booktalk Archives - Page 1238 of 1253

olliesodyssey
Ollie’s Odyssey
by William Joyce (Author / Illustrator)

Booktalk: In the secret realm of toys, there are many mysteries. There is the Code of the Toys, which is as ancient as childhood. There’s also the magic of becoming a child’s favorite, the highest honor in the Toy World. Made by hand by Billy’s mother, Ollie is a special toy, “a toy who will matter.” He becomes Billy’s best friend, confidant, pal, and yes, Billy’s “favorite.”

But there are villains in the Toy World, and Zozo, the clown king, is the most feared. He and his toy henchman (the Creeps) have sworn to steal and imprison favorite toys until they forget their children and become forever lost.

When Ollie is toynapped, Billy must rescue his beloved favorite from Zozo’s subterranean lair in the old Carnival Place, past the park, through the woods, and into the night. Never has a journey of ten blocks been more epic.

Snippet: Back at the junkyard, things were getting tense.

Billy’s my favorite, even if I’m not his, thought Ollie. He’s in danger and I’ve got to help him. He felt this with the purity and strength that comes with having been a favorite toy. He threw me away! And that thought hurt him all the way past his stuffing and into whatever kind of soul a toy has.

windsolargeothermalpower
Wind, Solar, and Geothermal Power (Calling All Innovators: A Career for You)
by Steven Otfinoski (Author)

Booktalk: For decades, people around the world have relied mainly on the burning of fossil fuels to power machines and create electricity. However, as scientists uncover the destruction these fuels are doing to the environment, alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal power are becoming more common. Readers will learn about the scientists, engineers, and other people working to bring us new energy options. They will also find out what it takes to make it in this growing career field.

Snippet:
SOLAR CARS
Since they were invented in the late 19th century, automobiles have run on many different types of fuel, including gasoline, steam, and electricity. However, a car powered by the sun’s energy seemed like a pipe dream until August 31, 1955, when William Cobb of General Motors (GM) unveiled his “Sunmobile” at an auto show in Chicago, Illinois. Just 15 inches (38 centimeters) long, the Sunmobile’s roof was equipped with 12 photoelectric cells that created an electric current to power the car’s tiny motor.

It’s Nonfiction Monday!