Manchester By the Book's Book Blog

Book Reviews: Chapter Books

2011-12-31T09:14:00.000-08:00

Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary (1968). Illustrations by Tracy Dockray. 211
pages.
I first read Ramona the Pest when I was a beginner reader. I loved the Ramona books, and reading Ramona the Pest a second time, I understand why. Ramona perfectly captures what it is like to be young. She misunderstands her teacher, she tries to be good and has a hard time, and she is excited about losing her first teeth. There is nothing out of the ordinary that happens in Ramona the Pest, but that is what makes it such a compelling story. Cleary’s writing is simple but not boring. My biggest complaint is the illustrations. To my knowledge, they have been added in the most recent additions. It is obvious that they are new to the book. Instead of adding to the text, they seem to be added to make the story look more current by showing pictures of characters in current styles (for example, instead of having a backpack for kindergarten, Ramona wears a messenger bag). The style of these pictures gets a little confused, as well. Some of the illustrations almost look Japanese-inspired. This does not really match the story at all.

My One Hundred Adventures by Polly Horvath (2008). 260 pages.
My One Hundred Adventures was the first book I ever read by Polly Horvath, and it was good enough for me to try and read everything she has written. It is the story of Jane, who decides one summer that she will have one hundred adventures. While she does manage to have a lot of adventures, the story is also about her growing up. Horvath’s descriptions are gentle in their best moments. While a lot of crazy events are happening, nothing seems over the top or too fantastical. I particularly loved how the summer was divided by what berries are ripe—it shows how connected Jane is to her house and the land around her. Overall, this is a beautiful book about growing up.

Superfudge by Judy Blume (1980). 178 pages.
Superfudge is the story of a boy, Peter, who is going through a lot of life changes during fifth and sixth grade. First, his parents tell him that they’re having a new baby. Then, his family decides to leave New York City for a year and live in New Jersey. While the book is called Superfudge, the narrator is actually Fudge’s older brother. Blume’s descriptions of the change in Peter’s life feel very real. To anyone who is growing up, this is a great book to read. Not all changes seem good at first, but Blume shows that sometimes it is good to have a new adjustment to life. My one issue with the book is that because it covers about a year and half of time, it comes across a bit choppy. This could be good for a child reading one chapter at a time, because each chapter can stand alone, but for a longer reading, it is a bit disjointed at times.

Smiles to Go by Jerry Spinnelli (2008). 248 pages.
Smiles to Go is the story of Will. It begins when he learns that protons actually die. It was previously thought that they never expired, and this discovery rocks his world. What I loved about this book is that the reader gets to completely see into Will’s head (who is the narrator). Sometimes Spinnelli uses short, choppy sentences. At other times, he uses run-on sentences. The change in sentence structures allows the reader to understand the different emotions that Will feels instead of Spinelli telling the reader how Will feels.

Holes by Loius Sachar (1998). 233 pages.
I have nothing bad to say about Holes. In fact, it was one of my favorite books for years. What Sachar does best in this story is that he is able to pull seemingly minute details together to form a cohesive story. The fact that Stanley’s last name is his first name backwards is important, as is the fact that a famous outlaw robbed his great-grandfather. Most chapters are short, which is effective in making the reader want to read just one more. Overall, it definitely deserved the Newbery Medal

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart (2007). 486 pages.
I loved The Mysterious Benedict Society. With the “Emergency” occurring around the world, only four children can save humanity from being controlled by the evil Mr. Curtain. I love that each child is completely different from one another, but they all need each other in order to “save the day.” 486 pages seems like a long book for a child to read, but Stewart is able to captivate his audience by filling each chapter with plenty of action.

The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander (1964). 217 pages.
What works really well with The Book of Three is that it is set in its own time and place and never feels outdated. Alexander creates the world of Prydain, which is under attack by a Horned King. Taran, a young assistant pig-keeper, is a boy who has to help save his world from being destroyed. While Alexander creates a complex world, he never adds too many details (like Tolkien) that would make the story too complicated for younger readers. I am sure that many young fantasy-lovers will become engrossed in this series.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (1950). 189 pages.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a story that many children will cherish. While it invokes strong Christian imagery (such as Aslan’s death and resurrection), the story is much more than that. Talking animals, an evil White Witch, a never ending winter; these are all images that will be remembered. Lewis’ story is timeless; what child wouldn’t want to find an entry to another world? The original illustrations are great; they are fun to look at while reading, but they are not detailed enough to ruin the way the reader pictures Narnia to be.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (2008). 307 pages.
What if ghosts were real? In The Graveyard Book, ghosts are real, and not all bad. In fact, they help raise the orphan, Nobody Owens as their own. The illustrations go rather well with the story, as they are done in wispy grays and blacks. The biggest issue I have with this book is that it is a bit dark and scary. It even starts off with a big illustration of a knife. This may frighten some children, but the story itself really is age-appropriate and not too gory. Despite its dark feel, The Graveyard Book is a great story overall.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis (2000). 224 pages.
The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 is a great piece of historical fiction about race during the 1960s. What makes this book so great is that many people (no matter their race) can relate to the Watson family. Instead of it being written about the “other,” a poor Black family that is repeatedly tormented because of their race, it is written about the “Weird Watsons,” a middle-class Black family from the North. When the family is confronted by racism, they are surprised as much as the reader. This is a great book for someone who is interested on a different perspective on race during the 1960s.

Book Review : Non-Fiction, Folk Tales, Poetry

2011-12-31T09:12:00.000-08:00

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein (1974). 166 pages.
This book was a favorite growing up, and rereading it, I can understand why. Shel Silverstein delivers in writing poetry that children understand. Not all of them make sense, and most of them are quite silly, but no one can deny the fact that these poems are fun. The line drawings that accompany them just add to the fun. For example, in a poem about writing from inside a lion, there is a large drawing of a peaceful-looking lion with a hand coming out of its mouth, attempting to write. The fact that the pages are simple (there is usually only one poem with an illustration per page) enhances each poem’s individual brilliance.

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse (1997) 227 pages.
A ten-year-old girl that I know who loves writing poetry has repeatedly told me that this is her favorite book. I now understand why. In her poetry, Hesse both tells the story of a young girl who loves playing the piano and the sad events of the Dust Bowl. This story would not be told as effectively in prose. The continued use of “dust” helps guide the story and show the reader how dust controlled many part of these people’s lives. I also really enjoyed reading about Billie Jo. Her character was very believable and heart breaking. I felt myself rooting for her during the entire story—rooting for her to play the piano despite having burnt hands. Overall, this story in free verse was beautifully told.

Amelia Lost by Candace Fleming (2011). 108 pages.
Amelia Lost is the story of the amazing woman pilot, Amelia Earhart. It is fantastically designed. It goes back and forth between Earhart’s disappearance and her biography. To distinguish between the two, the parts about her disappearance have a gray background and the parts about her life have a white background. What I loved about this book is that even though I know the story about her disappearance, Fleming made Earhart’s story exciting. She often ended each chapter on “cliffhangers,” making me want to read the next chapters to find out what happened next. Another part that I loved about this book is that Fleming provided plenty of photographs and text boxes explaining different technical parts of the story (such as radio communication). This helped clear up any confusing plot parts. Overall, this book does a great job at telling about the life of Amelia Earhart in an exciting manner.

Marching For Freedom by Elizabeth Partridge (2009). 62 pages.
Marching For Freedom tells the story of the March on Montgomery, Alabama for equal voting rights for African Americans. I can honestly say that this story made me a little emotional. Partridge tells the story from the point of view of children—the stories of individual children involved in the march are told along with a broader scope of the events. What really got me emotional was the use of photographs along with the text—as I would read the stories of brave individuals, the photographs included helped give a face to the movement. Some of these photographs were quite stirring—for example, some photographs showed police brutality while others showed African Americans praying together. Overall, both the stories of children and the accompanying photographs helped to make this book both informative and emotional.

The Girl Who Married the Moon by Joseph Bruchac and Gayle Ross (1994). 122 pages.
I absolutely loved this book. The authors took 16 stories from Native American tribes and divide them by region. Reading each story, one can tell that they should be read aloud. I like that Bruchac and Ross really kept the oral tone of the tales, for example, he would start each with some variation of “Let me tell you this story,” which keeps it conversational. I also really appreciated that Bruchac and Ross took one theme (coming of age stories for girls) and picked each story to fit the theme. It allows the reader to see how different tribes respond to the same theme.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tale by John Scieszka (1992).
Illustrated by Lane Smith. 56 pages.
The Stinky Cheese Man is a fun book to read. Anyone who grows up learning fairy tales and folktales and has a good sense of humor would love this book. Scieszka and Smith take well-known stories and turn them upside down (for example, the Gingerbread Man becomes a Stinky Cheese Man). The illustrations and text are perfect together. The text changes size and shape and illustrations creep into pages. This book’s one negative, however, is that it requires the readers to be “in” on the stories. If someone did not know the traditional stories that Scieska’s stories are based on, she would not get most of the jokes.

Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky (1997). 34 pages.
Paul Zelinsky’s version of Rapunzel is absolutely beautiful. Each illustration looks like its own Renaissance painting, richly illustrated with a lot of pigment in each color. The text is simple and straight to the point. It does not get stuck on giving any more background information than necessary, which is extremely helpful if one were to read it aloud. I also really appreciated that Zelinsky gave detailed source notes, giving the reader insight as to where he found different versions of the Rapunzel story.

Book Reviews: Early Readers

2011-12-31T09:10:00.000-08:00

Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel (1970). 64 pages.
Frog and Toad are certainly a dynamic duo. This book contains five short stories of the two best friends’ adventures. Actually, “adventures” is too strong of a word, as Frog and Toad don’t do too much. They lose buttons, try and get out of bed and tell each other stories. Despite the fact that the stories seem like they should be mundane, Frog and Toad are so quirky that the stories become fun. Not only that, Arnold Lobel’s mostly brown and green illustrations enhance each tale. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see what a Toad looks like standing on his head?

We Are in a Book! by Mo Willems (2010). 57 pages.
I really enjoy Willems’s Elephant and Piggie series. They are short, simple books with simple illustrations, but lots of character. In We Are in a Book! Elephant and Piggie become self aware that they are being read. While this can come across contrived, Willems pulls this off with lots of fun. We Are in a Book is a great read-along book. The characters laugh about making the reader say funny words (like “banana”) aloud, making the reader a part of the book experience. Not since Kilgore Trout met Kurt Vonnegut Breakfast of Champions have I enjoyed characters realizing that they, indeed, are in a book.

Little Bear by Else Homelund Minarik and illustrated by Maurice Sendak (1957). 67 pages.
Little Bear includes four sweet stories about a young bear. Each story is pretty simple for early readers, yet creative and engaging. One of my favorite parts of the Little Bear stories is that Mother Bear is so loving to her son, yet also has a sense of humor in playing along with his games. Theirs is a sweet, uncomplicated relationship. Sendak’s illustrations definitely add to the stories. The mostly black-and-white illustrations that include a splash of color let the reader into the imagination of the story. For example, the reader gets to see what Little Bear imagines when he believes he is flying to the moon, even though he really just jumped off of a small tree. This is a classic that should be included in early reader collections.

Book Recommendations! Part One: Picture Books

2011-12-31T09:04:00.000-08:00

SO I know it's been awhile since the last time I updated with book reviews, but I have the motherload right here! Some of you know that last summer I started a master's program at Simmon's College. Last semester I took a class on children's literature and had to make a reading journal, so here it is!

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (1963). 48 pages.
There is no doubt in my mind that Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are deserves
the popularity it has received over the past fifty years. Max, a “Wild Thing,” is sent to
bed without his supper, which grows into a forest that brings him on an adventure. While
the text is quite sparse, any more words would take away from Sendak’s imaginative
illustrations. This is the perfect type of book to read aloud to a group pretending to
be “wild things.” Anyone who is the parent of a wild child, or anyone who at one point
was a bit “wild” will appreciate this book,

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson (1955). 64 pages.
Harold and the Purple Crayon is the perfect book to read with an imaginative child.
With sparse illustrations, a child is able to see what can be done with one simple purple
crayon. What is especially enjoyable is that while Harold is creating his adventure, not
even he knows where he is going to end up! As this is a small-sized book, it might be
difficult to read to a large group of children, but can be the perfect fit to read along with a
creative child with an open imagination.

Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag (1928). 32 pages.
This book is a classic for a reason! Wanda Gag’s simple illustrations beautifully
complement the story of an old man looking to find the perfect cat for his lonely wife.
This book is humorous; instead of just picking one cat for his wife, the old man is unable
to choose so brings home millions of cats. Then, still not knowing how to choose, he
leaves it up for the cats to decide, who all fight and end up eating each other. Well, all
except one, a scrawny kitten who did not think he was pretty enough. Although this tale
gets a little violent, Wanda Gag’s illustrations brings the reader away from the darker
side of the story and creates an enjoyable reading and looking experience.

Corduroy by Don Freeman (1968) 32 pages.
Corduroy is the sweet story of a stuffed bear just wanting a home and a little girl who
makes all of his dreams come true. It includes illustrations that have a simple palette—
using variations of reds and greens and browns, but not prime colors. This story really
resonates with a reader who has given a home for a special stuffed animal. Corduroy is
not perfect, he has been in the store for too long and he even has a missing button, but
Freeman shows that even “damaged goods” deserve love. My favorite part of this story
was the ending—a little girl who sees him brings all of her money to give him a home. It
is such a warm ending to a sad story that the reader ends with a good feeling.

Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans (1939). 48 pages.
Madeline is the bravest girl in the old house in Paris, until Miss Clavel wakes up to
her crying from a case of appendicitis. While the story is simple, this book deserves is
Caldecott Honor. The story is very enjoyable to read aloud – most pages have only a
few lines on them, which rhyme. The fact that there is such little text on the page leaves
plenty of space for Bemelmans’ fantastic illustrations. Some pages he only uses black,
white and yellow, which keep the illustrations simple yet recognizable. On other pages
he goes all out in his use of color. On those pages (most notably when Madeline takes an
ambulance to the hospital) one gets lost in the illustrations. Madeline is a fantastic book
that will continue to stay around for years to come.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (2007). 523 pages.
Brian Selznick did an amazing job at seamlessly integrating text and illustrations. At times, I forgot whether I was reading or watching. What really enhanced his use of text and illustrations was that the story continued in illustrations, without the text describing what happens in the pictures. This would be a great book for reluctant readers. It is long yet not overwhelming, since many of the pages are illustrations. Finishing a book like this would be a big accomplishment to children who do not read much, and it could give them a boost in self-confidence to read more.

Christie's Picks

2011-02-22T06:59:00.000-08:00

Hello! It's been awhile. Mark and I recently decided to start something new in the Children's Room, Christie's Picks and Mark's Picks. I have spent a large part of my life in book "research" (meaning, carrying books with me everywhere and reading them any spare moment I can find) so why not share my favorites with those who are looking for new books.

My first list is five books for twelve year olds. They are a mix of books that I read when I was twelve and books that I have read in the past year or two.

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
The perfect book for any free spirit, or someone who strives to be one.

Under Sea, Over Stone by Susan Cooper
A classic tale of the battle between good and evil, centered around the quest of three siblings to find the Holy Grail.

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi
A great adventure story at sea about a very daring girl!

The Name of This Book is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
This quirky and hilarious book is about two children who are on a mission to solve the mystery of a missing magician.

Redwall by Brian Jacques
In the first book of an amazing series, animals have to protect the peaceful Redwall Abbey from an evil one-eyed rat.

How many of these books have you read? What books would you add to the list?

New Year's Eve

2010-12-31T18:09:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! So, one of my three resolutions in the new year is to keep track of every book I read in 2011. I will be curious to see how many books this is. I'm guessing that I read about 200 books a year. That sounds like a lot, but I read a lot of children's books that only take a night to read. I read every day for about two to three hours, but sometimes I don't read at all for a few days. We shall see.
I just read the first five books of the Chronicles of Narnia over the past few days. I am a bit surprised that kids take to them like they do because I find the enjoyment for me is in the little details. I read a biography of Lewis and many of his colleagues at Oxford thought he was the most well-read man in history. And so when I read his story about a battle, or how a dragon acts, it rings true and of erudition and knowledge. I guess kids would pick up on that as well. And one thing that is over-arching among all the books that I'm sure kids love as much as I do is the sense of moral goodness. In a profound way too, that you don't find in modern life too much. I think it is the religious nature of the goodness that makes it so full and the religious mythology that gives it an interesting back story and fullness.
So much power in Lewis' writing and nobility and whimsy and fun. My first book of 2011 will be Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
Once I'm done with that I'm going to dash through Waiter Rant. I picked it up today in Newburyport. (You probably don't know this but as a member of the Eternal Book Guild I am obligated to buy a book in every book shop I enter).
I've read about the first 50 pages of Waiter Rant and it is good. But I pretty much know everything in the book from the other restaurant and cookbooks I've read. He really should have made the book a personal narrative about why he fell into waitering and how he can't get out. That is the most interesting part of the book. Silly stories about bad customers and bad tippers are mildly fun, but do not a book make.
Then back to Narnia. By the way, hordes of Manchester By the Book blog readers : January 2011 is C.S. Lewis month in our store, meaning we have his books displayed and discounted, and we a having a cocktail party on January 29th at 7 p.m. which we be Lewis themed. You can ask me about the Eternal Book Guild at the party, but I doubt if I will tell you.

Looking for the perfect holiday gift?

2010-12-07T14:10:00.000-08:00

Look no further! Manchester by the Book is here for you. Here are a few hand-picked (and gorgeously photographed) selections!

Also, at the bottom of this post we've compiled list of a few of our rarer items. If you're seeking for a serious gift for a lover of literature, you've come to the right place.

If you see anything you're interested in or would like to request more information about a book, just email or call us!

Don't forget that Manchester By the Book will wrap your gift for FREE!

Here's how to reach us:
by way of the internet - manchesterbythebook@gmail.com
&
by way of the telephone - (978) 525-2929

Doctor Dolittle's Garden by Hugh Lofting
$17.50
Sheep Puppet
$18

For the lover of animals! The Dr. Dolittle series is a fun series and the old hardcover editions are very attractive gifts!

Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry
$25
Horse Puppet
$30
Give someone a childhood favorite! This beautiful copy of "Misty of Chicoteague" is a first edition.

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
$45

This is a really wonderful book that comes highly recommended by the entire staff of Manchester By the Book. Although we have a few editions, the one pictured is a facsimile of the First Edition. It comes with a lovely slip cover and, in my humble opinion, would be very aesthetically pleasing with a crimson bow.

Rabbit is Rich by John Updike
$15

Give the gift of a local author! Manchester By the Book has many first editions and signed copies of the works of John Updike. This one, "Rabbit is Rich" is a first edition hardcover.

The Once and Future King by T.H. White
$10
This copy of T.H. White's classic tale of King Arthur, "The Once and Future King" contains all four books ("The Sword in the Stone," "The Queen of Air and Darkness," "The Ill-Made Knight," and "The Candle in the Wind.") It is the perfect book for the lover of fantasy and myth.

Mitten Strings for God by Katrina Kenison
$11.95
For mothers in a hurry! This brand new SIGNED copy of Katrina Kenison's "Mitten Strings for God" is the perfect gift for mothers, new or old.
Nancy Drew and the Clue in the Jewel Box by Carolyn Keene.
$25
A great gift to remind someone of their childhood (or to give to a child!) We have many different copies of the Nancy Drew series. Pick your favorite edition!

Andre the Giant: a Legendary Life
$8
This is a flawless gift for your most massive friend!

On Dreams by Freud
$5
The Interpretation of Dreams
$10
Dreams by Jung
$8.95
For the psychological scholar or the interpreter of dreams!

Boston's Gold Coast by Joseph Garland
$25
Old Homes of New England: Historic Houses in Clapboard, Shingle and Stone
$35
The North Shore is the perfect place to live, why not celebrate it in a gift?

The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura
$12.95 (new)
This is a classic book about Japanese Teaism and Tea culture. Okakura touches on philosophical traditions ranging from Taoism to Zen Buddhism. The Book of Tea is a celebration of tranquility and simplicity. Also, Okakura was friends with Isabella Stewart Gardener, which proves that he was (at the very least) cool.

Mr. Boston: Official Bartender's Guide
$5
Do you need to send a polite but firm hint to your friend that serves Pabst Blue Ribbon at every dinner party? Then this is the perfect gift! Ring in the New Year with gallons of Nashville Eggnog instead of a cooler of watery brews! The whole party will thank you.

Mushroom Cookery by Helmut Ripperger
$17.50
This is a First Edition cookbook printed in 1941. Serious mushroom cooks will be thrilled to find this gem in their stocking. The recipes range from Hungarian Mushroom Soup to Chinese Stuffed Mushrooms. There is a dish for every shroomy palate!

Organic Gardening by Maria Rodale
$10
Organic Gardening by Geoff Hamilton
$8.95

Is your neighbor's compost pile coming dangerously close to ruining your friendship? Then give the gift of Organic Gardening. This gift sends the message that you approve of his or her passion for GREEN, but you will only endure the rotting matter if they use it to grow something delightful.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking
Julia Child
$89.95 (new)

This beautiful box set is the perfect gift for your B.C.F. (B.C.F. stands for Best Chef Friend, for those of you that don't have one.) Mastering the Art of French Cooking would also appeal to your M.S.S.F.F. (Meryl Streep Super-Fan Friend), as it is the book that appears in the hit movie Julie and Julia.

Searching for Sound: My Life with the Grateful Dead by Phil Lesh
$10

This book would make a perfect gift for your favorite deadhead. Searching for Sound is also perfect for the musical anthropologist man or woman in your life who's focused field of study is "bands that like bears."

Death of a Lady's Man by Leonard Cohen
$45 (first edition)

This book is incredible and this edition is hard to find. Please buy this book for me. I love you and I'll always be there for you. (your friend, Laura)

RARE AND FANCY BOOKS:

Robert Penn Warren
New and Selected Poems : 1923-1985
First Edition and signed by Robert Penn Warren
$100

Joyce Carol Oates
Funland
Signed by Joyce Carol Oates. Limited edition of 150 copies. We have #17!
$105

also by Joyce Carol Oates
Invisible Woman : New and Selected Poems 1970-1982
Inscribed by Joyce Carol Oates to poet, essayist and editor Peter Davison.
$50

Margaret Thatcher
Statecraft : Strategies for a Changing World
Signed by Margaret Thatcher. Also signed and dated by Thatcher on a 'Certificate of Authenticity,' that is laid in.
$195

Edward Gorey
The Glorious Nosebleed : Fifth Alphabet
Signed by Edward Gorey.
$150

also signed by Gorey
The Curious Sofa By Ogdred Weary
$125

ALSO signed by Gorey
The Headless Bust : a Melancholy Meditation on the False Millennium
First Edition!
$95

John Barth
The Literature of Exhaustion and the Literature of Replenishment
Signed by John Barth and a Limited Edition Presentation Copy
$100

Anne Sexton
Transformations
First Edition, First Printing and signed by Anne Sexton and the illustrator!
$275

John Updike
The Afterlife and Other Stories
First Edition, First Printing and signed by John Updike.
$65

Maxine Kumin
Up Country : Poems of New England - New and Selected
Signed by Maxine Kumin

Edward Albee
The Wounding : An Essay on Education
Signed by Edward Albee and a First Edition.
$35

Willa Cather
Shadows on the Rock
Signed by Willa Cather and number 197 of 619 copies. First Edition.
$400

Tennessee Williams
Small Craft Warnings (book, script, 3 sheets of cast photos, and postcard of Play Preview invitation)
Inscribed by Tennessee Williams. Inscription states, "To Mario, With Love, Tennessee." Inscription is believed to be for Mario deMaria, who was a producer of the play. 35 photographs.
$450

Staff Pick: Christie

2010-10-11T09:45:00.001-07:00

Travels With Charley

By John Steinbeck

I was into this book on the first page. So much so that I typed out the first three paragraphs during a Skype conversation with my friend who lives in Serbia. She thought the beginning was wonderful as well.

Travels with Charley is exactly what it sounds like. John Steinbeck decides to go on a cross country trip with his dog Charley in order to rediscover America. It gives beautiful descriptions of all parts of America during the early 1960s. Overall, this book just gave me the same sort of wanderlust that Steinbeck seemed to have.

Young Adult Fiction 10/11/2010

2010-10-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

The Trolls

by Polly Horvath

The Trolls is yet another book by Polly Horvath that has me convinced that she is one of the best children's book writers today. It is the story of three children whose aunt babysits them while their parents are on vacation. During this time, their aunt tells them stories from their father's past. Some are funny, some are sad, some are a bit frightening. What is true about all of them is that it teaches the children a lot more about their family.

Not only does The Trolls have Polly Horvath's trademark humor, it ends on a serious note, which has kept me thinking about it days after I have read it. It is simple enough for middle schoolers to read, but older people can get something out of it as well. Well done, Polly Horvath, yet again.

JERRY SPINELLI!

2010-10-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

The other day, we received mail from Jerry Spinelli himself! It was pretty awesome, and I think I am still reeling from it a bit.

This is what he sent:
His letter was a response to one we had sent a few months ago, proclaiming our love for all things Stargirl that included this picture to show that I loved Stargirl enough to get it tattooed on my arm.
He sent us temporary tattoos, for those who want to show their Stargirl love a little less drastically. All in all, it was awesome.

Store Updates!

2010-10-01T09:56:00.001-07:00

Hello All,

So much has happened since last entry. Our children's room got an amazing update - brand new wood floors! They look absolutely fantastic and make reading on the bean bag chairs even better. Here's a photo:

Not only did we get beautiful new floors, we just got a shipment in of new puppets! I spent a good chunk of time processing them today, and they are all so cute! My favorites? I think the octopus is pretty rad, and the turtle wearing a turtleneck is just kind of funny. We got in a bunch of new finger puppets as well - super sweet chicks, black woolly sheep, and more!

You can check out the new and improved children's room TOMORROW when you come to our monthly Poetry Open Mic Night. In case you forgot, it is on October 2 at 7:30pm. If you can't come them, stop in anyways and ask about the other events coming up!

See you soon,

Christie

Staff Pick: Christie

2010-09-16T13:36:00.001-07:00

Big Sur

By Jack Kerouac

I read this book at a bar in New Jersey that considers Jack Kerouac as their patron saint. Old men stared at me. It was a nice evening.

Big Sur takes place ten years after On the Road. Kerouac is famous, hates it, drinks a lot, and is basically in self destruct mode. He decides to stay at Lawrence Ferlinghetti's cabin in Big Sur in order to stay away from his fans and booze. This results in a poem about the sea (which is at the end of the novel) and a mental breakdown.

Young Adult Fiction 9/15/2010

2010-09-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Savvy

by Ingrid Law

Mibs (short for Mississippi) has an unusual family. On each child's 13th birthday, they discover their savvy, that is, their special gift. One of her older brothers caused a hurricane on his 13th birthday and her mother's savvy is that she is absolutely perfect at everything. Mibs' 13th birthday is coming up but right before she finds out her savvy, her father (who is normal) gets in a terrible accident. Mibs (along with her brothers and new friends) decide to go on a long journey to reach her father and hopefully save him with her savvy.

Savvy is definitely a unique book. Ingrid Law uses "magic" without the story seeming too fantastical or unbelievable. Deep down, Savvy is really the tale of a girl growing up and learning about herself, along with learning about her special abilities. It's not shocking at all that this is on Oprah's Book Club Kids Reading List.

Early Readers 9/15/2010

2010-09-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt

by Megan McDonald

It's the summer, and Judy Moody and Stink are on vacation! They become part of a several day treasure hunt, where the winner gets to ride on a pirate ship!

This is a great story for young readers who are not quite ready for chapter books, but illustrated books are a bit too easy. It is fun to go on the adventure with Judy Moody and Stink and try and figure out the clues to the treasure along with them.

Children's Ilustrated 9/15/2010

2010-09-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

Fairy Tale Timpa

by Michael Altan

My life has improved dramatically by the discovery of the Timpa books. Timpa has been a best-selling series in Italy for years, but now it has finally reached America!

Fairy Tale Timpa is Michael Altan's hilarious take on different fairy tales in comic strip form. Timpa (a red-spotted dog) discovers Pinocchio, Sleepy Beauty, and other favorite characters. Michael Altan's stories and are absolutely hilarious and incredibly absurd.

Seriously, I can't recommend this series any higher. I've been looking through each one and laughing hysterically. I think I know my next tattoo (hint: it's Altan's illustration of a sun eating ice cream).

Staff Pick: Christie

2010-08-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

The River Why

By David James Duncan

When I was still just a customer at Manchester By the Book, Mark recommended this book to me. It honestly seemed sort of boring to me because it looked like it was just about fishing, and I don't really care either way for fishing, but I figured I might as well try it out and see what the fuss is about. I was floored by David James Duncan's beautiful (and humorous) storytelling and The River Why has since become one of my all-time favorite books. I guess I shouldn't have doubted Mark. Don't tell him I said that.

The River Why is the story of Gus, the fishing genius son of two very different fishers. When Gus graduates high school, he decides to rent a cabin on the edge of a river and create an Ideal Schedule, a schedule that allows the most possible time for fishing. Eventually, Gus's life of just fish starts to drive him a little wacko. After an unusual experience, Gus opens his life to new friends, philosophy, and even love.

Young Adult Fiction 8/30/2010

2010-08-30T08:11:00.001-07:00

The Canning Season

by Polly Horvath

The Canning Season is the story of Ratchet, a girl whose mother cares more about her dreams of being a member of the Hunting Club than her. Ratchet is sent out of the blue to spend a summer in the Maine woods with her two 91 year old great aunts.

I absolutely loved The Canning Season to the point that I stayed late at work one day in order to finish it. Horvath has a great blend of slapstick humor and offbeat storytelling that kept me totally engaged and laughing aloud. This book is one-of-a-kind, that's for certain. The one warning I would give is that there are some uses of swear words that some readers may be too young for.

Early Readers 8/30/2010

2010-08-30T08:01:00.002-07:00

Ivy and Bean

by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall

Ivy and Bean live across the street from each other. Both of their mom's keep telling them that they should play together, but both Ivy and Bean know that they will never be friends. Then, one day Bean needs to hide quick from her sister, and Ivy helps out!

Ivy and Bean is the start of a super fun series geared towards young girls. The two friends (that were never supposed to be friends) end up getting into funny predicaments and make up creative solutions to get out of them. This series is perfect for the young reader who is beyond illustrated books but not quite ready for chapter books.

Children's Illustrated 8/30/2010

2010-08-30T08:01:00.001-07:00

Mr. Greedy

by Roger Hargreaves

Mr. Greedy loved to eat! The more he ate, the fatter he became. One day, after an exceptionally large breakfast, Mr. Greedy goes on an adventure where he is taught a lesson on being greedy.

Mr. Greedy is part of the quirky Mr. Men series by Roger Hargreaves. Each of the books tells a fun story with great illustrations. This is a great, quick read that is perfect for young readers!

Books to Read Before You Graduate High School!

2010-08-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

Several months ago, Mark and I (Christie) compiled this list of must-read books before high school graduation. Combined, we have read every single one and each has passed a rigorous test of time and quality. So, see what you have read, and come and pick up what you haven't! Or just come in and guess who contributed what to the list.

Books to Read Before High School Graduation

Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice

Ray Bradbury - Fahrenheit 451

Ray Bradbury - Something Wicked This Way Comes

Albert Camus - The Stranger

Willa Cather - O Pioneers

Thomas Hardy - Tess of D'Ubervilles

Nathaniel Hawthorne - The Scarlet Letter

Ernest Hemingway - Old Man and the Sea

Aldous Huxley - Brave New World

John Irving - A Prayer for Owen Meany

Jack Kerouac - On the Road

Ken Kesey - One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

John Knowles - A Separate Peace

Harper Lee - To Kill a Mockingbird

Carson McCullers - The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

Carson McCullers - Member of the Wedding

Larry McMurtry - Lonesome Dove

Flannery O'Connor - The Complete Stories

George Orwell - 1984

George Orwell - Animal Farm

Ayn Rand - The Fountainhead

Erich Maria Remarque - All Quiet on the Western Front

Antoine de Saint-Exupery - The Little Prince

J.D. Salinger - Catcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger - Nine Stories

Dodie Smith - I Capture the Castle

John Steinbeck - Of Mice and Men

John Steinbeck - The Grapes of Wrath

Dylan Thomas - The Collected Stories

J.R.R. Tolkien - Lord of the Rings

Kurt Vonnegut - Slaughterhouse-Five

T.H. White - The Once and Future King

Oscar Wilde - A Picture of Dorian Gray

P.G. Wodehouse - Carry On, Jeeves

Tom Wolfe - I Am Charlotte Simmons

Richard Wright - Black Boy

Updates and Events

2010-08-28T07:22:00.001-07:00

Hello all!

It's been a good while since the last post. Don't worry, we will be updating this blog more frequently.

We have a bunch of fun stuff coming up in the next few months.

On Thursday, September 23, Katrina Kenison (author of Mitten Strings For God) will be here at 7pm to do a reading and a book signing. This will be a great event for parents.

On Friday, September 24 at 7:30pm, we will be having our first music night with local artist Heather Tobin. You can find more about Heather on our website.

On Saturday, October 15, Tony Gangi will be here to perform and do a reading from his book Carny Sideshows. This will definitely be a fun event for all ages.

We will keep you updated with when the next book club will be, along with our next poetry open mic night. See you soon!

Young Adult Fiction 6/6/2010

2010-06-10T10:19:00.003-07:00

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

by Jaqueline Kelly

The year is 1899 and 11 year old Calpurnia Tate lives on a Texas farm with her six brothers. She is at the time in her life where she is supposed to learn sewing and cooking, in order to prepare to be a wife and a mother, but her budding relationship with her naturalist grandfather puts other ideas in her head.

This is a great book for girls who do not quite fit in with how a girl is "supposed" to act. Calpurnia is smart and inquisitive, even though her parents would rather her to be quiet and polite. I absolutely loved this book.

Early Readers 6/4/2010

2010-06-10T10:19:00.001-07:00

The Horse in Harry's Room by Syd Hoff

Harry has a horse that nobody else can see. Every night, he rides him in circles and jumps over his bed without even hitting his head on the ceiling. Harry loves his horse, so much that he even gives it the freedom to leave and be where he can run and kick and nibble.

The Horse in Harry's Room is a great story about imagination and friendship. This is a great story for a young reader who loves animals and thinks outside the box.

Children's Illustrated 6/04/2010

2010-06-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

Instructions

by Neil Gaiman

Illustrated by Charles Vess

In Neil Gaiman's richly illustrated Instructions, each page gives instructions on how to navigate through a fairy land. He tells the reader not to eat the food and to treat all of the creatures with kindness.

This is a perfect book for anyone who loves fairy tales. Gaiman takes the lessons learned in every famous fairy tale and puts them all into one very beautiful book. Great for children or adults.

Staff Pick: Mark 6/3/2010

2010-06-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

Anne Lamott writes so well. She draws you into a story that flows by so smoothly that you are finished before you know it and you want more. Imperfect Birds is about modern teenage culture and its casual everyday insidiousness.

Young Adult Fiction 5/19/2010

2010-05-20T11:12:00.002-07:00

The Clock Without a Face

by Scott Teplin, Mac Barnett, and Eli Horowitz

"This much is true: twelve emerald-studded numbers, each handmade and one of a kind, have been buried in twelve holes, strewn across the country. These treasures will belong to whoever finds them first. The clues to their locations lurk within these thirteen floors." Thus states the back of The Clock Without a Face. This is a extremely interesting and unusual book. The reader is asked to, along with the two main characters, solve the mystery of who stole twelve emerald-encrusted numbers of a clock held on the thirteenth floor of an apartment building. Each new page includes an interview with the tenants of each floor, along with a drawing of their floor. With both the drawings and the text, the reader is then asked to solve the mystery! When the mystery is solved (and yes, the answer is given) a new mystery begins: where are the numbers buried? Each floor has clues within the drawings as to the real location of the buried numbers. And so begins a second (and much more difficult) adventure.

This book is extremely fun. While it can be read and solved in one sitting, the second mystery as to where the numbers are located is much more difficult. What is so interesting is that there are real numbers buried all around the United States. So, if the reader dares, she or he can go on a treasure hunt with The Clock Without a Face as a guide. Become one of the first to find the numbers' locations!

Early Readers 5/17/2010

2010-05-20T11:12:00.001-07:00

My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems

My Friend is Sad is a book in the Elephant and Piggie series. Piggie stumbles on Gerald the Elephant who looks very, very sad. To cheer him up, Piggie dresses up as some of Gerald's favorite things - a cowboy, a clown, and a robot - but Gerald is still sad. Finally, Piggie comes as himself and Gerald is happy again. All Gerald wanted was to share the awesome creatures he was seeing with his best friend.

My Friend is Sad is a great book for those just learning to read. It is a short but fun tale. Mo Willems uses simplicity to tell the story of these friends, and even includes little humorous lines that adults will chuckle at. What a cute story!

Children's Illustrated 5/17/2010

2010-05-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

The Shy Little Kitten

by Cathleen Schurr and Gustav Tenggren

The Shy Little Kitten is a Little Golden Book classic about, well, a shy little kitten. The shy little kitten had five black-and-white bold siblings, but she was striped and shy. When the family goes on a walk outside of the barn, the shy little kitten slowly walked at the back of the line, and ended up losing her family. In her trip back home, the shy little kitten ends up meeting a ton of new friends!

This is a book straight out of my childhood. Before I could read myself, my mom would read this book to me. I loved it so much that one of my first stuffed animals, a striped kitten, was dubbed Shy. The Shy Little Kitten is a great story about how even those who are shy can make new friends.

Young Adult Fiction 5/10/2010

2010-05-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

The Cardturner by Louis Sachar

The Cardturner is a story about bridge. Not a bridge or bridges, but about the card game bridge that seems to be only popular amongst older people. In this book, Alton Richards is forced by his parents to be the cardturner for his blind (and rich) great uncle, in order to help his family get mentioned in his will. In the process, Alton learns the tragic past of his great-uncle and begins to learn the magic of bridge.

I have never played bridge before, and before this book, never even knew much about it, but Louis Sachar explains it in a way that makes the reader want to learn. Of course, The Cardturner is not all about bridge, it tells the story of a guy who is just trying to figure everything out. While maybe not as perfect as Holes, The Cardturner is another book well done by Louis Sachar.

Early Readers 5/10/2010

2010-05-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

Elmer and the Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

In the continuation of My Father's Dragon, Elmer and the baby dragon leave Wild Island and search for Elmer's home, so that he could be back in time for his father's birthday. On their way, they get stranded on Feather Island, a island where escaped canaries go to. Elmer and the baby dragon help the canaries get better from a deadly case of curiosity, which has slowly been killing the canaries over the years.

Elmer and the Dragon is such a fun and creative follow up to My Father's Dragon. The adventures that Elmer and the baby dragon go on are simple and fun. They're perfect for early readers, but they're also fun stories for adults to read as well.

Children's Illustrated 5/10/2010

2010-05-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

Children's Illustrated:

Phileas's Fortune by Valeria Docampo

Phileas's Fortune is the tale of a strange place where words are made in factory and sold in stores. In order to speak, one must buy or find words and swallow them. Phileas cannot afford expensive words, but he saves up three words to give as a gift to Cybele, his neighbor, to explain how he feels to her. When he gets there, he sees Oscar telling Cybele that he loves her with all of his heart. Can Phileas explain his feelings in three small words?

This book is a great book about self-expression. It teaches that it is not necessarily words that matter, but how one uses them. It is a simple book with wonderful illustrations by Agnes de Lestrade. I loved it!

Christie's Staff Pick

2010-05-07T06:56:00.001-07:00

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

By Carson McCullers

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter is the tale of four lonely souls in a Southern mill town, who all connect through one man, Mr. Singer, who is deaf and mute. Through the eyes of these people on the fringes of society, McCullers gives insight into race relations, poverty, and the woes of growing up during the 1930s.

I had been staring at McCullers' portrait for so long, intrigued, when I finally decided to read this book. Once I started, I could barely put it down. McCullers gives a beautiful and heart-wrenching insight into 1930s Southern America. While it is not a feel-good sort of story, McCullers book gives the reader a deeper understanding of what race and class meant to America during this time period.

Young Adult Fiction 5/3/2010

2010-05-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by CS Lewis

In The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Edmund and Lucy return to Narnia with their spoiled cousin Eustace. The three of them find themselves aboard the ship the Dawn Treader, along with their old friend Prince Caspian, on a journey into uncharted waters to search for seven lords that Caspian's evil uncle send away.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was always my favorite of the Chronicles of Narnia. Each island that the characters travel to is absolutely fascinating and unique. The Dawn Treader is full of action, adventure, and wisdom. I would advise someone new to the Chronicles of Narnia to start with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian to understand the back story, but even though The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is fifth in the series, it does not have to be the fifth one read.

Early Readers 5/3/2010

2010-05-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

Little Bear's Visit by Else Homelund Minarik

Little Bear goes on a visit to see Grandmother and Grandfather Bear. They each tell him a story. Grandmother Bear tells the story of how Mother Bear took care of a baby robin. Grandfather Bear tells the tale of a goblin being chased in the woods--by his own shoes! Before he even realizes it, Little Bear is exhausted from his visit.

The Little Bear books are definitely classics for a reason. The stories are short, simple, and fun, and Maurice Sendak's illustrations are great as usual. This is most definitely a book that will be around for years to come.

Children's Illustrated 5/3/2010

2010-05-04T12:45:00.000-07:00

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

Chrysanthemum has the perfect name, or she thinks she does. On her first day of school, the students all make fun of her 13 letter-long name (which is half of the alphabet!) and the fact that she's named after a flower. Chrysanthemum begins to hate her name, until she meets a teacher with an equally "weird" name.

I really like Kevin Henkes. His stories are full of great illustrations, good messages, and wit. While Chrysanthemum is written for children, adults can find some humor in Henkes' story as well. Chrysanthemum is a fun and colorful tale!

Christie's Staff Pick 4/25/2010

2010-04-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

Breakfast of Champions

By Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

For his fiftieth birthday, Kurt Vonnegut wrote Breakfast of Champions in order to clear out all of the junk in his head. It is the story of the meeting of two men, Kilgore Trout, a failed science fiction writer and Dwayne Hoover, a rich car salesman on the brink of insanity.

Anyone who knows me will probably say that I have a bit of an obsession with Kurt Vonnegut, to the point that I have a tattoo dedicated to Breakfast of Champtons on the inside of my right arm. What I love so much about this book is that Vonnegut takes a seemingly ridiculous story and reveals deep truths about human nature and American culture. One word of warning: This book is a lot funnier if you have read Vonnegut before. I would suggest reading Cat's Cradle or Slaughterhouse-Five before reading this gem of a book.

Young Adult Fiction 4/25/2010

2010-04-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

Holes by Louis Sachar

Stanley Yelnats has the worst luck. He is sent to Camp Green Lake, a boys' detention facility, after being falsely accused of stealing the smelly secrets of a famous basketball player. At Camp Green Lake, Stanley (along with the other "campers") is forced to dig a hole a day (five feet wide, five feet deep) in the wasteland that used to be Green Lake. While Camp Green Lake is not a Girl Scouts Camp, neither is it without its secrets...

Holes is probably one of my favorite children's books of all time. Sachar combines mystery with family history with magic in this great story of a boy with really, really bad luck. I would highly recommend this book for anyone middle school age and up.

Early Readers 4/25/2010

2010-04-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

Arthur's New Puppy by Marc Brown

Arthur is so excited to have a new puppy. That is, until Pal leaves messes all around the house and destroys the new curtains. Arthur becomes very worried that his parents will send his problem puppy away. What will he do?

Arthur's New Puppy is a great book to teach early readers about responsibility. Instead of despairing over the puppy's lack of control, Arthur decides to do his very best to train him. This is a cute tale of a boy and the love he has for his dog.

Children's Illustrated 4/26/2010

2010-04-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson

One evening, Harold decides to go on a moonlit stroll. This begins an adventure that he creates solely with his purple crayon. His drawings get him in and out of trouble, before he decides to go searching for his bedroom window to go to sleep.

This is a very fun and creative book. The illustrations consist solely of Harold and his purple crayon drawings. When he is hungry, he draws a picnic, when he is full, he draws animals to finish his picnic so the food does not go to waste. Perfect for the child just learning to color! Harold and the Purple Crayon reminds us what sort of adventures we can go on with just our imagination.

Young Adult Fiction 4/19/2010

2010-04-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

The 39 Clues #1: The Maze of Bones

by Rick Riordan

When Amy and Dan Cahill's beloved grandmother, Grace, dies, they hope to inherit something special to remind themselves of her. Instead, they, along with a roomful of their distant relatives, are given the choice to take one million dollars or embark on a quest to find the 39 clues and find the secret of the Cahill family, one of the most powerful families in the world.

The Maze of Bones is the first in a series written by all different children's book authors. It is a book that is sure to get you addicted. Once you read the first clue, you can't stop! It's a great series to get your child into reading.

Early Reader 4/19/2010

2010-04-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd Hoff

One day, Danny goes to the museum to see what is inside. He sees lots of exhibits - bears, Indians, and eskimos, but his favorite one was the dinosaurs. Danny thinks about how fun it would be if dinosaurs were real and could play with him, when a dinosaur tells him it would be fun to play with him, too.

Danny and the Dinosaur is a great book for a young reader with a great imagination. The adventures that Danny and his dinosaur go on are fun (and safe) and enjoyable to read about

Children's Illustrated 4/19/2010

2010-04-21T09:07:00.001-07:00

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales byJohn Scieszka and Lane Smith

Forget the fairy tales that you know and love! The Stinky Cheese Man takes fairy tale favorites and retells them in a fairly stupid way. Scieska and Smith tell the story of the ugly duckling who really was just really ugly, Little Red Riding Shorts, and many more!

If your child has a great sense of humor, this Caldecott Honor book will definitely be laugh out loud funny for them. With the narrator Jack constantly butting in and hilarious illustrations, this book really is great fun.

Christie's Pick 4/14/2010

2010-04-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

Of Mice and Men

By John Steinbeck

"Everybody wants a little bit of land, not much. Jus' somethin' that was his. Somethin' he could live on and there couldn't nobody throw him off"

George and Lennie are unlikely friends. Lennie is a huge man with brute strength but a low IQ. George is small and the one that forms all of their plans. They go from town to town, looking for work, hoping that one day they would be able to save up money to own a farm of their own.

While Of Mice and Men is a short book, it is not lacking depth. Steinbeck gives the reader an interesting look into the "American Dream," and how it existed in the first half of the twentieth century. Every single scene of the book is an important set-up for his powerful conclusion. Of Mice and Men is a great introduction to the genius of John Steinbeck.

Young Adult Fiction 4/12/2010

2010-04-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

A warning: this book is not for the faint of heart. In this Newberry award-winning book, Neil Gaiman tells the story of Bod, short for Nobody, who grows up in a graveyard, raised by ghosts. When Bod crawls out of his crib as a baby, his family is murdered by a strange man named "Jack." The ghosts of Bod's family beg the inhabitants of the graveyard to care for him, and so Bod grows up away from normal humans.

While a bit spooky, The Graveyard Book is definitely an interesting read. It comes with beautiful, sort of graphic novelesque illustrations by Dave McKean. This is a great book for young adults who are interested in something a bit different than the norm, and are not afraid of ghosts.

Early Reader 4/12/2010

2010-04-13T12:55:00.001-07:00

Cam Jansen: The Chocolate Fudge Mystery

by David A. Adler

Cam Jansen has a special talent. She is able to look at an object, close her eyes, say "click," and store a mental photograph of what she just saw. This talent helps her remember things quite well, but also helps her solve mysteries

In The Chocolate Fudge Mystery, Cam and her friend Eric are going door to door to sell fudge and rice cakes to support Ride and Read, a program that helps provide rides for elderly people to go to the library. As Cam and Eric collect money for the program, they come across a house that should be empty that seems to have someone inside. Who could it be?

Children's Illustrated 4/12/2010

2010-04-13T12:03:00.000-07:00

Madeleine by Ludwig Bemelmans

When the new stock of illustrated books came in, I have to admit I was like a kid in a candy story. I grabbed Madeleine and sat on the floor right away and read it. It's been years since I last read it, and I was most definitely not disappointed. Madeleine is an adorable tale with fantastic illustrations.

Madeleine is the tale of a house in which twelve little girls live. The youngest one, Madeleine, seems to be afraid of nothing. That is, until one night, when Miss Clavel wakes up to hear Madeleine crying. Madeleine needs to get her appendix removed and is rushed to the hospital.

Young Adult Fiction 4/5/2010

2010-04-06T09:10:00.002-07:00

Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

If you were browsing the children's room while I was working, I would have probably told you that Stargirl is one of my favorite books and that I think every girl (no matter how old she is) needs to read it at some point. As wonderful as Stargirl is, Spinelli's sequel, Love, Stargirl does not disappoint.

Love, Stargirl takes place a few months after when Stargirl ends. Stargirl has moved to a new town and is getting over the loss of Leo (sorry for the spoiler if you still haven't read Stargirl). What is so fantastic about this book is that, unlike Stargirl, it is told from Stargirl's perspective. The character that one grows to love in the first book becomes more human. She cries and she has bad days, but, despite this, Stargirl is still a great role model for girls of any age.

Early Readers 4/5/2010

2010-04-06T09:10:00.001-07:00

Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant

Henry is lonely. He has no brothers and sisters, no children live on his street, and he has no pets. Because Henry was so lonely, his parents let him get a pet dog to keep him company. Thus begins the friendship with Henry and Mudge, the 180 pound, 3 foot tall, drooling dog.

Henry and Mudge is a cute story about the love between a boy and his dog. They are best friends and constantly make each other happy. It is a great story for children who are just learning to read

Children's Illustrated 4/5/2010

2010-04-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Tillie and the Wall by Leo Lionni

For as long as the mice remember, there has been a wall. No one could see beyond the wall, it was too tall and too long. The mice never questioned what was on the other side; they mostly forgot that the wall even existed. That, is, until Tillie became curious. She tried everything she could to see beyond the wall until she dug a big hole under it. What Tillie found made her a hero to the mice.

Once again, Leo Lionni does not fail. His collage illustrations along with this creative story are perfect for the young reader (along with the old!) This tale is timeless. It inspires the reader to think outside of the box (or the wall). I would highly recommend Tillie and the Wall.

Young Adult Fiction 3/29/2010

2010-03-30T14:25:00.000-07:00

The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

Nancy's first mystery begins when she rescues a young girl who fell into a river. From there, she finds about several families promised to be mentioned in an old man's will, but completely left out by the time he died. Nancy goes above and beyond to search for a rumored second will--one that would provide for those families in much need.

Nancy Drew books are always fun. Nancy gets herself in and out of so much trouble, but it is always for a good cause. Despite their age, the Nancy Drew books are a timeless series for young adult readers. The Secret of the Old Clock is the perfect book to dive into a good mystery!

Early Reader 3/29/2010

2010-03-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

Frog and Toad Forever by Arnold Lobel

This charming little book comes with five short stories, perfect for a young reader. In "A List," Toad makes a list of everything he wants to get done during the day, but doesn't know what to do when the list blows away. In "Cookies," Toad bakes cookies, and neither Frog nor Toad can stop eating them.

This book is very cute. The stories are short and simple, yet great fun to read. Frog and Toad are a dynamic duo, with each story about them fun and quirky

Children's Illustrated 3/29/2010

2010-03-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Eloise in Paris by Kay Thompson

One teatime, Eloise gets a telegram saying that she will be going to Paris! Thus begins Eloise's magical trip to France, where she begins with 37 pieces of luggage, and ends with 114. Join Eloise as she swims in a fountain, goes shopping, and explores the Eiffel Tower!

This book is full of fun! Kay Thompson gives great insight into the mind of a very lucky little girl. With her descriptions, you feel like you are also in Paris! Great for young readers who love Eloise or just love adventures!

Young Adult Fiction 3/22/2010

2010-03-26T10:49:00.002-07:00

The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

Peter Augusts Duchene, an orphan, goes to a fortuneteller, who tells him that he has a sister who is alive somewhere. When he asks the fortuneteller how to find his sister, she tells him to follow the elephant to her. The only problem is, there is no elephants in the city of Baltese! That is, until a magician by mistake conjures up an elephant out of nowhere, and cannot send her back home.

This book really tugs at your heartstrings. The loneliness of the elephant, who is magically taken from her family, along with the loneliness of Peter, who has no known family, really makes the reader hope for a happy ending. In this, DiCamillo does not fail.

Early Reader 3/22/2010

2010-03-26T10:49:00.001-07:00

My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

Elmer Elevator rescues a stray cat from outside, and sneaks her milk as often as possible. When his mother kicks the cat out, Elmer decides to run away to Wild Island, an island no one has left alive (minus the cat), and rescue a poor baby dragon. In order to save the dragon, Elmer has to get past many terrifying, wild animals that want him for dinner.

This book is a classic for young readers. The story is fun--Elmer has many creative ways to get past the wild animals. It is also well-illustrated with very fun pictures

Illustrated 3/22/2010

2010-03-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

Agate by Joy Morgan Dey and Nikki Johnson

"What Good is a Moose?" Agate, the brown moose, constantly asks himself. All of his friends are precious gems--there is Amethyst the Elephant, Emerald the Lion, and many more. Compared to his friends, Agate feels boring and useless. Then, his friends remind him, he is a gem just like the rest!

This is a very bright and colorful tale. Nikki Johnson has beautiful watercolor illustrations of each animal. The message of this book is great--each and every person is a jewel, no matter how he or she feels compared to others!

Christie's Pick 3/16/2010

2010-03-16T11:47:00.001-07:00

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell

By Susanna Clarke

"An English magician is an impressive thing. Two English magicians are, I suppose, twice as impressive--but when those two English magicians are shrouded in an Impenetrable Darkness--ah, well! That, I should think, is enough to strike terror into the heart of any one short of a demi-god"

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is the impressive debut of Susanna Clarke. It takes place during 1800s England, where magic is studied but never practiced. Mr. Norrell, with the help of his pupil, Jonathan Strange, work towards bringing magic back into England.

Don't be fooled by the size of this book! At around 850 pages, it is a giant, but every time I have read Jonathan Strange, (and I have read it three times so far) I am left wanting to read it again. Susanna Clarke is a very impressive storyteller. Her back stories on England and the history of magic are fantastic. This award-winning book is perfect for anyone who loves Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, or just really well-written stories.

Young Adult Fiction 3/16/10

2010-03-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

The Name of This Book is Secret

by Pseudonymous Bosch

When Cass, a Survivalist, and Max-Ernest, whose life is divided in two by his divorced parents, discover The Symphony of Smells, they begin a adventure in search of clues about a dead magician and a Secret that has been hidden for hundreds of years.

This book is so fun to read. Not only is it full of adventure, it includes word games and riddles that the reader can try and figure out along with the heroes of this tale. The untitled narrator keeps the reader going with cautions about the book. As he states, "Make no bones about it, this is a very dangerous book."

Early Reader 3/15/2010

2010-03-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

Father Bear Comes Home by Else Holmelund Minarik

Little Bear has a great imagination. While fishing, he pretends to be Father Bear, and even catches an octopus! When Father Bear comes home from fishing on a big boat in the ocean, Little Bear thinks that maybe Father Bear will bring home a mermaid.

The Little Bear series are classics for early readers. Not only do they have fun stories about Little Bear and his friends, they include illustrations by Maurice Sendak, author of Where the Wild Things Are. Father Bear Comes Home is the perfect book for a young one with a head full of ideas.

Illustrated 3/15/10

2010-03-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

Frederick by Leo Lionni

It is almost winter, and a family of field mice prepare for the cold. Each mouse spends night and day gathering food. That is, each mouse except for Frederick. Instead, Frederick gathers sunbeams, colors, and words for when the winter feels too long and cold.

Leo Lionni provides great collages to illustrated this charming story. When the winter starts to feel too long and cold, Frederick will cheer you up!

Young Adult Fiction 3/08/10

2010-03-16T06:50:00.001-07:00

Young Adult:

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Lina and Doon live in the city of Ember, a dark city that is brightened by the great lights. When the lights start to flicker, will Lina and Doon be able to save the city, or will Ember fall into endless darkness?

This book is filled with such adventure, it's hard to put down. Once you finish, the cliffhanger at the end of this book will make you want to read more of the Book of Ember series!

Early Reader 3/8/2010

2010-03-16T06:48:00.000-07:00

Early Readers:

Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne

While playing in the woods, Jack and Annie discover a tree house way up high in a tree. They go up there to discover that it is filled with books! As Jack opens a book about dinosaurs, the tree house starts to spin and they find themselves in prehistoric times! Will Jack and Annie find their way back home?

This is a great tale for young readers. It is full of adventure and makes you want to read more! Good thing this is only the first book of many in the Magic Tree House series to keep your young reader's head in a book.

Children's Illustrated 3/8/2010

2010-03-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird

All day every day, Angelina dreams about becoming a ballerina. She is so busy dancing that she forgets to do what she is supposed to! Frustrated, her parents finally come up with the perfect solution that changes Angelina's life forever.

This book is the adorable first story in the Angelina Ballerina series. The illustrations are great and the story makes you want to practice your plies and curtsies! Perfect for any little girl.

2009-12-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our store! Manchester By the Book is located on 27 Union St. in Manchester, MA. We specialize in used, new, rare, and antiquarian books. We are open from 9am-8pm daily, so many sure to stop by with all of your book needs!

Visit our new(!) blog for store updates, employee recommendations, and much more!