LOL! It’s National Tell a Joke Day!

Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2018 by Molly

laughing babyEveryone loves a good joke! So, it’s no surprise we have a full day devoted to telling them. According to the National Day Calendar™, August 16 is National Tell a Joke Day.

Participating in National Tell a Joke Day is easy cheesy. Just do at least one of the following: tell a joke, listen to a joke, laugh, celebrate, have fun and enjoy! You can also take it a step further and post jokes on Twitter by using the hashtag #NationalTellAJokeDay.

Then, after August 16, go ahead and keep “joking around.” Studies have shown that laughter is important to our mental health. According to a report in Psychology Today, “Humor and laughter are related to health and can release physical and emotional tension, improve immune functioning, stimulate circulation, elevate mood, enhance cognitive functioning and, not surprisingly, increase friendliness.” Continue reading “LOL! It’s National Tell a Joke Day!”

Big Books for Little Readers

Posted on Monday, August 13, 2018 by Erin

One of the great things about working at the library is that I get to find hidden gems in our collections of books. There are fun books all around the library, but I particularly love picture books for young readers that are in chapter book format.

The Infamous Ratsos by Kara Lareau

When books arrive at the library, the librarians called catalogers determine what section to put them in. Picking a section is tricky because there are books written for every age range and reading level. Some books may fit into many categories, which is why there are chapter books in the picture book section. These books are great for young readers who want to read “big kid” books but may not be ready for an advanced chapter book. The tricky bit about these books is that they are not searchable by type. So to make your search more accessible, we have created a book list!

The Infamous Ratsos” by Kara Lareau is my favorite from this list. Louie and Ralphie Ratso try to be bad just like their dad, but every time they try to do mischievous deeds, they are helpful. Louis and Ralphi start to wonder, is being helpful a bad thing? Find the Infamous Ratsos at your branch today!

STEAM eBooks on Hoopla

Posted on Thursday, August 9, 2018 by Brianna

hoopla steam with gears and robotLibrarians love acronyms. ALA, YALSA, YSCI–if we can make it an acronym, we probably will! Though I’ve gotta say, one of my favorite acronyms is STEAM. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. We have all kinds of physical copies of STEAM books here at the library, but we also offer a plethora through Hoopla! And really, what could be better than reading a book about technology on a technological device?

In case you’ve never tried it, Hoopla is an online service that provides audiobooks, eBooks, movies and music. Since Hoopla offers so many things, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. If you’re trying to find something great and STEAM-related for your kid, there are a couple good ways to refine the search. If you’re on a mobile device, you can start by going to “Settings” on the app and selecting “Kids Mode.” This will show only materials appropriate for children, so it’s a great way to let your kid browse with you. Next, simply search for “STEAM.” Voilà, you and your kiddo now have plenty of STEAM options to choose from! Here’s a few that I found, and I can’t wait to read them. Continue reading “STEAM eBooks on Hoopla”

Back to School Book List

Posted on Monday, August 6, 2018 by Kristy

Back to School signDo you smell that crisp scent of pencil shavings and fresh loose leaf paper in the air? Yep, it’s back to school time! Older children have picked out school supplies, are looking over class schedules and are getting reconnected with peers. However, many young children are starting kindergarten, preschool or daycare for the first time.

For those little ones who haven’t experienced big transitions before, this can be both a thrilling and scary time. Kids might be excited to get a new lunch box, new shoes or a fresh box of crayons. However, they might dread changes to their routine. 

Want to help your young one adjust to the upcoming school year? Then check out this book list that’s full of our favorite back to school picture books. These books are great conversation starters, and they help show children that they are not alone in their fears. Encourage your kids to start new friendships and try new experiences even if they are scary. Good luck to everyone this fall!

Check Out Instruments for Little Ones

Posted on Thursday, August 2, 2018 by Lyndsey

Play as Learning Kit 7Ready to rock out with your little ones while encouraging early literacy skills? Then check out  our PAL kits, which are full of toys, books and CDs for kids ages birth-2.

One of our favorite PAL kits is getting a brand new look, complete with new activities, books and instruments. PAL kit 7: Encouraging Music and Movement will now feature shakers, a tambourine and a mini piano! Move and groove with your instruments and rainbow wristbands while listening to “The Best of the Laurie Berkner Band.”

When you’re all tired out from dancing, sit down and enjoy one of the four new books included in the kit. “Touch and Feel Farm” is a classic sensory book that will delight any child. “Dancing Feet!” “I Can Dance” and “Let’s Dance, Little Pookie” are rhyming books that teach kids about dance and invites them to join in the fun.

Interested in checking PAL 7 out? If so, place a hold online to pick it up at your library or bookmobile.  

Sing Along With Stories

Posted on Monday, July 30, 2018 by Kristy

I absolutely love hosting story times here at the library. I enjoy reading, singing and playing with little ones, and over the years I’ve discovered several stories that allow me to combine all of these things. Below are some books where you can mix singing and reading while even adding in motions and fun! These are some of my favorite story time picks and are sure to have your little ones demanding an encore.

If You're a Monster and You Know it book cover “Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes” by Eric Litwin 
 “Row Row Row Your Boat” by Jane Cabrera 
 “Old MacDonald Had a Truck” by Steve Goetz
 “If You’re A Monster and You Know It” by Rebecca Emberly 
 “The Seals on the Bus” by Lenny Hort 
 “I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More” by Karen Beaumont
 “Barnyard Dance” by Sandra Boynton 
 “The Pout-Pout Fish” by Deborah Diesen  
 “The Wheels on the Tuk Tuk” by Kabir Sehgal 

Five Reasons Why I Love My Job

Posted on Thursday, July 26, 2018 by Mitch

When you visit your library, we employees do our best to make sure you’re greeted by smiling faces and positive attitudes. But can I tell you a secret? Around here, the smiles and great attitudes aren’t hard to find. Below are five reasons why I love my job at DBRL (in no particular order).

Photo of library employeesThe Workers
It’s true. There is something about a library that makes incredibly talented, knowledgeable and kind people flock to it. We have a fantastic team here at DBRL, and it’s a true honor to serve our patrons alongside them. Speaking of…

The Patrons
The famous line “If you build it, they will come,” from “Field of Dreams,” rings true here. I am so proud to support our community. Thank you for coming. I love seeing and assisting you.

Photo of library stacksThe Books
I love books. A lot. Being surrounded by piles of paper is a dream come true.

The Programs
Singing and playing with kids is always so much fun! Learning, growing and empowering parents with knowledge is my pride. Thank you for building and exploring with me. Click here to see what’s coming up.

Photo of library employeesThe Bookmobile
I take deep pride in our local communities. Our bookmobiles make stops all over Boone and Callaway counties almost daily, serving over twenty-five child care centers and thousands of patrons.

Ever wonder what it’s like to work at Daniel Boone Regional Library? Click here to see a listing of positions currently available. Join us and see why it’s so easy to smile at the library. It’s honestly one of the best jobs I’ve ever had.

(All the pictures featured on this blog came from DBRL’s Instagram page. Follow us for more fun!)

We All Scream for Ice Cream!

Posted on Monday, July 23, 2018 by Amy

Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? Yep, it’s true!

Yum-O!

Below are some tasty treats and sweet reads for kids and adults to help beat the heat this summer. Enjoy!

Ice Cream Summer book cover

Ice Cream Summer” by Peter Sis

A little boy writes a letter to his grandfather about all the reading and studying he is doing this summer, and all his activities revolve around ice cream!

From Milk to Ice Cream book cover

From Milk to Ice Cream” by Bridget Heos

A child wonders where ice cream comes from and learns about the jobs of a dairy farmer, a sugarcane farmer and factory workers in an ice cream factory. This illustrated narrative nonfiction book includes a world map of where dairy cows and sugarcane are raised as well as a glossary and further resources.

A Snicker of Magic book cover

A Snicker of Magic” by Natalie Lloyd

The Pickles are new to Midnight Gulch, Tennessee, a town which legend says was once magic. Felicity is convinced the magic is still there, and with the help of her new friend Jonah the Beedle, she hopes to bring the magic back.The Little Ice Cream Truck book cover

The Little Ice Cream Truck” by Margery Cuyler

Everyone smiles when the little ice cream truck, loaded up with tasty treats, shows up at parties, baseball games, parks and zoos.
The Perfect Scoop book cover

The Perfect Scoop” by David Lebovitz

This comprehensive collection of homemade ice creams, sorbets, gelatos, granitas and accompaniments emphasizes classic and sophisticated flavors alongside a bountiful helping of personality and proven technique.

 

Navigating the World of Social Behaviors

Posted on Thursday, July 19, 2018 by Molly

Child SharingThe world is an amazing place for young children. Growing up is an adventure, and everything must be tasted, smelled, touched. And yet, bridging the gap between childhood and adulthood is far from a walk in the park. Mastering basic fundamentals, such as walking and talking, is no small feat. Add to that the long list of appropriate social behaviors kids must learn. For instance, while eating food is encouraged, biting another person is taboo. Whereas holding a toy for the first time might garner smiles and applause, not sharing toys is frowned upon. With so many “rules” or social norms to absorb, it’s no wonder children find this whole becoming-an-adult thing confusing!

A great way to help your child confidently navigate the world of appropriate social behaviors is by introducing them to fictional characters who struggle with the same issues. This is where the library can be an awesome resource!

DBRL shelves numerous books on teaching social behaviors. Here’s a few to get you started. Continue reading “Navigating the World of Social Behaviors”

Books We Love: Animal Handprints

Posted on Monday, July 16, 2018 by Megan

Animal handprint art

What has two thumbs and loves this book? ME! From the moment I flipped through Handprint Animals” by Henu Mehtani and saw that I could turn my handprint into a walrus or a sheep, I was hooked! If you have a handprint, paper, paint and googly eyes, then you have all the makings for some fine art. Sadly, this book doesn’t include instructions on how to paint a unicorn. However, it does have instructions for a narwhal, which, as we all know, are the unicorns of the sea. Check out this book to see how you can make your own handy-works of art!

Animal Handprint book