Rachel's Pick
Shelbi's Picks
Howl's Moving Castle
So very whimsical. If you need a movie to help you escape and relax for a bit, or to help you remember how to smile, this is one to try!
Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake
Swan Lake is always bewitching, that’s just the nature of such a magical ballet–but THIS reinterpretation is perhaps the most enchanting I’ve ever seen! Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake recasts all the swan roles with male ballerinos and it is a visual DELIGHT.
Taproot
Short and sweet fluff with just a hint of spooky. I found the artist’s color work really inspiring and beautiful!
Crystal's Pick
Mary's Pick
The Tree of Ages series
The seasons are changing and a war of unparalleled ferocity is coming while the land becomes consumed by chaos. One prophecy may hold the key to salvation:
Three queens. One will live. Two will die.
How to Steal Dog by Barbara O'Connor
Living in the family car after their father leaves them virtually penniless, Georgina persuades her younger brother to help her in an elaborate scheme to get money by stealing a dog and then claim the reward the owners are bound to offer.
Dawn's Picks
Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View
40 stories celebrating over 40 years of Star Wars. May the Force Be With You.
Wild & Free Nature by Ainsley Arment
25 outdoor adventures for kids to explore, discover, and awaken their curiosity.
372.35 Arm
The Forager Chef's Book of Flora by Alan Bergo
Recipes and techniques for edible plants from garden, field, and forest. This book has a nice combination of yummy recipes, foraging tips, and great photos.
Douglas, You Need Glasses! by Ged Adamson
A very cute children’s book about a very nearsighted dog. As a child and now an adult with poor eyesight, I totally bond with Douglas in this book.
Steph's Pick
Emma's Pick
Backwoods Witchcraft
Learn about folk magick from the Appalachia region and how everyday items from the natural world can be used in practicing your craft from your own backyard. Lore from the area and generational recipes and spells are graciously given to the reader to learn about practical witchcraft and how to apply skills. Interesting read. Definitely recommended for beginner pagans or seasoned green witches.
This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith
I’m not usually a big fan of romance books, but this book is what got me started reading them. It’s a very cute & wholesome YA romance novel. It features a misaddressed email, a movie star, and a pig.
Brenda's Picks
If You Tell by Gregg Olson
This book reminded me of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls – which is also a true story of parents who abuse their children. Although this book was mentally and physically painful to read at times – you will want to jump in the story and rescue the 3 sisters from their sadistic mother.
The Boys by Ron Howard and Clint Howard
The Boys follows the careers of Ron and Clint Howard when they were two of the biggest child stars in Hollywood. Ron for the Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days and Clint for Gentle Ben. This heartwarming story of loving parents who put their own acting careers aside to support their two son’s stardom. Readers are treated to many behind-the-scenes details and insights, along with family photographs.
Dennis' Pick
Mischelle's Pick
American Underdog
This is the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner who went from stocking shelves in a grocery store to becoming a 2-time NFL MVP Quarterback and Super Bowl Champion!
Sing
- Matthew McConaughey
- Reese Witherspoon
- Scarlett Johansson
- John C. Reilly
- Jennifer Hudson….
Excellent music, amazing detail in animation, and a great story.
Amanda's Picks
The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again by Catherine Price
This book by the author of How to Break Up With Your Phone (616.85 Pri) is like a big blast of fresh air that shakes loose all the remnants of our COVID-induced isolation and ennui. The author encourages us to actively reinvestigate and pursue what “fun” is for each one of us, a state of mind that most of us haven’t been in much, if at all, for the last few years. She offers proactive steps that you can take to identify your “fun factors” and “fun magnets” as you pursue playfulness, connection and flow (the building blocks of true fun). She also coaches you in how to identify “fake fun” (aka the virtual substitute most of us have been consuming) as well as the more passive, less fulfilling sensations of pleasure and/or enjoyment that we often mistake for fun. Best of all, the author encourages each reader to unabashedly pursue, identify and embrace what fun looks like and feels like, and to cultivate, protect and prioritize these special instances of “true fun” in each of our lives.
How to Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price
Like almost everyone I know I love my devices, and often turn to them for what I THINK is entertainment, knowledge and connection…but after reading Catherine Price’s other book The Power of Fun (155.4 Pri), I’ve been prompted to reevaluate this mindset. In her later book, Price identifies our devices, especially our phones, as a poor substitute for meaningful connections and moments in our lives. In fact, our devices (and the algorithms that are embedded in their apps) can alter our attention span, the way we process and retain information, and our ability to have authentic interactions with one another. Over time, they can even subtly change our behavior. I’ve put this book on my to-read list because I want to revisit my relationship with my phone and take control of how, when and why I use it.
Montica's Picks
Grow More Food by Colin McCrate
This book will teach you how to plan and get the most out of every plant.
Gardening for Everyone by Julia Watkins
This book will teach you everything you need to know to grow your own vegetables, fruits and herbs. It also covers all the nuts and bolts of creating and caring for your garden-planning, building, planting, tending and harvesting.
