Book Review for The Shining by Stephen King

The film version of The Shining is definitely eerie and quite a horror classic, but the book is well worth reading even if you have seen the film already. In the movie version there is less emphasis placed on important aspects of the plot that King laid out in the novel. Growing up watching the movie, I always thought Jack Torrence went crazy just because of cabin fever. I recognized Danny Torrence’s shining capabilities, but was not entirely sold on their significance to the story, or at least did not see them as significant enough to warrant naming the story after them. It all makes much more sense now that I read the novel

Jack gets a job taking care of the historic Overlook Hotel in Colorado during the bitter cold and snow covered winter months. He and his family are virtually trapped in the hotel once the snow sets in. Yes Jack develops cabin fever, but his eventual insanity and desire to kill his entire family also stems from some serious deep rooted personality flaws. He is a recovered alcoholic with serious anger problems. Drinking destroyed his career and nearly destroyed his family.

Danny shines, or has psychic/telepathic abilities. This capability also allows ghosts to connect with and torment him. The Overlook is chocked full of ghosts from various eras with some really tragic and sometimes criminal background stories. The ghosts take a special liking to Danny and go out of their way to get to him. The family’s struggles and Jack’s eventual drinking binge and insanity largely revolve around the ghosts and their need for Danny. The Shining has a little bit of everything in it. It has drama, it is thrilling, and it is also downright creepy!

If you are looking to read the sequel, Dr. Sleep, I recommend reading The Shining first because some of the original’s lesser known characters make appearances in it.

Kelly's Review: The Tommyknockers by Stephen King

          Imagine tripping over a small piece of metal as you walk through the woods. On closer inspection you find that it is embedded in the forest floor. Most of us would be annoyed and perhaps grabbing at our stubbed toe, but inevitably we would walk away and likely forget about it. This scenario plays out early on in King’s novel for Roberta “Bobbi” Anderson. Bobbi can’t simply walk away. Bobbi investigates the metal and soon finds that she must unearth whatever it is. Curiosity turns to obsession, and the obsession soon rubs off on others throughout town. Strange mind reading powers start to possess the people, and they begin to manipulate small devices/electronics and change them into inventions unheard of.

          The Tommyknockers will appeal to King fans as well as fans of aliens. While I am a King fan and did enjoy the book, I would not say it was my favorite. The ending seemed quite drawn out and I felt the book would have been a bit more enticing had the altered machines had a bigger role. Perhaps what makes the book most interesting is Bobbi’s eventual realization that her obsession and complete change of self was all for something that was not nearly as wonderful as she pictured it to be. 

To put this book on hold, please call the Information Desk: (856) 794-4244 ext. 4243.

Connie's book review: A Pampered Pets Mystery

If you're in the mood for a good mystery with a lot of humor, I'd recommend A Pampered Pets Mystery series by Sparkle Abbey.

The series starts with Desperate House Dog where you meet Caro Lamont, a pet therapist, and her cousin Mel Langston, owner of the plush Bow Wow Boutique.  The rivalry between these two Texan beauties makes a wonderful side story to each mystery.  The drama and danger facing the girls as they solve each case is just enough to keep it an easy yet captivating read.  ( I will not even hint at the side story!)

In this series, the two cousins find themselves unintentionally in the middle of the murder investigations of a client, an acquaintance, and and then a neighbor.  It becomes very difficult for Caro and Mel not to become involved as they are simply trying to help a friend, a pet, and then a victim's sister.

 At each turn they are met with the stern warnings not to get involved by the very handsome and very stern Detective Malone.  This guy is good cop/bad cop all wrapped up in one.  Malone's a constant character in all three books, as is the perfectly sunny weather in this Laguna Beach setting.  Each mystery also surrounds some very pampered and well-loved pets.  But don't worry, no pets are harmed in the story of these books.

I wouldn't say you need to love animals to enjoy Caro's and Mel's stories, but it certainly adds to it.  And the small bio at the end about the author is like the icing on the cake.  I have thoroughly enjoyed all three books and certainly hope the series continues. 

To put this book on hold, please call the Information Desk: (856) 794-4244 ext. 4243.

Jake and Lily by Jerry Spinelli Book Review

Are you a fan of Jerry Spinelli?  If so, you'll be happy to hear he has a new book out! Told in alternating chapters from twin siblings Lily and Jake's points of view, Jake and Lily is the story of the summer the twins turn 11.

Jake and Lily have always had a special connection. When Jake hurts himself, Lily feels his pain. When Lily is about to run into the street to chase a ball, Jake yells at her to "Stop!" even though he's indoors and can't see her.  They can't play hide and seek because they always know where the other is hiding. 

This connection weakens the summer the twins turn 11. All of a sudden, Jake has a bunch of new friends he's hanging out with and Lily feels left out and  alone. What has happened to this special connection between the twins and will things return to normal?

I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books by Jerry Spinelli.  If you're going into 6th or 7th grade and you're still looking for your summer reading book assignment, this book would be perfect.  Recommended for children in grades 3-7. 

Below Stairs by Margaret Powell Book Review

Are you eagerly awaiting the third season of Downton Abbey? Don't know what to do with yourself until it premieres?  How about read a book about a kitchen maid who works her way to becoming a cook? Sounds a bit like Daisy and Mrs. Patmore from Downton, doesn't it?

Margaret Powell's memoir Below Stairs was first published in 1968 and was the book that inspired the classic TV show Upstairs, Downstairs and the more recent Downton Abbey.

Born in 1907, Margaret was the daughter of working-class parents.  Margaret loved school and won a scholarship at age 13. She wanted to become a teacher.  However, when her parents learned that she wouldn't earn any money until she was 18-years-old, they decided to pull her out of school so she could work.   She worked odd jobs doing housework and laundry until it was decided that she would go into domestic services for upper class families (again think about the Granthams).  She was hired as a kitchen maid, which according to Powell, was the lowest position in the house for a servant.  However, if she ever aspired to be a cook, this was the best job for her. The book follows Margaret Powell as she works as a kitchen maid in various homes, becomes a cook and later marries a milkman named Albert.

Other books you might want to try are The World of Downton Abbey and Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle.

Seen the movie? Now read the book! War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

I am again guilty of not wanting to read a book until after watching the movie.  This time the movie was War Horse.  I knew the movie was based on a children's book (someone had requested we purchase it before the movie was released) but the book didn't interest me.  I didn't see the movie until it was released on DVD but I did enjoy it.  There was one scene after Joey (the horse) is scared by the tank and runs into no man's land that I found extremely graphic and had to turn off for a few minutes before concluding the movie.  After watching the movie, I was curious: how did the two compare? I had to read the book to know.

The book is told from the point of view of Joey and you're first introduced to him after he is purchased by Albert's father. The book chronicles Joey's life on the farm and into the Great War.  He has a close bond with Albert and when Albert's father sells him to the army, Albert vows that he will one day find Joey.  For the most part the movie stays true to the book, but there are a few major differences between the two.  I don't want to give anything away so I won't go into these differences. 

The book War Horse is definitely a children's book, but the movie is not for children.  The movie is rated PG-13 and for good reason. The violent scene in the movie that caused me to pause the movie wasn't nearly as graphic in the book.  I would recommend this book to young readers (2nd-5th grade) who enjoy reading historical fiction and anyone who likes horse books.  I enjoyed War Horse so much that I checked out the sequel Farm Boy and I can't wait to read it.  

That's Like Me! by Jill Lauren, M.A. book review

Children with learning disabilities may think they're alone in their struggles.  That's Like Me! by Jill Lauren is a book for these children. Jill Lauren is a learning specialist who has worked with many children who have learning disabilities. She did extensive research looking for young adults and adults who had difficulty in school but worked hard and never gave up.  Each person's story is told in their own words.  Each person whether a teenager or an adult has something that they are passionate about. Whether it is race car driving, wrestling, dancing or art, these extracurricular activities are important to them.  The author also includes her webpage where readers can submit their own stories about their hardships. 

The book includes a forward by Caldecott Award winner Jerry Pinkney who had a hard time in school because of his dyslexia.

If you're looking for a book for children who are struggling in school and want to give up, this is the book for them.  The personal accounts of people just like them will encourage them to keep going and work hard. 

Citizen Scientists by Loree Griffin Burns Book Review

Have you ever wondered where monarch butterflies fly to when they migrate in the fall?  Are you able to identify different frogs by their calls? What types of birds are found where you live? How many different kinds of ladybugs are there?  

You don't have to be an adult or a scientist to take part in real scientific experiments.  Whether it's tagging monarch butterflies or participating in a yearly bird census, there are lots of ways for young people to get involved. Loree Griffin Burns highlights just a few ways in this new non-fiction book Citizen Scientists.   Each chapter provides a list of items you'll need when going out on your adventure and the end of the book provides a list of resources for readers who want to get more involved.  While there is a lot of great information found in this book, the best part is probably the beautiful photographs that are found throughout the book.  The photographs alone should encourage readers to want to become citizen scientists.

I recommend Citizen Scientists to any young reader who loves nature and wants to get involved in helping our environment.

New books in the Children's Department

Here are some new books that can be found in the Children's Department. See the Children's Librarian for the exact location of the books.

Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham-A is for apple, B is for ball, C is for cat and D is for moose. Wait, that’s not right! In this fun alphabet book, Moose is so anxious for his letter to show up, that he arrives a little early. When they decide to pick Mouse over Moose, Moose is not happy. The rest of the alphabet is in peril and it’s up to Zebra to save the day. This is a good book for preschoolers, especially in a small group or in a one-on-one setting. (J ABC Bin)

Wolf Won’t Bite! by Emily Gravett-Three circus pigs chase down and capture a big bad wolf. They can make him stand on a stool, ride him like a horse or make him jump through hoops, but he won’t bite. Or will he? (JE Gra)

Lola & Tiva: An Unlikely Friendship by Juliana, Isabella and Craig Hatkoff-Tiva has always wanted a puppy but because her family lives on a nature conservancy in Kenya, dogs aren't allowed. However, Tiva gets a different type of pet-a young black rhino named Lola who wandered off from her blind mother. This beginning reader is a wonderful story of friendship. (J Rea 3 Hat)

Up Cat by Hazel Hutchins-In this simple concept book, children are introduced to the word "up." Repeated use of the word is used on each page as the reader follows a cat throughout it's day (wake up, leap up, etc). The simple illustrations and text make this a perfect book to read to babies and toddlers. (JE Hut-this book is located in the ABC cubes)

Lonesome George Finds His Friends by Tori Kosara-Lonesome George is a Galápagos tortoise who lives on the Galápagos Islands. Sometimes it gets lonely, but there are lots of animals on the islands who keep George company. Along the shore, there is a young Galápagos sea lion and a Sally Lightfoot crab. In the water live stingrays, sharks, squids, sperm whales and dolphins. There are also lots of birds-the blue-footed booby, the Galápagos frigate bird, the Galápagos finch and even Galápagos penguins. With so many other animals on the island, it's hard for George to remain lonely. This beginning reader has beautiful photographs which will get readers excited about learning about a new place (J Rea 4 Kos)

Chicken, Pig, Cow's First Fight by Ruth Ohi-Chicken, Pig and Cow are back in Ruth Ohi's picture book series. These best friends have never had a fight. One morning Girl builds an impressive city, but Chicken thinks something is missing and creates a chicken statue. Pig is just a little too excited and goes zooming through the city, knocking down Chicken's statue. Chicken is mad at Pig for not being careful and Pig is mad at Chicken for being in the way. Will these two friends settle their differences? This is a good book to introduce conflict resolution to preschoolers. (JE Ohi)

Me Want Pet! By Tammi Sauer-Every child wants a pet and that doesn’t exclude Cave Boy. He searches high and low for the perfect pet, but the Woolly Mammoth is too big and Papa is allergic to the saber tooth tiger. Will Cave Boy find a pet that the entire family can agree on? (JE Sau)

Seen the movie? Now read the book! The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Has there ever been so much hype about a book that you just didn’t want to read it? That’s how I felt about The Help when it first came out. So many people were reading it (my mom, my aunt, my cousin to name a few) and saying how wonderful it was that I had no interest in reading it.

Skip ahead two years when the movie was released. I had seen previews for the movie and thought I’d like to see it. My friends and I went to see it shortly after it came out in the theaters and I absolutely loved it. After watching the movie I was determined to read the book.

It would probably be another four months before I would finally read the book. My sister was reading the book while we were on vacation in December and she couldn’t put it down. My sister doesn’t read nearly as much as I do and is known for not finishing books. When I saw her tear through the book at record breaking speed I knew I had to read it.

I finally read it and was so happy that I did. Why hadn’t I listened to all those people when the book first came out? While the movie was good, the book was great. Have you noticed that this is often the case? The book is almost always better than the movie. There are so many details that can’t be included in the movie. But the movie did a good job of bring the book to life.

After witnessing the poor treatment of the “Help” at the homes of her good friends, Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, decides to interview Aibileen, her friend Elizabeth’s African-American housekeeper. Skeeter wants Aibileen to talk about the good and bad parts of working for a white Southern family. At first Aibileen is reluctant to talk to Skeeter, but eventually decides to corroborate with her and even brings in her best friend Minny. During a time in American history where there is much civil disrest, this is a dangerous thing for Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny to do.

So now that I've FINALLY read The Help, I have to read Moneyball and The Descendants, both books that have been made into movies, which I’ve seen but not read. And all former Oscar contenders which I think is pretty awesome.

If you haven’t read The Help, I highly recommend you do. The library has eleven copies! Make sure to check out your copy today. And while you're at it, see if the movie is here too!

Historical Fiction booklist

I've been reading a lot of historical fiction lately. Here is a list of some of the books I've recently read.

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis-Orphan Bud Caldwell is tired of being passed from one foster family to another. After a particularly bad experience, he decides to look for his father using subtle clues that his deceased mother left him. With just his battered old suitcase and the clothes on his back, he travels from Flint, Michigan to Detroit looking for his father the famous jazz musician Herman E. Calloway. This book takes place during the Great Depression. (J FIC CURTIS)


The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis-Deza Malone who is briefly mentioned in Bud, Not Buddy returns in a book all her own! Readers will love smart, optimistic Deza Malone. Originally from Gary, Indiana, Deza, her older brother Jimmie and her mother go to Flint to stay with her grandmother while waiting for her father to come home. Unable to find her grandmother, the family winds up in a Hooverville outside of Flint trying to make ends meet. Will her family be reunited? (J FIC CURTIS)


Roll of Thunder, Here My Cry by Mildred Taylor-The first book in the Logan family series takes place in Mississippi in 1933. The Logan family have it a little easier than the other families because their family own the land they live on. Many of the other African-American families are sharecroppers and are dependent upon the white families who own their land. Nine-year-old Cassie Logan's parents have taught her and her brothers the importance of family, land and respect for others and self. Her parents have protected her from the prejudices against black people, but when her family begins being harassed by the night riders, she begins to see the world as it really is. (J FIC TAYLOR)


The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine-Marlee, an extremely quiet and shy girl, is good at math and hopes to one day become a rocket scientist. When new girl Liz befriends Marlee, she helps her come out of her shell and open up. Just when things are looking up for Marlee, Liz disappears. Marlee soon learns that Liz is an African American who is able to pass as a white student. To avoid trouble Liz leaves school. Despite being told by her parents to stay away from Liz, Marlee and Liz begin to meet clandestinely continuing their friendship. This puts Liz and Marlee in danger from those who don't think they should be friends. This book takes place in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1958, the year after the Little Rock Nine were allowed to attend Little Rock Central High School. (J FIC LEVINE)

See the Children's Department staff for the exact location of these books.

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos book review

This 2012 Newbery Award winning book by Jack Gantos is a semi-autobiographical account of Gantos's 12th summer in Norvelt, PA. After accidentally shooting off his father's Japanese sniper rifle, he is grounded indefinitely and only allowed to go to his neighbor Miss Volker's house to help her. Miss Volker is one of the last remaining original residents of Norvelt who acts as the town's medical examiner and obituary writer for the town newspaper.

Norvelt was first established as a town in 1934 during the midst of the Great Depression by Eleanor Roosevelt who belived that "every American should have a house on a large enough piece of fertile property so that during hard times, when money was difficult to come by, a man and woman could always grow crops and have enough food to feed their family" (Dead End in Norvelt, 214).

There aren't too many original residents remaining in Norvelt the summer Jack turns twelve and all of a sudden, they appear to be dropping like flies. Is it coincidence or is someone guilty of foul play?

I would recommend this book to any teen who enjoys reading historical fiction or is a fan of Jack Gantos. Fans of Richard Peck's series about the Dowdel family will also enjoy this book.

New Books!

We recently received an order of new picture books. Here are some of my favorite titles.

The Umbrella by Ingrid & Dieter Schubert-This completely wordless book is just wonderful. A puppy dog discovers a red umbrella on a particularly windy day and a fantastic journey begins. Through the marvelous pictures, the reader will see the dog as he travels to the African savannah, continues his adventures under the sea, lands on a deserted island and rainforest and finally is rescued and returns home. Make sure to pay attention to the end papers at the beginning and end of the book. The beautiful illustrations help tell this story and will be best enjoyed one on one.

Chopsticks by Amy Krouse Rosenthal-If you like Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s other picture books, you will absolutely love her new book Chopsticks. Chopsticks are best friends. They do everything together until one day an accident causes them to be separated. But they learn that they can be strong both together and apart. Look for the puns that are found throughout the book.

Lola Reads to Leo by Anna McQuinn-Lola from Lola at the Library and Lola Loves Stories returns in this new book by Anna McQuinn. Lola is going to be a big sister and she begins choosing stories the baby will like. Once her baby brother arrives, Lola finds lots of opportunities to read to her new brother. This is a great introduction for older siblings who will be welcoming a new baby into their family.

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett & Gary Rubinstein-Beatrice Bottomwell has never once made a mistake. She is so famous for not making mistakes that most people in her town don’t even know her name is Beatrice. They just call her “the Girl Who Never Makes Mistakes.” During cooking class, Beatrice experiences an “almost mistake” and begins to question her ability. She soon learns the lesson that being perfect isn’t everything, as long as you can laugh at your mistakes and move on.

Another Brother by Matthew Cordell-Davy’s first four years were glorious because he had his mom and dad all to himself. But one day things changed. Davy got a baby brother, Petey! And then eleven more little brothers. Soon, his little brothers are doing everything that Davy does and Davy just wants to be left alone. This book begs to be reread over and over again. The illustrations in this book are hilarious and you’ll only find new details with each repeated reading.

Ask the Children's Librarian for the exact location of these books.

More New Children's Books

We've got lots of new books! Here are some more of my favorites.

Martha Doesn't Share! by Samantha Berger-Martha has a new favorite word: mine! She says it about all her things and she doesn't want to share any of them. But she soon learns that it's lonely playing with all her things by herself. A good introduction to children about sharing. (JE B)

Handa's Surprise by Eileen Browne-Handa puts seven delicious fruits in a basket for her friend Akeyo. As she walks to Akeyo's village, she wonders which fruit Akeyo will like best. Both Handa and Akeyo will be surprised by the end of the story. This story will work well in story time and one-on-one. Children will have fun reading along while Handa journey's to Akeyo's village. (JE B)

Little Pig Joins the Band by David Hyde Costello-Little Pig didn't always like being little, or being called Little Pig. When his older brothers and sisters start a marchining band, he's too little to play any of the instruments. (JE C)

The Sniffles for Bear by Bonny Becker-Poor Bear is sick. He doesn't think anyone has ever been as sick as he is now. Luckily, he has Mouse to take care of him. But nothing Mouse does helps Bear feel better. (JE B)

Flora's Very Windy Day by Jeanne Birdsall-This is a beautifully illustrated book. When the wind picks up her annoying little brother Crispin and blows him away, Flora gives up her super-special heavy-duty red boots to go after him. While a dragonfly, a sparrow, the man in the moon and even the wind itself offer to take Crispin away, she decides it may be better to keep him. (JE B)

Ten Little Caterpillars by Bill Martin Jr-From the author of Chick Chicka Boom Boom, comes a new book about caterpillars. Ten caterpillars are on the go and children will have fun looking for them on each page. Each caterpillar is different and readers will see which each one turns into at the end of the story. (JABC Martin)

See the Children's Librarian for the exact location of these books and check out the new books display for other new great titles.

Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg Book Review

Prom and Prejudice is a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bennett is a scholarship student at the prestigious Longbourn Academy. It is the goal for all female students at Longbourn Academy to get a prom date, preferably from the equally prestigious Pemberley Academy (the male equivalent of Longbourn). The other girls at Longbourn make life difficult for Lizzie (throwing slushies in her face, stealing her winter jacket from a party, etc). Her only friends are her roommate, Jane, and Charlotte Lucas, another scholarship student. The book opens with Jane being excited about the return of Charles Bingley, who has spent the last semester in London. Will Darcy accompanies Charles on his return to Pemberley. As in Pride and Prejudice, the relationship between Lizzie and Darcy is complicated. Darcy initially doesn't like Lizzie because she is a scholarship student and Lizzie thinks that Darcy is a snob who only cares about money. Young fans who have read Pride and Prejudice, will probably enjoy this modern retelling of the original book. The book is an easy read and readers who enjoy this book may want to add the original to their "to read" list.