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Tag Archives: Childrens Books
#BookFaceFriday “The Christmassy Cactus” by Beth Ferry
I’m dreaming of a #BookFaceFriday!
We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays with this week’s #BookFace! And surprise, surprise, books are our preferred way to celebrate the holidays! Reading a fun book all snuggled up on the couch with a hot drink is the perfect tradition, so if your looking for a new book option for the younger readers in your life check out “the Christmassy Cactus” written by Beth Ferry and illustrated by N.A. Kang (HarperCollins, 2023.) This picture book is full of delightful illustrations and a fun story for all ages.
“Little readers will be delighted by the holiday magic …This succulent successfully steals the spotlight from the ever-present evergreens.” —Kirkus Reviews
This title comes from our large collection of children’s and young adult books sent to us as review copies from book publishers. When our Children and Young Adult Library Services Coordinator, Sally Snyder, is done with them, the review copies are available for the Library System Directors to distribute to school and public libraries in their systems.
Love this #BookFace & reading? Check out our past #BookFaceFriday photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
Posted in Books & Reading, General, Youth Services
Tagged A, A.N. Kang, Beth Ferry, Book Covers, bookface, bookfacefriday, Childrens Books, Christmas, Picture Books, Reading, The Christmassy Cactus
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#BookFaceFriday “First Snow” by Bomi Park
It’s beginning to look a lot like #BookFaceFriday!
You might be dreaming of a white Christmas, but maybe not two feet worth. Even if winter weather ruins your regular trip to the library you and your kids can still enjoy new books like “First Snow” by Bomi Park (Chronicle Books, 2016). This title is available as an ebook in Nebraska OverDrive Libraries, along with many other children’s favorites. We also have a few of his titles in our book club kit collection, if your younger readers want to read them as a group.
“Toddler-PreS—The simple narrative holds readers’ interest while it moves from the familiar to the ethereal. The concise language and dreamy yet understandable images are perfect for toddlers. The artwork, in shades of black-and-white with accents of red, is reminiscent of the visuals in Akiko Miyakoshi’s Tea Party in the Woods, although Park’s images, mostly depicting nighttime scenes, are darker. VERDICT This quality picture book debut is a delight and just right to share one-on-one or in toddler storytime.”
— School Library Journal
Find this title and many more through Nebraska OverDrive. Libraries participating in the Nebraska OverDrive Libraries Group currently have access to a shared and growing collection of digital downloadable audiobooks and eBooks. 186 libraries across the state share the Nebraska OverDrive collection of 26,554 audiobooks, 32,935 eBooks, and 3,940 magazines. As an added bonus it includes 130 podcasts that are always available with simultaneous use (SU), as well as SU ebooks and audiobook titles that publishers have made available for a limited time. If you’re a part of it, let your users know about this great title, and if you’re not a member yet, find more information about participating in Nebraska Overdrive Libraries!
Love this #BookFace & reading? Check out our past #BookFaceFriday photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
#BookFaceFriday “When the Wind Came” by Jan Andrews
There’s no place like home with #BookFaceFriday!
We are embracing, or at least making use of, these windy Nebraska days for this week’s #BookFace! Life is not always rainbows and blue skies. While we know this is true for adults, we often forget it’s just as true for children. Books are an excellent way to broach hard topics, help kids understand trauma, and explore healing, just like in “When the Wind Came” written by Jan Andrews and illustrated by Dorothy Leung (Kids Can Press, 2022.)
“A powerful story about loss and healing told in simple text and pictures. Particularly relevant to students who have been through the trauma of any extreme event, weather or otherwise.” —Sue Morgan, School Library Journal
This title comes from our large collection of children’s and young adult books sent to us as review copies from book publishers. When our Children and Young Adult Library Services Coordinator, Sally Snyder, is done with them, the review copies are available for the Library System Directors to distribute to school and public libraries in their systems.
Love this #BookFace & reading? Check out our past #BookFaceFriday photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
Posted in Books & Reading, General, Youth Services
Tagged Book Covers, bookface, bookfacefriday, Childrens Books, Jan Andrews, Reading, When the Wind Came
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#BookFaceFriday “Fifty-Four Things Wrong With Gwendolyn Rogers” by Caela Carter
There’s nothing wrong with this #BookFaceFriday!
Writing your New Year’s Resolutions? Lots of folks create lists of things they’d like to accomplish or change about themselves. In this week’s #BookFace, “Fifty-Four Things Wrong With Gwendolyn Rogers” by Caela Carter (Quill Tree Books, 2021), our protagonist has a long list of things other people thinks she needs to change. But are they truly flaws, or are they just the traits that make Gwendolyn… Gwendolyn? This middle-grade book has a lot to say about acceptance of one’s self and others.
“This sensitive #OwnVoices novel balances the frustration and challenges being dealt with by all the characters. Particularly effective is the cadence of Gwendolyn’s thoughts and voice, creating a likable, realistic character that readers will gravitate to. Recommended to everyone, but particularly for those drawn to Kathryn Erskine’s Mockingbird and Ann M. Martin’s Rain Reign.” — Booklist (starred review)
This title comes from our large collection of children’s and young adult books sent to us as review copies from book publishers. When our Children and Young Adult Library Services Coordinator, Sally Snyder, is done with them, the review copies are available for the Library System Directors to distribute to school and public libraries in their systems.
Love this #BookFace & reading? Check out our past #BookFaceFriday photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
Posted in Books & Reading, General, Youth Services
Tagged Book Covers, bookface, bookfacefriday, Childrens Books, middle grade, Reading
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#BookFaceFriday “The Last Holiday Concert” by Andrew Clements
We wish you a Merry #BookFace and a Happy New Year!
Fa-la-la-la-la! Driving over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house is the perfect time to listen to an audiobook like “The Last Holiday Concert” by Andrew Clements (Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group, 2004). This title is available as an audiobook in Nebraska OverDrive Libraries, along with many of Clements’ other children’s favorites. We also have a few of his titles in our book club kit collection, if your younger readers want to read them as a group.
“Clements is a master at taking elements of relatively common school situations and turning them into masterful stories with truly engaging characters….[This story] will leave youngsters teeming with emotion.”
— School Library Journal
Find this title and many more through Nebraska OverDrive. Libraries participating in the Nebraska OverDrive Libraries Group currently have access to a shared and growing collection of digital downloadable audiobooks and eBooks. 186 libraries across the state share the Nebraska OverDrive collection of 26,554 audiobooks, 32,935 eBooks, and 3,940 magazines. As an added bonus it includes 130 podcasts that are always available with simultaneous use (SU), as well as SU ebooks and audiobook titles that publishers have made available for a limited time. If you’re a part of it, let your users know about this great title, and if you’re not a member yet, find more information about participating in Nebraska Overdrive Libraries!
Love this #BookFace & reading? Check out our past #BookFaceFriday photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
#BookFaceFriday – Book Drive!
Happy #BookFaceFriday to all the young readers out there!
No matter the book, whether it’s about Christmas, Hanukkah, or Halloween, we want it for our annual Children/YA book drive! Just like one of this year’s donated books, “Witches of Brooklyn: What the Hex?!: (A Graphic Novel)” written and illustrated by Sophie Escabasse (Random House Graphic, 2021.) Anyone and everyone are welcome to drop off donated books. We need them by the end of the day TODAY, so we can deliver them to the Salvation Army tonight. Every year, for the last 30+ years, Nebraska Library Commission staff collect new or gently used books for children and teens to be donated to the People’s City Mission and the Salvation Army for their Christmas giveaway for youth in need. The books come from all over. Brought from homes, bought new in stores, or purchased at thrifting excursions, Lincoln City Library’s book sale, or the Scholastic Book Sale. Our models this week spearhead this program, Children and Young Adult Library Services Coordinator, Sally Snyder, and Janet Greser, who runs Computer Help Desk Support. The third model is Janet’s daughter, Amanda Heier, who has been helping them get the books ready by cleaning off stickers and wiping down donated books. With her assistance, we are ready to deliver books to the Salvation Army!
“A humorous, magical romp about a modern-day apprentice witch who is struggling to be a good friend. Stellar comedic timing and whimsy galore combine in this magical friendship story.”—Kirkus
Love this #BookFace & reading? We suggest checking out all the titles available in our Book Club collection, permanent collection, and Nebraska OverDrive Libraries. Check out our past #BookFaceFriday photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
Posted in Books & Reading, Youth Services
Tagged Book Covers, Book Drive, bookface, bookfacefriday, Childrens Books, Donations, YA books
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#BookFaceFriday – “A Song Only I Can Hear” by Barry Jonsberg
If #BookFaceFriday were a mixtape.
With schools out for summer, librarians are just gearing up for our busiest season! You know what that means, Summer Reading Programs, teen and children’s book lists, and all the other ways libraries help combat the summer slide. So this week’s #BookFace is dedicated to you. Check out middle-grade read “A Song Only I Can Hear” by Barry Jonsberg (Simon & Schuster, 2020.) So whether you’ll be under the boardwalk, surfin’ USA, or spending your summer in the city, the library’s got something for you, like these Best Books lists for children and teens put together by Sally Snyder. This title comes from our large collection of children’s and young adult books sent to us as review copies from book publishers. When our Children and Young Adult Library Services Coordinator, Sally Snyder, is done with them, the review copies are available for the Library System Directors to distribute to school and public libraries in their systems. Public and school library staff are also welcome to stop by and select some titles for their library collections. We think this one would be a great addition to any library. Contact Sally Snyder for more information.
When Rob starts getting mysterious texts from an unknown number, he has to make a decision—stay under the radar, or risk being exposed in a way he’s not prepared for—in this “stirring” (Booklist) middle-grade novel that’s perfect for fans of Wonder.
This week’s #BookFace model is Hollin Attendola, one of our TBBS Reader Advisers.
Love this #BookFace & reading? We suggest checking out all the titles available in our Book Club collection, permanent collection, and Nebraska OverDrive Libraries. Check out our past #BookFaceFriday photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
#BookFaceFriday – “Home Alone”
Happy #BookFaceFriday Ya Filthy Animals!
“Guys, I’m eating junk and watching rubbish! You better come out and stop me!” Embrace this Christmas classic in a whole new way with “Home Alone: The Classic Illustrated Storybook” based on the story written by John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus, and illustrated by Kim Smith (Quirk Books, 2015.) This title comes from our large collection of children’s and young adult books sent to us as review copies from book publishers. When our Children and Young Adult Library Services Coordinator, Sally Snyder, is done with them, the review copies are available for the Library System Directors to distribute to school and public libraries in their systems. Public and school library staff are also welcome to stop by and select some titles for their library collections. We think this one would be a great addition to any library. Contact Sally Snyder for more information.
“The Home Alone storybook, with artful, energetic illustrations by Kim Smith, is a kinder, gentler version of the movie.”—Shelf Awareness
Love this #BookFace & reading? We suggest checking out all the titles available in our Book Club collection, permanent collection, and Nebraska OverDrive Libraries. Check out our past #BookFaceFriday photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
Posted in Books & Reading, Youth Services
Tagged Book Covers, bookface, bookfacefriday, Childrens Books, Home Alone, Kim Smith
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#BookFaceFriday “Took: A Ghost Story” by Mary Downing Hahn
We’re very taken with this week’s #BookFaceFriday!
It’s the perfect time of year for a spooky story like Mary Downing Hahn’s Took: A Ghost Story. Grab a blanket, a warm cup of cider, and a tale of terror… if you dare…
“This creepy tale skillfully weaves in—and honors—the oral tradition of folklore, legends, and ghost stories.”
—Horn Book Magazine
It’s available to all Nebraska OverDrive Libraries in eBook format. 173 libraries across the state share this collection of 17,165 audiobooks and 28,972 eBooks. As an added bonus it includes 130 podcasts that are always available with simultaneous use (SU), as well as SU ebooks and audiobook titles that publishers have made available for a limited time.
If you’re a part of it, let your users know about this great title, and if you’re not a member yet, find more information about participating in Nebraska Overdrive Libraries!
Love this #BookFace & reading? Check out our past #BookFaceFriday photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
Posted in Books & Reading, General
Tagged Book Art, Book Covers, bookface, bookfacefriday, Childrens Books, ebooks, ghost stories, Halloween, Horror, Nebraska OverDrive Libraries, OverDrive, Reading
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#BookFaceFriday – “Humphrey’s Pet Show Panic”
There’s nothing like man’s best friend and #BookFaceFriday!
Now it’s time to hit the books… er, #BookFace. Help your kids unwind and improve their reading skills by letting them read to their favorite pet! “Humphrey’s Pet Show Panic” by Betty G. Birney, illustrated by Priscilla Burris (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 2018) would be a perfect fit. This title comes from our large collection of children’s and young adult books sent to us as review copies from book publishers. When our Children and Young Adult Library Services Coordinator, Sally Snyder, is done with them, the review copies are available for the Library System Directors to distribute to school and public libraries in their systems. Public and school library staff are also welcome to stop by and select some titles for their library collections. We think this one would be a great addition to any library. Contact Sally Snyder for more information.
“Small but mighty, Humphrey is an endearing and earnest narrator whose gentle but on-the-nose observations will resonate with budding readers.” — School Library Journal
Love this #BookFace & reading? We suggest checking out all the titles available in our Book Club collection, permanent collection, and Nebraska OverDrive Libraries. Check out our past #BookFaceFriday photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
#BookFaceFriday “Undercover Princess” by Connie Glynn
Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo it’s #BookFaceFriday!
Life isn’t exactly a fairytale right now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get lost in one. Is your little prince or princess in need of a mental escape? Don’t forget eBooks and Audiobooks are for kids too! Nebraska OverDrive is full of YA, Juvenile, and Children’s books, like this week’s #BookFaceFriday! “Undercover Princess” by Connie Glynn (HarperCollins, 2018) is available to all Nebraska OverDrive Libraries in both eBook and Audiobook format. 173 libraries across the state share this collection of 16,670 audiobooks and 28,473 eBooks. As an added bonus it includes 130 podcasts that are always available with simultaneous use.
If you’re a part of it, let your users know about this great title, and if you’re not a member yet, find more information about participating in Nebraska Overdrive Libraries!
“With a message of kindness, YouTube star Glynn’s middle grade debut, a series opener, is a story of devoted friendship and fierce loyalty that is sure to win readers over.” (Publishers Weekly)
This week’s #BookFaceFriday model is Princess Elsa! Or maybe it’s princess Margot, disguised as Elsa…. we may never know.
Love this #BookFace & reading? Check out our past #BookFaceFriday photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
Posted in Books & Reading, General, Youth Services
Tagged Book Art, Book Covers, bookface, bookfacefriday, books, Childrens Books, Connie Glynn, Kid Lit, OverDrive, Reading, Undercover Princess, Young Adult
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#BookFaceFriday – “Will Giraffe Laugh?”
It’s basically a zoo in here for #BookFaceFriday.
We’re taking a walk on the wild side with this week’s #BookFace. Take your virtual storytime to a whole new level with “Will Giraffe Laugh?” by Hilary Leung (Cartwheel Books, 2019) and a virtual field trip to the zoo. This title comes from our large collection of children’s and young adult books sent to us as review copies from book publishers. When our Children and Young Adult Library Services Coordinator, Sally Snyder, is done with them, the review copies are available for the Library System Directors to distribute to school and public libraries in their systems. Public and school library staff are also welcome to stop by and select some titles for their library collections. We think this one would be a great addition to any library. Contact Sally Snyder for more information.
“A clear and winning guide to a key social grace; share and repeat as necessary.” — Kirkus Reviews Starred Review
This week’s #BookFace model is, well, a giraffe. I didn’t get a name, but you can still visit the giraffes at the Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium with their “Do the Zoo at Home” program. Looking for other things to do with your kids from the living room? Check out the list of resources we’ve put together for families!
Love this #BookFace & reading? We suggest checking out all the titles available in our Book Club collection, permanent collection, and Nebraska OverDrive Libraries. Check out our past #BookFaceFriday photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
Posted in Books & Reading, Youth Services
Tagged Book Covers, bookface, bookfacefriday, Childrens Books, Hilary Leung, Will Giraffe Laugh?
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#BookFaceFriday: NLC Book Drive 2018
Knock! knock! Who’s there! It’s #BookFaceFriday!!
Today is the last day to deliver your donated books! Anyone and everyone is welcome to drop off donated books. We need them by the end of the day TODAY, so we can deliver them to the Salvation Army tonight.
Every year, for the last thirty years, Nebraska Library Commission staff collect new or gently used books for children and teens to be donated to the People’s City Mission and the Salvation Army for their Christmas giveaway for youth in need. The books come from all over. Brought from homes, bought new in stores, or purchased at thrifting excursions, Lincoln City Library’s book sale, or the Scholastic Book Sale.
We snatched this one out of the pile of donated books, “Who’s That Knocking on Christmas Eve?” by Jan Brett (Scholastic, 2003). It’s adorable illustrations and unique folklore made it the perfect #BookFace.
“Kindergarten-Grade 2-In this story based on a traditional Norwegian folktale, a boy traveling from Finnmark to Oslo with his pet polar bear stops by Kyri’s hut on Christmas Eve. The guests help to frighten away the trolls who come to wreak havoc and steal all of the holiday treats. The pleasure here lies mostly in the lush, richly textured illustrations, with Brett’s distinctive borders that incorporate Norwegian folk motifs and trolls romping through skies lit by the Northern lights. Scenery aside, the children are rather one-dimensional, but the bear is handsome and heroic and the trolls satisfyingly ugly and naughty.” -School Library Journal
This week’s #BookFace model is quite the mama bear herself, Mary Geibel is NLC’s Information Services Technician. She was also willing to wear a holiday sweater just for our #BookFace.
Love this #bookface & reading? We suggest checking out all the titles available for book clubs at http://nlc.nebraska.gov/ref/bookclub.
Check out our past #BookFace photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
Posted in Books & Reading, General
Tagged book cover, Book Drive, Book Face Friday, bookface, bookfacefriday, Childrens Books, Holidays, Reading, Teen Books
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#BookFaceFriday: NLC Annual Book Drive
We’re on the edge of our seats for NLC’s annual book drive!!
Every year, for the last thirty years, Nebraska Library Commission staff collect new or gently used books for children and teens to be donated to the People’s City Mission and the Salvation Army for their Christmas giveaway for youth in need. The books come from all over. Brought from homes, bought new in stores, or purchased at thrifting excursions, Lincoln City Library’s book sale, or the Scholastic Book Sale.
If you’d like to pitch in, anyone is welcome to drop off donated books. We need them by the end of the day on Dec. 14th, so we can deliver them to the Salvation Army that evening.
We’re having some fun with a few donated books that were just perfect for #BookFaceFriday. Like “Girl, Stolen: A Novel” by April Henry (Henry Holt and Co., 2010). It’s a YA thriller, full of nail-biting suspense.
“Henry spins a captivating tale that shifts between Cheyenne’s and Griffin’s thoughts. Both are well-built, complex characters, trapped in their own ways by life’s circumstances, which–paired with a relentlessly fast pace–ensures a tense read.” ―Publishers Weekly
This week’s #BookFace model is Tan Ngo, NLC’s Accountant for the next few days at least. She’s being stolen away by another state agency, and we can’t believe how much we’re going to miss her!
Love this #bookface & reading? We suggest checking out all the titles available for book clubs at http://nlc.nebraska.gov/ref/bookclub.
Check out our past #BookFace photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
Posted in Books & Reading, General
Tagged book cover, Book Drive, Book Face Friday, bookface, bookfacefriday, Childrens Books, Holidays, Reading, Teen Books
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#BookFaceFriday “Promoting Great Reads”
You don’t want to miss this #BookFaceFriday!
#BookFace is all about Teen Reads this week with. “Promoting Great Reads to Improve Teen Reading: Core Connections with Booktalks and More” by Lucy Schall (Libraries Unlimited, 2015). This title is part of our Library Science Collection, it provides professional and reference materials for Nebraska librarians and library science programs! You can check this out yourself by searching the Online Catalog,
This week’s #BookFaceFriday model is Sally Snyder, our Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services! Sally will be presenting ‘Popular Teen Novels: New Books They Need to Read’ at #neblib2018, Saturday, Oct 6th at 9:00 am. Don’t miss it! #2018books4teens (Sponsored by the School, Children, and Young People’s Section) Learn about qualities to look for in books teens are reading, and the titles Nebraska teens are seeking at their libraries. The presenters will discuss new books that are popular with teens in their communities and describe the qualities these titles possess that make them good choices for many libraries. #BookFaceFriday #TeenBooks #Read
Love this #BookFace & reading? We suggest checking out all the titles available for book clubs at http://nlc.nebraska.gov/ref/bookclub. Check out our past #BookFaceFriday photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
Posted in Books & Reading, General
Tagged Book Art, Book Covers, bookface, bookfacefriday, books, Childrens Books, neblib2018, Reading, Sally Snyder, Teen Books
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#BookFaceFriday: NLC Annual Book Drive
Get into the holiday giving spirit with NLC’s annual book drive!!
“Jake” by Audrey Couloumbis (Yearling, 2011)
Every year, for the last twenty-nine years, Nebraska Library Commission staff collect new or used books for children and teens to be donated to the Salvation Army for their Christmas giveaway for youth in need.
We had some fun with a few donated books that were just perfect for #BookFaceFriday. Even better they had holiday themes! We just couldn’t resist. One of this week’s #BookFace models is Talking Book & Braille Service Director, Scott Scholz, who luckily for us, wears a stocking cap regularly to work.
“Olive, the Other Reindeer” by Vivian Walsh (Author), J. otto Seibold (Author, Illustrator) (Scholastic Inc, 1998)
We also got a little help from the downtown Lincoln skyline. Maybe if you’re lucky this Christmas eve, you’ll spot Olive pulling Santa’s sleigh.
Inside spread of “Olive, the Other Reindeer” by Vivian Walsh (Author), J. otto Seibold (Author, Illustrator) (Scholastic Inc, 1998)
The books come from all over. Brought from homes, bought new in stores, or purchased at thrifting excursions, Lincoln City Library’s book sale, or the Scholastic Book Sale.
If you’d like to pitch in, anyone is welcome to drop off donated books. We need them by the end of the day on Dec. 14th, so we can deliver them to the Salvation Army on Friday Dec. 15th.
Love this #bookface & reading? We suggest checking out all the titles available for book clubs at http://nlc.nebraska.gov/ref/bookclub.
Check out our past #BookFace photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!
