BOOKS TO BORROW

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

Read aloud: age 8 and 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 all of 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 Director: Hali Keeler

Children's Services: Mary-Jane Carle

Choices this week: "Jack and the Beanstalk" by E. Nesbit; "Francis the Scaredy Cat" by Ed Boxall; "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick

AT THE BOOKSTORE

"Hank Has a Dream" by Rebecca Dudley, Peter Pauper Press, 2014, 32 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 3 to 8

Read yourself: age 6 to 8

One night the little bear Hank dreams he can fly, and once his journey begins, he flies far away, all the way to the sea, then out past the trees and over the clouds, going faster and faster ...

Through spare text and wonderful, detailed dioramas, author/artist creates a magical world alongside Hank's real world, illuminating how everyday pleasures can be bursting with imagination and fun.

"A Library Book for Bear" by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton, Candlewick, 2014, 40 pages, $16.99 hardcover

Read aloud: age 4 to 8

Read yourself: age 7 and 8

Mouse is very excited. Today is the day Bear will go to the library with him. When mouse arrives, Bear has changed his mind. Bear has never been to a library and tells Mouse he has all the books he needs at his own home. Mouse explains that the library had loads of wonderful, exciting books, and since Bear has promised his little friend, he reluctantly sets off with Mouse.

When the pair arrives, Bear is intimidated by the vastness of the library. There are more books there than Bear even knew existed. Mouse scurries about trying to find the kind of books Bear says might interest him, but one book after another doesn't seem to suit Bear. Will Mouse be able to find the right book for Bear and convince him of all he has been missing?

kendal@sunlink.net