Monday, July 2, 2012

Summer Reading Featured Book #3: The Wish Stealers

Book #3: The Wish Stealers by Tracy Trivas!



Griffin Penshine is always making wishes.  But when a sinister old woman tricks her into accepting a box of eleven shiny Indian head pennies from 1897, Griffin soon learns that these are no ordinary pennies; they are stolen wishes.

This box of labeled pennies also comes with a horrible curse: People in possession of the stolen coins are Wish Stealers, who will never have their wishes granted… In fact, the opposite of what they’ve wished for will happen.  Griffin must find a way to return these stolen wishes and undo the curse if her own wishes are to ever come true.

But how can Griffin return wishes to strangers who might not even be alive?  Her journey leads her to ancient alchemists, Macbeth’s witches, and a chance to help people in ways she never imagined, but the temptation of the Wish Stealers’ dark power is growing stronger.  Can Griffin reverse the curse in time to save herself and the people she loves?  Find out in The Wish Stealers.


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Tween Summer Blockbuster - VOTE NOW!

Voting is open for the Tween Summer Blockbuster that we'll be showing on Friday, July 27th @ 10:30am in the lower level program room.  You select the movie we should see!  Choose between:
  • How to Train Your Dragon
  • The Adventures of Tintin
  • Bedtime Stories
  • Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole
Vote in a poll on our website or at the Children's Desk.  Voting is open through Thursday, July 26th.

All movies are rated PG and are intended for Tweens (ages 9 - 12) participating in the Tween Summer Reading Program, Be a Star - READ! only.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Summer Reading Featured Book #2: Things That Go Bump in the Night

Book #2: Things That Go Bump in the Night by Patrick Carman

Read, watch and listen - all in 15 minutes!  


3:15 means several things. It's a time when things go bump in the night. A place where spooky stories find a home. A feeling . . . that chill running down your spine. It means 10 terrifying tales that you'll experience in 3 parts: A frightful audio introduction. Several spooky pages of text. And a creepy video conclusion you can watch online. All in 15 minutes or less. Step into the world of 3:15 and you'll meet Cody Miller, whose greed leads to a grave mistake; Emma Franklin, who learns that not all childhood fears are foolish; Dylan Smith, who should know better than to show off his snowboarding skills on a haunted mountain; and more.  Just don't get too attached to any of them.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Tween Summer Reading - 1st Program

The first Tween Friday morning program will take place on Friday, June 29th @ 11:00am in the John Clarke Children's Program Room.  Tweens must be registered for the Children's Summer Reading Program (Dream Big - READ!) to attend.

Our first activity will be a constellation yarn craft.  No registration is required for this free program.

Find out more about the Tween Summer Reading program, Be a Star - READ!  

Note: Tween Friday programs are open to kids between the ages of 9 and 12 only.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Summer Reading Featured Book #1: The BFG

This summer I'll be featuring great books here on the blog that match our summer reading theme, Dream Big - READ!  There are so many wonderful books to read, it can be hard to know where to start!  So to give you a little help, every Monday from June 18th - August 6th I'll be recommending books that I really like that have to do with wishes, dreams and the night.  For more inspiration, check out our graded booklists.

Book #1: The BFG by Roald Dahl
Kidsnatched from her orphange by a BFG (Big Friendly Giant), whospends his life blowing happy dreams to children, Sophie concocts with him a plan to save the world from nine other man-gobbling cannybull giants.


Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Magician Mat Franco

Summer Reading 2012 kicks off with a performance by magician Mat Franco on Wednesday, June 20th @ 10:30am in the lower level program room.  Mat's show is filled with interactive magic and spontaneous comedy.  He'll demonstrate how reading can help you follow your dreams.  Not to be missed! No registration is required.  Ages 4+.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Puppet Camp 2012

Puppet Camp returns this summer!  For the third year in row, kids ages 8 and up are invited to participate in our two-week long puppet camp, held Monday - Friday, July 30th - August 10th.  This year's production will be "How the Big Bad Wolf Became the Big Good Wolf."  Puppeteer Sue Klau will present the history of puppetry, kids will write a script, make paper mache puppets and shadow puppets, and design the background scenery for an amazing puppet show! 

Registration is required and those who sign up should plan on being present each weekday for the full two weeks and be available for the performance.  Puppet Camp will meet from 2:00pm - 4:00pm each weekday except on Friday, August 10th when rehearsal will be from 1:00pm - 3:00pm.  The performance will take place at 3:00pm.

Puppet Camp will be held in the John Clarke Children's Program Room.  All materials are provided for this free program sponsored by the Friends of the Newport Public Library.  Those interested in puppetry, theater, writing and acting are encouraged to come to spend two weeks with us at Puppet Camp!