Honoring Hans Christian Andersen and International Children’s Book Day

Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, April 2, is celebrated as International Children’s Book Day. While he was wrote plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, Andersen is most remembered for his fairy tales. Andersen’s stories explore ideas and themes that transcend age and nationality. In fact, his stories  have been translated into more than 125 languages, become embedded in the West’s collective consciousness. They have inspired plays, ballets, and a number of films.

In honor of International Children’s Book Day and Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday, I would like to offer up a selection of the best fairy tale collections including Andersen and then some great books inspired by his work.

From Andersen:
1.Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen

2. Little Mermaids and Ugly Ducklings: Favorite Fairytales

3. Tales of Hans Christian Andersen

4. The Snow Queen 

5. Eric Carle’s Treasury of Classic Stories for Children by Aesop, Hans Christian Andersen, and the Brothers Grimm

Tales retold or inspired by Andersen:
1. The Steadfast Tin Soldier retold by Cynthia Rylant

2. The Ugly Duckling retold by Jerry Pinkney

3. The Pea Blossom  by Amy Lowry

4. The Tinderbox by Stephen Mitchell

5. King Long Shanks by Jane Yolen

6. The Uglified Ducky by Willy Claflin

7. The Princess and the Peas and Carrots by Harriet Ziefert

8. The Red Shoes by Gloria Fowler

Do you have a favorite story from Andersen’s collections, or perhaps a favorite version or a classic tale? Share it in the comments and it might just becomes someone else’s new favorite!

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in April (no fooling!)

April 2014 

NEWS AND EVENTS AT CHESHIRE LIBRARY

Song and Dance of the Scottish Highlands
Sunday Showcase Concert 

Sunday April 13, 4:00 pm

 

Gaelic singer Maggie Carchrie will perform with her husband, bagpiper  Thomas Leigh, for our April Sunday Showcase Concert.  Maggie delights listeners with her crystal clear voice and her mastery of the unique sounds and rhythms of Gaelic Song.

 
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, this program is free and open to the public. No registration is required, but for further information  please contact Jenn Bartlett at: jbartlett@cheshirelibrary.org.
All ages welcome!

                     Etsy.com: Set Up and Sell                   

 Tuesday, April 1, 7 PM

Do you want to start your own handmade business but you’re not sure where to begin?  Go on a guided tour of Etsy.com with handmade business educator, Jennifer St. Jean.  Jen has been selling on Etsy since 2009, and has had thousands of sales both on and off Etsy. Jen’s Etsy shop name is ittybittybag.
To register, visit our website .

Root Out Non-Native Invasive Plants 
Monday April 7, 7:00 pm

Many species of non-native invasive plants grow in Cheshire , taking over landscapes, destroying habitat diversity and posing threats to beneficial trees and shrubs.  Learn to identify and eradicate or control Oriental bittersweet, Japanese knotweed, garlic mustard, burning bush and multiflora rose without the widespread application of herbicides.

This program will be led by Suzanne Simone, Cheshire Environmental Planner, certified horticulturist and membership coordinator with the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group.

To register, please visit our website.

               Cheshire Cats Classics Club

Wednesday, April 16 7:00 pm 
Our April pick is A Brave New World byAdolous Huxley.Written in 1931, this powerful work of speculative fiction has enthralled and terrified readers for generations. Brave New World remains absolutely relevant as both a cautionary dystopian tale in the vein of the George Orwell classic 1984, and as thought-provoking, thoroughly satisfying entertainment.This month’s book is available to check out at the library.

To register, please visit our  

website.

    Ecology of the North American Porcupine

Tuesday April 8, 7:00 pm
Did you know that the porcupine is the world’s 3rd largest rodent? Join us to learn more about this fascinating animal, common in Connecticut but seldom seen due to its solitary and mostly nocturnal habits. CT DEEP Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator Gerri Griswold will bring an un-releasable porcupine for an hour long program.
To register, visit our website.

                               Forgive Me                                

Thursday April 10, 6:00 pm 

Join us for a screening of Forgive Me, the anti-bullying film produced by Cheshire High School graduate Nicholas Lamoreux.  After the film, representatives of Yale University’s anti-bullying group It Ends Today, will give a short presentation.To register, visit our website.

                   Where to Hike in Cheshire                

Monday April 21, 7 PM

Cheshire has over 1,400 acres of open space available for a variety of passive recreation. Join Cheshire Environmental Planner Suzanne Simone as she shares information about property locations, access, topography and uses.  Property maps will be available.
To register, visit our website

                  Hiking Hidden Connecticut                 

Tuesday Apr 22, 7:00PM
Although Connecticut is one of the smallest states, it has an abundance of hiking opportunities, and many are right outside your door.  Join
Hartford Courant feature writer Peter Marteka as he shares his thoughts about ‘Hidden Connecticut’ and his favorite hikes in the state.  His hiking columns ‘Nature’s Path’ and ‘Way to Go’ can be found in the paper edition of the Courant or on their website.

To register, visit our website.

  April Movie Matinee 

 

April is classic comedy month at the library! All movies are at 1:00 pm on Tuesdays.

April 1  

Some Like It Hot

 

April 8 

Adam’s Rib 

    

April 22 

What’s Up, Doc?  

 

 

                      Friends of the Library                      

Lobby Vintage Book Sale

 

Visit the Vintage Lobby Book Sale going on now in the front lobby of the Cheshire Public Library.  Feel nostalgic for the finely made books of your youth, see rare out-of-print editions not normally found for sale anywhere, and find that favorite classic.  All books have been individually priced, most at under $5.   

Semi-Annual Book Sale Preview Night  

 

The Spring Sale Preview, our giant book sale preview, will be on Wednesday April 30.  This preview sale is only open to members of the Friends of the Cheshire Public Library, so sign up now.  Get first crack at thousands of bargain priced books before the general public.

 

Friends memberships start at $8 for Seniors and $10 for an individual.  Click here for a form or more information. You can join at the door that night, but you will get in faster if you are already signed up.  Don’t wait, support your local library now!

 

Spring Library Book Sale

 

The Spring Library Book Sale will take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 1, 2, and 3

Join the fun and save on great books!  This is the time to stock up  on summer reading.  See the biggest and best selection of bargain priced books!   We have something for everyone, from popular current bestsellers to children’s books to great literature.

Donate Books for a Tax Deduction!

 
Just a reminder that The Friends of the Cheshire Public Library is a 501(c)(3) tax-designated organization. This means you can become a member, donate books, music, DVDs, or give a monetary donation for a tax deduction. When you drop off donations, simply stop at the front desk of the library and ask for a donation receipt. You can make a difference to the library community and save on your taxes next year.

                     Children’s Programs

 

Story Cat

Phantasy Baseball Talk & Book Signing
Author John Hoda
Saturday April 5, 10:30 am
Best for 10 and up.

 

When a Little League coach wins a trip to Phantasy Baseball Camp, it sets in motion an unforgettable season with his beloved Philadelphia Phillies.

Refreshments will be served.
To register or for more information.

 

 

April Vacation Week Programs
 
Magic Show with Chick Kelman
 

Saturday April 12 
10:30 am

All ages

To register or for more information.

 

Martial Arts and Zoology Program

Monday April 14
2:00 pm or 3:15 pm
Ages 6 and up.
To register or for more information.
Frozen
Frozen

Thursday April 17
2:00 pm

Vacation week special Fab Film!  No registration required. 

Traveling Lantern Theater Company Presents Pinocchio 

Wednesday April 16
10:30 am
Ages 3 and up
To register or for more information.

Come on in and enjoy some great box office kids’ movies with Fab Films  at Cheshire Public Library! 

 


Saturday April 5, 2:00-4:00 pm.Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2
Please check the Kids’ page on our website for a complete list of our regular popular children’s programs. Registration for April-May storytimes begins on April 1.  Registration for the May session of our popular after school science program, Gizmos, Gadgets and Goo begins April 15.
See our calendar  to register or for more information.

                           Just For Teens                             
Please join us for the following teen programs:
April 15, 6:00 pmAnime Club Xtra

April 25, 2:30 pm –Yu-Gi-Oh: It’s Time to Duel

 

See the library’s teen page or the calendar  for  more information! 

              Library Closed on  Good Friday             

The library will be closed on Friday April 18 for Good Friday.

On Our Shelves: New Cozy Mysteries

mysteryThe latest cozy mysteries are in!  Is your favorite series among the new titles?

Keeping Mum (A Garden Society Mystery) by Alyse Carlson

Spinning In Her Grave (A Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery) by Molly MacRae

Iced to Death (A Gourmet De-lite Mystery) by Peg Cochra

Dead Between the Lines (A Devereaux’s Dime Store Mystery) by Denise Swanson

Pearls and Poison (A Consignment Shop Mystery) by Duffy Brown

Inherit The Word (A Cookbook Nook Mystery) by Daryl Wood Gerber

How To Paint A Cat (A Cats and Curios Mystery) by Rebecca M. Hale

A Biscuit, A Casket (A Pawsitively Organic Mystery) by Liz Mugavero

A Reading List for Divergent Devotees

Do you love Divergent (the book series and/or the movie)? Were you there opening night, or are you still waiting to go watch the movie? Have you already read the series and love it, or are you trying to get your hands on the book and waiting for your turn with a library copy? Well, there are some books with similar themes that might make waiting for the book or movie more enjoyable.

Pulse by Patrick Carman
In the year 2051, when most Americans live in one of two gigantic, modern States, Faith Daniels, part of a dwindling group that lives between, learns that she, like other misfits, has unusual abilities that could help when the inevitable war begins.

Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder
I’m Trella. I’m a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping inside clean for the Uppers. I’ve got one friend, do my job, and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels. The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to-girl to lead a revolution”

Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Lena looks forward to receiving the government-mandated cure that prevents the delirium of love and leads to a safe, predictable, and happy life, until ninety-five days before her eighteenth birthday and her treatment, she falls in love.

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
Sixteen-year-old Ruby breaks out of a government-run ‘rehabilitation camp’ for teens who acquired dangerous powers after surviving a virus that wiped out most American children.

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Aria and Perry, two teens from radically different societies–one highly advanced, the other primitive–hate being dependent on one another until they overcome their prejudices and fall in love, knowing they can’t stay together.

Legend by Marie Lu
In a dark future, when North America has split into two warring nations, fifteen-year-old Day, a famous criminal, and prodigy June, the brilliant soldier hired to capture him, discover that they have a common enemy.

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
Sixteen-year-old Malencia (Cia) Vale is chosen to participate in The Testing to attend the University; however, Cia is fearful when she figures out her friends who do not pass The Testing are disappearing.

But wait, don’t go anywhere yet! You should no by now I have trouble limiting my lists and have more for you. Here are some more books that I think fans of Divergent will enjoy; The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness,  Matched by Allyson Braithwaite Condie,  Enclave by Ann Aguirre,  Blood Red Road by Moira Young, Birthmarked by Caragh M. O’Brien, Crewel by Gennifer Albin, Breathe by Sarah Crossan, The Line by Teri Hall, XVI by Julia Karr, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, Article 5 by Kristen Simmons, Uglies by Scott Westerfeld, The Bar Code Tattoo by Suzanne Wey.

On Our Shelves: New Music for March

Music comes in more flavors than Bernie Bott’s Beans. No matter what your taste or style, there’s always something new being released – even from musicians long-deceased.  Here are a few recent releases on our shelves:

Life, Love, & Hope  by Boston

    Boston’s been around forever, it seems – their first eponymous album debuted in 1976 and reached number 3 on the album charts, and subsequent albums only climbed higher.  With the untimely death of lead singer Brian Delp in 2007, Boston underwent some changes, and to be honest, hearing them live in concert, they didn’t seem to have it anymore.  However, with the release of Life, Love, & Hope, their sixth album, Boston seems to have recovered: not quite the same, but with enough of the old magic to bring back the spark that gave them their identity. The same driving beats, the same luscious harmonies, but a little lighter, a little crisper, a little fresher to attract a new generation.  For a band that’s been around almost 40 years, that’s a difficult – and truly wonderful – thing to do. If you want something new or are longing for some updated nostalgia, this is a great album to try.

High Hopes by Bruce Springsteen

        High Hopes bills itself as a rare, unreleased tracks album, which it may indeed be, but we’ve heard some of these before.  It’s wonderful to hear a non-live version of 41 Shots, but the album doesn’t add any real surprises. There’s not a bad track on it, but nothing particularly stands out. If you love Springsteen (and there’s a lot to love), then this album will give you exactly that – more. Not better, not bad, just more quality music, a long encore to a fabulous concert from a musician who’s as strong as ever.

The Bones of What You Believe by Chvrches

   They pronounce it “churches,” but I pronounce the V anyway.  A synth-pop band from Scotland, Chvrches is a group that bridges a number of different music styles.  Like light modern popular radio music?  This is a great album.  Like a techno electronic sound with actual understandable lyrics to go with it? This is a great album.  Miss some of the 80’s pop from bands like Human League or The Fixx, or the sweet sounds of Sixpence None the Richer?  Then you will love this album.  Light, joyful, and not overpowering, there’s a wide variety of song styles to keep you entertained.  It’s been  a long time since I found a new popular band that has caught my attention this much, and I hope to hear more from them in the future. Give them a try!

Croz by David Crosby

Like Springsteen’s High Hopes, if you like Crosby, Stills, & Nash, you will probably enjoy David Crosby’s new album. Harking back to the band’s late-60’s melodies, this is more of the style you remember, an open, wandering melody with a touch of Eastern feel that could almost be filed under Jazz. Nothing jumps out and grabs you, it’s just a solid continuation of the old-style catalog.