Books Blog

The 2013 contest was held just this week, and the team from the United States finished a respectable 7th in the field of teams from all over the world. Check out the NPR story on this year's U.S. team and how they trained here.

Whether you aspire to participate in such a competition someday, or just like to read about how cooking contests work, the library has some items to get you started.

This year marks the 75th anniversary for the Caldecott Medal. Named for nineteenth-century English children's book illustrator, Randolph Caldecott, this award is given "to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children."
Medal Winner: More by I.C. Springman, illustrated by Brian Lies

• Thinking Fast and Slow - Daniel Kahneman :: The title refers to the two systems of our brain which dictate our decision making. The first is fast, impulsive, and emotional. The second is slower and more rational. Although we think we are being rational most of the time, Kahneman contends that our brain in an effort to be more efficient takes shortcuts that lead to poor decisions made in complete confidence of the decision maker. Information and research heavy, but worth the mental workout.

The Edgars, given out by the Mystery Writers of America, have been honoring great mystery writing since 1946. This year's awards will be given out on May 2--plenty of time to read the nominees in your favorite category and predict your own winner!

Best First Novel:

The great divide for many of us is the chasm between good tasting, satisfying foods and healthy, nutrient-dense fare. But the library shelves are groaning with great cookbooks that will help you bridge the perceived gap between delicious and nutritious. Here are a couple suggestions:

Winnie the Pooh's story begins on a pleasant day in 1924 when Christopher Robin Milne, the author's son, visited the London Zoological Gardens and encountered a real life Black Bear named Winnie who preferred condensed milk to honey! The original stuffed animals which inspired the beloved and timeless tales are on display in the New York Public Library. Mr.

I Never Saw Another Butterfly: Staged Readings by Our Youth
Sunday, January 27, 2-3:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center

Book I think everyone should read: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Won't Stop Talking by Susan Cain. You'll either gain insight into yourself, or someone you live with, love, work with, or parent.

Cookbooks that have become staples in my kitchen: Both from America's Test Kitchen, Simple Weeknight Favorites and Slow Cooker Revolution

Fiction

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