Taylor Library Blog

Bluebonnet Parties

2012-02-16T06:04:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday we held our Bluebonnet parties to celebrate the book that was the overall winner for the state of Texas. One hundred students who had read at least five Bluebonnet books were invited to attend. Students entering the party were able to tell which book was the winner (it was top secret until that morning): We had so much fun celebrating The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger. We began the party by watching a video message from the author. Then it was time for making Origami Yodas, enjoying blue donuts and Yoda soda (lime sherbet and Sprite), and face painting. We ended with a game: Escape the Death Star. On their way out every student was able to choose a paperback book, bookmark, and a pencil to keep. What a great day it was!

Bad to the Bone

2012-02-07T06:21:00.000-08:00

Author: Lucy Nolan
Call Number: F NOL

As told from the perspective of the dog, Down Girl, as she explains about her days protecting her home from the enemy next door, Here Kitty Kitty, and the many ways she tries to properly train her master, Rruff.

The Throne of Fire

2012-02-07T05:57:00.000-08:00

Author: Rick Riordan
Call Number: F RIO

Carter and Sadie must outsmart the House of Life and the gods of chaos in order to complete their worldwide search for an ancient Egyptian book.

February Displays

2012-02-06T06:02:00.001-08:00

Our fun February displays: Mrs. Gorlaczyk pulled books with red covers for this fun display.

Dog books are always popular here at Taylor so we know this dispay will be a huge hit!

Forest Animal Research

2012-01-30T11:26:00.000-08:00

This week second grade is visiting the library for forest animal research. They are using books to conduct their research in the library, and will continue with research in the computer labs as well. Each student has chosen an animal to research and will become an expert on their animal. It is so fun to see them get excited about all of the interesting facts they are discovering about their animals!

Bluebonnet Voting Day

2012-01-24T13:10:00.000-08:00

Today was our annual Bluebonnet voting day! Students who read five or more Bluebonnet books and turned in their Bluebonnet form to me were eligible to vote. Voting was held during students' lunchtimes, and students cast their votes using the Macbooks. When all of the votes were tallied Taylor's winner was... Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper!!

Lissy's Friends

2012-01-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

This week in second grade we read Lissy's Friends by Grace Lin. This is an adorable story about a girl named Lissy who "makes" friends by creating them with origami. After we read the story we moved to the tables and each student had the opportunity to create an origami project. This is such a fun story time that I repeat it with second grade every year!

Read to Succeed Reading Program

2012-01-17T06:09:00.000-08:00

The Six Flags Read to Succeed reading program is back again! You have the opportunity to track your reading to earn a free Six Flags ticket! Forms have been sent home in Thursday folders. All you need to do is read for six hours in between now and February 24, record your reading minutes on the form, and return it to your teacher. Then you will earn a free Six Flags ticket! Extra forms are available in the library if you need one. This is such a fun and easy way to earn a free Six Flags ticket for reading you would be doing anyway!!

Nature Girl

2012-01-17T06:06:00.000-08:00

Author: Jane Kelley
Call Number: F KEL

While spending the summer in Vermont, eleven-year-old Megan gets lost on the Appalachian Trail and decides to hike to Massachusetts to visit her best friend.

Third Grade Arctic Animal Research

2012-01-13T11:02:00.000-08:00

This week in library third grade has been conducting Arctic animal research. They visited for four days and completed a different station each day. At Station One they used books to research where different types of penguins live. They then used this information to complete a penguin map. At Station Two groups worked together to create a life sized penguin. Students chose a type of penguin and then researched to find out how tall that type of penguin is. They then worked together to sketch, color, and cut out their penguin. Their life sized penguins are adorable and will be displayed around their classrooms. While at Station Three, students again used books to research how tall different types of penguins are, and then used this information to make penguin graphs. They also labeled a penguin diagram with the correct penguin body parts. At Station Four, students worked on the Macbooks and used GoogleDocs to create slides of an Arctic food chain. These also turned out really well. What a fun week I've had with third grade learning all about Arctic animals!

Third Annual Taylor Spelling Bee

2012-01-10T10:53:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Austin our spelling bee winner! Our bee was a record breaker this year going 34 rounds! Austin will be representing Taylor at the Collin County Spelling Bee in February. Good luck Austin!!

Sock Day for Kindergarten

2012-01-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

Last week when the kindergarten classes arrived at the library, I invited them to take off their shoes. Then we read two books about ducks and socks: Ducks Don't Wear Socks by Nedwidek and Sally and the Purple Socks by Bechtold. These books were a huge hit! The students really enjoyed sock day in the library.

Scientist Research

2012-01-05T06:06:00.000-08:00

This week in library fourth grade conducted research on famous scientists. Each student had a scientist that they were researching. They used books as well as online databases to conduct their research. They will use the information that they have gathered to create a timeline of their scientist's life on the computer, complete a writing assignment, and make a presentation to their class.

Eggs

2012-01-02T06:25:00.000-08:00

Author: Jerry Spinelli

Call Number: F SPI

Mourning the loss of his mother, nine-year-old David forms an unlikely friendship with independent, quirky thirteen-year-old Primrose, as the two help each other deal with what is missing in their lives.

It's Flashlight Reading Time!!

2011-12-14T08:49:00.000-08:00

Flashlight reading is one of our favorite things about the library! It only happens twice a year and it's so much fun! Students check out quickly and then find a place to read quietly. When everyone's ready we turn the lights off and the flashlights and music on!

Third Annual Book Swap

2011-12-14T08:03:00.001-08:00

It was another successful Book Swap! Yesterday at the Book Swap 984 books were swapped for "new" books. The students were so excited to be able to come and choose their books. I want to say a special "thank you" to the Student Council for all of their help in organizing, advertising, and running the Book Swap!

Vocabulary Parade

2011-12-13T09:38:00.001-08:00

Taylor's sixth annual Vocabulary Parade was held on November 10. This year's parade had a patriotic theme as it was held the day before Veterans Day. Students and staff had a wonderfully creative time dressing up as a vocabulary word. We were honored to have Mrs. Catherine Fowler serve as the Grand Marshal of the parade. Please enjoy viewing this slide show of the event. Look for our staff costume winners: Mrs. Steele (Volume), the Kindergarten team (Patriotic), and Mrs. Laster and Mrs. McKee (Ebony and Ivory)!

Stick With Reading Program

2011-12-12T07:19:00.000-08:00

If you forgot to bring your Stick With Reading scorecard today, we will accept them through tomorrow, December 13. Don't forget to turn it in to your teacher! I know you want to receive credit for all of the wonderful minutes you have spent reading!

Book Swap Deadline Extended

2011-12-09T06:37:00.001-08:00

We have extended the deadline and you may now bring books in for the Book Swap through Monday, December 12! The Book Swap will be held on Tuesday, December 13.

Book Swap Coming Soon!

2011-12-06T07:14:00.000-08:00

The third annual Taylor Book Swap will be held on Tuesday, December 13. Remember, to participate all you have to do is bring in gently used books that are on your grade level. Your teacher will issue you a coupon with the number of acceptable books that you have brought in. You may bring in your books through Friday, December 9. Then, on Tuesday the 13th you will be able to visit the Book Swap in the library and choose "new to you" books. This is a great way to get some awesome books to read!!

Electronic Books

2011-11-30T08:45:00.001-08:00

Have you checked out an electronic book or audio book yet? These books are available through the district for the first time this year. You can read or listen to books on your home computer, i device, Kindle, etc. There are many books available for check out. Click on the Ebooks page above to find out more!

Book Reviews

2011-11-28T08:16:00.000-08:00

This week in library fourth grade students are learning how to do quick book reviews. They come and sit at the tables where there are book review forms along with a stack of fiction books. They are practicing looking at a book's front cover, and quickly reading the book's back cover or inside flap to see if the book interests them. Then they jot down the book's title, author, and call number, along with a couple of notes on their form and give the book a 1-5 rating. Each student has the chance to review five or six books. At the end of the lesson the students are able to check out any of the books that they would like to. There are many books that multiple students wish to check out, and all dilemmas are solved with a rock-paper-scissors war. Students take their forms with them so that they can refer to them at a later date to help them find the books that they liked.

So B. It

2011-11-28T05:50:00.000-08:00

Author: Sarah Weeks
Call Number: F WEE

After spending her life with her mentally disables mother and agoraphobic neighbor, twelve-year-old Heidi sets out from Reno, Nevada, to New York to find out who she is.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever

2011-11-28T05:48:00.000-08:00

Author: Jeff Kinney

Call Number: F KIN

Greg, stuck indoors with his family because of a blizzard, suffers from claustrophobia and worries they will not be able to weather the storm.

Robot Book Display

2011-11-17T07:21:00.000-08:00

We repurposed the Book Fair robots to make a fun robot book display for the library. Come by the library to check out one today!

Taylor Spelling Bee Coming in January

2011-11-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Tarpley's Classroom Bee

Our third annual Taylor Spelling Bee will be held on Tuesday, January 10 at 8:00 a.m. in the cafeteria. This week class spelling bees are being held in each fourth and fifth grade class. Interested students received lists of word to study last month. Each class will determine the top two spellers from their classroom bee, and these spellers will advance to the Taylor Spelling Bee. The winner of this Bee will advance to the Collin County Bee which takes place in February. Good luck to all of our class winners as you begin to study for the Taylor Spelling Bee!

Wonderstruck

2011-11-17T06:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Brian Selznick

Call Number: F SEL

Relates the story of twelve-year-old Ben, who loses his mother and his hearing in a short time frame and decides to leave his Minnesota home in 1977 to seek the father he has never known in New York City, and Rose, who lives with her father but feels compelled to search for what is missinf in her life. Ben's story is told in words; Rose's in pictures.

Vocabulary Parade

2011-11-07T05:55:00.000-08:00

The Vocabulary Parade will be this Thursday, November 10 at 8:30 a.m. Students have been receiving information about the Vocabulary Parade in their Thursday folders for several weeks. Every student and staff member will march in our parade dressed as a vocabulary word. We are excited to have Catherine Fowler serving as the Grand Marshal of the parade again this year. Parents are invited to attend and will view the parade from the cafeteria. Parents who plan on attending should arrive early and enter through the cafeteria doors. Please do not spend a lot of money on your costumes. They should be made from items that you can find around your home. Be creative! We can't wait to see all of your costumes!

The Pumpkins are Here!!

2011-11-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

Can you guess the book characters?

Every year at Taylor the third grade students make pumpkins based on book characters. I am fortunate to be able to display them in the library. There are some amazing pumpkins and I am so impressed by the creativity the students show!

Book Fair Thanks

2011-11-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

It was another successful book fair! Thank you to all of the PTA members who volunteered during the week to make the book fair run smoothly. Also, I would like to give a very special thank you to the book fair chair, Mrs. Howard. It is great to see the students get so excited about the books they purchased. It is also wonderful to be able to choose so many beautiful, hardcover books to add to our library collection. Thank you shoppers!

To The Book Fair and Beyond!!

2011-10-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

The Book Fair is here!! We will be open for business next week, October 24 - 28. On Monday through Thursday our shopping hours will be 7:30 - 3:20. We are also having "Lunch With a Loved One" on these days. On Friday we will be open for shopping from 7:30 - 12:00. On Monday night the Book Fair will be open from 6:30 - 8:00 for our family night. There will also be a third grade performance that night as well as Dippin' Dots ice cream! The Book Fair is full of amazing titles this fall and we can't wait to have you visit!!

Fourth Grade Visits the Storytelling Festival

2011-10-18T08:58:00.000-07:00

Fourth graders visited the Frisco Storytelling Festival last week. Storytellers Bill Lepp and Bill Harley amazed us with their wonderful stories. If you would like to be a student storyteller for next year, tell me and I'll let you know about the audition process in the spring.

Dallas Stars Reading Rally

2011-10-17T09:37:00.001-07:00

This year Taylor Elementary is participating school-wide in the Stick With Reading program. This program is sponsored by the Dallas Stars. Last week, three players from the Stars visited our school for a reading rally. They introduced the program, and got our students really excited about reading! Here is player Toby Petersen in the library before the Rally.

Every class made a poster to celebrate reading and the Dallas Stars.

Here the players, Steve Ott, Adam Pardy, and Toby Petersen answer questions and share about their favorite books.

Here is Joseph with Celena Rae, the Dallas Stars announcer and singer. She was also the emcee of our program.

Here Ms. Vargas and I pose with the players and Steve Ott's four year old daughter. She is holding the book Utterly, Otterly Day by Mary Casanova. Steve Ott read this book to our students and shared that his nickname is "Otter."

Bluebonnet Book Club

2011-10-14T07:54:00.001-07:00

The Bluebonnet Book Club is having a lot of fun meeting on Monday mornings. Here is a photo from our most recent meeting. The Bluebonnet Book Club is made up of kids in third through fifth grades who wanted to listen to me read some great Bluebonnet books.

Kate Klise Visits Taylor

2011-10-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

We were very excited to have Kate Klise visit our school last week. She was an amazing presenter and the kids loved her. Here are some pictures from the day:

Formula for writing a story: one character, one problem, one journey.

Autographing books in the library between sessions.

If you were in this session you remember the haircut story!

Ms. Klise talking with kids after the first session.

Mrs. Fowler Speaks to Third Grade

2011-10-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Catherine Fowler visited our school this week and spoke to our third graders about the history of Frisco. She is an amazing presenter and the students were captivated by her stories of pioneers, Native Americans, cowboys, and early residents of Frisco. Here some girls are showing off their new dolls. These are the types of dolls the pioneer girls may have played with.

Here Mrs. Fowler helps the students to create a living timeline. You can see the Native American, Pilgrims, George Washington, and a pioneer.

Two boys demonstrating for us how long the horns of longhorns actually are. Can you imagine trying to herd these huge beasts?

Students playing Old Horse, a game in which they guess the number of beans held in their friend's hand hand.

Stand Straight, Ella Kate

2011-10-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

In library we have been reading Stand Straight, Ella Kate in preparation for Kate Klise's visit. Here the students are measuring themselves to see how they measured up to Ella Kate. She was a real life giantess who was 8 foot 4 inches tall.

Author: Kate Klise

Call Number: E KLI

A fictionalized biography of Ella Kate Ewing, born in 1872, who was eight feet tall by the age of seventeen and who became financially independent by traveling the country for nearly twenty years appearing at museums, exhibitions, and in circus shows.

Native American Research

2011-10-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

Fourth grade spent last week in the library doing research on Texas Native American tribes. They learned about the Karankawa, Caddo, Comanche, and Jumano tribes. I can't wait to see the reports they are creating using their research notes!

Escaping the Giant Wave

2011-09-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

Author: Peg Kehret
Call Number: F KEH

When an earthquake creates a tsunami when thirteen-year-old Kyle is babysitting his sister during a family vacation at a Pacific coast resort, he tries to save himself, his sister, and a boy who has bullied him for years.

Our Newest Library Users

2011-09-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

Our kindergarten students are doing a great job in the library! They have been learning about how to take care of library books and how to look for library books on the shelves using shelf markers. You can ask your kindergartener what types of things make Mr. Wiggle sad. You can also ask them to sing the shelf marker song for you.

Genre Sorting

2011-09-21T09:08:00.001-07:00

Students have been learning about genres in the classroom. In library, we are practicing sorting books into their correct genres. Some of the books I have given them are very tricky, but the students are doing a great job! They work together in groups to decide what genre a book belongs to. Genres they have learned to identify include realistic fiction, fantasy, expository non fiction, folktale, legend, myth, poetry, biography, and more!

I Just Love This Picture

2011-09-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

Fifth graders "reading" in the reading corner.

New Displays

2011-09-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

Aliens and UFO'sDogs

For the Girls

For the Guys

We love to have new displays. It is so fun to watch the books fly off of the shelves!

Home on the Range

2011-09-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

Author: Lucy Nolan

Call Number: F NOL

Two dogs, Down Girl and Sit, accompany their masters to a dude ranch, where the encounter scary "squirrels" that live in holes in the ground, stampedes, and enemies even worse than their nemesis -- the cat that lives next door.

Regarding the Fountain

2011-09-19T06:09:00.000-07:00

Author: Kate Klise
Call Number: F KLI

When the principal asks a fifth-grader to write a letter regarding the purchase of a new drinking fountain for their school, he finds that all sorts of chaos results.

College Week

2011-09-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

This week we are having College Week and today students were able to dress like what they wanted to be when they grow up. Krista dressed like a librarian, so of course I had to take a picture of her!

Library Learning With Technology

2011-09-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

Taylor will be hosting author Kate Klise this year on October 6. She will speak to all grade levels. Students are using technology in the library to learn about Kate Klise. Using iPod Touches, students scan QR codes that take them directly to Ms. Klise's website. They then explore her website and find an interesting fact about her. Next they go into Notes and record their interesting fact. It is a fun way for them to learn about the amazing author who we are privileged to have coming soon to our school.

Top Ten Books List

2011-09-06T09:28:00.001-07:00

Have you been wondering what the top ten books checked out at Taylor last year were? I knew you were! Here is the answer to your question:
1. Captain Underpants and the Attack of the Talking Toilets by Dav Pilkey (checked out 115 times during the last school year alone!)
2. The Uglified Ducky by Willy Claflin
3. Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies by Dav Pilkey
4. Squirrel's World by Lisa Moser
5. Scientific Progress Goes "Boink": a Calvin and Hobbes Collection by Bill Watterson
6. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney
7. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: the Last Straw by Jeff Kinney
8. Guinness World Records to the Extreme
9. I Spy A to Z: a Book of Picture Riddles by Jean Marzollo
10. Garfield Treasury by Jim Davis

Mornings in the Library

2011-09-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

Wow! Every morning as soon as I open the library I have 3rd - 5th graders pouring in to check out new books. This is the sort of sight that truly makes a librarian's day! Remember, the library is open before school (almost) every day. 3rd - 5th graders may obtain a library pass in the gym to come down to the library and get new books. I can't wait to see you!!

Things That Make You Go Hmmm???

2011-09-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

Stop by the library today to check out some books about "Things That Make You Go Hmmm???" Looks for the new display where all of the book titles end in question marks.

Over My Dead Body

2011-09-06T07:03:00.000-07:00

Author: Kate Klise

Call Number: F KLI

A story told mostly through letters in which busybody Dick Tater tries to ban Halloween and ghost stories, as well as to break up the popular writing team of I. B. Grumply, ghost Olive C. Spence and eleven-year-old illustrator Seymour Hope.

Till Death Do Us Bark

2011-09-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Author: Kate Klise

Call Number: F KLI

In this story told mostly through letters,Noah Breth's feuding children come to Ghastly, Illinois, to follow a trail of limericks to their inheritance, while Seymour tries to convince Iggy and Olive to let him keep Mr. Breth's dog.

Ten Ways to Make My Sister Disappear

2011-09-06T06:56:00.000-07:00

Author: Norma Fox Mazer

Call Number: F MAZ

Ten-year-old Sprig no longer gets along with her twelve-year-old sister, Dakota, but the two pull together during their father's extended businedd trip to Afghanistan, sharing concerns about his saftey, an elderly neighnor's health, fights with their best friends, and boys.

The Phantom Tollbooth

2011-09-06T06:52:00.000-07:00

Author: Norton Juster

Call Number: F JUS

Milo travels through a magical tollbooth and begins a journey to the Kingdom of Wisdom, where he and a "watch" dog named Tock try to end the feud between numbers and words.

Author Kate Klise is Coming!

2011-08-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

We are fortunate to have author Kate Klise coming to visit our school on October 6, 2011. Kate Klise is the author of many wonderful chapter and picture books. Her book Dying to Meet You was on last year's Bluebonnet list and was very popular here at Taylor. She will speak to each grade level and will share the writing process with us during her visit. You will have the opportunity to pre-order autographed copies of several of her books. Look for the form in your Thursday folder soon!

Summer Reading Photos

2011-08-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

Look at some of the adorable summer reading photos I have received so far.

It's not to late to send in a photo! If you took a summer reading photo please bring it to the library or have your parents email it to me. I would love to have more amazing photos for my display.

Ebooks are Here!

2011-08-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

Frisco ISD is committed to bringing unique learning opportunities to our students and we are pleased to introduce a new, free reading service providing digital books through OverDrive (http://friscoisd.lib.overdrive.com/).

Why OverDrive?

The OverDrive collection is an extension of Frisco ISD’s physical library, only it’s online with 24/7 access to audiobook and eBook downloads. It’s convenient for students to check out titles anytime, anywhere with no worry about misplacing a book - these digital titles automatically return at the end of the lending period!

OverDrive can help students of all ages read more and improve comprehension. Struggling or reluctant readers, learning-challenged, second language learners, and gifted readers can all benefit from this service.

• Enrich vocabulary and improve comprehension and pronunciation

• Introduce students to books above their reading level

• Teach critical listening

• Help busy kids find time to read

How does it work?

To use OverDrive, students install free software on their computers or mobile devices, browse the secure website of more than 650 titles, check out their selections with their library accounts, then download to their computer or mobile device. Titles can easily transfer to supported mobile devices such as the iPod® and eBook Readers like the Sony® Reader™!

Whether a student’s interest lies in study guides, classics for required reading, or the latest popular fiction, they can find it all in the digital collection through OverDrive at http://friscoisd.lib.overdrive.com/ .

Word After Word After Word

2011-08-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

Author: Patricia MacLachlan
Call Number: F MAC

A visiting poet, Ms. Mirabel, teaches five friends in grade school about the power of words and writing.

Moon Over Manifest

2011-08-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Author: Clare Vanderpool
Call Number: F VAN

Twelve-year-old Abilene Tucker is the daughter of a drifter who, in the summer of 1936, sends her to stay with an old friend in Manifest, Kansas, where he grew up, and where she hopes to find out some things about his past.

Pigeon Goes to Camp

2011-08-09T14:07:00.000-07:00

Pine Cove here we come! Pigeon thought it would be fun to tag-a-long with Claire and Anna when they went to Pine Cove camp in East Texas. It sure was hot, but they had a great time!

Pigeon was excited to visit the stables but was a little too scared to actually go on a horseback ride.

Pigeon discovered that he really likes to play tetherball.

Here he is hanging out with Pappy, the director of Pine Cove. Pappy had never heard of Pigeon, can you believe that?

Here Pigeon is about to take a dip in the lake.

Lastly, here Pigeon is in front of his cabin. He learned a lot at Pine Cove and made many good friends. Now that the summer is almost over, he is looking forward to coming back to school and seeing all of his Taylor friends. He would love to know what you've been up to this summer! Remember, if you took a picture of yourself reading over the summer, please bring it with you when you come back to school. Pigeon and I can't wait to see them!

Pigeon Wants to go Back to Hawaii

2011-07-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

Pigeon just got back from a vacation to Hawaii. He loved it very much and really wants to go back! Here he is inside of a submarine in Pearl Harbor...
Pigeon loves to read and knows you can learn a lot from books! Here he is reading up on his Hawaiin cousins... Remember to please bring me a picture of yourself reading over the summer. I will be creating a display with these photos. Can you guess whose picture will be in the display?

One of the most memorable places that pigeon visited was Pearl Harbor. We have many books about the attack on Pearl Harbor in the Taylor library.One of the very special things we were able to do while on Maui was take a snorkeling trip. Pigeon really wanted to drive the boat, and we let him with a little help from Anna. Here they are driving a boat to Molokini off the coast of Maui.

Pigeon had an amazing vacation! Have you gone anywhere special this summer? I hope you're having a wonderul time and I can't wait to see you all in August.

Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity

2011-07-25T16:57:00.001-07:00

Author: Mac Barnett

Call Number: F BAR

Twelve-year-old Steve Brixton, a fan of Baily Brothers detective novels, is mistaken for a real detective and must elude librarians, police, and the mysterious Mr. E as he seeks a missing quilt containing coded information.

Happenstance Found

2011-07-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

Author: P. W. Catanese
Call Number: F CAT

Twelve-year-old Happenstance wakes up in a cave with no idea how he got there, or who he is, but merchant and royal advisor Lord Umber helps Hap and his two friends escape from the caverns.

The Emerald Atlas

2011-07-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

Author: John Stephens

Kate, Michael, and Emma have passed from one orphanage to another in the ten years since their parents disappeared to protect them, but now they learn they have special powers--and a fearsome enemy-- and embark on a prophesied quest to find a magical book.

Pigeon Really Wants to Play Ball

2011-06-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

Pigeon had his first big adventure of the summer this week when he went with us to Claire and Anna's last softball game of the season. He had a great time, but was sad that we didn't let him play. He tried to make himself useful by helping with the equipment, giving the girls and coaches softball advice, running the bases, and even arguing with umpire when a call didn't go our way.

Be sure to check back in a few weeks to see what pigeon is up to next!

Shakespeare's Secret

2011-06-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

Author: Elise Broach

Call Number: F BRO

Named after a character in a Shakespeare play, misfit sixth-grader Hero becomes interested in exploring this unusual connection because of a valuable diamond supposedly hidden in her new house, an intriguing neighbor, and the unexpected attention of the most popular boy in school.

The Red Pyramid

2011-06-03T05:49:00.000-07:00

Author: Rick Riordan

Call Number: F RIO

Brilliant Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane accidentally unleashes the Egyptian god Set, who banishes the doctor to oblivion and forces his two children to embark on a dangerous journey, bringing them closer to the truth about their family and its links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.

Flashlight Reading Week

2011-05-26T12:45:00.001-07:00

We have been flashlight reading all week in the library. Every grade loves to flashlight read and can't wait for this week!

Summer Fun

2011-05-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

Pigeon will be coming home with me over the summer and we are planning to have lots of fun! Please check my blog over the summer for updates on pigeon and what he's up to. He may turn up in some exciting places!

Also, I want all of you to take pictures of yourselves reading over the summer. You can be reading on vacation or at the park down the street. Have your parents email me a picture, or bring one in at the beginning of school and I'll display them in the library and on my blog. It will be fun to see all of the places Taylor students are reading over the summer!

Turtle in Paradise

2011-05-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

Author: Jennifer L. Holm
Call Number: F HOL

In 1935, when her mother gets a job housekeeping for a woman who does not like children, eleven-year-old Turtle is sent to stay with relatives she has never met in far away Key West, Florida.

All Books Due Monday, May 23

2011-05-20T13:33:00.000-07:00

All library books are due for the year on Monday, May 23. Please be on the hunt for those missing and overdue books! If you have any questions about how to pay for a missing book please feel free to contact Mrs. Huff in the library. We will be doing inventory during the last week of school and appreciate your help in returning all of your library books on time. Thanks Taylor families!!

Fourth Grade Fun

2011-05-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

In library this week, fourth graders created a fun foldable. They each wrote about one of their favorite books and then folded up their paper into the creations shown above. They then shared these with each other to learn about each other's favorite books. I felt this was the perfect activity for this origami crazed grade!

Chalk

2011-05-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

This week in kindergarten library storytime we read Chalk by Bill Thomson. This wordless picture book is on the new 2x2 list. In the book, three kids draw pictures with chalk, and what they draw comes to life. After we read the book we moved to the tables and the students drew chalk pictures that they would like to come to life.

Second Grade Storytelling

2011-05-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

We are doing a little storytelling in second grade this week. We have been listening to Willy Claflin's amazing storytelling CD's, and this week the students are able to do some storytelling of their own. We begin with each student getting a card with something on it such as a king, pizza, or airplane. Then we have a volunteer begin the story with "Once upon a time..." and then they add a sentence incorporating their card. For example, "Once upon a time there was a king who lived in a faraway land." Then, the next student continues the story incorporating their card.

The class stories have been incredibly inventive, and I enjoy listening to what their creative minds come up with.

May Displays

2011-05-16T09:15:00.001-07:00

Stop by the library today to check out some blue books... books with ideas of fun summer activities...

arts and crafts books...

and gardening books.

All books checked out this week will be due on May 23.

Pendant of the Deathly Hallows

2011-05-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

Ian made me the sweetest present. It is a paper necklace and pendant of the Deathly Hallows (from the Harry Potter book). You can't see it in the picture but the pendant has a triangle for the cloak of invisibility, a circle representing the resurrection stone, and a wand representing the most powerful wand in the world. He said he wanted me to know how much he appreciated me being his librarian. This is the kind of sweetness that truly makes a librarian's day. Thanks Ian!!

Zorgamazoo

2011-05-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

Author: Robert Paul Weston

Call Number: F WES

Imaginative and adventurous Katrina eludes her maniacal guardian to help Morty, a member of the vanishing brred of zorgles, with his quest to uncover the fate of the fables Zorgles of Zorgamazoo as well as of other creatures that seem to have disappeared from the Earth.

Poetry Unit

2011-05-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

Fourth grade is visiting the library this week to work on a poetry unit. They are using library books to locate examples of haiku, clerihew, free verse, concrete, and limerick poems. They choose the poem they like best, and then copy it exactly and illustrate it. Of course, they are using their citation skills and recording the author, title, publisher, and copyright date for each book that they use.

Book Club

2011-05-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

Our fifth grade book club met for the last time today. We discussed The Old Willis Place by Mary Downing Hahn. Some students were doubtful that they would like a ghost story, but all were won over by the book once they read it. This group of students has been a joy to work with, and I will truly miss them next year. Their love of reading inspires me!

Solar System Research

2011-05-10T09:36:00.001-07:00

Third grade visited the library last week for solar system research. They did a great job using library resources to discover facts about the planets, sun, and moon. They are using some of the information they gathered to create a planet travel brochure. I can't wait to see them!

Bookmark Contest Winners Announced

2011-05-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

We had 130 bookmarks entered in this year's bookmark contest. Mrs. Lester said the entries were better than ever! Congratulations to our winners! All students are welcome to stop by the library and view the winning bookmarks. You may also choose a copy of one of their bookmarks after you check out.

Flush

2011-05-03T08:47:00.001-07:00

Author: Carl Hiaasen

Call Number: F HIA

With their father jailed for sinking a river boat, Noah Underwood and his younger sister, Abbey, must gather evidence that the owner of this floating casino is emptying his bilge tanks into the protected waters around their Florida Keys home.

Spaceheadz

2011-04-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

Author: Jon Scieszka
Call Number: F SCI

Michael moves to a new school and learns that some of his friends are really aliens who have come to Earth in order to convince millions of kids to be Space Heads.

Storyteller

2011-04-29T13:07:00.001-07:00

Author: Patricia Reilly Giff
Call Number: F GIF

Forced to spend months at an aunt's house, Elizabeth feel a connection to her ancestor Zee, whose picture hangs on the wall, and who reveals her story of hardships during the Revolutionary War as Elizabeth comes to terms with her own troubles.

Rules

2011-04-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

Author: Cynthia Lord
Call Number: F LOR

Frustrated at life with an autistic brother, twelve-year-old Catherine longs for a normal existence but her world is further complicated by a friendship with an young paraplegic.

Here Lies the Librarian

2011-04-27T05:45:00.001-07:00

Author: Richard Peck
Call Number: F PEC

Fourteen-year-old Eleanor "Peewee" McGrath, a tomboy and automobile enthusiast, discovers new possibilities for her future after the 1914 arrival in her small Indiana town of four young librarians.

The Teacher's Funeral

2011-04-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

Author: Richard Peck
Call Number: F PEC

In rural Indiana in 1904, fifteen-year-old Russell's dreams of quitting school and joining a wheat threshing crew are disrupted when his older sister takes over the teaching at his one-room schoolhouse after mean old Myrt Arbuckle "hauls off and dies."

Bookmark Contest

2011-04-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

The library is sponsoring our third annual Bookmark Contest! Forms went home in last week's Thursday folders. We also have extra forms in the library. Design a bookmark and return your form to the library by Thursday, April 28. We will announce the winners at GMT on Friday morning. All winners will receive a free book. In addition, their bookmarks will be passed out in the library during Children's Book Week in May. Good luck!!!

A Long Way From Chicago

2011-04-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

Author: Richard Peck
Call Number: F PEC

A boy recounts his annual summer trips to rural Illinois with his sister during the Great Depression to visit their larger-than-life grandmother.

A Year Down Yonder

2011-04-22T05:56:00.000-07:00

Author: Richard Peck

Call Number: F PEC

During the recession of 1937, fifteen-year-old Mary Alice is sent to live with her feisty, larger-than-life grandmother in rural Illinois and comes to a better understanding of this fearsome woman.

The Witch's Guide to Cooking with Children

2011-04-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

Author: Keith McGowan
Call Number: F MCG

Eleven-year-old inventor Sol must recover his self-confidence if he and his eight-year-old sister, Connie, are to escape the clutches of Hansel and Gretel's witch, to whom they have been led by their new stepmother and the man they believe to be their father.

April Displays

2011-04-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

Our newest displays...

5th Grade Book Club

2011-04-12T11:53:00.001-07:00

Our 5th grade book club met over lunchtime today. We just finished reading Hoot by Carl Hiaasen. We all agreed that we liked it so much better than our last book. We are just starting our sixth book for the year, The Old Willis Place by Mary Downing Hahn.

Think Pink!

2011-04-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

Maybe our most popular display ever

The Shadows

2011-04-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

Author: Jacqueline West Call Number: F WES When eleven-year-old Olive and her distracted parents move into an old Victorian mansion, Olive finds herself ensnared in a dark plan involving some mysterious paintings, a trapped and angry nine-year-old boy, and three talking cats.

Wild Times at the Bed & Biscuit

2011-04-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

Author: Joan Carris Call Number: F CAR Ernest the mini-pig does his best to help the other animals at Grandpa Bender's boarding house get along and have fun, but the arrival of a hyper Scottish terrier puppy who wants to be a fox disrupts life.

March Displays

2011-04-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

Eagles

2011-04-04T06:20:00.000-07:00

We have eagle fever in the library! We have been watching a pair of bald eagles in Iowa through this site: http://www.ustream.tv/channel-popup/decorah-eagles

Two of their eggs hatched over the weekend, with one still to come. We have read eagle books and learned amazing facts like bald eagle nests can weigh up to two tons! Check out the site at home, and come by the library to check out some bird books today!

Out of My Mind

2011-04-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

Author: Sharon Draper

Call Number: F DRA

Considered by many to be mentally retarded, a brilliant, impatient fifth-grader with cerebral palsy discovers a technological device that will allow her to speak for the first time.

Strange Case of Origami Yoda

2011-04-01T07:15:00.000-07:00

Author: Tom Angleberger Call Number: F ANG Sixth-grader Tommy and his friends describe their interactions with a paper finger puppet of Yoda, worn by their weird classmate Dwight, as they try to figure out whether or not the puppet can really predict the future. Includes instructions for making Origami Yoda.