Today one of America’s favorite monuments celebrates its 134th birthday! The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886 by President Cleveland.  

Here are some of my favorite fun facts about the statue: 

-The statue looks like its creator, Frederic-Auguste Batholdi’s, mother. 

-The statue used to be copper colored, but overtime weathered to the green color we see today. 

To celebrate Lady Liberty’s birthday, check out these books for more facts!    

written by Marion Dane Bauer and illustrated by John Wallace

Suggested for ages 5-6 

by Dave Eggers with art by Shawn Harris 

Suggested for ages 5-8 

Written by Joan Holub and illustrated by John Hinderliter 

Suggested for ages 9 - 11

written by Linda Glaser with paintings by Claire A. Nivola

Suggested for ages 6-7 

written by Nancy Ohlin and illustrated by Roger Simó

Suggested for ages 8-9

When Kate trades her family’s one and only cow for some magic beans she begins an adventure of a lifetime. Kate’s bravery and cleverness will inspire readers in this retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk

This version of Jack and the Beanstalk from 1999 is more similar to the original story. 

Using rich poetic language and vivid illustrations we learn that animals such as ravens and owls were once transformed by fire and why they look the way they do today. 

A compilation of 70 action-filled songs and rhymes including: The Wheels on the Bus, Ten in the Bed, and Five Little Speckled Frogs by the author Michael Foreman who also wrote Michael Foreman’s Mother Goose

Could you imagine what it would be like if you were born without a name? What would you do? How would you find a name that fits just right?

A mouse accidently mistakes a lion for a boulder and has to use all the bravery in himself to become something the lion least expects. 

A great introduction to the graphic novels genre, this collection of comics, fully illustrated by 50 different comics including: Raina Telgemeier, Nick Bruel, Dave Roman, and Sara Varon each depicts a beloved nursery rhyme in a whole new way. 

Look out for more compilations of comics in Chris Duffy’s Fairy Tale Comics, and Fable Comics. 

Children’s rhymes from across the world with a myriad of illustration styles from authors such as: Mo Willems, Lucy Cousins, Eric Carle, and Jerry Pinkney

-Rezi

Rezarta Recommends is a Worcester Public Library Youth Services Facebook Live feature. Woo Wee Blog will highlight all of the different titles that are discussed on each episode!

Check out last week's episode here: Rezarta Recommends with Katherine and read on for more about the titles

The folktales collection in the children’s department of the Worcester Public Library has versions and retellings of classic tales from all over the world. Check out our list below of popular tales with a twist. If you have a favorite folktale that we don’t own, let us know! We would be happy to add it to our growing collection. 

The Irish Cinderlad written by Shirley Climo and illustrated by Loretta Krupinski

A twist on Cinderella- we have Cinder-lad or Becan, from Ireland, a lad instead of a lass. 

The Golden Sandal: A Middle Eastern Cinderella Story written by Rebecca Hickox and illustrated by Will Hillenbrand

In this version a fish plays the role of the fairy godmother.

Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China retold by Ai-Ling Louie and illustrated by Ed Young

Beautiful watercolors tell the story of our Chinese Cinderella.

Adelita: A Mexican Cinderella Story written and illustrated by Tomie Depola

Stunning paintings that show the traditional folk art of Mexico. 

Cinderella an Islamic Tale written by Fawzia Gilani and illustrated by Shireen Adams

Sprinkled with words in Arabic, readers can use the glossary at the end of the book for help with any unknown words. 

The Rough-Face Girl by Rafe Martin and David Shannon

In this version of Cinderella there is no fairy godmother; the rough-face girl is her own hero.

Hansel and Gretel retold and illustrated by Rachel Isadora

This version takes place in a lush, African forest.

Rapunzel retold and illustrated by Rachel Isadora

Just like Hansel and Gretel by Isadora, our Rapunzel is from Africa and her prince arrives on a Zebra. 

Little Roja Riding Hood written by Susan Middleton Elya and illustrated by Susan Guevara

Bilingual take on a classic, Elya provides a glossary at the end for any non-Spanish speakers.

Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story from China by Ed Young

A darker version of the traditional tale, this one is filled with beautiful watercolors and illustrations. 

Three Billy Goats Buenos by Susan Middleton Elya

A modern twist on a classic tale, this version is filled with kindness and humor. Great for young readers. 

La Princesa and the Pea by Susan Middleton Elya

This version takes place in Peru with Spanish words and sayings sprinkled throughout the text.

Look out for Part 2 of Rezarta Recommends Folktales from Around the World!

-Kat

Would you like to discover a list of books chosen by kids just like you? Look no further than the winners of the Massachusetts Book Award. These twenty titles are for kids ages 9-12 (but anyone is welcome to read them of course!) and are all written by authors from the state of Massachusetts or include content pertaining to Massachusetts. Check out some of the selections below and you just might find a new favorite!

Want to hang out with some new friends? 

Want to meet a witch?

Want to figure out how to rescue a bunch of baby dragons after they escape out of your bag?

Also available in eBook, and eAudio

Do you know the sticky syrup that you might put on a tower of pancakes? Could you imagine what would happen if a type of syrup (molasses) that was stored in a big tank gushed out and flooded the streets of Boston? How would you survive a wild and scary experience like that!?

Also available in eBook, eAudio, and Playaway (pocket device to use with headphones)

Twelve year old Nisha has to leave behind everything she knows when a riot breaks out in her neighborhood. Travel back to 1947 during the period of religious strife in India with this story told in diary entries.

Also available in eBook, audiobook, eAudio, and large print

In this heartwarming graphic novel, Christine and Moon both Chinese-Americans living in the same town, are inseparable. Moon seems to know exactly what Christine needs but when Moon is in trouble will Christine know how to be there for her too?

Also available in eBook

In 1858 in South Carolina, twelve year old Charlie has to decide if he will aid in the capture of enslaved people or take a chance and fight for their freedom

Also available in audiobook, eBook, eAudio, and Spanish

*If you're not sure which of the titles you want to start, Rezarta, our children's librarian and enthusiastic lover of historical children's literature, offers up her favorites: Night Diary and Journey of Little Charlie!

-Rezi

Vote for Our Future!

By: Margaret McNamara

PreK-grade 3

Picture Book

Pedro for President

By: Fran Manushkin

K-2

Early chapter book

Also available in Spanish

Thank You for Voting Young Readers’ Edition: The Past Present and Future of Voting

By: Erin Geiger Smith 

Grades 3-8

Nonfiction chapter book