For this month’s favorites, we’ve got elephants and dogs and bears—oh my! I couldn’t resist all the animal books for our “Tails and Tales” Summer Reading theme this year, but I did throw in a few others as well. Enjoy!
Picture Books
“Those Are Not My Underpants” written by Melissa Martin and illustrated by Troy Cummings
Have you ever noticed that the word “underpants” is somehow funnier than “underwear”? Try saying it out loud to compare. Now get ready to say “underpants” approximately 34 more times, because this book has a lot of hilarious repetition! It is possible you’ll get tired of saying this word, but I assure you, your kids won’t get tired of listening to it. One morning Bear Cub wakes up and notices a pair of underpants hanging outside his cave. They’re not labelled, and Bear Cub is determined to find their owner, so no one will have to go underpants-less. As he asks each of his friends, they all show off their own undies and demonstrate why the tighty whities in question can’t be theirs. Of course the mystery is solved in the end! This is a perfect book for this year’s Summer Reading theme of “Tails and Tales,” as readers will get a delightful tour of the tail-ends of various forest animals. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: June Favorites 2021”
It’s not quite here yet, but we’re only 17 days away from the summer solstice—the longest day of the year, and the first day of the most fun and lazy season of them all! Swimming pools, picnics, float trips, family vacations, long bike rides, campfire singalongs, afternoons spent with a good book, a welcome break from the daily grind of schoolwork—these are just some of the many pleasures of summer for kids and their parents. Here are some great books, songs, videos and a cool craft project to complement your summer activities or give you some new ideas for how to have fun in the coming months. Continue reading “Virtual Activity Bundle: Summer”
It’s vacation season! You may or may not be doing much traveling right now, but a good story or song will have you imagining yourself on a train, a bus, an airplane or a boat. Get your mind moving with these resources, then get your body moving with the songs and activity ideas. Continue reading “Virtual Activity Bundle: Transportation”
Yep, it’s time for another “Brianna’s Books.” There are so many good books coming out right now, it was hard to pick my favorites. But I did it, just for you! Check out my recommended reads below.
Picture Books
“Toasty” by Sarah Hwang
Have you ever read something so silly that it makes no sense, and yet it makes perfect sense? Toasty wants to be a dog, to bark and play and roll in puddles. Unfortunately, as a piece of toast, he’s made of bread. Puddles make him soggy, and cats don’t run when he chases them, but he is undeterred and heads to the dog park anyway. The dogs don’t exactly welcome him into their ranks, but he does make a new friend. I don’t want to spoil the ending for you, but reviews called this one delightfully absurd and said it has “the meandering joy of a small child’s storytelling logic.” Also just look at Toasty’s face! He’s so cute! Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: May Favorites 2021”
Beautiful weather is here, and there are so many fun things to do outside! One of the best ways to explore the wonders of spring and summer as a family in Columbia is on bicycles. May is National Bike Month, which was established in 1956 to showcase the many benefits of cycling and to encourage newcomers to give bikes a try. Biking is a great form of transportation and exercise – it’s good for cardiovascular health, helps your joints retain mobility, increases strength and flexibility and is a great stress reliever.
Here are some great books, videos and a DVD about biking that will help give little ones the courage and enthusiasm to ride for the first time and that will hopefully complement your family’s outdoor adventures:
Riding a bike for the first time without training wheels can be quite a challenge, and it often takes a bit of time to get used to. In “Froggy Rides a Bike” and “Off We Go!,” Froggy and Mole each need a little help taking off for the first time and maintaining their balance. Luckily, they have friends and family to cheer them on and help them up when they fall. The children’s show/Youtube channel Cocomelon also has a cute video and song that follows YoYo as she bravely learns how to ride so that she can join her friends as they cruise down the street. Continue reading “Get On Your Bikes and Ride!”
Death is a hard thing to talk about. However, death is a part of life. It comes fast or slow, whether we welcome it or not. To help ease the burden of difficult conversations with young children, here are some picture book titles that focus on loss, the process of death, dying and the aftereffects on individuals and communities.
Saturdays Are for Stella (2020)
Written by Candy Wellins, illustrated by Charlie Eve Ryan
Saturdays are for George’s Grandma Stella. Together, George and Grandma Stella go on amazing adventures, and it becomes a day of the week dedicated solely to George. However, one day, their Saturday doesn’t happen. George’s parents tell him the terrible news: there will be no more Saturdays with Grandma Stella.
Grandma Stella has passed away. Emotions begin to run high. George’s parents are upset. George is upset. George’s parents try to make things better, but it’s hard. A new member of their family is on the way, and, sometimes, George feels left out. However, once the new member arrives, George is introduced to a new Stella. Not a replacement, but a new member to love. Once again, Saturdays become dedicated to Stella. This is a story of both life and death, as a family loses their precious Grandma Stella but welcomes Baby Stella.
Continue reading “Death, Dying and Grieving Picture Books”
Did you know the Missouri flag features two grizzly bears on the seal but black bears are the only species of bear found in Missouri?
I’ve got a paw-some list of books and movies all about these super-sniffing, honey-scarfing ursines along with a beary simple snack recipe at the end of this activity bundle that your cubs at home will love. Continue reading “Virtual Activity Bundle: Bears”
Have you heard the word? Our library offers kits you can check out for four weeks, packed full of all sorts of goodness! Play as Learning (PAL) Kits help parents and children explore learning in a play-like atmosphere. There are twelve different themes to pick from, and these kits have books, toys and music or a video for young children ages birth-2 years. Continue reading “Boost Your Little One’s Creativity”
On April 22, Boone and Callaway Counties celebrate Earth Day.
For Americans, Earth Day started as a way to spark action and awareness regarding the global impacts of climate change. Earth Day continues with a focus on activities that individuals can do at home or in their communities to help the environment.
Traditionally, for Boone and Callaway Counties, Earth Day usually involves an amazing Columbia Area Earth Day Festival, with thousands of visitors and hundreds of vendors. This year, the Columbia Earth Day Coalition has put together a series of events to assist with social distancing.
I’ve noted some events below, but check out their website for the full schedule.
The Earth, the Sun, the Art!
Time: Thursday, April 22 from 3-7 p.m.
Location: Logboat Brewing Company
Connect with solar vendors and make community art. Continue reading “Earth Day Celebrations!”
