Kids' Corner

Back to School - 2007

Yet another lively, fun-filled summer at HPL is winding down.  Hundreds of children, teens, and their families attended our programs:  Bingo games, Friday afternoon mystery movies, storytimes and many more.   Over 875 children picked up our summer reading packets in June, and read all summer long.  And our Summer Celebration on August 10 with The Dinner Dogs, pizza, and prizes attracted over 160 readers!

With September comes another new school year.  Here are some recently published books that will help you get into a back-to-school frame of mind:

Trouble According to Humphrey  by Betty Birney
This is the third story set in Room 26, narrated by the charming and friendly hamster who is the class pet.  For grades 2 – 4.

No Talking  by Andrew Clements
The very noisy 5th grade boys and girls at Laketon Elementary decide to see how long they can go without saying a word!
For grades 4 – 6.

I Am Not Joey Pigza  by Jack Gantos
Joey’s father is back-  he has won the lottery and changed his name- in this fourth story about the hyperactive Pigza family.
For grades 4 – 7.

Kindergarten Countdown  by Anna Hays
There’s a cheerful poem for each of the seven days before the energetic little girl in the story starts Kindergarten.
For preschool – Kindergarten.

Just Grace  by Charise Harper
Grace (called Just Grace  since there are 3 other Graces in the class) recounts the ups and downs of third grade, in this very funny chapter book.  It includes cartoon sketches, post cards, and other unusual illustrations.  For grades 2 – 4.

Imagine Harry   by  Kate Klise
What will become of Little Rabbit’s imaginary best friend Harry when school starts?   For ages 4 – 8.

Wow!  School!   By Robert Neubecker
Bright, lively illustrations are filled with details in this exuberant look at the first day of school.   For preschool – grade 1.

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa:  School Days   by Erica Silverman
Cocoa is heartbroken to learn that horses are not allowed in school . . . . but Kate finds a way to include him.  For ages 4 – 8.

The Bus Stop  by Janet Stoeke
A very simple, rhyming introduction to the bus stop/ school bus rite of passage.  For ages 3 – 6.

How Do Dinosaurs Go To School?  By Jane Yolen
Ten huge, brightly colored dinosaurs humorously demonstrate how not to behave in school!     For preschool – grade 2.

Have a terrific new school year,  filled with good books!

Ellen Xydias
Children’s Librarian