Preschoolers
Celebrate Earth Day with Young Kids!
“If a child is to keep his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.” -Rachel Carson
Celebrate Earth Day by getting outside, learning about plants, animals and the environment, and by sharing some good books with the young children in your life. Here are some titles that encourage environmental protection, a love of nature, and an appreciation of wild animals and plants. Enjoy!
Picture Books
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
In this classic environmental tale, the Once-ler describes the results of the local pollution problem.
The Earth and I by Frank Asch
A child explains how he and the Earth dance and sing together and take turns listening to each other.
Sun is My Favorite Star by Frank Asch
Celebrates a child’s love of the sun and the wondrous ways in which it helps the earth and the life upon it.
The Other Way to Listen by Byrd Baylor
If you have the time, you might just be able to hear wildflower seeds burst open or a cactus bloom in the dark. You just have to listen.
The Secret Place by Eve Bunting
A young boy finds a patch of wilderness in the city.
Emeraldalicious by Victoria Kann
Recycling magic turns a garbage-filled park into a “greentastic” garden.
Little Lions by Jim Arnosky (see other titles by this author)
On a rocky ledge, two baby mountain lions play and purr and meow under the protection of their mother.
The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
The many different animals that live in a great kapok tree in the Brazilian rainforest try to convince a man with an ax of the importance of not cutting down their home.
In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming (and others)
Enjoy seeing the tiny creatures who live in the grass through a toddler’s point of view.
Miss Maple’s Seeds by Eliza Wheeler
Miss Maple gathers lost seeds and takes care of them until they are ready to be released out into the world.
It’s Earth Day Little Critter by Mercer Mayer: Join Little Critter as he celebrates Earth Day.
Easy Non-fiction for Young Children
Rachel Carson and Her Book that Changed the World by Laurie Lawlor
Retells the story of Rachel Carson, a pioneering environmentalist who wrote and published “Silent Spring,” the revolutionary book pointing out the dangerous effects of chemicals on the living world.
The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps by Jeanette Winter
This book traces the life and career of Jane Goodall as a watcher of English fauna to her adult work as scholar of animal behavior in Africa.
Cactus Hotel by Brenda Guiberson
Describes the life cycle of the giant saguaro cactus, with an emphasis on its role as a home for other desert dwellers.
Rainforest by Helen Cowcher (and others)
From the tapirs roaming its cool floor to the Blue Morpho butterflies fluttering in its canopy, the rain forest is a peaceful place until man’s machines endanger its existence.
(Book descriptions from WCCLS Catalog).
Online Resources
Be a Nature Detective –ideas for young children from No Time for Flashcards Blog
50 Simple Outdoor Activities from No Time for Flashcards Blog
Going Green at Home: Get Your Child Involved from NAEYC for Families
-Jenny F.
Ruby’s Studio Shows: A Preschool (and Parent) Favorite
As a parent of two small boys and a selector of children’s media at the library, I am immersed in kid’s shows. Much of it is entertaining- yet often lacking the educational content I wish would accompany the storyline.
However, there’s a breath of fresh air in a world full of mediocre animated characters and dizzy, low quality plotlines: Ruby’s Studio- The Friendship Show, The Safety Show and The Feelings Show. Ruby’s Studio uniquely and creatively blends fun and learning- a bit reminiscent of Mr. Rogers, but with a refreshingly modern twist (picture less puppets and more crafts!). Hostess Ruby invites real kids over to her comfy cottage studio for stories, dialogue, songs and art projects focused on social-emotional life skills. Children see a supportive, engaging adult role model and entertainment that brims with positive messages. In The Friendship Show, for example, the “golden rule” is discussed along with empathy and conflict-resolution- two skills every kid needs to be successful in life.
Produced by The Mother Company, whose motto is “Helping Parents Raise Good People”, this is screen time I can feel good about. Their company goals include developing “Programs that model good behavior. Entertainment that is fun, stylish, and educational all at the same time. Content and pacing that doesn’t make kids – or parents – freak out. “
These shows are great for 3-6 years. Remember Ruby’s Studio next time you’re at the library- you and your kids will be glad you did. -Rebecca
Stories About Giving Thanks
Thanksgiving is almost here, so today we’re sharing some stories that inspire us to be thankful. These books are great for ages 3 and up. Here are more ideas from Scholastic.
Want a fun craft activity to reinforce the stories you read? We love this idea of making a Thankful Tree with your little (or big) ones to celebrate the holiday season. How are you sharing the concept of “being thankful” this year? Let us know in the comments below. -Wendy
Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson: Bear thanks his friends for bringing food dishes to his dinner party and finds a way of sharing something of his own.
The Thankful Book by Todd Parr: Easy-to-read text encourages the reader to find something every day for which to be thankful, from underwear that is just the right size to birthday cakes and the wishes they bring.
Gracias by Pat Mora: A young multiracial boy celebrates family, friendship, and fun by telling about some of the everyday things for which he is thankful.
Splat Says Thank You! By Rob Scotton: In this Thanksgiving-themed story, Splat the Cat figures out how to let Seymour know that he’s thankful for their friendship.
The Secret of Saying Thanks by Douglas Wood: While learning the secret to a good life, a child says thank you for the natural world and for being loved, because a grateful heart is always happy.
Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day is this Sunday, September 7. It’s a great time to celebrate and appreciate our grandparents, great aunts, great uncles, as well as older friends and neighbors. Here are some of our favorite books about grandparents. –Jenny F.
Grandmother and I by Helen Elizabeth Buckley
A child considers how Grandmother’s lap is just right for those times when lightning is coming in the window or the cat is missing.
Abuela by Arthur Dorros
While riding on a bus with her grandmother, a little girl imagines that they are carried up into the sky and fly over the sights of New York City.
Grandpa Green by Lane Smith
A child explores the ordinary life of his extraordinary great-grandfather, as expressed in his topiary garden. There are many things that Grandpa Green can’t remember about his life anymore, but the garden remembers for him.
Loop the Loop by Barbara Dugan
A young girl and an old woman form a friendship that lasts even after the woman enters a nursing home.
Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs by Tomie DePaola
Four-year-old Tommy enjoys his relationship with both his grandmother and great-grandmother, but eventually learns to face their inevitable death.
I call My Grandpa Papa by Ashley Wolff
Students respond, in rhyming text, to their teacher’s question about what each calls his or her grandfather, offering examples of things they like to do together.
Abuelita’s Heart by Amy Cordova
Before returning to the city with her parents, a young girl walks with her grandmother, learning about the special feelings, places, and plants that are part of her heritage and the Southwestern desert where Abuelita lives.
Dear Juno by Soyung Pak
Although Juno, a Korean American boy, cannot read the letter he receives from his grandmother in Seoul, he understands what it means from the photograph and dried flower that are enclosed and decides to send a similar letter back to her.
Tea With Grandpa by Barney Saltzberg
A little girl and her grandfather share a cup of tea every day at half past three even though they live far apart. Here’s a granddaughter-grandfather relationship for the 21st century –complete with Internet connection.
Oy Feh So? by Cary Fagan
Every Sunday Aunt Essy, Aunt Chanah and Uncle Sam drop by for a visit. All they ever say is “Oy,” “Fey,” “So” and the kids decide they’ve finally had enough…
The Grandma Book by Todd Parr
Presents the different ways grandmothers show their grandchildren love, from offering advice and babysitting to making things and giving lots of kisses. Also, try The Grandpa Book by Todd Parr.
Turtle Bay by Saviour Pirotta
Is old Jiro-San weird or wise? He sweeps the sand with a broom, listens to what the wind has to say and waits and waits for “his old friends” to arrive. Young Taro trusts that Jiro-San is wise and helps him prepare the beach for the Japanese sea turtles who come to lay their eggs on the beach.
It’s About a Little Bird by Jessica Lange
Visiting their grandmother’s farm, sisters Ilse and Adah discover a mysterious birdcage and learn about their grandmother’s journeys through Paris and Rome.
Grandfather’s Journey by Allen Say
A Japanese American man recounts his grandfather’s journey to America which he later also undertakes, and the feelings of being torn by a love for two different countries.
How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan
A little boy provides instructions for properly babysitting one’s grandfather, such as offering him tasty treats and entertaining him with special games. Also try How to Babysit a Grandma.
More Resources:
More books about grandparents from the American Grandparents’ Association
Even more stories about grandparents
Easy ways to stay connected to grandparents
Best of the Bookshelf: Existential Picture Books
For kids who love to wonder who and how and why they are here, there are plenty of picture books that wonder the same thing. Existentialism is not just for academics at cocktail parties- kids can appreciate it, too. Lately, many of my favorite picture book authors have been dropping fascinating self-referential elements into their works. Some of them feature characters that address the reader directly (and expect a response), while others challenge the limits of the traditional picture book in creative, thought-provoking ways. Here’s a breakdown of some of my favorite books that are very much aware they are books and that they have readers! -Jeanie
We Are In a Book! by Mo Willems: Perhaps the most successful example of existentialism for children can be found in this installment of the ever-popular Elephant & Piggie empire. Just think of how many times the word “banana” has been read out loud!
Open Very Carefully: A Book with Bite by Nicola O’Byrne: This one features a crocodile who starts eating all the letters!
I Love Going Through This Book by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino: A little boy and his animal friends lead the reader on a rhyming adventure full of existential wonder.
The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg and Bruce Ingman: Once the sad, lonely pencil begins to draw, it unleashed the power to create! Things get colorful when the pencil draws a paintbrush (named Kitty), but what happens when the pencil draws an eraser and it starts rubbing everything out?
Can You Make a Scary Face? by Jan Thomas: Any book that begins with a giant ladybug saying “Hey, you! Yes I’m talking to you! Stand up!” is very much aware of its audience. Featuring tickly bugs, chicken dancing, and a giant frog, this book (and others by Jan Thomas) is a sure crowd pleaser we librarians share frequently at storytime!
Do Not Open This Book! by Michaela Muntean: Those who disobey the title are in for a journey into the creative process of a frazzled pig, who is suffering from mild writer’s block and will try anything to get the reader to stop turning the pages. Don’t do it–this book is a silly self-referential goldmine!
The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood: In this timeless classic, the reader plays an important role in a narrative that involves repeating ominous bear-related warnings and pretending to eat half a strawberry to save the day!
A Book! by Mordicai Gerstein: Loaded with fun literary references and genre explorations, this book follows a little girl on a quest to find her story. Inspiring for all the young writers out there!
No Laughing, No Smiling, No Giggling by James Stevenson: When Mr. Frimdimpny the croc asks “What happens if you laugh or smile or giggle?” Freddy Fafnaffer the pig replies “You have to go back to the front of the book!” Don’t do it- you may never get there, and you’ll miss out on a chance to tickle the croc’s tail and make him laugh, smile and giggle!
Wolves by Emily Gravett: British author Gravett is an existential champ. This cautionary tale featuring a brave rabbit who takes its chances opening up a book (within the book) about wolves. The rabbit’s (implied) demise is immediately appeased by an alternate ending “for sensitive readers” featuring a vegetarian wolf.
Tickle the Duck by Ethan Long: Perfect for younger existentialists who just want to disobey the duck’s “DON”T YOU DARE!” warning and tickle him.
The Three Pigs by David Wiesner: This Caldecott winner turns the tale of The Three Pigs on its tail!
Cat Secrets by Jeff Czekaj: Humans may be tempted to open a book that proclaims it’s for “cats only”! But if they do, they must be prepared to prove they are cats by meowing, purring, stretching, and taking cat naps!
Summer of Science: Learning Shapes and Patterns
This summer our youth librarians presented a family storytime featuring shapes. Before kids learn to read and write (early literacy) they need to know how to recognize shapes and distinguish between patterns. Once this is established, they can tackle letter recognition and start distinguishing between letters like A & O and M & W, etc. Play and learning go hand in hand. Play is a crucial mode of learning, so allowing little ones to investigate their world while supporting their natural curiosity is important.
Block play is a great way to encourage creativity, social skills, math, language and science (Teaching Numeracy, Language and Literacy with Blocks by Newburger). Babies and toddlers will feel blocks, pick them up, put them in their mouths. Older children who play with blocks and other manipulatives will learn to create patterns and sequences of shapes, as well as colors and textures. For example, knowledge of patterns, geometry and space develops as they create bridge supports and block designs, as they organize blocks by size and shape on the shelves, and as they make enclosures for their animals (Colker, NAYEC).
There are many fun ways to develop shape and letter recognition– we’ve listed our storytime titles as well as other great books and extension activities you can do at home. -Rebecca
Books for Toddlers
My Shapes/Mis formas by Rebecca Emberley
Animal Spots and Stripes (and A Starfish: A Shapes Book) by Britta Techentrup
GO! and others (Flip-A Shape books) by Sami
Orange Pear Apple Bear by Emily Gravett
Books for Preschool and Kindergarten
Picture Books:
It Looked Like Spilt Milk by Charles Green Shaw
Mouse Shapes by Ellen Stoll Walsh
Shapes, Shapes, Shapes by Tana Hoban
Little Cloud by Eric Carle
Follow the Line series by Laura Ljungkvist
Color Zoo by Lois Ehlert
Easy Nonfiction:
Shape by Shape by Suse MacDonald
Eating Fractions by Bruce McMillan
Round is a Mooncake: a book of shapes by Roseanne Thong
Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature by Joyce Sidman
Shape (Math Counts) by Henry Pluckrose
Circles, Stars, and Squares: Looking for Shapes by Jane Brocket
Books for School Age
The Shape of Me and Other Stuff by Dr. Seuss
Mysterious Patterns: Finding Fractals in Nature by Sarah C. Campbell
Growing Patterns: Fibonacci Numbers in Nature by Sarah C. Campbell
When a Line Bends…A Shape Begins by Rhonda Gowler Greene
Extension Activities
1) Make a DIY shape sorter from cardboard or an empty oatmeal container
2) Go on a shape hunt– look for shapes in the environment (especially good for summer road trips!) Create a car game by using a cookie sheet and attaching magnets to the back of shapes for your child to play with.
3) Cut out shapes in different sizes or make puffy paint shape cards and let your child play with them. These two-dimensional shapes are different from the three-dimensional blocks which will encourage a different kind of play. You can also make shapes using playdough.
5) Create a “House of Shapes” rhyme using flannel or construction paper: House of Shapes Rhyme & House of Shapes pattern
6) Make a shapes book, helping child paste cutout images of different shapes on the pages and label each page with circle, square, etc.
7) Math play ideas from Scholastic
Claim Your Summer Reading Prizes at Cedar Mill Library!
Monday, July 14 is the first day you can claim prizes for achieving your reading goals in our “Fizz Boom Read!” and “Spark a Reaction” summer reading programs.
We have a variety of great prize books to choose from (titles like Bad Kitty, Big Nate and Magic Treehouse for kids and The Maze Runner, The Fault in Our Stars, and Minecraft for Dummies for teens)! We’re also awarding coupons for summer fun activities and a discount coupon to Oaks Amusement Park. The last day to claim your prizes is August 31.
A big congratulations to all who’ve finished! And if you haven’t signed up yet, it’s not too late- August 1 is the deadline for registration. See you at the library!
Summer of Science: Dinosaur Books to Devour!
OMSI’s science playground has been a perfect place for my family to go on yucky weather days, or times when my kids have waaaay too much energy to be happy playing at home. There is much to see, explore, and experiment within one large inviting room. On a recent outing, once we finished upstairs, we stumbled into the “Dinosaurs Unearthed” exhibit on the main floor. Drawing us in were the two large animatronic dinos outside the exhibit hall. These life-like, moving, roaring creatures engaged our curiosity. As we stepped into the dimly lit hall and saw more animatronic dinosaurs (some as high as the ceiling!), my toddler started clinging to me and immediately asked to leave (my preschooler chose to stay with Grandpa but later said he was “being brave”).
OMSI’s exhibit, which runs until September 2, is perfect for school age kids and parents. But if you’re like me and have little ones with big imaginations who aren’t quite ready to immerse themselves in an interactive dinosaur display, here are my recommendations for dinosaur-themed books to share. As you can tell, there are dino books to devour for a variety of interests. These titles are great for the toddler, preschool and kindergarten crowd. Enjoy! -Rebecca
Dinosaur Roar by Paul and Henrietta Stickland is one of my favorite dino books for toddlers and preschoolers. This author, illustrator and pop up artist created colorful dinosaurs that help introduce concepts like above/below, weak/strong, fast/slow, fierce/meek (etc.) in a rhyming text. It’s also full of vocabulary and an entertaining book to read aloud.
For the child who wants a dino for a friend: When Dinosaurs Came with Everything by Elise Broach
For fans of dinosaurs and construction equipment: Dinosaur Dig! by Penny Dale
For the child who wants it all- construction, humor, ABC’s, hidden letters, and rhyming text: Bang! Boom! Roar! A Busy Crew of Dinosaurs by Nate Evans
For the child who is potty training: Dinosaurs Love Underpants by Claire Freedman
For the child who wants “just the facts”: Dinosaurs! by Gail Gibbons
For the child who can’t get enough of trains: All Aboard the Dinotrain! by Deb Lund
For the child who enjoys rollicking sea adventures: Dinosailors by Deb Lund
For dinos with child-like qualities: I’m Bad (also: I’m Big) by Kate McMullan
For the child who needs a guide to dinos: My Big Dinosaur Book by Roger Priddy
For the child who loves hosting tea parties: Tea Rex by Molly Schaar Idle
For wild dancing, musical dinos: Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp by Carol Diggory Shields
For the child who loves silly, fun characters: Edwina the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct by Mo Willems
For a fresh retelling of a classic fairy-tale: Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs as retold by Mo Willems
For a sleepytime story with dinosaurs: How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen
Early Literacy Spotlight: Print Awareness
What is it? Print awareness is noticing print everywhere. Knowing how a book works (front to back, and left to right in English) and knowing how to follow words on a page. It includes knowing that words are separated by white spaces and understanding that print has meaning and is useful.
Why is it important? Children must be aware of words and understand that they convey meaning before they will be ready to learn to read.
- Children become to be aware of print in their environment and in the books they read.
- Through playing with books and being read to they learn how a book works.
- Children learn that pictures represent things in the real world.
- Children develop further to understand that words represent things in the real world.
- Later in school children come to understand that letters represent sounds.
What Can You Do?
For Babies:
- Babies begin to understand how a book works by putting it in his or her mouth.
- Allow your baby to play with board books, cloth books or plastic books just like any other toy.
- Give your baby opportunities to turn pages when she is ready.
We recommend:
Buzz, Buzz Baby by Karen Katz
Peek-a-Who by Nina Laden
Hello Day by Anita Lobel
For Toddlers:
- Point out and read print in your child’s environment.
- Make books together.
- Playfully, hold a book upside down or start reading from back to front. Let your toddler show you the correct way to read a book.
- Read books that have a few simple words in extra large type (BEEP! BEEP!) or a repeated word (“moo, moo, moo”) that you can point out to your child.
We recommend:
Book! By Kristine O’Connell George
Toot Toot Beep Beep by Emma Garcia
Barnyard Banter by Denise Fleming
Chicken, Chicken, Duck! By Nadia Krilanovich
For Preschoolers:
- Point out the author and title of the book you are reading.
Occasionally run your finger under a word or sentence as you are reading.- Read books that highlight print or characters who are writing.
- Encourage writing as a part of pretend play.
- Make books together using a story the child has made up.
- Model use of print (shopping lists, to do lists, letter writing).
- Make a grocery list together.
- Let your child dictate a letter to a family member. Write postcards.
- When you cook together, read the recipe together.
We recommend:
Trashy Town by Andrea Zimmerman
Go! Go! Go! Stop! by Charise Harper
The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson
I’m Dirty! by Kate and Jim McMullan
Moo! By David LaRochelle
Favorite Resources: “Kindergarten Here I Come!” workshop
Here is a list of favorite resources from Gina Smith’s “Countdown to Kindergarten” presentation on Monday, June 23.
Books
Tiptoe into Kindergarten by Jacqueline Rogers
Kindergarten Rocks! by Katie Davis
Tom Goes to Kindergarten by Margaret Wild
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
First Day Hooray! by Nancy Poydar
Annabelle Swift, Kindergartener by Amy Schwartz
Will I Have a Friend? by Miriam Cohen
Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell
Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGhee
Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy Carlson
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
Websites
Childcare Land: early learning activities
Starfall: letter recognition and phonics based reading support
Fun Brain: math, reading and other fun games
ABC Mouse: educational games for math, reading, art, and more
PBS Kids: educational videos and games
Fisher Price: educational games and activities
Kindersite Project: educational games, songs and stories
Primary Games: educational and fun games and videos
Seussville: Dr. Seuss books, author info, games, activities and more
Scholastic: games and printables with Clifford the Big Red dog
WiserKids 