Welcome to The Bookies' Latest Update!                               March 2016 issue 2
The Bookies Newsletter
Eggs and Bunnies and Books and More - Happy Easter!

What makes a great Easter gift for kids?

Not wine, whatever one British supermarket might think! (See photo below.) But how about books, games, or a fluffy bunny - or all of the above? The Bookies is stocked up with wonderful Easter gifts and our bunnies are eager for cuddles! Plus, read about new Easter books for younger kids below!


Wine easter

Great for children?!
What were these British supermarket shelving staff members thinking?
Were they thinking at all?!







     

Where I Belong 
New from Linda Kranz!
Here's one great idea for an Easter gift! We're delighted to announce that Linda Kranz, author of Only One You, and one of the most popular authors at the store, has just written a wonderful new book, Where I Belong.

A group of friends recounts a series of adventures, but Maximilian, a lonely black and white snake, accuses them of leaving him out. Angrily, he leaves, hoping to find a place where he will fit in. Will he ever return? Follow the characters as they  navigate through nature's beauty and the challenges of friendship. Beautifully illustrated by the author, this is a multi-generational story of acceptance and camaraderie in which we learn that by working together, we can find common interests and choose happiness over conflict. Learn more about Linda at her website.


St Patrick_s day
A flood of green, what can it mean?
It's St. Patrick's Day this week and our little leprechaun is celebrating on our display table with all things green. Books, lollipops, shamrock pins and stickers - if you are looking for a last-minute gift for the Day of the Irish, we have one for you!



Understanding Early Readers and Reading Levels
If you've been into the children's department in the back of our store, then you have passed through the area where we keep many of our leveled readers.

What you have walked through is actually one of the most important parts of our store. These unassuming little books (and there are more on the shelves in the back) form a key step on every child's journey through reading. Every single one of those slim volumes has been carefully selected to help early readers learn and develop confidence in their new skill.

One of the most confusing things for parents who are helping a child learn to read is understanding the different levels that schools and publishers use to label their books. This article, which outlines some of the challenges faced by publishers and educators in creating and choosing early readers, includes a very helpful table that helps you compare different reading levels.

Feel free to ask for our guidance with our leveled reader section - there are wonderful books to discover in there! We stock a wide variety so you can find books that will match your child's reading level and interests - because who wants to read something that doesn't interest them? We're passionate about helping children read - let us help you!
Judy Seuss
Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!
 
Our preschoolers celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday with a special Tuesday Storytime. Judy the Fairy Goodreader brought along her collection of Seuss books and her Seuss hat - and, if you look very carefully, you can see The Cat in the Hat peeking over her shoulder.  

Preschool Storytime is every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.



Something a Little Different

Shout
Shout: A Loud and Lively Book Showcasing the Talents, Thoughts, Ideas and Voices of Kids Who Are Differently "Able" is the book we are talking about behind the counter this week. It features thoughts, comments and wishes written by children who are, as it says in the title, differently "able". With the colorful design and illustrations that accompany the kids' thoughts, this is a publication that really makes you think. It manages to be both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. Highly recommended - and put together by local author, Pat Loewi. Read about how she is honoring her disabled daughter's memory in this article from 5280.

How to Read More
How do you find time to read? It's not always easy!

If you struggle, take a look at this helpful little chart! (Although we're not sure that tossing your phone in the ocean is practical, particularly if you like to read on your phone!)

Sue Lubeck
New Children's Books for Easter and Spring

By Calliope Glass
Disney Press, $7.99
Board book

Thumper's ears have a mind of their own. They move when he's happy or scared, when he's confused or bashful, and more! In this sweet board book with plush bunny ears, little ones can play with Thumper's ears to show just how the bunny is feeling. A cute bunny book for little ones at Easter.



By Kevin Henkes, Laura Dronzek
Greenwillow Books, $17.99
Picture book, ages 4-8

The first collaboration of award-winning team Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek since Birds in 2009. Before spring comes, the trees are sticks, the grass is brown, and the ground is snowy. But then leaves unfurl, flowers blossom, the grass turns green, and mounds of snow shrink. Spring brings baby birds, sprouting seeds, rain, mud and puddles!

By Tish Rabe, Dan Yaccarino (Illustrator)
HarperFestival, $6.99
Board book

Get ready for spring with these five little bunnies as they hide colored Easter eggs. Toddlers will want to chant along with this fun take on a classic rhyme. With vibrant illustrations bringing the little bunnies to life, this sturdy board book is sure to captivate your Easter cutie.

By Chris Barton, Colin Jack (Illustrator)
Disney-Hyperion, $16.99
Picture book, ages 2-5

Hawk isn't particularly smart, so when he tries to catch clever little Bunny, it doesn't go so well for him! Great, bold and colorful illustrations. (Perhaps not in the full spirit of Easter, but it's funny and there's a bunny in it!)



by Sandra Magsamen
LB Kids, $7.99
Board book

Super cute for your own little chickadee this Easter! This board book features sturdy pages and a soft felt feather that adds interactivity to every page. Perfect to help the very little ones celebrate Easter and the spring. "You are my little chickadee. You mean everything in the world to me. "