Books

The classic film “The Wizard of Oz,” starring Judy Garland, holds a special place in many hearts. The memorable songs, the Technicolor scenery and the conventional themes of family, friends and finding oneself are just a few of the things that repeatedly draw people to this movie. This being the 70th anniversary year of the film, it is unsurprising that with it comes the onslaught of related products, including Burbank resident Julienne La Fleur’s book — “Lessons from Oz.” Written to wrap up various scenes from the movie into nice life lessons, the book glows from cover to cover with great visual interest — full color photos and sparkly ruby slippers right on the front.

BURBANK — Anyone familiar with the success of the Bellarmine-Jefferson High girls’ basketball team this past season is probably not surprised that the Guards are well-represented with their share of postseason accolades. Not surprising, the team that won a CIF Southern Section championship and a state title has four players who have made the list, including senior Shelley Gupilan, who was named the Division V-A Player of the Year. However, another All-CIF honor came as a surprise — at least to the player’s coach.

Students across Glendale and Burbank heard the riddles and rhymes of Dr. Seuss on Monday, in honor of the famous children’s author and illustrator Theodor Geisel. Geisel, who wrote children’s books under the name Dr. Seuss, died in 1991, but Monday was his birthday, and teachers across the area took the opportunity to engage students in his work. Children at Chamlian Armenian School in Glendale heard a parent read “Green Eggs and Ham,” after which they ate green eggs and ham. Classes throughout the Glendale and Burbank unified school districts spent time reading some of Seuss’ most famous titles, including “The Cat in the Hat” and “Fox in Socks.

A Glendale man serving in Iraq is featured in a documentary film and book project that producers hope will give the public a better understanding of those who serve in the military. For Col. James D. McGinley of the U.S. Marine Corps, the film, “Warriors . . . In Their Own Words,” gave him the chance to talk about the challenges the troops faced in 2006 in Ramadi, which is in the Al Anbar Province in Iraq. “It was extremely dangerous,” he said, adding that it’s completely the opposite today, as shops are open and people are walking or driving freely.

GLENDALE — The presidential campaign trail once again included Glendale and Burbank on Monday when Meghan McCain, daughter of Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, visited the region during a multi-city tour for her recently released children’s book, “My Dad, John McCain.” Meghan McCain’s whirlwind swing through Southern California started with an 11 a.m. book reading and signing in front of about 50 friendly revelers at the Barnes & Noble in the Americana at Brand, continued with an afternoon session with California Republican Party officials in Burbank, an address to college Republicans at USC and ended with a Larry King interview on CNN. She is slated to appear Wednesday on the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno.