SLOB by Ellen Potter

Owen Birnbaum may be the smartest kid at the Martha Doxie School; he’s also the fattest kid in school, although he hasn’t always been that way. Something awful happened two years ago and that’s when everything changed for him and his sister. Being the fattest kid in school is not easy, especially when your evil-minded P.E. teacher has it out for you, and most of the other kids are just happy they’re not the ones on the teacher’s hit list. Enter Mason Ragg, a loner who just may be a diabolical criminal mastermind with the battle scars to prove it; the rumor going around school is that the new kid also carries a switchblade knife hidden in his sock. Like eveyone else in school, it seems that Mason Ragg has it out for the fat kid. He may even be the one who’s been stealing Owen’s oreos. And then there is that fateful day in gym class when Owen begins to see that Mason Ragg is not exactly what he seems to be. And you know what? Neither is Owen; the Martha Doxie School is in for a big surprise.

**You’ll have to read nearly to the end of the book to discover the significance of the title; and it may not be what you think.

Safety First!

There is lots of information available to make your life safer. The Mayo Clinic has a newsletter with suggestions on how to carve and decorate a pumpkin, improve your costume and accessories, Trick or Treat intelligently, and even how to fix things up around your own home to save others from accidents.

Masks are a lot of fun, but they can make it hard to see. Face painting is a good way to disguise the face without impairing vision. The Alameda County Library has some wonderful books on face painting, like:

Decorate Yourself: Cool Designs for Temporary Tattoos, Face Painting, Henna and More by Tom Andrich

“Provides step-by-step instructions for more than seventy body art projects, including designs for face painting, airbrush tattoos, henna temporary tattoos, and fingernails; and provides introductory guidance on the equipment and techniques of each art.”    [J745.5 ANDRICH]

 Face Painting by Patricia Silver

“Includes step-by-step instructions for 16 of the most commonly requested faces, rules for safety, and the all-important cleanup tips. Clear, full-color photographs and drawings of children in the makeup accompany the instructions. These simple illustrations are charming and helpful, leaving no doubt as to what supplies are needed. Except for the face paint itself, most of these items are readily available … it is an excellent choice for beginners, providing basic information and delightful examples.”    [J745.5 SILVER]

Pumpkin Personalities by Ruth J. Katz

As an alternative to carving, this classic book “suggests ways of creating unique jack-o-lanterns by attaching an assortment of common items to pumpkins.”     [J745.5941 KATZ]  

So by following a few simple rules, you can have a wonderful Halloween, now and for many years to come!

It’s time to start thinking about…..

October is a time for harvesting, and harvest is celebrated all over the world. But in the United States, many children have traditionally looked forward to October for one reason – Halloween!

Halloween has its roots in myth and religion, but for most people it just means fun, imagination, freedom, and CANDY! Although things have changed, and many people who celebrate Halloween stay within the safe confines of supervised parties and activities, it used to be the one night children could wander freely, without adult supervision, and be just a little bit wild and crazy.

It is still a time for costumes and masquerades, makeup and masks, and there is a special freedom that comes with anonymity. Whether you dress up as a character from the past, present, or future, from reality or imagination, inspiration can be found at your local Library.

Haunting on a Halloween: Frightful Activities for Kids by Linda White

“Teaches kids of all ages the art of Halloween party planning, with yummy ghoulish recipes and scary stories that will make your guests shriek! With fun tips on how to decorate the dinner table with headstone place settings, creating cool window designs, paper “bats,” and much more, it is chock full of scary ideas. Kids learn to prepare their own jack-o-lanterns from scratch – starting with planting a pumpkin patch, growing the perfect pumpkin, carving the right designs, and toasting the seeds for snacks. Haunting on a Halloween encourages children to come up with their own ideas for decorations and activities, and includes “Bright Ideas” sidebars that offer alternatives to the activities or to potentially hazardous situations, like using disposable glow sticks instead of candles in a jack-o-lantern.”       [J745.59416 WHITE]

Happy Halloween by Abbie Mercer

“This engaging book will teach young readers all they need to know about the origins of Halloween as they enjoy the holiday’s recipes and fun crafts projects.”        

[J394.2646 MERCER]

Happy Halloween: Things To Make And Do by Robyn Supraner

“Instructions for making Halloween handicrafts for decorations, games, and disguises.”          [J745.5941 SUPRANER]  

 

 

Glue and Go Costumes for Kids by Holly Cleeland

“With readily available supplies and basic tools such as scissors and a glue gun, you can create unique, oversize, eye-catching costumes. You won’t believe how simple it is to transform a kid into corn on the cob, a cupcake, pencil, racecar, monster, basket of flowers, birdhouse, hot air balloon, plate of bacon and eggs, or other unforgettable disguise. These 28 clever ideas are showcased in fabulous full-color photographs and are made with easy-to-find materials, including plastic cups and plates, cardboard boxes, fabric and foam core. A fantastic resource for teachers, librarians, and parents.”   [J646.478 CLEELAND]

Remembering Summer

Did you go on vacation during the Summer? Did you pick up feathers, shells, leaves or pebbles, or take pictures and buy postcards? Discover crafts and projects that will help you organize all those memories! Make a scrapbook, use the pebbles and shells in a mosaic, seal the feathers, leaves or flowers in a picture or bookmark, for yourself or to give as a gift. Find inspiration in books and magazines at your Library!

Nature Smart: Awesome Projects To Make With Mother Nature’s Help by Gwen Diehn, Terry Krautwurt and Bobbie Needham

“Things to do for every season of the year, crafts that use recycled materials, and activities that encourage youngsters to investigate the natural world. Fantastic color photos capture real children happily working on the projects, and every project mixes fun and learning. A cute cat wind vane will show which way the wind blows and a pretty barometer in a painted jar captures changes in air pressure: fabulous facts on weather provide additional interesting information. Or make candies with fresh mint leaves, a pocket sundial, sweet smelling grass mat, a “desert in a jar,” and more.”     [J745.5 DIEHN]

Ecocrafts: Gorgeous Gifts by Rebecca Craig

“Wow friends and family with eco-conscious, cool, and highly individual gifts that cannot be found in any store — perfect for birthdays, holidays, and much more! From cute and colorful sock puppets for a younger brother or sister to a stylish stationery set for Dad and a beautiful bracelet for Mom, these accessible and easy-to-follow projects will keep children engrossed for hours.”         [J745.5 CRAIG]

 The Scrapbooker’s Idea Book by Kathy Ross

“This beginners book includes step-by-step instructions for 22 projects and is illustrated with color drawings. Younger children may need assistance with some basic tools, but, for the most part, the projects are simple to assemble. Materials lists are illustrated, showing each item and its name. Crafts include a cereal-box file, paper-plate recipe scrapbook, scrapbook pockets, and box scrapbook.”       [J745.593 ROSS]

The Kids’ Guide to Making Scrapbooks & Photo Albums!: How to Collect, Design, Assemble, Decorate by  Laura Check

“Along with seven ‘almost instant’ albums just to get started, you will find assorted templates for mix-and-match fun! And that’s just the beginning. Features: Make cool covers; Design your own papers; Add pizzazz to your pages; Capture each moment in your words and inspired designs; Create personalised photo pages. Ages eight and upwards.”

Don’t forget to check out magazines, like Simple Scrapbooks, Scrapbooks, etc., Creating Keepsakes, and Pack-o-Fun. With a Librarian’s help, you can request copies of magazines from other branches to be sent to your Library.

Feels Like Autumn!

October might be one of the warmest months in California, but there’s something in the air that makes one think of sweaters and knit caps, hot spiced apple cider, and pumpkin decorations. Combine that with the skills and fun of sewing, knitting and crochet and you can spice up your wardrobe and make wonderful gifts for family and friends!

Many lucky people learn to knit or quilt from family members, but the rest of us have lots of options available. Local yarn and craft shops, and even some Library branches, offer classes. Supplies, instruction, and patterns can be found on line, in magazines, and in books, and many of these books can be checked out from branches of the Alameda County Library.

Made by Me by Jane Bull

“From DK’s top-selling crafting author, Jane Bull, Made By Me contains more than 30 homespun craft projects for young crafters. The book is divided into three sections, on knitting, sewing, and embroidery, and each one begins with a primer on basic techniques and stitches. Then lots of simple and sweet projects help children master needle skills while making bags, dolls, bracelets, hats, and more. Kids will love giving their creations as gifts, or keeping them to enjoy!”          [J746.4 BULL]

12 Easy Knitting Projects by Peg Blanchette and Terri Thibault

“This title suitable for ages 9 to 12 years. Even if you have never picked up knitting needles before, Peg and Terri will have you knitting in no time flat! 12 all new projects that use the ‘coolest’ of the ‘hot’ new yarns. Each pattern includes: how-to-do-it, step-by-step illustrations, what you need, and the simple stitches to know. Make some outstanding new knitted essentials, including fuzzy scarves, a sparkly metallic-yarn hip bag, great ski hats, a stylish halter top, and some toasty mittens, too.”     [J746.432 BLANCHETTE]

Way to Crochet! 20 Cool, Easy Projects for KIDS of All Ages by Sherri and Michelle Haab

“Kids! They watch TV, they play video games, they listen to music. So unproductive. Way to Crochet! offers a great way to harness that boundless kid energy — crocheting. Easier to learn than knitting, it’s perfect for young people who want to try something new. A basic introduction to materials, tools, and stitches shows how to get started. Then it’s time to try twenty fun, cool projects: bracelets for best friends, a cuddly pet blanket, shoelaces, rings, little purses, trendy scarves, and more, all made with inexpensive, easy-to-find, machine-washable yarns.”         [J746.43404 HAAB]

Quilting by Biz Storms

“What traditional handicraft allows children to tap into their creativity and imagination? Quilting! In this book in the Kids Can Do It series, kids can design one-of-a-kind gifts and accessories by mixing their favorite colors, fabrics and textures. And while the art of quilting has been around for hundreds of years, a few modern twists make it easier than ever. Ten simple-to-follow patterns with photos, diagrams and step-by-step instructions help kids make projects that are unique — and useful, too!”       [J746.46 STORMS]

What Really Happened to Humpty?

Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. That much we know. But just how did Humpty fall off that wall in the first place? Humpty’s brother, Joe Dumpty, has his suspicions, and none of them good. He’s sure Humpty was pushed off that wall. But who could have done such a thing? It’s up to Joe to solve the crime. Decked out in his detective’s trench coat and armed with a serious hunch, the intrepid Joe Dumpty is on the case. His story, as told to Jeanie Franz Ransom, is a hilarious homage to all those Mother Goose nursery rhymes you learned way back when.

Bookleggers are Coming Your Way!

Just who are the Bookleggers? Ask any K-8 student in Fremont about the volunteers who enter the Fremont Unified School District classrooms and paint such intriguing descriptions of books that students feel compelled to read them. The Bookleggers are a group of volunteers dedicated to promoting independent reading by children. They do this by visiting classrooms, and introducing books that kids simply can’t resist. Not just any books are used… these books that are chosen by the Booklegger Steering Committee are the gems, the best of the best, the well-written yet exciting adventures, suspenseful mysteries, hilarious comedies and eye-popping non-fiction.

Booklegger volunteers literally come from all over the globe, and from every background imaginable. They have in their ranks a pizza maker, an accountant, several retired teachers, librarians, an editor, a computer engineer, a dental hygienist, a BART engineer, an ex-KrazyGlue salesperson, moms, dads and grandparents. All have in common a great love of bringing books and children together.

Here is a sample of a book you may see soon:

Charley Parkhurst was the most respected stagecoach driver in the Old West. Charley ran away from an orphanage in Massachusetts and found a job working with horses, finally becoming a stagecoach driver. Charley traveled to California working in Modesto California (which is only an hour from Fremont CA). Charley saved a stagecoach one night during a heavy storm by springing the horses forward when a bridge was about to collapse. Charley, like most stagecoach drivers, chewed tobacco, spit, gambled, shot bandits, lost an eye when a horse kicked it out, and finally retired to a lumber mill. So why did Verla Kay write a book about this particular driver? You may be shocked when you find out why.

The Mail Must Get Through

Disney’s 1950 cartoon, The Brave Engineer, illustrates with hilarious detail the dangers of unchecked devotion to duty. Based on the ballad of train engineer Casey Jones, who became a folk legend after losing his life in a heroic attempt to save his train, the Brave Engineer plays the story strictly for laughs. Take a look:

Upcoming events @ your library

Fall is here (or almost) and that means fall programs, including storytimes, will be starting soon at your branch library. Check out what each branch has to offer and make a list of the programs you don’t want to miss.

Upcoming events:

@ the Albany Library

@ the Centerville Library

@ the Dublin Library

@ the Fremont Main Library

@ the Irvington Library

@ the Newark Library

@ the Niles Library

@ the San Lorenzo Library

@ the Union City Library

Remember, the Castro Valley Library will be closed starting Monday September 14, while the move to the new building is made. The library will open at its new location (3600 Norbridge Avenue) on Saturday October 31, with a gala celebration.
Don’t miss it!

End of Summer Thank Yous

Wow! It’s hard to believe that summer’s over and it’s time to get back into the swing of things for the school year. But not so fast; first, a few statistics! How many people signed up to play the game this year? Nearly 10,800 people. (No, you do not need to adjust your computer screen, that is the correct number). And how many people finished the game, you ask? The answer is: A LOT. We had 5,062 total first prize winners and 3,969 final prize winners for a total of 9,031. Pretty impressive, huh? Let’s give a big round of applause to everyone who played the game. We couldn’t have done it without you.

And we couldn’t have done it without our generous sponsors:

Alameda County Library
Carl’s Jr.
Chabot Space and Science Center
Charles M. Schulz Museum
Lawrence Hall of Science
Oracle/Giants

Last but not least, a big thank you goes out to all the librarians and volunteers at your local branches who put so much into making this year’s game a big success! So give them a shout out when you see them and let them know what a great job they did!

And just in case you were wondering, the slogan for next year’s game is Make a Splash — READ. Sounds like it might involve water. The game usually starts in mid-June, so keep an eye out for the publicity.