Greg Heffley Is Coming Back !!

The newest diary of Greg Heffley – Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book 8 will go on sale in the United States in November 2013. Following major marketing and social media promotions in the U.S.,  seven international publishers will launch their respective campaigns around the world. The United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Greece, Japan, Korea, and Norway will release the book in their respective territories just after the U.S. debut.

Books in the core Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney include:

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2007),
2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (2008),
3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw (2009),
4. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2009),
5. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth (2010), and
6. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever (2011).
7. The Third Wheel,  (2012)

Jeff Kinney has also written and illustrated The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book (2011) and The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary (2011).

Here are some trivia for the series to share with you:

• On November 13, 2012, book 7 in the series, The Third Wheel, released with a 6.5-million-copy first printing in North America.
• These books are a fixture on the USA Today bestseller list (the first book in the series has remained in the top 150 for more than 200 weeks) and the Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists.
• The series has remained consistently in the top spots on the New York Times lists since the publication of the first book.
• More than 85 million Diary of a Wimpy Kid books are in print around the world.
• The series have been sold in more than 44 territories in 42 languages.
•  Author Jeff Kinney was named one of Time magazine’s most influential people in the world.
• Three movies based on the book series have grossed more than $250 million internationally.
• The book series won Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in 2010, 2011, and 2012 (and is nominated for one in 2013)
• Jeff Kinney won a Children’s Choice Book Award in 2012.
• These books have won numerous awards voted on by students and teachers around the globe.
• The Wimpy Kid Island on poptropica.com, a virtual world for kids, remains one of the most visited on the site.

Kinney’s work has been widely praised for its ability to turn reluctant readers on to books.  If you are struggling on leading your kids into reading, if you hadn’t heard about this series from your kids, if you wanted to know why you couldn’t always find Jeff Heffley in the library, click here to reserve your copy; and stay tune for the newest development of the Wimpy Kid ….

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Attention!! Diary of A Wimpy Kid’s Fans!!!

Greg Heffley is coming back to you in different ways now.

The third movie, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, landed in theaters on August 3.  The movie picks up the story where 2011′s Rodrick Rules left off and incorporates plot elements from the third and fourth titles (The Last Straw and Dog Days) in the book series.  In preparation for the theatrical release of Dog Days , Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products has launched a national retail campaign, carrying a full range of Wimpy Kid products – bookmarks, book lights, and a prank kit (moldy cheese and flies in ice ~~ Yuck!!) in one of the nation-wide chain stores.   This makes it seem like Greg is everywhere around you.

The newest and seventh book, The Third Wheel, is scheduled to be published on November 13, with a first printing of more than 6.5 million copies.  It will be published nearly simultaneously in seven countries in Europe, Australia, and Asia.  If you would like to know whether Greg gets a date for the Valentine’s Day dance, you won’t want to miss this book.

The Wimpy Kid series has sold more than 75 million copies worldwide and is available in more than 41 countries so far. The two previous films based on the books have grossed nearly $150 million globally.  This is how popular Greg has become.

So now you know why you often couldn’t find him in the library.  If you want to meet him, hurry up and reserve your copy here.  Be aware that the waiting list is getting longer and longer now.  After you reserve it, just be patient and wait for your old friend to come back and meet with you.

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CSI Toronto–1890s Style

If you’re a fan of police procedurals on TV such as the CSI franchises, there’s one that provides a refreshing change of pace.  Here criminals are apprehended and mysteries solved when the lead character uses his skills of deduction, detection and innovation, solid police work without the help of  the high-tech tools  his counterparts enjoy today, at least on TV.

“Murdoch Mysteries” is a Canadian TV series that features characters created by novelist Maureen Jennings.  Set in the 1890s, Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) of the Toronto Constabulary applies his scientific knowledge and improvises with available materials to devise gadgets to further crime solving.  Murdoch makes collecting “finger marks” and trace evidence, not commonly done then, routine procedures at his crime scenes.  He sets up a “scrutiny camera” to capture nefarious deeds as they happen, prompting his loyal assistant, eager learner Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris), to observe that he would “hate to be a copper of the future, just drinking tea and exuding intestinal vapors.”

Also assisting Murdoch as he untangles his cases is Dr. Julia Ogden (Helene Joy), a female pathologist with progressive ideas of her own.  She and the detective obviously (for the viewer) share feelings for one another,  and their future as a couple is an unresolved subplot in the series so far.  Murdoch’s supervisor, Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig), often is impatient with Murdoch’s explanations of some contraption or method of analysis Murdoch is using, but Brackenreid supports Murdoch’s unusual ways and is proud of Murdoch’s successful sleuthing.

The plots suggest events and developments that we know came later in history.  Story lines also show real-life personalities of the period in fictitious situations.  In early episodes, Arthur Conan Doyle visits to observe Murdoch at work, H.G. Wells headlines a conference on eugenics, and Murdoch marvels at Nikola Tesla’s experiments.  Harry Houdini becomes a suspect in one episode.  When he exiles himself to the remote Klondike region, Murdoch befriends a young Jack London.

The Murdoch Mysteries series is not shown in the U.S.  I became acquainted with Detective Murdoch in a serendipitous moment, while browsing through the library’s DVD collection, and started following the exploits of this fascinating character, awaiting my turn on the holds list for the later DVDs.  I enjoy seeing how each episode captures the social attitudes of the time and provides reminders of how things have changed, how much of what we take for granted today in all aspects of daily living was unthinkable or totally unacceptable in the 1890s.  See for yourself; the library has all four seasons of Murdoch Mysteries in DVD format.  I can’t wait for the Season 5 DVD to become available.

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Hey batter, batter! Moneyball comes out 9/23/11

Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game  by Michael M. Lewis is another book that has been turned into a movie.  The movie, rated PG-13,  stars Brad Pitt as Oakland A’s General Manager Billy Beane and comes out in  theaters beginning September 23rd.  Moneyball follows the Oakland Athletics and General Manager Billy Beane as he builds one of the lowest paid teams in baseball into a success.  His budget constraints and his own personal style have Beane following a new set of rules in order to build a winning team.

You’ll also find other books by Michael M. Lewis at the library including: Liar’s Poker : Rising Through the Wreckage on Wall Street , The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game , and The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine .  

You can also catch up on your Oakland A’s history by checking out DVDs and books available at the library or just head out to the ballpark.   GO A’s!!

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Harry Potter

 

Tonight is the night …Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II starts playing at midnight. Do you have your tickets? I just purchased mine this morning and am super excited to see the final Harry Potter film. I’m also a little sad that the whole thing is coming to an end. I’ve been a Harry Potter fan for many years now as I’m sure many of you have been too. The first time I saw a youngster at the library carrying around the huge Goblet of Fire book I knew there must be something special about the series and the author J.K. Rowling. As I read the series I delved into the wizarding world of Harry Potter and Hogwarts and was mesmerized! So if you are like me and you have read all the books, seen the movies and are wondering what to do next…wonder no more. Come and check out the Harry Potter Jeopardy game at the Centerville Library next week. The Jeopardy game is for kids but parents will want to watch too. If you are a fan then you’ll want to test your Potter knowledge!

Tuesday July 19     Beginners Level: books 1 – 3 grades 4 and under

Thursday July 21      Expert Level: books 1 – 7 grades 8 and under

Schedule for both days as follows: 2:00-5:00

2:00-2:45  Quiz Contest

No participants are allowed in 15 minutes after quiz starts.

2:45-3:45  Grading
3:45-3:50  Quiz winners announcement

4:00-5:00  Jeopardy!

Only quiz winners will compete in the Jeopardy game   but everyone is welcome to watch. If no contestants can give    the correct answer, the question will be open to the audience.
  

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The Lightning Thief

I recently read the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. I have heard a lot fantastic things about this book and have watched it come and go from the library for quite some time now, so I am glad that I finally got around to reading it. The Lightning Thief is one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read in a long time.

The story is about Percy Jackson, a 12 year old boy from New York. Percy has trouble in school and has been kicked out of several. While on a field trip something strange happens. One of Percy’s teachers turns into a monster and he has to slay her. Strange things continue to happen and Percy finds out that he is different than other kids; in fact his father is a Greek God. At the end of the school year He is sent by his mother to a summer camp for kids who are half-human, half-God. After a dangerous drive to get to the camp he is attacked by a Minotaur (a half-bull, half-human monster). He finally makes it into the camp but has to recover from injuries received fighting the Minotaur. While at camp he learns more about the Greek Gods and trains to be a hero. He also finds out which God his father is. Percy and two friends from camp are sent on an epic journey to recover a lightning bolt stolen from Zeus. I don’t want to give too much away…but if you like hero stories with a wealth of Greek mythology mixed in, this book is for you. There are sequels as well, so make sure to check them out.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

The Lightning Thief

The Sea of Monsters  

The Titan’s Curse

The Battle of the Labyrinth

The Last Olympian

The Heroes of Olympus

The Lost Hero

The Son of Neptune (estimated publishing date October 4, 2011)

If you have already read the Percy Jackson series check out the Kane series and learn about Egyptian mythology.

The Kane Chronicles

The Red Pyramid               

The Throne of Fire

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Old Friends Revisited: J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings”

Recently I discovered the DVD Special Extended Editions of the “Lord of the Rings,” which include much, much more than the theatrical releases.

First, the extended editions of ” The Friendship of the Ring,” “The Two Towers,” and the “Return of the King” all have much extra footage, enriching the story immensely.

Second, these editions also include interviews with director Peter Jackson, screenwriter Philippa Boyens, composer Howard Shore, and all the principal actors, to scratch the surface of the extra features. So many hours of creative details and insights!

One of the delightful details: Peter Jackson wanted a harmonious cast. And on location, Hobbit actors Elijah Wood (Frodo), Sean Astin (Sam), Dominic Monaghan (Merry) and Billy Boyd (Pippin) all lived together in one trailer and became great friends — a friendship that was translated onto the screen.

The Alameda County Library is fortunate to own all three editions. Look for the “Lord of the Rings” New Line Platinum Series.

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Curious George Saves the Day

Last Friday the libraries were closed for Lincoln’s Birthday so this little monkey took a field trip to visit one of my all time favorites, Curious George!

Happy@thelibrary is happy @ the museum

Curious George is the creation of Margret and  H.A. Rey. I loved seeing the Rey’s original artwork and was engrossed by the story of their escape from occupied France to New York during World War II. There are strong parallels between the Rey’s true life story and Curious George’s travels and escapades.

This wonderful exhibit runs through March 13th. See the Contemporary Jewish Museum website for information on current and upcoming exhibits.  Library cardholders can borrow a museum pass at the Fremont Main Library.  The pass admits for two adults; there is no charge for those ages 18 and under.  Call  (510) 745-1401 to reserve a museum pass.

If you miss the show, you can still read The journey that saved Curious George : the true wartime escape of Margret and H.A. Rey / by Louise Borden and, of course, enjoy the numerous Curious George books and movies.

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Book Adaptation Update: January 2011

Here is the January 2011 update on the current status of the “books to film” projects that have been mentioned on this blog to this point. I will attempt to do this once a month in order to follow each film until it reaches the theater/TV/whatever. Please remember that release dates are subject to change, and that sometimes “Announced” and “In Development” films never get made, more’s the pity. (Please note that I update this post during the month as I find new projects, so check back periodically.) And here we are at the beginning of 2011. Let’s see what’s going on with the 2010 projects now.

As always, if you have any news about an upcoming book to film adaptation, please comment and let me know.

The current “books to film” list:

The A-List: In development with a 2011 release date.

Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter: In pre-production with a release date of 22 June 2012.

The Adjustment Bureau: Due in U.S. theaters on 4 March 2011 .

Agincort: In development with a 2012 release date.

Airborn: In pre-production with a 2011 release date.

Airman: In development with a release date in 2011.

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel: In development with a 2012 release date.

All Quiet on the Western Front: In development with a 2012 release date.

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay: In development with a 2012 release date.

Amerika: In development with a theoretical release date in 2012.

The Art of Racing in the Rain: In development with a 2012 release date.

The Associate: In development with a theoretical 2012 release date.

Atlas Shrugged: This film is finally in post-production. Release date is 15 April 2011 (tax day? I’m sure that there’s some irony there.). (Paul Johansson is John Galt. That answers that question. )

Barney’s Version: Due in U.S. theaters on 14 January 2011.

Beastly: Due in U.S. theaters on 18 March 2011.

The Bell Jar: In pre-production with a theoretical release date in 2012.

The Big Short – Inside the Doomsday Machine: In development with a 2012 release date.

Bless Me, Ultima: Currently filming with a release date in 2011.

The Boggart: In development. US theatrical release sometime in 2011.

Born to Rock: In development with a release date sometime in 2012.

The Box of Delights: In development with a theoretical release date in 2011.

Breaking Dawn – Part 1: Filming with a release date of 18 November 2011.

Breaking Dawn – Part 2: Filming with a release date of 16 November 2012.

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Book Adaptation Update: December 2010

Here is the December 2010 update on the current status of the “books to film” projects that have been mentioned on this blog to this point. I will attempt to do this once a month in order to follow each film until it reaches the theater/TV/whatever. Please remember that release dates are subject to change, and that sometimes “Announced” and “In Development” films never get made, more’s the pity. (Please note that I update this post during the month as I find new projects, so check back periodically.) It’s the end of 2010 folks, so stand by for those “2010″ dates to change…or for the projects to disappear.

As always, if you have any news about an upcoming book to film adaptation, please comment and let me know.

The current “books to film” list:

The A-List: In development with a 2011 release date.

Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter: In pre-production with a release date of 22 June 2012.

The Adjustment Bureau: Due in U.S. theaters on 4 March 2011 .

Agincort: In development with a 2012 release date.

Airborn: In pre-production with a 2011 release date.

Airman: In development with a release date in 2011.

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel: In development with a 2012 release date.

All Quiet on the Western Front: In development with a 2012 release date.

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay: In development with a 2012 release date.

Amerika: In development with a theoretical release date in 2012.

The Art of Racing in the Rain: In development with a 2012 release date.

The Associate: In development with a theoretical 2012 release date.

Atlas Shrugged: This film is finally in post-production. Release date is still listed as 2011. (Paul Johansson is John Galt. That answers that question. )

Barney’s Version: Due in U.S. theaters on 24 December 2010.

Beastly: Due in U.S. theaters on 18 March 2011.

The Bell Jar: In pre-production with a theoretical release date in 2012.

The Big Short – Inside the Doomsday Machine: In development with a 2012 release date.

Bless Me, Ultima: Currently filming with a release date in 2011.

The Boggart: In development. US theatrical release sometime in 2011.

Born to Rock: Announced with a release date sometime in 2012.

The Box of Delights: In development with a theoretical release date in 2011.

Breaking Dawn – Part 1: Filming with a release date of 18 November 2011.

Breaking Dawn – Part 2: Filming with a release date of 16 November 2012.

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