Kids' Corner

Back to School - 2008

It’s been  the busiest summer yet at HPL!  Over one thousand children picked up our summer reading packets, and read all summer long. And there were over 250 prize winners for our Summer Celebration on August 8.

Now it’s time to think about going back to school,  or going to school for the first time.  Here are some recently published books that should help:

Off to First Grade  by Louise Borden
This bright collection of short poems describes a variety of animals getting ready for the first day of school – some happier than others! 
For preschool – grade one

Jake’s Best Thumb  by Ilene Cooper
Can Jake stop sucking his thumb as he’s trying to adjust to the new world of Kindergarten?   For ages 4 – 8

Silly School Riddles  by Lisa Eisenberg
“Which state is the best place to buy school supplies?  Pencil-vania” !  You get the idea.    For grades 1 – 3

Hamsters, Shells and Spelling Bees: School Poems edited by Lee Hopking
These reassuring poems about the adventures of school are accompanied by lively cartoon style illustrations.   For preschool – grade 3

Smelly Locker:  Silly Dilly School Songs  by Alan Katz
“Heavy Backpack” sung to the tune of “Oh! Susanna”  and “Passing Notes” sung to the tune of “The Alphabet Song” are just two of the 14 humorous entries.     For ages 3 – 8

Martin Bridge: in High Gear   by Jessica Kerrin
In this, the 6th laugh out loud book about Martin, he works on a science fair project and has his bike stolen.    For grades 2 – 4

Silent Letters Loud and Clear  by Robin Pulver
Mr. Wright’s class doesn’t realize how important the silent letters are, until they don’t have them . . . and all is chaos!  For ages 4 – 10

Uncle Pirate  by Douglas Rees
Wilson’s long-lost Uncle (yes, a pirate) shows up at the front door with his talking penguin – who wants to go to school to learn how to read ! 
For grades 3 – 6

My Preschool   by Anne Rockwell
Fred’s favorite place to be  when he’s not at home is Preschool, and he explains all of the reasons he loves it.    Preschool

The Mysterious Case of the Albright Academy  by Diane Stanley
Franny is delighted to be accepted at a private boarding school designed to train leaders.  But the other students are absolutely perfect – what is their sinister secret?   For grades 4 – 7

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

Ellen Xydias
Children’s Librarian