André Gide once wrote, “One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.”

I think one’s desire to experience life is strong at all ages. Sometimes we are able to experience life through reading about someone else, whether through fact or fiction. Today’s reviewed books provide children with new thoughts and ideas. The accumulation of these experiences ultimately provides the knowledge and courage to lose sight of the shore for awhile in order to move forward and discover new lands. 

BOOKS TO BORROW

“Sleep Tight, Little Bear” by Martin Waddell, illustrated by Barbara Firth, Candlewick, 32 pages

Read aloud: age 2 and older

Read yourself: age 7 and older

One day Little Bear discovers a new cave close to the one he shares with Big Bear. Little Bear shows Big Bear his new cave, then Little Bear spends the day playing there. When it’s time for bed, Little Bear decides he wants to sleep in his new cave, like a big bear does. As he tries to fall asleep, he wonders if Big Bear might be lonely without him. Maybe Big Bear isn’t the only lonely one …

LIBRARIAN’S CHOICE

Library: Westerly Public Library, 44 Broad St., Westerly

Executive Director: Brigitte Hopkins

Children’s Librarian: Helen Mochetti

Choices this week: “Dear Levi: stories from the Oregon Trail” by Elvira Woodruff; “Soldier’s Heart: a novel of the Civil War” by Gary Paulsen; “Heart of a Samurai” by Margi Preus 

BOOKS TO BUY

“Summerlost” by Ally Condie, Dutton, 272 pages, $17.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 10 and older

Read yourself: age 11, 12 and older

Cedar’s life was turned upside down a year ago when her father and brother, Ben, were killed in a car accident. Now, she and her mother and other brother, Miles, are moving to the small town of Iron Creek for the summer to try and put their lives back together.

Soon after they move in, Cedar sees a boy named Leo riding his bike dressed in a costume. Curious, Cedar follows him and discovers his destination — the Summerlost theater festival. The two become fast friends, and Leo helps Cedar find a job working the concession stand at the festival. The loss of her family members has Cedar searching for a way to move forward, and her new friendship with Leo is guiding her toward just what she needs.

“Anything But Ordinary Addie: The True Story of Adelaide Herrmann Queen of Magic” by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Iacopo Bruno, Candlewick, 2016, 36 pages, $17.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 6 to 9

Read yourself: age 7 to 9

“Addie never wanted to be ordinary.” Instead, Addie wants to shock, astonish and dazzle people. When she sees an advertisement in a newspaper announcing the need for young ladies to dance, Addie secretly sews a costume for herself, joins the dance troupe, and her life changes forever.

At first a prima ballerina, that soon begins to feel a bit ordinary. So Addie ups her game by performing a daredevil act riding The Boneshaker in many European cities. On her way to America, she meets the famous magician Herrmann the Great. They were married when they reached New York City. Performing together, they shocked the world with their magic. When her husband suddenly dies, Addie knows the show must go on.

A fascinating true story of the fearless magician, this choice brims with courage and determination.

kendal@sunlink.net