The Computer Nut Byars 1984 I know there are lots of Betsy Byars fans out there. If Byars is still a hit with the kids, by all means carry on. My gripe is the cover art. It just looks dated.
Category: For the Kids
Books for the kids
Name It!
Last Names First
Lee and Lee
1985
This is basically a genealogy for kids title. In general, I think genealogy items have a longer shelf life than many books. Tech related genealogy books, not so much. This one is showing its age in the “humorous”, I mean cringe-worthy, illustrations. The actual text isn’t too bad and I will give the author props for including non Western Europe information.
American Forts
Historic American Forts
From Frontier Stockade to Coastal Fortress
Colby
1963
I have no doubts that historical forts are worthy of a book. Back in the early 1960’s, this was probably a reasonable choice. This is some brief history and a bit of tourist information on about 15 forts across the United States. Not bad, but I am sure any tourist information, including maps, are woefully out of date after more than 50 years. The library binding of the old days, dense print, and lackluster photography means no one will be giving this book a second look no matter how informative.
Mary
Smelly fun for the kids
How To Make A Mystery Smell Balloon
Shores
2011
I came across this title while I was browsing the catalog. Since the title was weird, I had to see what this was all about. Smelly balloons, really? This is actually a science book and is quite fun. I can see why kids would really find this fun. (As a parent, maybe not so much.) When my kids were young, they would have been all over this book. Maybe it wouldn’t be on their radar unless maybe they filed it under jokes/pranks.
As a youth librarian, I could even see this as a program. What could possibly go wrong?
Mary
Answer the Phone!
Answer the Phone
Mander
2004
I have a feeling that if this came across my weeding list, I would probably have a minor freak out at how “new” it looks. Weeding books for some 20 odd years, I am constantly surprised by how quickly time goes and I am always saying “Didn’t I just buy that?”
A Doctor Visit for the Kids
How the doctor knows you’re fine
Cobb
1973
I’m not a fan of this title. The illustrations are giving me the creeps. Take a look at the last picture and then tell me you want to go get all your vaccinations updated. The details are kind of bothersome as well. I don’t think well visits will be as naked as this book indicates. I think they would happily give anyone a gown or some kind of covering.
Staying Safe by Saying No
Staying Safe By Saying No
MacGregor
1999
The information in this book is sound. Don’t talk to strangers, don’t take candy from strangers, don’t get in cars with strangers…the book itself is fine.
I think the pictures are both hilarious and super old fashioned, though. What is the kid on the cover doing? Is that a finger gun? He’s giving that guy the what for.
High Tech Inventions
High-Tech Inventions: A Chapter Book
Packard
2004
Any book with “high-tech” in the title needs to be considered for weeding every couple of years.
Here we have a kid with a Palm Pilot type of thing with a stylus, a cockroach cyborg, and a flip phone.
High-tech? Notsomuch.
-Holly