Book review on "Secrets of the Cirque Medrano" by Elaine Scott

The book "Secrets of the Cirque Medrano" by Elaine Scott is fiction, but based on the painting "Family of Saltimbanques" by Pablo Picasso. The book is about 14 year old Brigitte, who, because of her mother's illness, moves from Poland to France to live with her Aunt and Uncle at their cafe. While she's working at the cafe, she meets many interesting people, including Pablo Picasso. She soon befriends a young circus performer, Paco and his sister. They are then thrown into an adventure.
The main characters are Brigitte, Aunt Dominique, Henri, Pablo, Paco, Pavlo and Anna Maria.
I enjoyed this book because of the characters. They seemed like real people that you might meet. The author did a great job in describing the characters for the reader. I enjoyed seeing what Paris was like in 1904 in this book.
My overall experience reading this book was great, although the ending was a bit disappointing to me. I would recommend this book to kids aged 9-16. Young kids may have a hard time reading it and it could be a bit frightening.
By Kirsten Aucoin

Toddler Craft!

Tuesday, November 23, join us for Toddler Craft at 11:00am in the Children's Program Room. We are making hand turkeys! Once you display your turkey on the fridge, your entire kitchen will feel Thanksgiving festive! This program is for children ages 5 and under and does not require registration.

Children's Technology Workshop!

Do you like movies? Have you ever thought about how movies are made? Then sign up for Animation Alive! A Stop Motion Animation Workshop on Wednesday, November 10 at 3:00pm! Participants will work in small groups to make their own movies! Participants will discuss the principles of storytelling, prop design, filming and editing before filming their own movie. Final movie files will be available to download and share with friends and family. This program is for children in grades 3 to 5 only and registration is required. Materials will be provided.

Interested? Call the Children's Department at 617-972-6431 to sign up now!

No School Day!

Hey hey! There's no school tomorrow (Tuesday November 2)! The Children's Room is offering Story Time for children ages 3 to 5 at 11:00am in the Children's Program Room. Later, join us for Movie Matinee at 2:00pm! We will be screening Toy Story 3, rated G, with a running time of 103 minutes. Enjoy a new movie on the big screen with snacks! No registration.

Questions? Call and ask!