At one of our recent library programs, we made a paper flashlight craft that all of the kids and parents adored. It was so popular that I’ve written up some instructions so you can make this craft at home!
What you need:
- Image or drawing you want to trace
- Clear sheet of plastic
- One sheet of black paper and one sheet of white paper
- Black Ultra Fine Sharpie
- Regular Sharpies in multiple colors
- Tape
- Flashlight template
- Sheet of white cardstock
- Scissors
What you do:
- Draw your own picture or find a one that you want to trace.
- Lay the clear plastic sheet over your picture, and trace the outlines with a black Ultra Fine Sharpie.
- Remove the plastic sheet with your tracing, and lay it over a sheet of plain white paper.
- Color your picture in with colored Sharpies, working left to right (if you are right-handed) so you don’t smudge your work.
- Remove the plastic sheet from the white paper. Tape the plastic sheet to the black paper across the top to hold them together.
- Print the flashlight template onto white cardstock.
- Cut out the flashlight. You can color in the handle of the flashlight if desired, but leave the “light” at the top white.
- All done! Place the flashlight between the plastic sheet and black paper, and see what happens!
Want to have even more flashlight fun? Then check out Emily Sollinger’s A Bedtime Shadow Book series! This series lets you shine a light into the images, and the images transfer onto the wall. How cool is that?
Wag your tails and put your paws in the air—August 26th is National Dog Day! This special day of celebration was created to honor dogs for all that they do for us. Beyond the sweet snuggles and slobbery kisses, dogs help humans out in countless ways. From watch dogs who guard and keep us safe to service dogs who lead and assist people with special needs, there’s no end to the love and companionship dogs provide us. Sometimes dogs even need our help too. Rescuing a dog from a troubled situation and providing a loving home is a great way to spread love and joy.
To help with the celebration, check out some of the great reads the library has to offer.
“Operation Rescue Dog” by Maria Gianferrari
Seven-year-old Alma, lonely and desperately missing her mother, decides to get a dog as a surprise for Mami’s return. Not only does she find a puppy that needs rescuing, but she also discovers that the pup rescues her in return.
“Search and Rescue Dogs on the Job” by Mirella S. Miller
This book describes the awesome work search and rescue dogs do. It goes into what makes a good search and rescue dog and all the different places they work.
“Lucky Dog: Twelve Tales of Rescued Dogs” by Kirby Larson
This chapter book is a collection of stories about the Pawley Rescue Center, where rescued dogs find their way into hearts and homes.
“Craig & Fred: A marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other” by Craig Grossi
”Craig and Fred” tells the uplifting true story of a U.S. Marine, the stray dog he met on an Afghan battlefield, and how they saved each other and now travel America spreading a positive message.
“When You Wander: A Search-and-Rescue Dog Story” by Margarita Engle
A dog that has just graduated from “sniffing school” advises readers what to do if they become lost in the woods; he assures them that his smart nose will lead him to where they are. “When You Wonder” also includes lots of cool facts about dogs’ noses!
Five days left before the library Cosplay Con, and you still don’t have a costume? Never fear, the library is here! We’ve got a plethora of great beginner sewing books to help you bring your costume to life. After all, hand sewing isn’t just for adults—kids can do it too! Hand sewing develops fine motor skills, builds finger dexterity, unlocks the imagination and is a cheap, screen-free activity. My favorite thing about sewing is that it spans across all generations. There’s nothing cooler than finding a project that kids, parents and grandparents can all do together!
Don’t yet know what character to cosplay? Be your own superhero! Check out our quick reversible superhero mask tutorial below.
What you need:
- Superhero mask pattern (printed)
- Scissors
- 2 different colors of felt
- Metallic sharpie
- Thread
- Needle
- Elastic cord
- Pins
What you do:
- Print out the superhero mask pattern, and cut out the pattern.
- Trace the pattern on both of your pieces of felt with the metallic sharpie.
- Cut your pattern out of both pieces of felt.
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Cut off two threads that are the length of your arm span, and tie them together at one end.
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Thread your double strand of thread through the eye of the needle, pulling thought about one inch. Your knot should be dangling at the other end of the string.
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Measure and cut a piece of elastic cord that goes from one ear to the other.
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Pin both pieces of felt together, with the elastic secured approximately above where your ear will be, once the mask is placed on your head.
- Now you’re ready to start sewing! Using a simple running stitch, sew around the border of the mask. This part is going to be the most time consuming, but it’s easy to master after only a few practice stitches.
- When your child gets to the end of a piece of thread, tuck it between the two pieces of felt, and tie a knot. Then thread your needle again and keep going!
- Once you’re finished, take a picture of your new superhero and their super sewing power!
One of my favorite novels is “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott, and I am a sucker for any adaptation (be it audiobook, play, or movie). I think I have seen every movie version, including the ill-advised 1970s one that starred Jan Brady (Eve Plumb) and Captain Kirk (William Shatner). The latest iteration I enjoyed is the graphic novel “Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy” by Rey Terciero. This retelling has all the major touchstones and plot points you would expect, while also making the characters fully-realized modern young ladies. Set in present day New York, the four young sisters and their mother live in a small apartment while their father is deployed in the Middle East, and throughout this delightfully-illustrated graphic novel, Terciero does an excellent job of adding her take on some of the hallmarks of Alcott’s beloved book.
The original story was progressive and endearing, and this graphic novel really shows its timelessness. I know I’m not alone in thinking that we can all see some of ourselves in each of the March girls, whether it is Meg’s practicality and touch of vanity, Amy’s desire for the finer things or Beth’s sweet nature; but it is still Jo’s independence, and her quest for self-actualization, that still most resonates with me. (As a young girl, I related to Jo—her craving for adventure and desire to cast aside some girlish conventions in favor of carving out her own path. Although I will admit I was thoroughly shocked when she declined Laurie’s marriage proposal! The 1995 movie version had Christian Bale cast as Laurie, and he will forever be my first love, even though I married my own wonderful and handsome Professor Bhaer!)
This new graphic novel is faithful to the essential characteristics of the girls and the heart and spirit of the original novel, and Terciero’s retelling is sure to become a classic itself! I know I will be recommending it to fans of Alcott and graphic novels alike.
In 1973, the United States passed the Endangered Species Act ”to provide a framework to conserve and protect endangered and threatened species and their habitats.” According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), an endangered species “is one that meets any one of the following criteria: a 50–70 percent population decrease over 10 years, a total geographic area less than 5,000 km2 (or local population area less than 500 km2), a population size less than 2,500 adults, a restricted population of 250 adults or a statistical prediction that it will go extinct within the next 20 years.”
Why should human beings be concerned about vanishing species?
First, individual species do not live in vacuums, but rather as part of unique communities known as ecosystems. As such, the struggles of one species can profoundly impact the rest. Further, like dominoes, ecosystems impact one other. Ultimately, we are all affected. According to the Endangered Species Coalition, “Humans depend on healthy ecosystems to purify our environment. Without healthy forests, grasslands, rivers, oceans and other ecosystems, we will not have clean air, water or land. If we allow our environment to become contaminated, we risk our own health.”
In her book, “Don’t Let Them Disappear: 12 Endangered Species Across the Globe,” author Chelsea Clinton profiles 12 of today’s endangered species. This title, beautifully illustrated by Gianna Marino, is an informative read that includes a “What can you do?” section for those looking for ways to help endangered and threatened species.
DBRL carries a wide variety of books on this subject. Here are just a few!
One of the perks of your library card is access to all the digital resources that we have to offer, and DBRL has over 70 online resources for all ages. We’ve recently acquired a cool new online tool called Read It! Geared toward middle and high school students, this resource provides basic knowledge on a wide variety of topics.
While Read It! is great for anyone looking to learn more about topics like U.S. history, world civilizations and science, it is particularly helpful for English language learners. The articles are short and concise, and you can use the “listen” feature to hear the article read out loud. There’s also an option to translate the article into 34 different languages!
Ready to explore this database and learn something new? Then click here to give Read It! a try. Happy Reading!
Summer Reading is over, but that’s no reason to leave behind all the fun you can have with an outer space theme! Just last month was the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, so why not celebrate with these moon landing activities?
Blast Off Collage
Try making this blast off collage with your little ones. You’ll need the following supplies:
- Rocket on any color paper (You can use the template on page 4 of this file)
- Black paper
- Tissue paper (various night sky and fire colors)
- Glue sticks
- Star stickers (optional)
- Markers or crayons
After coloring and cutting out the rocket from the template, set it aside and prepare your night sky background. Tear up bits of tissue paper (that’s the extra fun part!) and glue them on the black paper to give texture to the sky. Try using blues and purples for the sky, and save orange and red for the rocket. If you have star stickers, add them to the sky as well! Then glue the rocket onto the black paper, and add some flame colored tissue paper to the bottom of the rocket. We have liftoff!
Moon Sand
Now that you have a rocket, it’s time to create a moon surface to land on. Little astronauts will delight in playing with this extremely soft moon sand! You’ll need the following:
- 4 cups flour
- ½ cup baby oil
- Large bowl
- Spoon (optional)
- Large bin or tray
- Toy cars or people (optional)
Using your hands or a spoon, mix the flour and baby oil together in a bowl to make moon sand. Double the recipe if you want more sand to enjoy. Spread out the moon sand in a large bin, and invite the kids to play! (For easy cleanup, set up this activity on a tarp or old sheet.) Toss in some toy people or cars, and your little ones can reenact the moon landing or start the first lunar colonization attempt. Let them lead the play, and see where their imaginations take you!
One of my favorite events is coming up in Columbia! On Saturday, August 24, MidMO PrideFest will be kicking up a glitter storm down at the Rose Music Hall.
While June is traditionally set aside as Pride Month to honor the Stonewall Riots, residents of Mid-Missouri are lucky enough to celebrate Pride twice. This family-friendly event celebrates the LGBT+ community and their allies. The event includes fun vendors, information booths and live performances. Continue reading “LGBT+ Picture Books for Kids (That Adults Also Enjoy)”
This summer has flown by! How is it already August? But have no fear, there’s still some time before the kids head back to school. If you’re planning a family vacation or staycation to wrap up your summer, then check out these books to prepare your kids and build excitement for the upcoming adventure!
“Hattie and Hudson
” by Chris Van Dusen
Hattie enjoys a day at the lake and makes an unexpected friend. Next time you’re at the lake, you might just wonder what magic lay beneath the surface.
“Chu’s Day at the Beach” by Neil Gaiman and Adam Rex
Follow Chu and his family on their trip to the beach! All goes awry when Chu has a big sneeze and breaks the sea. Will he and the other beachgoers be able to fix it?
“Fergus Barnaby Goes on Vacation
” by David Barrow
Packing is my least favorite part of vacation. I always forget something. Fergus also has a hard time and must run around his apartment building gathering the items he needs for his trip.
“Harry and Clare’s Amazing Staycation” by Ted Staunton
Staying home can sometimes take you the farthest distance. Harry and Clare use their imaginations to travel to Mars and fight pirates, all while navigating sibling dynamics.
“Arthur’s Family Vacation” by Marc Brown
Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and that’s ok! See how Arthur learns to make the best of a bad situation.
You can check out these and the following titles about vacation at your local DBRL branch:
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
We all know the truth in the old adage, “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.” The great triumph isn’t in arriving at the park with your child; it is in smelling the flowers in the neighbor’s garden, seeing a bluebird’s nest and hearing the wind rustling in the trees. The same principle applies whenever we make art with children. This is called process art! The Museum of Contemporary Art says that “in process art, the means count for more than the ends.” Children learn more through play and experimentation than coloring inside the lines and making cookie-cutter crafts. Below are some fun ideas you can try at home to begin incorporating process art into your child’s play time!
Infants:
Squeeze two paint colors inside of a ziplock bag, gently roll out the extra air, and seal it tight. Duct Tape the top, and then let your little one explore the bag. Your infant will enjoy watching the colors combine as they squish the bag with their hands and feet. (Realistically, they’ll also explore them with their little mouths, so keep a close eye on them!)
Older Infants:
When your little one begins to cruise and walk, take the ziplock painting and tape it to a low window! They’ll use their legs and core to hold themselves up as they combine colors with the light pouring in behind the ziplock bag.
Toddlers:
There’s lots of nontoxic and washable paint on the market, but one of my favorite art activities with toddlers is yogurt painting! Lay out a tarp outside in the shade, put a variety of flavors in small cups, and let your little artists have fun! They’ll explore color, texture and scents. (And let’s be honest, they’ll take a taste too.)
Preschoolers:
Let your preschooler create with a tried and true classic—bathtub paint. They can spread it on their feet, hands, the bathtub, rubber ducky and the walls, and then scrub it all off at the end of bathtime. This is a great incentive to get reluctant bathers in the tub, and the cleanup is so easy!
Want to extend the fun? Come join us at our upcoming program “Painting Without Brushes” at the Columbia Public Library where toddlers and preschoolers will be using an assortment of non-traditional mediums to create open ended art. To register, please call 573-817-7160.
Painting Without Brushes
