Monday Children’s Book Reviews for November 17, 2014

This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman, PhD

“This day in June…
Parade starts soon…
Rainbow arches…
Joyful marches!
“In a wildly whimsical, validating, and exuberant reflection of the LGBT community, This Day In June welcomes readers to experience a pride celebration and share in a day when we are all united.”         [JPB PITMAN]

Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms by Katherine Rundell

“Even a life on the untamed plains of Africa can’t prepare Wilhelmina for the wilds of an English boarding school in this lovely and lyrical novel from the author of Rooftoppers, which Booklist called ‘a glorious adventure.’

“Wilhelmina Silver’s world is golden. Living half-wild on an African farm with her horse, her monkey, and her best friend, every day is beautiful. But when her home is sold and Will is sent away to boarding school in England, the world becomes impossibly difficult. Lions and hyenas are nothing compared to packs of vicious schoolgirls. Where can a girl run to in London? And will she have the courage to survive?”             [J RUNDELL, K]

Dinosaur Wars by Dr. Phil Manning

“Dinosaur Wars is a spectacular 80-page book featuring the mightiest, meanest and most ferocious dinosaurs that ever lived, pitched into battle with their greatest foes. From Spinosaurus to Tyrannosaurus Rex, these deadly predators are profiled in fearsome detail and are matched – in astonishing CGI artwork – with their most terrifying adversaries. Find out the facts you really want to know about these battling beasts and see them brought to life on the page as never before. With full-bleed action scenarios of competing dinosaurs; full spread analysis of strengths and weaknesses plus a battle skill box for each dinosaur, this book is a must-have for dinosaur fans crazy about stats and facts.”              [J567.9 MANNING]

Art IS Education

March was Art IS Education month, and in cooperation with the Alameda County Arts Council and the Office of Education, the Alameda County Library branches presented many fun programs all about creativity – music, dance, art, literature, and crafts.

Union City Library patrons enjoyed making book art and a Mandala paper quilt, which is now hanging on the wall in the Children’s Area of the Library!

Come visit the Library and admire the beautiful art work, made by members of our community!

Monday Children’s Book Reviews for December 26, 2011

Kwanzaa, a non-religious African-American celebration of cultural reaffirmation, is a seven-day celebration that begins on Dec. 26 and continues through Jan. 1.

Kwanzaa, which means “first fruits of the harvest” in the African language Kiswahili, has gained tremendous acceptance since its founding in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, and is based on Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles), one for each day of the observance:

• Umoja (OO-MO-JAH) Unity – the importance of family and  community
• Kujichagulia (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH) Self-Determination – the best interests of our family and community
• Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH) Collective Work and Responsibility -our role in the community, society, and world
• Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH) Cooperative economics – common needs through mutual support
• Nia (NEE-YAH) Purpose – set personal goals that are beneficial to the community
• Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH) Creativity – using our creative energies for a strong and vibrant community
• Imani (EE-MAH-NEE) Faith – focuses on honoring the best of our traditions, draws upon the best in ourselves, and helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind  [http://www.theholidayspot.com/kwanzaa/history.htm]

There are many symbols of Kwanzaa. The Kwanzaa candelabra is called a kinara. The straw mat that the kinara is placed on is a mkeka. Ears of corn are also placed on the mat, one to represent each child in the household. They are called the vibunzi (or muhindi). A fruit basket is placed on the mkeka, and is called the mazao. The unity cup is also placed on the mkeka, and is called the kikombe cha umoja. The seven candles that are placed in the kinara are called the Mishumaa Saba. Finally, all the gifts are called the zawadi and are traditionally given on Imani – the last day of Kwanzaa.

• Kwanzaa by Sheila Anderson                 [J394.2612 ANDERSON]
• Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa by Donna L. Washington             [JPB WASHINGTON,D]
• The Sound of Kwanzaa by Dimetrea Tokunbo                [J394.2612 TOKUNBO]
• Celebrate Kwanzaa by Linda Jacobs Altman                 [J394.2612 ALTMAN]
• Kwanzaa by Dorothy Rhodes Freeman                 [J394.2612 FREEMAN]
• Paper Crafts for Kwanzaa by Randel McGee                 [J745.59412 MCGEE]
• The Night Before Christmas: And More Classic Holiday Tales              [DVD J NIGHT]