What 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.
Young children often struggle to be understood, especially in stressful situations. When this happens, frustration can quickly escalate to a full-blown tantrum.
As adults, we recognize the fact that developing the skill sets necessary to avoid going from zero to meltdown takes time and a lot of practice. One way today’s parents, guardians and educators are helping children cope with stress is by teaching children to meditate. However, equally important is the practice of mindfulness.
Did you know that Canada, Mexico, France, Australia and the United Kingdom also celebrate Valentine’s Day? According to the History Channel, the United Kingdom is where the oldest known valentine still exists. It was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife.
It wasn’t until later that greeting cards became popular. In America during the 1840s, the “mother of the valentine,” Esther A. Howland, began selling the first mass-produced valentines. Now over one billion cards are sent each year for Valentine’s Day!
I love being able to tell friends and family they are special to me, and nothing makes me happier than giving cards that perfectly express how I feel. However, there are more ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day than just sending cards. You can also celebrate by reading books about love and kindness. Continue reading “Will You Be Mine, Valentine?”
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.
On Friday, January 20 we hosted our grossest program EVER at the Columbia Public Library. I’m not sure if there is a scale to measure such things, but believe me, it was nasty! We had everything from boogers to roaches.
Just because we love the sickening and adore the nauseating doesn’t mean we don’t have a refined palate. We had our special guests, the world-famous hissing cockroach duo Leonardo da Stinki and Georgia Roach’Keefe, on hand to make one-of-a-kind art.
But don’t feel bad if you missed it–you can still do some of our stomach-churning experiments at home! Check out “Repulsive Recipes to Try at Home” for some of our favorite gross activities.
The children across Missouri have spoken, and the winner of the 2016 Missouri Building Block Award goes to “Bunnies!!!” written and illustrated by Kevan Atteberry.
The holidays are over, and your children are back at school. Everything should be perfect…until a snowstorm hits, and you are blanketed in the fluffy white stuff. Snow days are great (I love making snow men, having snowball fights and drinking hot chocolate!), but after days of being cooped up, the fun can wear off. As the weather outside turns for the worse, so can your moods. Here are some surefire ways for you and your children to beat cabin fever this winter.
Read stories together. One thing you can do on a cold day is stay in with your children and read stories. The story “38 Ways to Entertain Your Grandparents” is a fun family read and shows many other activities you can do together.
Each year the American Library Association honors books, videos and other outstanding materials for children and teens. Selected by committees composed of librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards encourage original and creative work in the field of children’s and young adult literature and media. The following titles and contributors are some of the 2017 YMA winners.
December 15, 2016 marked the 225th anniversary of the Bill of Rights. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Columbia Public Library is presenting a display about the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights display is made possible by Missouri Humanities Council in partnership with the National Archives.
What is the Bill of Rights, and why is it important? The Bill of Rights is a document written by the founding fathers that displays the first 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution. These amendments were written by James Madison to protect the rights of individual citizens.
Megan, a Youth Services Librarian at DBRL, gives the floating ball activity a try.
Looking for a quick, educational way to keep you kids quietly entertained? Then try this simple floating ball activity. It’s great for indoor fun and only requires a few household items.
Young children often struggle to be understood, especially in stressful situations. When this happens, frustration can quickly escalate to a full-blown tantrum.!["[Heart] 2 [heart]" book cover](https://www.dbrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/heart-to-heart-9781481480871_hr-300x300.jpg)
The holidays are over, and your children are back at school. Everything should be perfect…until a snowstorm hits, and you are blanketed in the fluffy white stuff. Snow days are great (I love making snow men, having snowball fights and drinking hot chocolate!), but after days of being cooped up, the fun can wear off. As the weather outside turns for the worse, so can your moods. Here are some surefire ways for you and your children to beat cabin fever this winter.
December 15, 2016 marked the 225th anniversary of the Bill of Rights. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the 