BOOKS TO BORROW

"Open Wide: Tooth School Inside" written and illustrated by Laurie Keller, Henry Holt, 36 pages

Read aloud: age 5, 6 and older.

Read yourself: age 8 and older.

Open wide and come on inside to Dr. Flossman's tooth school! Meet his incoming class of 32 include eight incisors, four canines, eight premolars, 12 molars and four wisdom teeth. With all students in attendance, everyone begins the day by reciting: "I pledge allegiance to this mouth and to the dentist who takes care of us. And to the gums on which we stand, strong and healthy, with toothbrushes and toothpaste for all."

Page after page, this wildly humorous book teaches readers tons of information about teeth; what they're made of, how to take care of them and what to avoid to prevent problems.

LIBRARIAN'S CHOICE

Library: Otis Library, 261 Main St., Norwich

Library Director: Bob Farwell

Choices this week: "In the Rain with Baby Duck" by Amy Hest; "Banjo Granny" by Sarah Martin Busse; "Shredderman: Secret Identity" by Wendelin Van Draanen

AT THE BOOKSTORE

"Jackhammer Sam" by Peter Mandel, illustrated by David Catrow, Roaring Brook Press, 2011, 36 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 4 and older.

Read yourself: age 7 and 8.

Meet Jackhammer Sam, the sidewalk blasting man! Jackhammer Sam loves his job, and he loves the crazy, loud noise his jackhammer makes. Jackhammer Sam sings along with the beat of his hammer: ATTA-RATTA-PINGA-PONG. ATTA-RATTA-DINGA DONG.

Kids will love this rhyming story and the hilarious illustrations of Jackhammer Sam. Brimming with good fun, laughs and opportunities to sing with Jackhammer Sam, children are bound to request repeated readings of this little gem.

"I'm Fast!" by Kate McMullan, illustrated by Jim McMullan, Balzer & Bray, 36 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 4 and older.

Read yourself: age 7 and 8.

The little red race car wants to race the giant freight train, all the way from Sacramento to Chicago! The freight train thinks that's funny but accepts the challenge anyway. The freight train is pulling half a mile of freight cars loaded down with heavy goods. The two racers will be challenged by difficult terrain, a snow storm and other obstacles.

Loaded with fun, "I'm Fast!" is thoroughly entertaining.

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