Showing posts with label Carla. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carla. Show all posts
Friday, March 29, 2013
Books in Brief: Exclamation Mark
Picture Book: Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld
Book Reviewer: Carla
Five Reasons Why This Book is a Fabulous Must Read:
-As the book jacket says, "this exclamation mark is really everyone's story," and, by gosh, by the time you arrive at "The end!" you realize that it is true. You, me, everyone, we're all exclamation marks.
-The drama, delight, and ta-da of the story is how, exactly, do we go about finding our inner exclamation mark. A coming-of-age story? Sure! It's all about "fitting in and standing out and, with the help of others, finding your way."
-Take a look and see how exclamation mark, being an exclamation mark, stands out in a conga-line style line of smiley periods. What's a punctuation mark to do?
-Who better to help work through questions of belonging and identity with than a question mark!?!!
-You'll cheer as exclamation mark "breaks free from a life sentence" (hee, hee) and discovers himself and a life full of possibilities. How's that for a happy ending!?
Where Can I Find This Book? JE ROS shelved with the new picture books.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Books in Brief: Previously

Picture Book: Previously
Author: Allan Ahlberg
Reviewer: Carla
Five Reasons Why this Book is Cool:
-Naturally, obviously, certainly we all need know what our favorite fairy tale friends were up to previously...
-Who knew that prior to her break-in at the Three Bears' house Goldilocks had been keeping time with Jack of beanstalk fame?
-Beanstalk Jack is sister of Jill, those two climbers of the hill!?!
-Did you know that in an effort to escape baking, the Gingerbread Boy bumped into Cinderella herself and that once upon a time all of these fairy tale hall-of-famers were babies just like you and me!
-Funky and great artwork by Bruce Ingman combined with Ahlberg's cheerful, fun, and so funny prose make Previously delightfully good.
Firefighters Visit the Library
Stop, Drop, and Roll! Indeed! Friendly Radnor Firefighters visited
our library on Thursday dazzling the crowd with their protective gear,
fire safety words of wisdom, and get-to-know-you high fives. Following
the presentation, children enjoyed exploring the fire truck and ambulance
outside providing great action photos for enthusiastic grown-ups.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Books in Brief: Green
Reviewer: Carla
Book and Author: Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Five Reasons Why this Picture Book is a Winner:
-Fabulous artwork dramatizes the many lush, vibrant hues of green.
-Peek-a-boo cutouts cleverly link pages and concepts while providing a fun and active learning opportunity.
-Bold depictions of "never green" offer a clear, interesting twist on the theme.
-Timely, take home message of how we can contribute the world's "green."
-Hopeful "forever green" grand finale.
Where to Find Green: Shelved with our "New Picture Books," JE SEE.
Book and Author: Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Five Reasons Why this Picture Book is a Winner:-Fabulous artwork dramatizes the many lush, vibrant hues of green.
-Peek-a-boo cutouts cleverly link pages and concepts while providing a fun and active learning opportunity.
-Bold depictions of "never green" offer a clear, interesting twist on the theme.
-Timely, take home message of how we can contribute the world's "green."
-Hopeful "forever green" grand finale.
Where to Find Green: Shelved with our "New Picture Books," JE SEE.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Live! at the Library: Elmwood Park Zoo On Wheels!
LIVE AT THE LIBRARY!
THE ELMWOOD PARK ZOO PRESENTS
“SENSATIONAL ANIMALS”
Thursday, June 28, 11:00 AM
Ages 3-7*
Limit 100 total (adults and children)
* any child age 6 and under must be accompanied and closely supervised by an adult
Please join us in the large event room for "Sensational Animals." The staff of the Elmwood Park Zoo will bring live animals and touchable artifacts to the library to help us explore our five senses and how animals use their senses in similar or different ways.
This program will admit up to 100 people on a first- come basis, so please be prompt and be sure to allow enough time for parking. Any child age 6 and under must be accompanied and closely supervised by an adult. Admission is FREE, but you need a ticket. We will start handing out tickets at 10:30 am, and we will stop when we reach 100 or when the program starts, whichever comes first.
Elmwood Park Zoo was established in 1924 and is operated by the Norristown Zoological Society, a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster an appreciation of wildlife and their habitat that will inspire active participation in conservation. Under the Society’s careful management, Elmwood has attained elite status as one of only 225 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. More information about the Elmwood Park Zoo can be found on their web site.
"Sensational Animals" is brought to you through the generosity of The Friends of Tredyffrin Public Library.
THE ELMWOOD PARK ZOO PRESENTS
“SENSATIONAL ANIMALS”
Thursday, June 28, 11:00 AM
Ages 3-7*
Limit 100 total (adults and children)
* any child age 6 and under must be accompanied and closely supervised by an adult
Please join us in the large event room for "Sensational Animals." The staff of the Elmwood Park Zoo will bring live animals and touchable artifacts to the library to help us explore our five senses and how animals use their senses in similar or different ways.
This program will admit up to 100 people on a first- come basis, so please be prompt and be sure to allow enough time for parking. Any child age 6 and under must be accompanied and closely supervised by an adult. Admission is FREE, but you need a ticket. We will start handing out tickets at 10:30 am, and we will stop when we reach 100 or when the program starts, whichever comes first.
Elmwood Park Zoo was established in 1924 and is operated by the Norristown Zoological Society, a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster an appreciation of wildlife and their habitat that will inspire active participation in conservation. Under the Society’s careful management, Elmwood has attained elite status as one of only 225 institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. More information about the Elmwood Park Zoo can be found on their web site.
"Sensational Animals" is brought to you through the generosity of The Friends of Tredyffrin Public Library.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Story Time Rhymes
Practicing rhymes with your children at home will go a long way towards their confidence and participation in our story times here at the library.
Toddler and Family Rhymes
Good Morning
One day I saw a downy duck with feathers on his back;
I said,"Good morning downy duck,"
And he said, "Quack, quack, quack."
One day I saw a scarlet bird, he woke me from my sleep;
I said, "Good morning scarlet bird,"
And he said, "Cheep, cheep, cheep."
One day I saw a happy child coming to story time;
I said, "Good morning happy child,"
And the child said, "Hi, hi, hi."
Reach for the Ceiling
Reach for the ceiling, touch the floor,
Stand up again, let's do it some more.
Touch you head, then your knee,
Up to your shoulders, like this you see.
Reach for the ceiling, touch the floor,
That's all for now, there isn't any more.
This is My Right Hand
This is my right hand, I raise it high.
This is my left hand, I touch the sky.
Right hand, left hand,
Roll them round and round.
Right hand, left hand,
Pound, pound, pound.
Clap Your Hands
Clap your hands 1, 2, 3,
Clap your hands, just like me.
Roll your hands 1, 2, 3,
Roll your hands, just like me.
Pat your hands 1, 2, 3,
Pat your hands, just like me.
The Wheel Around the World
If all the world's children wanted to play holding hands,
they could happily make a wheel around the sea.
What a beautiful chorus we would make
singing around the earth, if all the world's children
would circle holding hands.
Hello Hands
Roll, roll, roll your hands, as slowly as can be;
Roll, roll, roll your hands, do it now with me.
Roll, roll, roll your hands, as fast as fast can be;
Roll, roll, roll your hands, do it now with me.
Clap, clap, clap your hands, as slowly as can be;
Clap, clap, clap your hands, do it now with me.
Clap, clap, clap your hands, as fast as fast can be;
Clap, clap, clap your hands, do it now with me.
Ten Little Fingers
I have ten little fingers and they all belong to me.
I can make them do things, would you like to see?
I can shut them up tight
Or open them wide.
I can put them together
Or make them all hide.
I can make them jump high,
I can make them jump low,
I can fold them up quietly
And hold them just so.
Here We Go Up
Here we go up, up, up.
Here we go down, down, down.
Here we go forward.
Here we go backward.
Here we go round, round, round.
Busy Hands
Hands on shoulders, hands on knees,
Put them behind you, if you please.
Raise hands high in the air,
Down at your sides, now touch your hair.
Hands at sides now you may place.
Touch your elbows, now your face.
Raise hands high as before, now you may clap 1, 2, 3, 4.
Now sit down, hands folded once more.
Eyes to the front, feet on the floor.
Reach for the Ceiling
Reach for the ceiling, touch the floor,
Stand up again, let's do some more.
Touch you head, then your knee,
Up to your shoulders, like this you see.
Reach for the ceiling, touch the floor,
That's all for now, there isn't any more.
Wee Ones Rhymes
Hi, Hello and How are You
(to the tune of London Bridges)
Hi, hello, and how are you?
How are you?
How are you?
Hi, hello, and how are you?
How are you today?
Here We Go Up, Up, Up
Here we go up, up, up
Here we go down, down, down.
Here we go up, up, up,
Here we go down, down, down.
Eyes, Nose, Cheeky, Cheeky, Chin.
Eyes, Nose, Cheeky, Cheeky, Chin.
Eyes, Nose, Cheeky, Cheeky, Chin.
Eyes, Nose, Cheeky, Cheeky, Chin.
Cheeky, Cheeky, chin, nose, eyes.
Round and Round the Garden
Round and round the garden,
Goes the teddy bear.
One step,two step.
Tickle under there.
Pat-a-Cake
Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake,
Baker's man.
Bake me a cake
As fast as you can.
Roll it and pat it,
And mark it with a B.
And put it the oven
For baby and me!
Away Up High
Away up high in the apple tree.
I saw a little baby staring at me.
I shook the tree as hard as I could.
Down came baby.
Mmmm, he/she was good.
Star Light
Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have the wish I wish tonight.
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Twinkle, twinkle little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Open Them, Shut Them
Open them, shut them.
Open them, shut them.
Give them a little clap.
Open them, shut them.
Open them, shut them.
Put them in your lap.
Creep them, creep them,
Right up to you chin.
Open up your little mouth,
But do not let them in. (say this last line fast)
Good-bye Rhyme
My hand says thank you with a clap, clap, clap.
My feet say thank you with a tap, tap, tap.
Hands clap, clap, clap.
Feet tap, tap, tap.
Roll your hands and wave goodbye.
Toddler and Family Rhymes
Good Morning
One day I saw a downy duck with feathers on his back;
I said,"Good morning downy duck,"
And he said, "Quack, quack, quack."
One day I saw a scarlet bird, he woke me from my sleep;
I said, "Good morning scarlet bird,"
And he said, "Cheep, cheep, cheep."
One day I saw a happy child coming to story time;
I said, "Good morning happy child,"
And the child said, "Hi, hi, hi."
Reach for the Ceiling
Reach for the ceiling, touch the floor,
Stand up again, let's do it some more.
Touch you head, then your knee,
Up to your shoulders, like this you see.
Reach for the ceiling, touch the floor,
That's all for now, there isn't any more.
This is My Right Hand
This is my right hand, I raise it high.
This is my left hand, I touch the sky.
Right hand, left hand,
Roll them round and round.
Right hand, left hand,
Pound, pound, pound.
Clap Your Hands
Clap your hands 1, 2, 3,
Clap your hands, just like me.
Roll your hands 1, 2, 3,
Roll your hands, just like me.
Pat your hands 1, 2, 3,
Pat your hands, just like me.
The Wheel Around the World
If all the world's children wanted to play holding hands,
they could happily make a wheel around the sea.
What a beautiful chorus we would make
singing around the earth, if all the world's children
would circle holding hands.
Hello Hands
Roll, roll, roll your hands, as slowly as can be;
Roll, roll, roll your hands, do it now with me.
Roll, roll, roll your hands, as fast as fast can be;
Roll, roll, roll your hands, do it now with me.
Clap, clap, clap your hands, as slowly as can be;
Clap, clap, clap your hands, do it now with me.
Clap, clap, clap your hands, as fast as fast can be;
Clap, clap, clap your hands, do it now with me.
Ten Little Fingers
I have ten little fingers and they all belong to me.
I can make them do things, would you like to see?
I can shut them up tight
Or open them wide.
I can put them together
Or make them all hide.
I can make them jump high,
I can make them jump low,
I can fold them up quietly
And hold them just so.
Here We Go Up
Here we go up, up, up.
Here we go down, down, down.
Here we go forward.
Here we go backward.
Here we go round, round, round.
Busy Hands
Hands on shoulders, hands on knees,
Put them behind you, if you please.
Raise hands high in the air,
Down at your sides, now touch your hair.
Hands at sides now you may place.
Touch your elbows, now your face.
Raise hands high as before, now you may clap 1, 2, 3, 4.
Now sit down, hands folded once more.
Eyes to the front, feet on the floor.
Reach for the Ceiling
Reach for the ceiling, touch the floor,
Stand up again, let's do some more.
Touch you head, then your knee,
Up to your shoulders, like this you see.
Reach for the ceiling, touch the floor,
That's all for now, there isn't any more.
Wee Ones Rhymes
Hi, Hello and How are You
(to the tune of London Bridges)
Hi, hello, and how are you?
How are you?
How are you?
Hi, hello, and how are you?
How are you today?
Here We Go Up, Up, Up
Here we go up, up, up
Here we go down, down, down.
Here we go up, up, up,
Here we go down, down, down.
Eyes, Nose, Cheeky, Cheeky, Chin.
Eyes, Nose, Cheeky, Cheeky, Chin.
Eyes, Nose, Cheeky, Cheeky, Chin.
Eyes, Nose, Cheeky, Cheeky, Chin.
Cheeky, Cheeky, chin, nose, eyes.
Round and Round the Garden
Round and round the garden,
Goes the teddy bear.
One step,two step.
Tickle under there.
Pat-a-Cake
Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake,
Baker's man.
Bake me a cake
As fast as you can.
Roll it and pat it,
And mark it with a B.
And put it the oven
For baby and me!
Away Up High
Away up high in the apple tree.
I saw a little baby staring at me.
I shook the tree as hard as I could.
Down came baby.
Mmmm, he/she was good.
Star Light
Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight,
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have the wish I wish tonight.
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Twinkle, twinkle little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle little star,
How I wonder what you are.
Open Them, Shut Them
Open them, shut them.
Open them, shut them.
Give them a little clap.
Open them, shut them.
Open them, shut them.
Put them in your lap.
Creep them, creep them,
Right up to you chin.
Open up your little mouth,
But do not let them in. (say this last line fast)
Good-bye Rhyme
My hand says thank you with a clap, clap, clap.
My feet say thank you with a tap, tap, tap.
Hands clap, clap, clap.
Feet tap, tap, tap.
Roll your hands and wave goodbye.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Stuffed Animal Sleepover
Have you ever wondered what happens in the library when we close for the evening and we turn out the lights? A few new friends spent the night in the library and we have the pictures to prove that there is a lot going on after hours. Check out our photo album on facebook to see what happened when stuffed animls slept over at the library. Stuffed Animal Photo Album
Anyone willing to part with their beloved stuffed animal for an evening was invited to enjoy a story time and a take home craft. (We made really cool foam photo frames.) Next, kids said goodbye to their stuffed animal. Everyone returned the next day and was given a photo showing what their stuffed animal was doing over night. The photo fits right in their hand made foam photo frame. This event was so much fun we will be sure to host a stuffed animal sleepover again.
Anyone willing to part with their beloved stuffed animal for an evening was invited to enjoy a story time and a take home craft. (We made really cool foam photo frames.) Next, kids said goodbye to their stuffed animal. Everyone returned the next day and was given a photo showing what their stuffed animal was doing over night. The photo fits right in their hand made foam photo frame. This event was so much fun we will be sure to host a stuffed animal sleepover again.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Books In Brief: 999 Tadpoles

Reviewer: Carla
The name of the book being recommended: 999 Tadpoles by Ken Kimura
Please give us five reasons why this book is awesome:
1. A proud Mother Frog and Father Frog.
2. 999 energetic little baby tadpoles.
3. A "situation" involving a scary snake and a hungry hawk.
4. A dramatic yet happy ending.
5. Charming text and perky illustrations.
How can I find this book in the library? It can be found in the Children's Department, in picture books, under the call number jE KIM.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Gingerbread House Workshop

Gooey Icing! Yummy Gingerbread! Peppermint Swirls! Candy Canes! Gumdrops! and Smarties! = Recipe for Holiday Fun
Sugary fun was had by all at our Gingerbread House Workshop yesterday. Eager builders constructed classic holiday gingerbread houses and decorated them with creative flair and verve producing such varied results as "The Monkey House," "The Heart House," and "The Picture Perfect (aka lots of symmetry) House." What a winter wonderland of smiles, pride, and powdered sugar!
Monday, September 12, 2011
The Empire Strikes the Library!
If you visited Tredyffrin Library on Sunday, you might have seen some unusual guests there that day. Members of the Garrison Carida of the 501st Legion - also known as 'Vader's Fist' - came by to help us celebrate National Library Card Sign-up Month.
Yes, even those who have been seduced by the dark side use the library.
Our guests were joined by some hardcore fans, all of whom had the opportunity to share their Star Wars trivia knowledge and ask a few questions. My favorite was directed to Boba Fett:
"Did you become a bounty hunter because you had too many overdue books?"
We ate TIE Fighter Ties and drank Yoda Soda, both courtesy of the amazing Star Wars-themed cookbook Wookiee Cookies.
And finally, we all put our game faces on for a photo shoot.
Thanks to everyone who came out on Sunday, especially the 501st. Fly casual, my friends!
See more photos on our Facebook page!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Books In Brief: Simplicity Parenting

Reviewer: Carla
The name of the book being recommended: Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne
Please give us five reasons why this book is awesome:
1. As a family and school counselor, Payne questions if families are being built on the four pillars of "too much": too much stuff, too many choices, too much information, too fast.
2. Payne observes that, as a society, we are embracing "speed" and "too much" partially because we are swimming in anxiety.
3. Simplification is often about doing less and trusting that if our children have time and security, they will explore their world in the way and at the pace that works for them.
4. The author has great and very helpful messages for parents. This book is about the long haul, the big picture that is a reverence for childhood.
5. When parents act out of reverence, not out of fear or anxiety, their motivation is stronger and they are better able to protect the ideal environment for the slow emergence of their children's identities, resilience, and well-being.
How can I find this book in the library? It can be found in the adult collection under 649.1 P
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Books In Brief: A Good Day
Reviewer: Carla
The name of the book being recommended: A Good Day by Kevin Henkes
Please give us five reasons why this book is awesome:
1. A Good Day is my idea of the perfect preschool-age picture book.
2. It has fabulous, beautiful, striking pictures.
3. The text is compelling but simple and clear.
4. Drama! Suspense!
5. There's a happy ending and a subtle moral, too.
How can I find this book in the library? Look in the picture book section under jE HEN
Meet Books In Brief Reviewer Carla Vastine!
Carla, or "Miss Carla," as she is known to the diaper set, works at the children's checkout desk, advises on board book and picture book purchases, and runs our baby, toddler, early preschool, and family story times.
Hi, Carla! What are your favorite genres and subjects to read about?
At work, I love to read and discover classic and fabulous new picture books for preschool-age children. In my free time, my tastes are pretty similar as far as liking what is classic and fabulous, but on an older level, of course. I'm drawn to classic literature and any new, smart, well-written fiction.
Besides reading, what are your other hobbies and interests?
I love spending time with my family (husband Cole, sons Taylor, 14, and Colin, 13, and our pet fish), traveling, and visiting museums.
To find reviews and recommendations by Carla, simply click on her name in our "Contributors" list on the right, or search for the label "Carla."
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Calling All Toddlers and Preschoolers....
Ready for Fall Storytimes?
We (almost) are!
Here's a sneak peek at SOME OF our all new, revised and revamped plan of action...
FOR TODDLERS (16 MONTHS TO 3 YEARS OLD +CAREGIVER):
Tuesdays,Thursdays, or Fridays 9:30 to 10:15am
-Spring into action with a toddler-friendly craft
-Theme related picture books, old favorites and hot new picks
-Songs with shaker eggs, "Hammer Song" with rhythm sticks
-Parachute action
-Free play time at end of each program to mix with friends
FOR PRESCHOOLERS (3 TO 5 YEARS OLD +CAREGIVER):
Tuesdays or Fridays 10:30 to 11:15am
-All new "ABC/123" story time with a fun and action filled focus on letters and numbers
-Classic and new and noteworthy age appropriate picture books
-Preschool level craft related to theme
-Games, songs, puzzles and free play at end of program
REGISTRATON STARTS SEPTEMBER 12TH
FALL SESSION RUNS FROM SEPTEMBER 19TH TO NOVEMBER 18TH.
Hope to see you there! Miss Carla
We (almost) are!
Here's a sneak peek at SOME OF our all new, revised and revamped plan of action...
FOR TODDLERS (16 MONTHS TO 3 YEARS OLD +CAREGIVER):
Tuesdays,Thursdays, or Fridays 9:30 to 10:15am
-Spring into action with a toddler-friendly craft
-Theme related picture books, old favorites and hot new picks
-Songs with shaker eggs, "Hammer Song" with rhythm sticks
-Parachute action
-Free play time at end of each program to mix with friends
FOR PRESCHOOLERS (3 TO 5 YEARS OLD +CAREGIVER):
Tuesdays or Fridays 10:30 to 11:15am
-All new "ABC/123" story time with a fun and action filled focus on letters and numbers
-Classic and new and noteworthy age appropriate picture books
-Preschool level craft related to theme
-Games, songs, puzzles and free play at end of program
REGISTRATON STARTS SEPTEMBER 12TH
FALL SESSION RUNS FROM SEPTEMBER 19TH TO NOVEMBER 18TH.
Hope to see you there! Miss Carla
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Tredyffrin Thanks Tree
For the last few days, visitors to the children's department have been thinking about the things we're all thankful for, and writing our answers on leaves to hang on our thanks tree. Take a look at how it turned out!

A great big thanks to Miss Carla, who built our tree, and thanks to everyone who came out and helped us make it. Have a good holiday, everyone!

A great big thanks to Miss Carla, who built our tree, and thanks to everyone who came out and helped us make it. Have a good holiday, everyone!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
I Have Ants in My Pants and I Just Want to...
Dance?
Wiggle?
Explore?
Toddle?
All of the above! The question I am most asked in my role as story teller for our youngest patrons is, "Is it ok if my 2 year old (1 year old, 3 year old...) doesn't sit still in story time?" Fear not. Your mover and shaker is moving, shaking, and absorbing in their own way. My stories, songs, and rhymes are part of their adventure. Their experience should be positive, age appropriate, and fun. Your child's life-long love of books, reading, and the library can flourish here at Tredyffrin Library's Children's Department. Even with this live/let live vibe, a loose order generally prevails in my story times, creating a positive learning experience for all.
So, let's dance!
AND, let's read!
Carla Vastine
Wiggle?
Explore?
Toddle?
All of the above! The question I am most asked in my role as story teller for our youngest patrons is, "Is it ok if my 2 year old (1 year old, 3 year old...) doesn't sit still in story time?" Fear not. Your mover and shaker is moving, shaking, and absorbing in their own way. My stories, songs, and rhymes are part of their adventure. Their experience should be positive, age appropriate, and fun. Your child's life-long love of books, reading, and the library can flourish here at Tredyffrin Library's Children's Department. Even with this live/let live vibe, a loose order generally prevails in my story times, creating a positive learning experience for all.
So, let's dance!
AND, let's read!
Carla Vastine
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