Hands on science

Our big Wednesday night program this week was "Carbon Dioxide fun" with the Maine Science Lady. We've had the Maine Science Lady do a program for us before. She puts on a really hands on program, most of which kids can replicate at home. Our young participants had a really good time.

 

Getting instructions

They were pretty focused the whole time

Who doesn't love watching dry ice?

Attempting a frozen bubble

This column of bubbles experiment was a definite favorite

This group fell over laughing every time they shot their cup into the air with the force of the air pressure that builds in the tube. Who knew science could be so funny.

Book review - Always, Abigail

Title: Always, Abigail
Author: Nancy J. Cavanaugh
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: The Encyclopedia of Me by Karen Rivers
                     Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary
Rating:

a nice little read

Summary: Abigail was not pleased to discover that she'd been assigned to a different homeroom than her two best friends, Alli and Cami. Only one thing will save her year: making the pom-pom squad and finally becoming one of the popular girls. But when she only makes squad alternate and gets paired with the least popular girl in her grade for the Friendly Letter project, Abigail is certain her social life is over.
My opinion: Definitely the best thing about this book is the format. Lists organize the story in a unique way. It is like reading a journal without becoming strict narrative, keeping us out of the "telling instead of showing" trap. Also, Abigail has a distinct voice and very real problems. The book explores the difference between what we think will make us happy and what actually pleases us. I felt like Abigail had very typical reactions for a kid her age. While we'd like to think that in a tough situation kids will do the right thing, be the better person, in reality most will do like Abigail and do the peer acceptable thing. This means that Abigail isn't always the most likeable character but she is realistic.
More information: Always, Abigail releases August 5.
Advance Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.  

Pick 6: Classical influences

Those who know me know that I'm a sucker for retellings of any sort. I was the kid who read and reread The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales ad nauseam. "Fractured Fairy Tales" has always been one of my favorite parts of "Rocky and Bullwinkle." And The Lunar Chronicles is one of my favorite ongoing series. So I was pretty stoked when I realized I had enough books in my list of classically influenced novels to share here. So, here are six books published in the last six months that are either direct retellings or in some way directly influenced by classical literature.

6 New Classically Influenced novels
1. The Other Way Around by Sashi Kaufman   (inspired by Into the Wild)

2. Hope is a Ferris Wheel by Robin Herrera   (inspired by and frequently references the poetry of Emily Dickenson)

3. Second Star by Alyssa Sheinmel   (a dark retelling of Peter Pan)

4. I Kill the Mockingbird by Paul Acampa   (a call to read all classic lit and directly references To Kill a Mockingbird)

5. Conversion by Katherine Howe   (references The Crucible)

6. Fleabrain Loves Franny by Joanne Rocklin   (inspired by Charlotte's Web)

WWW Wednesdays

What are you currently reading?
Kinda Like Brothers by Coe Booth
Jarrett is used to his life being disrupted by the foster babies his mom takes in. This time is different, though. This time his mom has taken in a baby and her older brother. Kevon is older than Jarrett and is sharing his room. People expect them to be friends. Jarrett doesn't think they can even get along. Everything about Kevon rubs him the wrong way.
A little way into this, and I'm entranced by the writing style. It's so conversational. Jarrett is a very distinct voice. If the book continues as it has begun it is likely to be my favorite this week.

What did you recently finish reading?
The Return of Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
When Zita set out to rescue her friend Mouse (at the end of The Legend of Zita the Spacegirl) she was immediately captured by the Doom Squad. This volume finds her imprisoned on Dungeon World, an inescapable fortress, and set to work mining the planet's core. True to nature, this seemingly hopeless situations isn't enough to stop Zita or her friends.
With the first volume, I was an instant Zita fan and this book just reinforces my fan-hood. I will say that this story is perhaps a little more serious than the first two, a little more exploratory into inner natures and the like. Still, a fantastic adventure with plenty of action and lots to explore in each panel. A must read for all young graphic novel fans.

What do you think you will read next?
Greenglass House by Kate Milford
The story of a twelve year old boy living in a suddenly quite busy smuggler's inn, discovering clues and unraveling a mystery. I can't help but imagine the beginning of Treasure Island and the Admiral Benbow Inn when I read the description of this book.

or 

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga
Jazz gets involved in the investigation of a murder after suspicion falls on him, a result of his serial killer father. I just got the ARC of Blood of My Blood, so I'll be reading this one and the sequel Game in the very near future in preparation.

Book review - Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor

Title: Frank Einsteing and the Antimatter Motor
Author: Jon Scieszka
Genre: Sci-fi/humor
Similar books: Tesla's Attic by Neal Shusterman
                     Legends of Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
Rating:

Funny, sneakily educational

Summary: Frank is a kid genius and inventor who loves tinkering with gadgets in his grandfather's fix-it shop. When an electrical storm animates a robot he designed, Frank knows he has a chance to win the town science prize and pay his grandfather's bills. Trouble comes in the form of his rival, Edison, who is determined to win the prize himself. He has much bigger plans, plans that could affect the whole world.
My opinion: Take basic science concepts, add in a rivalry, loyalty, and Scieszka's signature humor. This book combines all those elements with spectacular results. Frank and his best friend Watson are a truly likeable pair. The real gems, though, are the robots Klink and Klank. Klink is your classic comedy straight man with a heavy dose of robot logic. Klank is a loveable, not too bright, goofball reminiscent of the Abominable Snowman from Bugs Bunny cartoons. It's an entertaining story with a message about responsible science and loyalty as well as a plethora of scientific facts. A great book for the young scientist.
More information: Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor releases August 19.
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley. 

A crafty trio

I had intended to make some big, grand craft project Saturday. Then we had absolutely gorgeous weather all day and I spent 20 minutes watching a seal in the river (and perhaps an hour waiting for the seal to show again so I could try to get a picture). So instead I have three smaller craft projects.

1. Duct tape sling with hidden wallet (original design found in Stick It! by T.L. Bonaddio)

If you look closely, you can see the duct tape says "I heart bacon". Ironically, I don't actually eat bacon though I do find it funny to put on a wallet.

This sling should come in handy when I'm out walking with my camera and don't want to mess with a purse or a bulky wallet stuffed into my pocket. Also, I think I can clip my water bottle onto the buckle.

2. Monster plushie

The first of what is likely to be several designs

This little monster is the prototype for a giveaway at my upcoming Monster Tea Party storytime (more details on this in a couple of weeks). He's made of t-shirt scraps with fabric paint features.

3. Zita peg doll

You can't see it in this picture but she has her green cape on her back

As I mentioned on Wednesday, I've been spending part of my weekend rereading the Zita the Spacegirl books and I was inspired to make this little peg doll. She now holds a place of honor on my desk.

Right there in front of Captain Hammer, between Dr. Horrible and Gerkin the gentleman-gnome

Zippety and Mr. Harley

The only program I helped with this week (apart from storytime) was our Wednesday night performer, Mr. Harley. The highlight for me was definitely at the beginning. We brought out Zippety wearing his blue shirt for a photo with Mr. Harley. Mr. Harley was not only willing to pose for a photo, he suggested several other poses we could try.