Book of the Week (8/14/2017)

Founding of a Coven and Other Stories of New England's Dark Side by T.G. Roettiger (Authorhouse, 2017).

T. G. Roettiger will be discussing and signing his debut story collection at the Toadstool Bookshop in Keene, NH on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 2 pm.

Founding of a Coven is T.G. Roettiger's first collection of stories. All of the stories take place in early 20th century New England. Residents of the region will recognize many landmarks in these stories. The stories range from "Watcher and Keeper". a tale with a Lovecraftian bent, about the real reason Lake Warren in East Alstead, New Hampshire, was created, to the title story which is an alternate history with a dark side. In between are "Brothers" and "Blues" which ask the question, "Who is the real monster?" And, finally, "Spectacles" which is a cautionary tale about spiteful action and its consequences. -- Publisher's blurb

His author's bio states: "Moving to Alstead in 2006 he and his wife bought a house built around the 1850s that has the reputation of being haunted. Though an avowed skeptic, many things have been seen and heard that defy explanation including the voice of what is known as “the woman.” In spite of his skepticism, he has had a life long interest in the paranormal and cryptozoology, and has a hard time passing an abandoned house without at least a peek inside." I feel the same way!

Ladybug Nominee Profile

This story by Jane Yolen, which reads like a poem, explores the many things to be done with a box and is illustrated by Chris Sheban in a style that uses lots of cardboard box textures and motifs to bring a tactile quality to the story.
What to Do With a Box began in the 1980s and was published in 2016 by Creative Editions.

This is one of the ten titles nominated for the 2017 Ladybug Picture Book Award.

Book of the Week (8/7/2017)

Wherever Flames May Rage: A History of the Concord, NH Fire Department by Gerald P. Bourgeois (Concord, NH : Town & Country Reprographics, 2015).

Jerry Bourgeois, a retired local educator and firefighter, brings an interesting and important part of the Granite State's history to us through his book, "Wherever Flames May Rage". Carefully compiled, with many photographs spanning the years, Jerry's history of the Concord Fire Department celebrates the bravery of the men and women who served our state from the early days to the present.

Follow the history of firefighting in Concord, NH as it moved from bucket brigades to the department of today. The book follows the development in the state’s capitol from 1807, when the first hand-engine company was incorporated, through the steam engine era, beginning in 1862. It then continues to the motorized era beginning in 1913 and through today’s operation. --Gibson's Bookstore blurb.

Ladybug Nominee Profile

Elwood Bigfoot: Wanted: Birdie Friends! by Jill Esbaum and Nate Wragg is about Elwood who loves birdies and wants to be their friend. He is big and loud and the birdies are hesitant, but he finally figures out how to win their affection. 
There is an activity kit for this book and if you want to get started making friends with the birdies in your world try some bird activities from Audubon or check out these tips on birding with kids.

This is one of the ten titles nominated for the 2017 Ladybug Picture Book Award. 

Book of the Week (7/31/2017)

Bella Up, Up, and Away by Ryan O'Rourke (Harper, 2016).

Summertime beach reads are enjoyed by kids too, and this one by NH author-illustrator Ryan O'Rourke is sure to delight them.

Ryan is a professor of illustration at the New Hampshire Institute of Art in Manchester and is the owner of two cats—one of whom really is named Bella!

Bella is a curious cat who lives inside a lighthouse. When she meets a new friend, a cat named Claude, she invites him along for an adventure, only to find that he prefers warm sand to playing in the ocean, and likes naps more than defending sand castles from imaginary foes. When a strong wind sweeps Claude out to sea, Bella takes to the skies—borne aloft by a kite—to save him! -- Publisher's blurb