On the Farm!

Who doesn't love a good old fashioned FARM storytime?! And sometimes, the easiest crafts can be the most fun. In this case, not really a craft either. Just fun rollin' the playdough!

Some of our favorite FARM stories include:
Piggies in the Pumpkin Patch - Mary Peterson
Sally Goes to the Farm - Stephen Huneck
Farmer Brown Goes Round and Round - Teri Sloat
The Cow Loves Cookies - Karma Wilson
The Big Red Barn - Margaret Wise Brown
Piglets Belong to Pigs - Scholastic Rookie Preschool
Old MacDonald Had a Woodshop - Lisa Shulman
Barn Dance - Bill Martin 

Yes, the tractors got stuck in the 'mud' and some animals needed to be put behind a fence. But we also saw a snake farm, had an entirely green farm, and witnessed alot of sharing.

And had to do my favorite farm song of course:

All Around the Barnyard

All around the barnyard, the animals are fast asleep (kids pretend to sleep)
Sleeping cows and horses, sleeping pigs and sheep. (you can snore, etc)
But here comes that cocky rooster, to sound his daily alarm...
"Cock-a-doodle-doo!" Wake up sleepy farm! (act like a rooster and yell really loud so they all wake up!)

Awesome New Books!

Ms. Eileen must have been very busy reading reviews, journals, and children lit blogs, because she has ordered a bumper crop of new picture books for the library (Like the harvest time reference?)  The other day a big order came in and we were beside ourselves with giggles, and "check this out!", and "Oh, so pretty!", and so forth.  Here are some of those that we can't wait to get into the hands of young readers and their families:

"Crankee Doodle", by Tom Angelberger:
Those familiar with Tom Angelberger's work on the "Origami Yoda" series will recognize the author's quick wit.  This book is silly in the best way possible, with the perfect illustrations by Cece Bell.  Crankee Doodle feels too bored and too grumpy to go into town which he feels is too noisy, people are ringing bells and eating pies, for goodness sakes.  But his cheerful pony won't give up; "you could buy a hat!",  he suggests.  The book ends with a historical note on the familiar, nonsensical song. 
 
"Tap the Magic Tree", by Christie Matheson:
You know a book is good when Ms. Eileen and I design an entire storytime around it!  This interactive book takes the reader on a journey through the year of a tree with bright, simple, and cheerful illustrations.  We think kids will love it and enjoy interacting with the story.  It's like the classic "Pat the Bunny" for the next generation.



"Fall Ball" by Peter McCarty:

We are big fans of Peter McCarty's illustrations here at the library; his "Hondo and Fabian" is a storytime regular and "Henry is Love" was one of my favorites of 2012.  "Fall Ball", is a story of playing outside on a fall afternoon that will resonate with children and their parents.  While looking through it I was immediately taken back to my own childhood and those wonderful days when the air is cool, the sun is warm, and being with your friends in your own backyard is like heaven on earth.   

 

Our Top 10 Picks for Halloween!

I am officially in the Halloween mood today! So I thought I would share a list of what Ms Patty and I consider some of the very best choices for Halloween that we have at RML. Maybe after this, you will be in the Halloween mood too! (You know the kiddies already are!)

1. Janet Schulman's cute counting book is perfect for us in storytime, and who can resist the adorable circle-headed trick or treaters?

2. I have a soft spot in my heart for anything Ed Emberley ever did or will do. This is a favorite. Check out his website for some Halloween fun:

Ed Emberley's Website

3. We both love Scaredy Squirrel. Here's his newest offering - more of a safety guide than a story, but fun to share with the kids or just let them pour over. Check out the link below for a video of Scaredy and his Halloween Safety Public Service Announcement. 

Just to be safe.

Scaredy's Halloween Safety PSA

4. I am also a big fan of Wendell Minor, and Pumpkin Heads! is always perfect for the season. This is one I own at home and must break out with the girls every October. (FYI -There's a great Christmas tree one too!) Really beautiful illustrations.

5. hist whist is a poem by e.e. cummings that I LOVE for Halloween. Unfortunately, our picture book copy at RML has either disappeared or fallen apart over the years, and is no longer in print. However, you can check out our friend Mary Jo Maichack's CD, Howlarious Halloween, and listen to her read the eerily fabulous poem. Or go here to listen:

cdbaby

6. When I asked Ms Patty for her recommendations over the phone, she practically read me this whole book. I think she really likes it! It has lyrical writing and beautiful illustrations and was originally written in 1949. Good stuff stands the test of time.

7. I try to read this one in storytime every year. It's got goblins and creepies that try to grab your tootsies! Got the willies yet?

8. This one isn't necessarily a Halloween story, but I always think of it this time of year. It's super cute for really little ones because it's just 2 girls at their costume birthday party who happen to look almost exactly alike. A Pat Hutchins classic.

9. What can I say? I'm a child of the 70s.
Here's a link to some interesting facts about the animated TV special:
7 Things You Don't Know About the Peanuts Special 

10. If you don't read or hear these stories as a child, your parents and librarians are doing you a grave disservice. Really. Ms Patty made me stop telling the Jennie with the Green Ribbon story because I told it too much. THIS is Halloween, people.

And there you have it. Up for discussion, but these are some of our very favorite Halloween stories. What are yours?

Whoooo's in Storytime?

Ms Patty was just DYING to do an owl storytime. Whoooo am I to argue when we get to read a storybook like this:

 Yes, the little owl falls out of his nest, only to eventually be reunited with his mother with help from a purple squirrel and a band of other kooky characters. It just doesn't get better than this.

Here's some of the kiddos with their handprint owls: