Everyone should listen to The Graveyard Book because Neil Gaiman reads it himself. Should that matter? Aside from Gaiman’s amazing voice and entertaining delivery, he wrote the darn thing, so it’s a safe bet that his portrayals are close to the author’s intentions. I’m not advocating that only authors record their works; that’s a horrific thought, since many writers write because they’re socially impaired in some way (too harsh?). But Gaiman has genuine acting talent, and the gleefully wicked humor in the book is as apparent in his voice as a wink.

As for the actual work…darkly delightful! I’m amazed it’s for younger readers — not because kids can’t handle it, but because it is so dark and clever. Believe me, I think kids are entitled to the dark and clever in this world, but publishers seem more interested in adult approval ($$$$).

It’s probably labeled "children’s" because the protagonist is young. Nobody "Bod" Owens is just a toddler when he wanders into a graveyard, unaware that his entire family has been murdered and the killer is looking for him. The graveyard’s residents (noncorporeal) decide to care for Bod. As Bod grows, he wishes he could connect more with his ghostly family since he doesn’t really fit in with the living. In other words, he feels like other adolescents except, with a smattering of supernatural.

Please don’t assume that it’s a typical coming-of-age story, though. Not only did Mr. Gaiman model Bod’s tale on Kipling’s Jungle Book; despite the surreal, the characters are so palpable, you WANT to know them (even the scary ones). I have a small crush on Silas, Bod’s neither living nor dead "godfather" figure. I’m even intrigued by the creepy society of "Every Man Jack" (it has to exist because it’s too wonderfully sinister not to).

I had The Graveyard Book slated for discussion at the Nosy Grown-Ups (formerly Nosy Parents) Book Club meeting in October, but no one attended. I may schedule it again because it is just that good.  Please note that Nosy Grown-Ups books are available at the Central Library Fiction Desk, and the discussions are held in Central’s meeting room at 7:00 pm on the second Thursday of each month.

Sorry for the commercial interruption — now please go read (wonderful illustrations in the book) and/or listen to The Graveyard Book. Or, better yet, do both…I did!

Joanne Sobieck-Lingg – Central Library

New to Howard County Library, Tales from the Brothers Grimm features fifteen classic Grimms’ fairy tales. However, the real treasure within is the art. Edens brings together illustrations from many sources across the centuries. The endpapers are works of art by Gustave Doré. The book showcases illustrations by Walter Crane, Wanda Gág, and Maxfield Parrish, among myriads of other illustrators who have all created artwork for Grimm. Pouring over the numerous interpretations of "Cinderella" with my friends, we recall which was "our Cinderella," from the battered fairy tale books of our childhood.

Is this a children’s book?  Yes: children still love to hear the classic stories of "Cinderella," "The Twelve Dancing Princesses," and "The Brave Little Tailor."  Is this a book for adults? Absolutely: both for appreciating the beauty of the art, and the remembrance of things past.

Shirley O’Neill – Administration Office

Peter and the Starcatchers retells the story of Peter Pan, and is the first book written by the duo, Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. Peter, part of a group of orphan boys on the boat Never Land, is being sent to work for an evil king. The boat is also carrying a mysterious young girl named Molly whose father has a special treasure. Black Stache (the pirate to become Hook) and his crew try to steal the treasure. Only Peter, Molly and the other boys can stop him.

Dave Barry is normally known for his comedic reflections on life, while Ridley Pearson typically writes suspense novels.  But together they’ve created a children’s story that is both action-packed and funny. There are sword fights, flying, pirates, and Indians. Then there is the camaraderie between Molly and Peter — could there be romance in their future? No, but it is fun to read along anyway, even though we know what will eventually happen to Peter.

There are three books in this children’s series and the fourth is announced for the end of the year. The books include Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, and Peter and the Secret of Rundoon. The fourth scheduled for release October 13 is entitled Peter and the Sword of Mercy.

Robert Bates – Glenwood Branch

Thomas Ward didn’t ask to be the Spook’s apprentice, but when you’re the seventh son of a seventh son, and your parents can only leave the family farm to the eldest son, you take whatever career options you’re given…even if you are only 12.  What Tom didn’t anticipate was that Mr. Gregory, the county Spook, would introduce him to a world beyond his imaginings, beyond his nightmares. Tom also didn’t anticipate how fascinating he’d find the work; how interesting he’d find the people, um creatures, er folks he’d encounter; and how closely his work would take him to his home and those he thought he knew the best.

Yes, Nosy Parents Book Club is meeting again, taking on the supernatural and the horrifying in Joseph Delaney’s The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch. We are inviting any interested adults and young adults to be a part of this conversation.  We’ll have fun discussing the ins and outs of the book. (Tom’s adventures are thrilling, and there are some wickedly interesting female characters.)  We will, however, also tackle whom this book is really for, why some people might object to its content, and any other conversational terrain we care to cross.

So please join us on Saturday, April 11, 2009, from 1:30-2:30 pm in the Central Library meeting room…if you dare. You may register online or by calling 410.313.7860.

Joanne Sobieck-Lingg – Central Library