Virtual Program: Cozy Cuddles Storytime

 For another December virtual program, I enjoyed putting on a Cozy Cuddles storytime. This storytime was for everyone to snuggle up together with their stuffed animals and get warm and cozy with some theme-liked books.

The first book I read was Penguin in Love by Salina Yoon. This is an adorable book about a penguin who finds a lost mitten and is trying to find its owner. The pictures are so cute and is a book that warms your heart.

The next book I read was appropriately called So Cozy by Lerryn Korda. I like this book because it's about a dog who is trying to get cozy and take a nap when other animals come along and want to join him. Perfect for kids to practice naming the animals in the book.

In between the two books, I did a quick flannel board activity using flannel mitten cutouts and a rhyme for those to follow at home to practice their colors. 

At the end of storytime, I suggested a simple mitten craft that kids can do at home using paper, glue, cotton balls, and string. 

Another great book to read for a cozy cuddle storytime is William's Winter Nap by Linda Ashman. Perfect selection to read right before bedtime.

Keep cozy!

Virtual Program: Make Your Own Wrapping Paper

 For my first virtual program for December, I filmed a "Make Your Own Wrapping Paper" program. It was for all ages and I showed three stamping techniques. 

These techniques were relatively easy and I chose these to have a very easy design and two other somewhat harder designs. I actually had two more other designs to show, but I thought the video was going to be too long. I can always save those for next time.

I started with using plain, white wrapping paper or brown craft paper depending on what would make the colors pop on the paper. 

For our first design, I showed how to make a string light design using red and green paint, a black marker, and finger prints or the cap of a glue stick to make the light bulbs. This is the most simple and still so very cute!

Our second design was making a gingerbread scene using cookie cutters, brown paint, and adding some holiday stamp designs to it. I also used some laser tape I found at the dollar store since it looks like ribbon, but is so easy to put on.

Our last design was a beautiful snowman design using the bottom of a glass or cup, white paint, and using markers to draw on our dried snowmen. I will say I liked this design the best because the circles turn out so clean and perfect and it's so adorable. 

Using finger prints, glue caps, cookie cutters, pre-made stamps, and the bottom of cups are some ways to create designs for wrapping paper. 

Of course there are a number of ways to add designs on your paper from making your own stampers out of potatoes or cardboard to just simply coloring on some blank wrapping paper. 

There's also really simple kid-friendly ways like the ones mentioned above to very elaborate skilled ways. 

Book of the Month: Night Wishes

Night Wishes, poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins, was chosen as my December Book of the Month. This book has been on various poetry lists for children and I can see why with it's gliding words and beautiful artwork by Jen Corace. 

Summary: How would a clock, nightlight, or teddy bear say good night? In this enchanting poetry collection, Lee Bennett Hopkins and thirteen other poets imagine the wishes whispering through a young girl's bedroom as she falls asleep. 

Ages: 4-8 years

"Night melts your room into shadows and ink. Think of my pages, O Dreamer, just think..." ~Excerpt of the poem Book by Joyce Sidman

This is the perfect poetry book for bed and encourages readers and listeners alike to make their own poems about what is in their bedroom and how would they imagine these things would say goodnight. 

Each poem will inspire imagination and calmness for the perfect nighttime slumber.  

Virtual Program: Silly Stories

 For a virtual storytime this week, I read some pretty silly books and showed a silly flannelboard. Of course, this was a silly storytime theme!

For my first laugh-at-loud book, I chose Chicken Big by Keith Graves. What makes this book so silly is how all the other animals in the story can't be convinced Chicken is really a chicken. This is a good one to read out loud with funny pictures.

To take a short break in between stories, I told a rhyming story of Mr. Lou and his growing mustache. I find this gets the kids laughing in storytime at the library, so hopefully they were laughing at home when watching. Mr. Lou's mustache goes from tiny small to hilariously big. 

The second and final story I read was Because I Stubbed My Toe by Shawn Byous. This was a short enough story that is about a boy who stubbed his toe and causes a silly chain reaction in his town. 

For this virtual storytime, I didn't show any craft because our first book is on the longer side and I was already around the 15 minute mark, but there will definitely be more craft demonstrations in the future. 

Silly storytimes are the best!

Virtual Program: Make a Magnet Maze

 For one of my virtual programs in November, I made a video showing kids ages 5-8 and their parents how to make a magnet maze using supplies around the house.

This was a more challenging virtual program for me since I usually don't do science programs and it was a little outside of my comfort zone, but I did my best and glad I pushed myself to try something different. 

This program would be fun to put on again when patrons are able to come back to the library for programs so that will be something I'll consider when the time comes.

It did take a lot of effort to put the program together and I thought the magnet mazes turned out well. I liked how the kids can pick any theme they want when designing and decorating their maze.

I did show a few ideas for mazes, but the simplest one was using a box or cardboard, popsicle sticks, a strong magnet, a paperclip, and whatever they wanted to use to decorate. Foam stickers work particularly well. 

I started off by explaining a little bit about magnetism using a library book and then showed them some examples and gave them directions on how to start making their maze.

My examples included the simple popsicle stick maze, a gnome-themed maze, and two examples that were more-so on magnetism and decorating with a space theme and a transportation theme. 

This program has a science/STEM element to it, a creative and artsy element to it, and a game/fun element to it so it was nice to have all of these into one program.

Book of the Month: Ruby Finds a Worry

Ruby Finds A Worry by Tom Percival is November's Book of the Month. Percival delivers a helpful picture book on the subject of worry using cutie-pie Ruby and her yellowy, squibbly worry that just won't seem to go away.

Summary: Meet Ruby--a happy, curious, imaginative girl. But one day, she finds something unexpected: a Worry. It's not a very big Worry, at first. But every day, it grows a little bigger...and a little bigger...until eventually the Worry is enormous and is all she can think about. 

Ages: Preschool to age 2

"Ruby didn't realize it, but she was doing the worst thing you can ever do with a Worry: she was worrying about it!"

 I enjoy picking up picture books that have emotional themes such as this one and see what their message is on how to handle them. Ruby Finds a Worry offers sound advice in a kid-friendly way on the subject of worrying. 

The illustrations of a yellow scribble dot and the expressions on Ruby's face add understanding to the story.

This book would be great to read right now with so much worries in the world, but would also be a great lesson for a little one who has even the smallest worry to deal with. 

Virtual Program: Rawr! Dinosaurs! Storytime

For my next virtual program it was a dinosaur storytime that was a lot of fun to do and with tons of books to choose from that were silly and a dino-delight!

The first book I read was That's What Dinosaurs Do by Jory John. I love his books because they have that perfect element of silly and fun. The repetitiveness of this one is what makes it fun to read.

Once I was done reading Jory John's book, I brought the flannelboard out and we did some dinosaur counting. 

The next book read was Dino by Diego Vaisberg about having a dinosaur as a pet. This book really brings out the imagination.

Our last book was We Love Dinosaurs by Lucy Volpin because we really do LOVE dinosaurs! I wanted to include this book and it was short enough to add it to the storytime. 

For the sample craft to try at home, I found an adorable dinosaur craft using a paper plate, a paper towel/toilet paper roll, and some markers. I'm really trying to keep these crafts simple and with basic supplies so no parent has to make a special trip to get anything during the pandemic. This also shows how crafts and activities can really be done with anything around the house so long as you use your imagination. 

Book of the Month: Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Say Good Night

I thought it was time to review another picture book bedtime story so for October's Book of the Month, we have Rosie the Dragon and Charlie Say Good Night by Lauren H. Kerstein and illustrated by Nate Wragg. As far as children's books go, you can't go wrong with a story about a boy and his pet dragon.

Summary: Rosie the dragon's bedtime routine has been a little bumpy lately. but not to worry! Charlie is prepared with his lists, rules, and fire extinguisher--everything a boy needs to help his pet dragon (and best friend) to a peaceful night's sleep.

Ages: Kindergarten to age 2

"Bedtime has been a bit challenging lately, so tonight I'm prepared. Bedtime will be a dream! I check my list and gather supplies."

If your child loves dragon books and the Rosie the Dragon and Charlie series, they will surely enjoy this book. Perfect for bedtime, especially for the little dragon who always seems to have a hard time getting in bed, this will be a cute and relatable story to read and will hopefully get them in bed in no time. 

A cute and helpful idea would be to use Charlie's bedtime list for Rosie on your little one. 

This is an overall adorable story about a dragon, his best friend Charlie, and the antics of bedtime. 

Virtual Program: Food Art for Kids

 Food Art for Kids was a virtual program I was really excited about doing, but it definitely took the most work and prep out of all the virtual programs thus far. It was a challenge and out of my element, but I think it came together well and it's always good to challenge ourselves as librarians and educators. 

Since there were so many great ideas to choose from on what food art to make, I knew I wanted to make sure I included really easy options and more difficult ones so this could be for kids of all ages and for parents who wanted to give it a try. I also wanted to narrow it down to a theme and came up with the idea of food based on children's books. This theme made the program so much fun to show. 

There are so many examples online and some really great holiday ideas too. 

I started off explaining a little bit about food art and how you can play around with food shapes, get your kids to eat healthy foods, and make a nice surprise for snacks and parties. 

The books I used to base around my food art were The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, The Cat in the Hat, We're Going on a Bear Hunt, and Rainbow Fish. All classics and all fun to use as inspiration to make some food art. 

Since it is around Halloween, I also added a simple pumpkin food art craft that uses a clementine and celery. 

This was a virtual program that allowed me to try something I would have avoided doing for an in-person program because it involves food and I wouldn't want to worry about food allergies and germs when food is involved. 

Virtual Program: Zoo Animal Storytime

One of my virtual programs for September was a Zoo Animal Storytime. This came together really well, was a whole lot of fun to film, and had a lot of books and ideas to chose from to put together. 

I ended up reading a total of three stories, making this a longer video but I added the two books at the end of the video so that parents could stop the video after the first story and craft demonstration. 

Typically, our videos have been anywhere from 5 minutes to 30 minutes, with 15 minutes being the average. It's tempting to make longer videos but we do have to be conscious of little one's attention spans and screen times. 

I started off storytime by reading Lori Degman's silly book 1 Zany Zoo. It's laugh-at-loud funny and really brings out the zoo theme. Afterwards, I did a rhyming color flannelboard story using elephants and then we jumped into our next book.

Our next book was Warning: Do Not Open This Book! by Adam Lehrhaupt. Another funny one that was a pleasure to read out loud. 

I wanted to add an animal song to this storytime and was able to add animal pictures to the background to help kids follow along with the help of my husband. 

After our song, it was time to show my virtual audience the swinging monkey craft they could try at home using construction paper and a straw. I thought the kids would enjoy playing with their craft and having their monkey swinging from the trees. 

At this point, I ended storytime for those who might not be able to sit still at the computer for another story, but did mention if they could to stay for Jory John's Giraffe Problems. I just couldn't pass up reading this one! It's one of my favorite books to read for a zoo storytime.  If you haven't read it, please do! It will not disappoint. 

Book of the Month: Up on Bob

 

Up on Bob by Mary Sullivan reads like a fun cartoon and is this month's Book of the Month. I chose this book because since I have a dachshund and love dogs, I just had to read this one and it did not disappoint! This is a very cute story about a dog who just wants to nap.

Summary: Bob loves to nap. He works hard to make everything just right. But then...Someone comes along. Will Bob be able to make everything just right again? Will Bob get his nap?

"Uh-oh. Suddenly everything is not perfect."

Ages: Preschool to age 3 

This simple story is perfect for beginning readers who love animals! It reminds me of a funny cartoon in picture book format that tells a cute and silly story between a dog and cat that will get your kids to laugh. 

Book of the Month: Under My Tree

 Under My Tree by Muriel Tallandier and Mizuho Fujisawa is my September Book of the Month that celebrates nature and encourages appreciating our Earth's environment. Such a beautiful thing is a child's love of our planet.

Summary: During a visit to her grandparents, Susanne leaves the city behind and journeys into the forest. There she discovers how incredible the natural world can be in this charming story of friendship between a curious child and her favorite tree.

Ages: 3 to 8 years old

"And so, I said goodbye to my tree. I squeezed her tightly and rested my head against her trunk. --Thank you, friend, for making me so happy." 

I can tell a lot of effort was put into this picture book with the colorful and bright pictures, the loving storyline involving friendship and nature, the structure of the book, and the helpful discussion questions on most pages. 

This book would be perfect for any child who loves playing in nature, needs to learn about the seasons, wants to hear a friendship story that let's them think outside of the box, and for fun suggestions on how to learn from a tree. There is also a counting element in this book when counting Susanne's visits to her favorite tree. 

Tallandier and Fujisawa's book will make their readers want to find their favorite tree. 

Book of the Month: I Go Quiet

 I Go Quiet by David Ouimet was chosen as August's Book of the Month because it is very unique and has a great message for anyone who is quiet, shy, and unsure of themselves. The gloomy, and somewhat bizarre cover illustration caught my interest but the pictures definitely portray the feelings of one who feels introverted and different from their peers. 

Summary: Here is the story of an introverted girl, hiding in silence in a world that seems overpowering and hostile. In the power of imagination and the pages of books, she sees possibilities for herself and discovers a place where her words ring loud and true. 

Ages: 6 to 10 years

"Yes, sometimes I go quiet. But someday I will make a shimmering noise." 

 David Ouimet's debut picture book is definitely unique and strikes a different cord from the typical cutesy children's books, rightfully so with such a topic of introversion and the struggle to find one's special path in life. 

This book is a must read for any child who is dealing with uneasiness, a missing sense of belonging, and for anyone who is on the spectrum of just being shy to selective mutism to any other similar struggle. 

Ouimet's book explains the feelings a young introvert personality goes through and uses dark imagery to get that sense of understanding with his reader. However, he also sends a beautiful message of hope at the end of his book and uses the subject of reading as a gateway to understanding oneself.

Virtual Program: Nature Journaling for Kids

 Nature Journaling for Kids was my third virtual program. I knew I wanted to incorporate my creative writing programs virtually and thought nature journaling would be fitting for the summer and for summer reading. 

For this program, I gathered research online and used some craft books and professional books to help me with this one. 

First most, I explained what nature journaling is and what the benefits are of nature journaling. Nature journaling can be beneficial for both kids and adults and is a fun idea to do as a family.

After I talked a little bit about journaling and how you can involve nature, I showed my virtual audience how to make their own nature journal using paper, ribbon, and a folder, along with some cut out nature magazine pictures to decorate and make a collage.

Once done making the journal and showing the steps, I shared some of my simple journal entries to get them started and what things they could look for in nature that they could write about and keep stats about in their journal.

Lastly, I showed them a little clip of me in my backyard interacting with nature and showing them how they can be inspired to write in their journal in their own backyard.

This was a fun to film outside and show them what kind of things I found in my backyard-what kind of flowers, leaves, and even a turtle! It was such luck to run into that turtle that day of filming.

Virtual Program: Playdough Party Home Edition

 For my second virtual program, I switched it up a bit from a traditional storytime and did a playdough program. The playdough parties I have been putting on in the library were having great turn-outs that I wanted to find a way to bring the same fun to them at home. 

It also was a great opportunity to incorporate some playdough ideas that I always had in the back of my mind but never felt like they quite fit with the playdough party itself. For instance, I showed the kids/parents how to make playdough at home. This is something that if I did in the library, I would have to make it a separate program all together. 

For this virtual program, I started off by showing how to make your own playdough using stuff around the house. There are plenty of homemade playdough recipes online, but my challenge to myself was to find the simplest one with the easiest ingredients. I also knew I didn't want to use any recipes using the oven since I wanted the kids to be able to make and play with it as much as possible.

Once I showed everyone watching how to make the simple playdough at home and what ingredients they would need, I showed them some playdough tools they could use to play with their homemade playdough around the house. I hoped this element of the program got the kids to think and realize that practically anything could be used to play with their playdough and make designs and shapes and art.

The last part of my playdough program video was a playdough challenge. I challenged everyone watching to use the playdough they just made to make themselves out of playdough. I thought this would be a fun idea and showed them the playdough version of myself and gave them the option of making it 3D or just styling it on a piece of paper.

I enjoyed making this video and felt like I had my own cooking show for a minute there haha! This video definitely had more prep time than a storytime, but I think it was well-received. 

Book of the Month: Cuddle Monkey

Cuddle Monkey by Blake Liliane Hellman with pictures by Chad Otis is July's Book of the Month because it's a cute book to read to any "cuddle monkey." 

Summary: Lewis loves to cuddle. He cuddles his favorite book. He cuddles his stuffed animals. He even cuddles a puddle, just because it rhymes. Cuddling the bus driver, however, turns out to be a little dangerous. Cuddling at dinner is too messy. And cuddling his new baby brother is wiggly and squiggly. But it turns out a cuddle doesn't have to be perfect for it to be just the cuddle you need.

Ages: 4-8 years

"I LOVE to cuddle!" said Lewis. "WE KNOW," said his mama and papa together.

This is just simply a sweet, cute book to read to your child during bedtime. Monkey fans, big brothers, and cuddle culprits will enjoy hearing this book read to them. Make sure to end reading this short book with a cuddle!

 

Virtual Program: Dig Deeper Storytime and Craft

 For one of my first virtual programs, I did a storytime around our library's Summer Reading Club theme: Dig Deeper. I was happy to start off my first virtual program as a storytime because truth be told it was a little scary to do any program virtually. Thankfully, everything worked out and it was a lot of fun. I do miss having a live audience though because it really adds to the atmosphere of storytelling.

I started off this virtual program talking about the summer reading club and provided step-by-step instructions on how to register online via Beanstack.

After that brief explanation, I read Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal. This was the perfect story to go with our digging deeper theme that fit well with the gardening theme. It also was available to use from the publisher. (This really narrowed down choice of books quite a bit.)

Once I was done reading our fitting story, I explained how to do an easy gardening carrot craft using a paper plate, construction paper, and tracing your own hand.

This was a good start to getting the feel of doing things virtually.

Book of the Month: Miriam at the River

Miriam at the River by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Khoa Le was chosen as June's Book of the Month because Jane Yolen books are popular with both me and the little patrons at my library and because this is a beautifully written and illustrated book on a biblical story. Even those that are not religious will appreciate the poetic notions in this picture book. 

Summary: With a sister's kiss, brave Miriam places a basket holding her baby brother into the river. With one quick push, she sends the basket into the water, hoping that her wish comes true and her brother will be rescued. The biblical story of baby Moses as told by his big sister. 

Ages: Kindergarten to age 3

"Sometimes courage comes from what you do, sometimes from what you do not do."

This is a great story to read to your little one to grasp a little bit of history, learn a spiritual lesson, and enjoy the poetic text and beautiful pictures that are so soothing. 

Reading this book to your child is also a unique and modern way to tell them the story of Moses thanks to Jane Yolen's signature writing style and Khoa Le's colorful pages.

Virtual Program: Doggy Storytime

For my first virtual storytime, I got inspiration from being at home with my dachshund Daisy and thought I should put on a dog storytime with the help of her. 

I started off storytime talking about dogs with my dog Daisy and then read a couple of doggy books and gave a craft suggestion to try at home. 

The first book I read was Land Shark by Beth Ferry. Bobby wants a shark for his birthday but instead he gets a puppy. This book is so cute and fun for a doggy storytime.

The other book I read was Just Dog by Hiawyn Oram. Dog is a dog but wants to be called something more exciting than "dog." This is a funny book for any dog lover. 

I ended my virtual storytime by showing those watching how to make a dog puppet using a piece of folded paper. 

Working from Home

Because of the Covid-19 virus, I have been working at home for a while now. It's been completely different and I needed to adapt, but there is still stuff to do and different ways of doing things. 

I've still been making orders for my book sections, planning for virtual programming, and attending webinars. I think the biggest challenge has been switching from having programs at the library to programs online. There are new factors to consider when prepping for a virtual program and it's new for me to post any videos online, but I'm trying to go with the flow and think of the positive. 

It's been really nice to be able to be at home with my family, my husband and my two-year-old dachshund. Still, looking forward to things getting safer and back to normal.

Be safe and healthy, everyone!

Book of the Month: The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein is a book I decided to make Book of the Month that is available through my library's Hoopla account. This is a good book for kids who are afraid to make mistakes and what to do when a mistake is made.

Summary: Meet Beatrice Bottomwell: a nine-year-old girl who has never (not once!) made a mistake. Life for Beatrice is sailing along pretty smoothly until she does the unthinkable-she makes her first mistake. And in a very public way!

Ages: 4-8

"They just called her 'the Girl Who Never Made Mistakes' because for as long as anyone could remember, she never did."

This story is perfect for sharing the very important message that no one is perfect and that it's exhausting to try to be. It's also a good lesson to teach what to do if a mistake is made...just laugh it off and realize mistakes are a part of life. 

I liked how this story had the element of Beatrice's brother, Carl, being able to enjoy making mistakes and how it showed how much more fun her friends were having by not being afraid of making mistakes. Beatrice's mistake happens while on stage for school, making this the book to read for kids who have stage fright.

Book of the Month: Unicorn Day

Unicorn Day by Diana Murray, illustrated by Luke Flowers, is such a cute, fun book with the message of acceptance. Of course, I also love how this book rhymes perfectly!

Summary: The unicorns are celebrating their favorite day of the year, complete with rainbows, cupcakes, butterflies, and all sorts of joyful things. But when it's revealed there's an impostor in their midst, the party comes to a screeching halt...

Ages: 4-8 years 

"Sunshine, flowers, fairy wings, today's a day for joyful things! Neigh, neigh, neigh! Dance and play! Happy, happy Unicorn Day!"

This book has it all! Vibrant, beautiful illustrations, rhyming, fun, and a lesson. Any unicorn lover will enjoy reading this picture book! A message of acceptance is inter-woven in the book that is important and can be applied to your child's life as a reminder to friendly welcome others and an understanding to include everyone. This was such a cute one!

Free Online Resources for Teaching and Learning

Recently, School Library Journal posted a list of wonderful resources for parents to use during this time with having to stay home and quarantine due to the coronavirus and I wanted to pass this along. 

Stay healthy everyone.

Toddler Art: Curious George

We started off Toddler Art with our Curious George board book story, Curious George and the Bunny by H.A. Rey. The toddlers were having a little trouble paying attention, but we got through the story quickly and had craft time.

We had the usual two crafts, but I used two crafts from Preschool Picasso since I had leftovers and thought they were easy enough for toddlers.

There was a paper plate craft where the toddlers had to paint with a big paintbrush or clothespin pom pom brown to make Curious Georges' face.

The other two crafts were those  taken from Preschool Picasso. We made The Man in the Yellow Hat's tie and the hand print craft.

The parents enjoyed having these options and the kids had fun playing with our toddler toys after our crafts.

Preschool Picasso: Curious George

I had an extra big group for Preschool Picasso: Curious George since we had a mom's group attend, as well as my regulars. It was so nice to see everybody and they got to see me as "The Man in the Yellow Hat."

We started off with the story, Curious George: Librarian for a Day by Julie Tibbott. This was a shorter Curious George story to read that was just the right length, was about the library, and taught about how we arrange the books in the library.

After talking a little bit about the book and how we put books back in the library, it was time to introduce our Curious George crafts.

Our first craft was a painting craft using their handprints to make Curious George's body, green paint for the vines he was hanging off of, and to glue on Curious George's face to their handprint. They used brown and green paint, watercolor paint brushes for their leaves and vines, and had practice gluing.

Our next craft was to make a Man in the Yellow Hat tie. They had a fun time using stickers and markers to decorate their tie and wear it around the library.

The kids really do love Curious George!

Spring Displays!

Book of the Month: Yoga Storytime

Yoga Storytime by Miriam R. Aventos is a simple picture book that explains how yoga began in India and gives easy instruction on how to start yoga, the poses, and what is so beneficial about practicing it.

Summary: Discover the basics of practicing yoga by tracing the story of its beginnings in India, showing how its earliest practitioners observed things in nature, such as trees, cats, snakes, and lions, and then imitated their poses. 

 Ages: For children of all ages

"Just breathe, nothing more."

The illustrations were as calming as the subject and this can be a very interactive book with your child. Poses can be tried, breathing exercises can be done, all while learning about the subject and India. 

I would recommend this book for any parents interested in introducing yoga to their child or practicing yoga together. 

Family Storytime: Australian Animals

We ended winter storytime on the theme of Australian animals. We read books about koalas and kangaroos and then made a cute, koala craft.

To start off storytime, we participated in our bean bag dance song and then we read The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright. This books rhymes perfectly and is great for this theme. It is on the bit of the longer side, but this book rhymes so well and kept the kids' attentions.

After our first book, we used the flannel board to do an alphabet activity. We fed the alligator alphabet pieces and everyone had a chance to put their pieces on the board.

Our next book was Don't Call Me Bear! by Aaron Blabey. This is such a silly, fun book about a poor koala who keeps getting called a bear. The kids laughed at how bothered he was by being called a different animal.

We ended up reading two more books since the kids were paying attention so well. Noni the Pony Rescues a Joey by Alison Lester and Bubbles by Kit Chase were perfect fits for this theme.

After our bubble story, we blew some bubbles and started making our construction paper koala craft. They each took times coloring their koala and adding leaves on to their "K" branch.

Other Books:

Eee-Moo! Annika Dunklee

The Koala Who Could Rahcel Bright

Koala and the Flower Mary Murphy

Over in Australia Amazing Animals Down Under Marianne Berkes

Two Tough Crocs David Bedford

Bubbles Kit Chase

A Hungry Lion Lucy Ruth Cummins

Oh No, Bobo! You're In Trouble Phil Gosier

Run, Run, Koala! Erica David

Platypus and the Lucky Day Chris Riddell

If I Were a Kangaroo Mylisa Larsen

Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too? Eric Carle

Who are you, Baby Kangaroo? Stella Blackstone

The Koala Who Could Rachel Bright

Other Activity: Kookaburra Song

Creative Writing Workshop: The Five Senses

For a creative writing workshop on the five senses, I wanted to focus on how using our senses as writers can help with our descriptive writing. This was a program for ages 8 to 12. 

I had a Power Point to present what the five senses are and it showed examples of excellent descriptive writing taken from children books and examples that we as a group could write about and share. 

I also had worksheets available that went along with the Power Point examples so everyone would have a spot to write their descriptive writing and follow along.

Some of the examples were a busy city street, a beach, a carnival, old socks, cupcakes, and a rainstorm. Going over each of the fives senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, brief descriptions of the examples would be made. Pictures, objects, and sound clips were provided during the writing activity. 

I also pulled aside some other examples in case we needed more objects/scenarios to practice our writing and planned on using cupcakes and tangerines for our taste senses.  

The books I used for descriptive writing examples varied from picture books to chapter books, but the point was to show how different levels of writing still need descriptors and that a good description is a thorough description that takes you there and utilizes your imagination.

Below is a list of the books I've used for examples.
Cupcake by Charise Mericle Harper
Carnival Magic by Amy Ephron
Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt De La Pena
Secret Sisters of the Salty Sea by Lynne Rae Perkins
A Family of Poems compiled by Caroline Kennedy (Ode to Socks poem) 

Family Storytime: Snowmen

We started off our snowman storytime with our opening bean bag song and then got started with our first story, Snowzilla by Janet Lawler. This is a story about building the biggest snowman ever. The kids enjoyed this one and we talked a little bit about the concept big and small.

Our first activity was making our own snowman together on the flannel board. Everyone got a piece to complete our snowman and since the kids were so proud of it, we left it on the flannel board for the rest of storytime.

Our next story was All You Need for a Snowman by Barbara LaValle. This is a good read because it explains what makes a snowman and was a nice transition from the flannel board to this.

For our next activity, we each had a snowman piece to put into our magic envelope. Once we said "Abracadabra" our snowman magically was put together. This is a fun one that the kids really love because it is surprising. My magic was having two envelopes with one of the envelopes having a snowman already made.

Our final book was 100 Snowmen by Jen Arena. What a way to get the kids counting and following along. Loved all these books for our theme!

Our craft was making a snowman using paint, construction paper, and markers.

Other Snowman and Snow Books:

When the Snow Is Deeper Than My Boots Are Tall Jean Reidy

The Biggest Snowman Ever Steven Kroll

The Snowy Day Ezra Jack Keats

The Most Perfect Snowman Chris Britt

Waiting For Snow Marsha Diane Arnold

Dinos in the Snow! Karma Wilson

Pip and Posy The Snowy Day Axel Scheffler

Snowballs Lois Ehlert

Snowmen at Night Caralyn Buehner

The Biggest, Best Snowman Margery Cuyler

The Smiley Snowman M. Christina Butler

Here Comes Jack Frost Kazuno Kohara

Hello, Snow! Hope Vestergaard

Mouse's First Snow Lauren Thompson

There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow! Lucille Colandro

Big Snow Jonathan Bean

You Make Me Smile Layn Marlow

A Very Special Snowflake Don Hoffman

When the Snow Falls Linda Booth Sweeney

Into the Snow Yuki Kaneko

I See Winter Charles Ghigna

Best In Snow April Pulley Sayre

Mine, All Mine! Claire Hawcock

Sugar White Snow and Evergreens Felicia Sanzari Chernesky

Snowballs Lois Ehlert

Little Penguins Cynthia Rylant

The Reader Amy Hest