Published: January 26, 2008 06:20 pm      

Children’s author stands test of time

Answers-Top-Go

Each week hundreds of people call or visit the San Marcos Public Library to find information. "Answers•To•Go" highlights recently received questions. Please visit the library at 625 East Hopkins, call 393-8200 for information over the phone, or e-mail us through our web-page at www.ci.san-marcos.tx.us/library.htm.



Q. I’ve volunteered to handle childcare during an event for adults. We’ve got some toys, but I’d like to take some books to read to the preschoolers. Can you suggest some authors?



A. We have thousands of appropriate picture books for children ages two to eight. But before we get into specifics, I feel compelled to tell you about a library program that sends adult volunteers to daycare centers to read and deliver books.

Each volunteer is assigned one childcare center. Volunteers visit a morning a week and read books we provide. They also deliver a basket of library books for the teachers to read during the week. We have several childcare centers waiting for a volunteer. If you enjoy reading to preschoolers, we need you!

The books we’ve selected for our volunteers to read would also be appropriate for your event. Let’s start with two authors who have written books that have been popular for decades.

In the 1930s, Marjorie Flack wrote a fine series that stars an adventurous Scottish terrier named Angus: “Angus Lost,” “Angus and the Cat,” and “Angus and the Ducks.” All three books are memorable.

Paul Galdone is great for simple, cleverly illustrated versions of folk tales: “The Gingerbread Boy,” The Three Bears,” “The Little Red Hen,” and many others.

I expect that books of more recent authors Rosemary Wells and Audrey Wood will stand the test of time just as well. Wells writes the Max and Ruby books and books about McDuff, a West Highland terrier.

Wood produces one beautifully illustrated book after another. My favorites include “The Napping House,” “Silly Sally,” and “King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub.”

Come on in and pick up a stack. You may check out up to 20 books at a time.



Q. My dad is moving from out of state to live near us in San Marcos. Will he have to take a test to get a Texas driver’s license?



A. Does he have a valid license from another state? If so, the only test he will take is the standard vision test.

However, he will need to bring his valid out-of-state driver’s license and his social security card.

If he owns a car, he must also show proof of his Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance.

The regular fee is $24.00. The license will expire in six years. If your dad is 85 or over, the fee is $8.00; the license will need to be renewed on the second birthday after his date of application.

He will surrender the out-of-state license when he applies for his Texas driver’s license.

If his out-of-state license has expired, he will be required to pass the vision, written, and driving exams.