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"The important thing in science is not so much to obtain new facts as to discover new ways of thinking about them." ~ Sir William Lawrence Bragg (1890-1971), Australian/British physicist
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New and Recently Released!
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| The Griffin and the Dinosaur: How Adrienne Mayor Discovered a Fascinating Link... by Marc Aronson with Adrienne Mayor; illustrated by Chris MullerNonfiction. Where do myths and legends come from? Historian Adrienne Mayor believes that at least some of them can be explained by science. With "the suspense of a detective story" (Publishers Weekly), The Griffin and the Dinosaur describes how Mayor traveled to many countries, tracking down clues and gathering evidence to prove that legends about the griffin -- a part lion, part eagle creature from Greek mythology -- may have their roots in dinosaur fossils. Supported by illustrations, ancient artifacts, and fascinating photos, The Griffin and the Dinosaur is a great choice for archaeology fans as well as readers who are intrigued by mythical monsters. |
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| The Luck Uglies by Paul DurhamFantasy. Eleven-year-old Rye knows the legend: years ago, the Bog Noblins preyed on Village Drowning, devouring villagers and wearing necklaces made from their feet. The fearsome creatures were driven away by the brave Luck Uglies, a secret society that hasn't been heard from since. But now the Bog Noblins are back, awakening the villagers' terror -- and Rye's curiosity. Along with her friends Quinn and Folly, Rye sets out to discover the village's secrets and the fate of the Luck Uglies. Bold characters, brisk pacing, and tons of action combine to make this series debut "a thumping good story" (Kirkus Reviews). |
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| Poached by Stuart GibbsMystery. "I would never have been accused of stealing the koala if Vance Jessup hadn't made me drop a human arm in the shark tank." That's Teddy Fitzroy's explanation for the mess he's in. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and now he's the prime suspect in the theft of a koala from FunJungle, the zoo amusement park where his parents work. Bursting with slapstick humor and weird animal facts, Teddy's scramble to prove his innocence and rescue the koala will appeal to fans of Carl Hiaasen's eco-adventures, as well as readers who enjoyed Belly Up, the 1st offbeat whodunit in the series. |
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| The Islands of Chaldea by Diana Wynne Jones; completed by Ursula JonesFantasy. Magic is a family tradition for 12-year-old Aileen, so she she's deeply disappointed when she fails her initiation as a Wise Woman. She doesn't have long to worry about it, however, because soon the king sends Aileen and her Aunt Beck on a quest to dissolve the mysterious barrier that separates the island of Logra from the other islands of Chaldea. Along the way, they gather an eccentric band of travelers (including a sometimes-invisible cat named Plug-Ugly) and Aileen begins to discover her true powers. If you love fantasy, don't miss the captivating characters and imaginative settings in The Islands of Chaldea, the final book from popular author Diana Wynne Jones. |
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| Fly Away by Patricia MacLachlanFiction. Lucy and her two-year-old brother Teddy share a unique bond. Lucy has a way with words, but she's not a gifted singer like the rest of the family. Teddy, on the other hand, can't speak in words, but he secretly sings to Lucy every night. On a family visit to Aunt Frankie's farm in North Dakota, Teddy goes missing just as the Red River begins to flood, and Lucy realizes that her song might be the only way to save Teddy. Can she find her voice in time to find her brother? Simple and heartfelt, Fly Away is just right for younger readers looking for longer chapter books. |
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| Catch the Wind, Harness the Sun: 22 Super-Charged Science Projects for Kids by Michael J. CadutoNonfiction. The power is in your hands when you pick up this funny, spirited collection of science projects for creating and using clean energy. You'll find super-easy projects, such as making a balloon wind gauge or brewing sun tea, as well as exciting challenges like turning a bicycle into a generator (you can use it to charge a phone!) or building an umbrella solar cooker. Each activity includes instructions and safety info, along with lots of photos, comics, and creative ideas for further activities. For even more eco-experiments, pick up Elizabeth Snoke Harris' Save the Earth Science Experiments. |
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| Backyard Biology: Investigate Habitats Outside Your Door with 25 Projects by Donna Latham; illustrated by Beth HetlandNonfiction. You don't need a fancy lab or an exotic location to do cool biology experiments -- there are plenty of plants, animals, and other living things to explore in your own neighborhood. Sprinkled with science trivia and factoids, Backyard Biology invites you to investigate the soil, water, and microorganisms around you to discover how your environment works. Can you create a bug habitat with that soil? What kind of water do you need to build an edible coral reef? How much yeast does it take to blow up a balloon? Find out the answers by diving in to this lively (and sometimes messy) activity book.
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| The Flying Machine Book: Build and Launch 35 Rockets, Gliders, Helicopters... by Bobby MercerNonfiction. Featuring 35 step-by-step projects for making all kinds of things that fly, this how-to book has a bit of a science bonus. Not only does author Bobby Mercer deliver on the cool-flying-machines-you-can-build part, he also explains principles of flight and how weight, lift, thrust, and drag affect it. (That way, you can try to figure out and adjust any initial flops.) Most of the machines are made of things you might have around the house, like drinking straws, duct tape, and old file folders. Wanna make your own "Falcon Frenzy" glider or "Super Spinner" 'copter? Check this out! |
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| Fire Bubbles and Exploding Toothpaste: More Unforgettable Experiments That Make... by Steve SpanglerNonfiction. Celebrity science teacher Steve Spangler (you might have seen him on TV or YouTube) is known for his exciting -- sometimes explosive -- experiments, and his latest book definitely lives up to that reputation. Science tricks like Bouncing Smoke Bubbles, Floating Bowling Balls, or a Skateboard Rocket Car might seem like magic, but they're backed by clear explanations, easy-to-understand instructions, and colorful photos. Experiments this dramatic and dangerous DO require adult help, so make sure to read this book when you've got an older scientist around. Want more? Check out Steve Spangler's earlier book, Naked Eggs and Flying Potatoes.
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| 100% Pure Fake by Lyn Thomas; illustrated by Boris Zaytsev with photographs by Cheryl PowersNonfiction. This collection of revolting recipes is a prankster's delight! Presenting instructions for creating 25 realistic bits of practical-joke fakery -- such as shrunken heads, fake poo and snot, detachable blisters, and "broken glass" -- the authors reveal how the right combination of ordinary items from your kitchen cabinets, the grocery store, and craft supply stores can make things that'll gross out your family, friends, and innocent passersby. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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If you are having trouble unsubscribing to this newsletter, please contact the Round Rock Public Library at
512-218-5400, 221 E. Main Street Round Rock, Texas 78664
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