Have you ever moved to a new place — a new neighborhood, a new school or even a new state? Now imagine what it might feel like to move to an entirely new country. Maybe you don’t speak the language. You can’t find your favorite food at the grocery store. Sometimes people point at you and whisper; you can’t understand what they’re saying, but it’s clear they’re talking about you. Then one day, someone offers you an understanding smile and a helping hand. It doesn’t make all your problems go away, but you begin to feel like you actually belong.
Whether you’re longing for the cooler days and cozy sweaters ahead of us, or clinging to our last days of summer, take some time out to enjoy these new books! As a bonus, while I was writing this, an accidental theme emerged. Other than the first book, it lines up purrfectly!
Wuddles is a delightfully fluffy sheep, with an overenthusiastic duckling for a friend. The duckling realizes that winter is coming and it may get cold, so their solution is to fashion a scarf from Wuddles’ wool. The duckling is so excited about the plan that it forgets to ask Wuddles for permission, and the pattern continues when the duckling spots a rooster that might get a cold head this winter. Same with the rabbit who needs earmuffs, and the goat who needs leg warmers. The duckling obliviously chatters on about its good thinking and generosity, all while poor Wuddles’ wool supply dwindles. This makes for a very fun read-aloud and would be a great opportunity to talk with little ones about being sensitive to other people’s needs and feelings, even when they don’t speak up. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: September Favorites 2023”
One of my favorite things about working at the library might be a bit obvious: I get to be surrounded by books all day every day! While the spectacular stories and gorgeous artwork within the pages of most children’s books are more than enough to draw me in, lately I’ve been curious about the various sizes, shapes and orientations of these books as objects, too.
It’s true that pretty much every book we have at the library is a quadrilateral, more specifically a rectangle — even sometimes a very special kind of rectangle, the square! — but the dimensions and page orientations of these rectangular objects can have a surprising amount of variety. According to Book Riot, most children’s books are published in three standard sizes: a 7.5-inch x 7.5-inch square, a portrait-style 7-inch x 10-inch rectangle and a landscape-style 10-inch x 8-inch rectangle.
The three standard sizes of children’s picture books.
It’s that time of year again. Back-to-school! Time to switch gears and wake up your brain to get ready to learn. It can be challenging to go from a summer of freedom to a school routine. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some back-to-school kawaii doodles.
Bonus: Did you know that doodling can help your brain stay active? Bet you thought all my drawings were just for the cuteness and fun, but studies have shown that doodling is a great way to keep your brain from turning off while you are listening! You can read more about it on the Harvard Health Blog. Happy doodling, and whatever you draw, don’t forget to add cute eyes and a smile! Continue reading “Megan Doodles: Back to School”
Have you seen our Recipes for Fun videos? We have 24 videos with our favorite activities for you to try at home. Check them all out here!
In the video below, librarian Megan will show you how to make ribbon pulls to help your child explore different textures and sounds while developing fine motor skills. Have fun!
I’ve got a nice mix of books for you this month! Family and empathy, swimming and an adrenaline-packed, weeklong dragon race — there’s something for everyone to enjoy in our last full month of summer.
Clare is looking forward to Grandpa moving in with their family, until Mama declares that this means the family will need a bigger table. Clare loved her old table, which was just right for homework and family breakfasts. The bigger table arrives and the family and neighbors help to clean and sand it, and Clare starts feeling overwhelmed and missing the old table. Mama gently points out that Grandpa might be feeling a little overwhelmed too about leaving his old home. Clare and Mama work together to make Grandpa’s favorite dessert to welcome him with a big party where she understands that a new table means plenty of room for new memories. This is a wonderful celebration of family and navigating change. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: August Favorites 2023”
Have you seen our Music and Movement videos? We have nearly 100 videos with our favorite rhymes, songs, chants and fingerplays. Check them all out here!
Here’s a song that’s fun for both littles and their adults. Get ready to sing and bounce around with this silly tune called “Bumpin’ Up and Down in My Little Red Wagon.”
Lyrics:
Bumpin’ up and down in my little red wagon,
Bumpin’ up and down in my little red wagon,
Bumpin’ up and down in my little red wagon,
Won’t you be my darling?
(Want to sing some more? Add other verses: getting a hug, clapping our hands, giving a kiss, etc.)
From visiting a local pool to running through a sprinkler, July is a great time for water play, and crafting your own toys adds to the excitement. With a few steps, you can craft your own splash balls!
Summer Reading 2023 is in full swing! This year’s theme is “All Together Now,” and all summer long, we’re celebrating our connections with family, friends and community. In this virtual activity bundle, you’ll find books, music, videos and more for kids ages 5 to 8, all focused on togetherness and inclusivity. Read, listen, watch and create along with us! Continue reading “Virtual Activity Bundle: All Together Now”
