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It's been a long winter but spring is just around the corner. Maybe a trip to break those "winter-time blues" is in store for you. If so. check out the new arrivals in the non-fiction library. A few are listed here: 1000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before you Die and 101 Best Outdoor Towns; unspoiled places to visit, live and play
Roadfood Sandwiches: Recipes and Lore from Our Favorite Shops Coast to Coast offers a mouthwatering view of sandwiches, mundane and exotic. Make sure to take a look at the recipes for McBob's Milwaukee Rueben and Superduper Weenie's Mighty Ity. If you are feeling particularly adventurous you might even try Becky's Diner's Peanut Butter and Bacon sandwich.
It happens to most of us. We have somewhere to be or something to get done at a certain time. We know about it and plan for it, but somehow when the time comes, it seems as if we are always running behind. Are you one of us?
If you are you will enjoy this humorous story,
Late for School by Mike Reiss. It is about a boy named Smitty who misses his bus and encounters all kinds of obstacles on his way to school.
Or check out Waking up Wendell by April Stevens. It tells the story of how the whole neighborhood on Fish Street wakes in the morning. From Mrs. Depolo, who is always late, screeching her tires as she speeds to work. Or the Yapping dog Leopold barking good morning. To the littlest one on the block, Wendell, who is woke by the singing next door.
Children are never to young to learn how to protect themselves from being victimized. For parents who are looking for a way to talk to their children about protecting themselves from child abuse and sexual predators, these three books would be good conversation starters.
My Body is Mine! by Peter Osilaja- Told through the eyes of 6 year old Michael, who is about to attend his first sleepover, his parents give him important information about self-defense, Internet dangers and unacceptable touching.
Not in Room 204 by Shannon Riggs- Quiet Regina feels comfortable in her classroom, where her teacher runs a tight ship. The class is learning about Stranger Danger, and how inappropriate touching is not always from strangers but can be from someone you know and even trust. Regina confides in her teacher a secret about her father. The message of this book is a comforting one, ending on a hopeful note.
The Right Touch by Sandy Kleven- Young Jimmy's mom explains the difference between touches that are positive and those that are secret or forced. She tells him how to resist and affirms that abuse is never the child's fault. It is a parenting book that is meant to be read aloud by a trusted caregiver and provides information and guidance on what to do if your child experiences a abusive situation.
The Devil in the White City: murder, magic and madness at the fair that changed America by Erik Larson is the non-fiction book club selection for February. The group will meet on February 19 at 7:00 P.M. in the Information Library. Join Library Director, Peggy Havener, as she leads the discussion on this interesting book.
One of the most popular authors of childrens' picture books is Mercer Mayer. He published his first book, A Boy, a Dog and a Frog, a wordless picture book, in 1967. In 1976 he joined Golden Publishing where he created and illustrated the 
Little Critter and Little Monster series. His books are brightly colored with simple and fun plots that also teach lessons about life. If you haven't ever checked out a book by Mercer Mayer, take one home today. Your children and you will definitely enjoy them!
The Albert Lea Public Library wll be closed on Monday, February 18 in observance of President's Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m.
1,000 Garden Ideas: The Best of Everything in a Visual Sourcebook by Stafford Cliff offers some great ideas to inspire you for the upcoming gardening season. We also have new books on perennials, trees and shrubs and more for all your gardening needs. Come check them out today!
This weekend, Senator Barack Obama, who is campaigning to be the Democratic candidate for President, won a Grammy for his reading of his book The Audacity of Hope; thoughts on reclaiming the American dream. He beat out Bill Clinton who has won in the past. The Albert Lea Public Library has a copy of his book in hardcover and in book-on-CD format. So check it out and judge for yourself.
The Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the American Library Association for the most distinguished American children's book published each year. Do you know who the first winner was and what year it began? Email your response to achance@selco.info and see if you know your book award history. Watch for the answer on Tuesdays blog.
Tired of being snowed-in and want a culinery experience to take you far, far away from the cold and snow? Try The Take-out Menu Cookbook: How to Cook In the Foods You Love to Order Out by Carla Snyder (641.59 Sny) is the perfect foil to dreary meals.
The cookbook offers recipes for Greek, Indian, Chinese, Italian and more. At least with recipes this good and unique you can pretend you're somewhere sunny and warm.
