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. 

Book of the Month: Will You Help Doug Find His Dog?

Kids are asking me all the time for Where's Waldo and other similar seek-and-find books while I'm working on the reference desk. Jane Caston's and Carmen Saldana's picture book is more than just a seek-and-find, with a good story and good illustrations all in a picture book format. This is a seek-and-find that can be used for storytime!

Summary: Help Doug find his dog by patting, tickling, and calling to the correct dogs based on Doug's clues! As the reader selects dogs, the pool narrows until a surprise ending reveals Doug's dog and why he went missing. 

Age Range: 3-5 years

"So, Doug's dog is a scruffy dog. Call 'Here Scruff!' to all the scruffy dogs."

 I can't wait to use this one for storytimes! This book is very interactive, fun, cute and makes a game out of reading.
 

Book of the Month: Korgi: Book 1

So you probably figured out by now that I'm a sucker for a good dog book and wanted to give a youth graphic novel a try so I came across the perfect fit with Korgi: Book 1 by Christian Slade. As a dog lover, it did not disappoint and I can't wait to get my hands on book two. 

Summary: Korgi is a gorgeously illustrated woodland fantasy about a young girl. Ivy, her Korgi cub, Sprout, and their amazing adventures in Korgi Hollow.

In this first volume in the series, Ivy and Sprout discover some interesting things about themselves as they stray from their village and face danger for the first time. 

 Age Range: 7-10 years

"To be near them, is to feel more alive and happy than one has ever known. This is the great gift of the Korgi. They make the world around them more beautiful."

Illustrator and author Christian Slade has a soft spot for corgis and you can tell in this loving and adventurous graphic novel about them. Discover the place of Korgi Hollow and allow it to take you on a fun, fantasy journey. 

In book one, we meet Ivy and her Korgi cub Sprout. Find out what makes both of these characters unique and special and what creatures they must defend themselves from.  Every page is filled with impressive illustrations that certainly tells a great story and makes you want to read more. 

Ivy and Sprout are learning more about their powers and their enemies are learning about them as well. What will happen in book 2? 

I agree with Goodreads when they suggest young readers who enjoy The Hobbit and Jeff Smith's Bone will appreciate this graphic novel series. 

Book of the Month: Sled Dog Dachshund

For April's Book of the Month, I chose Sled Dog Dachshund by Laura Atkins. I know this story is more for winter, but I couldn't resist a picture book that incorporates my favorite breed into the story.

Summary: Jasper the dachshund wants to compete in the world's biggest dog sled race, but he's too little and doesn't fit in with the other sled dogs. He doesn't give up and makes his dream come true!

Age Range: 5-7 years

  "Jasper leaned forward, stretching his hotdog body as far as it could go...The next thing he knew, Jasper heard cheers all around."

This is a picture book that teaches the lesson of teamwork and being helpful because of who you are despite being different. The story is the right length and can be used for storytimes. This book has a great message and cute illustrations.