It is the story of a cat out walking in the world “with its whiskers, ears, and paws” and all of creatures he encounters along the way. The text is simple and crisp. The illustrations are perfect. The style and perspective change to match who is seeing the cat:
How can it be November 30th already? My stack of books to read in 2016 is still too big! I have been working on my list of favourite picture books of the year, and this week I have gotten stuck on one - They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel. I have read it to every person who has innocently ventured into my office. This is how I know it is a winner; if I cannot stop myself from reading it to adults it has to be special. It is the story of a cat out walking in the world “with its whiskers, ears, and paws” and all of creatures he encounters along the way. The text is simple and crisp. The illustrations are perfect. The style and perspective change to match who is seeing the cat: I love picture books that tell a story cleanly and efficiently, without losing the fun and whimsy, and which are a jumping off point for great conversations. There is a lot to talk about here. This one is definitely going to be on my best of 2016 list, and it may well show up under more than one Christmas tree.
The Night Gardener by Terry and Eric Fan A little magic comes to the rather grey Grimlock lane. One morning, young William wakes to find the tree in front of the orphanage has been transformed into a wise old owl. The next day brings a fox. Each night the community is awed by a new creation. William is so enchanted he waits up to meet the night gardener, who has inspired his imagination. Toronto’s Fan brothers have created a quiet, beautiful masterpiece. Ages 4 - 7. The Cow Said Meow by John Himmelman This is a story of clever animals versus near-sighted old woman. One a cold, rainy day cow observes cat walk up to a door, meow, and get let into the nice warm house. She tries, she walks up to the door, meows, and she is let in too. So, begins a parade of wayward farm animals testing out their meowing skills. A simple, almost wordless story, full of humour and animal sounds – a winning combination. Ages 3 - 5. Cat Knit by Jacob Grant Anyone who owns both a cat and a ball of yarn will relate to this story. When Girl brings home Yarn Cat is elated, he has a friend to play with. Cat’s joy wanes when the Girl insists on playing with Yarn too. It wanes even more when Cat discovers that Girl has transformed Yarn into a sweater for Cat to wear. This is a good story about dealing with change, accompanied by fun illustrations. Ages 3 - 5. If I Had a Gryphon by Vikki VanSickle; illustrated by Cale Atkinson Sam has a new pet hamster. Sam is not impressed. She wants more. She dreams of having a magical creature for a pet, maybe a unicorn or a kraken or a gryphon. As she dreams of each one, and weighs the pros and cons, she comes to realize that a hamster might be a good choice after all. Rich illustrations and a bouncy, rhyming text will make this a great read aloud. Ages 4 - 7. PA Day Drop-in Drop by the library any time during this hour and a half for fun games and crafts! Grades K-6 No registration required Central Library: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Grand River Stanley Park: 10:00 am – 11:30 am Country Hills: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Forest Heights: 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm PA Day Art Optical Illusions Using simple art doodle patterns, make exiting optical illusion arts and crafts. Challenge your mind with optical illusion books and patterns. Grades K-6 No registration required. Pioneer Park: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm PA Day - Marvel or DC Join us for an afternoon of superhero activities. We'll play superhero trivia and find cool ways to use old comics before watching a superhero movie in the Theatre. Grades 5 and up No registration required. Central (Theatre): 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM For more information please visit www.kpl.org or call 519.743.0271 x258.
This holiday season give the gift of reading and literacy to a child in need. We are happy to be supporting the Waterloo Region Record’s annual Books for Kids campaign. Drop off a new, unwrapped children’s or teen book to any Kitchener Public Library location by December 11. The books will be distributed by the Salvation Army to children throughout our community. For more information visit: http://www.therecord.com/community-static/2877753-therecord-charities. Also, watch for us with our friends from the Waterloo Public Library at the Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 19. We will be collecting books along the route. |
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