The Invention of Hugo Cabret - Audio

Several weeks ago in a blog post about the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret -- which I LOVE -- I asked people whose first experience with this story was as an audio book to report back what they thought. We've received a response back via our Mock Newbery Discussion Board. You can read the entire post, and respond with your own comments, but here is a brief excerpt from someone who experienced the book first as an audio book rather than as a book of bound paper.

What did I think of the story? I loved it. It was great. Yes, I cared deeply for Hugo and the struggles he was in. I was hoping the automaton would give him that message from dad. On and on, I can say that I thought the story was gripping and echo all of the positive comments others have already posted about the book.

I really did not feel that I missed out on anything by not having pictures. The story felt very complete in its text.

Is there anything special to note about the audio version? There is some use of sound effects, though not a lot. The sound of the train and the clicking of heels stands out. The author states in his interview that he used sound effects similarly to the way they were used in silent films. He says he used the sound effects to move the story along in the same way he used the illustrations in the print version. However, in the book there are A LOT of illustrations, while I don't feel the audio used a great deal of sound effects.

Thanks, JLB! We really appreciate your comments!

BIG BOOKS!

Do you like BIG books? I mean, REALLY, REALLY BIG BOOKS? At the Library, we have lots of BIG BOOKS that you can look at, and even check out and take home! Big Books are a fun way to read, and a great way to enjoy the beautiful illustrations in children's books. Why not come to the Library and see some for yourself?

The Empty Pot, by Demi, is a classic Chinese folktale about a boy who loves to grow flowers, but can't seem to grow any for the emporer's contest. You can find this book at the Library, both in regular size AND as a Big Book!








For a list of all the Big Book titles we have in Children's Services, click here:
http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/children/bigbooks.html .

See you at the Library!

Pinewood Derby

We've just gotten more copies of two great books about Pinewood Derby cars.

Check them out if you want more information about designing or building a cool and FAST Pinewood Derby racing car.

You might also want to look at The Ultimate Pinewood Derby Site. This website includes songs, history, and a variety of links related to the Pinewood Derby.

Encyclopedia Prehistorica Mega Beasts

Check out this awesome new pop-up book about prehistoric beasts! Learn about the amazing Ice Age beasts like the woolly mammoth. Also, read about the gargantuan hornless rhinoceros, the saber-tooth cat, and the flying lizard, called a pterosaur.

If this sounds interesting to you, check out Encyclopedia Prehistorica Mega Beasts by Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart.


See you at the ACPL!

Mock Newbery Award

The John Newbery Award is awarded each year by the American Library Association to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

Each year our Children's Services department hosts a Mock Newbery Election program for adults who are interested in children's literature. If you would like to participate, the complete Mock Newbery Award reading list can be found here. If you can't join us in person for the discussion, please take a moment to post your comments about any of the books online. We'll be sure to read your comments as part of our discussion.

This year the Mock Newbery Award election will be held on Saturday, January 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.at the Main Library in downtown Fort Wayne. To sign up, call the Children's Services department at (260) 421-1220 or send an email.

Here is the fourth and final reading list for the ACPL Mock Newbery Award:

Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate
Revolution is Not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestine
Land of the Silver Apples by Nancy Farmer
The Entertainer and the Dybbuk by Sid Fleischman
Who Was First? Discovering the Americas by Russell Freedman
When I Crossed No-Bob by Margaret McMullan
Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems) by Linda Sue Park
Freak by Marcella Pixley
The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex
The Wall by Peter Sis

For information about the ACPL's other Mock Elections, click here.

See you at the Mock Newbery!

Fabulous Fridays Homeschool Book Club

Homeschoolers in grades K to 6: Every month we will get together and talk about a different book. We'll also have book related activities, food and fun! Pick up your copy of these titles to participate in the January meeting:

Early Reader Roundup (Grades K to 2): Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel

Reading Rocks (Grades 3 to 6): Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett

The meeting will be held: Friday, January 11th 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Merry Christmas!

It is Tuesday, December 25th and the Library is closed today. The Main Library will re-open tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.

Visit Children's Services this week for a Craft Extravaganza! Each day this week we will have a new craft project for you to make and take home. Tomorrow you can make your own bookmark.

See you at the ACPL!