Brianna’s Books: May Favorites 2021

Posted on Thursday, May 13, 2021 by Brianna

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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”

Get On Your Bikes and Ride!

Posted on Thursday, May 6, 2021 by Adam

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, Dying and Grieving Picture Books

Posted on Monday, May 3, 2021 by Jessica S

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

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”

Virtual Activity Bundle: Bears

Posted on Thursday, April 29, 2021 by Maria

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”

Boost Your Little One’s Creativity

Posted on Monday, April 26, 2021 by Amy

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”

Earth Day Celebrations!

Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 by Jessica S

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!”

Crazy Calendar Celebrations on Tax Day

Posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 by Molly

April CalendarAccording to the National Day Calendar, April 15th is National Tax Day. But if you and your family don’t normally celebrate taxes, there are several other unique ways to observe this mid-April day. Here are a few that won’t “break the bank.”

National Banana Day
To begin with, let’s talk nutrition. Bananas are a great source of fiber, potassium and vitamins. Whereas, Banana peels are utilized in everything from animal feed to biochemical production, perhaps the banana peel is better known as a comedic prop. Dating back until at least 1854, banana peel slipping gags have been comedy staples, becoming even more popular as the fruit became more readily available.
Celebrate National Banana Day by trying a new recipe, such as yummy Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas.


Continue reading “Crazy Calendar Celebrations on Tax Day”

Virtual Activity Bundle: Dinosaurs

Posted on Monday, April 12, 2021 by Jerilyn

Virtual Activity Bundle: Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs are fascinating to all ages. It still amazes me how often a small child can tell you exactly what kind of dinosaur is in a picture. And new dinosaur bones and information are being discovered every year. I find it mind-boggling that birds are the descendants of dinosaurs. (When I was growing up, we thought all dinosaurs were related to reptiles.)

Here are some fun resources to share with your dinosaur-loving child. Who knows, you might even learn something new too! Continue reading “Virtual Activity Bundle: Dinosaurs”

Brianna’s Books: April Favorites 2021

Posted on Thursday, April 8, 2021 by Brianna

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I adore April (probably because it’s my birthday month!), and I’ve got some fantastic books to celebrate.

Picture Books

No Pants!” by Jacob Grant

Pablo and his father are preparing to go to a birthday party. All is going well, until Pablo is asked to put on his pants. In a reply familiar to parents of toddlers everywhere, Pablo declares, “NO PANTS!” His patient father explains the benefits and history of pants, pointing out different types of pants around the world, even in space. This battle of wills between a loving father and son is realistic and hilarious, and little ones will appreciate Pablo’s eventual vindication in the final plot twist.

Continue reading “Brianna’s Books: April Favorites 2021”

Egg-cellent Spring Craft

Posted on Thursday, April 1, 2021 by Tess

Spring is in the air! Buds are a blooming, bees are buzzing and kitchens everywhere are smelling like…vinegar? Wait, vinegar? That’s right, because it’s time to dye springtime eggs! 

There are two classic ways to dye eggs, the hard-boiled method and the blow-out method. Today I’m going to walk you through the latter. (I prefer the blow-out method, because then I can have breakfast quiche with my crafting!) Continue reading “Egg-cellent Spring Craft”