Learning how to cook new foods with easy recipes was fun and the food was delicious.

-Melanie, age 11

I learned that you have to speak out loud so it is equal for girls and boys. I learned that Malala never gave up. I also learned she met President Obama. Malala had her own foundation and it was called The Malala Fund.

Also available in eBook and eAudio formats.

-Draven, age 9

I liked this book. I liked the Cloud Men the best. I thought they were funny because they were throwing hailstones at the peach. I also liked hearing about the Cloud Men’s town and all the things they made like music. I liked that James found the insects. The Ladybird was my favorite of James’ friends.

Also available as a DVD as well as: Audiobook, eBook, eAudio, and Large Type formats.

-Cooper, age 4

written by Dan Gutman and illustrated by Jim Paillot

This is a great book about a boy named A.J who joins peewee football but his coach is very intense and she works them to the bone. The coach even puts a girl on the team which A.J thinks is not okay. I really like this book because it shows that we can all be great in our own way, even if we hate school. 

Also available in eBook format.

-Shakira, age 10

by LeUyen Pham and Mo Willems

It's about a dinosaur that gets itchy and they put things him that make him scream and get even itchier. My favorite part was when he screamed.

-Alayah, age 5

This book is amazing. If you love mysteries and weird scavenger hunts (with jigsaw puzzles) you should totally read it!

-Arielle, age 11.5

I read this with my dad. It made me think hard about how I start and end my day. The bucket begins full and you have to keep it full all day even with your emotions. It's a good book for kids my age.

Available to request through libraries outside of Worcester.

-Braydin, age 10

This book was sad but happy at the same time. I enjoyed learning about wolves and it was so cool that Swift, a great character, was the real wolf that inspired the story. 

Audiobook and Playaway formats are also available to request outside of Worcester.

-Cole, age 10

The book Camp is a really good book because it is a graphic novel, it’s easy to read, and it has a mix of emotions like sad, happy, and a lot more.

Also available in eBook format.

-Emanuelly, age 10

Sisters is about a girl named Raina who wants a baby sister and then when she grows up she regrets asking for a baby sister because she is mean to her. I love this book because I love the way it goes between the past and the present.

Also available in eBook and Spanish, Hermanas

-Julanda, age 8

We have another great selection of reviews this month. 

Check them out and find your next fun read!

Dragon Masters Shine of the Silver Dragon (Book #11) by Tracey West

I liked Dragon Masters Shine of the Silver Dragon because it involved Naga. Naga is the largest dragon that controls all dragons and can do great damage to the world. Drake learned that he had the heart of a champion. Jean didn’t trust the other dragon masters so the silver key was taken by magic. I liked that Bo got a shield and Drake got a sword. I liked Shine of the Silver Dragon.

-Nicholas, age 7.5

This book is about the crime-fighting lunch lady and how she got fired by the new superintendent. All the new teachers at Thomson Brook School were all criminals that the lunch lady had put in jail before. Mr. Edison is being forced to build a laser for the superintendent who wants the laser to destroy the moon. The superintendent also converted everyone in the school into three teams. They all started fighting and in the end the Lunch Lady and her team won.

-Amy, age 10

The Return of Thelma explains that you should always stand up for yourself to the bullies. Otis is very kind and a really good friend. He helps Thelma when people try to bully her.

The Return of Thelma the Unicorn is unavailable at Worcester but you can read Thelma the Unicorn or Telma el Unicornio in Spanish!

-Elena, age 6.5

Sulwe is about a girl who wishes she was as beautiful as her sister. She tries everything to make herself beautiful. Her mother told her that beauty does not come from the outside but from your smarts and kindness. One day a star took Sulwe on a trip to the past of Night and Day. Night thought that she was not beautiful and she walked off the earth. After a long time everybody missed the night. Day told the Night that the people missed her. Night returned and the people rejoiced. After that day Sulwe did not think that she was not beautiful again and if she needed a reminder she could look up in the sky on the darkest of night. 

-Wellin, age 9

I liked the book because it shows how women played a big part in the history of America and how Black people aren't superior to white people and white people are not superior to Black people. I like how it shows we are all equal and how we can all unite for a good cause like Mary and Bet did.

-Shakira, age 10

This book is about a girl who overcomes a challenge during her cheering seasons. I enjoyed reading this book because it encourages you to face your fear and have fun even if you don't win.

Joss Touch the Sky is available to request through libraries outside of Worcester.

-Genevieve, age 10

I really liked this book and how it pointed out all the little things to be thankful for! I am thankful for my mom because she gives me hugs and kisses and takes care of me!

-Brian, age 8

This book is about peregrine falcons and how they survive. It first talks about a man named Dacey that found a peregrine falcon nest in his balcony. Next it gives information so the reader can identify them. It also talked about how they fly, how females lay eggs, how protective males can be, and how parents feed, teach, and protect their chicks. It finally talks about how researchers can make sure that peregrine falcons do not go extinct. I will give this book a 4/5. It needs more information but I liked its presentation and the photography.👌 😃

-Sian, age 8.5

This book made me feel all the things in the book and gave me memories of when I have had those feelings before. For example, I was at a park and there was a very tall climbing wall and I was very brave even though I was scared but I did it anyway.

Also available in Wonderbook format

-Fiona, age 5

Lil' Petey and Molly's second week of comic club is not going well and Molly's sister and brother, Melvin and Naomi keep arguing. But when they go to a carnival and Melvin gets three balloons for only trying to hit a cup, Naomi is only given one for actually hitting cup. In the end Melvin realizes that he can make a comic about his sister and redeems himself.

-Folarin, age 11

My favorite part is when Greg’s butt goes through the wall.

Diario de Greg: La Ley de Rodrick is available in Spanish

-Theodore, age 7

WPL Kids are the best reviewers!

Check out this month's book reviews written by kids just like you!

When I first picked up the book Primer from the Great Brook Valley branch library, I wasn’t really thinking of anything other than it was just very colorful- but after I read the first chapter I was hooked and wanted to read more. The girl Ashley in the book was very different and unique in a great way though. This book is very adventurous, cool, and vibrant. But I kind of felt bad for her that her dad was in jail and at the end of the book I was very cautious because her dad said to the TV he would see her soon. Now I’m hoping that means there’s going to be a next book so I can read it because I love this book! It’s now my favorite book ever!🙂

-Princess Seraphin, age 10

Clay has lived his whole life under the mountain. The MudWing dragonet knows that war is raging between the dragon tribes in the world outside, a war, that he and our other dragonets are destined to end according to the mysterious Prophecy they've been taught. The five "chosen" dragonets were stolen from their home while they were still in their eggs and hidden away for years all to fulfill the Prophecy.

Also available in large print and e-Audiobook formats

-Zavannah, age 11                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

While stranded at sea with nothing except a flooded ship and themselves, the Kidd siblings were in trouble. The Kidd siblings were two now deceased kids of two very famous treasure hunters who were always being chased by gold digging bad guys. Treasure Hunters is a wild ride of a book!

-Mirabel, age 10

This book is about an amazing and optimistic girl named Ellie. Ellie's mother makes fun of Ellie’s weight and is always putting Ellie on diets and trying to get a surgery that will cut off some of the weight. Ellie also has a very mean brother who is just like her mom but meaner. This book is about Ellie and her fight against her mom. Starfish by Lisa Fipps is a wonderful book about a big and beautiful girl.

Also available in eBook format.

-Mirabel, age 10

A dog goes to the ocean and causes trouble. 

Favorite part: The dog stuffs litter in a sea monster’s mouth.

-Theodore, age 7

It was good. It was funny. I laughed out loud. I enjoyed the Jedi tests. It was funny because Roan keeps bumping into stuff when he uses the force. Roan had to learn not to close his eyes when he uses the force. I learned not to be a bully.

-Nicholas, age 7.5 

The Backyard Bugs and Buzzy Bees program is coming to the Main Library on Saturday, June 18th at 11am! Register for it here.

In honor of the program we've selected our favorite bug books just for you!

This lushly illustrated book looks at the life cycle of the rusty-patched bumble bee queen and her colony.

The cover alone which looks like a stained glass window of butterflies and moths is enough reason to read this book. Inside the book there are descriptions of butterfly and moth species including: Swallowtail Butterflies, Yellow, Whites, and Sulphurs, Tiger Moths, and Saturnid Moths.

Did you know that there is a bug inside of the Mexican Jumping Bean? Be sure to read this book to learn all about this fascinating creature.

A loveable drill sergeant firefly is the narrator of this important manual for little fireflies. Find out why fireflies glow and more in this fun book.

If you like this book you'll love the other title in the series, How to Survive as a Shark.

A Beetle is Shy written by Dianna Hutts Aston and illustrated by Sylvia Long

Get to know all about the wonderful world of beetles in this vibrantly illustrated, jewel-colored book.

Spiders by Gail Gibbons

Gail Gibbons describes the amazing qualities of spiders. If you like this book be sure to look out for all of Gail Gibbons' non-fiction books about animals and nature. She writes in a very accessible way that even the youngest readers can follow.

-Cara

Did you know that Worcester is an incredibly diverse city? Many people in Worcester come from a variety of different countries including: Vietnam, Brazil, Albania, Puerto Rico, Ghana, and the Dominican Republic. 

See below for some books celebrating these cultures:

An adventurous tale inspired by Vietnamese folk and fairy tales and the creations of The Wizard of Oz's  L. Frank Baum.

Aída de Acosta was the first woman to fly a motorized aircraft. She was inspired by the creations of Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who celebrated with her in her momentous landing.

The Spanish title, La Joven Aviadora is also available. 

Meli Lleshi and her family are forced to become refugees after her home in Kosovo is no longer safe. 

A vibrantly illustrated book about the beauty of Puerto Rico and the challenges of leaving one's beloved country.

Zura is nervous when she is asked to bring her Nana Akua to school for Grandparents Day. Nana Akua has marks on her face as part of a deep and sacred tradition from her country of Ghana, but Zura is worried that others will tease Nana because of her marks. Zura discovers that her cherished Nana is special in her own way. Includes Adinkra symbols and their meanings in the back of the book. 

Lucely is not just any kid-she's a kid whose ancestors live in a tree as firefly spirits! When she and her best friend accidentally let loose a host of evil spirits they will have to face their fears head on to save her precious firefly family spirits.

Also available in eBook format.

In addition to so many wonderful books about kids from other cultures we also have books for kids in other languages including: Albanian, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Korean, Japanese, Pashto, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Urdu. 

-Cara

Here at the library we just had a wonderful surprise! Our very own special reviewer Sian was a guest yesterday on our Facebook Live's "Great Books for Kids." If you are looking for a new book to read or if you just want to learn more about this awesome reader- click here!

-Cara

May is here! Let's celebrate with some great upcoming programs and books to go along with them.

All ages:

-Bright Star Theater Presents The Wizard of Oz 

Introduce your child to the magic of theater as we follow the yellow brick road to the land of Oz. Meet all of your favorite characters along the way! Gain courage with the Cowardly Lion, take heart with the Tin Man, and find your wits with the Scarecrow in this fun, comedic, interactive retelling of the L. Frank Baum classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. 

Go through the alphabet with attractions such as: "E is for Encore," "Q is for Quick Change" and "Z is for Zing" in this vibrantly illustrated and fact-filled introduction to the theater. 

-Comforting Critters ZooMobile (featuring the animals of the Southwick's Zoo)

Attend a live animal meet and greet.

Learn more about your favorite animals from the land, sea, and sky.

Antología de Animales Extradinarios, The Spanish title is also available.

-DinoMan Presents 

Dinosaur tracks lead right to your library! Have no fear, DinoMan is here. With magic, merry mayhem and magnificent props, you'll be taken on a trip throughout the Mesozoic Age. 

It's a dinosaur extravaganza and only the best from each category will win. Read along to discover the award winners of "The Never-Ending Neck," "The Fuzzy and Furious," "The Scissorhands," and more. You'll never look at dinosaurs the same way again! 

Ages 2-6:

-Songfest

Join us for live, interactive songs featuring Jeannie Mack. Sing, clap, and act out songs with Jeannie in celebration of the warmer weather! 

Read the book that started it all!

Pete el Gato I Love My White Shoes, the Spanish title is also available.

Ages 5 and up: 

Learn about the ins and outs of flowers so you can appreciate your growing marigold even more.

Ages 6-11:

-Flamenco

In celebration of Worcester Flamenco’s 10th Anniversary, Mimi Capillo  (dance student) will do a book reading for kids. Followed by a Flamenco dance demonstration by Mimi and dance instructor Edmy Ortiz. Flamenco offers many benefits to kids while making noise with their feet. Join us for part 2 of this program where they will also offer a kids dance workshop.

A Pura Belpré Honor Book with everything you ever wanted to know about flamenco.

-STEAM Lab

Calling curious kids! Join us weekly for fun, hands-on projects involving different science, technology, engineering, art, and math concepts! Try drawing in 3D, building the tallest balloon tower, and making LED greeting cards! 

Includes such experiments as: "snowball flight tests," "snail racing," and "map the stars." 

Ages 10 and up:

-GarageBand Beats

No musical knowledge? Never picked up an instrument before? No problem! GarageBand is a user-friendly iOS software app that allows people from all backgrounds to create music of their own. Using virtual software instruments and premade loops you can make a song within minutes. All equipment is provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own Apple device if you own one. 

This handy book includes everything from recording your music to winning your fans.

Click here for more information on these programs, how to register, and to see more events to attend at the library.

-Cara