Book Talk: New Book Hightlights

I love new books! I love seeing the new books that will become your new favorites. Today, I have 2 to share with you that are worth checking out!

The Hueys In It Wasn't Me
by Oliver Jeffers
JJ JEF

The Hueys are a strange bunch. You may remember them from The Hueys In The New Sweater. Generally, they dress the same, act the same, so they all get along, but not in this story! The Hueys In It Wasn't Me are unhappy and fighting. Gillespie sees an argument (written in a vague word bubble of scribbles and other angry looking things) and asks a great question: "What are you fighting about?" It immediately goes from there as the group starts to blame each other. Gillespie brings is back to his question and offers a solution that will make everyone happy. It's a predictable story, but I caught myself laughing anyway.

Flora & Ulysses : The Illuminated Adventures
by Kate DiCamillo
Illustrated by K. G. Campbell
J DIC

Flora is a cynic. She does not hope for things. Ulysses is an average squirrel, at least until he gets sucked up into a vacuum and Flora saves him. On that day, his life changes, and so does Flora's. Ulysses is a superhero! He has super squirrel strength, he can fly, he's hungry, he can write poetry, and he's hungry. Oh, and he's aware of his world now. He cares and loves. He wants to save the day and with Flora's help and guidance, they may just do that. Except Ulysses has an arch nemesis. Will he be able to write his poem? Will he ever get to have a big doughnut? The latest Newbery winner is told in prose and some comic book panels. Readers will root for Flora as much as they root for Ulysses. This is worth a look!

What Was Read: Morris Arboretum Story Time - May 28

On a wet and rainy Tuesday (May 28), I made my way to Morris Arboretum for my first every story time* there! We've started a new partnership with Morris Arboretum where I'll be visiting once a month to read stories, sing songs, and perform action rhymes. If you've been to one of my "Stories In the Park," it is very similar to that, only at Morris Arboretum.

Despite the rain, we had a good crowd from all over to hear stories, sing songs, and act like a train! Our theme that day was trains since the garden railway opened just before my story time.

What We Read

• Trouble on the Tracks by Kathy Mallat. - JJ MAL - Everything is in order for the train to travel the route it has traveled many times before. Wait! What is that on the tracks? There are two large green eyes! Oh no!
• Two Little Trains by Margaret Wise Brown ; pictures by Leo and Diane Dillon. - JJ BRO - Two little trains are heading west. One little train is a real train traveling across the country while another is crossing the house. This is a fun story for the juxtaposition of the pictures and use of imagination to find the similarities in the differing situations.
• And The Train Goes--:- JJ BEE - Here comes the train! See all the colorful train cars as they travel down the track. A fun one for making silly sounds with your child.

What We Did

• Sang my favorite opening and closing songs: "If You'd Like to Hear a Story" and "The More We Read Together"
• Recited a flannel song called "Clickety-clack, Clickety-Clack" and counted the lovely trains.
• Sang an echo song called "Down by the  Station" From SurLaLune Story Time
• Recited a rhyme called "This is a Choo-Choo Train" where we acted like trains! From SurLaLune Story Time
• Sang The ABCs!

*Please note if you want to attend this story time, you must register in advance and you may need to pay an admission fee (unless you are a member). We do have a Morris Arboretum pass available to check out of the library.

Baby Story Time - Feb. 21, 2013 - What Was Read

Baby Story Time met for the first time in February, on Thursday, February 21 at 10:30 AM with Ms. Tegan (that's me!) and a small group. A fun time was had by all as we explored the theme of Like and Love! For a short time after Story Time, I opened up Play Place and everyone had some time to play and chat.

Baby Story Time at Blue Bell is a story time session geared specifically toward babies (ages 6 months to 23 months). We'll read stories, sing songs, chant rhymes, and play with baby! Baby Story Time is also an event for parents and caregivers to learn about early literacy skills to help prepare baby for reading as well as to help foster a love of reading.

Our next session will be Thursday, February 28 at 10:30 AM. Be sure to sign up to save your seat as spaces are limited (10 babies max).

What We Read

• I Kissed the Baby by Mary Murphy. (this was a request from another library)
  -Various animal friends talk about how they cared for the baby!
• I Like It When -Me Gusta Cuando by Mary Murphy ; [translated by F. Isabel Campoy and Alma Flor Ada] - JJ BOARD MUR
  A little penguin tells parent penguin all of the things he likes.
• Mommy Hugs / by Karen Katz. - JJ KAT
  Counting book of 10 great hugs for baby from Mommy. There is a Daddy version as well.

What We Did

• Spoke a rhyme about eyes, ears, nose, and mouth while point to the body part.
• Bounce rhyme called "Up, Up, Up!"
• Clapped, waved, and hugged as part of a "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" adaptation.
• Sang my favorite opening and closing songs: "If You'd Like to Hear a Story" and "The More We Get Together.'

Early Literacy Tip

• Background Knowledge – Repetition is important. Sometimes I talk about introducing new words, but repetition is just as important. As your child discovers more books, he or she will have a favorite. When you get tired of the favorite, remember that you are helping to reinforce concepts and words, which help build a stronger knowledge base for children as they grow and learn.

Valentine's Day Party Recap

Valentine's Day is a fun day for any age! This year was we had a Valentine's Day event after Valentine's Day, but we still had fun and enjoyed it. Here's a brief recap of what was read, what we sang, and what we made, with pictures!

What We Read

• Let's Get Ready for Valentine's Day by Lloyd G. Douglas. - J 394.2618 DOU
  Non-fiction titles can be read just like picture books to children. This title, in a simple language, explains what one child learns in school about Valentine's Day and how she makes a Valentine's Day card for her parents. 
• Valentine Cats by Jean Marzollo; illustrated by Hans Wilhelm - JJ MAR
  Writer cats, artist cats, and postal cats get ready for Valentine's Day by making cards! Wait, are those kittens playing with the scraps? A fun cat tale about creating a card and the pictures enhance this tale.
• Smooch your pooch:by Teddy Slater & Arthur Howard - JJ SLA
  If you love your pooch, give them a big smooch and more in this tale! Pooches require a lot of attention and this picture book gives you some suggestions on how to show you love your pooch, from smooches to throwing a ball to snacks that may or may not be right for your pooch. Not necessarily Valentine's, but still a great story about caring for your pet.

What We Sang

• 10 Little Valentine's
• Skidamarink (a Dink a Dink) - with motions!
• And of course, The Hokey Pokey!

What We Made

• A Heart Buddy (or puppet or Valentine)
  This cute and simple craft was inspired by these Silly Heart Puppets from this blog. Check out some of our cute Heart Buddies that were created!

Photos from the Event!

Baby Story Time - Jan. 31, 2013 - What was read

Baby Story Time met again, on Thursday, January 31 at 10:30 AM with Ms. Tegan and a small group. A fun time was had by all as we explored the theme of senses! For a short time after Story Time, Ms. Tegan opened up Play Place and everyone had some time to play and chat.

Baby Story Time at Blue Bell is a story time session geared specifically toward babies (ages 6 months to 23 months). We'll read stories, sing songs, chant rhymes, and play with baby! Baby Story Time is also an event for parents and caregivers to learn about early literacy skills to help prepare baby for reading as well as to help foster a love of reading.

Our next session will be Thursday, February 21 at 10:30 AM. Be sure to sign up to save your seat as spaces are limited (10 babies max).

What We Read (titles link back to our catalog):

• Go Baby Go! - JJ BOARD JAN
  - Baby needs to move! Out to the garden goes baby, cat, and dog to play! There is repetition of words and a slight rhythm to the text.
• I Hear by Helen Oxenbury - (this a request from another library)
  - What does baby hear as he (or she) goes about the day? The pages have one word on it, but I added "I Hear" when I read it to expand the work.
  
• I See by Helen Oxenbury - JJ BOARD OXE
  -What does baby see as he (or she) goes about the day? The pages have one word on it, but I added "I See" when I read it to expand the work.
• How a Baby Grows by Nola Buck - JJ BOARD BUC
  - Babies grow so what do they see, hear and do as they grow?

What We Did

• Spoke a rhyme about eyes, ears, nose, and mouth while point to the body part.
• Sang: "Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" while pointing to the body part.
• Spoke/clapped: "Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man."
• Sang my favorite opening and closing songs: "If You'd Like to Hear a Story" and "The More We Get Together.'

Early Literacy Tip

• Background Knowledge: Children are learning from day 1 and all of that learning is setting up a foundation for them as they grow older. This background knowledge is important for child. While it may not seem they understand the concept of senses, they do recognize that the floor feels different (carpet vs. wood) and that something looks different. Talk to them about their world. Talk about what they may be hearing, seeing, or touching (“Oh, that feels soft”). The descriptors you use help to lay the foundation for reading and understanding their world.
  
• Example: Here’s an opportunity to expand on a child’s knowledge. When playing or out and about (maybe at the grocery store) say “I hear…” or “I see…” or “I smell…”

This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

This Is Not My Hat: by Jon Klassen

Note: I wrote this shortly after the book came out as it was getting a lot of praise at the time (and was a New York Times Best Seller). Here's a bit on what the 2013 Caldecott Book about.

This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
Call Number: JJ KLA
WVPL - BB

If this is not your hat then where did the hat come from?

Little Fish has stolen a hat. It isn't his hat. It belongs to a bigger fish and our little fish is pretty sure that the big fish won't mind. The hat looks better on him anyway.

Follow Little Fish's words, while the images show what Big Fish is up to (and sometimes what the Little Fish is up to). Will the Little Fish get away with stealing the hat?

Maybe...but that's for the reader to find out in this subtle and funny (in a different sort of way) story.
-------------
It's simple a story about a fish stealing another fish's hat, but the words show Little Fish might be wrong about Big Fish (and who that Little Fish trusts). Depending on your little one, preview this book first, as the ending might need a little explanation.

Baby Story Time - Jan. 24, 2013 - What was read

Today marked the first day of a new event that you'll be seeing happening at Blue Bell: BABY STORY TIME!

Baby Story Time at Blue Bell is a story time session geared specifically toward babies (ages 6 months to 23 months). We'll read stories, sing songs, chant rhymes, and play with baby! Baby Story Time is also an event for parents and caregivers to learn about early literacy skills to help prepare baby for reading as well as to help foster a love of reading.

Our next session will be January 31, 2013, at 10:30 AM. Be sure to sign up to save your seat as spaces are limited.

What We Read:

• Where is Baby's Yummy Tummy? - JJ BOARD KAT
  - Colorful babies and fun flaps! Perfect for babies who love peek-a-boo. This Karen Katz, Lift-the-Flap Book looks at various body parts that are hidden under common household items.
• Show Me! by Tom Tracy - JJ BOARD TRA
  - More body parts! This one focuses on a few of the same as well as new body parts. No lift the flaps, but the activities suggested by the text you can do with your baby.
• My Teeth - JJ BOARD MY
  -A simple counting book shows children at various stages with their teeth. From 1 to 10, babies can see the teeth in a child's mouth and count the teeth. The last few pages discuss what we do with teeth.
• I Can Help - JJ COS
  - A little duckling is lost, which starts a cycle of other helpful friends who help each other until the end, when it all starts over again.

What We Did

• Sang: "Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" while pointing to the body part.
• Clapped, waved, patted and hugged as part of a "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" adaptation. 
• Sang my favorite opening and closing songs: "If You'd Like to Hear a Story" and "The More We Get Together.'

Early Literacy Tip

• Sing! Singing is a great opportunity for children to hear words broken down into each syllable. How? Generally, the rhythm and notes to a song dictate how the word is sung. Listen to the songs as we sing today and adults, when you are listening to your own music, take a moment to hear how other singers break down the words. Sing to your child and sing along with him or her when she or he starts singing. Babbling through a song is perfectly OK.
• Example: take a familiar song like"Row, Row, Row Your Boat" and change the words up a bit. You can then apply it to any situation or topic you'd like.

What was read for Storytime - Nov. 2, 2012

Miss Tegan (that's me!) subbed in story time today, but everyone who came had a great time! We read silly stories, sang songs, and some stayed after to color. Here was what I read today:

The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? by Mo Willems - JJ WIL
Wait? What? How did the Duckling get a cookie? Pigeon asks for things ALL. THE. TIME. What does he get? NOTHING. So how come this little Duckling gets a cookie? The twist will surprise you and even the very angry Pigeon. Part of the Pigeon series.

Click, Clack, Splish, Splash : a Counting Adventure by Doreen Cronin - JJ CRO
You know the Duck and Farmer Brown from Click, Clack Moo, here is a simple story with the crazy farm animals from the series. Farmer Brown takes a nap, which his animals use at the prime opportunity to go on an adventure! But what is that adventure and how are goldfish involved? Great for practicing counting up to 10 and counting down.

Chickens to the Rescue by John Himmelman - JJ HIM
Too tired to make dinner? Your watch is down the well? Who can help? CHICKENS! Yes, the farm chickens can help with your problems. The most enjoyable part of this book is the two-page spread with the chickens doing the rescuing and the recurring refrain, which children will love to shout. The ending hints at more adventures, but with who? (Book 1 of 3 I've found so far.)

We also sang a few songs including the "ABC Song," "If You Want to Hear a Story..." and "Old MacDonald's Farm" which had a pig, a duck, a cow, and a chicken.

Thank you for coming and we hope to see you at our other story times!

New Kids Reads (July 26)

I'm trying something new. Instead of a recap of everything new, I'm picking out a few titles you might miss. If you are still interested in a full listing of new titles hitting our shelves, sign up for Wowbrary. I look at it every week now and enjoy seeing what new titles will be reaching the shelves. There is a section for "Kids" on the left hand side. Just scroll down.

Wumbers by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (JJ ROS)
Now here is a book to challenge you and your child! Wumbers is a delightful trip through the English language, but with replacing letters with numbers. What you get is the sound of the word, but not necessarily the right spelling of the word. Think about the vanity license plates on cars, like "IM GR8". That's the idea. (This book doesn't use numbers to spell the words like "Aw3som3" where the "3" is just an "e"). Each two page spread is like a mini, one paneled cartoon with a phrase to be interpreted and read aloud. Check out this book today: Wumbers : it's a Word Cre8ed with Numbers!:.

I Know a Wee Piggy by Kim Norman and Illustrated by Henry Cole (JJ NOR)
Jump into this picture in colors! This little piggy went to the fair, but decided to "wallow" in a variety of colors. This messy adventure is silly and fun. What will the piggy get into next? A great story for read-alouds (one of the reasons I'm highlighting it) and learning about colors. Check out I Know a Wee Piggy:

Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman by Marc Tyler Nobleman and illustrated by Ty Templeton (J B FINGER NOB)
For the older readers among us (elementary age), and Batman fans, this biography highlights the little known history of Bill Finger, the (at first) uncredited writer and co-creator of Batman. Bob Kane set it up so that he would have exclusive creator rights to Batman, but he had a lot of help in the stories from Bill Finger. Unfortunately, due to the times, it was not uncommon for writers to be "ghost writers." This fascinating biography reads as a story and talks about Bill's uneasiness at the situation, and his love of writing in general. There is hope at the end for Finger earning the recognition  he deserves. Check out Bill the Boy Wonder : the Secret Co-Creator of Batman.


Keep on reading! Don't forget: August 7 is the last day to log books into the Online Summer Reading Log!