Is it Time to Have THE TALK with your Kids?

July 8, 2014June 17, 2014 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

It can be hard to talk about puberty, bodies, and sex with our children. Not only are we uncomfortable and hope we are picking the right words and tone, but no kids want to think about their parents in the framework of anything sexual. Heck, most of us adults do not want to think about our parents or kids in that framework either. However, discussions need to be had, and information shared. If you have seen my previous post, “Is Time to Talk About Bodies with Younger Children?“, you might have already looked at some of the books I suggested for parents. Most of those books include discussion aids for children of all ages, and might make you feel more prepared for the discussion.

If your children are approaching puberty, or well on their way, they will have much different concerns and questions than a five year old wondering about the differences between boys and girls and how babies come about. So I have listed books here for the eight and older crowd, and then the tween and teen crowd that might have much more difficult questions to answer. I would suggest reading some of the books before handing them off to your curious child in order for you to gauge its appropriateness for your particular child, and to help you to handle any of the resulting conversations.

Eight and Up:
1. The Boy’s Body Guide: a Health and Hygiene Book by Frank C. Hawkins with Greta L.B. Laube ; illustrated by J.C. Hawkins

2. Ready, Set, Grow!: a What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Younger Girls by Lynda Madaras; illustrations by Linda Davick.

3. On your Mark, Get Set, Grow!: a “what’s happening to my body?” Book for Younger Boys by Lynda Madaras ; illustrations by Paul Gilligan

4. The Care & Keeping of You: the Body Book for Younger Girls by Valorie Schaefer; Cara Natterson, MD, medical consultant ; illustrated by Josee Masse

5. The Body Book for Boys by Jonathan Mar and Grace Norwich

6. Changing You!: a Guide to Body Changes and Sexuality by Gail Saltz; illustrated by Lynne Avril Cravath

7. Asking about Sex & Growing Up: a Question-and-Answer Book for Kids by Joanna Cole; illustrated by Bill Thomas.
Preteens and Teens:

1. Will Puberty Last My Whole Life?: Real Answers to Real Questions from Preteens about Body Changes, Sex, and Other Growing-up Stuff by Julie Giesy Metzger and Robert Lehman; illustrated by Lia Cerizo

2. Girl to Girl: Honest Talk about Growing up and your Changing Body by Sarah O’Leary Burningham

3. The Care & Keeping of You 2: the Body Book for Older Girls by Dr. Cara Natterson ; illustrated by Josee Masse

4. My Body, My Self for Boys by Lynda Madaras and Area Madaras.

5. The What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Girls by Lynda Madaras, with Area Madaras; drawings by Simon Sullivan

6. The What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Boys by Lynda Madaras; with Area Madaras; drawings by Simon Sullivan

7. On the Spot: Real Girls on Periods, Growing up, and Finding your Groove by Karle Dickerson

8. What’s Going on Down There?: Answers to Questions Boys Find Hard to Ask by Karen Gravelle, with Nick and Chava Castro; illustrations by Robert Leighton.

9. Girl in the Know: Your Inside-and-Out Guide to Growing Up by Anne Katz; illustrated by Monika Melnychuk

10. Sex, Puberty and All that Stuff: a Guide to Growing Up by Jacqui Bailey

11. Is This Normal?: Girls’ Questions Answered by the editors of The Care & Keeping of You illustrations by Norm Bendell

12. Girl Stuff: a Survival Guide to Growing Up by Margaret Blackstone and Elissa Haden Guest; with illustrations by Barbara Pollak

If you are still looking for more book, swing by the children’s room or the reference desk and the librarian on duty will be glad to help you out!

On Our Shelf: New Contemporary Romance

July 6, 2014June 23, 2014 / Linda / Leave a comment

Grab a chair and find a nice, shady place to read these hot, romantic books!

Love With A Perfect Cowboy by Lori Wilde – Melody Spencer had long-ago wiped the dust of Cupid, Texas, off her cute shoes . . . and done her best to forget the chiseled jaw and strong arms of cowboy Luke Spencer. But now Luke’s come striding back into her life, and he has an ulterior motive. As Mayor of Cupid, he knows Melody’s business savvy can help save their beloved hometown. His smooth talking might get her to Texas, but that doesn’t mean he’ll get her in his bed.

The Marriage Pact by Linda Lael Miller – Ten years ago, Hadleigh Stevens was eighteen and this close to saying “I do,” when Tripp Galloway interrupted her walk down the aisle. Now that she’s recovered from her youthful mistake and Tripp’s interference, Hadleigh and her single friends form a marriage pact. Divorced and eager to reconnect with his cowboy roots, Tripp returns to Bliss County to save his ailing father’s ranch. He’s not looking for another wife—certainly not his best friend’s little sister. But he’s never been able to forget Hadleigh. And this time, if she ends up in his arms, he won’t be walking away!

Baby, It’s You by Jane Graves – With only the wedding dress on her back and her honeymoon luggage in the car, Kari Worthington is running away. She escapes to the Texas Hill country and lands on a tall, dark, and gorgeous winery owner’s doorstep. All she needs is a job and a place to live until she can get back on her feet. So why is she fantasizing about losing herself in his powerful arms? For Marc Cordero, freedom is so close he can taste it. He’s devoted his life to managing the family business and being a single dad. Now with his daughter away at college and his brother taking over the winery, Marc is ready to hop on his Harley for parts unknown-until a runaway bride bursts onto the scene. Marc give up his future to take a chance on love?

Take My Breath Away by Christie Ridgway – Poppy Walker has a plan to restore the family resort, and she’s sticking to it. So when a good-looking guy with plenty of cash rents one of her half-repaired vacation cabins, she figures he’s just what the handyman ordered. Former teen idol turned Hollywood exec Ryan Hamilton wants a private place in which to endure his very personal heartbreak. Finally, at this rustic mountain cabin, he has all the seclusion one man could want—until sparks begin to fly with his sexy, formerly chilly landlady.

Once Tasted by Laura Moore – Everything has come easily to Reid Knowles, the middle son of a California ranching family. But his charmed life is suddenly complicated when his good friend and neighbor asks him to help run the winery next door. His neighbor’s niece, Mia Bodell, is in charge—and she has made it clear that she’d rather be roped to a steer than to Reid Knowles. Her life marked by loss, Mia knows that nothing comes easily—love included. From Reid’s first intoxicating kiss to his unexpectedly tender seduction, Mia is swept into a passionate affair that could tear her heart to pieces . . . or give her everything she has ever wanted.

A Man’s Promise by Brenda Jackson – Superstar musician Caden Granger has spent years running from love, commitment and family. Yet despite his fame and fortune, he knows the kind of respect and adoration he needs can only come from one person—the very woman who wants nothing to do with him. Charity volunteer and owner of a wine boutique, Shiloh Timmons finally got her life on track once her relationship with Caden ended, and she’s in no hurry to revisit a romance with the man who believes she left him standing at the altar.

I Want to Hold Your Hand by Marie Force – Almost seven years after losing her husband in Iraq, Hannah Abbott Guthrie isn’t sure she’s ready—or able—to move on, but the attentions of a lifelong friend are making her think about it for the first time. Nolan has loved Hannah for years, but he’d been giving her the space she needed to heal from her devastating loss. Now, when an opportunity arises to show her how he feels, Nolan can’t resist, but he knows earning her love will take more than a kiss.

All I Want Is You by Toni Blake – Christy Knight grew up in Destiny, Ohio, but lately she feels that her future lies elsewhere. Her parents are gone and the beautiful jewelry she creates doesn’t pay the bills. Maybe it’s time for Christy to grow up and find a guy who’s smart, sexy, and solvent. Her rugged handyman neighbor fits the first two categories, but he’s all wrong for her. If only he didn’t have such captivating blue eyes. Wary of trusting others, Jack DuVall hasn’t been entirely honest with Christy. He’s not really a handyman. He’s not really broke. And sharing the long drive to visit her beloved grandpa isn’t just about gallantry—he finds gorgeous, feisty Christy completely irresistible.

The Troublemaker Next Door by Marie Harte -It’s been the day from hell for Maddie. Instead of offering a promotion, her boss made a pass. She quit, then got dumped by her lukewarm boyfriend. As the fiery redhead has a foul-mouthed meltdown, her green-eyed neighbor Flynn McCauley stands in her kitchen…completely captivated. He was just there to fix the sink as a favor. He’s not into relationships. She’s done with idiots. But where there are friends…sometimes there are benefits. And sometimes the boy next door might be just what you need at the end of every day.

Suddenly Last Summer by Sarah Morgan – Fiery French chef Élise Philippe is having a seriously bad day. Not only have the grand opening plans for her beloved café fallen apart, but Sean O’Neil is back in town and looking more delectable than ever. Memories of the electrifying night they shared last summer leave Élise very tempted, but she knows all too well that eventually Sean will be leaving…again. Being back in Vermont—even temporarily—is surgeon Sean O’Neil’s worst nightmare. Returning home to the Snow Crystal Resort means confronting the guilt he feels about rejecting his family’s lifestyle years ago. But discovering that Élise is still in Vermont and still sets his blood racing is a very welcome distraction!

Talking After Midnightby Dakota Cassidy – Marybell Lyman is notorious for two things: Her look. The wicked hairstyle, multiple piercings and practiced sneer that say: “Stay back—I bite.” Her voice. The syrupy lilt that’s her bread and butter at Call Girls, the prim little town’s flourishing phone-sex company. Hunky handyman Taggart Hawthorn is mesmerized. He wants to know more about mysterious Marybell, to hear more of her sexy talk—all for himself.

Christmas in July by Debbie Mason – Grace Flaherty had given up hope of ever seeing her husband again. After all, it’d been over a year since he went missing in combat. So when he strides through the door of her bakery in downtown Christmas one sunny afternoon, she can hardly believe her eyes. But her happily-ever-after is going to take some effort – because Jack has no memory of his family. All Jack Flaherty remembers about Christmas is that he couldn’t wait to leave town. Now he’s a local hero with a wife and son he doesn’t know. Even as he struggles to rekindle the romance with his wife, he knows in his heart what he wants: a second chance at love.

Also for your reading pleasure: Wedding at Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels, The Promise by Robyn Carr, Wild Iris Ridge by RaeAnne Thayne, The Tea Shop On Lavender Lane by Sheila Roberts

Walter Dean Myers Passes Away

July 5, 2014July 3, 2014 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

Walter Dean Myers, beloved and deeply respected children’s book author, died on July 1, 2014, following a brief illness. He was 76 years old. The School Library Journa l released his obituary on July 2nd.

Just about anyone that has read children’s or young adult literature in the last forty-five years will have read or at least heard of Walter Dean Myers and seen some of the over 100 books that he has written. This impressive body of work includes two Newbery Honor Books, three National Book Award Finalists, and six Coretta Scott King Award/Honor-winning books. He was also the winner of the first-ever Michael L. Printz Award, the first recipient of the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement, and a recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults. In 2010, Walter was the United States nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award, and in 2012 he was appointed the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, serving a two-year tenure in the position. Also in 2012, Walter was recognized as an inaugural NYC Literary Honoree, an honor given by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, for his substantial lifetime accomplishments and contribution to children’s literature.

If you have not read anything from Myers, I would suggest using this loss as a motivation to get reading. His work is deep and sometimes heart wrenching, telling the stories of young people that need a voice and need to be heard. Here is a small sampling of his books which you might want to start with.

1. Darius & Twig
2. Invasion
3. All the Right Stuff
4. The Dream Bearer
5. Monster
6. The Glory Field
7. Hoops
8. 145th Street: Short Stories
9. Harlem: a Poem
10. Bad Boy: A Memoir

Recent Award Winners in Children’s Books

June 26, 2014June 26, 2014 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

Winners of the Children’s and Teen Choice Book Awards were announced in May at the seventh Children’s Book Week Gala in New York. Rush Limbaugh won author of the year for Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims: Time-Travel Adventures with Exceptional Americans, while Grace Lee won illustrator of the year for Sofia the First: The Floating Palace. Former Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton was also awarded with the Impact Award for his efforts to instill “a lifelong love of reading in children.”

The winner of Book of the Year, kindergarten through second grade was The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers (also a nominee for the 2015 Nutmeg award).

Book of the Year winner for third through fourth grade was Bugs in My Hair! by David Shannon.

Book of the Year winner for fifth through sixth grade was National Geographic Kids Myths Busted! by Emily Krieger, illustrated by Tom Nick Cocotos.

Book of the Year winner for teens was Winner: Allegiant by Veronica Roth.

Children’s book author and illustrator Peter Brown is the recipient of the 2014 Bull-Bransom Award, announced the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Brown was selected for the award, given annually for excellence in children’s book illustration with a wildlife and nature focus, for his 2013 picture book Mr. Tiger Goes Wild.

The Nutmeg Steering Committee has also announced the 2014 Nutmeg Book Award Winners! Almost 20,000 students voted from across the state of Connecticut and here are the books that they voted for:

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper is the winner of the Intermediate Award (Grades 4-6)

Divergent by Veronica Roth is the winner of the Teen Award (Grades 7-8)

Paper Towns by John Green is the winner of the first ever High School (Grades 9-12)

Cast in Bronze – No Ordinary Ring a Ding

June 22, 2014May 14, 2014 / Susan O. / Leave a comment

Everyone’s heard bells before, but have you ever heard a carillon? A carillon is a set of at least twenty-three bells in a belfry, which can be played singly or in concert with each other to make harmonies and chords. Carillons are played like a giant keyboard, with both hands and feet pressing on levers that pull wires that ring the bells. Because of their great size, carillons are considered the heaviest of all musical instruments (one low bell alone can weigh several hundred pounds!).

No one, of course, would ever think of traveling with an entire bell tower to give a concert – or, uh, would they? Enter the musical group Cast in Bronze, who do exactly that on the first carillon with a portable frame. Cast in Bronze’s carillon consists of thirty-five brass bells, with a total weight of four tons. Founded by master carillonneur Frank DellaPenna, Cast in Bronze actually tours around the country. They have played at Disney’s Epcot center, played a concert in New York for Pope John Paul II, played as part of Alice Cooper’s “Christmas Pudding” show, and played for NBC’s Today Show. I saw the bells in action myself at the New York State Renaissance Festival in Tuxedo, New York, several years ago. As a college bellringer who spent three years throwing levers in a tower, adapting music by Elvis and Journey to an octave of bells, I was enchanted.

Before you can say “Ho hum – ding, dong, ding, who cares,” Cast in Bronze is not just a churchbell ringing. The bells are just a highlight, with full orchestration and in some cases (like their fabulous rendition of O Fortuna, the same song currently on the Nutella commercial), with the backing of a choir as well. Here’s an excellent sample of their music, along with a great video of the bells in action:

Wait – what’s with the mask, you ask? DellaPenna’s philosophy is that the bellringer was never seen in the tower; all you knew was the beauty of the music, so he remains hidden beneath his phoenix mask, to draw your attention to the music, not the player.

Cheshire Public Library recently purchased two albums by Cast in Bronze – Best Day Ever, and The Voyage. My favorites to check out are of course “Tubular Bells,” the fabulous “O Fortuna,” and the ever-lovely “Carol of the Bells.” If you like music by Trans-Siberian Orchestra, David Garrett, 2 Cellos, any of the London Philharmonic playing Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull or similar pop-rock, if you like light instrumentals, bells, or even piano music, give Cast in Bronze a listen!