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.

Books In Brief: Anton Can Do Magic

Reviewer: Angie

The name of the book being recommended: Anton Can Do Magic by Ole Konnecke

Please give us five reasons why this book is awesome: 

1. Anton wants to do some magic in his adorable magic hat.

2. By the way, it's a real magic hat.

3. Can Anton really make a tree, a bird, and his friend, Luke, disappear? Well, he does have a real magic hat.

4. It's a hilarious story about believing in yourself.

5. The illustrations have a sweet, retro feel about them.

Where can I find this book in the library? It can be found in the Children's Department under the call number jE KON.

Art Show Opening Reception

Young artists ages 5-8 created dozens of drawings and paintings throughout the fall, winter, and spring session of our FRAMED! A Journey in Art class. On Tuesday, May 22, we opened the "gallery" and invited their families to a reception in their honor. Fizzy drinks, cheese, and sweets were consumed, techniques were explained, and art was admired. The gallery, which is located in the large event room at the library, will be open through Friday, June 15. Please take a few extra minutes to stop in the next time you're here to pick up or drop off books and media. 

Special thanks to Miss Angela and our three Conestoga High School interns (Beth, Cameron, and Dana) for their help setting up and maintaining the gallery.

Books In Brief: I Want My Hat Back

Reviewer: Travis

The name of the book being recommended: I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen

Please give us five reasons why this book is awesome:

1. This book pushes picture book storytelling to a new level of absurdity.

2. A bear has lost his hat and goes around asking the animals if they have seen it. They all say no, and he gives up in despair. But wait! What if he HAS seen it?

3. The text is spare and haiku-like, but with an implication of deadpan humor.

4. The drawings are likewise minimalistic, with a blank background and a style that seems like an ironic response to Eric Carle.

5. This book will appeal to people who are tired of didactic children's books. There is no way you will learn any important lessons here. But it's funny!

Where can I find this book in the library? It can be found in the Children's Department under the call number jE KLA.

Changes to FRAMED! A Journey In Art

Hello, artists!

FRAMED is a new program for us this school year, so I've been tweaking things as demand requires. With that in mind, the spring session will feature two changes:

1. The age range is now Kindergarten through Third Grade (K-3).

2. The program has been adapted so that it will accommodate both new and returning students:

NEW STUDENTS (and younger students who may be struggling or missed numerous classes last session) will work on drawing basics with me for the first few weeks.
RETURNING STUDENTS (and new students in grades 2-3 who have more experience and sharper small motor skills) will work on independent painting projects for the first few weeks while I teach the basics to the new students.

Registration for the spring session started today, and there are still spaces available. If you're interested, please call 610.688.7092 x210. Classes are on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:15 starting March 27, and they are cumulative, so it is important to attend every week.

Whether or not you're joining us for the spring session, don't forget to mark your calendars for the Art Show Opening Reception on Tuesday, May 22 from 4:30-5:00pm. Refreshments will be served and you will see what we have been working on throughout all three sessions of FRAMED. The artwork will be on display in the large meeting room upstairs from the opening reception until the Summer Reading Club starts on June 18.

Happy spring!

Crayon Tree Party

What fun we had decorating our very own trees to hold our crayons. We started out the party with a story and some coloring pages. Next we got into the feathers, stickers, ribbons, pipe cleaners, and flowers to decorate our glitter covered trees (painted paper towel rolls). The creativity flowed well in to snack time when we ate cookies and drank apple juice.  We had such a good time! Share in the fun by viewing our pictures at Facebook Crayon Tree Album

Program Reminder: Puppets Pizzazz is Coming on Thursday!

Puppets Pizzazz is performing at the Tredyffrin Library in the large meeting room upstairs on Thursday, December 29 from 11:00 am till 12:00 noon. We anticipate a large turnout, so please allow yourselves enough time to find a parking place, hang up your coats, and take your seats.

Puppets Pizzazz shows take familiar songs, but they twist and satirize them in fun, kid-appropriate ways. For 2011, they're featuring songs like Lady Ga Ga's "Poker Face" (changed to "Baby Face" with all the baby animals that live in a pond and why they shouldn't be taken out of their environment), "Footloose" (changed to the yummy "Cupcakes"), and "Can't Get Next to You" (sung by animals you...can't get next to). For more information on Puppets Pizzazz, check out their website.

The show is appropriate for all ages, but please keep our Unattended Children Policy in mind:
1. Children under the age of 6 years old must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver who remains with (and closely supervises) the child in the program room.
2. Children ages 6-9 years old need not be in the immediate presence of a parent/caregiver, but the parent/caregiver must remain within the library building.
3. Children ages 10 and older may participate in the library unattended as long as they follow all library regulations.
4. Children of any age with special physical, mental, or emotional needs which render supervision necessary must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver at all times.

We look forward to seeing you at the show! If you have any questions, please call us at 610.688.7092 x210.

Snow Princess Party 2011

Our party was a success. Many beautiful princesses came together dressed in the most beautiful costumes. We enjoyed a delightful story called Waking Sleeping Beauty and played a fun game of pass the slipper. This special slipper was the most colorful and dazzling shoe you will ever see. The winner of pass the slipper and the winner of our raffle both went home with a sparkling tiara.

No princess costume is complete without a magic wand. Each little princess made their very own wand to take home. After snacks and some princess music we were off to parade through the library to show off our costumes and magic wands. All eyes were on the princess as we showed off our beautiful costumes and magic wands.

We had a wonderfully magical time and checked out many princess books to enjoy in the days to come.

Please visit our facebook page to view all of the beautiful photos of this special day.Tredyffrin Facebook Page

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!

Miss Michele's 25 Favorite Holiday Picture Books

In no particular order....

The After-Christmas Tree (Tyler)
Auntie Claus (Primavera)
The Christmas Alphabet (Sabuda)
The Christmas Cookie Sprinkle Snatcher (Kraus)
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey (Wojciechowski)
Corgiville Christmas (Tudor)
Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas (Rawlinson)
The Flying Latke (Yorinks)
Hannukah at Valley Forge (Krensky)
Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins (Kimmel)
Holly's Christmas Eve (Watson)
How Little Porcupine Played Christmas (Slate)
little tree (cummings)
The Lump of Coal (Snicket)
Max's Christmas (Wells)
My First Christmas (dePaola)
The Night Before Christmas (Santore)
Night Tree (Bunting)
Olive, the Other Reindeer (Walsh)
Olivia Helps with Christmas (Falconer)
The Polar Express (Van Allsburg)
Santa Calls (Joyce)
The Snowflake Sisters (Lewis)
Truffle's Christmas (Curry)
When Mindy Saved Hanukkah (Kimmel)

Holiday Programs 2011

Deck the halls! Holiday programs are here!

Well, no. It is still only October, after all. But the flyer is here. G'head, print one out for yer fridge!

We have programs for children, families, and snow princesses. You can build a gingerbread house, see a puppet show, or make your own ornaments. You can even channel your inner Buddy the Elf and help us decorate the library!

Registration for holiday programs begins Thursday, November 10. Call 610-688-7092 for more details.

Short Film Festival

Drop into the Tredyffrin Library Children's Department any time between 1:00 and 4:00on Monday afternoon, October 10, when we'll be showing crazy cartoons from our DVD collection. No registration, free admission. You are welcome to bring your lunch or an afternoon snack.

Children under 6 must be accompanied by an adult, who must stay in the room.
Children under 10 must be accompanied to the library by an adult, who must stay in the building.
All other ages may attend independently.

Decorate the Library!

Join us at the library this Thursday, September 29, as we decorate the children's department for Halloween! Kids 6-12 are invited to come out any time between 1 and 3pm to make spooky decorations to help us get into the spirit - yes, pun totally intended - of the season...

Pajama Story Time Is Back!

Put on your pj's, bring a bed buddy, and come to Tredyffrin Public Library on Monday evenings for Pajama Story Time, which will feature relaxing stories, songs, and bedtime snacks. This session's theme is "Tales from the Palace and Beyond," stories and poems about castles, knights, dragons, princes, princesses, and faeries.

Pajama Story Time
Ages 3-8 years + adults
(adults must closely monitor children under 6)
Monday evenings 7:00-7:30 pm
September 19 - November 14
The library will be closed for construction work sometime in late October/early November, and there will be no Pajama Story Time those weeks. Specific dates will be announced as they become available, and they will be posted here on the blog.

Harry and the Potters

There is something I want you to know.

There is a band called Harry and the Potters. Some of their songs include, "I'm a Wizard," "Save Ginny Weasley," and of course, "Voldemort Can't Stop the Rock."

Yes, this is a band that writes songs about the stuff that happens in the Harry Potter books.

Why am I telling you about them?

Weren't you listening? THIS IS A BAND THAT WRITES SONGS ABOUT STUFF THAT HAPPENS IN THE HARRY POTTER BOOKS! If that's not cool enough for me to give you a heads-up about it, I don't know what is.

But the reason I am telling you about them TODAY is so that you can have enough time to make a plan to go see them in Philadelphia where they will be performing live on July 30! (Yes, that's right, the day before Harry Potter's birthday!)

If you've spent any time at all in the children's department this spring, you might have heard us playing their first album behind the desk. (It is a particular favorite of a few of our staff members, myself included.)

If you haven't heard their music at our library, you might want to give them a shot.

You're welcome.

Staff Picks - Stellaluna

Reviewed by Laurie Doan

Janell Cannon Stellaluna; illus. by the author
46 pp. Harcourt Brace & Company, 1993 ISBN 0-15-280217-7 $16.00
(Preschool, Primary)

Fragile like crepe paper velvet, faun colored Stellaluna, a fruit bat, clings to her mother as they sweep through the air steered by the scent of ripe fruit. A silent owl sweeps in attacking the pair and as her mother tries to fend him off, Stellaluna tumbles out of her grasp. “Her baby wings were as limp and useless as wet paper. Down, down she went, faster and faster, into the forest below.” And so Stellaluna finds herself thrust into a world that is foreign to fruit bats. Finding herself in a nest of baby birds, she adopts their ways and forms a special bond with them. But something is missing and Stellaluna strays further and further from the nest until one day she is reunited with her mother.

Author Janell Cannon has worked for the public library system developing programs that incorporate her love for animals especially, “those not popularly thought of as cute and cuddly.” In this book she has taken a highly misunderstood creature and created a character that children will love and remember. The illustrations, done with glistening acrylics and Prismacolor pencils capture the sweet tropical days and gossamer nights in the life of this curious and loving bat. This dreamlike tale confirms the long-standing saying of making new friends and keeping the old for one is silver and the other’s gold. If children are as captivated by this story as I am convinced they will be, Stellaluna will undoubtedly become an old friend to them too.

Laurie Doan is the YA librarian at Tredyffrin Library. Her pastimes
include writing stories and watching ice skating, and her favorite
mammal is the fruit bat.

Summer Dates for PAWS!

As we head into summer, don't forget to sign up for our Saturday morning sessions of PAWS for Reading! Here are the dates:

June 11
June 25
July 9
July 23
August 6
August 20
September 10
September 24

For those of you unfamiliar with the program, PAWS for Reading allows emerging or struggling readers to gain confidence in their skills by reading aloud to well-trained, gentle therapy pets in a one-on-one setting. The program is aimed at children ages 5-12, but all independent readers are welcome.

Call 610-688-7092, ext. 210 or stop by the children's desk to make your appointment today!

Get ready to be entertained!

Our popular summer performing arts series is back....with a new twist! There will still be eight Live @ the Library! events, but half of them will be part of our LATL spinoff, Live @ the Library! JUNIOR. Read on.....

LIVE @ THE LIBRARY!
A traditional performance series
Monday evenings, 7:30-8:30 pm
Ages 7-12 (adults welcome to attend)
Pre-registration is required each week
JUNE 27: Percussionist Bill Marconi performs "Rhythms of the World"
JULY 18: Magician Tom Yurasits performs "Magic from Around the World"
JULY 25: Actor/Storyteller Rick Waterhouse performs "King Rupert Greets the World"
AUGUST 8: Musician Caryn Lin performs "Bach 2 Rock"

LIVE @ THE LIBRARY! JUNIOR
A more interactive, workshop-style experience
Thursday afternoons, 2:00-3:00 pm
Ages 3-6 (accompanying adults required to attend)
Pre-registration is required each week
JUNE 23: Dance instructor and Choreographer Roberta Halpern presents "Global Rhythms"
JULY 7: Musician Silly Joe performs "Songs and Stories from Around the World"
JULY 14: Youth Stages presents "Multicultural Stories"
AUGUST 4: TBA

Both Live @ the Library! and Live @ the Library! JUNIOR are sponsored by the The Friends of Tredyffrin Public Library. We thank them for their generous and continued support of quality programming.

[image courtesy of Braeburn Music]

Schedule for Celtic Festival Events (February 26)

Bienvenue! Croeso! Dynnargh! Failte! Welcome!

Parents must stay and CLOSELY supervise children, especially those ages 6 and under, at ALL events, in all rooms, throughout the day.

CRAFTS
10:00-4:00 in the Tyler Hedges Room (downstairs)
Design your own Irish or Scottish tartan, make a Celtic knot, color the Welsh flag, build a Breton or Cornish lighthouse. Please choose no more than one of each craft so that we have enough supplies for everyone who wishes to participate.

DANCE
3:00-3:45 in the Large Event Room (upstairs)
Students from the Cara School of Irish Dance will perform jigs, reels, hornpipes, and set dances.
www.caraschool.com/

FACE PAINTING
Between performances/events in the Large Event Room (upstairs)
10:00-11:30
12:30-1:30
2:30-3:00
Select one of our pre-chosen designs for your face or hand. One per child while others are waiting, please.

FOOD
11:30-12:30 in the Large Event Room (upstairs)
The staff of MacDougall's Irish Victory Cakes will relate the history of the Victory Cake, followed by a free cake tasting. Does not require a food ticket.
http://macdougallscakes.com/home
10:00-4:00 in the Connection Lounge Area (downstairs)
Each attendee will be given two food tickets which can be used for any two of the following bite-sized samples of traditional treats from the Celtic nations: Welsh cakes, Scottish shortbread, Breton galettes, or Cornish fudge. Irish red lemonade, which does not require a ticket, will be served as long as it lasts, one serving per person, please.

MUSIC
1:30-2:15 in the Large Event Room (upstairs)
The women and girls of WolfSong Music Studios will perform traditional folk tunes and patriotic songs of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales (get ready to sing along!), and fiddler John Brophy will get our toes tapping with a jig and a reel.
www.wolfsongs.org

STORY TIMES
With Ms. Michele or Ms. Angela in the Picture Book Area (downstairs)
10:30-11:00
12:30-1:00
2:30-3:00
Picture books, folk tales, and poems from the Celtic nations. Story times are most appropriate for ages 3-8, but all ages are welcome to attend.

Hidden Classic #6: The Little House

The Little House was my very favorite picture book as a child, and it remains so today (I still have my childhood copy, ragged though it is). It's the sweet and perfectly-illustrated story of a little house with a soul who, after years of neglect, is returned to a home in the country with a family to love and care for her. The little pink house has the most charming, life-like face, and as a child I always wanted to live in it. In some ways, I still do.

It was only as an adult, sharing the book with children, that I realized that this is a classic example of a carefully, meaningfully politicized picture book. The little house, sturdily built during a simpler age, loves her life in the country but harbors a strong curiosity of what it might be like to live in the city. Her curiosity is satisfied when the city encroaches on her countryside home.

Since this is a picture book, in many ways it oversimplifies the tension between the country and the city, and the country is set up as a universal good while the city is painted as a heartless villain. Yet at the same time it provides a clear context--as relevant today as it was in 1943--through which to question the "progress" of development and rampant urbanization. However, Burton denied it was a critique of urban sprawl, but instead wished to convey the passage of time to younger readers, which she does beautifully.

The Little House was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1943 (given annually by the American Library Association to the artist of the single most distinguished American picture book for children), and was selected as one of the "100 Best Books of the 20th Century" by the National Education Association. It received rave reviews from its first appearance in 1942 onward and has never gone out of print since.

If The Little House and her other picture books were her only legacy, it would be more than enough. But Virginia Lee Burton's talents extended beyond creating wonderful picture books. "[T]o speak only of Burton's achievements as a picture book creator would be to paint only a part of the canvas of her life. She was also a dancer, an illustrator for an early Boston newspaper, a musician, a designer, a sculptor, and a printmaker." (from "Virginia Lee Burton: A Centenary Tribute" at www.carlemuseum.org)

Other books by Virginia Lee Burton:
Calico the Wonder Horse
Choo Choo
The Emperor's New Clothes (illustrations)
Katy and the Big Snow
Life Story
Maybelle the Cable Car
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
The Song of Robin Hood

"If the page is well drawn and finely designed, the child reader will acquire a sense of good design which will lead to an appreciation of beauty and the development of good taste. Primitive man thought in pictures, not in words, and this visual conception is far more fundamental than its sophisticated translation into verbal modes of thought." ~ Virginia Lee Burton, "Making Picture Books", The Horn Book Magazine