From the Library

Third graders have been reading some imaginative books in library recently. Anthony Browne's Voices in the Park tells a simple story of two families walking their dogs in the park. We see and hear the story from four different points of view. The girls were especially delighted at the illustrations, many inspired by Belgian painter Rene Magritte. Anthony Browne writes big books that are great for individual readers who want to take time to study the illustrations. If you are looking for books at your local library, check the B section in children's fiction. Perfect the Pig by Susan Jeschke led to a discussion about fitting in (he's a pig with wings) and being accepted and loved for who you are. In Marjorie K. Rawlings'  Newbery Honor-winning The Secret River, young Calpurnia turns hard times into soft times in the dark Florida forest. In Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Richard and Tanya Simon we met a young Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany arriving in New York City on the seventh night of Hanukkah and receiving small acts of kindness while exploring the city and finding his way to his aunt's house. We read biographies of Sammy Lee, Olympic diver, and Audrey Hepburn. We also read this year's Newbery Award-winning Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Pena. The Elementary Center is enjoying the company of all the famous people third graders constructed. Visitors have also been very impressed!