Reviewer: Patricia Poe 

Title: “Janis: Her Life and Music” 

Author: Holly George-Warren 

Janis Joplin was a small–town tomboy who did not fit in with her peers in school but was doted on by her parents – until her radical views and defiance pushed them away. 

This biography delves into her short life that she led in front of her audience and the life she actually wanted but could not have. It talks about her style of music that even newcomers to the music scene are willing to grab tidbits of and use. She rose from talented music artist to a legend with her final album.  

We hope you will come and check out this large print biography at the William Bradford Huie Library of Hartselle. 

Title: “Mouse Paint” 

Author: Ellen Stoll Walsh 

Interest level:  2 years through early elementary 

Reading level: 2.2 

I was surprised to find out this book was published in 1989. It is 31 years old! Nevertheless, it is one of my favorite books. It has the quality of being both entertaining and educational.    

It is about three little white mice that hide from a cat on a white piece of paper. One day while the cat sleeps, the mice discover three jars of paint – one red, one blue and one yellow. The mice dive right in the jars and soon discover they can make different colors by mixing the paint.    

This is a great book to read to very young children. The illustrations are simple yet visually engaging and help children predict the story. Young readers are also able to use the illustrations to help figure out unknown words.    

This is one of our Summer Reading Grab & Go Packs!   

Happy reading!