Books We Love: This Is My Book

Posted on Monday, February 20, 2017 by Kristy

"This Is My Book!" book coverWhat happens when you ask a mischievous panda to help explain the rules of your book? Total, adorable mayhem! In “This Is My Book!” by Mark Pett, a gangly chap (who represents Pett himself) talks to the reader, explaining that he’s the author and illustrator of the book. He sets up some guidelines, instructing the reader that “My book needs to stay nice and clean. Look around at all these spotless white pages. Aren’t they lovely? Let’s keep them that way.” Unfortunately for him, things don’t go as planned. Not only does Spike the panda stealthily color on our protagonist’s pristine pages, he also draws some new characters who cause even more trouble. They add flaps, pull-tabs and even a pop-up to the book, nearly driving the poor author into hysterics.

This book is great fun, and I can’t wait to pull it out for a silly story time. “This is My Book!” would be ideal for preschoolers and kindergartners, and it’s perfect for kids who love interactive books like “Tap the Magic Tree” by Christie Matheson, “Count the Monkeys” by Mac Barnett and “Press Here” by Hervé Tullet.

Parents Need Libraries, Too!

Posted on Thursday, February 9, 2017 by Katie

It’s common to hear library staff talking about how the library is important for children. However, the library is just as important for parents! Here some ways for adults to benefit from visiting the library with their kids.

  • You can learn boredom-busters in story time. During story time, both you and your child will enjoy and learn some great stories and songs. You can add these stories and songs to your personal arsenal of ways to alleviate boredom or distract from an impending temper tantrum at home.

Continue reading “Parents Need Libraries, Too!”

2016 Missouri Building Block Nominee: Bunnies!!!

Posted on Thursday, October 13, 2016 by Katie

"Bunnies!!!" book coverDeclan is a very friendly monster. He says hello to everything in the forest, from the clouds to the stumps. He also really loves bunnies. He gets super excited when he sees them. Maybe a little too excited…

Bunnies!!!” by Kevan Atteberry is a wonderful story with bright, inviting illustrations. The simple text is easy to read and understand and practically begs to be read aloud. “Bunnies!!!” can initiate conversations about meeting new friends and when it is appropriate to use loud and soft voices. This is also a fun story to act out with your children or with puppets. Regardless of how large or small your audience is, sharing the book is a delight and will leave you with a smile. Continue reading “2016 Missouri Building Block Nominee: Bunnies!!!”

Rhythm Sticks

Posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 by Amy

This month for toddler story time I put on my brave face and brought out our collection of rhythm sticks. I’ll be honest parents–I wasn’t sure how this would go over with the toddler crew. Would the sticks be used for evil instead of good? Would they take flight across the room? Would a wee one poke their eye?

Photograph of rhythm sticks
To my relief, using rhythm sticks turned out great! The toddlers were so excited to try out something new. They tapped, made noise and used them to drum on the floor. And, best of all, there were no accidents. Rhythm sticks will for sure become a part of my regular rotation of story time fun.

The benefits of using rhythm sticks with young children are endless. Rhythm sticks: Continue reading “Rhythm Sticks”

2015 Missouri Building Block: I’m My Own Dog

Posted on Thursday, December 3, 2015 by Hilary

 I'm My Own Dog book coverAttention dog lovers!  The tough little bulldog in David Ezra Stein’s “I’m My Own Dog” will grab your heart, and its inner monologue will tickle your funny bone. This pooch is quite content to curl up at its own feet and fetch its own slippers, until that tricky itch that can’t be reached sneaks up. Then the bulldog finds a human to train. You’ve got it:  “I’m My Own Dog” comically turns traditional pet and human roles on their heads.

Once you’ve read this book several times and your kiddos have named the dog and learned half the sassy dog’s lines, you may be ready to branch out. We would suggest you try the activities on Candlewick Press’ Publisher site or The Missouri Building Block Award activity sheet. Continue reading “2015 Missouri Building Block: I’m My Own Dog”