Catherine Coles
Coles’ Notes
The staff of the County of L&A Libraries are avid readers and always eager to share their favourite books. Here we bring you a list of some of the reads we’ve recently enjoyed. This month is children’s book heavy! You’ll find a couple serious picture books, a funny one, and a gentle choice for bedtime.
Kristin recently enjoyed The Way I Heard It by Mike Rowe
“Do you remember Mike Rowe from the show Dirty Jobs? Have you ever wondered just how the show came about, and the steps Mike took to become the star of it? Well look no further because in this short story collection the man himself will have you belly-laughing as he teaches you an insane amount of historical trivia along with some personal stories about his journey to get on TV. His unique humour and sharp wit that we all know and love from his time on TV came through perfectly on the page. This hilarious book will appeal to readers who enjoy both fiction and non-fiction as Mike Rowe does a wonderful job of making true stories very entertaining to read.”
Jennifer recently enjoyed The Talk by Wade and Cheryl Willis Hudson
“This book shares short stories by award-winning authors about race, grounded in love and truth to express the struggle inherent in moving through the world. Each story is a clear and poignant touchstone to spark a conversation among children, parents and all readers to ultimately become allies for change. This unique anthology presents myriad versions of “The Talk” passed from parent to child that balance protecting innocence and facing threats. As the editors note, “their messages are as diverse as their mediums” ranging from letters, lists, poems and featuring illustrations in watercolour, ink, and digital styles. This timely collection is an invitation to create a better world tomorrow “for those who are courageous enough to talk” about tough topics we face today.”
Julie recently enjoyed The Whatifs by Emily Kilgore
“Do you have a young person in your life that is always pondering the worst case scenarios? A new picture book out called The Whatifs by Emily Kilgore might be the perfect read aloud. Cora is always afraid of the worst case so with her big piano recital coming up she starts getting anxious when a bad case of the ‘whatifs’ hit her. What if she hits the wrong note and people laugh? But with the help of a new friend Stella she is able to change her ‘whatifs’ to positive thoughts and allay her fears. What if they have chocolate cake after the recital? In this current time of anxiety, I say what if you pick up this book and it provides your child with a little piece of mind with this delightful read? I have to admit it even helped this nearly 50-year-old with my own ‘whatifs’.”
Coleen recently enjoyed Scaredy Snacks by Terry Border
“Trying to find some creative alternatives for Halloween this year? A wonderful read with a Halloween theme is Terry Border’s Scaredy Snacks! that features his anthropomorphized creations seen in his Bent Objects project. His retelling of the story of Frankenstein features Cheese Doodle, Pretzel and Sprinkles the donut. Large colourful photographs blend with a parable about the benefits of teamwork with just a “sprinkle” of scary.”
Marg recently enjoyed The Yawns are Coming by Chris Eliopoulos
“The Yawns are Coming by Chris Eliopoulos is a charming and witty children’s story much enjoyed by my grandchildren and I this summer, in fact we read it so often my four year-old granddaughter could recite it from memory. Two best friends decide to make the most of their sleepover by staying up all night and enjoying a long list of fun activities they have planned; playing hide and seek, board games and soccer, jumping on the trampoline and catching fireflies. Before long, to the dismay of boys, they catch the Yawns then a Doze arrives to spoil their fun closely followed by the Snores and the Sleepies and before they know it they are both fast asleep! This delightful story is beautifully illustrated and a great choice for bedtime or story time.”
All of these items can be reserved County of Lennox & Addington Libraries online at www.CountyLibrary.ca.