Juneau Public Libraries--Juneau, Alaska

	Staff Picks for All Ages
	500 Art Quilts: An Inspiring Collection of Contemporary Work Non-Fiction This wonderful book, which contains an amazing variety of quilts created by contemporary quilters, is both inspiring, if you are a quilter, or simply enjoyable to browse, if you're not a quilter. Some of the quilts in this book are astonishingly elaborate. Information about the artists and what techniques they used are included. Other books in the '500' series include 500 Baskets, 500 Cups, and 500 Handmade Dolls. Recommended by Nila
	Abstract City Written by Christoph Niemann Non-Fiction This book is a compilation of posts from artist/illustrator Christoph Niemann's New York Times blog, also called Abstract City. Niemann uses a crazy variety of media (fallen leaves, cookie dough and sprinkles, Google Maps, as well as the usual ink, pencil and paint) to examine various aspects of everyday urban life, such as how to manage all those cables we have in our lives nowadays, an homage to coffee, and the stuff of everyday New York City life, constructed with Legos. If you're wondering how he comes up with it all, the book wraps up with an explanation of his creative process. Recommended by Catherine
	Born to Run: Athletes of the Iditarod Written by Albert Lewis Non-Fiction This book is so cool! Photographer Albert Lewis has taken portraits of dozens of sled dogs, from weeks-old pups to teen-aged race veterans. If you are a mushing enthusiast or just a plain dog lover, you will find this book fascinating. Each dog's personality really shines through. The book also includes portraits of the dogs' mushers. Recommended by Catherine
	Bound for Glory: America in Color, 1939-43 Non-Fiction If you think of the Great Depression and World War II in black and white, this book of photographs will open your eyes to whole new way of seeing American history of that period. Kodachrome film, which created vivid color photographs, was newly available in the mid-1930s, but not yet widely used; photographers from the Farm Security Administration and the Office of War Information traveled all over the country and took some 1,600 photographs using the film, and the Library of Congress chose an assortment of those images and published them in this amazing book. Take a look at farm workers in the deep South, a fair in New Mexico, mines in Colorado, rail-yards in Chicago, commuters in Massachusetts, assembly-line workers building bombers in California, and potato farmers in Maine, all in beautiful color. I love this book firstly for the novelty of seeing images from the time period in color, but also for the glimpse it gives of everyday life and work of Americans some 70 years ago, and the just plain gorgeousness of the color photographs themselves. Recommended by Catherine
	Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs Written by Judi Barrett Illustrated by Ron Barrett Fiction Inspired by an airborne pancake, a grandfather tells his grandchildren the story of a tiny town where food comes not from grocery stores, but the sky. All is well in the town of Chewandswallow, where meals rain down three times daily, until the weather begins to take a turn for the worse. I have loved this book since I was a kid, both for the slightly absurd (but very funny) story, and the beautiful and detailed illustrations, which are full of humorous visual details for those who might not be reading on their own yet, but like to follow along by looking at the pictures. Recommended by Catherine
	Coast Written by BBC DVD/Video This series, which first appeared on television in the UK in 2005, is an eclectic look at history, geography, culture, economics and natural sciences, built on the framework of the coastline of the British Isles and surrounding countries. Multiple enthusiastic hosts travel a section of coastline in each episode, and the places they visit inspire mini-lessons on a wide variety of topics, often with the help of local experts. I learned several new things when I watched this series, and got more background on some topics I only knew a little bit about. Given how much coastline we have in Alaska, it would be great if someone would do the same thing here. Recommended by Catherine
	Discovering Wild Plants: Alaska, Western Canada, the Northwest Written by Janice Schofield Eaton Alaskana Although this book is too big to carry as a field guide, it contains volumes of in-depth coverage with color photos on harvesting wild plants. Arranged by habitat zones (muskeg, alpine, etc), Discovering Wild Plants contains volumes of in-depth coverage with color photos on harvesting wild plants, and is enjoyable to read. Detailing the when and how of harvest, recipes for Elder fritters, herbal teas and more. Recommended by Alli
	Double Moon: Constructions & Conversations Written by Frank Soos Illustrated by Margo Klass Alaskana You may have had a chance to see the work of Margo Klass when her shadow boxes were exhibited at the Alaska State Museum last spring, but if you missed it, or would like another chance to see these exquisite artworks, check out Double Moon. As an added bonus, the works are accompanied by the poetry of Frank Soos. Klass and Soos live in Fairbanks. Recommended by Catherine
	Flight: Volume One Written by Kazu Kibuishi Non-Fiction Kazu Kibuishi is one of my favorite kid-friendly author-artists, penning the Copper comic strip and the Amulet graphic novel series. He also has arranged the Flight anthology series, where he usually contributes one or two of the several-dozen stories in each book. Most of the short stories can stand alone, but it’s best to read the Flight books in order for the several story lines that recur, such as Neil Babra’s “Life of Tejinder Singh” and Michel Gagne’s “Saga of Rex,” both of which are told in chapter installments, one in each volume of Flight. The illustration and storytelling styles vary greatly: some stories are mostly words with augmenting pictures, some are mostly pictures with augmenting words, some have no words at all, and some are more reflective and poetic and don’t really have a storyline to follow. If you’re interesting in checking out a variety of comic and graphic-art styles and formats, Flight is a great series to take a look at. Each volume will have a few stories you don’t really like, but also a few that you’ll be glad to have found. Volumes 1 through 8 are available from the library. Recommended by Jenna
	Fuddles Written by Frans Vischer Fiction I would like to recommend the children’s book Fuddles, by Frans Vischer. Perhaps I am prejudiced in my selection in having a cat that resembles a pear more than a slender cat. The book's art-work is superb, with an ever-changing viewpoint and perspective of our chubby, furry friend who dreams of wild adventures, totally blind to his own limitations. What was particularly rewarding for me was to read this book with my two granddaughters, age 8 and 3 and ½. I thought we would be done with it after one reading, but they kept dragging it back out of the return pile asking me to read it again to them and a growing list of visiting play pals. They would wander off after each reading muttering, “Poor Fuddles!” and with true compassion, pat our overweight feline Cali on her large belly. For learning limitations, dealing with fears of being lost, and the joy of finding family and home, I highly recommend Fuddles. It even allows me to pat my own growing midriff with a new-found understanding and acceptance. Recommended by Mark
	Moosewood Restaurant Simple Suppers: Fresh Ideas for the Weeknight Table Written by The Moosewood Collective Non-Fiction I read cookbooks when I can't concentrate on a plot. This particular cookbook is lovely to read and has lots of pretty pictures. Written by the folks at the Moosewood Restaurant, it focuses on recipes that are simple and easy to prepare for everyday dinners at home. Recommended by LouAnn
	Planetfall: New Solar System Visions Written by Michael Benson Non-Fiction This large-format photography book gives you a fascinating, and breath-taking, look at Earth as seen from space, the flares of the Sun, the cratered surface of our moon, the red, sandy dunes of Mars, the rings of Saturn, and much, much more. Author Michael Benson has taken images and data collected from NASA and European Space Agency missions and created beautiful images of other worlds. I don't know if I'd be tempted to visit any of these places in person, should it become possible someday, but I did enjoy taking an arm-chair trip through space, thanks to this book. Recommended by Catherine
	Pogo Through the Wild Blue Wonder Written by Walt Kelly Fiction This book is a compilation of the Walt Kelly POGO comic strip from 1949 and 1950. If you remember POGO then you already love him and Churchy and Albert and Beauregard and (my favorite, the lovely Mam'selle Hepzibah (introduced 10/1950) and all the wonderful characters from the Okefenokee Swamp. Taken as satire, it is spot on, taken as fun they make us laugh. Walt Kelly was an original and so are his beloved characters from the Swamp. And if you've never read them, you are in for a delightful read! Recommended by Suzi
	Preserving Basics: 77 Recipes Illustrated Step by Step Written by Jody Vassallo Non-Fiction Preserving Basics is just one title in a series of cookbooks called My Cooking Class, which illustrates each recipe with a series of photographs showing each step in the process. Besides being more visually informative than a written recipe, the photographs are gorgeous on their own. This particular book shows how to make jams, jellies, mustards and more, but other books in the series include (but are not limited to) Pasta Basics, Sauce Basics, and Cake Basics. Find them by searching for 'my cooking class' in the catalog. Other cookbooks in the library's collection that also have step-by-step illustrated instructions include: How to Cook Everything - The Basics, by Mark Bittman; Illustrated Step-by-Step Baking, by Caroline Bretherton; and The Family Meal, by Ferran Adria. Recommended by Catherine
	Second-Time Cool: The Art of Chopping Up a Sweater Written by Linden-Ivarsson Anna-Stina Non-Fiction This book is full of inspiring ideas about how you can re-use your old sweaters and turn them into new clothing and accessories. Make mittens, scarves, slippers, bags and more from the raw materials you already have in your closet. Includes an overview of how to re-purpose sweaters, basic instructions, and lots of pictures and ideas for how to embellish your re-purposed woolies. Recommended by Cheryl
	Serengeti Spy: Views from a Hidden Camera Written by Anup Shah Non-Fiction This book is so cool! Wildlife photographer Anup Shah set up cameras disguised by "mud, grass, elephant dung and other materials" around the plains of East Africa, and then used a remote to trigger the shutter. The result is amazing, on the ground, in-your-face images of lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, baboons and more. Although the photos of stampeding herds as seen from the ground are incredible, my favorite images are the ones of animals, particularly lions, reacting to the camera. The shots of animals with their noses close up to the strange clicking device are fantastic. Recommended by Catherine
	Sister: A Novel Written by Rosamund Lupton Fiction Bee Hemming is telling her sister Tess about everything she is doing to try to make sense of Tess's apparent suicide. Bee can't believe that Tess would kill herself, and she sets out to prove that her sister was murdered. Every time you think you know what's going on in this story, you turn the page and find out you don't. If you like Sister, try Lupton's second novel, Afterwards. Also available as a downloadable e-book. Recommended by Catherine
	Steam Laundry: Poems Written by Nicole Stellon O'Donnell Alaskana Nicole Stellon O'Donnell will be reading from this book along with Sarah Crawford Isto at the event Fur Farms and Steam Laundry on Thursday, December 6th at 7pm at the Downtown Library. A workshop on writing using historical resources as a starting point will be offered on Friday 12/7/12. From San Francisco to Skagway up over the Chilkoot Trail and on to Dawson, Steam Laundry is O'Donnell's unique portrait of a family's journey to Alaska. Their story is told through poems, a technique referred to as a novel in verse or a novel in poems. Most of the poems are letters chronicling the transformation of Joe and Ellen Gibson and their two sons. Interspersed are historical photos and documents from the Sarah Ellen Gibson Collection at UAF. You don't have to like poetry or history to enjoy this amazing chronicle of family relationships in the face of hardship. Recommended by Jonas
	The Arrival Written by Shaun Tan Illustrated by Shaun Tan Fiction This gorgeously illustrated wordless graphic novel by Shaun Tan tells an immigration story set in a land that is simultaneously whimsical and hyper-realistic. A man sets off for a new country, leaving his family behind while he tries to build a better life in a new place, hoping to eventually be able to bring his wife and daughter too. You may recognize images clearly inspired by the experience of many immigrants to this country, who passed through Ellis Island when entering the United States for the first time. Recommended by Catherine
	The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher Written by Molly Bang Illustrated by Molly Bang Fiction This award-winning wordless picture book, originally published in 1980, has fascinated me since I was a young child and is still one of my favorites. Author/illustrator Molly Bang’s pictures, painted on plain gray paper, tell the story of a gray-haired, gray-clothed woman bringing a carton of newly purchased strawberries home to her family, and the mysterious blue-skinned fellow who would really, really like to be able get his hands on those strawberries. The story is just a little bit scary, but it ends happily, with delicious berries for everyone. Recommended by Catherine
	The Last Waltz Written by Martin Scorsese DVD/Video On Thanksgiving day, 1976, The Band, which may be best known for touring and recording with Bob Dylan during the '60s and '70s, gave a farewell concert at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. Martin Scorsese filmed that concert, as well as several studio recordings and interviews with band members, and the result is this amazing film, which is practically a who's who of mid-20th century rock and roll (and blues and country) musicians, featuring performances by Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Emmylou Harris and many more. If you like this, check out Scorsese's most recent concert film, Shine a Light, featuring the Rolling Stones. Recommended by Catherine
	The Moomins and the Great Flood Written by Tove Jansson Fiction This is the first Moomin book by Tove Jansson, in which we are introduced to the Moomin family. Do you not know the Moomins? (They live behind stoves in Sweden). They are an adventurous and loving family who resemble hippopotami, with large snouts, round bodies and short legs... consisting of Moominpappa (he loves to go adventuring), Moominmamma (she always carries her handbag and is very kind and resourceful), and Moomintroll (he is friendly and very curious). Moominpappa has gone off adventuring with the Hattifatteners and Moominmamma and Moomintroll are wandering through a forest looking for a nice place to build a house. They meet several creatures, Tulippa with the long blue hair (she stays behind to help the red-haired boy who lives in the lighthouse), the small creature (who in later stories is Sniff) and begin to search for Moominpappa. After several adventures including the Great Flood they do find Moominpappa, with the help of the Marabou stork. Read the book, (it isn't too long) to find out if the family ever finds a home... This is a lovely tale on its own and is a wonderful book for reading out loud. We have several other books available starring the adventurous and magical Moomins including Moominpappa at Sea (one of my favorites!). Recommended by Suzi
	The Museum of Dr. Moses Written by Joyce Carol Oates Fiction If you've read anything by Joyce Carol Oates then you know she has that ability to change styles... her one consistency is the lack of cheerful stories or characters. This book is a collection of short stories, all on the edge of disturbing. Not supernatural disturbing, but Oates writes about what people are capable of given the right circumstances and head space. What I love about Oates is that her characters are really never victims... what we sow, we reap. Our actions and choices carry rewards and punishments, she has chosen to explore the punishments no-one ever wants to reap.... We have many titles available from this prolific and versatile writer. Recommended by Suzi
	The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure Written by William Goldman Fiction Probably you have seen the movie The Princess Bride, but have you read the book? If not, you are missing out, especially if you are a fan of the wonderful movie adapted from the book, directed by Rob Reiner, starring Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin and Andre the Giant (the library has it, check it out today). The story is adapted, according to Goldman, from the classic Florinese story, by S. Morgenstern. It is sweet, absurd, charming, and also totally hilarious, and contains, as Goldman's father described it to him: "Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Poison. True love. Hate. Revenge. Giants. Hunters. Bad men. Beautifulest ladies. Snakes. Spiders. Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passion. Miracles." Need I say more? Try it, you will love it. Recommended by Catherine P.S. This 30th Anniversary Edition includes a new introduction, the 25th Anniversary Edition introduction, and a chapter from the sequel, Buttercup's Baby. They are all right, but it's ok to skip right to the story.
	The Virgin of Small Plains: A Novel Written by Nancy Pickard Fiction The Virgin of Small Plains, by Nancy Pickard, is a murder mystery set in small Kansas town. Twenty years ago the son of the town’s sheriff found the naked frozen body of a teenage girl. The ensuing events, told via flashback, directly affect many of the town's leading citizens and their families. This 2006 Edgar award finalist will keep readers turning pages to find out who the killer is, and if he or she will be brought to justice. Recommended by Ginny
	The Willoughbys Written by Lois Lowry Illustrated by Lois Lowry Fiction Have you ever read Heidi? Or the Secret Garden? Or Anne of Green Gables? Did you like them? Or did you loathe them? Either way, you will be amused by this kids chapter book that is one part homage to (and one part parody of) classic childrens literature. Lois Lowry's story of the four Willoughby children, their odious nanny, and a billionaire benefactor and his foundling ward is a funny story for all ages. Recommended for fans of Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. Recommended by Catherine
	The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Written by L.Frank Baum Illustrated by W. W. Denslow Fiction “Never question the truth of what you fail to understand, for the world is filled with wonders.” -L. Frank Baum, Rinkitink in Oz A modern fairy tale, The Wizard of Oz, tells the story of Dorothy, a Kansas farm girl who is blown by a cyclone to the land of Oz, where she is befriended by such memorable characters as the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion. The Wizard of Oz is the first in the Oz books. This book was THE book when my children were young. Anni, Alex, Genevieve and I read the entire series twice because we were enchanted by the world Baum created. He doesn’t talk down to children, ever. He uses great vocabulary and his imagination soars and creates the most wonderful characters and situations. Baum said, “So I believe that dreams — day dreams, you know, with your eyes wide open and your brain machinery whizzing — are likely to lead to the betterment of the world. The imaginative child will become the imaginative man or woman most apt to create, to invent, and therefore to foster civilization. A prominent educator tells me that fairy tales are of untold value in developing imagination in the young. I believe it.” So do I. This series is a gift to any child and adult who wants to experience magic. Recommended by LouAnn
	Wilby Wonderful Written by Daniel MacIvor DVD/Video Wilby Wonderful is a film from director, writer, playwright, and actor Daniel MacIvor. This web-of-life drama with a dark comedic edge takes place in a small town on the fictional island of Wilby, somewhere off the coast of Nova Scotia. The film follows a cast of characters (played by a veritable who's who of Canadian cinema) over the course of a single day. I first watched the film because Callum Keith Rennie is in it. I have an enduring crush on him and have watched a lot of films he's in which I won't be recommending. The film is really more a series of character sketches than a narrative, all put together and tied with quiet Canadian irony. I like this film, it entertains and makes you care about the characters. There are even actors known in the States, like Sandra Oh and Ellen Page. And there's Callum who is doing a rare sweet romantic role. Pop some popcorn and enjoy. Recommended by LouAnn
	Your Skin Written by Joseph P. Bark, M. D. Non-Fiction Got warts? Bumps? Dandruff? Any skin and hair-related problems? This is the book for you. Well-written, clear and concise information and helpful advice make this an interesting read. Clear up your skin in time for the Juneau summer beach fun! Recommended by Suzi