We Love Todd Parr!

Todd, Pete, and Tater Tot
picture by Jeff Fielding

“I like the fog.

I like the sea lions and the dolphins.

I like to paint.

My favorite color is blue.

My favorite food is macaroni and cheese.” *toddparr.com

These are wise words from an amazing author, Todd Parr. Todd writes books that are colorful, caring, fun, and positive. Each one of his books teaches us something special. These books show us how to be thankful and take care of the Earth, how to express our feelings and how to properly wear our underwear. Todd’s books remind us all of the fundamental and basic need to be kind and caring of others in the world.

We just received many Todd Parr titles at the Tredyffrin library. Visit us and check out one or two or three!  We know you won’t be disappointed.

For a special treat stop by Miss Angie’s office (children’s librarian) and see her 3 signed Todd Parr originals she has hanging in her office. Mention this story and Miss Angie will give you a candy cane, while they last.

 

 

 

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Books in Brief: Sophie's Squash

Reviewer: Travis

The name of the book being recommended: Sophie's Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller & Anne Wilsdorf

Please give us five reasons why this book is awesome:

1. It's a charming story about a girl who saves a squash from being served for family dinner, and adopts it as a pet.

2. It's based on a true story! The author's daughter once fell in love with a squash.

3. Who needs a boring goldfish when you can have an exciting squash?

4. There's a twist ending, after the girl gives the squash a nice outdoor dirt bed for the winter.

5. The squash resembles an even cuter version of the "Biting Pear of Salamanca," by fellow children's author/illustrator Ursula Vernon:

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How can I find this book in the library? It can be found in the Children's Department, in picture book fiction, under the call number jE MIL.

PreK/K Story Time 11.19.13

When to be honest and when to be tactful. When to stick up for yourself and when to be thankful.

BOOKS:

Being Frank

story by Donna W. Earnhardt

illustrations by Andrea Castellani

Frank by name, Frank by nature. Honesty is certainly the best policy most times, but other times it is tact that is called for. Frank is brutally honest to everyone he encounters throughout the day, including his long-suffering mother ("You wouldn't get so many wrinkles if you didn't glare at me like that. And by the way -- you're speeding.") and the local police ("Yes, officer. She knew how fast she was going. I told her."). But after some tips from his wise and formerly-too-frank grandfather, Frank learns that an honest opinion is best given when specifically asked for, that finding something kind to say actually makes things more fun. Especially if it's a truthful but loving poem to your mom ("Mom, your hair looks nice today. I only see a little gray."). A fun and funny read-aloud.

An Awesome Book of Thanks

story and illustrations by Dallas Clayton

"Awesome" is one of my favorite and most frequently-used words, and I am happy to say that this book lives up to that sentiment. Clayton presents us with all the things for which we might be thankful, both large and small, using poetic rhyming text and vibrant, funky, humorous drawings. The book is inspiring and sweet and thoughtful without ever being cloying or trite. All of his stuff is, well, awesome! You can check him out here and here.

Mary Wrightly, So Politely

story by Shirin Yim Bridges

illustrations by Maria Monescillo

Mary is an extremely polite, deferential, and soft-spoken little girl. She always says "please" and "thank you" and "excuse me." But extremes of both frankness and politeness have their pitfalls. Mary tries to keep out of everyone's way in a crowded department store, and says "Oof, excuse me!" as someone else's handbag bonks her in the head. In the store, she picks out one gift followed by another for her little brother's birthday only to have someone more assertive beat her to each one. Only when she sees the perfect blue elephant about to be taken home by another lady does she finally raise her voice, stand her ground, and get what she wants. Politely, though, of course. This is a lovely book about the importance of speaking up for oneself and it is filled with with colorful but softly-executed illustrations. Highly recommended.

ACTIVITIES: 

We put leaves on our Thanks Tree and wrote and decorated thank you cards to give to the people for whom we are thankful.

This was the last class of the fall 2013 session. If you have children between the ages of 4 and 6, please join us for the winter session, which begins on Tuesday, January 14. There is no charge, and registration is not required, but tickets will be given out starting at 1:30 the day of each class. The program is limited to 18 children, ages 4-6. We also have a short holiday session starting next week, with lots of one-and-done programs. You can see the schedule here.

PreK/K Story Time 11.12.13

Today in story time: WHEN PRODUCE ATTACKS!

BOOKS:

How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans

story by David LaRochelle

illustrations by Mark Fearing 

When Martha claims that green beans are bad, she has no idea just how bad until they start attacking old ladies, teachers, cooks, and everyone else who has ever said, "Eat your green beans." When the beans kidnap her parents, Martha has a decision to make. My only problem with this book is that the author claims that green beans are bad but broccoli is good. I beg to differ. I find broccoli to be VERY suspicious.

The Watermelon Seed

story and illustrations by Greg Pizzoli

Crocodile loves watermelon as much as I do. "I like it for breakfast, I like it for lunch, I like a big salty slab for dinner...and I LOVE it for dessert!" Right on, Crocodile! But there can be too much of a good thing, as Pizzoli wittily and brilliantly describes using the barest text and a simple four-color palette. There hasn't been a croc this charming and lovable since Lyle.

ACTIVITIES: 

We decorated small plant pots with markers and ladybug stickers, then we added potting soil, some herb seeds (dill, oregano, or sage), threw in a little more soil and water, and discussed how to grow the herbs at home and what they can be used for. Fingers crossed for germination!

If you have children between the ages of 4 and 6, please join us next Tuesday. There is no charge, and registration is not required, but tickets will be given out starting at 1:30. The program is limited to 18 children, ages 4-6.

PreK/K Story Time 11.5.13

SNAP!!!

BOOKS:

Kindhearted Crocodile

story by Lucia Panzieri

illustrations by AntonGionata Ferrari

All this croc wants is to be a family pet, but everyone seems to want puppies and goldfish instead.Until they find out that he tidies toys, folds laundry, fights monsters in your bad dreams, and makes breakfast. Hmmmm. I think I need a pet crocodile...

Snip Snap! What's That?

story by Mara Bergman

illustrations by Nick Maland 

When Marissa, Eva, and Jonathan encounter a fierce alligator, they are scared but ultimately they know just what to do. Thanks to Miss Carla for this great read-aloud recommendation! 

Open Very Carefully: A Book with Bite

story by Nick Bromley

illustrations by Nicola O'Byrne

Just when you think it's safe to read The Ugly Duckling, here comes a pesky crocodile to ruin the story. What's a duckling to do? Thumbs up for this interactive book.

ACTIVITIES: 

We folded, cut, and decorated our own paper alligators. Cutting is a big challenge for most 4-6-year-olds, so it's helpful to give them lots of practice. Even after all of this we still had some extra time, so we also played a game of Hot Potato with our stuffed alligator puppet and some silly tunes from our Caspar Babypants CDs.

If you have children between the ages of 4 and 6, please join us next Tuesday. There is no charge, and registration is not required, but tickets will be given out starting at 1:30. The program is limited to 18 children, ages 4-6.

Books in Brief: Wilfred

Reviewer: Travis

The name of the book being recommended: Wilfred by Ryan Higgins

Please give us five reasons why this book is awesome:

1. It features a vividly-imagined world where a hairy monster searching for a friend encounters a town of bald people.

2. The illustrations are excellent. Expressive characters and intricate textures.

3. It tells a Lorax-type tale about the perils of over-exploitation of our environment.

4. Except in this case it's the over-harvesting of monster hair for the purpose of making toupees.

5. There are many birch trees depicted. Logically, since the author is from Maine.

How can I find this book in the library? It can be found in the Children's Department, in picture book fiction, under the call number jE HIG.

Pre/K Story Time 10.22.13

We had a monstrous good time today!

BOOKS:

 

Wilfred

story and illustrations by Ryan Higgins

Wilfred is humongous and hairy, and he'll do just about anything for a friend. But when some greedy townspeople discover just how generous he is, they hatch a not-so-nice plan. A quirky and moving story about the power of true friendship. The kids were mesmerized.

Monster, Be Good!

story by Blue Apple Books

illustrations by Natalie Marshall

A bright, bold, and boisterous book featuring all kinds of monster behavior and what kids can do about it. Simple and fun.

ACTIVITY:

We "created" a monster on the white board by me drawing, to the kids' specifications, what body parts s/he should have, how many, what sizes, and what colors. This continued until we were satisfied with the finished product.

We also played Monster Match with these reproducible cards that the kids got to take home after.

If you have children between the ages of 4 and 6, please join us next Tuesday. There is no charge, and registration is not required, but tickets will be given out starting at 1:30. The program is limited to 18 children, ages 4-6.

Pre/K Story Time Books (5.14.13)

Our theme today was the secret lives of utensils; you'd be surprised at how many picture books cover this topic! And they're all really fun. :-)

The Runaway Dinner
story by Allan Ahlberg
illustrations by Bruce Ingam
GREAT read-aloud choice.

Spoon
story by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
illustrations by Scott Magoon
A wonderful way to explore the notion of competition, and the fact that different individuals have different abilities and strengths.

Chopsticks
story by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
illustrations by Scott Magoon
So. Many. Puns. So many. And, in between, a lovely tale about taking risks on one's own while still being a loving and supportive friend. 







We also made and decorated paper placemats. We hope that our spoons, knives, forks, AND chopsticks enjoy them.

If you have children between the ages of 4 and 6, please join us next Tuesday from 2:00-2:45 pm, which will be the final class of the Spring 2013 session. There is no charge, and registration is not required.

Starting on Tuesday, June 18, we will change over to the summer version of this program, called StoryCrafts. Same ages (4-6), different time (3:00-3:45 pm), and tickets are required. There is a limit of 18, and we will begin giving them out at 2:30. There is no charge for this program, but our ages and participation numbers are firm.

Pre/K Story Time Books (4.30.13)

Today's only book was The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton (jE BUR). We read it, discussed it, and did an involved art project based on it (and on the seasons).

I have already raved about this, my favorite picture book (and #32 on School Library Journal's list of "Top 100 Picture Books"), in a previous blog post, so click and check it out!

If you have children between the ages of 4 and 6, please join us next Tuesday from 2:00-2:45 pm. There is no charge, and registration is not required.

Pre/K Story Time Books (4.23.13)

It was all about fashion today....

The Philharmonic Gets Dressed
story by Karla Kuskin
illustrations by Marc Simont
jE KUS

Delightful and unique. A modern classic.

A flannel board activity to go along with: 

Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons
story by Eric Litwin
illustrations by James Dean
jE LIT

The flannel board activity was created by Miss Angie. I knew her Pinterest addiction would finally work to my advantage! Thanks, Miss, Angie. :-)

There's also a song. It is one of the most insidious earworms ever.

Button Up! Wrinkled Rhymes
poems by Alice Shertle
illustrations by Petra Mathers
jE 811.54 S

Because it's national Poetry Month. And because poems about underwear are always funny. Always.

Big Pig's Hat
story by Willy Smax
illustrations by Keren Ludlow
jE SMA

Possibly my favorite read-aloud ever. A sly lesson about bullies and jumping to conclusions hidden in a rip-roaringly silly western with wonderful cartoon-like pics from Ludlow. The fact that this is out of print makes me wonder what is wrong with the world.








If you have children between the ages of 4 and 6, please join us next Tuesday from 2:00-2:45 pm. There is no charge, and registration is not required.

Pre/K Story Time Books (4.16.13)

Today we learned some valuable life lessons from Aesop, including:

• A little common sense is often of more value than much cunning
• Perseverance is surer than swiftness
• No one is too weak to do good
• Much wants more and loses all
• He who listens to flattery is not wise, for it has no good purpose

and, my favorite,

• Persuasion is better than force

The Very Best of Aesop's Fables
adapted by Margaret Clark
illustrated by Charlotte Voake
j 398.2 AESOP

Mouse & Lion
adapted by Rand Burkert
illustrated by Nancy Ekholm Burkert
jE 398.2 AESOP

The Contest Between the Sun and the Wind
adapted by Heather Forest
illustrated by Susan Gaber
jE 398.2 AESOP














We also colored pictures of some of fox's mishaps from the fables, and ate delicious grapes (that were easily reachable and not the least bit sour; sorry, fox).

If you have children between the ages of 4 and 6, please join us next Tuesday from 2:00-2:45 pm. There is no charge, and registration is not required.

Pre/K Story Time Books (4.9.13)

We took advantage of the lovely weather and had an indoor/outdoor, nature-based story time today. All of the books are based on events that the actual Henry David Thoreau (NOT a bear in reality because, as one of the kids pointed out, "bears don't build cabins")  recorded in his books and diaries about life on Walden Pond in Massachusetts. All were written and illustrated by D. B. Johnson and can be found under jE JOH.

 

Our Waldenesque adventure was rounded off by a nature walk through the trail in the park to see if we could find anything that Thoreau might have noticed if he were walking with us. Here are pictures of the actual cabin Thoreau built. Notice how small it is:

If you have children between the ages of 4 and 6, please join us next Tuesday from 2:00-2:45 pm. There is no charge, and registration is not required. Just stop by the children's desk by 1:45 pm to pick up an admission ticket.

Pre/K Story Time Books (4.2.13)

We got down and dirty with the following books about playing outside and getting messy (and how much fun it is to get dirty....and then to get clean...and then to get dirty again...):

 



Harry the Dirty Dog
story by Gene Zion
illustrations by Margaret Bloy Graham
jE ZIO

A classic. Don't miss it.

Oink, Oink Benny
story by Barbro Lindgren
illustrations by Olaf Landstrom
jE LIN

I cannot say enough about how adorable this book is, ESPECIALLY the illustrations










And we learned about the suffixes "er" and "est" by coloring progressively messier versions of Harry:

If you have children between the ages of 4 and 6, please join us next Tuesday from 2:00-2:45 pm. No charge, no pre-registration required. Just stop by the children's desk by 1:45 pm to pick up an admission ticket.

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.

Books In Brief: Do Super Heroes Have Teddy Bears?

 
Reviewer: Angie

The name of the book being recommended: Do Super Heroes Have Teddy Bears? by Carmela LaVigna Coyle

Please give us five reasons why this book is awesome:

1. The fun rhyming text makes for a great read-aloud story.

2. Children will identify with the everyday things these superheroes tackle: playing in the mud, saving their teddies, eating their vegetables.

3. Shows children how we can all be superheroes!

4. It's an age-appropriate way to satisfy a younger child's urge for superhero stories.

5. "We're brave and bold and kind and caring."

How can I find this book in the library? It can be found in the Children's Department, in picture book fiction, under the call number jE COY.

Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons

If you have been to one of Miss Angie's Family Story Times recently you will have had the honor of enjoying some counting fun with Miss Angie's flannel version of Pete the Cat. Pete is the star of his own series of books written by Eric Litwin (aka Mr. Eric), created and illustrated by James Dean.

You can access this song, Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, as well as  Pete the Cat Saves Christmas,  I Love My White Shoes, and Rocking in My School Shoes at the following website

www.harpercollinschildrens.com/petethecat

Let us know how you like the songs and don't forget to check out the books at the Tredyffrin library in the picture book section (JE Lit)

And remember things will come and things will go but do we cry?   Goodness no. We keep on singing........

Books in Brief: Traction Man is Here!

Picture Book: Traction Man is Here!

Author: Mini Grey

Reviewer: Travis

Five Reasons Why This Book is Awesome:

1. Finally, a picture book action figure who stands up for Truth, Justice, and the British (?) Way!

2. Traction Man manages to turn a variety mundane situations, such as washing dishes and taking a bath, into heroic rescues of household objects and toys.

3. He has an adorable sidekick-slash-pet named Scrubbing Brush.

4. One of the Library of Congress subject headings of the book is "Brooms and Brushes--Fiction"

5. It offers an ingenious way to transform ugly knitted Christmas coveralls into fashionable swim gear, all without compromising your heroism.

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.

Books in Brief: The Lonely Beast

The Lonely Beast by Chris Judge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A rare creature sets out on a journey to find others of his kind.

Five reasons this books is awesome:

1. A very endearing main character (who manages to be expressive even with an almost complete lack of features...)

2. A long and interesting journey.

3. A gentle thread of humor.

4. Really wonderful illustrations. (The underwater scenes are my particular favorites.)

5. A happy ending.

A great read-aloud choice for 4's and 5's.

View all my reviews

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.