Happy Birthday to J.K. Rowling!

The Harry Potter books are beyond the scope of this blog, but today, July 31st, is J.K. Rowling's birthday. The success of the Harry Potter series has shown us that children DO love to read...they just need to find the right books. Ms. Eileen and I are always more than willing to help you and your child find the right books for you. Just ask!

Wordless Books

Wordless picture books are wonderful! My daughter (now 14) tells me that she loved these types of books as a child because it allowed her, always the independent one, to tell her own story and to "read" them to us. Wordless books really work one's imagination and thinking skills. Often these are the most beautifully illustrated picture books you will find as well. Wordless books are perfect for one-on-one sharing, and by the way, these books can be quite complex so even older children will enjoy them.

Here are three classics: "Flotsam" by David Wiesner, "Good Dog, Carl" by Alexendra Day, and "The Grey Lady and the Strawberry Snatcher" by Molly Bang.

Any Requests?

Next Wednesday is the final drop-in storytime for the summer. (Already!?!?!) So I'm wondering if anyone has any requests for stories or songs or fingerplays. Anyone?

What Do You See?

We had a big, fun group for Stories in the Shade this morning. (Actually, "Stories under the Florescent Lights" was more like it since it was too wet to be outside.) Today our stories and songs were about what you can see and what our imagination makes for us to see.

We shared "Where's the Green Sheep" by Mem Fox. I don't know why I like this book so much. It's very simple but yet there's something to it. And, by the way, where IS that green sheep? A book I didn't read but find to be a great book is Bob Raczka's "More Than Meets the Eye" which showcases some beautiful works of art that can tickle our senses.

Colors

As I mentioned, this Monday at 10:30 is our Color Parade. It's open to kids 2-6 and while pre-registration was/is required, call us on Monday morning to get in on the fun.

As we were discussing this storytime event, Ms. Eileen mentioned a favorite memory from her childhood; playing a game to Hap Palmer's song "Colors". We will play the game on Monday but I thought you might enjoy a preview. Click on the link above to hear Hap Palmer sing his song and to watch a truly colorful accompanying video. It's positively psychedelic!

Color Parade

Come to the library on Monday, July 20 at 10:30 a.m. for our Color Parade! (Hopefully you registered, but if not call early Monday so we know to expect you.) We'll have a parade around the library and we'll share stories, songs, games, and treats! Come dressed as your favorite color. Ms. Eileen and Ms. Patty will both be on hand for this storytime event. Here's a preview of some of the books we'll be sharing. See you there.

Moo

On the heels of our visit from the Cow Lady yesterday, I wanted to highlight one of my long time favorite early picture books, "Moo Baa La La La" by the great Sandra Boynton (this is a clickable link to her website). All of Sandra's books have a rhythmic quality with lovely bright illustrations. Her stories so easily translate into music that she has created CDs to go along with her stories or to stand alone. Lively and fun, silly and charming, anything by Sandra Boynton is a sure hit. Look for her items all over the children's section of the library: in the baby books, picture books, books with CDs/cassettes, and in the CD rack. Enjoy!

Cowabunga!

Come on into the library on Wednesday, July 15 at 11 a.m. to hear Carol Weis, author of "When the Cows Got Loose" talk about this (almost) true story. Calliope music, a singalong, and puppets are sure to make this author visit one to remember. By the way, Carol is not just an author, she has also been an actor, teacher, school librarian, professional cook and pastry chef, essayist, poet, and mom. Wow!

FYI: There will be no "Stories in the Shade" this week. See you next Wednesday under the trees at 10:30 a.m.

Worms are Really Good!

What a fun and busy program we had today as kids and their parents learned about composting, vericomposting (composting with worms), and gardening in general. Jean Scialabba gave everyone lots of good information and wormy fun. Thanks Jean. And thanks to all who came out.

Here are two books to extend your child's interest in worms. "Bob and Otto" by Robert Bruel introduces us to best friends, a caterpillar and a worm, and how they each bring something of beauty and worth to the world. Good for toddlers and preschoolers. "Diary of a Worm" by Doreen Cronin lets the worm tell his own story of his life and his family in a very funny way, with great illustrations by Harry Bliss. Best for children 4 and up.

Worms are Good!

Come out to the library Friday July 10th at 11:00 a.m. to have fun and learn a way to become "greener" by composting with worms. Jean Scialabba presents a kid-friendly program introducing us to "vericomposting", and of course, she'll bring real worms. Other libraries have described her presentation as "a big hit" with children and adults alike. See you there.

Journeys

Today at Stories in the Shade I shared "Henry Hikes to Fitchburg" by D.B. Johnson. In the book, "Henry" is a bear, but in actuality he is the representation of the classic live-in-the-moment guy, Henry David Thoreau. Henry takes a long walk to the country enjoying himself along the way while his friend performs chores for neighbors (Mrs. Alcott, Mr. Emerson) to earn money for train fare. Ultimately they arrive at the same destination, having had very different journeys. A good book for discussion, as well as a fun story.

Comments

So, what do you think? The blog has been around for a month now and I really enjoy doing it. I hope those of you who see it enjoy it too. Please spread the word. And, tell me, what can I do to make this blog more useful for you?

Also, I heard there was a problem with the comments section. I believe it has been solved, so please comment. Look down and you'll see in small text "Comments". Click that and leave your 2 cents. Thanks.

Caryn Lin, From Bach2Rock!

Tuesday, July 7th, brings violinist Caryn Lin (this is a clickable link) to Marlborough as she presents "Bach2Rock", performing on both acoustic and electric violin. Her performance is described as "amazing", "awesome", "fun", "creative", and "poignant". The event will be held at 1 p.m. at the Marlborough Elementary School. This show is best for children ages 4 and up. I'm sure adults will enjoy it too.

Children's CDs

I mentioned Laurie Berkner and her CD "Under a Shady Tree" at our last Stories in the Shade. It's wonderful, musically and lyrically. Definitely worth a listen.

I'm surprised that more children's CDs don't go out from the library. We have a nice collection of music from classic children's music, to world music, to covers of popular tunes. Music can make a car ride easier, be a pleasant soundtrack to an afternoon spent coloring or building with legos, or to soothe a wound-up toddler. Make a point to check out some of our CDs the next time you come into the library. They go out for 3 weeks, just like the books, which will give you plenty of time to enjoy them.

Minerva Louise

Thanks to all who came out to the first Stories in the Shade. One of the books we shared was "Minerva Louise at the Fair", by Janet Morgan Stoeke, one in a series of books featuring the sweet natured, mixed-up hen, Minerva Louise. The world can be very confusing to a preschooler, there is a lot they don't understand, but in the Minerva Louise books the children are "in the know" while sweet Minerva Louise is slightly befuddled. I hope you'll be as charmed by her sunny disposition as I am.

Under a Shady Tree

Today is the first Stories in the Shade drop-in storytime. It looks like it may rain in which case we'll be inside. Either way, we'll have fun. See you there at 10:30 this morning.