Karin Winegar, native of Albert Lea, is an award-winning journalist who has written for many magazines and newspapers including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Collaborating with world-renowned photographer Judy Claussen, she has written Saved: rescued animals and the lives they transform. From the foreword by Jane Godall: " Saved is an inspired collection of real-life stories about rescued animals and the people who rescue them. The stories are especially compelling because they are not only about abandoned, abuse and tortured animals-Karin Winegar and Judy Olausen, also care deeply about the extraordinary collection of dedicated people, often bruised and hurting themselves, who become guardians of the oppressed. Above all, the book is about the relationship between animals and people."
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ABRAHAM LINCOLN
On February 12, 2009, the nation will celebrate the 200th birthday of one of the greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln. He has been in the news so much lately due to President Obama's high regard for him as his role model. A new, fascinating, very picturesque book, The Lincolns: a scrapbook look at Abraham and Mary by Candace Fleming is on the shelf at your Albert Lea Public Library. It opens with "The Lincoln Years", a time line which lists important events for each year of their lives, beginning with Mr. Lincoln's birth in 1809 and culminating with Mary Lincoln's death in 1882. After that,the book is done in a scrapbook format, from the beginning to the end of their lives.
Mister Rogers, Everyone's Favorite Neighbor
Fred Rogers, a childhood favorite of many, seemed so simply presented yet few of us know so little about him. Born in 1923 and passing away in 2003 of stomach cancer, Fred was mult-talented and educated in theology and music. His television show was also the longest running ever for children's programming. He also was an ordained Presbyterian minister and vegetarian.
If you miss his quiet voice, friendliness and charm perhaps you will enjoy reading:
I'm Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers by Tim Madigan(921 Rog - Available in both book and book on CD format)
The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers by Amy Hollingway(248.8 Hol - Book on CD)
The World According to Mister Rogers by Fred Rogers (170.44 Rog - Available in both book and book on CD format)
Bill Peet, Illustrator
Bill Peet (January 29, 1915 - May 11, 2002) wrote and illustrated over 20 children's books. His childhood history was quite chaotic. He grew up barely knowing his father who was away in the military during WWI. His father later returned, only to drift in and out of the family and one time striking Bill as a child.
Bill often drew during school, frequently getting into trouble because of his distraction but was eventually recognized for his talent. He went to school at the John Herron Art Institute and later was involved with Disney studios. He later left Disney to pursue his career on his own.
Bill's drawing style is easily recognized - cartoonish, vivid and exciting. His stories are also well-told and are a delight to kids and adults who remember reading his books years ago. The illustration at left is from "How Droofus the Dragon Lost His Head." You might also recognize his signature style in Disney films such as Jungle Book or Sword in the Stone.
Interested readers should come check out the Albert Lea Public Library's collection of Bill Peet books. You might also enjoy visiting the Bill Peet website.
LOOKING FOR A NEW MYSTERY AUTHOR?
Are you a mystery reader who has run out of authors to read? Try Minnesota author, Brian Freeman, who has a series of three books set in Duluth. Hopefully, the reviews below will entice you to follow this author by reading Immoral, Stripped, and Stalked. I am anxiously awaiting his fourth book due out March 31, 2009.
"Who is Brian Freeman? This guy can tell a story. Immoral is a page-turner of the highest caliber. It has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end."—Michael Connelly, author of The Closers
“Freeman just keeps outdoing himself with each book....a striking display of skilled storytelling that will have readers surprised more than once well before the shocking ending.” --Library Journal
“Brian Freeman is, quite simply, a first-rate storyteller. Stalked is scary, fast-paced, and refreshingly well written. The characters are so sharply drawn and interesting, we can’t wait to meet the next one in the story. Freeman has another winner.” –Nelson DeMille, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wildfire
Thinking Warm Thoughts . . .
When it's this cold out, these somewhat extreme places sound kinda warm and cozy:
Krakatoa (DVD 551.21 Kra) - This program brings the 1883 volcano eruption to life.
The Sahara (DVD 966 Sah) - The forgotten history of the world's harshest desert.
Or, if you just want to daydream:
India (915.404 Ind) - A travel guide to India
Unofficial Guide to Mexico's Best Beach Resorts (971.204 Uno)
The Ultimate Cruise Collection (910.2 Ult)
Fodor's Orlando's 25 Best (917.592 Orl)
Fodor's Exploring the Greek Islands (914.9504 Gre)
INAUGURATION DAY
Today, Tuesday, January 20, at 12:00 noon, Barack Obama will become the 44th President of the United States, with Joe Biden as the Vice-President.
Library Closing
The Library will be closed Monday, January 19th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We will re-open Tuesday, January 20th with regular business hours.
Visit Wikipedia to learn about Martin's legacy, early life, campaigns and his messages.
Classic Disney Films
Just about everyone grew up on Disney films. Here are some of the great classics that the Albert Lea Public Library has in its collection:
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The Ugly Dachshund
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The Gnome Mobile
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Bedknobs & Broomsticks
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The Absent-minded Professor
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Mary Poppins
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Pete's Dragon
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The Parent Trap
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Pollyanna
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Swiss Family Robinson
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Old Yeller
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The Shaggy Dog
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The Love Bug
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Herbie Rides Again
We hope you'll come and check out these movies and enjoy them with your family.
