Sweeten your days with these uplifting books from the library

By Pam Everhardt Bloom

Rowan Public Library

Children sometimes provide the best lessons. My 3-year-old granddaughter, Gracie, was visiting one weekend and she was particularly sweet and agreeable. When I jokingly asked her how she got so sweet, her very serious reply was, “I read books.” Gracie’s insight made me think seriously about how literature and stories have the potential to affect all of us, no matter our age.

When was the last time you sat down with a beautiful picture book? Books that we often think of as children’s books are truly “everybody” books and offer much more than lovely illustrations. Perhaps it’s time for a trip to the children’s section at your local library. Like Gracie, you might just find these reads make you and your life a bit sweeter.

Patricia Polacco is an illustrator and author with great stories to share. “Pink and Say” is an unexpected Civil War story handed down through the author’s family, a story for all ages. Two other of her books based on true stories are “Thank You, Mr. Falker” and its sequel, “The Junkyard Wonders.” To describe these last two books as stories of children with learning difficulties doesn’t even begin to describe the magic found in Polacco’s books. Treat yourself to these readings and most likely, you’ll be back for more Polacco selections.

Eve Bunting weaves a story of loss and stepfamilies and a hope for growth in “The Memory String,” illustrated by Ted Rand. Like Patricia Polacco, her books are numerous and this treasure will surely entice you to explore others such as “Butterfly House,” “So Far From the Sea” and “Night Tree.”

For your favorite nonconformist or for the pure pleasure of a good story, check out a copy of Paul Fleishman’s “Westlandia,” illustrated by Kevin Hawkes, and follow the adventures of Wesley and his crop of “swist.” Follow up this celebration of uniqueness with other books such as “Duck, Rabbit” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. We all need a reminder that everything depends on how you look at it and the illustrations by Tom Lichtenheld will not disappoint. As an added bonus, it’s a great read-aloud.

Jeff Brumble teams with artist Gail de Marcken to create stories of good deeds in “The Quiltmaker’s Gift” and “The Quiltmaker’s Journey.” The illustrations are so detailed and numerous that you may find yourself creating your own tales to extend Brumble’s stories. Following this same theme, “Miss Rumphius,” story and pictures by Barbara Cooney, is a beautiful reminder of the need to spread goodness and beauty through the world and the possibilities that can make it happen.

As you renew your acquaintance with picture books, don’t neglect two timeless stories for all ages, “The Story of Ferdinand” by Munro Leaf and “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. Life will seem sweeter, guaranteed.

Computer classes: No computer classes at any RPL locations in January. Classes will resume in February.

Book Bites Club: South only, Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., “Spell of the Highlander,” by Karen Marie Moning. Book discussion groups for both adults and children are held at South Rowan Regional Library and meet the last Tuesday of each month. The group is open to the public and free to join at any time. Discussion of the book, as well as light refreshments at each meeting. For more information please call 704-216-8229.

Teen program: All 5:30-7 p.m. East, Monday, Anime/Manga event; Headquarters, Tuesday, Teen Scavenger Hunt. Are you a teen who loves Anime and Manga or Japanese culture? Come dressed as your favorite character and make Japanese inspired crafts at the South and East Branch. At the Headquarters, test your sleuthing skills for a Teen Scavenger Hunt. For more information call 704-216-8234.

Displays: Headquarters — art by West Rowan High School; South, SRHS art class; East, rubber stamping by Glenda Trexler.

Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.