musical score hits all the right notes in Lloyd Moss’s orchestra primer, “Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin.” Sheila Hamanka’s “All the Colors of the Earth” is an uplifting multicultural celebration. Budding readers will get hours of enjoyment out of this worthy addition to the Scholastic Video Collection.