New Year, New Books!

Posted on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 by Josh

2017 looks like it’s going to be a great year for children’s literature. There are tons of new children’s books coming out, but the three I’m most looking forward to are “Nancy Clancy: Late-Breaking News!” “We’re All Wonders” and “The Lengend of Rock Paper Scissors.”

“Nancy Clancy: Late-Breaking News!” "Nancy Clancy: Late-Breaking News!" book cover
Jane O’Connor – Release: 02/28/2017

If you a fan of the “Fancy Nancy” picture books, you’ll love the “Nancy Clancy” chapter books feature a slightly older Nancy. “Late-Breaking News” is the finale to the series and finds Nancy trying to be the star reporter of the Third Grade Gazette. There will be plenty of mystery, mischief and fun to be had! Continue reading “New Year, New Books!”

Best Children’s Books of 2016

Posted on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 by Amy

As 2016 comes to an end, the children’s staff at DBRL have been reminiscing about the fabulous new books that arrived on our shelves this year. While it’s hard to pick a favorite, there were some books that stood apart from the rest. Here are our top 11 favorite picture books and chapter books published in 2016.

"We Found a Hat" book cover

We Found A Hat” by Jon Klassen

Klassen has a knack for creating an engaging story on a simple premise. The sneaky turtles are fun to watch as they try to decide who gets to wear the hat they found. It’s just a really funny book, and it is beautiful to look at. ~Josh

Jon Klassen’s illustrations are as charming as ever, and I loved the story’s conflict-free, dreamy ending. ~Otter
Continue reading “Best Children’s Books of 2016”

Books We Love: Madeline Finn and the Library Dog

Posted on Thursday, December 22, 2016 by Corey

"Madeline Finn and the Library Dog" book coverIf you love both libraries and dogs you will adore “Madeline Finn and the Library Dog” by Lisa Papp. Madeline is a frustrated little girl who claims that she hates to read. Every time she has to read aloud in class, she messes up words and doesn’t earn a gold star.

Madeline’s mother does all she can to help her daughter feel more confident about her reading skills. One day she takes Madeline to their local library where Madeline meets Bonnie. Bonnie is a large white shepherd dog. She is an excellent listener and doesn’t care if Madeline messes up the words sometimes. Continue reading “Books We Love: Madeline Finn and the Library Dog”

Wonderful Winter Activities

Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 by Kristy

Photograph of a snowman paintingBrrr. Baby, it’s cold outside! As winter begins and the cold settles in to stay, you may find yourself searching for some entertaining indoor activities to keep you and your kiddos entertained. Well, look no further! If you want an inexpensive craft that is (relatively) easy to clean up, try out a cotton swab snowman.

What you’ll need:

  • Paint (Make sure you have black, white and orange.)
  • Cotton swabs
  • Blue paper

Continue reading “Wonderful Winter Activities”

Audiobooks We Love: The Key to Extraordinary

Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2016 by Megan

"The Key to Extraordinary" book coverOver the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go! Many of us will be traveling during the holiday season, and what better way to pass the time than with an audiobook? If you are looking for a crowd-pleaser, then look no further than Natalie Lloyd’s “The Key to Extraordinary.” It has everything: family secrets, buried treasure, ghosts and music! The music is one of the things that sets this audiobook apart. Why read the lyrics on the page when the narrator, Kate Simses, will bring the songs to life with her lovely southern accent?
Continue reading “Audiobooks We Love: The Key to Extraordinary”

Penguin Reads and Rhymes

Posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 by Erin

"The Not-So-Perfect Penguin" book coverOne of the best things about the library is that you and your child can learn anything you want! Recently I’ve become fascinated with penguins. I learned that these flightless birds have flippers that allow them to swim in the ocean. I also learned that the emperor penguins are the tallest species, standing nearly four feet tall. The smallest is the fairy penguin, which is only about 18 inches tall. To learn more fun facts about penguins, check out “Penguins” by Penelope Arlon.

I also love to read fictional stories with penguins in them. One of my favorites is “The Not-So-Perfect Penguin” by Steve Smallman. This story is about Percy — a lovable, silly penguin who was not so perfect. “The Not-So-Perfect Penguin” is a heartwarming book about acceptance of who you are even if you don’t act like everyone else.  Continue reading “Penguin Reads and Rhymes”

2016 Missouri Building Block Nominee: Get Out of My Bath!

Posted on Thursday, December 8, 2016 by Katie

"Get Out of My Bath" book coverThe tenth and final 2016 Missouri Building Block Award nominee is “Get Out of My Bath!” by Britta Teckentrup. In this story Ellie the Elephant is enjoying her bath and, with the assistance of the readers, makes some amazing waves.

Unfortunately, Ellie’s bath is interrupted when a crocodile, flamingo, tiger and mouse all crowd into Ellie’s bath. Ellie no longer has enough room to play and demands that the other animals get out. However, the other animals are having too much fun, so they ignore Ellie. The reader is then prompted to help Ellie remove the other animals, allowing her to resume her bath time activities in peace. Continue reading “2016 Missouri Building Block Nominee: Get Out of My Bath!”

Kindness Goes a Long Way

Posted on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 by Josh

Kindness is a facet of everyday life that is often overlooked. It tends to be taken for granted, rarely emphasized and easily forgotten. Kindness, or lack thereof, begins to cultivate itself at a very young age, so it is imperative to nurture a child with the understanding that kindness always has a place in this world.

Below are some book suggestions that focus on kindness. By the end of each story, your heart will feel a little fuller, and you’ll feel like paying it forward.

"Last Stop On Market Street" book coverLast Stop on Market Street” by Matt de la Peña

This book focuses on a grandson by the name of CJ and his grandmother as they take their public transportation ride to their last stop on Market Street. CJ asks a lot of “how” and “why” questions as he looks around and sees a world full of things that seem unfair, boring or dirty. His grandmother is quick to help CJ appreciate the beauty in dirty street corners and to be thankful for what they have. Continue reading “Kindness Goes a Long Way”

2016 Missouri Building Block Nominee: Simon’s New Bed

Posted on Thursday, December 1, 2016 by Megan

Simon's New Bed book coverSimon’s New Bed” by Christian Trimmer is a classic tale of dog vs. cat, canine vs. feline, lovable mutt vs. aloof mouser and, in their case, Simon vs. Miss Adora Belle.

Simon the dog is so excited about his new bed that he can hardly wait to break it in. He carefully prepares for his afternoon snooze, only to discover that HIS new bed is already occupied. Simon does his best to coax Miss Adora Belle off her perch, but to no avail. Will Simon get to sleep in his new bed? Will Miss Adora Belle give up her cozy corner? Or will the prophetic words of Bill Murray finally come true–“Dogs and cats living together…mass hysteria!” Continue reading “2016 Missouri Building Block Nominee: Simon’s New Bed”

2016 Missouri Building Block Nominee: Dad’s First Day

Posted on Friday, November 25, 2016 by Corey

"Dad's First Day" book coverSome kids (and parents!) dread that first day back to school, but no one dreads it more than the poor dad in our next Missouri Building Block Award Nominee, “Dad’s First Day” by Mike Wohnoutka.

In this story, we meet a father and son duo who spend all their time playing, singing and having fun together. Oliver, the son, is excited for Kindergarten, and he can’t wait for his first day. When the big day finally comes, he’s ready to go. However, his dad isn’t quite sure. Dad tries to stop Oliver from leaving for school by claiming that his tummy aches and by hiding behind the couch and in the closet. But when they finally arrive at school, Dad feels better when he sees Oliver playing and having fun with his new friends.

This book is a particularly great read for kids who are entering a new school year, and it’s a wonderful father-son read. If you enjoy this book and have read at least five of the nominees, you can vote for your favorite.

Click here to find more stories and activities related to “Dad’s First Day.”