Free Electronic Books

Posted on Thursday, March 31, 2016 by bookbirdie

child-1183465_960_720Do you know that DBRL subscribes to several online book services for children, such as Tumblebooks and StarWalk Kids Media? All you need is your library card number and a tablet or computer, and you can get started reading these interactive digital books.

We also like to share outside resources that catch our eye. Two of the most recent resources we’ve found useful are Storyline Online by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and the Billion e-Book Gift by Reading is Fundamental and Ustyme. Continue reading “Free Electronic Books”

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 by Mark

Dear friends, colleagues and other amazing muggle peeps:

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child book cover“Nineteen years have passed…” well, for Harry Potter and the gang at least. In real life, fewer years have gone by, but we should feel fortunate to even get another Harry Potter story out of Ms. Rowling, right? Because didn’t she once say,“this is it”?

If you haven’t heard all the hype, let me fill you in. There is a new Harry Potter play script in book format coming out in 2016! Uh, what?  Book!  Wait — play? Yes, play (as in theater production). The new book, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” is coming the end of July, and so is the theatrical production in London’s West End. If you don’t have all the 411 about the play, hustle over to harrypottertheplay.com and find out all about it.  Continue reading “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”

Audiobooks We Love: Echo

Posted on Thursday, March 17, 2016 by Megan

"Echo" book coverPart fairy tale, part historical fiction, “Echo” by Pam Muñoz Ryan tells the story of three characters united by one unique harmonica. The story begins when the harmonica is entrusted to a boy named Otto by three magical sisters in an enchanted forest. It then resurfaces during World War II and finds its way into the hands of three other characters. The harmonica has a powerful impact on each person who hears and plays it, and eventually it is responsible for saving a life. “Echo” is one audiobook I cannot recommend enough! While I’m sure reading the physical book is great, listening to the audiobook was pure joy. Besides having a full cast of characters to read each part, all of the of music that is referenced in the book is played in the audiobook. The harmonica is truly its own character within the book. Continue reading “Audiobooks We Love: Echo”

Coloring is for Everyone!

Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 by Kristy

One of my absolute favorite things to do as a kid was to gather my crayons and paper and plunk myself down to color a new masterpiece. Little did I know that this creative hobby of mine Basket of crayonshad a positive effect on my development. When children draw shapes, color within the lines and cut out patterns, they’re further developing their fine motor coordination. Additionally, the time and patience needed to completely color a page helps children develop their self regulation, and creating a great piece of art can boost a child’s self esteem.

Continue reading “Coloring is for Everyone!”

Juice Box Robots

Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2016 by Katie

Juice BoxesLast month my mom received the cutest Valentine – a little robot made from a juice box and other snacks. We both loved how kid friendly this treat was and how easy it is to recreate. You can also use healthier options, depending on who will be enjoying (aka eating) the robots.This craft is easy for kids to make, and it’s a wonderful project to gift to others. Continue reading “Juice Box Robots”

Happy International Women’s Day!

Posted on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 by Erin

Did you know that Miami, Florida was founded by a woman named Julia Tuttle? Did you know Sandra Day O’Connor was the first woman on the Supreme Court? Why do I ask these questions? Because today (March 8) is International Women’s Day! This day, set aside every year since the early 1900s, is a day to celebrate women’s accomplishments all over the world. If you miss the chance to celebrate today, don’t worry, because March is Women’s History Month. In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, the display at the Columbia Public Library on the first floor next to the children’s desk will showcase books featuring awesome women and their accomplishments. Here are a couple of great books that you may see featured on the display.

Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine book coverAda Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine” by Laurie Wallmark is a remarkable story about a young woman who loved numbers. Despite many challenges in life, she never gave up her passion for math. Ada nicknamed herself the Bride of Science because she wanted people to understand she could be more than a wife and mother, which were the only widely accepted roles for women at the time. Because of her work, Ada is a considered the first computer programmer. In October of every year there is an Ada Lovelace Day to celebrate women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Continue reading “Happy International Women’s Day!”

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Posted on Monday, February 29, 2016 by Josh

Photograph of Dr. SeussMarch 2nd is Dr. Seuss’ birthday – he would be 112 this year! It can be hard to imagine what children’s books would look like today without the incredibly creative and inspiring books of Dr. Seuss. He wrote stories that are hard to put down, and he created characters that are impossible to forget. Memorable characters such as the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, Thing 1 and Thing 2, Horton the Elephant and the Lorax are still popular after many decades. To help celebrate such an icon of literature, I have listed some little known fun facts about Dr. Seuss himself:

Continue reading “Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!”

TumbleBooks – New and Improved!

Posted on Thursday, February 11, 2016 by Katie

Tumble Book Library logo

Has your family read with TumbleBooks lately? TumbleBooks is an online collection of animated picture books. The books are created by taking existing picture books and adding animations, sound, music and narration to produce an electronic picture book. TumbleBooks offers fiction, nonfiction and graphic novel titles in English, Spanish and French. Chapter books are also available. All you need is a DBRL library card.

If you haven’t yet tried TumbleBooks, you might want to spend a few minutes exploring this excellent resource. There is a link to our TumbleBook collection on the left-hand menu of our Kid’s Blog – you’re already halfway there! Continue reading “TumbleBooks – New and Improved!”

Happy National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

Posted on Thursday, February 4, 2016 by Megan

waffleThe first Saturday in February may be my new favorite holiday — National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. The day was founded in the 1960s by a mom who wanted to give her kiddos something to look forward to during the cold, dreary, nasty days of winter. Legend has it (at least according to Wikipedia) that Florence Rappaport and her six children were hit with a massive blizzard which buried their town of Rochester, New York under several feet of snow. To brighten their day, Mrs. Rappaport decided to serve the children ice cream for breakfast, and so the tradition was born! As the children grew older, they traveled the world and kept up the yearly tradition of eating ice cream for breakfast. Continue reading “Happy National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day”

Winner of the 2015 Missouri Building Block Award – Naked!

Posted on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 by Josh

"Naked!" book cover

The children across Missouri have spoken, and the winner of the 2015 Missouri Building Block Award goes to “Naked!,” written by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

Over 20,000 preschoolers and kindergartners participated, choosing “Naked!” as their favorite. “Naked” had almost twice as many votes as the second place finisher “Digger Dog.” Continue reading “Winner of the 2015 Missouri Building Block Award – Naked!”