Picture Book Lessons From the Pandemic

Posted on Monday, November 2, 2020 by Jessica S

Here’s my current list of pandemic problems:

  • Having too much screen time
  • Not getting enough personal space
  • Eating all of the junk food
  • Struggling to connect with people who are far away
  • Trying to maintain my role as a responsible adult

Books seem to be the only thing keeping me together. That, and also that my adult responsibilities never seem to go away. To help you and your kids cope at home, here are some of my favorite picture books that have great lessons to be learned in the pandemic.

 Picture Book Lessons From the Pandemic


Through With the Zoo” by Jacob Grant

Need to talk about personal space, taking breaks and too much time together?

Goat may have some guidance for you!

Goat is done with the zoo. There are too many children with too many hands in a small space. He decides to leave forever. When he gets lonely, however, he realizes he just needed some space and to take a break. Doesn’t goat sound like parents and zoo sound like home? I know I’m sick of the people I live with, but I still love them. Continue reading “Picture Book Lessons From the Pandemic”

Read for the Record: Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away

Posted on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 by Amy

Jumpstart’s “Read for the Record” brings together millions of adults and children around the world each year to read the same book on the same day in order to raise awareness of the critical importance of early literacy and access to high-quality books. This year’s “Read for the Record” will take place on October 29, 2020. 

The book that everyone gets to read together is “Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away” written by Meg Medina and illustrated by Sonia Sánchez.

Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela’s best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi and cat. But not after today—not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it’s time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special. The tenderness of Meg Medina’s beautifully written story about friendship and change is balanced by Sonia Sánchez’s colorful and vibrant depictions of the girls’ urban neighborhood.

Can’t get a copy of the library book? No problem! Jumpstart has provided English and Spanish versions of the eBook free online here!

Click here to view and print the family activity guide to extend your learning.

Not-So-Spooky Songs and Stories

Posted on Monday, October 26, 2020 by Kristy

Mother and child in witch costumeWhile we are doing lots of virtual story times, which are pretty awesome, I do miss in person story times! One of my favorite things to do during story time is to sing “Zoom Zoom Zoom” with our babies and toddlers. They absolutely love it! Usually we blast off to the moon in our rocket ships after this rhyme, but my awesome coworker has created new lyrics for our patrons who celebrate spooky season.

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom—Boo!

Zoom, zoom, zoom,
Climb onto my broom.
Zoom, zoom, zoom,
Climb onto my broom.
If you want to ride around,
to spook the people in the town.
Zoom, zoom, zoom,
Climb onto my broom.
In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,
BOO!

~By Erin (and inspired by Jbrary!)

Want to read some not-so-spooky books with your kids? Try out these eBooks on Hoopla! Continue reading “Not-So-Spooky Songs and Stories”

Megan Doodles: Kawaii Monsters

Posted on Thursday, October 22, 2020 by Megan

Since it’s that spooky time of year, I’ve decided to show you how to make some kawaii (cute!) monsters. I think I could doodle monsters all day long, but I’ve just included some of my favorites.

All you need to get started is a pen and some paper. I did my doodles in black and white, but feel free to color your little critters.

Floating ghost:

Start with the cute little face, and then add a half circle shape on top. Add two little arms and a scalloped bottom like a cloud, and he’s ready to take flight.

Ghost Continue reading “Megan Doodles: Kawaii Monsters”

Going on a Spider Hunt

Posted on Monday, October 19, 2020 by Tess

October is my favorite time of year to go out and search for spiders! After feeding on pesky bugs all summer long, spiders are at their biggest and easiest to spot in late fall before the season changes. Spiders are arachnids and are found in virtually every type of environment. You can find them in and around your house in rarely disturbed places, in trees, in fields and some even burrow in the ground! Missouri is home to more than 300 types of spiders, so you’re sure to find a variety.

When going on a spider hunt, it’s best to go in the early morning or the late evening. As the sun is nearing the horizon, the rays slant at just the right angle to see the twinkling of a spider’s delicate silk web.

Continue reading “Going on a Spider Hunt”

Get Creative With Math

Posted on Thursday, October 15, 2020 by Molly

Educating your children at home during the pandemic? Or, maybe you have been homeschooling for a while. Either way, it’s no secret that kids get bored, especially when it comes to learning and understanding math concepts. At the same time, many children experience math anxiety. Feeling incapable of doing or understanding math can undermine confidence, which can lead to the assumption that failure is inevitable, so why try?

Yet, a solid mathematics foundation is essential, for we use math every day: from managing money to preparing meals, from playing sports to playing music, and so on. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, “Math is part of children’s everyday lives. Taking advantage of each of these math moments develops math learning. When parents and teachers get excited about math, then children get excited about math.”

Here are some creative ways to keeping math fresh and fun! Continue reading “Get Creative With Math”

Brianna’s Books: October Favorites 2020

Posted on Monday, October 12, 2020 by Brianna

Brianna's Books logoThere are some great books coming out this fall! Let’s not waste any time on small talk—we’ll go straight to the good stuff.

Picture Books

I Am Darn Tough” written by Licia Morelli and illustrated by Maine Diaz

This gorgeous book is about a girl running in a cross-country race. The watercolor illustrations and poetic first-person narration place the reader alongside the protagonist. The girl persists through weariness, self-doubt and a painful skinned knee, to cross the finish line with a realization that, “I am darn tough.” I spent about five years in martial arts as a kid, so this book really calls to me. It’s wonderful to see determination, discipline and perseverance celebrated like this. Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: October Favorites 2020”

Have a Dance Party!

Posted on Thursday, October 8, 2020 by Kristy

There’s nothing I love more than to watch little ones dance. Babies doing the bottom bounce and preschoolers dancing with abandon brings me so much joy! And, of course, little ones love it too. The best thing about impromptu dance parties is that they can be done anywhere — in your house, in the car, in your backyard or at the park. As long as you’ve got some jams, you’re set.

If you want to make your dance party even more exciting, I have some simple ideas below that your little ones will love.

Continue reading “Have a Dance Party!”

Virtual Activity Bundle: Nature

Posted on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 by Jerilyn

VAB NatureI love taking walks with my grandkids. We might see a squirrel or a rabbit. We might hear a bird. Trees provide shade; flowers provide color and smell.

Studies have shown it is good for kids and adults to connect with nature. According to The Child Mind Institute, spending time in nature reduces stress and fatigue. (Something we all need right now.) It promotes creativity and imagination. It allows one to use different senses—not just sight, but also sound, smell and touch. It gets kids moving. It makes them think. It teaches responsibility and builds confidence.

Try these online resources about nature before or after going outside with your child to extend their learning. Continue reading “Virtual Activity Bundle: Nature”

LGBT+ Chapter Books

Posted on Monday, October 5, 2020 by Jessica S

Looking for some LGBT+ chapter books for your young reader?

Finding LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and more!) chapter books for young readers can be difficult. Representation does not always come with labels on the books, so to help, I created this LGBT+ chapter books list for easy access to titles available through our catalog.

Check out some of these fun titles from the list!

Rick” by Alex Gino

Rick is struggling with his identity. He’s never liked a girl, but he’s never liked a boy either. He’s never felt any way about anyone, ever. As confusion arises, Rick must also process the relationship with his friend, Jeff, who is outwardly aggressive towards individuals on the LGBT+ spectrum. As Rick learns more about this new community, he must learn to stand up for others, and, potentially, himself. Continue reading “LGBT+ Chapter Books”