Indoor Camping Fun!

Posted on Thursday, June 27, 2019 by Lyndsey

This time of year, I can’t help but dream about all of my favorite summertime activities, especially camping. There’s nothing better than setting up a tent, sitting around a fire, and telling spooky (or not so spooky) stories with those you love. However, it’s not always ideal to camp outside with your little ones when it’s too hot or too rainy. The next best thing is to bring the fun inside and camp indoors!

Steps for a successful indoor camping trip:

  1. Set up camp

Grab the necessary supplies to build an epic indoor tent. This might include an actual tent, or you can simply use chairs and blankets. Not only is it exciting to transform your living room into a campsite, but it is a great way to encourage kids to practice their teamwork and communication skills. 

No campsite is complete without a campfire, so there are several options for you. Either set up your tent in front of the fireplace, turn on one or two lamps or find a virtual fire on your preferred streaming service to supply you with the right lighting and magical crackling sound.

  1. Grab snacks

In the mood for s’mores? Being indoors doesn’t have to hold you back! Use your microwave, or roast marshmallows over the oven. For a healthier alternative, you can make ants on a log. Simply put peanut butter on a celery stick and top with raisins or chocolate chips. Continue reading “Indoor Camping Fun!”

Blast Off With Songs and Rhymes About Our Universe

Posted on Monday, June 24, 2019 by Kayla Thompson

Singing songs and rhyming can be great ways to get your child interested in reading. Rhyming words and songs are not only fun but also help familiarize children with the beginning and ending sounds in words. This is crucial for when kids begin reading on their own.

Songs are great for on the go! You and your child can sing in the car, at the grocery store, while playing at the park and before bed. You can even make up your own fun songs that play with words and sounds.

The theme of our 2019 Summer Reading program is “A Universe of Stories” and is a fantastic place to start. Those of you familiar with our story times can probably sing our crowd favorite “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom,” but if you haven’t heard of it, give it a try! (Don’t forget to blast off at the end, jumping into the air.)

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom,
We’re going to the moon.

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom,
We’re going to the moon.

If you want to take a trip,
Climb aboard my rocket ship.

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom,
We’re going to the moon.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1,
Blast off! Continue reading “Blast Off With Songs and Rhymes About Our Universe”

Awesome Animal Helpers!

Posted on Thursday, June 20, 2019 by Molly

DogFor many of us, animals are important family members. But for some individuals, the animals that share their homes are much more than pets. In truth, they are essential helpers. They may serve as their owner’s ears or eyes, helping their owners with basic tasks, such as retrieving items from the floor. These animals provide services that allow their owners to be more independent, helping them navigate their environment both inside and outside the home.

Service animals can also offer comfort and support. In the children’s book “The Rabbit Listened” by Cori Doerrfeld, when Taylor’s block tower tumbles to the ground, some of his animal friends try to make things better by offering advice. The chicken wants to talk about it, elephant suggests rebuilding the tower and ostrich simply wants to pretend it never happened. But rabbit simply sits close by and listens, providing the emotional support that Taylor needs.

In “Little Helpers, Animals on the Job” by Michele Brummer Everett, the author introduces several animal helpers and explains why the services they provide are so essential to so many people. At the back of the book, a short snippet about each of the various animal helpers provides additional insights. For instance, simply petting a cat reduces blood pressure and boosts immunity, whereas, snakes “can warn about an oncoming seizure by giving a tight squeeze.”

DBRL offers several children’s books about animal helpers. Here are just a few to get you started.

Sunny Reads for Sunny Days

Posted on Monday, June 17, 2019 by Amy

Summer starts this Friday, June 21! Need something for your kiddos to do during the long, hot days of summer? Here’s a list of sunny reads, tunes and shows sure to delight all ages!

Little Sunny Sunshine” by Susie Jaramillo

Sing, laugh and play along with this interactive, bilingual board book that’s inspired by a traditional Colombian folk song. Readers will learn the days of the week in English and Spanish, as well as activities for daytime and bedtime.

Goldie the Sunshine Fairy” by Daisy Meadows

When Goldie the Sunshine Fairy’s magic feather disappears, Wetherbury becomes so hot and sunny that the cornfields turn into popcorn!

Running on Sunshine” by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano

The sun is a source of energy for living things, and energy that comes from sunshine is called solar energy. But how does solar energy work? And how can we use solar energy to stay on the cutting-edge of technology and help keep the environment healthy?

You Are My Sunshine” by Jimmie Davis

Lovingly illustrated by Caroline Jayne Church, this book contains the lyrics to “You Are My Sunshine,” which you can read and sing with your child.

 Little Miss Sunshine Presents Fun in the Sun!” (DVD)

Little Miss Sunshine rings in the day with plenty of sunshine, her playful nature sure to brighten your kiddo’s days!

 “You Are My Sunshine” by Elizabeth Mitchell (CD)

Vocalist Elizabeth Mitchell sings soothing yet playful children’s tunes in this lovely CD.

 

Adventure Through Space With Comics and Graphic Novels

Posted on Thursday, June 13, 2019 by Kayla Thompson

CasStronautsAccording to the Scholastic “Guide to Using Graphic Novels With Children and Teens,” there are four ways through which graphic novels promote literacy. Graphic novels:

  • Are motivating: Because they are visually compelling and quick reads, these books are popular with kids, teens and adults.
  • Attract reluctant readers: Graphic novels tend to attract those who prefer gaming or visual media, getting even the most reluctant audiences interested.
  • Develop reading skills: The pictures and illustrations in graphic novels give context clues to the words, helping kids improve reading skills and comprehension.
  • Build critical thinking skills: Graphic novels can provide complex plot lines that allow readers to stretch their minds, predicting outcomes and solving mysteries. 

DBRL has a number of comics and graphic novels for all age groups to dive into. Our Summer Reading program’s theme, “A Universe of Stories,” generates a lot of fun titles!

For more graphic novel titles for young readers check out the American Library Association’s website!

Look Up! Constellations in the Night Sky

Posted on Friday, June 7, 2019 by Lyndsey

People have always looked to the night sky to mark time, navigate and contemplate the immensity of the universe. Along with camping, stargazing is one of my favorite activities in the summer. It’s a great way to spend time with friends and family away from a screen, and it encourages creative storytelling. Did you know the sky is full of heroes rescuing princesses, musicians playing enchanting melodies and creatures roaming the sky? How exciting! Constellations are patterns of stars that people long ago identified as certain mythological creatures, gods and goddesses. We are most familiar with the Greek and Roman myths, but many cultures have their own variation of the constellations.

See if you can find these constellations, then share their story with your family. Kids will have fun finding their own patterns and creating new stories to share! 

Perseus Family

Perseus rescued Andromeda from the sea monster Cetus. Her parents, King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia, threw a feast because they were so happy she was safe. You can find Perseus close to Andromeda, her parents and the sea monster.

These constellations can be best viewed during certain seasons:
Andromeda and Perseus– fall and winter
Cassiopeia– all year
Cepheus– late fall
Cetus
– fall and winter

Continue reading “Look Up! Constellations in the Night Sky”

Out of This World Performances

Posted on Saturday, May 25, 2019 by Megan

The weather is warmer and school is winding down, which can only mean one thing–Summer Reading is here!  Start your summer off right with some out of this world entertainment! We are excited to bring children’s musician Justin Roberts to the Missouri Theater and storyteller Linda Gorham to all of our library buildings.  Bonus: Attending one or both of these performances can count toward your completion of the Summer Reading program.

Justin Roberts & The Not Ready for Naptime Players
Saturday, June 1, 2019 11 a.m.-Noon
Missouri Theatre, 203 S. 9th St.

Rock out to the music of this award-winning band as we kick off Summer Reading. This former Montessori preschool teacher began writing and singing songs for his students. Soon, his career extended beyond the classroom, and he began recording his music professionally. Now a two-time Grammy nominee, he and his band sing about childhood experiences like “Recess” and “Jungle Gym.”

For ADA accommodations, call the Missouri Theatre at (573) 882-3781. For other concert questions, email kids@dbrl.org. This special Justin Roberts performance is partially funded by the Melissa Carr Literacy Through the Arts Fund established by the DBRL Foundation.

This show is for fans of all ages and abilities. Free tickets are available at www.dbrl.org/justinroberts.

Continue reading “Out of This World Performances”

Design a Bookmark Contest: 2019 Winners

Posted on Friday, May 17, 2019 by Mark

Congratulations to the winners of our 2019 Summer Reading bookmark contest! These kids and teens drew, painted and colored designs to celebrate this year’s theme, “A Universe of Stories.” The 25 winning designs will be printed and distributed at our libraries this summer.

See their creative and inspiring bookmarks below, and be sure to pick one up when you visit the library this summer!

Continue reading “Design a Bookmark Contest: 2019 Winners”

Lift Off With Early Literacy Skills

Posted on Thursday, May 9, 2019 by Kayla Thompson

It’s never too early to introduce your child to the wonder of reading. Nursery rhymes and songs are an engaging way to help your little one develop their early literary skills like phonological awareness, the ability to hear and play with the smaller sounds in words. This skill will enable children to sound out the words in books when they begin reading on their own. Additionally, by reading with your child frequently, you are helping expand their vocabulary, letter knowledge and storytelling skills. 

Board books are best for young readers because they teach children how to to handle books while withstanding the wear and tear of small hands (and teeth!). Try allowing your child to hold the book while you read the words aloud. Below are some suggested titles that compliment our Summer Reading theme, “A Universe of Stories.” We hope these titles provide plenty of inspiration for exploration and adventure.

Continue reading “Lift Off With Early Literacy Skills”

Safe Kids Day

Posted on Monday, April 29, 2019 by Tess

Get wild about safety at Safe Kids Day 2019! This year’s safari-themed event will take place on Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Hearnes Center Fieldhouse. There will be free food, games, prizes and plenty of fun, educational activities! Climb aboard emergency vehicles, jump on inflatables and get your face painted. Then, learn about bike safety and get your car seat inspected. Be sure to stop by the library’s booth to get the inside scoop on Summer Reading!