Sipping Spiders Through a Straw

"The biggest fly
I ever saw
was sipping spiders
through a straw.
I asked him if
he'd show me how
to sip those spiders
and share his chow..."

Kelly DiPucchio and illustrator Gris Grimly have created a delightful compilation of wacky campfire stories, perfect for any reader who like's Stine's Goosebumps or Schwartz and his Scary Stories series. Sung to the tunes of familiar songs such as "Row Row Row Your Boat," the songs address everything from Frankenstein's eating habits to a Witch with a terrible cold. A great read for groups or one on one with your favorite little one with illustrations that will get a laugh out of anyone.

Gracias Thanks

Pat Mora teamed up with illustrator John Parra to create a fun and warm collection of everything a young boy has to be thankful for. From things as large as the sun and as small as a pillow, the story highlights how much we should truly be grateful for in our lives. Family and friends coupled with the waves of the ocean and an Abuelita's wrinkles will remind children that everything around them truly is a gift. The colorful illustrations will engage young readers, and the bilingual text will build literacy skills for young readers regardless of their native language. A very good read for families and children 3 and up.

The Goblin and the Empty Chair

Mem Fox along with Leo and Diane Dillon bring to life the story of a lonely Goblin who is ashamed and afraid of his own reflection. Living close to a family’s farm, he comes out at night to finish the chores the small family can’t finished on their own. He helps plow the fields and water plants, and cuts wood to help the family build and paint fences. Although he sneaks out quietly at night thinking he will fool the family, each member watches him in silence and is grateful for all his work. One day the Mom decides to invite the Goblin in with food and welcome him to the family to say thank you for all his hard work, but the Goblin is afraid to show his face. Will he come to dinner?

The colorful illustrations and medieval setting will keep kids from 2-8 engaged and the story is perfect for beginning readers to get practice with simple new and old vocabulary...

Sharks!

The library has added some great new titles for anyone interested in learning about all things Sharks. From hammerheads to great whites to the fastest shark in the sea, the mako shark, these books are full of colorful photographs and great introductory facts. Kids can learn about different diets and ways of life for sharks who find themselves in different oceans across the world. Aimed at younger readers from 5-8 these will be fun and quick reads for kids who want to explore life in the sea...

My Abuelita

This warm story follows a young boy who lives with his Abuelita and her cat Frida Kahlo. Going through a day of getting ready with Abuelita for work, the dialogue between a boy and his grandma, mixes fun English and Spanish words easily for children to recognize, and uplifts the beauty of being bilingual. A surprise closes the story as Abuelita's day of work ends as she begins her "job," but you will have to read it to discover the secret...

Written by Tony Johnston Illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Potty Time!

One of the joys of parenting includes potty training. Take a look at these titles at the Salinas Public Library to help in getting kids out of those diapers. Place a hold on any of the titles with the online catalogue here.

Title: Once Upon a Potty for Her
Call Number: JE FRA

Title: I Want My Potty
Call Number: JE ROS

Title: Uh Oh! Gotta Go!
Call Number: JE MCG

Title: You Can Go to the Potty
Call Number: JE SEA

Title: Once Upon a Potty for Him
Call Number: JE FRA

Title: PJ& Puppy
Call Number: JE FAL

Title: Ruby’s Potty
Call Number: JE ROG

Title: No More Diapers for Ducky!
Call Number: JE FOR

Title: It’s Potty Time (En Español)
Call Number: SP 649.62 ITS

Title: Mi Bacinica y Yo Para Ella (En Español)
Call Number: SPJE FRA

Title: Mi Bacinica y Yo Para El (En Español)
Call Number: SPJE FRA