What We're Reading: Laurie

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull.

Seth and his sister Kendra are going to stay with their grandparents for the summer. They have no idea that their grandfather is a caretaker of magical creatures and that his estate is one of the last surviving sanctuaries for these creatures. Seth and Kendra have some wonderful discoveries in store for them as well as challenges that will test their wits, strength and character when a battle between good and evil begins at Fablehaven.

Order of titles in this series:
Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star (book 2)
Fablehaven: Grip of the Shadow Plague (book 3)
Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary (book 4)

What We're Reading: Edward

Something Mis ing

by Matthew Dicks

When you start to read this novel, you may wonder why you are reading a book told by a thief. Martin tells of his burglaries. He is very organized and visits his "clients" on a regular basis. Martin keeps a list of the items to be stolen in French. His car trunk is organized with grocery bags to make his loot look normal. He steals frozen food, toilet paper, Kleenex, and some high priced items. During his visits, he catalogs the client's home and habits. Surprisingly, he becomes a likable character. A classic loner, Martin slowly finds himself involved in the lives of his clients. When he does something good for a change, Martin finds himself reaching out to his clients. This one will sneak up on you.

One of my Top Ten of the Year.

What We're Reading: Tracy

International Dollhouses & Accessories, 1880s to 1980s, by Dian Zillner.

This beautiful book presents over one hundred dollhouses, spanning a century of manufacture and four different countries of origin. Toy homes from America, England, Germany, and Japan are featured, along with their fabulous furnishings. A special chapter highlights cardboard and paper dollhouses, particularly fragile variations on the theme. You'll want a dollhouse of your own after viewing these diminutive domiciles!

What We're Reading: Tracy

American Dollhouses and Furniture from the 20th Century, by Dian Zillner.

Almost one hundred years of dollhouses and their accessories are featured in this encyclopedic work by American dollhouse expert Dian Zillner. There's something to please every miniature real estate aficionado, from the lithographed wooden Victorian mansions made by the Bliss company in the early 1900s to the modern metal ranch homes made by Wolverine Toys in the 1960s.

What We're Reading: Tracy

Toys! Amazing Stories Behind Some Great Inventions, by Don Wulffson.

Revisit the toys of Christmas past with this great little book, full of fun facts on our favorite playthings. Learn who invented Mr. Potato Head, find out Play-Doh's first industrial use, discover the role Slinky played in the Vietnam War, see how Legos are manufactured, and much more!


Stop by Youth Services in December to see a great display of vintage toys, in the case near the Information Desk.

What We're Reading: Laurie

Regarding the Fountain: a tale in letters, of liars and leaks by Kate Klise.

The Dry Creek Middle School drinking fountain has sprung a leak and the principal writes a letter to Flowing Waters Fountains Etc. to request a catalog. The artist who creates the fountains, Flo Waters, is very eclectic and a world traveler. She begins sending many different plans for the fountain to Mr. Sam N's class at Dry Creek which leads to an interesting discovery by his students about the fountain and the town. A fun read chronicled in letters, cards and transcripts.

What We're Reading: Laurie

Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl.


Dahl writes the story of a family of foxes whose father is very clever and very brave. Mr. Fox provides for his family by stealing chickens, turkeys and other meat from three farmers. When Farmer Boggis, Farmer Bunce and Farmer Bean have had enough of the fox stealing their goods, they decide to outsmart Mr. Fox by surrounding his home (foxhole). This seems like a fantastic plan, but will it work? Read the story to find out if the farmers can out fox this fox.

The movie, directed by Wes Anderson, (The Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore, The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou) stars George Clooney as Mr. Fox and Meryl Streep as Mrs. Fox. The film is now in theaters and it will be interesting to see how Anderson brings this story to life.