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.