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:

• 

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.

Crayon Tree Party

We celebrated the holiday with an afternoon of fun. Children ages 4-6 joined us for a story, coloring pages, and snacks. All children made their very own crayon tree to take home. We started with a paper towel roll that was painted green, decorated with glitter and had 8 holes punched in it. Each child was given a new 8 pack of crayons. The crayons were inserted into the holes to make the tree. Now the fun really started when everyone began to decorate their trees with stickers, feathers, pipe cleaners, ribbon, and much more. Check out pictures of our masterpieces on our facebook page

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.

Pre/K Story Time Books & Music (3.26.13)

Aaarrrgh, here's what we read and listened to today, mateys!


How I Became a Pirate
story by Melinda Long
illustrations by David Shannon
jE LON

Roger, the Jolly Pirate 
story and illustrations by Brett Helquist
jE HEL

Shiver me Timbers: Pirate Poems and Paintings
poems by Douglas Florian
pirates by Robert Neubecker
j 811.54 F

Pegleg Tango (music CD)

Captain Bogg and Salty
j General A-J CAP









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.

Plant a Learning Seed....... READ

1000 Books
Before

Kindergarten
Club

---

Plant a learning seed and read with your child!

Welcome to the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Club! This FREE program encourages you to read 1000 books with your child before he or she enters school- a goal experts say children need to help them learn to read for themselves.

One of the best ways to encourage learning is to spend time sharing books every day. Reading together helps develop important pre-reading skills that provide a solid reading foundation- a key to school and learning success. Plus, sharing stories together is fun!

Here are the easy steps for participation:

1.    Get your Reading Log and FREE Tote bag (while supplies last) during  Wee Ones Story Time (Mondays at 9:30 am) or Toddler Story Time (Tuesdays or Fridays at 10:30 am)

2.    Read together.

3.    Write the titles on your Plant a Learning Seed, Read reading log. If you read a book more than once you may record it each time. Books read at library story time, at daycare, or by others to your child also count!

4.    When you finish 100 books, bring your completed reading log to Tredyffrin Public Library and:

a.    Place a sticker on our Plant a Learning Seed, Read Mural.

b.    Collect your next reading log for your next 100 books.

c.    Collect a special prize.

5.    Repeat steps 1-3 and receive a sticker for our Plant a Learning Seed, Read Mural and a new reading log at each 100 book level.

When you reach the 500 book level you will receive an extra special gift.

6.    After finishing 1000 books, your child

Receives a certificate of completion.

Has his or her name placed on our Reading Hall of Fame on our blog

Has the opportunity to apply for his or her own library card.

Receives a special holder for their library card.

The club has no end date except your child’s starting school, so don’t feel rushed, just enjoy the experience. Take every chance you have to read with your children, tell and talk about stories, say nursery rhymes, sing songs, and attend library programs (especially story times).

By reading just three stories a day you and your child will have read over 1000 books in one year. You will also have shared many special moments. The reading log you keep will become a special keepsake memory.

If you have any questions please email Angie at aandre@ccls.org or Carla at vastines@verizon.net

Happy Reading!

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.

Family Storytimes

Our popular Family Storytimes, led by the wonderful Miss Angie, will continue on Mondays and Thursdays (except Memorial Day) at 10:30am for ages 5 and under with caregiver. Starting the week of June 18th and ending on August 10th, Family Storytimes will be on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30am.

Ten Picture Book Authors Every Toddler Parent, Story Time Leader, and Childcare Provider Should Know

The ten individuals listed below consistently create high-quality, appealing picture books for young children. Books by each of these individuals are available in the Children's Department here at Tredyffrin Library.

1. Molly Bang excels at using shape, color, and simple language to introduce themes and concepts that are essential in the lives of young children.

2. Kate Banks writes lyrical texts that ingeniously connect small children to the larger world through familiar daily routines that are comforting.

3. Byron Barton might best be described as a minimalist. Barton's simple, brightly colored illustrations are captivating, and there's never an extra word or line in his crowd-pleasing stories that often center on machines.

4. Donald Crews, the favorite author of many two-year-olds, writes and illustrates boldly colored books about favorite topics such as planes, trains, and trucks. His detailed illustrations are accompanied by nearly wordless texts invite a lot of participation. His book design always reinforces left-to-right movement across the page.

5. Denise Fleming uses distinctive collage style illustrations featuring handmade paper and batik in her books, which draw from the natural world to tell stories that appeal to preschoolers. Her expert pacing and playful use of language make for great read-alouds.

6. Pat Hutchins excels at using developmental tasks and easy concepts as the building blocks for her engaging stories. Her use of repeition, perfectly paced texts, and clear, boldy colored illustrations make her books perfect for group story times.

7. Angela Johnson's quiet stories generally revolve around contemporary family life and feature African Americans.

8. Ann Jonas combines simple concepts with the drama of everyday life to create appealing, child-centered sotries. Her books frequently show biracial children and are full of familiar objects in a child's world.

9. Keiko Kasza uses animal characters and humor to tell entertaining sotires about characters in conflict. Her resolutions are often surprising and always satisfying.

10. Lynn Reiser's genius is to make complex, multilayered picture books completely accessible to young children by remaining true to their interests and abilities. Her warm stories are accompanied by colorful, expressive art.

Compiled by Kathleen T. Horning and Megan Schliesman

Reprinted with permission from the Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC), School of Education, University of Wisonsin-Madison.

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.