Library Notes
Rebecca Hyde – July 30, 2010


Geologists study features ranging from microscopic crystals to satellite views, from glimpses of Earth’s origins to present Earth-building events. How can these different perspectives of time and scale be combined and viewed in a larger context? Take to the air. As author Michael Collier writes in “Over the Mountains”: “On the ground, like mites on an elephant, you don’t know if you’re sitting on the elephant’s tooth or its toenail. But a view from the sky adds another dimension. Rise above and you can see the earth from trunk to tail.”

Information and entertainment, extraordinary images with text that instructs the “unschooled” --- Michael Collier’s “aerial views of geology” are picture books for adults. For people curious about geological processes (mountain-building, erosive rivers), or people who like to travel, these photographs offer access to areas accessible only to birds and pilots.

Collier is a geologist, science writer, photographer, and pilot. And using his Cessna 180 “like a tripod,” he brings into focus and records geologic features that illuminate the theories by which scientists understand our earth. He also wants to impart “a sense of wonder, a tangible sense of the earth that springs from an intimate knowledge of the land.”

In “Over the Mountains,” the map of the United States is overlaid with boundaries marking geologic “provinces,” each having its own particular geologic history. A photograph of the North Cascades (Columbia Plateau Province) shows a remarkably jumbled range of mountains. These mountains are still being created by the spreading ocean floor meeting the edge of the continent, with accumulations of silt and sand being scraped off like “peanut butter smeared from a knife onto a piece of bread.”

Again, In “Over the Rivers,” a map helps us re-imagine the landscape. State lines are overlaid by rivers, their basins, and divides, which draw the line between water flowing toward one or another river (the great Continental Divide, for example). A river’s “job description” calls for moving water and sediment from the mountains to the sea. And that means maintaining a “fastidious equilibrium” between water and sediment.

A spectacular alluvial fan is pictured within Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park, where coarse sand and gravel is dumped when the stream runs high and hard. In contrast, as the gradient flattens, a river meanders, like a “string of wobbly railroad cars rolling down an uneven track.” Its current bears against one bank and deflects against the other, creating bends, all the way to the sea. The Green River is a “writhing snake” as it moves toward Bronx, Wyoming, leaving bright sand on the inside of bends and erosion on the outside.

Collier’s books offer us a view of a dynamic earth, a work in progress.

Rediscover Folktales and Fairy Tales

by Erika Kosin

Most children will tell you that fairy tales begin with “Once Upon a Time” and always have a happy ending. What they don’t know is that fairy tales and folk tales are stories that were passed down by word of mouth for generations throughout different cultures until they were collected and written down. In their original form, these tales were moral and cautionary tales meant to frighten and teach small children how to behave. Some, especially folktales and tall tales were told as a way to explain natural phenomena such as mountain ranges, lakes, or the characteristics of some animals.
Many folk tales and fairy tales have been modified and changed into many different versions. Some have added new characters or changed the cultural setting of the story. In recent years, many of these modified tales have deleted the morbid life stories found in the originals. The early versions of the Brothers Grimm tales may have happy endings, but they contain some gruesome and harsh realities along the way. While originally found in a Nursery Tale book, the original story of the Three Little Pigs has the wolf eating the first two pigs, portraying the wolf’s natural instinct as a predator. While the third pig triumphs, he is aware of the true nature of the wolf in the story and finds a way to protect himself from the predator.
Next time you are at the library, why not rediscover the many different folktales and fairy tales that are held in the children’s collection. From the likes of Hans Christian Anderson and Aesop’s Fables to classic stories like the three Billy Goats Gruff and Snow White, there are numerous retellings of these tales along with the originals found in the 398.2 section of the library.
Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella by Robert D. San Souci – This version of Cinderella is retold with Caribbean flair through the eyes of the Godmother who is not a fairy but a poor washer woman who happens to have a magic wand. The colorful illustrations by Brian Pikney portray the vibrant colors found in the Caribbean. This book won the 2000 North Carolina Children’s book Award.
Anansi and the Magic Stick by Eric A. Kimmel – Losely based on the Liberian tale of the Magic Hoe, this story finds Anansi the spider being very lazy and not wanting to do his chores. When he finds the Hyena’s magic stick, he uses it to do his chores so he can relax. Only when he falls asleep and forgets the magic words chaos ensues. This book won the 2004 North Carolina Children’s book Award.
Rumplestiltskin by Paul O. Zelinsky – From an earlier version of the Grimms Tale, a fair maiden is locked in a room to spin straw into gold and a little man helps her but in return wants her first born child unless she can guess his name. This illustrated version of the classic tale is done in vivid medieval style oil paintings and a was Caldecott Honor book.
The Bremen Town Musicians and Other Animal Tales From Grimm. Retold by Doris Orgel. – This collection of animal tales are close to their original Grimm form. With an introduction by the author and illustrator and a brief description of the Brothers Grimm, this collection of tales illustrates the use of stories as cautionary tales.

Dive into a Great Summer Reading Book

by Dara L. Cain

Children have a lot of free time during the summer. One of the best ways to keep them engaged is to find them a book that they will enjoy reading. Here are some fun and adventurous water themed titles that can be found at Rowan Public Library that are perfect for summer time reading.
An energetic fish named Tiddler travels away from his home to go exploring in the big blue sea in the silly story Fidgety Fish by Ruth Galloway. Tiddler’s mother is hoping that he will return much calmer than when he left. On his many adventures in the sea Tiddler encounters many friendly sea creatures until he finds himself inside the mouth of a dark cave. To his surprise it is not a cave he is in but the mouth of a very BIG fish. Will Tiddler’s wiggly and fidgety self be enough to help him escape?
Another fun book is Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea by Jan Peck. Join a young sea diver as he sets out to find hidden treasure in the depths of the deep blue sea. While on his quest your child will encounter different aquatic animals as the boy hitches a ride with a dolphin, plays peek-a-boo with a sea turtle, and fences a swordfish among many other water activities. Will the boy be able to rescue the pirate treasure to bring home to his mama or is it too protectively guarded? You must read the story to find out.
Froggy Learns to Swim is a silly book about a frog who is reluctant to swim. What draws the reader in are the descriptive sound words like “zook! zik!” and “flop flop…splash” that will have your kids laughing out loud. With a little help from his swimming attire including flippers, a mask, a snorkel, and of course his encouraging mother Froggy becomes an avid swimmer. So much so that he doesn’t want to get out of the pond past nightfall. This book is not only appropriate for reluctant swimmers but for any child encountering a fear that may need a little encouragement. After reading this book your child will want to read the other titles in the series by Jonathan London.
If your child enjoys a good mystery a must read is Nate the Great and the Boring Beach Bag by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. Nate is a young boy detective who solves mysteries with the help of his dog Sludge. In this adventure Olivia’s boring blue beach bag turns up missing at the beach. To find out what happened to it follow the series of clues and help Nate, Sludge, and Olivia find her bag. The fun doesn’t stop there. You can read the other Nate the Great detective books and help solve more mysteries.
Emily has grown up on a houseboat with her mother and has never been allowed in the water until now. In the book The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler Emily takes swimming lessons at school and makes the startling discovery that she is a mermaid. How long will she be able to keep her secret? Swim along with Emily as she meets other mermaids and discovers a whole new world open up to her below the ocean. If you would like to share more sea adventures with Emily check out the subsequent titles in the series.
Author Gordon Korman’s first book in the exciting Dive trilogy is The Discovery. Four kids on a marine expedition during the summer explore an underwater habitat and unexpectedly discover gold. The suspense and tension builds up as Dante, Adriana, Kaz, and Star fight to retrieve the sunken treasure. Will they be able to work together or will the possibility of wealth divide them? And what about the sharks and the treasure hunters who are after the treasure? Read the story to find out what becomes of the gold.

by Lynn Denison

Have you had the pleasure of meeting Miss Julia Springer of Abbotsford, North Carolina? If not, you are in for a special treat. These summer days would be a great time to make her acquaintance. She is the protagonist in a series written by the well-known author, Ann B. Ross. Ms. Ross has written eleven books about Miss Julia, each one more delightful and enjoyable than the one preceding it. In the initial book, Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind, published in 1999, septuagenarian Julia Springer is a proper Southern lady whose banker husband dies suddenly, leaving her more money than she knew he possessed. He’s left another big surprise—a mistress and an illegitimate son, “Little Lloyd.” Miss Julia learns to love “Little Lloyd” and his mother, Hazel Marie Puckett, and thus she acquires the family she’s never had. She valiantly faces small town prejudices, gossip and hypocrisy and comes out on top in every situation.
Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind and the other ten books in the series are all available at Rowan Public Library. Many are available on CD and in large print format. The eleventh and newest book in the series is Miss Julia Renews Her Vows.
Author Ann B. Ross decided to complete her college education after her three children left home for college. She completed her Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees and then taught Literature and the Humanities at UNC in Asheville before beginning to write. Her first Miss Julia book was an immediate success and set her on a full-time writing career. Ms. Ross was once asked by an interviewer how she knew when something she’d written was good. She replied, “I know it’s good when I fall off my chair laughing.” That response indicates that she enjoys writing about her characters as much as her fans enjoy reading about them.
As a writer, Ms. Ross does not work with an outline or a detailed plan before starting a story. She usually has a general plot in mind that contains mainly the conflict and resolution with a few ideas of how they will be worked out. She relies on inspiration for Miss Julia’s escapades from many different sources, for example, chance remarks from friends or family, an incident she happens to see, a dream, or past experiences.
When approached by aspiring writers Ms. Ross says, “You must write! Thinking about it, researching it, talking and dreaming about it will never get it done. You must put words on paper, one after the other, even though doing that is lonely, unglamorous and sometimes pure drudgery. But to be a writer, you must write.”
Although each book in the Miss Julia series can stand alone, it would be helpful to start at the beginning and work through the series in order to truly appreciate it. Why not stop by any of Rowan Public Library’s locations today and begin a fast-paced, hilarious and thoroughly fun summer reading experience with Miss Julia and her friends?

LIBRARY NOTES: BROWSING THE SHELVES AT RPL
PAUL BIRKHEAD – MAY 30, 2010

For a book lover like me, there’s nothing quite like browsing the stacks at Rowan Public Library. I get the same feeling at bookstores, but it’s usually accompanied by feelings of guilt for spending an inordinate amount of time sampling and not buying. The library is tough to beat because borrowing books on a wide variety of subjects doesn’t cost me a penny. Just the other day, I found myself exploring the new non-fiction shelves at the library, and here are some books I just had to take home with me.

The Letter and the Scroll: What Archaeology Tells Us about the Bible is a fascinating book published by the National Geographic Society. The book is divided into chapters which cover major eras in biblical history. While the book’s authors are careful to state that their purpose is neither to prove nor disprove the Bible, anyone interested in the Bible or ancient times is sure to be impressed by the content. As is typical in National Geographic publications, the book is filled with a generous number of beautiful maps and illustrations as well as stunning photographs of priceless artifacts and archaeological finds.

In Sweet Carolina: Favorite Desserts and Candies from the Old North State, author Foy Allen Edelman presents a collection of recipes she compiled from the kitchens of North Carolinians. Over the course of several years, Edelman traveled across her home state interviewing cooks from dozens of communities. Often, she was able to procure the recipe for their signature dessert. The result is a mouthwatering collection of recipes for pies, cakes, cookies, cobblers, and even a sonker or two.

If you decide to leave the confines of North Carolina and head, with kids in tow, to Washington, D.C., you might find this book interesting. The newest edition of Washington, D.C. with Kids, published by Fodor’s, is a comprehensive tour guide. This book does a good job of guiding visitors to must-see exhibits, monuments, and historic sites. Symbols in the book designate specific things to note, such as Helpful Hints, Smart Stuff, as well as Money-Saving and Time-Saving Tips. Items of interest to ‘Tweens and Teens’ and even those of ‘All Ages’ are also found for most attractions.

The final book that caught my attention was Letters to Jackie: Condolences from a Grieving Nation. The cover of the book is graced by the smiling faces of John and Jackie Kennedy taken from a photograph made shortly after their arrival in Texas. Little did anyone know what horrors lay ahead for them and the Nation. The assassination of President Kennedy in Dallas unleashed a whirlwind of sympathy for his widow. In the course of seven weeks, Mrs. Kennedy received nearly a million condolence letters. A large collection of these letters was kept and has been stored for years, largely unexamined, in the archives of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. In Letters to Jackie, historian Ellen Fitzpatrick selected 250 letters she felt compelling. In these, ordinary Americans sought to relay their sympathies to the late President’s wife and perhaps come to grips with their own grief.

No matter what subjects might interest you, come to the Rowan Public Library, and I’m sure you’ll find many books that will catch your eye. Be forewarned, though, simply browsing the shelves of our newest acquisitions can result in walking out the door with a whole armload.

Library Notes—May 3, 2010—Betty Moore

Geography of Bliss


Just as some happiness experts say we find moments of happiness on our way to something else, I discovered Eric Weiner’s CD book about happiness, “The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World” on my way to something else. Having heard some of the radio reports by this foreign correspondent, and learning that he read his own book for the CD, I picked it up at the library to listen to in the car. RPL also has the print book.

In his work Weiner has traveled to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Indonesia, which many people would consider unhappy places. “What if,” Weiner wondered, “I spent a year traveling the globe, seeking out not the world’s well-trodden trouble spots but, rather, its unheralded happy places? Places that possess, in spades, one or more of the ingredients that we consider essential to the hearty stew of happiness: money, pleasure, spirituality, family, and chocolate, among others.”

Weiner first travels to the Netherlands, especially to meet with Dutch professor Ruut Veenhoven, “the godfather of happiness research,” who oversees the “World Database of Happiness.”

He also spends time in Switzerland, Qatar, Iceland, Britain, Moldova, Thailand, and several other countries to see if its inhabitants actually fit the stereotypes of happiness (or in the case of Moldova, unhappiness), that others would expect of them.

Curious about Bhutan’s policy of Gross National Happiness, he learns that the Bhutanese regard “happiness” as something very different from the smiley-face version often seen in the US. For them it is a collective endeavor. He is told, “We don’t believe in this Robinson Crusoe happiness. All happiness is relational.”

Weiner’s book is not so much a book about “how to be happy” as it is one that explores what happiness means in a number of cultures, how it connects to history, wealth, religion, geography and other cultural aspects.

At the end of the book he says that after all his world travels, he now happily divides his time between his living room and his kitchen. I enjoyed the book’s mixture of history, research, culture, memoir, and travelogue, as well as the wry humor of his presentation.

Rather than travel to see where in the world happy people live, Gretchen Rubin looks at home for ways to increase her own happiness. In her book “The Happiness Project: Or, Why I spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun,” she chronicles her year-long project to look at “the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier.” A review in “Publishers Weekly” says Rubin balances “the personal and the universal with a light touch.”

Library Notes
Rebecca Hyde - April 26, 2010


Sonia Dourlot (“Insect Museum”) provides an engaging introduction to the study of insects. The “little beasts” share our daily routines. They are plentiful and widespread. Our ignorance is at the core of our fears surrounding them. And we should become familiar with their behavior because they play a very important ecological role. The following books offer understanding and appreciation of insects that you may see in your garden or in someone else’s. May you then step lightly and spend more time close to the ground.

With descriptions of 114 species of insects and other arthropods and full-page color images, Dourlot’s “Insect Museum” demonstrates the beauty and complexity of that world. Encounter close up the lovely damselfly and the social southern brown wood ant.

For a grand overview of the insect world, see Stephen A Marshall’s “Insects: Their Natural History and Diversity.” The book is based on material collected for a third-year entomology course. It covers all the major insect families but focuses on the common ones of eastern North America. With this book, you can be a student of insects of the world, or leaf through the illustrated picture keys to identify a backyard discovery. Read the author’s preface (“An Overview of Six-legged Life”) and the Introduction (What is an insect?”). You’ll understand why “if insects are worth getting to know as an enemy of humankind, they are even more worthy of attention as our benefactors.”

For an “entomophile” view of the insect world, there are the autobiographies of Thomas Eisner and E. O. Wilson. Eisner’s “For Love of Insects” is both a memoir of a life in the field and an appreciation of the insect world. Eisner knew he was passionately interested in insects and genuinely interested in chemistry. His encounter with the bombardier beetle was his lucky break. He “struck gold,” for the beetle is a champion chemist. That discovery led to a career focusing on chemical communication in insects and other arthropods. Edward O. Wilson has collaborated with Eisner through the years and calls his friend a world-class biologist and an exceptional naturalist. He’s also an exceptional photographer. Eisner is a professor of chemical ecology at Cornell.

E. O Wilson (“Naturalist”) never grew out of his bug period as a child. And two early events, the spine of a pinfish and hearing loss in the upper registers, made him an entomologist, with his surviving eye turned to the ground, committed to celebrating the little things of the world. How is a naturalist created? A child comes to the edge of deep water with a mind prepared to wonder. Hands-on experience, not systematic knowledge, is what counts. As he grows older, complicated details and context from his culture are added, but the core image stays intact.

Wilson views himself as the “nominal founder” of sociobiology, and in his later years, “a civilized hunter,” in the field, studying the ants of the West Indies, island by island. He feels the same emotions he had as a teenage student, when his ambition was to be this kind of scientist.

It is curious that in the “Naturalist,” Wilson writes “one does not need to make ants protagonists of a novel to bring them deserved attention.” His novel, “Anthill,” was published in April.

Sara Grajek
Rowan Public Library – Library Notes
April 20, 2010

I noticed just the other day that the number one book on Amazon’s top 100 list for Teens was Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This made me stop and think for a moment about whether teens were reading this for fun, or for homework. I quickly decided that as long as books were being read, it didn’t really matter and moved on to thinking about some of the great spin-offs that have come from Miss Austen’s classic novel as well as many of the other types of retellings. Granted, some kids will need little convincing to read the original versions of the classics, but for others, these titles may be the stepping stone to get them there.
Shannon Hale is a popular young author of young adult books with many fairy tale retellings to her name. She has now crossed over to write an adult Jane Austen retelling, Austenland. Although generally categorized as chick-lit, this novel has definite cross-over appeal to older teen readers who are interested in all things Austen. The main character, Jane, inherits a trip to a resort in Pembrook Park (located in Kent, England) where all visitors dress, and act and eat as if they were in Jane Austen’s England. Although she is determined to put her Austen obsession behind her after this vacation, Jane finds herself in the middle of a romance suitable for one of Austen’s novels.
Even movies have been caught up in Jane Austen’s world and Lost in Austen is one example of this. Amanda Price longs for the romance of Jane Austen’s world and is tired of her modern life. One day, she discovers a secret passageway in her bathroom that leads directly to the Bennett’s home, and Amanda and Elizabeth Bennett accidentally trade worlds. Amanda disrupts the plot of Pride and Prejudice by creating new marriages and Mr. Darcy even falls in love with her. Meanwhile, in present day, Elizabeth gets a job and discovers the internet. Will Elizabeth ever find her way back to Mr. Darcy and all will be right in the world of Austen? You’ll have stop by the library and get the movie to find out.
In Saving Juliet by Suzanne Selfors, Mimi Wallingford has the starring role in her family’s production of Romeo and Juliet on Broadway. There’s only one problem. She would do just about anything to get away from her family and their acting company. In a parallel universe, in Shakespeare’s time, Juliet Verona is being forced into a marriage with someone she doesn’t love, and would do almost anything to avoid her betrothed. When Mimi gets her wish to escape and is transported back in time with her hunky co-star Tony, she meets the real Juliet and starts to believe Shakespeare’s original ending may not be the best for everyone involved.
Some authors are well-known for their work with retellings and simply have too many titles to list. Donna Jo Napoli has close to ten titles that center around fairy tales. Featuring stories such as Beauty and the Beast, The Pied Piper of Hamlin, and Rumpelstiltskin, Napoli’s writings weave stories from points of view and settings far removed from the originals. Robin McKinley has also written several retellings, favoring the Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty tales. With the current popularity of retellings, chances are one of your favorite authors may have written one. Check for one at Rowan Public Library today!

Library Notes/April 15, 2010
Dara L. Cain

Stomp into a First-Rate Children’s Book

Boys and girls alike are fascinated with dinosaurs. There is just something intriguing about the prehistoric animals that roamed the earth millions of years ago. Mentioned below are some notable dinosaur books that are sure to captivate any child’s attention and are available at the Rowan Public Library.

Ten Terrible Dinosaurs by Paul Stickland is a fun and educational dinosaur counting book for young children. Count back from ten to one as the silly dinosaurs in the story stomp, play, swing, and dance until at long last only one slumberous dinosaur remains. Children will be so taken with the colorful dinosaurs and their mischievous ways that they may not even realize they are learning subtraction.

While purchasing donuts at the store a young boy’s dreams come true when he learns that today only every store is giving away a real dinosaur with each purchase. Things couldn’t be more perfect until the young boy realizes that he must come up with an innovative way to convince his mother to let him keep his new dinosaur friends in the picture book When Dinosaurs Came with Everything by Elise Broach.

Jamie and his friend Tom discover a cave that transports them into a prehistoric world filled with dinosaurs in the book Attack of the Tyrannosaurus. Join them in this action pact story and they encounter a friendly wannanosaurus to the frightful Tyrannosaurus Rex who can’t wait to devour the two young boys. To learn of their daring escape and to experience more adventures with Jamie and Tom be sure to read the chapter books in the Dinosaur Cove series by Rex Stone.

If your child loves getting their hands on factual information about dinosaurs here are some great titles that won’t disappoint. Dinosaur Days is an easy reader book by Joyce Milton. This book provides a simple introduction to specific dinosaurs including the popular Ankylosaurus, Brontosaurus, and Stegosaurus. What makes this book accessible to children is the large type font, the phonetic pronunciation of the dinosaurs, and the large illustrations that accompany the text.
After reading Dinosaurs! by Gail Gibbons children will be familiar with the amazing theories surrounding dinosaur extinction, their unique characteristics, and their diverse habitats. They will also learn about the helpful clues that dinosaur fossils have provided to paleontologists about dinosaur eggs, nests, their babies, what they ate and much more.
Sure to be an eye catcher is the book Extreme Dinosaurs written by Robert Mash with the yellow glass dinosaur eye embedded in its cover. This appealing book doesn’t stop there as children will be immersed in this colorful and interactive book with its pull-tabs, flaps, and foldouts full of detailed information. A dinosaur quiz is also provided towards the end of the book to test your knowledge.

Library Notes

Erika Kosin


Poetry can be entertaining and educational for children
April has been hailed as National Poetry month since 1996 and as many celebrate poetry’s place in literature lets take a look at the types of poetry that are meant for children. Children are exposed to the rhythms and rhymes of the English Language early on in the form of Nursery Rhymes. Children are drawn to the beat and the silliness these rhymes have to offer and the lyrical nature of these rhymes help them develop the language skills necessary to succeed in school. From the silly and nonsensical stylings of Shel Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends and Falling Up to the introduction of Shakespeare and the rhythms of his prose, poetry offers the opportunity for children of all ages to increase their vocabulary through words not regularly heard by the child being used to make a rhyme. While many poems may be above the child’s comprehension level, reading poems with them may help develop language skills through the rhythm of the words and there are poetry books available for every age, level and taste. Here are some poetry books that may speak to children and their parents.
Runny Babbit by Shel Silverstein – while most adults may be aware of other poetry books by this author, many may not know of this little gem. This book is a collection of poems that moves consonants around under the pretence that animals use language differently then humans. Not only are the poems amusing but children may like the challenge of figuring out how the words have been changed.
Awful Ogre’s Awful Day by Jack Prelutsky – A series of poems that make up a day in the life of the awful Ogre, each describing a different aspect of his day. Since some of the entries are on the gross and silly side, this collection of poems has great boy appeal. It also contains humorous illustrations by Paul O. Zelinsky.
Poetry for Young People: Maya Angelou edited by Edwin Graves Wilson, PH.D – This collection of Maya Angelou’s famous poems, serves as a rewarding introduction to the more serious side of poetry. It contains a brief biography of the poet’s life, a brief explanation of each poem, and definitions of the words used that may be unfamiliar to children. A great way to introduce children to poetry of a more serious nature.
Poetry Speaks to Children edited by Elise Paschen – This collection of poems with child appeal includes poems from famous poets such as Emily Dickinson, William Shakespeare, Robert Frost, and Langston Hughes as well as a poetic excerpt from the book The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien. The poems in this collection range from serious to silly making this book a great introduction to many great poets. As an added bonus this book includes an accompanying CD containing tracks of some of the poems with quite a few being read by the poet themselves.

Planning a wedding for less
Rowan Public Library
by Lynn A. Denison

With the average cost for a wedding in the United States today ranging from $21,000 to $28,000.00, it is not surprising that many couples are looking for ways to cut expenses. At Rowan Public Library, we have several new books that may be helpful to the prospective bride and groom as well as to their parents. Stylish Weddings for Less: How to Plan Your Dream Wedding on a Budget by Catherine Sabino helps couples find ways to have that fabulous, always-dreamed-of wedding without ending up with a mountain of debt. This book is in an easy-to-reference format and covers everything from finding bargains on rings, gowns, and wedding cakes to locating incredible reception sites at affordable prices and getting the best deals on photography and honeymoon travel. This book is sure to be an indispensable resource for cost conscious young couples.
Another new title is Do It For Less Weddings: How to Create Your Dream Wedding Without Breaking the Bank. Author Denise Vivaldo has planned and catered more than 10,000 parties and offers her considerable expertise to help couples with menus, recipes, thematic decorating plans, charts and checklists. She includes more than 500 cost saving tips, ideas and professional advice on all aspects of a wedding. Step by step the author encourages couples to think outside the box, use resourcefulness and careful planning, and make every dollar count toward the perfect wedding.
A quote from Oprah, “If you’re getting married you need this book!”, refers to Bridal Bargains: Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget by Denise and Alan Fields. The Fields give a money back guarantee with their book, stating that if their tips don’t save the engaged couple at least $500 on their wedding, they can receive a complete refund of the purchase price. Not surprisingly, Bridal Bargains is America’s top best-selling wedding book.
A companion to Bridal Bargains is the Bridal Bargains Wedding Planner by the Fields. This book complements Bridal Bargains and is packed with invaluable worksheets, budgets, and to-do lists in a handy, spiral-bound format.
In addition to the books mentioned above, the library has a large selection of wedding related books. If there is a wedding in your future, be sure to put a visit to Rowan Public Library at the top of your “to do” list!

Study renewable energy sources at library

By Edward A. Hirst

Rowan Public Library

With the high energy costs associated with our past winter, it seems like a good time to investigate renewable energy sources. I found the following books available at Rowan Public Library.

"Wind Energy Basics: A Guide to Home and Community Scale Wind Energy Systems," by Paul Gipe, offers a how-to for home-based wind applications, with advice on which wind turbines to choose and which to avoid.

He guides wind-energy installers through considerations such as renewable investment strategies and gives cautionary tales of wind applications gone wrong.

"The Solar House: Passive Heating and Cooling," written by Daniel D. Chiras, is a well thought-out guide for embracing an eco-friendly home. "The Solar House" is recommended as a do-it-yourself home reference for the general reader with an interest in making their home as comfortable and environmentally friendly as possible.

"Got Sun? Go Solar: Harness Nature's Free Energy to Heat and Power Your Grid-Tied Home," by Rex A. Ewing and Doug Pratt, is a well-written book that cuts through the hype and explains how grid-connected homeowners can think their energy future.

Solar and wind-generated electricity, solar water heating, passive solar techniques and geothermal heating/cooling will allow homeowners to save money and protect themselves from rising utility rates.

"Solar Power Your Home for Dummies" provides the homeowner a good introduction to how solar energy can be put to practical, everyday use. This is a great book for someone who doesn't like to read a lot of technical jargon. The book has a list of references for more information as well as practical projects for the person with experience in the solar energy field.

"The Passive Solar House Book: Using Solar Design to Heat and Cool Your Home," by James Kachadorian, is an excellent resource for anybody planning to build a solar house in the future.

Provided examples walk the homeowner through all the necessary calculations which are necessary for effective solar structures. Many different types of backup heating systems are discussed, including how they work together with the solar heating system. This book focuses on a single "solar slab" design concept and only mentions other designs in passing.

"The Renewable Energy Handbook: Updated Comprehensive Guide to Renewable Energy and Independent Living," by William H. Kemp, explains everything you've ever wanted to know about creating your own energy. You will find information on solar, wind, hydro, bio-fuels and practical applications for each. There are also real-life examples from people who are living every day through renewable energy. They share their stories and what has and has not worked for them.

Save some of your own green by checking out these books and see what else the Rowan Public Library has to offer.

MYSTERIES IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
PAUL BIRKHEAD

There’s nothing quite like the great outdoors to clear the mind and refresh the spirit. That is unless the great outdoors just happens to be the setting for a gruesome murder or two. Some of the best novels I’ve read lately have featured the rough territory of the western United States as their backdrop. Maybe it’s the majestic mountain scenery or the tough personalities that one tends to find out west, but stories that take place in those types of locations just seem to draw me in.

C. J. Box is a writer based out of Wyoming who has written a series of mysteries with a game warden as his protagonist. Joe Pickett, game warden of Twelve Sleep County, Wyoming, is a hero in the classic vein. He has his faults, but for the most part he’s a stand-up guy just trying to do the best job he can on the public payroll. In the first few pages of the Pickett novels, Joe always seems to find himself smack dab in the middle of a murder mystery. Though he’s been told countless times to back down or not ruffle any feathers, somehow Joe can never help himself as he follows lead after lead and we love him for it. Environmental terrorists and corrupt bureaucrats alike should be wary when Joe Pickett gets it in his head to see something through.

Nevada Barr is another author who has written mysteries that take place largely outdoors. Taking inspiration from her employment as a National Park Service ranger in several parks, Nevada Barr created her much beloved character Anna Pigeon. Anna is a park service ranger who gets reassigned frequently and finds mystery wherever she goes. Her adventures have taken place in several parks, including Yosemite, Carlsbad Caverns, Cumberland Island National Seashore, and the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Another series that takes place, not in a park setting, but in the wild backcountry of Alaska, are the Jessie Arnold mystery books. These books are written by Sue Henry, an award-winning author, who makes her home in Alaska. The heroine that Sue Henry created, Jessie Arnold, is a champion dogsled racer. In the series, Jessie Arnold continually gets tangled up in murder mysteries and uses her amateur detective skills to their fullest when solving them.

If you like murder mysteries or stories that take place in the wilderness or in the majesty of our national parks, you’re sure to enjoy each of these series. Come by Rowan Public Library and get hooked on books with adventures in them as wild as the great outdoors.

Gretchen Beilfuss Witt

Immortal words

With the movie adaptation of “The Lightning Thief “ just out in theatres to be closely followed by a remake of “Clash of the Titans”, the moviegoer is well advised to brush off that old mythology book and catch up on Who’s Who in the Greco-Roman world. Mythologies of the world have moved artists of all types of media to recreate the stories of yore. Morford and Lenardon’s “Classical Mythology” relates these timeless stories as they are traditionally remembered. The twelve Olympians and their escapades, the demigods and the great sagas of Perseus, Hercules and Odysseus are recounted. A ‘music and film’ section near the end of the book shares how these marvelous tales have inspired other works. Great composers including Scarlatti, Beethoven and Stravinsky have crafted brilliant works from Greek sagas. From operas to Cole Porter’s musical “Out of This World”, these stories have entertained for centuries and continue to encourage creative musings.
Patrice Kindl’s “Lost in the Labyrinth” is a marvelous account of the family of the ‘minotaur’ of Crete. Told from the perspective of the younger sister of Ariadne, Xenodice explains about her half-brother Asterius, the Minotaur, her love for Icarus, the inventor’s son, and the spitefulness of her sister Ariadne. Unlike the patriarchal centered Greek culture, Xenodice relates that her island kingdom is ruled by her mother, Queen Pasiphae. The story begins just before Theseus’ arrival on the island of Crete or Knossos as part of the Athenian tribute. Her life is turned upside down by the love affair of Theseus and Ariadne and the consequences precipitated by the choices of each character.
Piers Anthony’s series on the Incarnations of Immortality” takes a darkly humorous look at a strange world parallel to our own. In the battle between God and Satan, others have taken important roles; Fate, in reality three women who inhabit one body changing as needed, spin, measure and cut the thread of life, Mars the god of war supervises the wars of the world, and Chronos, who moves backwards through time all influence the mortals around them . “On A Pale Horse”, begins the series describing how Zane, a mortal about to commit suicide instead shoots Death and assumes the role of Thanatos, collector of souls. As the other Incarnations help him adapt to his new role, Zane’s love for a young woman, Luna pits him in a battle with Satan himself. With Luna’s life at stake, Zane must best the Prince of Lies, who tries to cheat his way to victory.
With a futuristic twist, Dan Simmons, adapts the story of the Olympiads and Iliad. Set on Mars in the fortieth century, “Ilium” is narrated by a resurrected twenty-first century Ancient Greek Scholar, who now serves the Muse in a landscape burgeoning with technological marvels. Adele Geras has followed up her account of Troy with “Ithaka” told by Klymene, childhood friend of Telemachus, Odysseus’ son. She recounts Penelope’s long wait, her own love of Telemachus and the betrayals and loyalties that restore the King to his throne.
Journeys, magical talismans, monsters and mythical beasts of Greek origin fascinate and continue to capture our attention. Pick up a book and immerse yourself in a different world.

Library Notes
Betty Moore
Mysteries set in Africa

Combine your love of intriguing mysteries with a chance to explore locations in Africa you may never get a chance to visit in person. Rowan Public Library has several new mysteries that give readers a taste of less familiar locales while delving into some of each region’s social and cultural issues. The books have a lot of variety - from gentle humor to gritty realism, from life in modern cities to traditional villages to nomad camps.
Many mystery readers have already discovered Alexander McCall Smith’s gentle stories about Mma Ramotswe’s Number One Ladies Detective Agency in Botswana. The author’s love of that country and its people shines through his series.
That is also true of a new series by Michael Stanley set in Botswana that features police detective David Bengu. In the series debut, “Carrion Death,” he investigates the case of a body found in a remote game preserve and keeps finding links to the country’s largest company – Botswana Cattle and Mining. This forensic thriller contains well-developed characters and grisly realism in its intricate plot. It also looks at issues such as poaching, diamond smuggling, and the status of the Kalahari Bushmen. The second in the series is “The Second Death of Goodluck Tinubu.”
Charlotte author Tamar Myers steps outside the box of her two long-time mystery series (Den of Antiquity and Pennsylvania Dutch) to pen “The Witch Doctor’s Wife,” a stand-alone mystery set in the Congo in the 1950’s. Amanda, a 23-year-old native of South Carolina, has come to the Congo to run a missionary guesthouse. As she struggles with culture shock, she becomes involved in the lives of local villagers. After Amanda hires the wife of a local witch doctor, the discovery of a large uncut diamond leads to that woman being charged with murder.
The novel is based on many of Myers’ own experiences growing up there as the daughter of white missionaries. She also weaves in African folktales and local customs. In a starred review, Publisher’s Weekly says, “This marks a major breakthrough for Myers.”
“Wife of the Gods,” Kwei Quartey’s debut, brings Ghana to life. It is the story of Detective Inspector Darko Dawson, who goes to the village of Ketanu to solve the murder of a young AIDS worker. He learns about Trokosi, a system where young teenage girls are sent to live with fetish priests to bring good fortune to their families. As he solves a recent murder, Darko discovers the shocking truth about his own mother's disappearance.
A physician who grew up in Ghana, author Quartey compares western medicine to traditional medicine and supernatural beliefs. He also looks at contrasts within Ghana between wealth and poverty, education and illiteracy, and more.
Three recent mysteries set in South Africa have all received starred reviews. “A Beautiful Place to Die” by film maker Malla Nunn explores the country’s divided society of the 1950s. “Cape Greed” by Sam Cole “combines the street smarts of Elmore Leonard with Deon Meyer’s gritty depictions of South Africa,” according to Library Journal. Deon Meyer’s own latest thriller, “Blood Safari,” is set mainly in the country’s game preserves.

Library Notes
Rebecca Hyde – January 26, 2010

Some people may look at a picture and call it a masterpiece; others will not call it art. There is a great deal of science underlying art. The following books bridge the gap between the two.

James Elkins was a painter and is now an art historian. In “What Painting Is,” he examines the act of painting (specifically oil painting), rather than the history of the art. In other words, what is thinking in painting as opposed to thinking about painting? The thoughts of the artist are embedded in the paint, “liquid thought.” And the process of turning the thickness of paint into a picture is like the efforts of alchemists, trying to mix and mingle ingredients to produce a purified, rare substance. Elkins examines the term “hypostasis,” the feeling that something as dead as paint might also be deeply alive and full of thought. A painted window and be brilliant with light (Matisse’s open windows), but it is also a heavy mineral deposit and absolutely opaque. Or look at the brushstrokes that remain fixed in a painting for all to see: material memories of the artist at work.

Phillip Ball in “Bright Earth: Art and the Invention of Color,” understands painterly color as a language, a language of images that takes “a short cut to our senses and our emotions.” The great debate on color covers its historical traditions, psychology, prejudices, religiosity, and mysticism. Ball enters the debate through the substance of color. He has been trained as a chemist, so paint and pigments are for him materials with appearances, smells, and textures: “Vermilion conjures up the sulfur and mercury of the alchemists.” His book is a history interweaving chemical technology and the use of color in art. The demand for color spawned the modern chemical industry: “Many of the world’s major chemical companies - BASF, Bayer, Hoechst, Ciba-Geigy – began as manufacturers of synthetic dyes.” And as in the far past, painters consorted with alchemists to procure colors. Chapters range from “Secret Recipes” and the “Old Gold” of the masters’ restricted palettes to the “Reign of Light” of Impressionism and “Capturing Color” in reproduction.

Margaret Livingstone is a neurobiologist. In her book, “Vision and Art: the Biology of Seeing,” she explores the physics of light and how that visual information is processed in the brain. She is particularly interested in how our visual systems process color and luminance (or lightness) in order for us to see illusions in art. Moving from the physics of light and the structures of the eye and brain, Livingstone then explores how the techniques of great painters and, more recently, computer technology exploit the human visual system. She makes the point that art ultimately depends on the brain. If we understand that connection then we can deepen our appreciation of both the art and the science of what we see.

Library Notes/January 15, 2010
Dara L. Cain

“I Love You” Books for Children

There is not better way to show your children that you love them then by spending quality time with them. With Valentine’s Day approaching one way to that is to read with them some children’s books that remind them of how very special they are. Here are some heartfelt titles that are available at the Rowan Public Library.
In this lovely picture book, Counting Kisses by Karen Katz discover how many kisses it takes to say goodnight to the charming baby before she finally falls asleep. Count down from ten to one as each parent, grandparent, sibling, and pet lulls baby to sleep with kisses on every sweet part of her body from “ten little kisses on teeny tiny toes” to a final kiss on a “sleep, dreamy head.” This memorable counting book portrays the love a family feels for their newborn child and is perfect for reading on Valentine’s Day or any other day of the year.
Even though Little Roo, a young kangaroo is having a bad day he still knows that his mother loves him unconditionally in the picture book I Love It When You Smile by Sam McBratney. In this heart warming story Little Roo wakes up grumpy and his mother tries everything from tickling him to flipping him up head over heals into the air to try and get him to smile. A surprise ending leaves Little Roo and his mother in a “muddy-at-the-bottom hole” and that’s when “Little Roo couldn’t do anything else. He just had to…smile!”
The holiday book titled It’s Valentine’s Day by Jack Prelutsky is sure to have your children laughing. The fourteen poems included in this book are great for beginner readers who will surely be entertained. A couple of the silly poems include “Mother’s Chocolate Valentine” which is about a child who buys a box of chocolate hearts for his mother and gives her only the box because he ends up eating all the chocolate and, “My Father’s Valentine” which is about a boy who gives his father a valentine heart no bigger than the size of a bean because he kept trying to cut out a perfect heart.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo is a beautiful story about Edward Tulane, and arrogant an selfish china rabbit who goes on a journey of self discovery. Edward who was once dearly loved and taken care of by a girl named Abilene and who he never appreciated in return is lost overboard during a sea voyage. Heartbroken and alone Edward is rescued and discovers the true meaning of love as he finds himself living with different families including a hobo and a sickly child. His journey teaches him the meaning of love and how to open your heart again after a loss.
If you want a simple introduction that explains the history and customs of Valentine’s Day to share with your child read the book Valentine’s Day Is… written and illustrated by Gail Gibbons. Gibbons starts off discussing the holiday with the ancient Romans who “celebrated the beginning of spring with a festival” and goes on to talk about Saint Valentine, the Duke of Orleans who was “the first person to make valentines,” Cupid, and the symbols and customs of the holiday. A homemade craft with instructions can also be found at the back of the book.

Erika Kosin
Library Notes
January 8th, 2010
Children’s books with Adult Appeal

Whether a picture book, fiction or non-fiction, thousands of children’s books are published each year. With many types of books geared towards different age groups available it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint which titles are meant for which age. Then there are those books that, even though they are meant for children, talk more to the parents, teachers, and librarians who would purchase them. These books usually contain well thought out stories that speak to adults on a different level than kids who may read them. Some of these stories may be found in a Children’s Chapter book, while others are full of illustrations and are marketed as picture books. Take the picture book Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury about a mother not wanting her child to grow up and move away. This book is geared toward the parent more than the child and children may not understand the sentimentality of the book. It deals with the emotions that parents feel as they watch their child grow up and become more independent. Here are a few examples of books written for children that appeal to adults on a variety of levels that can be found at the Rowan Public Library.

Pete & Pickles by Berkeley Breathed – ages 9 +. This picture book for older readers follows Pete, a perfectly predictable pig who lives an uncomplicated life, until one stormy night when he finds an elephant hiding in his bedroom. From then on, Pete and Pickles have many ridiculous adventures together that include swan diving off of Niagara Falls and sledding down the Matterhorn in Switzerland. This is a story of friendship that incorporates a gamut of emotions including fear, sadness, anger, and love. The beautiful illustrations enhance the story while taking inspiration from many famous works of art.

The Magician’s Elephant by Kate Dicamillo – ages 9+. Another great book from the author who brought us The Tale of Desperaux and Because of Winn Dixie, The Magician’s Elephant follows orphan Peter Augustus Duchene as he searches for an elephant after a fortune teller in the market square informs him that his sister is indeed alive and that to find her he must follow the elephant. As he tries to decipher the cryptic message about an elephant that should not exist, he struggles with the ideas of truth, faith, and the willingness to believe in the impossible. A richly layered novel, The Magicians Elephant gives readers the power of learning to believe.

Crow Call by Lois Lowry – ages 9+. A young girl named Liz goes hunting for crows with her father who also happens to be a stranger. He was off fighting in a war for many years so Liz does not know him very well but she is happy to be spending the day with him, even if it is to hunt crows. Based on real events from the authors life, this is a powerful story of longing and love between a father and a daughter separated by circumstance that adults separated from their children may be able to identify with.

Library Notes
Lynn Denison
December 14, 2009

One of the most enjoyable and memorable times of the winter season is when families put aside daily routines and enjoy spending special time together. Why not add a little pizzazz to your family gatherings this year by planning to play several games—both traditional ones and new ones for young and old alike?

While browsing the area of new books at Rowan Public Library today I found several books that would make adding games to your social activities an easy task.

Mary Hohenstein has compiled a book titled Games that is brimming with great ideas for everyone’s taste, for every situation, and for every age. A glance at the table of contents shows such old time favorites as Drop the Handkerchief, Charades, I Spy, Name that Tune, and I Doubt It. There are over 200 separate games described in the book. The purposes and benefits derived from playing are listed after each game. A few of the many benefits named are building relationships, encouraging and edifying each other, and improving self esteem. Those are outstanding benefits from something as simple as playing a game with your family or friends.

Best New Games, written by Dale LeFevre, includes 77 games and 7 trust activities for all ages and abilities. The games are labeled cooperative games, are for the fit as well as the infirm, and are targeted to unite any group of people through play—perfect for a gathering of family and friends. A particularly useful aspect of the book is found in the “Game Finder”. This lists each game in chart form and basically advises what new games to use in any given situation. It gives an overview that categorizes the games according to activity level, timing, number of people needed, cognitive attributes, physical demands as well as other important elements.

A book that I especially like is one that focuses on the joy of playing together rather than the outcome. This book is titled Cooperative Games and Sports: Joyful Activities for Everyone by Terry Orlick. If you’re not a big fan of competitive games or games of elimination, this may be the book for which you are looking. The games involve figuring things out and having to communicate your ideas in order to make the games work. This is an easy to use book with ideas about what age would respond best and how to make the games more challenging as they are mastered by the players.

The Great Big Book of Children’s Games written by Debra Wise is full of fun games of all sorts: ball games, water games, chase games, card games and fun versions of games like “Shut the Box” and “Beetle” that can be made at home.

With such creative books as these readily available at your public library, no one needs to be bored during family get-togethers, snow days, or any type of party. Why not stop by Rowan Public Library today and look for books to widen your horizons, expand your knowledge, or create an escape into another world for a time. Our staff will look forward to seeing you soon.

LIBRARY NOTES: STARTING YOUR OWN SMALL BUSINESS
PAUL BIRKHEAD – DECEMBER 6, 2009

Many people share the same desire to start their own small business. Unfortunately, it is all too common for them to also share similar frustration when seeking out information on how to get started. There are many types of resources competing for the attention of those seeking help in starting a small business. The reference librarians at Rowan Public Library are always happy to assist you in finding credible information that meets your needs.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is the government agency in charge of aiding, counseling, and protecting the interests of small business in America. The SBA has some wonderful information on its website (www.sba.gov) that was designed to educate citizens who want to start their own business. One nice feature on the website is a self-evaluation tool that can help you decide if creating your own business is right for you. There is also a glossary of terms on the website that can familiarize you with business lingo. Of course, there is no charge to use any of these features because it comes from the U. S. government.

So You Want to Start a Business? by Edward D. Hess and Charles F. Goetz, is a book you can find at Rowan Public Library that discusses eight steps to take before making the leap into small business. The combined experience of the authors creating and operating small businesses gives them particular insight into what mistakes most people make when going into business for themselves and how to avoid repeating them. One of the first chapters in the book explains how to evaluate potential net profit margins from whatever product or service you wish to sell. If it’s clear you can’t make money selling a product, you can save yourself a lot of trouble by investigating something else.

The Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business is a book written by a practicing attorney, Fred S. Steingold. Business owners are frequently confronted with legal questions, but definitely the most often when their venture is getting started. This resource gives advice on many legal issues, including forming a corporation, choosing the right type of insurance, and even negotiating a favorable lease.

The North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is a state government agency that was established in 1984 with a mission to help North Carolina’s emerging entrepreneurs by providing free counseling and information. The agency’s website (www.sbtdc.org) has extensive resources, including a 40-page Business Start-up and Resource Guide. Another enlightening document is the SBTDC Annual Report, which always features several success stories from SBTDC clients.

If you’re dreaming of starting a small business here in North Carolina, you’ll be in good company. Many of your neighbors have already started businesses of their own. Some who started their own business did so in hopes of getting rich, while some simply yearned to be their own boss. Still others sought the security of not being laid off without notice again. Whatever the reasons for starting a new business, the key to success is in careful research and planning. Come into Rowan Public library and let us help get you started.