BOOKS TO BORROW

“Robespierre: Master of the Guillotine” by John DiConsiglio, illustrations various credits, Franklin Watts/Scholastic, 128 pages

Read aloud: age 8, 9 and older

Read yourself: age 9, 10 and older

As a young country lawyer in a small town on the outskirts of Paris in 1781, Robespierre defended the poor and aided those who suffered. In 1789, Robespierre made his way to Paris, helped overthrow the king of France, and was instrumental in creating a new government. His belief in freedom for all people made him the most powerful man in France and he was hailed as a hero of the common man.

Then, the killings began. Robespierre began to suspect enemies everywhere, and under his direction at least 15,000 were beheaded. At first the people cheered. Then they began to realize that Robespierre had gone too far. On July 28, 1794, thousands of people lined the streets of Paris to see Robespierre executed by the very machine that had made him famous — the guillotine.

Part of the series, “A Wicked History,” this fascinating and superbly written book chronicles the life of Maximilien Robespierre. Historically accurate and brimming with facts, this fast-paced biography will have readers contemplating the abuse of power. 

LIBRARIAN’S CHOICE

Library: Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library, 2 Library Lane, Old Lyme

Library Director: Mary Fiorelli

Children’s Librarian: Michelle DeSarbo

Choices this week: “Rah, Rah, Radishes!” by April Pulley Sayre; “Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11” by Brian Floca; “The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum” by Candace Fleming 

BOOKS TO BUY

“From Wolf to Woof: The True Story of Dogs” by Hudson Talbot, Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin, 2016, 40 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 5 to 8

Read yourself: age 7 and 8

How did wolves become dogs, and why? This fascinating story explains how wolves and humans, once enemies, learned to trust one another and cooperate together for survival. Over many generations, many wolves became domesticated, helping humans in many ways such as hunting, herding, guarding and much more. Ultimately, the wolves that stayed with humans became dogs, while the wolves that didn’t live with humans, are still wolves to this day.

A thoughtful, fun, and informative choice, “From Wolf to Woof! The Story of Dogs” is certain to engage young minds, educate and get kids thinking about important concepts of trust, cooperation and friendship.

“Miss Colfax’s Light” by Aimée Bissonette, illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen, Sleeping Bear Press, 2016, 32 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 6 to 10

Read yourself: age 8 and older

In 1861, Harriet Colfax was 37 years old, had lost her job and had nowhere to live. A determined woman, Harriet took a job as a lighthouse keeper on Lake Michigan. The work was hard, demanding, and often dangerous, but Harriet would always say to herself, “I can do this.” And she did, every day until she was 80 years old and it was time to retire.

A fascinating true story of a woman with genuine grit, “Miss Colfax’s Light” will inspire readers in more ways than one.

kendal@sunlink.net