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'dogs'

Dec 02

10 Warm and Cozy Picture Books by Genesis Gaule

Posted to Campbell Unclassified on December 2, 2021 at 4:05 PM by Genesis Gaule

Need a little emotional pick-me-up? Something to melt away the winter blahs? If so, pull your little one close and snuggle up to these comforting and uplifting picture books. Like a cup of hot chocolate and a fluffy fleece blanket, they are sure to leave you feeling all warm and cozy inside.

With Snow:

Want to rediscover the wonder of winter? Try these heartwarming reads!

Extra Yarn

by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

After she finds a skein of colorful magic yarn, an unassuming little girl quietly transforms her community’s cold winter world into something beautiful. It’s a charming, beautifully illustrated story of generosity triumphing over greed that has a modern look but reads like a classic folk tale. // Ages 4-9 Years


Snow

by Uri Shulevitz

In a dull gray town, a boy and his dog spy a single snowflake and rush outside in gleeful anticipation of a wintry wonderland--despite predictions to the contrary by skeptical and grumpy grown-ups. The sparse words are perfectly chosen and compliment the charming illustrations depicting the joy and wonder of the first snowfall. // Ages 3-7


A Big Bed for Little Snow

by Grace Lin

Ever wonder where snow comes from? This simple yet imaginative tale offers a fanciful explanation through a precocious little boy and his new feather bed. // Ages 3-5


Owl Moon

by Jane Yolen

A little girl and her father go looking for owls late one night. When you go owling, sometimes there isn't an owl, but sometimes there is--all you need is a little hope. Wrapped up in familial bonds and traditions, this sweet and poetic story vividly takes you on a journey through the winter woods. // Ages 5-9


And Without:

Need an escape from winter? These books are a perfect pick any time of year!

'Ohana Means Family

by Ilima Loomis and Kenard Pak

Tired of the cold and snow? This cumulative rhyme book will transport you to sunny Hawaii! Join the 'ohana, as they farm taro for poi to prepare for a traditional luau. Includes author’s notes about the significance of poi in Hawaiian culture. // Ages 3-6


Maud and Grand-Maud

by Sara O'Leary and Kenard Pak

Though warm vignettes of cherished sleepovers with her grandmother, Maud’s love and adoration for her “Grand-Maud” shine through every page of this gentle story. It’s a beautiful look at intergenerational relationships and it makes a great choice for a snuggly, bedtime read. // Ages 4-8


My Pillow Keeps Moving!

by Laura Gehl and Christopher Weyant

An enterprising little dog infiltrates its way into the home of an unsuspecting nearsighted man who is out shopping. It’s a delightfully silly case of mistaken identity and found family sure to bring a smile to your face. // Ages 3-7


Original Cat, Copy Cat

by Sarah Kurpiel

Fluffy Pineapple’s comfortable kitty routine is upended by small, sleek newcomer Kiwi. Kiwi mimics Pineapple, following him everywhere--much to Pineapple’s annoyance. A familiar story of pet rivalry with a happy ending, it’s a purr-fectly cozy read for cat lovers. // Ages 3-7


The Rabbit Listened

by Cori Doerrfeld

Focusing on the gift of presence when things are rough, this lovely book feels just like a warm hug. When Taylor’s block tower falls down, they’re distraught and don't know what to do. One by one, all the animals try to tell Taylor how to get over it with no success. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen--which is just what Taylor needs. // Ages 3–5


Here We Are

by Oliver Jeffers

Notes for Living on Planet Earth // A dad's witty handbook to the world and its inhabitants for his new baby. The tongue-in-cheek text takes you on a quick “scientific” tour of earth--perfect for parents with a dry sense of humor. While the colorful illustrations are peppered with cheeky jokes and silly details to keep kids entertained and engaged. It’s loaded with positive messages without feeling preachy and ends on a heartwarming, hug-inducing note. // Ages 3-7



Apr 16

Furry Companions by Acacia James

Posted to Campbell Unclassified on April 16, 2021 at 1:26 PM by Genesis Gaule

“Dogs are not our whole life,
but they make our lives whole.”

— Roger Caras

Since I was little I wanted a dog. I thought they were fluffy, cute, and that I could play fetch with them whenever I wanted. But we were always a cat family. We had two cats while I was growing up in Spokane, Washington, and a couple of fish, but I always wanted a dog. My parents wanted a dog too but didn’t want to deal with a big dog or have more animal fur than we already had throughout the house. So great, I thought, we just need to find a small dog that doesn’t shed. Turns out that was easier said than done. We searched but couldn’t find the right one for my family. 

In 2017, my family moved to East Grand Forks. We loved it here, we were able to start again in a new city and make new friends. After one month of living here, my dad nonchalantly asked my siblings and me if we wanted to go down to Fargo to get a dog. We all looked at him stunned, not believing our ears. We hurried into the car and drove down to Fargo. 

That night we got our dog Lily Skull-Crusher Thunder-Fist James (Yes, that is her real name. My dad wanted to make her sound tough despite how little she was).

lily-james-cropped

Lily was the best dog I could have hoped for. She was so fluffy and cute, even though she didn’t know how to fetch just yet. Lily has so much energy that I wonder how she contains it within her small frame without exploding. My favorite thing about having a dog is being greeted at the door when I come home. When Lily hears the garage door open, she sprints to the door and attacks whoever is coming in with loves and licks. If she weren’t a dog, I could imagine she would be saying, “I love you! I love you! I love you!” Her energy and love bring me joy and she makes our lives whole. 

That was the story of my dog Lily. If you want to read more about loving dogs, try these books:


Old Yeller

by Fred Gipson

Junior GIP // At first, Travis couldn't stand the sight of Old Yeller. The stray dog was ugly, and a thieving rascal, too. But he sure was clever, and a smart dog could be a big help on the wild Texas frontier. Strong and courageous, Old Yeller proved that he could protect Travis's family from any sort of danger. But can Travis do the same for Old Yeller?

One Good Dog

by Susan Wilson

Fiction WILSON // Chance is a mixed breed Pit Bull who was born and raised to fight and seldom leaves the dirty basement where he is kept between them. But Chance is not a monster. It is Chance’s unique spirit that helps him escape and puts him in the path of Adam. What transpires is the story of one man, one dog, and how they save each other—in ways they never could have expected.

Harry the Dirty Dog

by Gene Zion

Easy Reader Green ZION // There's never been another dog as delightful–or dirty–as Harry. This lovable white dog with black spots (or black dog with white spots) has charmed children for fifty years, and we are celebrating with an anniversary edition. This childhood favorite is perfect for reading aloud before going to bed or avoiding a bath.

The Day My Dogs Became Guys

by Merrill Markoe

Easy MAR // Carey has three ordinary, lovable dogs. Until one day, during a solar eclipse, he finds three pretty strange people who used to be his pets. Butch starts chasing cars and yelling at the squirrels, while DeeDee begins raiding the refrigerator. Ol Ed seems to just want to take a nap. But what will happen when his mother gets home?

Mar 26

Childhood Favorites are Just the Beginning by Charlotte Helgeson

Posted to Campbell Unclassified on March 26, 2021 at 3:20 PM by Genesis Gaule

HeidiWhen I see a book I loved as a child, I smile. If possible, I pick it up and glance through it and continue to smile.

Sometimes, it’s the character like in Heidi by Johanna Spyri who took me into the mountains. I was scared when she was scared and ecstatic when she returned to the mountain. Heidi has been reproduced for years and in many formats. She is still a friend of mine.

Black BeautyBlack Beauty by Anna Sewell has also been reproduced in many different ways. We even have a graphic novel in the library now. I reread that story many times as a child. I can still picture the shelf it sat on in my elementary school library. The librarian told me I had to give others a chance to read it also. I had to find other favorites!

But what about the ones I can’t find? The ones that publishers do not think are worth reproducing or have deemed them no longer good choices. Maybe you were able to keep a favorite from your childhood and have protected it from use and the passing of time. I have no books from my childhood. Far too many moves and I have to admit to wearing some out to the point of no return.

Where the Red Fern Grows

My little brother read Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls six times. He didn’t like to read but he loved that book. Our library has the movie and the CD audiobook.

Whether we had only a single favorite book or many, we need to remember when it was that it became a favorite and why. I read Heidi when I was about 8-years-old. Do I still like it? Yes, but it doesn’t give the same impact as it did in a second grader’s mind.

The Secret KeeperNow, I enjoy books about adventurous women, nature and stories about family relations like The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister and Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger. Did that interest start when I read Heidi? Probably.

My interest in reading about animals and their connection to people definitely started with Black Beauty. I loved horses as a kid; at least in books. I have little to no skill and less experience with horses but I still believe they’re beautiful animals. I have enjoyed a couple of our new children’s books with animals that are definitely being added to my Favorites List.

This Way, Charlie by Caron Levis has a wonderful horse friend. I immediately read it a second time. Crossings by Katy Duffield shows people caring for animals in such a way that I felt hope and have recommended it many times.

The Murmur of BeesAn adult title, The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia, is a story that held my heart’s attention. It takes place during the 1918 Flu when a little boy is protected by bees.

Yes, I remember favorites from when I was young and I can find new favorites now. The best way to do that is to read a variety. Rereading can be fun, but even better is finding a new story between a book’s covers!

And please let me know when you find one. I’ll want to add it to my list of Must-Reads.