Nov / Dec 2004 Vol. 5 / Issue 6

Beloved Children’s Book and Holiday Favorite Adapted to Film!

An animated version of Chris Van Allsberg’s beloved children’s story, Polar Express is being adapted to film. Directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks, this 2004 adaptation is sure to delight fans of this Caldecott medal winning tale. The book tells the story of a small boy who’s faith in Santa Claus is rewarded when he is taken on a magical train ride to the North Pole where he is chosen to receive a special gift from Santa.

The film opens in theaters November 10, 2004.

Celebrations 101 / Rick Rodgers: This series (it includes Thanksgiving 101, Christmas 101 and Barbecues 101) boasts a unique layout with a soothing rhythm. This addition has Keep the library in mind four season-centric sections with sev- when searching for those eral menus in each, ranging from elusive last minute recipe, Mardi Gras to Passover, Father's Day to Christmas. A shopping list, recipes, decorating and table-setting tips and an agenda provide strategies ideas that will make your for each soiree, and Rodgers adds holiday plans extra special! personal commentary and historical insight: "A Mardi Gras Celebration" notes the "holy quintet" of seasonings used in Cajun and Creole recipes, and "Halloween Party"-ers may want to remember guests will be in costume, "so don't make food that is too difficult to eat or serve." Clever tidbits ("all food looks good on white ce- ramic") and succulent close- up photos are enticing, and a list of essential kitchen tools will have readers on the fast track to achieving Rodgers's goal: a memo- rable celebration and a calm chef. Christmas Party @ the Eldorado Library

Speaker, Tom Fulks to Give Presentation: On Monday, December 6, the Eldorado Library A Tribute to a Generation of Preble County’s Young Men will be ho-ho-hosting its annual Children’s Who Served in World War II Christmas Party. The fun begins at 7PM and will include: On Tuesday, November 30th at 7p.m. the Brooke-Gould Memorial Library (Eaton Branch, 301 N. Barron St.) will host a book signing and presentation by Preble County A visit from Santa native Tom Fulks. His theme, A Tribute to a Generation of Crafts Preble County Young Men Who Served in World War II, will Gifts focus on stories and events taken from the book, Under Refreshments Wraps: One Soldier’s Hidden Diary of World War II. Under Wraps is the personal war diary of Tom’s uncle, Jay Join the Eldorado Library for an evening of holi- Coffman, a local National Guardsman who served in the day fun the entire family can enjoy! South Pacific as an infantry soldier during World War II. Because soldiers were forbidden to keep a diary, Coffman recorded his thoughts on scraps of paper that he kept hid- den among his personal effects. Until now, only a few peo- ple were aware of the diary’s existence. Readers will gain insight into the war through Jay Coffman’s thoughts and observations as he wrestles with the realities of war. As editor and publisher, Tom Fulks has researched the diary and added information to clarify the diary entries, putting Coffman’s observations into their historical context.

Under Wraps is of special interest to local residents be- cause Mr. Coffman served with a number of other Preble County servicemen whom he mentions frequently in his diary -- men such as Chuck Moysey, Jim Mitchell, Stanley Buriff, Dick Reed, Carl Buehner, Herber Felton, Troy Hughes, and Jack Mann. References to family, friends, places, and events back home give readers a nostalgic glimpse into Preble County’s past. The book also includes snapshots of local people and places that offer a candid look at our hometown during this time. Search Online for Recipes!

Copies of Under Wraps, generously donated by Mr. Fulks, Searching for specific kinds of recipes will be added to the library’s collection. He will also have is a snap when you use the internet! copies available for purchase on the evening of the presen- tation, which he will be happy to sign. Simply choose a search engine such as Google, type in a description of your For more information call the Eaton library at 456-4331 during open hours, Mon – Thurs 9-8 and Fri & Sat 9-5. recipe, such as ‘pumpkin pie’ and voila! A hit list of recipes appears! You can also try the following recipe websites to search recipe databases: www.allrecipes.com www.recipezaar www.www.bettycrocker.com New Nonfiction (Regular Print)

The Prescription & Over-the-Counter Drug Guide for Seniors / Seymour Ehrenpreis & Eli D. Ehrenpreis: Mature consumers do not have the same reaction to medications as younger adults. Yet, too often, manufacturers, pharmacists, caregivers, and older adults themselves, are un- aware of how medications can act and interact in seniors. Drawing from decades of pharmacological experience, the authors of this comprehensive, easy-to-use book provide detailed information and answers to the most important questions concerning a wide range of prescription and non- prescription drugs.

The Best Free Things for Seniors / Linda Kalian & Bob Kalian: If you're over 50 thou- sands of valuable free things are now yours for the asking...free product samples, free travel, free money for college, free prescription drugs, free gifts from the President, free dental care and legal help...and a whole lot more.

All About Retirement Funds: The easy way to get started / Ellie Williams & Diane Pearl: a commonsense, practical guide that covers every financial aspect of planning for retirement. Up-to-date, in-depth coverage is provided for maximizing the long-term benefits of a 401(k), IRA, pension plan, annuity, Social Security, or other retirement fi- nancial vehicle. From determining how much money will be needed, to when and how to begin drawing on retirement reserves, this comprehensive, easy-to-read addition to McGraw-Hill's bestselling All About series tells workers everything they need to know to save, invest, and plan for a long and financially comfortable retirement.

New Fiction (Regular Print) Try this endearing series by Charlene Ann Baumbich

#1 Dearest Dorothy, Are We There Yet?: In this hilarious, touching series, the author introduces read- ers to Dearest Dorothy, who tools around town in a 1976 Lincoln Continental nicknamed "The Tank," plays bunco regularly with her pals, and grabs a stool at Harry’s counter often enough to stay on top of the lat- est-breaking news—which she is often creating. In this book, Dorothy faces a decision that may change her town forever, and her gift for shaking things up comes in handy.

#2 Dearest Dorothy, Slow Down, You’re Wearing Us Out!: the town’s irresistible cast of characters is back in full swing as they confront some of the many surprises life sends their way. So pull up a chair and get ready for fireworks, laughter, and we’ll-get-through-it-all-with-faith friendships.

#3 Dearest Dorothy, Help! I’ve Lost Myself!: Partonville marks its centennial plus thirty—by arguing over the best way to celebrate it. Meanwhile, the acting mayor is trying to change a vital part of the town square (but it’s always been that way!) and a newcomer named Katie can’t avoid the suspicion that she’s grown far closer to this quirky little place than she had ever intended. Delightful and touching, this tale is every bit as addictive as its predecessors.

“Charlene Ann Baumbich’s three heartwarming Dearest Dorothy novels have transported thou- sands to a little Midwestern town where the ups and downs of everyday life have charmed read- ers and left them clamoring for more. Of course, the character everyone has come to love is the feisty former bandleader, 87-year-old Dorothy Jean Wetstra...”

Who says you have to be a kid to still get a kick out of toys? The following books will have you reminiscing and learning more about your favorite toys and toy-makers in no time!

Playing With Trains: A passion beyond scale / Sam Posey: Why do grown men play with trains? Is it a primal attachment to childhood, nostalgia for the lost age of rail travel, or the stuff of flat-out obsession? In this delightful and unprecedented book, Grand Prix legend Sam Posey tracks those who share his "passion beyond scale" and discovers a wonderfully strange and vital culture. The Playmakers: Amazing origins of timeless toys / Tim Walsh: This book is a cele- bration of classic toys and a tribute to the people who brought them to life. The book is a journey covering nearly 100 years worth of playthings and offering a delightful look back at many childhood favorites. I Had One of Those: Toys of our generation / Robin Langley Sommer: A nostalgic look at a wide variety of perennially popular childhood companions, from teddy bears and tin soldiers to baby dolls and toy trucks, records their history and development in more than two hundred pictures.

MORE (Moving Ohio Resources Everywhere) These titles are available through out-of-county libraries. Request them through MORE! It’s fast, easy, and gives readers a chance to look at items not available from their home library!

The Wonder of American Toys 1920 -1 950 / Charles Dee Sharp: reflects not only the toys of perhaps the most formative era of American history, but what they meant to the children who played with them, and to the society that produce them. From the Jazz Age, the gangster era, the Depression, World War II and the onset of the Atomic Age – it's all compellingly presented here, a glori- ous primer of life in America as it was lived not so long ago.

The Game Makers: The Story of Parker Brothers from Tiddley Winks to Trivial Pursuit / Philip E. Orbanes: The Monopoly game, Trivial Pursuit, Clue, Boggle, and Risk are more than games-they're part of Americana. All of these games were published by one company, Parker Brothers, which began as a dream inside the mind of a sixteen-year-old boy, over one hundred years ago...In The Game Makers, industry expert Phil Orbanes reveals how, by adhering to the principles of its founder, Parker Brothers rose to promi- nence, overcame obstacles, and forged lasting success.

Recommended! The Man Who Changed How Boys and Toys were Made: The life and times of A.C. Gilbert, the man who saved Christmas / Bruce Watson: Athlete, magician, doctor, marketing genius, millionaire-A. C. Gilbert (1884-1962) was all of these, but how he really made his name was by refusing to grow up. In 1913, Gilbert poured his boyish enthusiasm and creativity into the invention of a new toy he christened the Erector set, and this ingenious gadget instantly took American boys by storm. In this super- perb new book, Bruce Watson unfolds the history and phenomenal legacy of one man and one amazing toy.

Vintage Toys: Robots and Space Toys / Jim Bunte et al.: Packed with beautiful, large color photographs and encyclopedic-style details, this volume a must-have resource for collectors and nostalgia buffs focuses on tin toys manufactured from World War I through the 1970s. This book tells a fascinating story of toy-making impacted by forces as divergent as changes in technology and the outbreak of war. American, British, French, German and Spanish robots and space toys are featured, but special coverage is given to the creative Japanese tin toys that flourished after World War II.

Marx Toy Sampler: A history & price guide / Michelle Smith: This reference and price guide presents a "personal" history of the former Marx Toys Company plant at Glen Dale, West Virginia. There are details of Marx lithographed metal doll houses, photos of toy and figure prototypes, and interviews with a Marx model maker and the son of a Marx artist

Ohio Art: The world of toys / Lisa Kerr & Jim Gilcher: Most people know the toy "Etch A Sketch," but relatively few know that Ohio Art Company produced it and some of America's most beautifully lithographed popular toys. Over 400 color photographs of toys from the 1920s through the 1980s and the text explore the evolution of Ohio Art. Catalog pages, information for determining dates of production, and a guide to current values make this a must for toy collectors.

holidays abound with all kinds of activities that keep celebrants busy. This year, why not combine the The need for gifts with a party by hosting a Christmas Craft Party! Invite friends to your home to make crafts for gift-giving, indulge in special holiday treats, and enjoy the camaraderie of just being together!

will need: a plan-ahead calendar for party preparations, invitations, work tables, supplies (for those craft projects you wish to supply), recipes for party foods, and decorations for the party itself. You

this holiday season a memorable one by handcrafting gifts for everyone lucky enough to be on your gift-giving list! Make Following is a list of books that can help you plan and host your own Christmas Craft Party!

Best Ever Christmas Recipe Collection / Mar- tha Day: Includes more than 200 step-by-step festive dishes, treats and inspirations including tra- ditional starters, main courses and desserts and contemporary alternatives. On order Altered Art: Techniques for

creating altered books, Christmas Gifts of Good Taste (2003): Includes boxes, cards and more / over 2000 recipes and crafts that will make your Terry Taylor: Choose an ob- holiday extra special. ject—a cigar box, playing cards, an old album cover—and use it Ruby & Begonia’s as a creative starting point to Christmas Style / Sara make beautiful and entirely new Toliver & Jo Packham: items to display and use: that’s Recreate the abundant “altered art,” and it’s the fastest- Christmas magic found in growing trend in the craft world today. Here is the first an award-winning gift and book to explore the full range of its possibilities, from home décor shop. What- turning a vintage board game into a nostalgic wall ever your style, a famed hanging to creating whimsical art dolls from children’s mother-daughter team blocks. Take a look at the artistic traditions that inspired offers a wealth of inspira- this movement, and see how to use the crafter’s famil- tion and ideas, illustrated iar tools, materials, and processes in entirely new ways. in full color. Decorate for Paint, collage, pierce, sew, and cut the pages of an old a simple country Christ- book. Change an ordinary candy tin into a charming mas with handmade gar- decorative storage case with paper scraps, metal grom- lands. Recapture an ele- mets, and paint. The possibilities are infinite. On order gant Victorian Christmas with delicate floral and Easy-to-Sew Playful Toys / beaded ornaments, along Debra Quartermain: Children of with angels and cherubs. any age will love these soft toys Select a theme, such as fairy tales, wizards, or sports, to tie your deco- with surprises! A lively ostrich rative elements together. Hundreds of photographs will spark your fes- whose neck ring turns her into a tive mood, and project instructions for various gifts, stockings, treats, ring-toss game, an adorable puppy and other special touches will help you adapt the looks at home. with a hidden pocket for storing treasures, and a cute bunny that Easy Christmas Crafts / Susan Cousineau: Make the holiday season magically appears out of a head of magical with these 26 quick-and-easy projects, perfect for decorating, lettuce are sure to bring smiles to gift giving, tree trimming and more. Each one comes with easy-to-follow the whole family. These colorful instructions and full color photos--all the information you need to create beautiful holiday decor. and fun-to-make toys are designed for anyone with ba- sic sewing skills, and kids can even help with some of Leisure Arts Presents the Spirit of Christmas: Creative holiday the easier projects. Many of the over 20 featured pro- ideas to inspire your Christmas holidays. jects are based on classic toys and games like puppets, topsy-turvy dolls and dominoes. Readers will create a Tasty Holiday Gifts crazy cat with magnetic feet, a turtle that doubles as a Gifts from the Kitchen / Barbara Randolph tic-tac-toe game, butterfly finger puppets, and much Scrap Saver’s 101 Great Little Gifts / Sandra Lounsbury Foose more. A chapter covering basic techniques, materials, The Step By Step Art of Christmas / Jan Eaton and tips for construction ensures success for beginners, Homespun Gifts from the Heart / Karen Ehman and each toy is accompanied by a brief history of how it Favorite Brand Name Gifts from the Christmas Kitchen came to be. On order Let It Snow Coasters / Kathy Wirth: Plastic canvas projects Recommended Mystery Series If you enjoy forensic mysteries, Beverly Connor has delivered a new By Susan Rogers Cooper series featuring forensic anthropologist Diane Fallon. This series is sharply written, well researched, and contains likeable characters that Susan Rogers Cooper is the author of 3 different mystery fans will enjoy getting to know. series, each set in the American Southwest. Her series Beverly Connor is also the author of the Lindsay Chamberlain mystery characters include: Milt Kovak, E.J. Pugh, and Kimmey series. This character is also a forensic anthropologist. Kruse. This reader has been enjoying her E.J. Pugh se- ries. E.J. (Elouise Janine) Pugh is a red-haired, Texas Diane Fallon mystery series: housewife / romance novelist who dons the hat of crime- One Grave Too Many: Diane Fallon’s new job as director solver in the first book, One, Two, What Did Daddy Do?, of the RiverTrail Museum of Natural History in Georgia and doesn’t remove it through six more cleverly-plotted takes her out of the forensics game-until a former love and mysteries. The writing is excellent and the characters are a murdered family bring her back in. so well-drawn that you find yourself forgetting they aren’t real. As an interesting aside, the author wrote the Dead Guilty: In Beverly Connor's absorbing series, the first E.J. Pugh book, never intending it to be a series. C.L.R bones of the dead reveal the secrets of the living. In this latest investigation, forensic anthropologist Diane Fallon Reading Order: must lead a chilling excavation of a crime with harrowing implications: the murder of three people, hanged execu- One, Two What Did Daddy Do? 1992 tion-style in an isolated patch of Georgia woods. Hickory, Dickory Stalk 1996 Home Again, Home Again 1997 Edgar nominee

There Was A Little Girl 1998 Lindsay Chamberlain series: A Crooked Little House 1999 Not In My Backyard 1999 A Rumor of Bones: Lindsay begins to uncover an an- Don’t Drink the Water 2000 cient Indian settlement and she hopes that her work will enable the small town to understand their ancient civili- zation. Unfortunately, Lindsay also becomes involved in solving the murder of several small bodies, each follow- ing a sinister pattern, a pattern too familiar to ignore. Strange events, grave robbers, and pot hunters abound in this archaeological mystery where bones speak vol- umes of the dead and the living.

Questionable Remains: Man's eternal quest for gold proves as en- during as it is fatal when forensic archaeologist Lindsay Chamberlain unearths a four-hundred-year-old mystery -- and a mondern-day mur- der. Vacationing in Tennessee, Lindsay studies the bones of a centu- ries-old corpse hiding a fascinating secret. She's also asked to look into the suspicious deaths of two adventurous cavers whose fatal foray into Hell's Slide spells murder for one family member. One, Two What Did Daddy Do?: The Family that dies together...Everyone in the small, tightly knit community Dressed to Die: Some skeletons just won't stay hidden. No one of Block Cat Ridge Texas, knows everyone else's busi- knows that better than University of Georgia archaeologist Lindsay ness. And everyone is stunned by the slaying of the well- Chamberlain. Still, she is shocked when a skeleton dressed in its Sun- liked Lester family, minus its youngest member, in their day best falls out of a packing crate that had been stored in a kudzu- own home. Apparently loving husband and father Roy covered shed on her grandfather's farm for more than sixty years. did the bloody deed -- before turning the murder When other crates are discovered, each containing a stash of valuable weapon on himself. artifacts, Lindsay begins to wonder. Could her beloved grandfather, a The Pughs were the Lesters' nearest neighbors and clos- prominent archaeologist, have been a thief, a looter-even a murderer? est friends. In fact, sharp-tongued housewife/romance Skeleton Crew: In 1558 a Spanish galleon headed for the New writer E.J. Pugh first discovered the bogies... and four- World loaded with supplies for the colonies sank off the coast of Geor- year-old Bessie Lester, who may have witnessed the gia. Now, inside one of the largest cofferdams ever built for purposes carnage. But Bessie isn't speaking. And E.J. may be the of archaeology, Lindsay Chamberlain is excavating the site on the only one in Black Cat Ridge who believes th is case is not ocean floor... closed... and that a murderer still walks among them all. Airtight Case: In a seemingly random event, forensic anthropologist Titles in red were requested from out-of-county Lindsay Chamberlain is attacked and left for dead. Buried in a shallow libraries through MORE. Requesting items grave in the woods, she manages to escape, although she suffers through MORE is easy, fast, and gives readers the from loss of memory as a result of the ordeal. When Lindsay’s memory opportunity to borrow items not available from returns, it is incomplete. She copes with the trauma by ignoring it, and their home library. she allows the authorities to handle the investigation. As the probe quickly comes to a dead end, however, the assault looms like a dark cloud over her peace of mind... The following mystery titles will be published in November & December! If you see a title that interests you, please request it!

November Author Title Character Series Marian Babson Please Do Feed the Cat Lorinda Lucas, author Cat mystery #1 David Baldacci Hour Game Sean King, P.I. Stand-alone Sandra Balzo Uncommon Grounds Maggie Thorsen, coffee shop owner Coffee shop mystery #1 M.C. Beaton The Deadly Dance Agatha Raisin #15 in series Michael Chabon The Final Solution Sherlock Holmes #1 in series Laura Childs Bound For Murder Carmela Bertrand Scrapbook mystery #3 Mary Higgins Clark & Carol The Christmas Thief Alvirah & Willy Collaboration Higgins Clark Sharon Fiffer Buried Stuff Jane Wheel, antique picker #4 in series Parnell Hall And a Puzzle to Die On Cora Felton, Puzzle Lady #6 in series Dolores Johnson Taking the Wrap Mandy Dyer, dry cleaner Amateur sleuth / #7 Stuart Kaminsky Now You See It Toby Peters, P.I. 1940s Hollywood #24 Jonathan Kellerman Twisted James Patterson London Bridges Alex Cross, Psychologist / Police Officer #11

Patricia Smiley False Profits Tucker Sinclair, financial manager #1 Compared to Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series Anne Strieber An Invisible Woman Kealy Ryerson Stand-alone Betsy Thornton Dead for the Winter Chloe Newcomb, victim’s advocate #4 in series December Donna Anders Afraid of the Dark Suspense / Stand-alone Claudia Bishop Buried By Breakfast Sarah & Meg Quilliam, Sisters Hemlock Falls #12 Lilian Jackson Braun Cat Who Went Bananas Qwilleran + Siamese cats Cat Who series #27 Fiona Buckley The Siren Queen Ursula Blanchard #8 Historical mystery Joanna Carl Chocolate Puppy Puzzle Lee McKinney, candymaker Chocoholic mystery # Nancy J. Cohen Died Blonde Marla Shore, Hair Stylist Bad Hair Day #6 Jeanne M. Dams Winter of Discontent Dorothy Martin, retired teacher #9 in series Carole Nelson Douglas Spider Dance Irene Adler, Sleuth Historical mystery #8 Anthony Eglin The Blue Rose English Garden Mystery #1 Sarah Graves Tool & Die Jacobia Tiptree, amateur sleuth Home Repair is Homicide #8 Patrick Hasburgh Aspen Pulp Jake Wheeler, P.I. #1 in series Tim Myers Snuffed Out Harrison Black, amateur sleuth Candleshop mystery #1 Sharan Newman The Witch in the Well Catherine LeVendeur Historical mystery #10 A Crazy Kind of Love / Maureen Child: Lucas Gallagher is the geek who bought the land Michaela "Mike" Marconi wanted for her dream house. She thinks he's infu- riating, annoying and totally rude. Yet, he gets to her more than any other man ever Romance 2005 Forecast has. But though Lucas may be a scientist, Winter will be in full-swing by January, but we he's the rock star of scientists. His inven- have these deliciously wonderful romance novels tions have made him millions, his research to look forward to! Request any of these titles at is reshaping the study of medicine and he the library! holds patents for numerous technological marvels. But now, when it means every- January, 2005 thing, he's failed. His younger brother, the Challenger To Honor / Jennifer Blake family's 'golden child' is dying of cancer Unexpected Blessings / Barbara Taylor Bradford Puppet / Joy Fielding and Lucas, despite his brilliance, can't help him. In Chandler, he Hard Day’s Knight / Katie MacAlister tries to hide from the world he knows. Phi Beta Bimbo / Trish Jensen Black Bayou / Katherine Sutcliffe Mike tried running away from her problems when she was a kid. When her mother lay dying, Mike ran. When her world crumbled, February, 2005 Mike hid. And she's learned that the only way to win is to stand In Hot Water / Mary Lynn Baxter your ground and keep trying. She doesn't understand what Lucas The Bay at Midnight / Diane Chamberlain is talking about half the time, but she knows exactly what he's You Again / Jennifer Crusie Deadly Illusions / Brenda Joyce Francesca Cahill series #7 feeling. And while criticizing his complete lack of architectural Care and Feeding of Pirates / Jennifer Ashley ability, and remaking the house he's trying to build, Mike finds Killer Curves / Roxanne St. Claire herself slipping into Lucas Gallagher's life. Hidden Secrets / Cait London

She wakes him up and he shakes her up: the two of them are complete opposites, and nothing can keep them apart. Until Lu- cas's brother Justin comes home to die. On order

The Pirate Prince / Gaelen Foley: On a calm moonlit night, as the scent of jasmine and pine embraced the island of Ascension, the pirate prince Lazar di Fiori returns with lethal grace to avenge what was stolen from him: his kingdom, his birthright, his soul. . . . Allegra Monteverdi, the daughter of Lazar's sworn enemy, proves an uncommonly pow- erful adversary. She throws herself on his mercy, her courage and beauty touching his cold, unforgiving heart. He agrees to spare the lives of her family—but only if Allegra sails away with him as his captive. For his quest for vengeance still burns fiercely, and he will settle for nothing less than Allegra's body and soul.

Alone at sea with this dark, intriguing man, moving between se- duction and fear, Allegra gazes into eyes as deep and mysterious as the night and sees who this pirate really is. Lazar—the prince of her childhood dreams. Though he was rumored to be murdered years ago, she always believed someday he would return. But it will take more than her love for this pirate prince to bring peace to her beloved home. For Lazar must face the demons of his shat- tered past—if he is to forge the destiny that is theirs to claim… On order The following Romance titles are being published in December and November. If you see a title that inter- ests you, please request it at the library! For a more complete list, go online to: www.fictiondb.com

November Author Title FYI Beverly Barton Worth Dying For HQN Imprint: Protectors series Stella Cameron Now You See Him Romantic Suspense Elaine Coffman Let Me Be Your Hero Historical: Graham Family Saga Jasmine Cresswell Full Pursuit Romance / Spy Thriller: 2nd in trilogy Jude Deveraux Always Conclusion to Forever series Donna Fletcher Dark Warrior European Historical / Scotland Virginia Henley Insatiable European Historical / Elizabethan England Madeline Hunter The Romantic Seducer series / European Historical Lisa Kleypas Secrets of a Summer Night European Historical Jayne Ann Krentz Falling Awake Contemporary / Romantic Suspense Kathy Love Wanting What You Get Contemporary Debbie Macomber On a Snowy Night Contains 2 “Classic” tales (re-issues) Connie Mason The Pirate Prince European Historical Betty Neels A Christmas to Remember HQN imprint: Contemporary Constance O’Day-Flannery Shifting Love Kick-off to TOR’s new Paranormal Romance line Patti O’Shea The Power of Two (2176) SciFi Romance Christie Ridgway The Thrill of it All Contemporary Romance Nora Roberts Blue Dahlia In the Garden series, #1 Anne Robins A Perfect Stranger American Historical / Mystery Romance Maggie Shayne Colder Than Ice Romantic Suspense December Victoria Alexander A Visit From Sir Nicholas European Historical P.C. Cast Elphame’s Choice LUNA Imprint: Female driven Fantasy Romance Maureen Child A Crazy Kind of Love Contemporary Romance Katie Fforde Paradise Fields Mainstream Chick Lit Melanie George Naughty Or Nice European Historical / Holiday Susan Grant The Scarlet Empress (2176) Futuristic Romance (SciFi) Elizabeth Lowell Death Is Forever Romantic Suspense Linda Lael Miller Secondhand Bride McKettrick Cowboys, #3 in series Patricia Rice California Girl Contemporary Romance Rosemary Rogers Jewel of My Heart Historical Romance Samantha: An American Girl Adapted for Television! In its first made-for-television movie, the WB brings to life Samantha Parkington, the most popular of the American Girl dolls. The novels that accompany the doll line serves as the foundation for the film that is entitled, Samantha: An American Girl Holiday.

Set in 1904, the story tells of a girl living a privileged life with her grandmother (played by Mia Farrow). Samantha befriends a young Irish maid named Nellie, but they are soon separated by their disparate worlds of privilege and poverty. A snowy New York adventure ultimately reunites the girls in what is sure to be a perennial holiday classic.

Samantha: An American Girl Holiday is from Revolution Studios, Warner Bro. Television Production, Inc., and Pleasant Company/ Mattel, with executive producers Julia Roberts and Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas. The television movie premieres November 23rd and stars AnnaSophia Robb as Samantha. Check local listings for exact times.

R ead the Samantha Fiction Titles: Meet Samantha / Susan S. Adler: Samantha befriends a servant girl named Nellie who moves in next door. The girls become fast friends, though their lives are different

Samantha Learns a Lesson / Susan S. Adler: Samantha sets up her own school to teach Nellie how to read. But Nellie teaches Samantha some important lessons, too.

Samantha’s Surprise / Maxine Schur: Samantha hopes for the best Christmas ever. Things start to go wrong when Uncle Gard brings a special friend home for the holidays

Happy Birthday Samantha / Valerie Tripp: Samantha’s birthday is nearly ruined by her neighbor’s mean trick. But it’s rescued by an invitation to visit New York City!

Samantha Saves the Day / Valerie Tripp: Samantha and her friends set off on a secret summertime exploration that lands them in the middle of a dangerous storm.

Changes for Samantha / Valerie Tripp: When Samantha moves to New York City and is reunited with Nellie, she discovers that their lives have changed. Samantha’s Ocean Liner Adventure / Dottie Raymer: Join Samantha aboard the S.S. Londonia as she journeys across the Atlantic Ocean to England. S hort Stories: Pocket-sized books Samantha’s Winter Party / Valerie Tripp: Samantha plans a party with a gift exchange. Nellie can’t afford presents for everyone, but she manages to surprise them anyway

Samantha Saves the Wedding / Valerie Tripp: Little Alice nearly spoils Cornelia and Uncle Gard’s wedding day—until Samantha comes up with a risky plan to save it.

Samantha and the Missing Pearls / Valerie Tripp: hen her friend Nellie is suspected of stealing Mrs. Van Sicklen's black pearls at Christmastime, Samantha helps her discover where they really went.

Samantha’s Blue Bicycle / Valerie Tripp: Uncle Gard and Aunt Cornelia return from their honeymoon with a gift for Samantha. But when her excitement turns to fear, will she miss out on all the fun?

Samantha’s Special Talent / Sarah Masters Buckey: Everyone has an act for the talent show...except Samantha. Does she have a special talent to share?

N onfiction Samantha Titles: Samantha’s Craft Book / Jodi Everet : A peek at crafts from the past with projects you can make today Welcome to Samantha’s World, 1904 / Catherine Gourley: Inside this beautiful hardcover book you’ll see what growing up was like in Samantha’s Victorian times, which were full of great progress and change. Take a peek at real letters and diaries of girls and boys, women and men. Find out what it was like to live in a New York City mansion, see the first moving pictures, ride a bicycle in a skirt, and get an egg shampoo!

Samantha’s Cookbook: A peek at dining in the past with meals you can cook today / Jodi Everet

Samantha’s Friendship Fun / Tamara Englund: Enjoy crafts, food, and games that Samantha and her friends loved. Features his- torical sidebars, craft instructions, and full-color illustrations.

Sparking an interest in and nurturing an appreciation for history among students can be a daunting endeavor for educators. Many have found that presenting the subject through what-life-was-like style craft projects as well as through historically accurate storytel- ling engages students as no text book can. The Hands-on-History series by Marian Broida does an excellent job of presenting craft projects that tie-in with important periods in history. Pamela Dell’s Scrapbooks of America series highlights specific events in history as told through the eyes of fictional characters who witness events and interact with historical figures. Give them a try!

Hands-on-History series by Marian Broida Grades 4-7 (Benchmark Books) Learn history while making items that were commonly used in the past

Projects About Colonial Life: Among the crafts included in this book you will find directions on making your own quill pen and a fish net just like the cod fishermen used. Directions are simple and require common objects. One of the most interesting crafts is the making of money, namely pieces of eight. Includes an index and glossary.

Projects About Plantation Life: Presents information about life in Virginia, South Carolina, and Mississippi between 1770 and 1860 and provides instructions for making such related projects as a Common- place book, a folk remedy for colds, a recipe for Hoppin' John, and a girls' game called Graces.

Projects About the Plains Indians: The author explains various aspects of everyday tribal life with directions for making pemmican, tipis, travois, bull boats, a shield, drying squash, playing the moccasin game, and growing sunflower seeds.

Projects About American Indians of the Southwest: This book includes the following craft projects: rock painting, Navajo weaving, secret codes, Kneeldown bread, Hopi pottery, Hopi toy, Zuni fetishes, jewelry, and Zuni waffle gardens

Projects About Westward Expansion: This book includes the fol- lowing craft projects: Berry basket, quilting, moccasins, making a slate, and growing beans.

Scrapbooks of America series by Pamela Dell Grades 4-6

The Doctor’s Boy: A story about Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-1778

Blood In The Water: A story of friendship during the Mexican War: As war breaks out between Mex- ico and the United States over the territory of Texas in 1846, twelve-year-old Bonita, a patriotic Mexican, is at odds with her best friend Carmen, a Spanish Ameri- can.

Tag-Along Tay: A story about Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show

Half-breed: A story of the Klondike gold rush: During the 1898 gold rush in Canada's Yukon Terri- tory, thirteen-year-old Ike helps the injured son of a miner and is rewarded with insults and accusations because he is part Inuit. New Inspirational Fiction on our Shelves! New from Beverley Lewis Series: Abram’s Daughters, Book 4 A Test of Faith / Karen Ball: Anne's daughter Faith is the answer to her lifelong prayer to be a mother. But her dream is shattered when The Prodigal: The compelling and con- the teenager rejects Anne's love and the love of God. After years pass, tinuing chronicle of Abram Ebersol's and God heals their relationship, Anne falls seriously ill. Faith watches family, beginning in the mid-1940s, her mother weaken, struggling with role reversals and leaning on God moves forward in time and scope to the as never before. Through all the intricacies of their relationship, all the late 50s. The devout Ebersols have joys and trials, they learn that God is with them. He brings them faced sometimes-painful divisions and peace in the darkness, joy in the midst of sorrow, and hope in the face separations--if not geographical, those of death. of the heart. Leah, possibly most of all, has borne losses and revelations that At the Scent of Water / Linda Nichols: Life is rewarding for Sam- would have undone another whose faith uel Truelove. He’s a gifted heart surgeon, he’s married to the love of was not firmly established in the God his life, and he has a beautiful daughter. But when he mis-diagnoses her beloved mother knew so fervently. Leah also has en- his daughter’s illness and is suddenly called away to perform emer- dured the ultimate test of her fortitude, the unexpected gency surgery, a deadly cascade of events is set in motion. After mul- return of her shunned sister, Sadie, and the renewed sense tiple tragedies, Sam withdraws into himself, takes a leave of absence, of betrayal that arrives home with her. But since the close and joins a small town clinic. His search for redemption and healing of The Sacrifice, Leah has occupied her heart and hands will test the idea that God has the power--and the will--to repair what with the overseeing of the Ebersol Cottage and the raising seems irreparably broken. of her motherless younger siblings. This includes vivacious Lydiann, who has arrived at the traditional rumschpringe, Into the Deep / Colleen Coble (Rock Harbor series): Into the the time for testing her wings and her willingness to com- Deep is third in the acclaimed mystery series from best-selling author mit to the Old Ways. Will she take the sorrowful path of Colleen Coble. Set in the untamed beauty of Michigan’s Upper Penin- her older sister Sadie, or will Mamma Leah's good judg- sula, the Rock Harbor Series deftly weaves suspense and romance into ment guide Lydiann safely to her baptismal covenant? the life and operation of a canine search-and-rescue team as it helps unravel the secrets of an enchanting wilderness.

The Choosing / Jim Kraus (Stories from MacKenzie Street) Good Heavens / Margaret A. Graham Night Song: A Story of Sacrifice / Tricia Goyer Inspirational ChickLit A Love so Strong / Kendra Norman-Bellamy The Trumpet at Twisp (Friends of Valor, 2) / Doris Elaine Fell The Whitney Chronicles / Judy The Marriage Wish / Dee Henderson Baer: Her mother, sister and He Who Lifts the Skies / Kacy Barnett-Gramckow (Genesis Trilogy): friends (?) fear spinsterhood may Sweet Treats / Wanda E. Brunsetter, et al.: be the fate of thirty-year-old Whit- Coffee Rings / Yvonne Lehman: ney Blake. And while she doesn't The Mill House / Paul McCusker: believe she'll actually end up weav- The Stuff of Love / Dianna Crawford, et al. The Prodigal / Beverly Lewis ing her own tablecloths, Whitney Wild Rose / Ruth Axtell Morren does wonder whether Mr. Right will Dark Storm / Kel Richards ever arrive, despite her mom's adoption of matchmaking as the prime project of her "postmenopausal zest." Maybe Whitney needs to be more proactive. And so she starts a journal, stating her goals: "This month-- Lose two pounds (sensibly), stand up straight with my stomach sucked in so I appear tall and thin, don't let my mother drive me crazy (a particularly difficult pro- ject). GET ORGANIZED. Start by cleaning closets. Have friends over for dinner. Pray more, obsess less." It must be working--suddenly there's more than one man in Whitney's life. But are any of them marriage material, or is "fabulous, single, Christian man" an oxymoron? Your Shirt Is Not An Oven Mitt: A kitchen New on DVD survival manual with 150+ foolproof recipes / Adult Debbie Puente: This uncomplicated and Super Size Me (Documentary) enormously informative manual is all the Godsend (Thriller) Robert DeNiro culinary novice or klutz will need to cruise the Walking Tall (Action): The Rock kitchen like a pro, shop efficiently, cook deli- The Butterfly Effect (Thriller): Ashton Kutcher cious meals for one, or whip up impressive The Passion of the Christ (Drama): Jim Caviezel gourmet spreads for a party of friends using Raising Helen (Comedy): Kate Hudson accessible, cost-friendly ingredients. Featur- The Prince and Me (Romantic Comedy): Julia Stiles ing over 150 savory and sweet recipes that Shrek 2 (Animated Comedy) On order include incredible party dips and hors d'oeuvres, enticing entrees, and decadent desserts, alongside shopping tips, safety dos and New on VHS don'ts, a glossary of cooking terms, and so much more, Your Shirt Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blue (Comedy): Is Not and Oven Mitt! is the indispensable kitchen tool (next to Reece Whitherspoon that oven mitt!) that provides the most painless approach to Passion of the Christ cooking. Children DVD Love Heels: Tales from canine com- Ella Enchanted (Film adaptation): Anne Hathaway panions for independence / Patricia Santa’s Rockin’ Dibsie: Witness the true definition of un- The Adventures of Paddington Bear conditional love revealed in the remarkable stories...The stories and photos in LOVE HEELS bring the Canine Companions for Independence experience to life for the reader and introduces you to many of the thousands of selfless volunteers who make up the breeders, raisers, and trainers of these amazing dogs.

Perfect Parents Handbook / Jennifer Conlin: Laced with titillating facts about our child-centric culture (unique baby announce- ments! nursery decorators! mandatory volun- teering at preschool!), The Perfect Parents Handbook decodes the complex and terrifying (smothering doulas! educational vacations to the rainforest!) world of raising kids.

Books on Cassette

War Stories / Oliver North [Unabridged]: Fresh from his tour in Iraq embedded with the First Marine Expeditionary Force and later the Army's Fourth Infantry Division, bestselling author Oliver North reports in living detail the real story of Operation Iraqi Free- dom.

Jump The Shark / Jon Hein: Jump the Shark is a riotous compendium of those priceless moments when the magic vanishes, the ratings go south, and the mighty become the fallen (who would have guessed a blue Gap dress could send Bill Clinton over the shark?). From the creator of the immensely popular website that has coined a catch phrase comes the book that is bound to be the pop-culture sensation of the season. But beware: these shark- infested pages will leave you in stitches and wondering where the insidious fin will pop up next. The BEST Christmas Ever small burn from their Creepy Crawler machine! And I still rather begrudge the time I lost using a straight pin to pick ~Cheryl Richter~ overheated plastic goop out of the metal molds! Nowadays,

this toy would probably be on some Consumer Protection any of us have fond memories of Christmas past, agency’s hitlist! We sure were tough little devils back then! moments made with family and friends that bring a M smile to our faces whenever we think of them. For me, here were other elements that made the Christmas of there is one particular Christmas that stands out in my 1965 significant. A Charlie Brown Christmas debuted on mind. Now, you probably think that at this point I will begin T th Thursday, December 9 with an audience of 15 million to wax poet about some heartfelt greeting-card-moment viewers. Charles Schultz and the Peanuts gang have been a from my Christmas past, but I must admit that my favorite part of America’s holiday tradition ever since. They joined memory is totally materialistic! Of course, I was only five at the ranks of other favorite characters such as Dr. Seuss’ the time I decided to mark the Christmas of 1965 the best Grinch, Arthur Rankin’s animated Rudolph the Red Nosed one EVER, so don’t be too harsh in your judgment! Reindeer, and Frosty the Snow Man. The film, The Sound of

Music premiered. I Spy star, Bill Cosby became the first s I said, it was Christmas, 1965. I had just turned five African American to headline a television show. The first in October and was experiencing my first horrific year A U.S. combat troops arrived in Vietnam. of kindergarten (yes, I went twice, but that’s fodder for another day!). Needless to say, I was looking forward to he shiny aluminum tree stood proud in my family’s liv- Christmas vacation and threw myself into the spirit of the ing room that early Christmas morning, the motorized holiday season early by starting my List for Santa the day T color wheel shedding red, green, yellow and blue-colored after Halloween. Naturally, I had some help in this depart- light over the presents heaped under the sterling boughs. ment by way of television commercials that enticed me to To a five-year-old girl, the wonder of Christmas couldn’t try out all of the new toys being introduced just in time for have seemed brighter. Regardless of kindergarten woes she Christmas! had parents who loved her and siblings who annoyed her

only every-now-and-then. The concepts of bigotry and war here were so many great toys to choose from, but I hadn’t yet taken root in her mind. At that moment, she only especially remember 1965 as the ‘Year of the Game’ T knew that the unopened gifts promised that this would be because so many of our perennial favorites were intro- the BEST Christmas ever in a child’s world of dreams. duced. There was Parker Brothers’, Booby-Trap, a spring- action game that snapped at tender fingers if you removed just one too many wooden game pieces. The Milton Bradley company threw their hat into board game contention by introducing Trouble (with the new-fangled popomatic dice- roller), The Mystery Date Game (a girl could open a plastic door to the date of her dreams – or the date from duds- ville!)!) and Operation (one slip of the tweezers and bzzzt! You’re done!). Looking back at all that snapping, popping, and buzzing, it’s a wonder kids didn’t develop nervous twitches for years to come!

ham-O’s new toy, Super Ball, found its way into W Christmas stockings that year. This was a small, su- per-compressed rubber ball that could bounce to amazing heights, but somehow, in the hands of annoying brothers, had a way of ricocheting off a sister’s head first before bo- inging its way all over a room!

n many homes the aroma of Christmas dinner was min- I gled with the stench of melting plastic goop because the Mattel toy company introduced Creepy Crawlers. This was a gadget that used a metal plate to heat and solidify colorful goop that was poured into insect-shaped molds. A cooling tray filled with water was used to cool the mold and allow nearly immediate removal of the toy from the mold. At least that was the way it was suppose to work! I don’t think there was a child that Christmas who didn’t sustain at least a Bedtime Bonding: Reading Together Reading a book at bedtime with your child is the perfect way to encourage good reading habits that will last a lifetime. Setting aside a specific time every evening to read together also gives parents and children a chance to enjoy laughter, conversation, and, of course, love -- a love for reading and a love for each other!

Dolls in fiction: Stories that offer dolls as heroines

Hitty: Her First Hundred Years / Rachel Field

The Doll People / Ann M. Martin: A family of porcelain dolls that has lived in the same house for one hundred years is taken aback when a new family of plastic dolls arrives and doesn't follow The Doll Code of Honor. Chapter

The Dolls’ House / Rumer Godden:

The Christmas Doll / Elvira Woodruff: Lucy and Glory are orphaned sisters with no real place to call home. Only their memories of a beautiful doll named Morning Glory brighten their bleak lives. One day, the girls find an old, battered doll that Glory senses is their be- loved Morning Glory. But Morning Glory is no ordinary doll. And how she leads the girls to the most surprising turn of fortune makes for a heartwarming story that brims with love, hope, and the spirit of Christmas. Ages 9-12

Magic Elizabeth / Norma Kassirer: It looks like it's going to be a bad summer for Sally: She's got to stay with her creepy Aunt Sarah while her parents are away. Trapped in a spooky old house and stalked by an unfriendly cat, Sally begins to explore. She sneaks upstairs and discovers the attic, where she finds herself drawn toward an old mirror. When she looks into it something magical happens... Sally finds herself in the past on the other side of the mirror where another little girl--also names Sally--has lot a beloved doll, Elizabeth. Sally searches and searches, but the doll seems to have vanished. Can the two help each other across time?

SciFi Adventure

Cauldron Cooker’s Night (Knightscares #1) /David Anthony & Charles David: It's Cauldron Cooker's Night, a holiday for witches, and Josh and his sister Jozlyn can't sleep. When they hear a strange noise outside their window, they just know it's a witch on her broom. But the witch is only the beginning of their troubles. Soon they set out on a dangerous adventure to save their town from an evil spell. Along the way, they'll have to face a hungry ogre, a creepy swamp, a mischievous black cat, and lots more. Worst of all, the witch is waiting for them at the end.

The Changing of the Guard (Jedi Quest) / Jude Watson: The planet of Romin is a hotbed of villainy and corruption. It is a refuge for criminals from across the galaxy — including evil scientist Janna Zan Abor, an arch-enemy of the Republic. In order to foil Zan Arbor’s insidious plans, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and a team of Jedi must infiltrate Romin — disguised as a band of thieves. Where lawlessness is the law, the Jedi will have to master the art of deception to tyrap a master deceiver.

Missing! (Mars Year One) / Brad Strickland & Thomas E. Fuller: Landslides, a deadly climate, and the increasingly un- predictable weather of Mars make survival nearly impossible, but the most immediate problem facing the Marsport colonists is the dwindling water supply. The group decides to onstruct an automated station in a rift valley where ice accumulated from the atmosphere will be melted and moved through warming pipelines to Marsport. The kids of the Asimov Project participate in the work, but then a fierce storm hits and a team that includes Jenny is isolated and lost. Despite orders not to leave Marsport, Sean puts together a group of kids to go out and find the team. As the race to save the missing colonists becomes increasingly dangerous -- and pits Sean against Amanda and the administration of the col- ony -- Sean quickly learns that schisms within the social order are almost as deadly as Mars itself.

Holiday Lights!: Bril- liant displays to in- spire your Christmas celebration / David Seidman: All around America there are folks Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care / Michael E. Gray: who put on such dazzling If you own a car or are in the market for one, Auto Christmas light displays Upkeep is the book for you! From choosing an insur- that their houses are ance policy to performing basic maintenance and re- listed as attractions in pair, Auto Upkeep presents the information you need their local newspapers. Such extravagant presenta- in an easy-to-follow format with detailed pictures and tions-replete with lights flashing in time to holiday drawings. carols and rooftop nativity scenes-can draw thou- sands of visitors each year, and though they take an enormous amount of labor, Seidman's book aims to demonstrate how readers can do the same-or close to it-with minimal effort. The World of Wheels: Advertising and Euphoria, the Grande Routiere and the Years after the War / Michael Sedgwick: This Candlelit Christmas: book is a part of the most comprehensive work ever completed on the Decorating with history of the automobile. In the series "A World of Wheels", you will candles for the holi- learn about the birth of the modern motorcar in detail, from the very day season / John first Benz carriage to the super technical cars of the present day. All of Terrell Fry: This book the information is described by some of the best automobile historians in illuminates easy, inex- the world. pensive, and dramatic ways to change the Sands of Time: A century of racing in Daytona mood of your holiday Beach / William P. Lazarus: race in 1903 to the home with candles. incredible panorama of the 2003 Daytona 500. Each Beautifully photo- aspect of the story is accented with colorful anec- graphed, yet eminently practical, Fry's guide in- dotes, featuring the cultured drivers of the early cludes more than 50 fresh ideas for transforming 1900s, jauntily racing against the clock in immaculate your home. Thirteen easy decorative projects are uniforms and scarves waving in the breeze, to the also included…. roughnecks from the Southern woods, who found themselves in jail as often as Victory Lane, to today's famous athletes who dare the famed high banks at speeds close to 200 mph. Each chapter also includes additional details Teen Read Highlight on such topics as women drivers, sponsors and prize money, as well as origin of race flags, development of tires and the sites of forgotten Perfect / Natasha Friend: tracks. The book is extensively illustrated with rarely seen photos drawn Isabelle Lee has a problem, from ISC Publications Archives, the largest single collection of race pho- and it's not just Ape Face, her tos in the world. The account is centered in Daytona Beach, a small Flor- sister, or group therapy for ida community that hosted the first race in 1903 and has come to em- an eating disorder, or even body motorsports in this country. Virtually every prominent driver in the that her father died and her past raced on its hard-packed sand. Today, historic Daytona Interna- mother is depressed and in tional Speedway remains "The World Center of Racing." Written for a denial. It's that Ashley, the general audience, The Sands of Time brings to life an entire era, filled most popular girl in school, is with colorful personalities and exciting on-track events that help explain inviting Isabelle to join her at why racing is now the largest spectator sport in America. lunch and at sleepovers at her house, and this is pre- senting Isabelle with a di- lemma. Pretty Ashley has moved Isabelle up the social ladder, but is it worth keeping the secret they share? Caught in the orbit of popularity and appearances, Isabelle must navigate a world with mixed messages, false hopes, and potentially harmful turns, while coping with her own flailing family and emotions.

Publication created by Cheryl Richter, 2004 All book synopsis’ taken from the book description Clipart from MS Office Clip Art & Media unless otherwise noted.