Odd and the Frost Giants

Written by Neil Gaiman

Illustrated by Brett Helquist

Most enjoyed by 5th through 8th graders

Young Odd's father is a Viking who perished while on a raid. He didn't die gloriously in battle; he died trying to save one of the ponies the Vikings used in their raids. Odd never cries for his father, although he watches his mother's sad face every day. Shortly after his father's death, Odd takes his father's largest ax and tries to chop down the tallest tree he can find, but he's unable to get out of the way before the tree falls, crushing his leg. The leg never heals, leaving Odd to walk with a crutch. When his mother marries Fat Elfred, Odd gains both a stepfather and step siblings who think he lives up to his name. As winter lingers, Odd decides to leave home, heading for his father's hunting hut.

When a bright red fox appears at the hut's door, Odd follows it only to discover it leads him to a bear trapped between two trees. After freeing the bear, Odd waits for it to eat him, but much to his surprise, the bear takes him on his back and delivers him back to the but under the watchful eye of an eagle. Since the animals seem reluctant to leave him, Odd invites them into the hut and there discovers they are not who they appear to be. Instead, they are Norse gods who have been changed into animals by the Frost Giants. In order to be changed back into themselves, they must find a way to outsmart the Frost Giants and Odd seems the perfect boy up to the challenge.

'Odd and the Frost Giants' is a wonderful story that has the feel of a fairy tale. It would make an excellent read-aloud for 3rd or 4th graders and yet will be enjoyed by older readers, too. There is something endearing about Odd, a boy with a big heart willing to take risks out of sheer kindness. With the holidays approaching, it's the type of story one can read in an evening after a day spent with the crowds at the mall or after one too many sports practices. Savor the goodness of Odd.

Guess Again!

Written by Mac Barnett

Illustrated by Adam Rex

Most enjoyed by readers of all ages

Be sure to take the time to read this book with your whole family when it comes home. This is one you don't want to miss.

Each two-page spread is made up of a simple rhyme on one page accompanied by a picture on the other page. Within the picture is a silhouette or object of something described in the rhyme. Think you know what it is? Just turn the page and find out that you need to guess again!

I would imagine that 'Guess Again!' would make a fun writing model for older students. They could write a rhyme describing something, then create a picture with that something in it. The true test would be to share the picture and rhyme with a classmate to see if they could guess what the picture it. This might even be a fun activity to do as a family when Thanksgiving dinner is done.

I'm so glad this book was at the book fair last week. Everyone who's heard it agrees it's a winner!

Trips to the Library Expand Reading World

Yesterday, our 4th grade class took a walking field trip to the Marengo Union Public Library. The purpose of the trip was to get better acquainted with what the public library has to offer. While we have a great collection here at Zion, it doesn't have everything we might want to read or watch or listen to. By getting familiar with the public library, we'll never be at a loss for something to read.

Ms. Sondra Terry, Youth Services librarian, showed us examples of the fiction and non-fiction books as well as the movies and CD's to check out. We even got a behind-the-scenes tour of the back offices where book ordering and processing takes place. The most popular feature of the library was the monthly scavenger hunt in which we have to find different items around the library and answer related questions in order to win a prize. We found just enough of the hunt items to make us want to go back and finish it when we return for books!

The 4th graders were the last class to visit the library this fall. All of the 1st through 4th graders have made the trip over. It's been so much fun that we plan to do even more library visits with our 3rd grade classes in January. The public library is such a great resource for everyone that we're happy to take advantage of it!

Can YOU Make a Scary Face?

Written and illustrated by Jan Thomas

Most enjoyed by Preschoolers through 1st graders

Get ready to laugh 'til your sides hurt when you read this book aloud to little ones. It's a great one for getting the wiggles out because it will get them all wiggly!

Ladybug instructs listeners to pretend they have a bug on their noses and they need to wiggle it off. After a little nose wiggling, a little chicken-dancing, and lots of giggling, it's time for a scary face to scare away the big green frog. And wait 'til you see the scary faces that show up!

'Can YOU Make a Scary Face?' is tremendous fun. It was a huge hit during library storytime today. Why not try it out with your own family?

Sea of the Dead

Written by Julia Durango

Most enjoyed by 4th through 8th graders

Take a close look at the cover of 'Sea of the Dead' before you begin reading. The clothes worn by the characters, the prow of the boat, and the large pyramid structure in the background will help set the time and place for this excellent book.

Kehl is the youngest son of the Warrior Prince. He lives in the shadow of his older brother who is much more skilled at the art of warfare than Kehl. Kehl's interest lies with maps and map making, but as the son of a great warrior, he is expected to follow in his father's footsteps. One evening, after a particularly difficult training session, Kehl is snatched from his bedroom, kidnapped by followers of the Fallen King. For years, Kehl has heard how the Fallen murdered his mother so his hatred of them runs deep. Sailing on the seas with them, though, Kehl learns that all his schooling may have been wrong. Kehl finds himself admiring the Fallen, and begins to question the damage done to the people by his Empire. His true loyalty is tested, though, when he has a chance to escape from his captors. Will he flee or will he stand up to his father and the Empire?

'Sea of the Dead' is a book you don't want to miss. Part historical fiction, part adventure story, it's one that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow Kehl during his kidnapping and rescue. The ending is a bit of a surprise as Kehl finds out the truth about his father, but I won't tell anymore because that will spoil it for you. You'll just have to read 'Sea of the Dead' yourself!

Otis

Written and illustrated by Loren Long
Most enjoyed by Preschoolers through 2nd graders

Here's a story about friendship that will warm your heart and make you smile. Find your favorite little someone and read this one together.

Otis is a friendly little red tractor who loves helping out around the farm. When a new baby calf arrives in his world, it's Otis's soft humming motor that comforts the little fellow. They become fast friends, spending evenings together watching over the farm. One day, a big yellow tractor arrives and Otis is moved to the back of the farm, back where the weeds grow and where he becomes a forgotten tractor. When the baby calf gets a little too curious and ends up stuck in the pond, everyone tries their best to get him out. But only the best of friends can do the job, proving that friendship wins out over all else.

Loren Long has perfectly captured Otis's personality and it really shines through in the illustrations. Young readers will be captivated by Otis's enthusiasm for life, shown in the way he moves and in his facial expressions. The affection he shows for the calf and the calf's devotion to him ring true, not overdone or unrealistic. I hope Mr. Long creates more books about Otis. He's a character young readers will love and want to read more about.

He's Here!

The newest 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' book is now on Zion's library shelves. At least it was, until our two copies were checked out before the end of the day! Titled 'Dog Days', this newest diary from 6th grader Greg Heffley has Greg planning on a video- and TV-filled summer. But his mom has other plans. Will Greg have the summer he dreams of? Stop by the library to put your name on the waiting list for the latest installment from this wimpy kid's life!