Editor’s Note: The following article is a synopsis written by staff members and volunteers of the Cary Memorial Library in Houlton highlighting one of the suggested reading books, as determined by the staff.
This week we have two topics to bring to you. First, never having attended a brand-new school, it is hard for me to imagine what the school might feel as opening day approaches. Talented author Adam Rex just dives right into his subject and away we go from being new and quiet and apprehensive (the building itself admits he is dreading the first day) to busy, busy, and filled with noise.
In his book “Schools … First Day of School”, the janitor plans to arrive after the children leave to clean again which does nothing to settle the school’s fears!
So with some boys and girls not wanting to be there and some who were pleased with the new place, the day begins. The school squirted water into a rude face and had the first fire drill which scared the little ones, so the school apologizes for his two reactions. Readers will laugh at the “nose milk” and the “ouch” from a pushpin.
As you might suppose, the school wants the children to come back another day. The janitor promises to do his best to have them back. Christian Robinson’s spare, colorful illustrations add much to the text without detracting from it. Nice book.
Our second selection, “Clara” is based on a true story from the eighteenth century when kings ruled, not many people traveled, and each discovery made the rounds by word of mouth. But then, as now, money was a goal. A Caldecott Medalist book by Emily Arnold McCully, self-illustrated, Clara travels (and there are maps) throughout Europe meeting the rich and poor alike who had never seen a baby rhinoceros. it was not easy as Clara ate much, gained much weight, and so “her Captain” made ever-bigger horse drawn wagons and used a large ship for sea adventures. Guess how many horses were needed to pull Clara from village to town to castle?
The Captain and Clara grew very fond of each other and Clara kept on eating especially oranges, grain, hay and almost any plant- about 100 pounds of food a day!
For 17 years the two journeyed together astounding the populations of many countries, starting fads in new hair styles, inspiring music and poetry. When her bighorn dropped off, it was first thought to be a tragedy and Clara might be sick. Lo and behold: she started growing a bigger one!
Though the basic facts are true, the author has added text which makes this a good story for animal lovers with a wee bit of history thrown in. Remember to check the schedule for Children’s Times at Cary; it is fun there.
The Cary Memorial Library is open Mondays-Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call 532-1302.
