Monday, January 31, 2011

Author and Illustrator Week

This week is Author and Illustrator Week and what better way to celebrate than to feature some fun books with cool illustrations?


The Recess Queen -written by Alexis O'Neill ; illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith is a great book.
Mean Jean is the biggest bully on the school playground until a new girl arrives and challenges Jean's status as the Recess Queen. The vibrant illustrations throughout will help bring home the message against bullying.
Watch the book trailer on Youtube-

and print out and enjoy a great bookmark at

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Llama Llama Red Pajama read aloud by Anna Dewdney



Enjoy storytime at home as Anna Dewdney, author of the Llama Llama books, reads "Llama Llama Red Pajama". Once you've fallen in love with her style and illustrations, check out other Anna Dewdney books such as:
Grumpy Gloria
Nobunny's Perfect
Roly Poly Pangolin

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

And the winner is....

You voted. It won!
Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix is an exciting suspenseful mystery introducing a new series of books about "the missing". A plane landed thirteen years ago, unexpectedly, at an airport with no crew, no adults- just thirty six babies. Who are these children and what will become of them? Read to find out!
Keep checking back to see what the nominations for Kid's Choice 2011 will be and let your vote decide this year's winner.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Nana Cracks the Case



When you think of grandmas, what is the first thing that comes to mind? I bet it is warm cookies, knitting, telling stories- that kind of thing, right? Well, not the Nana in this story. When she answers an ad in the paper to become a detective, she gets involved in a big case and big adventure!

This was one of the picks for Kid's Choice Award 2010. Who knows what will be in store for 2011! Stay tuned.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Odd and the Frost Giants - Book Trailer

Newbery award winner, Neil Gaiman, penned this short tale about Odd, a boy with a bad leg who must do great things. He draws on Norse mythology to create this interesting tale.
This was one of the nominations for the 2010 Kid's Choice awards. Check back for more of the nominations from last year and this year's picks!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

More About Boy: Tales from Childhood


Are you a fan of Roald Dahl's amazing books? Love Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to name but a few? Us too! Ever wondered where he got the ideas for his books? Well, his childhood has some of the answers. Check out "More About Boy" to learn about Roald Dahl's exciting childhood.
This was one of the nominations for the 2010 Kid's Choice Award. Keep checking back to see more of the nominations (and the winner) before we reveal the picks for 2011.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Martin Luther King Jr Birthday


Remember tomorrow, January 17th, is Martin Luther King Jr Day.

All Jacksonville Public Libraries will be closed in observation.

We will reopen on Tuesday at 9:00 am. 

Make sure to check out some of the books about this inspiring man and learn more about the civil rights movement.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Book Trailer: My Rotten Life by David Lubar

Have you ever had a really, REALLY bad day? So bad, you thought your life was rotten? Well imagine if it was! For Nathan, becoming a Zombie was an accident- but can it be reversed before its too late?
"My Rotten Life: Nathan Ambercrombie, Accidental Zombie" was one of the picks for potential 2010 Kid's Choice Award winner. It is a fun read, you should check it out! Stay tuned as we remember all of last year's books before we reveal the nominations for Kid's Choice 2011!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Language of Conservation: Richard Lewis


Jacksonville Public Library is pleased to host poet Richard Lewis for this program, specifically for children. Hope to see you all there!

Preschool at the Library/ Jacksonville Zoo


Preschool children between the ages of 3 and 5, join us today as we welcome the Jacksonville Zoo for a storytime with some of their favorite animals. See you at 11 for a unique Preschool at the Library!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg


Can you imagine being an orphan, living in the barn with your brother with a mean uncle as your guardian? It would seem like things couldn't get worse... until your uncle sells your brother into the army and he must go and fight in the Civil War. What would you do? For Homer, the choice was to follow his brother. He manages to get into a lot of hilarious, frightening and awesome adventures (such as flying in a hot air balloon, being a pig boy in a freak show and helping on the Underground Railroad). Will he find his brother? What will become of them?
Find out in "The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg".
This was one of the nominations for Kid's Choice Award 2010. Stay tuned for more about last year's books and the big reveal- which books will be up for the award this year?

Cook a Book

Sunday, January 9, 2011

The Magicians Elephant

This clip is a little longer than most we've posted but is a rare treat! Kate DiCamillo is reading the first chapter of her book, "The Magician's Elephant." This was one of the books that was up for the Kid's Choice Award 2010. Stay tuned for more book trailers of the other nominations before we reveal the books you can choose from for the Kid's Choice Award 2011.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Guys Read: Funny Business - The Joke


Some of the best authors in children's fiction tell "The Joke."
You think it is funny?
So do we! Check out the book "Guys Read: Funny Business" from your local library to read more stories just like this!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Pseudonymous Bosch - "If You're Reading This, It's Too Late



Mysterious author Pseudononymous Bosch reveals secrets about his new book in this clip from Usborne Publishing.
"If You're Reading This, Its Too Late" is the follow up to "The Name of this Book is Secret" and was one of the books up for the Kid's Choice Award 2010. Stay tuned for more of the books that were nominated in '10- with the winner announced just before we reveal the books that you can choose from in 2011.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Graphic Novel class for kids and parents! Jan 15th at 3pm


On January 15th you and your child have the opportunity to learn why reading graphic novels are “really” reading!

Katie Monnin, one of the most enthusiastic speakers I’ve ever heard (seriously!!), is coming to the Main Library. She’s published two successful books about the literary merits of graphic novels, how to use them in the classroom, and why they rock! As a parent, you get to come learn the who-what-when-why of you and your children reading graphic novels together, and your kids get to come and participate in a graphic novel creation activity.

Parents, registration is required, so sign up today by calling the Main Library’s Children’s Department at 630-2417.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

January Calendar