More Harry Potter books to come?

I just read an article today that said that J.K. Rowling would be open to writing more books in the Harry Potter universe!  What do you think?  Good news or bad news?

 

Flickr image by Dyanna Hyde

This weekend I finished reading "Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains," an entertaining adventure story by Laurel Snyder.  Lucy, the main character, may look like Heidi on the book cover, but let's just say she's not quite so sweet.  Her temper is as fiery as her hair, so one day, when her best friend Wynston doesn't show up for their weekly berry-picking session, she impulsively takes off toward the Scratchy Mountains, where she hopes to find her mother, who has been gone ever since she was a small child.  She brings her family's cow Rosebud with her, and picks up a prairie dog she names "Cat" along the way (as you can see from the cover, Cat is just along for the ride!)  =)  Read this book if you like friendship stories with some fairy tale elements thrown in!

I just finished "The Year of the Book," by Andrea Cheng, and enjoyed it very much!  The main character, Anna Wang, is a shy 4th grader who seeks refuge in books, especially when her good friend Laura starts to keep her at a distance.   This book deals with some serious topics, including divorce and Anna's search for her identity as a Chinese-American girl, but in a subtle way that isn't overly dramatic or overwhelming.  As you can tell from the cover, this book is a love letter to books and reading, and I personally feel inspired to reread some of my favorite children's classics!

In French, I am starting to read the book "Joker," by renowned children's book author Susie Morgenstern.  I was already laughing out loud on the second page, as the disgruntled students mutter about their new teacher, who was supposed to be young and athletic but ended up being an elderly man with a startlingly deep voice and untidy white hair.  He begins the first class by saying... "ni 'bonjour' ni 'je m'appelle," ni 'asseyez-vous.'  Simplement: 'J'ai un cadeau pour vous..."  Certainly a different way to start the school year!

Upcoming author events sponsored by The Children's Book Shop!

  

ANNIE BARROWS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17

3:30 p.m.

at the Brookline Public Library, Coolidge Corner  Branch

Everybody's favorite best friends Ivy and Bean are back in their latest adventure Ivy + Bean Make the Rules. Creator Annie Barrows will be with us to introduce this latest entry in the hugely popular series. She'll read from the new book, answer your questions, and maybe give us a hint about what crazy ideas the girls will come up with next.

DAV PILKEY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4 2p.m.-4p.m. at The Brookline Public Library, Children's Room He's back!!! After a long six-year wait, Captain Underpants returns with his latest adventure, Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers.  We're thrilled to be hosting his creator Dav Pilkey for what will certainly be a fun-filled afternoon.      Dav Pilkey prefers to meet with his fans individually, so there will be no official presentation.  He'd love to answer any questions you might have when you're having your books signed, so this is your chance to ask him anything you might be curious about.      In order to accommodate everyone who comes, the publisher has set some guidelines for the event.  Mr. Pilkey will sign a maximum of two books per customer, and will sign books only (no dolls, posters, memorabilia, etc.)  Photos may be taken, but customers won't be able to pose individually with the author.  And no audio or video recording will be permitted.      We'll have plenty of Captain Underpants activities to keep you busy while you're in line.  Join us for this rare opportunity to meet the man behind the Captain!

If you're unable to make it to any of the events, but would like to have books signed, please contact us in advance and we'll be happy to take care of it for you.

The Children's Book Shop
237 Washington Street
Brookline, MA 02445617.734.7323

thechildrensbookshop.net  
Hours:

Monday - Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sunday - 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

*we are closed on Sundays in July and August

This week, I am reading "My Life as a Stuntboy," written by Janet Tashjian and illustrated by her son, Jake Tashjian.  The main character, 12-year-old Derek, loves doing stunts with his skateboard.  While he is out practicing on the UCLA campus, he catches the eye of a real stuntman, who ends up casting him as a stunt double for a popular teenage actor.  Derek is initially excited, but before he knows it, his best friend has turned against him, his parents are forcing him to have weekly sessions with a reading tutor, and his beloved capuchin monkey, Frank, is in danger of being placed with another foster family.  How will Derek get out of this mess?  Read the book to find out! (try the first chapter here).

To inspire myself at the beginning of the school year, I have been reading "Au Bonheur De Lire," a book by the Québec-based children's book author Dominique Demers.  This book is full of quick tips on how to inspire a love of reading in children.  Demers also gives suggestions of appealing French-language children's books, which is great for me as I am continually trying to educate myself on new and interesting authors.

We have various fiction books by Dominique Demers in our library, including: