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.