These two knuckleheads are invariably by my side while I'm doing school assignments or reading youth fiction. Josie is the red Standard Poodle on the left; Nickleby is the silver guy on the right.  They  don't dress up often, just for special occasions, like several feet of snow!

50. Carnival Games: Monkey See, Monkey Do (2K Play)

VIDEO GAME: (rated E for everyone)

Brief Description: In a carnival style, this game, appropriate for all ages including teens and adults, contains 20 different games. From Pop Darts to Ring Toss to Pig Race and even the Strength Test, players will feel as though they're truly at the carnival. Players collect tickets which are good for spending in the four different shops - items to be purchased may include hair and other outfits for your avatar.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: Of the six Kinect video games I've recently sampled, this one was only moderately entertaining. I can see that I just don't have the skills to excel, which is frustrating, and usually pretty funny; it's obvious that I'll need to really work at getting good at any of the games. It's definitely for younger kids, but the entire family will find something to entertain them.

Curriculum/Programming: This specific game will be incorporated into my Tuesday afternoon gaming program at the library - it's perfect to draw in the younger kids. I'll serve popcorn and other snacks to complete the carnival atmosphere.

49. The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-Tale Detectives by Michael Buckley (Amulet Books, 2005)

BOOK: FANTASY, MYSTERY (ages 8-12)

Brief Description: Orphans Sabrina and Daphne have had it with foster homes and the orphanage. When a mysterious grandmotherly-type claims to be part of their family, the girls are quickly delivered to her home. Sabrina is less than convinced that this woman is their relative, but younger Daphne is immediately enchanted, in spite of the strange rules set forth in the house. When grandmother Relda Grimm reveals that they are part of the Grimm family, and that the Brothers Grimm were the first fairy tale detectives who set down the true stories of the "Everafters," Sabrina doesn't buy it, but when grandmother and her friend Canis are taken by a giant, the girls must consider whether they will rescue them, and if, indeed, they are really related and believe the stories that they have been told.

Awards: Border's Original Voice Award, 2005

Personal Opinion: This was a fun book for middle readers. Full of suspense and familiar fairy tale characters in various disguises, kids will delight in the story of Relda Grimm and her two grandchildren. Buckley does a clever job weaving various fairy tale characters into the story, and even throws in Puck from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as well as the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. This stew of fairy tale characters will create a memorable reading experience for younger readers.

Curriculum/Programming: After reading this book, kids could be instructed to research a few fairy tales, become familiar with the characters, and write their own short story disguising the characters in a new story of their own creation.

48. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr, narrated by Alyssa Bresnahan (audio download, HarperAudio, 2008)

AUDIO BOOK: FANTASY, ROMANCE (ages 13-17)

Brief Description: The Summer King - Keenan - has lost his power; his mother, The Winter Queen has overtaken the summer court and the fey and the earth's mortals face danger and death as her cold overspreads all of nature. When Keenan meets Aislann, he feels he has met the Summer Queen - the only one who can combat the power of the evil of the Winter Queen and get Keenan back his powers. Here's the problem, though, she has had "the sight" (being able to see faeries) her whole life and detests the fey - she surely doesn't want to become one of them. This story surrounds Keenan's pursuit of Aislinn as she falls in love with Seth, her mortal best friend. Will she take the Hawthorn staff and accept her role as queen?

Awards: Best Original Voices Award, 2007

Personal Opinion: I was engrossed in this romantic tale of the world of faery in spite of its shortcomings. Marr nicely precedes each chapter with a quote tied to the content of the chapter, and, apparently from real books from the mortal world! The characters were believable, the plot tense and worrisome, and even the most powerful in the story are given flaws. I am not one to read sequels unless I am truly drawn into the story, and I'm eager to see what happens next in the series. Also, this book is truly for ages 13+ as there are a few scenes and some language for more sophisticated readers. As with a few other titles in this assignment, I began with the audio, which was quite good, but had to actually read the book to get to the content faster. As for the shortcomings, it seemed that there was much repetition and often confusing situations that I didn't think were described clearly enough. Even with these issues, the book was wonderful. I'm eager to recommend it at the library.

Curriculum/Programming: Create a royal crest for each of the courts - both winter and summer - and include symbolism pertinent to each of the courts. OR Compare this faery story to another story and list all the "rules" referenced in each book. OR Read one or more of the books mentioned at the beginning of each chapter and report findings.

47. The Old Willis Place: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn (Clarion Books, 2004)

BOOK: HORROR (ages 10-14)

Brief Description: 12-year-old Diana narrates this story of she and her brother as they watch the new caretakers of the Old Willis Place move in. Something is not right with these two imps, and Hahn slowly reveals more and more information until the reader comprehends the nature of these characters who have many secrets. Lissa is the new caretaker's daughter who seeks friendship and finds it in Diana. When Lissa decides to explore the Old Willis Place with Diana, she unwittingly unleashes the fierce and frightening ghost of Miss Lilian. A surprise ending will satisfy even the most nervous readers.

Awards: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2006; Heartland Award for Excellence, 2007; Iowa Children's Choice Award, 2008; Mark Twain Award, 2007; South Carolina Children's Book Award, 2008

Personal Opinion: I enjoyed this book very much! Hahn carefully crafts a tone of building tension with the slow revelation of Georgie and his sister Diana's true nature. Kids will notice that they are rather mischievous and not too remorseful about their actions. Other clues will lead them to understand that George and Diana are ghosts themselves, although they, too, are afraid of ghost Miss Lilian. I found the ending very surprising and didn't see it coming at all; I wondered how Hahn would end this creepy tale, but she did a wonderful job. Finally, Hahn succeeds in her scaring of kids when Lissa remarks that her idea of ghosts had changed forever - she now realized that a ghost can be flesh and blood, and may be sitting next to you on the bus. Nice.

Curriculum/Programming: This would make a great read aloud for Halloween. Also, kids could design a spooky game board incorporating the ghosts, the Old Willis Place, the shed, and other areas on the farm etc. and create a game like Chutes and Ladders - would they include cards? How about screaming, running, etc. for various points?

46. Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword by Barry Deutsch (Amulet Books, 2010)

GRAPHIC NOVEL: FANTASY (ages 8-12)

Brief Description: The title and caption on the cover say it all - This graphic novel is the story of how 11-year-old Mirka, a troll-fighting Jewish girl, got her sword. Through a series of strange encounters, Mirka ends up conversing with a witch living in the woods even when her stepmother strictly forbade her from doing so. It was through the witch's advice that Mirka eventually outsmarted the troll to obtain her sword through a strange knitting competition; her dream is to be a dragon-fighter, so the sword will presumably help her in her journey.

Awards: Sydney Taylor Book Award; MANY nominations

Personal Opinion: I was surprised by the odd combination of knitting, religion and fantasy in this interesting little graphic novel. Mirka is a fantastic heroine who respects her Jewish traditions but also dares to step outside the boundaries on occasion. In the end, I enjoyed the book, especially the Yiddish and the helpful translations, and the quirky and fun character of Mirka. As I read, however, I just kept focusing on how strange the book was! Regardless, it has been circulating nicely at our library. Ultimately, I think it's wonderful to have a bit of religious culture mixed with fantasy!

Curriculum/Programming: This would be a fun book to include in a study of religious culture, especially as an introduction to some Jewish customs. Also, as an example of Manga, this would be good for a specific book group on manga drawing, although it seems to have some different characteristics in style than most Manga (I think!)

45. Lego Star Wars III The Clone Wars (LucasArts, 2011)

VIDEO GAME (ages 10+)

Brief Description: The game opens in the Geonosis Arena from the "Attack of the Clones" animated series, and players must try to escape being chained and subjected to hungry beasts. Once you escape this "level" you go on to the next difficulty. The game may be played with two players.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: Okay, so I'm video game inept and had a really hard time figuring out how to play this without the aide of my 10 year old patrons. Now I have a better understanding of the controls and what I'm supposed to be doing - thanks to them! Do I like this game? Not really. I have really enjoyed the XBox 360 with Kinect, but this one relies on the hand held controller; maybe I'm just not coordinated, and maybe I just need A LOT more time playing, but I think I'll pass on this game. The graphics were great, the humor was interesting (this was also my first Legos video game) and I think I enjoy watching the kids play much more than trying to play the game myself!

Programming/Curriculum: I've been featuring video games every Tuesday since around mid-June, and when I advertised Lego Star Wars, the younger crowds came out in huge numbers. A good programming idea is to simply set up the game and let the kids alternate turns. They love to play AND watch others play so they can learn the tricks. A competition could take place with prizes to the highest scoring players.