New Arrivals - 11/20/09

ADULT FICTION

"An Echo in the Bone" by Diana Gabaldon - "Diana Gabaldon's brilliant storytelling has captivated millions of readers in her bestselling and award-winning Outlander saga. Now, in An Echo in the Bone, ...Gabaldon continues the extraordinary story of the eighteenth-century Scotsman Jamie Fraser and his twentieth-century time-traveling wife, Claire Randall." - Inside front cover

"Razor Sharp" by Fern Michaels - "When it comes to repaying a debt, the women of the Sisterhood...never forget. And now one of their allies needs help only they can give...even the highest courts in the land will be no match for seven fearless friends determined to ensure that real justice is served, Sisterhood style." - Back cover

ADULT NON-FICTION

"Dangerous Games: The Uses and Abuses of History" by Margaret MacMillan - "Reminds readers that history matters...This is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the importance of correctly understanding the past." - Publisher's Weekly

"The Pleasures of Cooking for One" by Judith Jones - "From the legendary editor of some of the world's greatest cooks--including Julia Childs and James Beard--a passionate and practical book about the joys of cooking for one." -- Inside front cover

"The Sibley Guide to Trees" by David Allen Sibley - "I had thought that trees were so replete with variables that a field guide would be impossible. I hadn't counted on Sibley's genius with words and paint to turn the impossible into this brilliant, eminently useful reality." - Richard Ellis, author of Tuna: A Love Story

JUVENILE FICTION

"Beyond the Grave: The 39 Clues" by Jude Watson - "Amy and Dan Cahill, ...are off to Egypt to find the next clue left by Ekaterina branch founder Katherine Cahill..they learn about the rivalry between the Tomas and Ekaterina branches of the Cahill family, discover a secret Ekaterina stronghold at an Egyptian hotel, and explore tombs of ancient Egyptians. Amy and Dan discover Cahill connections to Napoleon, Thomas Edison, and Marie Curie along with paintings and hieroglyphs that will lead them on their dangerous hunt that's fraught with betrayals and reversals. Like the previous books, historical information is woven into the fast-paced adventure."-- Sarah Polace, Cuyahoga County Public Library -- SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

"Black Circle: The 39 Clues" by Patrick Carman - "Amy and Dan go to their most treacherous destination yet, a frozen land of Cahill secrets and betrayal. With danger close behind, they must track down one of history's greatest lost treasures. Governments were toppled and rulers were killed during the last attempt to find it. Do Amy and Dan even stand a chance?" -- Brodart

"Sword Thief: The 39 Clues" by Peter Lerangis - "Amy and Dan Cahill are now on their way to Japan...while boarding a flight to Tokyo, they are outfoxed by two of their cousins,..Seperated from their au pair, Nellie, and cat, Saladin, they are forced to find alternate transportation in their Uncle Alistair's private jet. Though they never fully trust him, Amy and Dan must rely on his knowledge of Japan and of their Cahill ancestor, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a famous warrior whose stronghold may harbor their next clue." --Jackie Partch, Multnomah County Library -- SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

"Cycle of Rice: Cycle of Life" by Jan Reynolds - "With captivating text and lush photographs, Jan Reynolds explores the traditional world of rice farming on the beautiful island of Bali. Readers of all ages will come away with an enhanced awareness of how we farm, eat, and live today, and the effects these practices have on the world of tomorrow." -- Inside front cover

"Just the Right Size: Why Big Animals are Big and Little Animals are Little" by Nicola Davies - "Find out what keeps big animals (like us!) from engaging in astonishing feats of strength and agility and why there would be a downside to being tiny and all-powerful." -- Inside front cover
"My School in the Rain Forest" by Margaret Ruurs - "In this lively photo essay, readers get to know students who are pursuing their dreams of a brighter future, and of teachers who are devoted to improving people's lives--from the arid plains of Southern Afghanistan to the rain forests of Guatemala." - Inside front cover

PICTURE BOOKS

"Flip, Flap, Fly!" by Phyllis Root - "With buoyant rhyme by Phyllis Root and cheerful illustrations by David Walker, here is an irresistible page-turner for babies and toddlers everywhere." - Inside front cover

"Good Night, Gorilla" by Peggy Rathmann - "It's bedtime at the zoo, and all the animals are going to sleep. Or are they?...Sneak along behind the zookeeper's back, and see who gets the last laugh in this riotous goodnight romp." - Inside front cover

"The Dunderheads" by Paul Fleischman - "Newbery Medal winner Paul Fleischman creates a winning cast of underdogs--and one of the terrifying teachers you'll ever meet--brought to vivid and quirky life by illustrator David Roberts." - Inside front cover

"Pennies for Elephants" by Lita Judge - "Based on actual events that occurred in 1914, this uplifting story is an inspiring example of the great things children can accomplish when they put their hearts and minds to work. - Inside front cover

"Strega Nona's Harvest" by Tomie dePaola - "Tomie dePaola has been delighting readers with tales of the wonderfully wise Strega Nona and her bumbling sidekick Big Anthony for generations. With his trademark charm and humor, he has created another delicious tale perfect for family sharing." -- Inside front cover

"Whoo Goes There?" by Jennifer A. Ericsson - "Jennifer A. Ericcson's rhythmic, cumulative text about one very hungry owl is accompanied by the remarkable paintings of noted artist Bert Kitchen." -- Inside front cover

"Mouse was Mad" by Linda Urban -- "While never communicating quite what Mouse is mad about at the outset, this charmingly illustrated title takes readers through several possible methods of expressing said anger... Urban unfurls the gentle 'be true to yourself' moral perfectly, with plenty of funny dialogue, overplayed reaction and the enduring appeal of the tiny hero...Well-pitched for preschoolers just learning social skills, this would be equally excellent for family reading, classrooms and storytimes." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Bubble Trouble" by Margaret Mahy - "When Mabel blows a bubble, it causes trouble in an inimitable Mahy way, surrounding Baby and taking him on an amazing adventure. The text's tongue-stumbling internal rhymes will keep storytellers on their toes while Dunbar's cut-paper and watercolor illustrations faithfully depict every detail. As suspense builds in both words and pictures, little ones' eyes will be as round as the bubble. R. SMITH." - THE HORN BOOK

"How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?" by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague - "With warmth and irresistible humor, award winners Jane Yolen and Mark Teague present readers with a familiar range of naughty childhood antics followed by dinosaur-sized kisses, hugs, and those three precious words that can never be said too often: I Love You!" - Inside front cover

"Paula Bunyan" by Phyllis Root - "Bounding with outsize visual and verbal humor, Paula Bunyan is a hilariously clever take on a classic American tall tale." - Inside front cover

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins - "In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever...and surprising readers at every turn." -- Inside front cover

New Arrivals - 11//19/09

ADULT FICTION

"Transfer of Power" by Vince Flynn - When terrorists crash White House security, the President is swept away to an isolated underground bunker, and the Vice President suddenly finds himself in charge. From the author of the best-selling Term Limits.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. -- Library Journal

"A Courtesan's Scandal" by Julia London - "Another superbly written addition to London's exquisitely entertaining Regency-set Scandal series. In historical romance, Ms. London is one of the very best," -- Publisher's Weekly

"Viking Heat" by Sandra Hill - "USA Today bestselling author Sandra Hill "writes stories that tickle the funny bone and touch the heart." In her newest novel, a modern woman is cast back in time to the icy Norselands, where she must tame--or be tamed by--a sexy Viking worlord.." -- Back Cover

"The Last Song" by Nicholas Sparks -- "Sparks brings us a deeply moving story of a young girl's first encounter with heartbreak --and love. Front Flap

"Ford County" by John Grisham - "Featuring a cast of characters you'll never forget, these stories bring Ford County to vivid and colorful life. Often hilarious, frequently moving, and always entertaining, this collection makes it abundantly clear why John Grisham is our most popular storyteller." -- Back Flap

"Monster in the Box" by Ruth Rendell - In the The Monster in the Box, the twenty-second book in the Inspector Wexford series, fans will be thrilled to meet the now-aging inspector in the robust early days of his career. For new readers, no introduction to this spectacular writer and her compelling protagonist could be finer." - Front Flap

"Cold Blood" by James Fleming - "The Russian Revolution is breaking out all around him, but Charlie Doig has a private war to fight. Even if he dies in the attempt, he's going to track down and kill Prokhor Glebov, the Bolshevik who murdered Doig's beautiful wife, Elizveta...James Fleming is one of modern fiction's great stylists. His prose is marvelously robust and vivid, his plot breathtaking in its pace and excitement.." Front cover

"To Try Men's Souls" by Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen - "Through the thoughts and private fears of these three men (General George Washington, Thomas Paine and Jonathan Van Dorn, private in Washington's army), Gingrich and Forstchen illuminate the darkest days of the revolution. With detailed research and an incredible depth of military insight, this novel provides a rare and personal perspective of the men who fought and founded, the United States of America." - Back cover

MYSTERY

"Hothouse Orchid" by Stuart Woods - "With his usual action and irrestible sense of place, Hothouse Orchid is Stuart Woods at his best." -- Front cover

"August Heat" by Andrea Camilleri - "Fans of the Scilian inspector as well as readers new to this increasingly popular series will enjoy following the melancholy but unflinchingly moral Montalbano as he undertakes on the most shocking investigations of his career." -- Back cover

"True Blue" by David Baldacci - "A mysterious high-profile homicide in the nation's capital collides with the dark side of national security in David Baldacci's new, heart-stopping thriller." Front cover

"About Face" by Donna Leon - "Leon is the ideal author for people who vaguely long for a 'good mystery'...That Leon is also a brilliant writer should only add to the consistently comforting appeal of her Venetian procedurals featuring Commissario Guido Brunetti." -- Back cover

"Kindred in Death" by J.D. Robb - "In 2060, Lieutenant Eve Dallas searches the nooks of New York City for a dastardly and despicable criminal, in the newest novel by #1 New York Times -- bestselling author J.D. Robb" -- Front cover

"The Scarpetta Factor" by Patricia Cornwell - "Throughout, Cornwell delivers shocking twists and turns, and the kind of cutting-edge technology that only she can. Once again, she proves her exceptional ability to entertain and enthrall." -- Inside back cover

"Nine Dragons" by Michael Connelly - "Delivered at a fever pitch far surpassing even his own extraordinary standard, Nine Dragons is Michael Connelly, "the best mystery writer in the world" (GQ), at his blistering best." -- Back flap

NON-FICTION

"Churchill" by Paul Johnson - "Johnson brings to his subject a vitality that can't be matched in any of the professional one-volume histories...His writing is dramatic without histrionics, graphic without being highly coloured." - The New York Times


"The Hidden Life of Deer" by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas - "With a keen eye and a rich heart, Elizabeth Marshall Thomas is once again a unique and invaluable guide to our animal neighbors and their world, which is, of course, our world too. In this joyous book, brimming with fascinations, every page is a rare delight." - Diane Ackerman, author of "The Zookeeper's Wife"

"The National Parks: America's Best Ideas" by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns - "The National Parks is a glorious celebration of an essential expression of American democracy." -- Inside front cover.

"Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?" by Michael J. Sandel - "Michael J. Sandel's aim is not to boss people around but to bring them around to the pleasures of thinking clearly about large questions of social policy. Reading this lucid book is like taking his famous undergraduate course 'Justice' without the tiresome parts, such as term papers and exams." -- George F. Will

JUVENILE FICTION

"Franny Parker" by Hannah Roberts McKinnon - "Family secrets, light and dark, drive this moving first novel, and the contemporary setting of a small rural community in Oklahoma struggling with drought and dust is always part of the story. Just like her parents, Franny, 12, is an animal lover, and with cages and stalls, she starts a makeshift hospital in the barn for injured birds, turtles, mice, and opossum, as she discovers hurt all around her outside the fence. She makes friends with kind, gorgeous Lucas, who moves into the next-door cabin with his mom, but then she wonders what her neighbors are covering up. Who is the drunk who moves in with them? The local details and characters,... sometimes overwhelm the story. But readers will be held by the romance and the mystery next door, the contemporary story with dust- bowl connections, and the family that nurtures small creatures in the burning heat. Hazel Rochman." —Booklist

"In Too Deep: The 39 Clues" by Jude Watson - "A hint from their parents’ past puts Amy and Dan on the trail of secrets their grandmother Grace would NEVER have wanted them to know. Awful memories begin to crowd in on Amy, just as her enemies circle closer. How far would she go to protect Dan? How much of a Cahill is she prepared to be? Perhaps Grace was right – some secrets are better left buried. -- Brodart

"Tonight on the Titanic" by Mary Pope Osborne - "Jack and Annie are in for an exciting, scary, and sad adventure when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the decks on the Titanic. Is there anything they can do to help the ill-fated ship? Will they be able to save anyone? Will they be able to save themselves? -- Back cover

"Dinosaurs Roar, Butterflies Soar" by Bob Barner - "This colorful, rollicking, informative book is brought to life with a playful text and vibrant paper-collage illustrations be award-winning author Bob Barner." -- Inside front cover

"The Day of the Pelican" by Katherine Paterson - "Told from the viewpoint of a young Albanian Muslim girl, this stirring docu-novel dramatizes the recent ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and the search for home, as well as prejudice right here in America. Meli Lleshi is nearly 12 in 1998 when her non-religious Muslim family must flee their town to escape a Serb massacre. Over the next two years, they travel first to her uncle's farm, then embark on a terrible journey through the mountains to a crowded refugee camp: 'hungry, filthy, exhausted--and homeless.' They are denied permission to cross the border, until finally, sponsored by a church, they find refuge in Vermont. Never simplistic, the political conflict is the story." Hazel Rochman - Booklist

PICTURE BOOKS

"Princess Hyacinth (the Surprising Tale of a Girl who Floated)" by Florence Parry Heide - "Poor Princess Hyacinth! If only she could run and play with the other children on the Palace Grounds. Why can't she, you wonder? Well, because Princess Hyacinth has a problem...she floats!" - Inside front cover

"Tricking the Tallayman" by Jacqueline Davies - "Who will outsmart whom--Phineas Bump, the 1790 U.S. census taker who rides into Tunbridge, Vermont, heartsick, saddle-sore, and down on his luck but determined to count the people for his job, or the townsfolk who don't want to be counted because they think they'll have to pay more taxes? When young rascal Boston Pepper gets an idea, it switches their thinking: more people would mean more government representation and more votes to get things done! Overnight, Phineas goes from knocking on doors of empty houses to being welcomed by Mrs. Pepper, whose family has suddenly multiplied (thanks to numerous animals dressed as humans), and it's a win-win situation."--Julie Cummins -- Booklist

Classic Children's Book Fund

Chuck (Kathy) Bayles Classic Children’s Book Fund

Established in 2009 in loving memory by her families

“Here is Edward Bear, coming downstairs now, bump, bump, bump, on the back of his head, behind Christopher Robin. It is, as far as he knows, the only way of coming downstairs, but sometimes he feels that there really is another way, if only he could stop bumping for a moment to think of it.”
A. A. Milne Winnie the Pooh, first published in 1926 by E.P. Dutton

An endowment fund for the purchase of classic children’s books has been established at the Greensboro Free Library to honor the memory of Chuck (Kathy) Bayles, a longtime summer resident of Greensboro. Chuck loved books, she loved reading, she loved children, and she loved classic children’s literature. She treasured and shared her passion for such children’s classics as A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh, E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, and Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories with all the children in her life, and there were many. Kids adored Chuck. She was so childlike herself, any kid she met recognized her as a kindred spirit and there was an instant bond.

Born in Columbus, Ohio on May 21, 1956, the third child in a family of four, Chuck was perhaps the quirkiest of the four siblings. Her given name was Kathryn Ann but as a teenager she changed her name to Chuck, inspired in part by the Charlie Brown character in Charles Shultz’s Peanuts cartoon, and the name stuck. Chuck grew up in Bloomington, Indiana and attended college there receiving her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in child development from Indiana University. Having spent wonderful summers in Greensboro for most of her life, Chuck moved to Barre, VT in 1990 where she worked in childcare for a decade prior to establishing the consulting firm, Learning Partners, with her business partner and best friend, Deb Curtis.

Chuck devoted her life to making the world a better place for children through her work in childcare and through her loving attention to any child who came into her life. This endowment is a tribute to her memory. Donations to support the endowment can be made at any time by sending your contribution to the Greensboro Free Library, 53 Wilson St., Greensboro, VT 05841, with an indication that it be credited to the Chuck Bayles Classic Children’s Book Fund.

In addition to this endowment, Chuck’s families are also supporting much-needed refurbishing in the children’s section of the Library. This will include painting, new carpet, bookshelves, and comfy chairs to make the space more inviting to library visitors both young and old. A celebration of these renovations and the endowment will be held at the Library this summer, so check back for details.

Japanese Songs for Children

 

Alex and Yokiyo Smith held a workshop teaching Japanese Songs for Children on Friday, November 6, 2009 at the Library as part of the Vermont Reads program. They learned not only some songs but also how to write in Japanese. A book discussion of "The Emperor was Divine" was held earlier.